Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

Chengdu , China

Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats

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About this experience

This is not another walking tour. These small group tours whisk you off the beaten path by private tuktuk and offer unlimited beer and soda while you and your English speaking guide watch the city pass by. You will eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own. After 3-4 hours, you will finish at local bar to try some rice wine or beer with the locals!

Available options

Evening Tour

Your tour departure time is at 6:30pm

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

All food at 4+ sit-down, safe to eat restaurants

Tuktuk transportation

Small group tour (2-12 people)

Vegetarian friendly (with advance notice)

Unlimited local beer, soda, and bottled water

Detailed itinerary

There are a million reasons Chengdu is an international food destination. It’s a UNESCO city of gastronomy. It’s the most popular Chinese cuisine in China. It has the highest per-capita ratio of restaurants in all of China. And at the same time, visitors know very little about food in Chengdu.

Travel by tuktuk and encounter spots you could never find on your own for a mix of street food, sit-down restaurants, and family-run joints:

Chengdu Street Crepes: This classic local street food comes in one of 4 flavor profiles: sweet, salty, spicy, and strange at a street-stall-turned-shop.

Sichuan-style Wontons: Learn why locals call them “Chaoshou,” at a family restaurant where they’re made to order.

All the Noodles: Originally served on the street by men who carried the ingredients around on bamboo poles, Dandan noodles are possibly the OG hawker dish.

Classic Sichuan Dishes: Sample local delicacies like Mapo Tofu (there’s plenty of not-so-spicy dishes here too).

End the night trying house-made plum wine in a 70s-80s themed bar that captures a unique turning point in China’s history. The bar is a 10 minute walk to the nearest subway station.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

47 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

381 reviews

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364

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Signup and advance payment are required

Meeting point

Meeting Location: Yushuang Road Subway Station, Exit C, Street Level.

Subway (recommended): Take Line 4 to Yushuang Road, follow signs to Exit C. Your guide will meet you outside.

Taxi: 玉双路地铁站C口 (Allow extra time during rush hour.)

Important notes

Meeting Location:

Yushuang Road Subway Station, Exit C, Street Level

Subway Directions(strongly recommended): Yushuang Road Subway Station services line 4. When you get off the train, follow signs to Exit C. Your guide will be upstairs, outside of the exit waiting for you.
Show Your Taxi/Didi: 玉双路地铁站C口 (Please note: traffic will be heavy around this area during rush hour. Please allow plenty of extra time)

Google Map(requires a VPN in China): https://goo.gl/maps/fQNcSv3zXPfGK7Qu6

Chinese Map: https://j.map.baidu.com/e5/dmK

About Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Jinli Ancient Street

A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (shopping and food at additional cost)

Wenshu Monastery

One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.

Historical Half day ¥80

Chengdu Panda Base

A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mapo Tofu

A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available.

Dan Dan Noodles

Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian.

Hot Pot

A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Sichuan Dumplings

Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Tea house visits Spa treatments Park picnics Museum visits Temple tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin
Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

CST (UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center

By train

Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station

By bus

Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jinli Ancient Street Wuhou Shrine Chunxi Road Kuanzhai Alley

Day trips

Mount Qingcheng

60 km from Chengdu • Full day

A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.

Leshan Giant Buddha

130 km from Chengdu • Full day

A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

340 km from Chengdu • Overnight

A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.

Festivals

Sichuan Festival • Late August Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar) Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.