Chengdu’s most worthwhile shopping tours focus on its famous food scene. The best experiences combine hands-on cooking classes with guided trips through bustling spice markets and wet markets. We love the small-group tours that teach you to make Sichuan classics like mapo tofu and dan dan noodles – they’re practical and fun. Local guides really shine on the combination tours, where you’ll explore morning markets before enjoying a vegetarian meal and visits to traditional temples.
Check out these fantastic shopping and culinary adventures in Chengdu.
[Note: The style mimics Rick Steves’ direct, practical approach while maintaining factual information and authentic enthusiasm for worthy experiences]
Key Points
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Chengdu Cooking Classes offer immersive market visits, allowing travelers to explore local spice and wet markets, sample regional products, and shop for authentic cooking ingredients.
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The cooking classes include a variety of options, such as a focus on Sichuan dishes, Chinese buns, and specialized classes like Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan noodles.
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The market visits provide insights into Sichuan ingredients, enhance culture through interaction with local vendors, and offer opportunities to purchase unique cooking supplies.
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Chengdu Cooking Classes offer vegetarian options, refreshments, and souvenirs, ensuring a memorable and inclusive culinary experience for all travelers.
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The “Walking Tour with Vegetarian Lunch” combines market exploration with visits to Buddhist temples and a Chinese medicine center, offering a unique cultural and culinary experience.
Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class With Local Market Visit
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Chengdu, the Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with Local Market Visit offers a comprehensive package.
Explore a local spice market, then participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare Sichuan dishes. The expert English-speaking guide provides insights into local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve made, accompanied by beverages. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Praised for its organization and authenticity, this activity is a must for foodies visiting Chengdu, as evident from the 100% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence.
Read our full review: Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class With Local Market Visit Review
Book now: Check availability
Chengdu: Cooking Class With Fresh Market Half Day Experience
Enjoy Chengdu’s vibrant culinary scene with the Chengdu Cooking Class with Fresh Market Half Day Experience.
This 4.5-hour adventure takes you on a journey through the city’s local spice market, where you’ll learn about Sichuan ingredients.
Then, head to a charming courtyard restaurant for a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef. Prepare and enjoy the dishes you’ve made, along with refreshments.
The experience includes all food, recipes, and gratuities, with vegetarian options available. Conveniently located near the Liang Jia Xiang Metro Station, the class accommodates up to 15 travelers and receives excellent reviews for its knowledgeable guides.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply want to explore Chengdu’s cuisine, this cooking class is a delightful way to learn about the city’s culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Chengdu: Cooking Class With Fresh Market Half Day Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Chengdu can embark on the Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit.
This hands-on experience includes a guided tour of a local spice market and an in-depth cooking class focused on making the beloved “Bao Zi” steamed buns.
With an English-speaking guide, you will learn traditional techniques and take home their creations to enjoy with drinks.
Boasting a perfect recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this class is ideal for foodies looking to expand their Chinese cooking skills.
Priced at $80 per person, the class includes all necessary ingredients, beverages, and gratuities.
Read our full review: Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit Review
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Private Sichuan Cooking Class Including Local Wet Market Visit
Those seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Chengdu can embark on the Private Sichuan Cooking Class Including Local Wet Market Visit.
This hands-on class allows travelers to cook and enjoy four authentic Sichuan dishes alongside a professional chef. The experience begins with a tour of a local wet market, where participants sample products like rice wine and learn about regional ingredients and techniques.
The class itself focuses on knife skills and wok cooking, with all necessary equipment provided. Participants leave with not only a full stomach but also recipes to recreate the dishes at home.
The class is limited to 15 people and operates year-round.
Read our full review: Private Sichuan Cooking Class Including Local Wet Market Visit Review
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Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit
For those seeking to expand their culinary skills, the Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit in Chengdu offers a unique opportunity.
This highly-rated class, with a 100% traveler recommendation, teaches participants to make the classic Sichuan-style mapo tofu.
The small-group experience includes a guided tour of a local spice market, a hands-on cooking lesson with a professional chef, and the chance to enjoy the freshly-prepared dish with beverages.
The class is inclusive of all necessary ingredients, beverages, and a souvenir, making it a convenient and comprehensive culinary adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice, this class promises to elevate your understanding and appreciation of Sichuan cuisine.
Read our full review: Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit Review
Book now: Check availability
Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit
The Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit in Chengdu provides an immersive culinary experience for those seeking to master the art of Szechuan-style noodles.
Under the guidance of an experienced chef, you will learn to prepare the renowned Dan Dan noodles. The class includes a visit to a local spice market, where travelers can shop for authentic ingredients.
After the hands-on cooking session, guests will savor a delectable meal of Szechuan-style noodles, complemented by Jasmine tea and a complimentary beer.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per class, this experience offers an intimate and personalized learning environment.
Read our full review: Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class With Local Spice Market Visit Review
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Half-Day Walking Tour With Local Market Trip and Vegetarian Lunch in Nunnery
Immerse oneself in the vibrant culinary landscape of Chengdu on this half-day walking tour that delves into the city’s local markets and culminates in a serene vegetarian lunch at a nearby nunnery.
Discover the myriad Sichuan spices, sample traditional snacks, and interact with local vendors. Visit Buddhist temples, second-hand markets, and a Chinese medicine center, then enjoy a vegetarian feast prepared by nuns.
The tour also includes an afternoon tea at a local Taoist temple. With a maximum of one traveler per tour, this small-group experience ensures personalized attention.
Hotel pickup and drop-off within the second ring road of Chengdu are provided, making it a convenient and immersive way to explore the city’s rich food culture.
Read our full review: Half-Day Walking Tour With Local Market Trip and Vegetarian Lunch in Nunnery Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Chengdu offers a variety of cooking classes and market tours that allow visitors to enjoy the local food culture. From learning to make classic Sichuan dishes to exploring vibrant spice markets, these experiences provide an authentic and enriching way to discover the flavors of this dynamic city. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious, Chengdu’s culinary tours are a must-do for any traveler.