I'm so excited to invite you to join me on this incredible journey through China.

Travel has always been one of my favourite ways to connect with people, cultures, and of course, amazing food. Through Rated V Food, I've had the privilege of building a community of curious, adventurous plant-based travellers, and this trip brings together everything I love most about exploring the world.

Together, we'll experience some of China's most iconic sights, discover incredible vegan food, learn about local traditions, and share unforgettable moments along the way. From wandering through ancient hutongs and standing on the Great Wall to exploring vibrant food markets and hidden local gems, this itinerary has been designed to offer a deeper, more authentic experience of China.

Most importantly, this trip is about the people. Whether you're travelling solo or with friends, I hope you'll join us for an adventure filled with great conversations, shared meals, new friendships, and memories that will last long after we return home.

I can't wait to experience it with you!

Eunice

Joining us throughout the journey is Alex Ogden, founder of Vegan in China and your local vegan expert for the trip.

Having lived in Beijing for the past seven years, Alex has dedicated herself to uncovering the incredible world of plant-based food hidden within one of the most challenging cuisines to navigate as a vegan. Fluent in Mandarin and deeply connected to the local food scene, she knows exactly where to go, what to order, and how to experience authentic Chinese cuisine beyond the typical tourist experience.

Throughout the trip, Alex will lead many of our food experiences, introducing you to her favourite hutong eateries, street food stalls, family-run restaurants, and regional specialities. Along the way, she'll share the stories, traditions, and cultural significance behind the dishes, giving you a unique insight into China's rich culinary heritage.

From hand-pulled noodles in Beijing to the famous flavours of Xi'an, Alex's local knowledge and passion for vegan food will help bring this adventure to life, ensuring you experience the very best of plant-based China with confidence and curiosity.

Welcome to Beijing!

After arriving in China, you'll be transferred to our hotel and have some time to settle in before the adventure begins.

This evening, we'll head straight into one of Beijing's most atmospheric neighbourhoods for our first food experience together. Led by Alex, we'll explore the historic Hutong streets of Qianmen, sampling local favourites and discovering the stories behind the dishes.

Expect your first taste of authentic Chinese street food, from fresh noodles and stinky tofu to candied hawthorn. We'll finish the evening at a local restaurant, enjoying Siwawa, a traditional Guizhou-style wrap often described as a Chinese taco, alongside a rice wine tasting.

Highlights

• Arrival in Beijing

• Group airport transfer

• Guided Hutong food tour

• Sample authentic Beijing street food

• Welcome dinner with the group

Today is all about discovering the history and culture that shaped modern China.

After breakfast, we'll visit the magnificent Forbidden City, once home to China's emperors and the ceremonial heart of dynastic China. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll uncover stories of emperors, concubines, power struggles and palace life as we explore one of the world's greatest historical sites.

Later, we'll enjoy lunch at Da Hai Wan, where Alex will introduce us to classic Beijing cuisine.

Example dishes may include Zhajiangmian noodles with fermented bean sauce, cold-dressed jelly noodles, scallion tofu salad, and hand-torn cabbage stir-fry.

In the afternoon, we'll wander through Beijing's best-preserved Hutong district, exploring the narrow grey-brick alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional city life.

This evening we'll enjoy dinner at Vege Tiger, famous for its incredible vegan versions of regional Chinese dishes from across the country, with over 100 dishes and desserts to choose from.

Highlights

• Guided tour of the Forbidden City

• Traditional Beijing lunch

• Explore historic Hutong alleyways

• Vege Tiger vegan buffet dinner

Today offers a deeper dive into Chinese culture and cuisine.

We'll begin with a hands-on cooking class in a beautiful Hutong courtyard, learning the art of hand-pulled noodles from scratch. Alongside the noodles, we'll prepare seasonal Xinjiang-style tomato sauce and smashed cucumber salad.

After lunch, we'll visit the impressive Lama Temple, one of China's largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temples. Watch worshippers burning incense, admire the temple architecture, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Later, enjoy free time exploring Wudaoying Hutong, one of Beijing's most charming streets, lined with independent cafés, bookshops, boutiques and artisan workshops.

Dinner tonight takes us to Little Yunnan, showcasing the bold flavours of southwest China.

Expect dishes such as rice noodles topped with pickles and dried mushrooms, papaya salad, baojiang tofu, and stir-fried seasonal greens.

Highlights

• Hand-pulled noodle cooking class

• Traditional Hutong courtyard experience

• Visit the Lama Temple

• Explore Wudaoying Hutong

• Dinner featuring Yunnan cuisine

Today we visit one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

We'll travel to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of the wall thanks to its original Ming Dynasty architecture, dramatic mountain scenery, and far smaller crowds.

Accompanied by a local guide, we'll hike along the ancient ramparts while learning about the Wall's history, military significance and strategic design.

Lunch will be served near the Wall and features traditional countryside cooking.

Example dishes may include iron pot stew with eggplant, bell pepper and tofu, cold-dressed wild vegetables, and stir-fried shredded potatoes.

Back in Beijing, we'll spend some time exploring Sanlitun, the city's most cosmopolitan district, before enjoying dinner at Qingchun Perma, one of Beijing's most celebrated vegan restaurants.

Expect refined Buddhist-inspired dishes such as Sichuan-style tofu skin, sweet and sour lotus root, truffle rice, soup dumplings and Chinese-style tom yum soup.

Highlights

• Guided Great Wall hike

• Jinshanling section of the Wall

• Countryside vegan lunch

• Explore Sanlitun district

• Dinner at Qingchun Perma

This morning we'll board China's famous high-speed rail network and travel to Xi'an, experiencing one of the most impressive transportation systems in the world.

Upon arrival, we'll have time to explore the city's historic centre, including the Drum Tower, Bell Tower and Great Mosque area.

This evening is one of the culinary highlights of the trip.

Travelling by tuk-tuk through Xi'an's atmospheric Muslim Quarter, we'll sample some of the city's most iconic street foods while Alex introduces us to the region's unique flavours.

Example dishes may include Biang Biang noodles, Caijiamo flatbread filled with vegetables and tofu, dried persimmons and rice starch noodles.

Highlights

• High-speed train journey to Xi'an

• Explore the Muslim Quarter

• Bell Tower & Drum Tower area

• Tuk-tuk street food adventure

Today we'll visit one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries ever made.

The Terracotta Warriors were created over 2,000 years ago to guard China's first emperor in the afterlife. Accompanied by a guide, we'll explore this extraordinary site and learn the fascinating story behind its discovery.

Lunch features traditional Shaanxi cuisine near the Warriors site.

Example dishes may include Liangpi noodles, green chilli stuffed bread, and cold spinach salad with fried peanuts.

Back in Xi'an, we'll cycle along the city's remarkably preserved ancient walls, enjoying panoramic views across both the old and modern city.

Our final dinner together takes place at Suxin Vegetarian Tea House, a beautiful Buddhist-inspired restaurant known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional cuisine.

Expect vegan dumplings, braised tofu, stir-fried mushrooms and sweet and sour specialities.

Highlights

• Guided Terracotta Warriors tour

• Traditional Shaanxi lunch

• Cycle Xi'an City Wall

• Farewell dinner at Suxin Tea House

Our final morning takes us back into Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, this time to experience the bustling morning markets.

The atmosphere is completely different from the evening food tour, offering a fascinating insight into daily life as locals gather for breakfast and fresh produce.

Along the way we'll sample local breakfast favourites including braised tofu rolls, sticky rice with dates and red bean, jasmine soy milk, steamed baozi buns and traditional tofu pudding.

We'll finish the morning with views from the Bell Tower before reflecting on an unforgettable week exploring China's history, culture and incredible vegan food scene.

Highlights

• Morning market food tour

• Xi'an Muslim Quarter

• Traditional breakfast specialities

• Bell Tower views

• Departure day

We've intentionally kept this trip small so we can share great food, meaningful experiences, and genuinely connect throughout the journey.

If you'd love to join us, we'd recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

Secure your place today with just a $500 USD deposit, followed by easy monthly payments.

Total Prices

Twin Share / Couple (Early Bird) $3295

Single Private Room (Early Bird) $3645

Twin Share / Couple $3395

Single Private Room $3745

• All activities and entrance fees listed in the itinerary

• All meals indicated (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, (including food tours and

  cooking class)

• 6 nights accommodation at modern 3/4 star hotels

• Private ground transportation throughout the tour

• High-speed train: Beijing → Xi'an (Day 5)

• Expert vegan food guidance from Vegan in China

• Hosted group experience with Rated V

• Inspired Ventures travel assistance throughout

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Optional return train to Beijing

• Additional meals not listed

This trip is designed around vegan, plant-based dining, celebrating local ingredients and sustainable food culture.

• All included meals will be fully vegan.

• You do not need to be vegan to join this trip, but please keep in mind that plant-based dining is a core part of the experience, and all group meals will be vegan.

A Note on Cross-Contamination & Allergies

To give you the full picture of China's plant-based food scene, this tour includes visits to both dedicated vegan restaurants and traditional restaurants where non-vegan dishes are also served. We take great care to ensure everything we eat is 100% vegan — but please be aware that at street food stalls and non-vegan restaurants, a risk of cross-contamination is possible.

We're unable to accommodate gluten or soy allergies on this trip. 

If you have any other allergies or dietary restrictions, please reach out to us before booking so we can talk through whether this tour is a good fit.

This trip includes city-walking tours. Guests should expect a few hours of moderate walking, balanced with scheduled downtime for relaxation. All participants must be comfortable being on their feet for extended periods and are responsible for bringing appropriate footwear to safely enjoy the experience.

Please note that flights should not be booked until the trip has been officially confirmed as reaching the minimum required group size.

We will notify all guests as soon as the trip is guaranteed to operate, at which point you may proceed with booking your flights with confidence.

Where available, we strongly recommend booking flights directly with reputable international airlines and reviewing the carrier’s policies around cancellations, delays, schedule changes, and passenger protections before booking. Choosing airlines with strong customer support and flexible booking policies can provide greater peace of mind in the event of unexpected travel disruptions.

Please note that travel insurance is compulsory for this trip. All participants are required to obtain adequate travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal belongings, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation or repatriation from the date of departure until the day of return.

Proof of valid travel insurance may be requested prior to departure.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, to ensure you are covered in the event of any unforeseen cancellations or changes before departure.

Please click the link below to view the Terms & Conditions for booking this trip. These will also be presented to you for review and acceptance during the booking process.