Food tours are available in vibrant destinations like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Suzhou, Yunnan, and Xi’an. They offer flexibility to suit any schedule, including breakfast tours, dinner tours, and specialized food travel experiences, making them ideal for both newcomers to China and long-term residents looking for fresh adventures.

If you’re looking to book a China food tour, I highly recommend two fantastic companies:

Lost Plate Food Tours

I’ve been on several Lost Plate Food Tours – two dinner tours in Beijing, and one Breakfast and Coffee tour in Shanghai. They take you to local restaurants, with great guides who really know their stuff.

Click here to check out Lost Plate Food Tours and use my discount code: RACHELMEETSCHINA for a little extra savings!

UnTour Food Tours is an equally excellent option that I’ve personally tried and enjoyed! I especially loved their local Beijing hutong food tour walk, which focused on authentic local cuisine and hidden gems. Explore their offerings here: UnTour Food Tours.

Go on a Food Tour in China

So, whether you’re a seasoned expat or just starting your journey in China, these food tours are a must-try for anyone looking to deepen their connection with the local culture through its most delicious aspect—food!

Disclosure: These links are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission from your bookings. This helps me keep the content up-to-date, create new guides, and maintain this website. I personally use and recommend these companies because I’ve genuinely enjoyed my experiences with them!

Planning a trip to Beijing? Hire a private driver!

Hiring a private driver for a day trip is a great option to consider, especially for day trips to the Great Wall, Summer Palace, airport pick up/drop off, and more.

If you’re seeking a recommendation or want to connect with a local Beijing driver, I have a service in Beijing I can connect you with! I’ve booked several trips with this company, and they will help arrange a car for you according to the destination you want to visit and how many people are with you.

You can add my WeChat below and I will share the contact info with you. Alternatively, the driver service also uses WhatsApp (I currently do not). You can send me a DM on Instagram (@rachelmeetschina) or drop me an email (rachellynnweiss@gmail.com) and I can connect you.

Visiting Shanghai as well? I can connect you with a Shanghai driver service for day trips to Shanghai’s nearby water towns like Wuzhen, Tonglin Zhujiajiao, and more.

Hiring a private driver and car service for these day trips will enhance your experience by providing convenience and flexibility. You can craft your own itinerary, visit multiple sites in one day, and travel comfortably without the hassle of navigating public transportation.

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient canals, classical gardens, or historic cities, a private driver can help make your adventure seamless and enjoyable in Shanghai. Hiring a driver is also a great idea if you would like a Shanghai airport pick up, transfer, or drop off.

1. Shanghai Car Service with Driver
2. Top Day Trips from Shanghai: Hire a Driver to Visit Water Towns
   1. Zhujiajiao Water Town
   2. Tongli Water Town
   3. Xitang Water Town
   4. Suzhou
   5. Wuzhen Water Town
3. Cost of Hiring a Car Service in Shanghai
4. Shanghai Car Service: Your Ticket to Memorable Day Trips

Shanghai Car Service with Driver

If you’re looking a recommendation for a local Shanghai driver, I have a car service in Shanghai I can connect you with! They will help arrange a car for you according to the destination you want to visit and how many people are with you.

You can add my WeChat below and I will share the contact info with you. Please write “Shanghai City Driver” in your friend request. (There are many strange people on WeChat who add me, so if someone looks suspicious or doesn’t say why they are adding me I usually won’t accept their request).

Top Day Trips from Shanghai: Hire a Driver to Visit Water Towns

Here’s a list of popular places that you can arrange to visit when renting a driver for a day trip in Shanghai:

Zhujiajiao Water Town

• Distance from Shanghai: Approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles)
• Often referred to as the “Venice of Shanghai,” Zhujiajiao is a charming ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years. Enjoy a boat ride along the canals, explore traditional shops, and savor local snacks. The town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings and bridges.

Tongli Water Town

• Distance from Shanghai: Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles)
• Located in Jiangsu Province, Tongli is another picturesque water town known for its network of canals and beautiful gardens. Highlights include the Retreat and Reflection Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient Tuisi Garden.

Xitang Water Town

• Distance from Shanghai: Approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles)
• Famous for its tranquil atmosphere and ancient architecture, Xitang is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. Walk along the covered corridors, visit the unique museums, and relax by the water.

Suzhou

• Distance from Shanghai: Approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles)
• Known as the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is renowned for its classical gardens, silk industry, and historic water towns. Must-visit sites include the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, and the historic Pingjiang Road.

Wuzhen Water Town

• Distance from Shanghai: Approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles)
• One of the most famous water towns in China, Wuzhen is divided into the East and West scenic zones. Experience the charm of ancient China with its stone bridges, wooden houses, and traditional handicrafts.

Cost of Hiring a Car Service in Shanghai

The cost of renting a driver in Shanghai varies based on several factors.

• Distance: How far the location is and how many total hours the trip is will change the price
• Group Size: Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, prices can vary.
• Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles or luxury cars will have a different price range.

Depending on these factors, your trip might be around 700 RMB – 1500 RMB ($98 USD – $209 USD). This is just a rough estimate, however. Once you contact the driver, he’ll give you a quote that will be accurate for your trip.

Shanghai Car Service: Your Ticket to Memorable Day Trips

Hiring a private driver for a day trip allows you to customize your travel experience, visit multiple destinations in one day, and enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle. Feel free to reach out via WeChat for recommendations and contacts to arrange your day trip in and around Shanghai!

Visiting Beijing as well? I can connect you with a Beijing driver service for day trips to the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and other sites!

Shanghai has a vibrance breakfast scene, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and dynamic energy. From savory scallion pancakes to steaming bowls of wonton soup, morning rituals here are as diverse as they are delicious.

But perhaps what truly sets Shanghai apart is its thriving coffee culture. With the highest number of coffee shops per capita in the world, Shanghai has become a global hub for caffeine aficionados and artisanal roasters alike.

So with over 8000 coffee shops in Shanghai and countless local breakfast stalls, where do you even begin?

Don’t sweat, because Lost Plate Food Tours has done the legwork for you. From trendy Shanghai cafes to local hidden gems, they have handpicked six epic stops that showcase the best of Shanghai’s breakfast scene on their Coffee and Breakfast Food Tour.

Lost Plate hosted me on their Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour recently, and I loved learning more about the morning traditions and flavors of Shanghai. As always, their food tour groups are kept small so that you’re able to enjoy the food and meeting new people along the way! I’ve also previously joined their Beijing dinner food tours, which were also very delicious.

Lost Plate also hosts tours in other cities across China, including Beijing, Chendgu, Xi’an, Lijiang, and Suzhou, as well as outside China in Bangkok, Cambodia, and Portland, OR.

Now let’s get on to the food!

1. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)

Scallion pancakes are crispy layers of dough infused with fragrant scallions, cooked to golden perfection. This neighborhood favorite is a must-try!

2. Fried Fish (爆鱼):

Fresh from the nearby island, these crispy fish fillets are drenched in homemade sauce for a burst of flavor that’ll leave you craving more. The traditional sauce is a sticky sweet flavor, but there are other variations including five spice and spicy.

3. Coffee with Fermented Rice (软饭 & 白衬衫)

At this innovative café traditional ingredients inspire creative blends. Their standout drink, named after a rescued pup, pairs rich coffee flavors with whipped fermented rice, offering a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s modern coffee scene.

4. Dumplings Galore

Our fourth stop at a local Shanghai breakfast restaurant had dozens of options. We tried a few different dishes here, featuring many dumplings and other local favorites!

• Suzhou Xiaolongbao (苏州小笼包): These soup dumplings are a classic, with juicy fillings wrapped in delicate dough.
• Big Wonton (大馄饨): Oversized wontons in a delicious broth.
• Sesame Ball (麻球): Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside – these sesame balls are a textural delight.
• Pan-Fried Meat Dumplings (锅贴): Crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying – these dumplings are a crowd-pleaser.

5. All the Bings

Our fifth stop was at a small shop – if you walked by quickly you might blink and miss it. But this family makes the most delicious bings, or breads and pancakes, including:

• Fried Dough Sticks filled with Eggs (鸡蛋灌油条): Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these dough sticks are the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
• Glutinous Rice Dumpling (糯米饺): Sticky, sweet, and oh-so-addictive – you won’t be able to stop at just one.
• Deep-fried Dough Sticks and Sticky Rice (油条糯米滋): Get ready to indulge in this heavenly combination of crispy dough sticks and sticky rice.

6. Yummy Cafe

We took the rest of our fried breadsticks on a walk to enjoy at our last stop, a cafe with a special Americano that paired well with the sweetness of the youtiao.

Try out a Shanghai Food Tour

Whether you’re a Shanghai newbie or a seasoned China explorer, this tour promises to tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the best breakfast spots in town. Don’t miss out – book your spot now and get ready for a morning of food, fun, and unforgettable flavors!

Book a tour through Lost Plate’s WeChat account below or the Lost Plate Website, and don’t forget to use my code for a discount: RACHELMEETSCHINA

It was a fun evening learning about Huangshan Mountain and the beautiful villages surrounding it. I’ve  hiked Huangshan Mountain once before, and it is one of my favorite hiking trips I’ve done in China.

Huangshan International Citizen

It was also such an honor to be selected as a Huangshan International Citizen! A few special attendees will be Huangshan International Citizens for a year, and we can visit this mountain without paying the entrance fee for a year!

I then spoke on behalf of Lets Locals to say thank you for the invitation to attend the event, and also shared about my own personal experience hiking Huangshan.  Thank you to the Mayor of Huangshan City for this honor!

We were also able to enjoy the beautiful Shanghai skyline at night from the cruise ship and had a buffet banquet after the ceremony.

Thank You For Inviting Me!

Thank you again to Ctrip and Lets Locals for inviting me to join this event in Shanghai!

To read more about the event, check out this article by Digital Journal: “Fascinating Night of Huangshan” Held in Shanghai, Huangshan City Brand Celebrates Inbound Tourism, Ushers in Promising Future 

I have previously collaborated with Ctrip and LetsLocals on a trip to Zunyi, Guizhou. Check out my post about that trip here! 

After the event I had time to take some other photos by the Bund! Add Shanghai to your travel list if you’ve never been!