Lijiang Cooking Class & Market Visit

Start your day in Lijiang by visiting one of the city’s oldest local markets to shop for your cooking class. Guided by a local ethnic Naxi family, you will discover seasonal ingredients ranging from wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine to local snacks and even a taste of a regional version of moonshine. This hands-on market experience offers a glimpse into daily life and culinary traditions away from the typical tourist areas. After exploring the market, you will travel to the instructor’s home cooking studio where each participant will prepare three dishes under expert guidance. The class includes all ingredients, snacks, and drinks, providing a complete cooking experience in an authentic setting.

During the class you will make Yunnan Ghost Chicken, a cold dish rich in folklore and flavor prepared with local herbs, followed by Clay Pot Rice Noodles, a high-altitude staple flavored with fermented soybean paste and pickles. The meal concludes with Palooda, a dessert of seasonal fruit sago and purple rice in coconut milk, originally influenced by Persian flavors. After cooking, relax in the instructor’s courtyard garden while enjoying local snacks and Yunnan sunshine. This experience highlights the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Yunnan, shaped by ancient trade routes and foraging traditions. Participants gain practical cooking skills and insights into traditional recipes that can be recreated at home.