Chinese Culinary & Cultural Discovery
The 7-day gourmet discovery trips combine China's regional cuisines with culture, markets, sights and hands-on workshops. Each trip focuses on one or two of the eight major Chinese cuisines.
The detailed daily programmes are available for download as PDF files.
What you can expect
Experience China with all your senses - where flavour, culture and craftsmanship meet. The tours combine cookery experiences, markets and cultural encounters to create an enjoyable journey of discovery. Whether browsing local markets or drinking tea in historic alleyways, you will learn how China's regions combine history, flavours and tradition.
Who the trip is for
People who want to experience China's cuisine in an authentic, well-founded and enjoyable way
◆ Gourmet:inside
◆ Food professionals
SME owners:inside
◆ Curious explorers
Number of participants
◆ At least 5 people required for realisation
◆ Maximum of 10 participants for an optimal experience
Travel 2026 - Tender will follow in December 2025
Arrival and departure
◆ The international flight is booked independently by the participant.
◆ It is recommended to arrive on Saturday or Sunday so that you can adjust a little in advance.
Hint
According to SWISS, the direct flights from Zurich to Hong Kong International Airport or Shanghai Pudong fly several days a week. However, participants are free to book a different flight themselves.Extension
Individual extension
◆ An individual extension before or after the programme is possible.
◆ Additional hotel nights can be booked via the China Foods Alliance.
Accommodation
Care is taken to ensure that the hotels meet Western standards.
The price includes
◆ Exclusive 7-day trip (Sunday to Saturday) in the specified region and surroundings
◆ 7 nights accommodation (Sunday to Sunday) in 4-5★ hotels (incl. breakfast)
◆ Including domestic flight, high-speed train, metro tickets, entrance fees and transfers by bus
◆ Including lunch and 4 dinners together in selected restaurants
◆ Accompanied by English-speaking local guides
Supporting programme
◆ Culinary supporting programme (regional cuisine, visits to places of interest)
◆ Guided city and cultural tours
◆ Short trips
The detailed programme will be announced after final registration; subject to changeCosts
◆ The costs of the trips can be found in the respective programme
◆ With the payment of the reservation fee of 50% the registration becomes binding.
Downloads
Planning the trip
Application deadline
CFA books the venues approx. six months in advance to ensure smooth organisation
◆ The registration deadline for each trip can be found on the chinafoods.ch homepage
Preparation
The participants are prepared for the trip by the China Foods Alliance over the course of the year.
These include
◆ Information about the trade fair and the locations visited
◆ Cultural insights into everyday life in China
◆ An online webinar to get to know the group and organisation
VisaCurrently, a visa is not required for travelling to China for up to 30 days, which makes preparations easier.
Destinations & Culinary Regions
Guangzhou - The home of Cantonese cuisine (Yue Cuisine)
Guangzhou is considered the cradle of fine, fresh and elegant Cantonese cuisine. Dim sum, teahouse culture and market cuisine have their origins here. The city combines modern city life with traditional food culture - from Michelin restaurants to cookshops in the side streets. Guangzhou is also the economic heart of southern China and stands for openness, trade and enjoyment.
Chengdu - The heart of Sichuan cuisineChengdu is the capital of flavour - chilli, pepper and a variety of flavours define culinary life here. The city is famous for its hotpot culture, spice markets and relaxed teahouses. Between temples, parks and colourful street kitchens, you can experience how Sichuan cuisine combines spiciness and harmony. No wonder Chengdu was the first Asian city to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Xiamen - The home of Fujian cuisine (Min Cuisine)
Xiamen, the harbour city on China's southern coast, is known for its light, aromatic and maritime cuisine. Fujian cuisine combines seafood, soups and rice dishes with a fine balance of salt and sweetness. Colonial flair, teahouse culture and street food come together on the car-free Gulangyu Island - a paradise for gourmets who want to experience authentic south-east Chinese cuisine.
Changsha - Capital of Hunan Cuisine (Xiang Cuisine)
Changsha is the capital of Hunan cuisine, famous for its strong, spicy and smoky flavours. Here, people cook with passion - chilli, fermented ingredients and local specialities dominate the scene. The city is lively, young and creative: street food stalls, modern restaurants and vibrant night markets reflect the energy of a region where spiciness is part of the lifestyle.
Qingdao - Origin of Shandong Cuisine (Lu Cuisine)
Qingdao, the maritime city on the Yellow Sea, is considered the origin of traditional Shandong cuisine. Fresh seafood, savoury sauces and aromatic fried dishes define the taste. In addition to its famous beer culture, Qingdao offers an exciting mix of German colonial architecture, coastal romance and northern Chinese cuisine - down-to-earth, honest and full of history.
Suzhou - Centre of Jiangsu Cuisine (Su Cuisine)
Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens, silk factories and fine cuisine. Su cuisine stands for balanced, slightly sweet flavours and artful presentation. Along the canals and in the historic teahouses of the old town, you will discover dishes that combine beauty, flavour and craftsmanship. Suzhou - the „Venice of the East“ - is a place of tranquillity, elegance and good taste.
🌐 More about Jiangsu cuisine
Hangzhou - The heart of Zhejiang cuisine (Zhe Cuisine)
Hangzhou fascinates with its poetic landscape, rolling hills and the legendary West Lake. Zhe cuisine is known for its freshness, lightness and natural elegance. Famous dishes such as „West Lake fish in vinegar sauce“ or „Dongpo pork“ combine tradition with sophistication. A visit to the Longjing tea fields makes you realise how closely culture, nature and cuisine are interwoven here.
🏔️ Yunnan - diversity of cultures and flavours
Yunnan in south-west China is one of the most diverse regions in the country - geographically, culturally and in terms of cuisine. The cuisine combines influences from Tibet, Southeast Asia and local minorities and surprises with fresh herbs, wild mushrooms, rice dishes and mild chilli. Cities such as Kunming, Dali and Lijiang offer authentic insights into the way of life of the Bai and Naxi peoples, where cuisine, nature and crafts blend harmoniously.
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