China · MARKETS
Good market tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
See Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall, and Muslim Bazaar in one guided day with pickup, lunch, and tickets included.
“It was nice, and well organized. Carol was a great guide. It was well paced without any outside hassle”
Tour Chengdu’s Liangjiaxiang market, learn Sichuan cooking with Lance, Jerry, and local chefs, then eat the dishes you prepare.
“This activity was truly the highlight of our entire trip. We spent a wonderful afternoon starting with a visit to the local market with the lovely Litchichi, who guided us through the stalls and introduced us to fruits we had never tasted before. Read more”
Review of a private Shanghai day tour to Zhujiajiao, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, and the Bund, with transport, guide, tickets, and hotel pickup.
“The Bund is very very beautifull place! Shure! We recommend!!!!”
Explore Kowloon’s food culture on a small-group walk with snacks, wet markets, bakeries, and local stories from Prince Edward to Mong Kok.
“Stephen was an excellent tour guide! So much information and gave us a lot of insight in the locations.”
Make 10 Chinese dumplings, shop a Hong Kong wet market, and cook with local host Feliz in a relaxed 2.5-hour evening class.
“A great family outing to learn how to cook dim sum and gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's food culture. Our host was very attentive.”
See Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Quarter with lunch, transport, tickets, and a guide.
“Excellent!! Celine was amazing! Very knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing all information. We learned a lot and had a great time. Thanks for making our trip unforgettable. Highly recommended!”
Make 10 organic Xiao Long Bao in Hong Kong after a Jordan market walk with local guide Feliz Yau. A practical, tasty three-hour class.
“Fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Dumplings came out *amazing* and it was a great way to see a side of Hong Kong beyond just the major tourist destinations.”
Explore Lijiang’s Naxi market, shop with local guide Fancy, and cook three dishes in a small-group family kitchen for a tasty cultural morning.
“Lovely experience to discover Naxi culture through food. You will learn a lot about culinary traditions at the market and cook a delicious meal that is easy to cook and to replicate at home. Fancy host I lovely and kind, I highly recommend it!”
Make Xi’an’s famous biang biang noodles after a spice-market visit, with a chef, local tea, recipes, and a meal for $75.
“My wife and I were lucky to have Fiona and Lily as our instructors! We would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an authentic market tour and cooking class with an experienced chef! Lily has so much knowledge in Chinese spices and cuisine and Fiona was super easy to understand. Thank you both for a memorable cooking class :)”
Taste Xi’an breakfast by tuk-tuk, visit the Muslim Quarter market, and eat at family-run spots with an English-speaking guide.
“Buren has been the best tour guide, he showed us traditional dishes in Xi'an made by the real locals and family business shops. He is so passionate about food and gave us very nice recommendations to visit after. Thank you so much!”
Explore Chengdu’s spice market, learn Sichuan cooking with an English-speaking chef, then eat your handmade dishes in this 4.5-hour class.
“10/10 experience, one of my favourite activities in China so far! If you are looking for an authentic small group cooking experience, don’t hesitate to book! Our guide Lance was fantastic, the market visit was almost as enjoyable as the cooking class itself. Lance even purchased different fruits and foods for us to try from the market that were new to us. The dishes we cooked were super tasty and there was something for everyone!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”
Visit a Chengdu spice market, learn Sichuan flavors, make baozi with a chef, then enjoy your buns with drinks.
“Wat een geweldige ervaring! Daarbij had ik het goed getroffen met Jerry! Wat een leuke gids was dat! Eerst gingen we de markt bezoeken. Geduldig legde hij alles uit wat ik wilde weten: (voor mij) onbekende groentes vertaalde hij, liet hij ruiRead more”
Taste Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter with a private English guide, local snacks, and a choice of the Great Mosque or Gaojia Courtyard.
“Perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better guide. Patient and helpful as well as knowledgeable. We covered two food areas and she recommended some great food to try. Definitely a must tour when you come to Xian”
Make Sichuan mapo tofu in Chengdu after a local spice-market visit, tea, a professional lesson, drinks, recipes, and round-trip transport.
“It was a very cool experience! Jerry, the tour guide, was very helpful throughout the experience, even before the activity had started. Before the experience had even begun, he reached out to clarify the different workshops that Chilli Uncool hRead more”
Explore Beijing’s Panjiayuan and Hongqiao markets with a private guide, tea tasting, bargaining tips, hotel transfers, and lunch at your own cost.
“Good way to do bargain shopping with a helpful local. We have bought many wonderful souvenirs and products for reasonable prices. This is highly recommended for those who need help bargaining Chinese style.”
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