Want to visit China but unsure how to plan, or how to get around without speaking Chinese? For spring break, our multigenerational family booked two multi-day itineraries with Lost Plate Food Tours. From Chengdu to Xi’an, we ate our way through hidden street food stalls and family-run restaurants, and explored cultural and historical sites.
No planning was needed beyond booking our flights from Los Angeles. Our English-speaking local guides took care of everything once we arrived: transportation, entry passes, food orders, and more. It was such a wonderful and easy way to experience China—even my hard-to-impress 77-year-old dad agreed!
Our family visited China six years ago on a summer trip through Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guilin (link to the blog post summarizing that trip with tips and packing list here). This time, we came for the Giant Pandas, the Terracotta Soldiers, and lots of delicious Sichuan food! We joined two awesome tours: Discover Chengdu’s Flavors, Culture and Pandas and Uncover Xian’s Ancient Wonders and Hidden Eats tours. We arrived hungry, and left full…of amazing food and unforgettable memories!
Part One: Chengdu, Sichuan (4 full Days, departure on day 5)
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu, Dujianyan, and our first tuk-tuk food tour!
Our trip began in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and an UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Our Lost Plate guide picked us up from the airport, and brought us to a lovely restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dujianyuan, an ancient irrigation system that is still in use today. More details below:
After this, we quickly dropped off our bags at our family suite at Ascott Raffles in Chengdu, and continued on Lost Plate’s Chengdu Evening Food Tour.
Our guide, Susan, took us through hidden alleys and busy backstreets where locals hang out and eat after work. From spicy street crepes and handmade Sichuan-style wontons (called chaoshou) to slurp-worthy dandan noodles, mapo tofu, and beef in chili oil—this evening tour kicked off a full week of unforgettable food!
Day 2: Pandas, Local fly restaurant, Tea House and Hot Pot
One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Chengdu was to see the Giant Pandas. We started the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where we got to see pandas of all ages doing their thing – lounging, munching on bamboo, and tumbling around in the cutest ways. Tip: Go in the morning when it’s cooler – the pandas are more active then!
After the panda visit, we went to lunch at a local “fly restaurant.” When I first saw that on our itinerary, I had no idea what this meant. I found out that in Chengdu, these popular spots are called fly restaurants because they’re always buzzing with people—like a room full of flies!
This was such a fun and unique local dining experience. Tucked away in a back alley, the restaurant had no menu—you just grab whatever looks good as the chefs bring out fresh dishes nonstop. You pay by the plate, so we tried lots of different Sichuan specialties—and everything tasted as amazing as it looked!
After lunch, we drove about an hour to the Guanyinege Old Teahouse in Pengzhen, China. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. We sat, relaxed, and sipped tea while chatting and soaking in the old-school atmosphere. The menu was simple but classic – tea with unlimited hot water refills, served alongside traditional snacks like roasted sunflower seeds and melon seeds.
That evening, we returned to Chengdu and took a stroll through Quanzhai Alley, a lively area known for its shops and historic charm. For dinner, we gathered around a bubbling pot of spicy, chili-filled broth for a classic Sichuan hotpot—a must-try local experience!
Day 3 Market Tour, Cooking Class, and Leshan
We started the day by exploring a busy local market in Chengdu, filled with fresh produce, spices, and street snacks.
Then we joined a hands-on Sichuan cooking class led by local chefs. Everyone—from the kids to grandpa—got involved as we learned to make classic dishes like mapo tofu and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.
After the class, we sat down together and enjoyed the delicious lunch we had cooked ourselves!
That afternoon, we headed to Leshan and checked into Shanshui S Hotel—a peaceful place just minutes from the Leshan Giant Buddha. The hotel blends traditional Chinese design with modern comforts and features a quiet tea house and garden that’s perfect for relaxing. Dinner was another highlight. We tried local Leshan specialties like steamed beef, egg yolk tofu, and crispy fried rice rolls. Everything was so tasty and so different from the dishes we had in Chengdu—a great reminder of how diverse Chinese regional food can be.
Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha and Local Food Tour
After an early breakfast, we met our guide in the hotel lobby and set out to see one of China’s most awe-inspiring landmarks—the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved into a red sandstone cliff where three rivers meet, this 233-foot-tall seated Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world! We had two options: climb the stone stairways down to the Buddha’s feet or take a boat ride for panoramic views from the water. We chose the boat, which let us relax and enjoy the scenic riverfront area afterward. After some sightseeing, we went on a Leshan food tour for lunch. We sampled all kinds of regional specialties – including skewers, sweet duck, and dumplings – at small, hidden spots we never would’ve found on our own. Every dish was full of flavor and rich in history.
After lunch, we said goodbye to Leshan and made the 2–3 hour drive back to Chengdu. This marked the end of our Lost Plate multi-day Chengdu tour. We checked back into the Ascott Raffles Hotel (add on) to rest and recharge for the evening – getting ready for part two of our China adventure.
Day 5: Xi’an
In the morning, we boarded a high-speed train to Xi’an—once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and the eastern end of the Silk Road. The 3.5-hour ride was smooth, fast, and scenic. We booked our train tickets ahead of time on Trip.com.
When we arrived, our local guide Ken greeted us at the train station and took us to our hotel: Eastern House Boutique Hotel. It was the perfect home base – centrally located near the ancient city wall, with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and a free self-serve laundry room.
That evening, we kicked things off with the Xi’an Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk. We zipped through the backstreets, stopping at four family-run restaurants to try local favorites like hand-pulled biang biang noodles, grilled meat skewers, Xi’an dumplings, and more. The tour ended at a cozy local craft brewery, just a short walk from our hotel.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors, Shuyuanmen, and Biking the City Wall
One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Xi’an was to see the Terracotta Army—one of the Eight Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, this site features thousands of life-sized clay warriors, each with unique facial features and battle armor. Seeing them in person was incredible. We were all amazed by the scale, detail, and artistry—it truly felt like stepping into ancient history.
Lunch was at a countryside-style restaurant nearby, which featured hearty rural Shaanxi dishes. Our favorite items were Grandma’s Fried Pancake with smoky chili paste, sweet & sour fried fish, candied banana, and Xi’an gourd chicken.
Back in Xian, we strolled Shuyuanmen, a traditional cultural street lined with calligraphy shops and art studios. Here we picked up a fun Chinese paper cut souvenir of our family.
We capped off the afternoon by biking along Xi’an’s ancient city wall—the only fully intact city wall of its kind in China. You can ride the entire 13 km loop, or just enjoy a section of it like we did. Either way, it’s a fun way to take in the city views and history at the same time.
For dinner, we tried another local specialty: Yangrou Paomo—a hearty lamb soup with crumbled flatbread. According to legend, a tired and hungry traveler once wandered into Xi’an. With only dry flatbread in hand, he asked a shopkeeper to pour hot lamb broth over it. The simple meal was so comforting and flavorful that it became a local favorite. Over time, this dish evolved into the beloved Yangrou Paomo. Some say that traveler was Zhao Kuangyin, who later became Emperor Taizu, the founder of the Song Dynasty.
For dessert, we sampled local organic ice cream featuring local flavors like chili oil and black sesame.
Day 7: Xi’an Morning Food and Muslim Quarter Tour
We met our guide, Ken, in the hotel lobby for a deep dive into Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, one of the city’s oldest and busiest market areas. Our tour took us from breakfast all the way through to lunch, tasting a variety of local dishes along the way. This wasn’t just a food tour—it was an adventure through history, spices, and culture. We all loved the fried beef pancakes (pictured below) — they were one of our favorite foods of the entire trip!
We also sampled dumplings, wandered through the bustling market, and visited the Great Mosque and Bell Tower. We wrapped up the tour with the famous roujiamo – also known as the Chinese hamburger! Here’s a slideshow of some of the other delicious foods we tried that morning.
Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter Market has been a busy center of trade and culture for hundreds of years. It dates back to when the city was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road. Long ago, merchants came here to trade spices, textiles, and rare goods from all over Asia and beyond. Today, the market is still lively and full of interesting things to see. You can find everything from antiques and handmade souvenirs to songbirds and exotic pets. It’s a fascinating place where history meets everyday life in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors.
The Great Mosque in Xi’an is one of the oldest and most important Islamic places of worship in China. It was built in the 8th century during the Tang Dynasty, and is thought to be the first mosque in China. What makes it special is how it mixes traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic traditions. You’ll see curved roofs and pagoda-like buildings alongside Arabic writing and prayer halls. The mosque is a reminder of Xi’an’s long history as a meeting place for many cultures along the Silk Road.
Another must-see in Xi’an is the Bell Tower, standing proudly at the heart of the old city. Built in the 14th century, it once marked the center of the city during the Ming Dynasty. Today, it remains a beautiful symbol of Xi’an’s rich history, ringing with echoes of the past.
After this tour, we returned to our hotel to rest. Can you believe how much we saw, tasted, and experienced in just one week?
Day 8: Free Day in Xi’an and the Legend of the Camel Bell Show
This day was free for us to relax and explore on our own. After such a busy, flavor-packed trip, it felt good to slow down and recharge.
Our main plan was to see one of Xi’an’s unique live shows—the Legend of the Camel Bell. This immersive performance features real camels and wolves, taking the audience on a journey through the Silk Road’s famous stories with stunning visuals and dramatic effects.
Although we didn’t have time to see them, Xi’an has other popular shows worth checking out. The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show gives a look into imperial China’s rich culture, with beautiful music and costumes. The Shadow Puppet Show is a fun way to enjoy traditional storytelling using detailed puppets.
Day 9: Departure
Lost Plate arranged our ride to Xi’an Xianyang Airport. As we left China and headed back to Los Angeles, we felt very full (lol)—and completely amazed by everything we experienced in just over a week. This trip fed both our stomachs and our souls. From spicy street food to cooking together as a family, we enjoyed every flavor and moment.
I hope this blog gives you a good idea of what it’s like to take a food-focused tour of China and shows some of the best things to see and do in Xi’an and Chengdu. If you want an easy, immersive way to explore China without the stress of planning, Lost Plate Food Tours is 100% the way to go!
I’ve saved story highlights of both Chengdu and Xi’an on Instagram—definitely check them out if you’re thinking about visiting!
China Travel Tips for Families (and First-Time Visitors)
Best Time to Visit: April is a great time to go when the weather is cooler and comfortable. Summers can get very hot, so plan accordingly if you travel between June and August.
Alipay and WeChat Pay: China is mostly cashless. Download Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip and link your foreign credit card using the international option. These apps work almost everywhere—from street food stalls to taxis.
Didi App (Car Share): This is China’s version of Uber. It’s very easy to use—especially if your guide helps translate key drop-off points ahead of time.
VPN Needed: Many Western apps like Google, Instagram, and Gmail are blocked in China. Make sure to download a VPN before you go. (We used LetsVPN.)
Translation Help: The WeChat app has a built-in translation tool that’s super handy for reading menus and signs.
Perks of Booking with a Tour Company: Lost Plate took care of everything for us—from hotels, tickets, and transportation to meals and English-speaking guides. It was a true vacation where we could relax, eat well, and just show up.
Note: This trip was partially hosted by Lost Plate Food Tours. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.