Beijing & Chongqing Food Discovery

Upon arrival in Beijing, enjoy a hassle-free transfer to your hotel. Let your culinary adventure begin in this ancient capital, where imperial banquets and sizzling street food await to tantalize your taste buds!

Discover Beijing's imperial grandeur on a full-day guided tour. Begin at the majestic Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China, before stepping into the 72 hectares of architectural magnificence that make up the Forbidden City. With its golden roofs, intricate courtyards, and storied halls, this former imperial palace is a monumental testament to the dynastic legacy of China.

For Lunch, indulge in Beijing's signature dish - Peking duck. Sink your teeth into crisp, honey-glazed skin wrapped in paper-thin pancakes with sauce. The tender duck meat practically melts as the sweet-savory flavors explode in your mouth.

In the afternoon, capture the spirit of old Beijing while unwinding with a traditional Beijing tea break, accompanied by an assortment of local snacks and a live performance of Peking Opera.

Start a new day as Tejiet Market grows in a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and aromas. Wisps of steam rise from bamboo baskets, revealing plump baozi with delicate skins that quiver around their savory fillings. Locals weave through the stalls, exchanging morning greetings and haggling over fresh produce in a ritual as old as the city itself.

Later, marvel at the Temple of Heaven, with the morning sun glints off the Hall of Prayer's blue-glazed tiles, highlighting its perfect circular form and triple-eaved roof - a structure designed to connect heaven and earth in ancient rites of worship.

Continue to Mutianyu Great Wall. Glide upwards by cable car as a tapestry of forested peaks unravels beneath you. Walk the ancient ramparts, your fingers brushing against weather-worn bricks that whisper stories of centuries past.

This morning, dive into Beijing's culinary heritage as you wander through Dongcheng's maze of traditional hutongs. Roll up your sleeves for an immersive dumpling class - knead springy dough, stuff it with juicy fillings, and learn the secret art of perfect pleating from locals. Afterwards, savor authentic Beijing dishes featuring both cold appetizers and hot specialties, completing your immersive taste of local flavors.

Later, fly to Chongqing (airport transfer included).  Touch down in the mist-wrapped "Mountain City," where skyscrapers erupt from cliffs like bamboo shoots.

Start your exploration of Chongqing in a lively local market, where vendors call out beneath colorful umbrellas and shoppers weave through baskets of fresh produce.

Continue to Huangjueya Old Street, with sizzling woks and the sweet aroma of fried pastries fill the air. Then, stroll through the snack stalls of Bayi Street to sample spicy grilled chicken skewers and refreshing jelly noodles tossed in tangy chili dressing. At Liziba Light Rail Station, watch as a metro train slithers like a silver dragon through the center of a 19th-floor apartment building - a surreal feat of urban design. Then, lose yourself in the cascading stilt houses of Hongya Cave, where eleven stories of terraces cling to the cliffside, their reflections shimmering on the Yangtze River like a floating palace.

For dinner, gather around a bubbling cauldron of málà hotpot, swirling with fiery chilies and Sichuan peppercorns - a bold, unforgettable taste of Chongqing.

We'll ensure a smooth transfer to the airport as your journey ends. May the rich flavors of Beijing and Chongqing linger long after you've left - delicious memories to carry home. Safe travels!