ShanTour 杉途
Welcome to Chengdu—the spicy heart of Sichuan and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. From numbing mala peppercorns to sizzling street skewers, this city lives and breathes flavor.
On this foodie tour, we go beyond the tourist trail to uncover the bold, addictive tastes that locals love. Think hidden teahouses, smoky alleyway snacks, and centuries-old food traditions served fresh. Perfect for food lovers who crave authentic flavors in one of China’s most delicious cities.
There are two versions of the trip, choose the one you prefer!
✓ English-speaking local guide
✓ Commentary on food culture
✓ Off-the-beaten-path bites in Chengdu
💰 USD 75 per person
Itinerary - Version 1.0: Classic
Full Description
Our journey begins at the very heart of Chengdu—Tianfu Square. From here, we dive straight into the city's most down-to-earth corners, starting with a local wet market where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs, spices, and sizzling street eats. This is where everyday life unfolds, far from tourist routes—raw, real, and flavorful.
Next, we’ll step into a hidden gem: a traditional guild hall tucked away in the bustle of downtown. Once a quiet haven for local “hermits” and artists, this serene space invites you to sip a cup of authentic Chengdu-style tea and try your hand at a traditional handicraft. It’s more than a break—it’s a portal to the old soul of the city.
As evening sets in, we stroll through People’s Park, once part of the ancient Shaocheng district. It’s not just a park—it's where generations of locals come to relax, dance, play mahjong, and even matchmake! Yes, the famous Chinese “marriage market” is alive and well, and we’ll take a peek at how modern young people meet the old-fashioned way.
Then, it’s food time. We head toward the area near Kuanzhai Alley, but skip the packed tourist traps in favor of quiet backstreets only locals know. This is where the real flavors hide—think spicy dan dan noodles, crispy-skinned rabbit head, sweet glutinous rice balls, and more. Whether you’re a bold foodie or just hungry for something new, this is your moment.
Our tour ends near the Kuanzhai Alley Metro Station. You’re welcome to explore the nearby artisan shops and night performances on your own, or hop on the subway and head home with a full belly and a happy heart.
Itinerary - Version 2.0: Off the beaten path (Only if you have a strong stomach!)
Full Description
Different from the v1.0, this v2.0 will be deep in the local community - Fuqin. There are rarely any tourists coming here. You can experience totally off the beaten path and mingered with locals. Here you can find one of the biggest "Night Market" and taste street food beyond Chengdu cuisine. However, be prepared, you may need a strong stomach to try as much!
Our journey begins at the deep heart of local community - Fuqin community. From here, we dive straight into a local wet market where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs, spices, and Sichuan pickles. This is where everyday life unfolds, far from tourist routes—raw, real, and flavorful. Next, we’ll sip a cup of authentic Chengdu-style tea. It’s more than a break—it’s a portal to the old soul of the city.
As evening sets in, we'll step into the Fuqin Night Market. There are hundreds of food carts within three blocks in this old community. Stroll through it, you can see all kinds of street foods, ranging from sizzling skewers, fry insects, stinking tofu (with a "fur" of fungus on top of it!), and so on. If you are thirsty, there's soy milk with various flavors! Crave some liquor? Try some locally crafted flower-liquor! There will be no full dinner option for you, these street food will fill your stomach!
Our tour ends near the Fuqin Metro Station. You’re welcome to explore the nearby community or hop on the subway and head home with a full belly and a happy heart.
Pricing
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Group of 1-6 People: $75 USD per person
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Group of 7–12 People: $65 USD per person
Addtional Information
Inclusion
✅ Tea: A set of Chinese tea (basic)
✅ Meal: A full meal (dinner) for v1.0 and 5 street foods for v2.0
✅ Guide Service: Bilingual (Chinese/English) local tour guide
❌ Snacks: Snacks in the tour are not included, the guide will recommend local snacks based on your taste
❌ Transportation: This will be a walking tour. Transportation to the meeting point is not included
❌ Tips: Tips for driver and guide (based on service satisfaction)
Notes
Group Requirement: Minimum of 2 people to form a group. Merged itineraries or cancellations may apply if undersubscribed. Notification will be given to you before mid-day (12:00 pm) on the same day of the tour.
Cancellation Policy:
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Cancellations made at least 2 days before the tour will receive a full refund.
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Cancellations made 24 to 48 hours before the tour will incur a 50% charge.
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Cancellations made on the day of the tour will incur a 75% charge.
Contact: We'll share the guide contact with you upon confirmation of your registration. Please leave your phone number/WhatsApp/WeChat/Email in your registration so that we can contact you if there is any change on the itinerary.
Important Notes: Please follow safety guidelines and scenic area rules during the trip.
What to bring
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Comfortable shoes
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Cash or mobile payment
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Water
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Good appetite!
Tips
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Prepare cash or a Chinese digital wallet (Alipay or WeChat Pay) for snacks and tips
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The tour ends near Kuanzhai Alley Metro Station
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Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved
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Smoking is not allowed in respect to others in the group