Modern travelers are increasingly searching for experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing; they crave a deep immersion into the heart of local culture, and food emerges as one of the most powerful mediums for a genuine connection with a destination. Recognizing this growing trend, Trip.com Group, a global leader in travel services, unveiled a revolutionary concept in Shanghai that elevates gastronomy to a whole new level. This is the "Taste of China" project, a bold and multisensory gastronomic spectacle that uniquely combines top-tier cuisine, digital storytelling, deep cultural significance, and captivating live performances.

This innovative experience is designed not just as a dinner, but as an immersive journey that offers visitors a unique gateway into China's rich heritage, far from the usual tourist routes. The project reflects the company's strategic focus on developing innovative, culturally rich tourism products, with a special emphasis on the fast-growing international travel market. As James Liang, co-founder and chairman of Trip.com Group, pointed out, "innovation opens new horizons for travel, inviting travelers to connect with world destinations in richer and more meaningful ways." According to him, immersive experiences like this demonstrate how personalization, discovery, and interaction can expand the possibilities and inspiration of travel.

A Gastronomic Theater in the Heart of Shanghai

Located in a panoramic restaurant theater within the newly renovated Bund City Hall Plaza complex, in the very heart of Shanghai, this event presents a seven-course dinner that is both a culinary tour and a theatrical journey. It is a unique reinterpretation of how food and culture can intertwine in the context of travel. During the ninety-minute spectacle, guests are guided on a culinary journey through seven different regions of China by an animated panda chef, the charming Cheng BaoBao. His mission is to uncover the secrets of the most authentic flavors and the philosophies behind them.

Each chapter of this journey is dedicated to one region and paired with a characteristic dish of that area, inviting guests to literally taste their way through the vast expanses of this immense country. The entire experience is designed to awaken all the senses, using state-of-the-art projection mapping technology that transforms the hall's walls into dynamic landscapes – from the imperial gardens of Suzhou to the mystical mountains of Guilin.

A Journey Through Seven Regions and Flavors

The culinary adventure begins in the north, where guests encounter the legendary Peking Duck. The crispy, golden skin and succulent meat are served with a refreshing jasmine tea, and the entire ambiance evokes the magnificence of imperial China. The journey continues towards the southern regions, where a spicy and aromatic Sour Soup Fish is served, a specialty that perfectly balances acidity and heat, complemented by the mild and earthy notes of Pu'er tea.

In the chapter dedicated to central China, guests are treated to a nourishing herbal hot pot, a symbol of community and health. This traditional specialty is elevated to a higher level here by using premium ingredients such as marbled beef, abalone, and rare, medicinal mushrooms. For lovers of spicy food, the highlight of the evening is the chapter on the western region, namely the province of Sichuan. Here, Mapo Tofu is served, but in a lavish version enriched with cubes of wagyu beef and lobster meat, creating an explosion of flavor that is simultaneously spicy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

But "Taste of China" is not just a story about food. Woven into each chapter is a story about fundamental Chinese values: wisdom, responsibility, benevolence, integrity, heritage, connection, and innovation. Through animated sequences, Cheng BaoBao encounters these values in action. For example, guests witness the story of fishermen from Guilin who respect the fishing ban to allow the ecosystem to recover, symbolizing responsibility. In another story, a Sichuan chef insists on using a three-year-aged bean paste to achieve the authentic flavor of Mapo Tofu, demonstrating the value of integrity and heritage. These narrative moments provide deeper insight into the philosophies that shape the country's culinary heritage.

Immersive Storytelling Through Image, Sound, and Interaction

What makes this experience truly special is the fusion of food with dynamic projections and live performances that bring each dish to life. While the idyllic gardens of Suzhou are displayed on the walls, dancers in elegant hanfu costumes, traditional Chinese attire, glide across the room, mimicking the rhythm of the digital landscape. In another chapter, a performer demonstrates the strength and precision of Shaolin martial arts, waving a staff in sync with powerful music and visuals. During the story of the fishing season in Guilin, guests have the opportunity to interact through a game on the table, where they can virtually "catch" fish swimming on the table's surface, creating a fun and engaging moment.

The dramatic finale of the evening belongs to a live performance of Sichuan opera, known for the art of face-changing (Bian Lian). Amidst an unexpected rock rhythm, artists change masks with incredible speed, leaving the audience breathless and demonstrating one of China's most fascinating and secretive performing arts. This blend of ancient tradition and modern rhythm perfectly rounds off the entire experience.

Step into Tradition and Become Part of the Story

To make the cultural immersion complete, guests are encouraged to arrive two hours early and take the opportunity to dress in traditional Chinese costumes. Professional styling services are available on-site, offering a wide range of Chinese attire, such as elegant hanfu costumes from the Song dynasty, lavish dresses from the Tang dynasty period, the famous cheongsam dresses from the Qing era, and the distinctive costumes of the Miao and Tibetan ethnic communities. Outside the restaurant itself, a 3D screen and meticulously designed sets provide the perfect backdrop for photos and sharing memories on social media, allowing guests to take home more than just the memory of a dinner.

Food as a Gateway to Travel

As global travelers increasingly seek food-driven experiences, Trip.com Group is positioning cuisine as a key gateway to cultural discovery. According to the company's latest data, in the first half of 2025, bookings for culinary travel increased by 30% compared to the previous year, with Paris, London, New York, Madrid, and Milan leading the list of the world's most popular gastronomic destinations.

Within China, gourmands flock to cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Changsha. Among them, Shanghai and Beijing stand out with strong growth in restaurant bookings, highlighting the growing appeal of their dynamic gastronomic scenes. "Taste of China" is part of the Group's broader focus on culinary tourism. Each course in this experience also serves as a kind of destination guide: the menus feature QR codes that lead to curated travel tips for the featured regions, making it easy for guests to turn their inspiration into concrete travel plans. This focus is further reflected in Trip.Gourmet, a comprehensive gastronomic guide on the Trip.com platform that offers global restaurant rankings, travel-focused food content, and booking capabilities.

Looking at the bigger picture, "Taste of China" transcends a mere culinary showcase – it is an international, user-friendly experience designed for today's modern travelers seeking authentic cultural adventures. By developing its own flagship experiences like this, the Group aims to stimulate demand for destinations, increase visitor arrivals, and inspire the industry to create more world-class offerings.

Plan Your Visit

Bookings for "Taste of China" are now open on Trip.com platforms.

Location: No. 215 Jiangxi Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Opening Hours: from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00

Price: Average set menus start from 1,000 RMB per person

Dietary Notes: All dishes are pork-free to accommodate Muslim guests. Vegetarian options are also available.

The proximity to attractions such as The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the Shanghai Museum makes this location perfect for a pre-dinner excursion. Whether guests are culture enthusiasts or curious foodies, "Taste of China" offers a unique way to experience the soul of a nation – bite by bite.