China Culinary Tourism Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The China culinary tourism market accumulated a net worth of US$ 5.4 billion in 2022, and it is anticipated that it will reach a market value of US$ 24.65 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 14.8%. The market for tourism is expanding, which may be linked to a rising number of food bloggers and traveler interest.

Chinese cuisine is known for its delectable cuisine, variety of dishes, and distinctive tastes. Chinese cuisine has developed its unique culture over thousands of years of growth and cultivation. Chinese cuisine is an illustration of the balance and harmony of nature since Chinese culinary culture is based on ancient Chinese philosophy. Modern Chinese cuisine, which draws inspiration from Chinese philosophy, strives to maintain peoples' health as much as possible in addition to satisfying gourmet appetites. The authenticity of the Chinese cuisine have been drawing the attention of the global consumers towards the China culinary tourism market.

Food blogging has also been one of the prominent reasons behind the growth of this market. Various food bloggers have been promoting the food tours across various regions of China like Lanzhou, Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Chengdu. Different kinds of culinary activities are being offered by the various tourism companies. A few examples are:

  • A welcome supper included a demonstration on how to serve Peking Duck
  • A fine-dining private meal created by a Northern cuisine master chef
  • A practical cooking class emphasizing the fundamentals of Chinese cuisine
  • Lunch with Beijing's famous noodles at a renowned eatery
  • Fresh fish served "country-style" for a rustic feast in a peaceful area
Report Attribute Details
Estimated Market Value (2022) US$ 5.4 billion
Expected Market Value (2023) US$ 6.20 billion
Projected Forecast Value (2033) US$ 24.65 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 1 4.8% CAGR

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China Culinary Tourism Market Historical Analysis (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The demand for China’s culinary tourism is projected to increase at a CAGR of over 14% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, reaching a total of US$ 4,782 million in 2018, according to a report from Future Market Insights (FMI). From 2018 to 2022, sales witnessed significant growth in the global China culinary tourism market, registering a CAGR of 9.1%.

The cuisine is an integral aspect that represents the culture of the country and plays a critical role in shaping the tourism quotient of the place. China's tourism sector is predicted to grow significantly due to its distinctive environment and rich cultural legacy. The practice of creating, appreciating, or indulging in excellent cuisine is one of the many elements that influence culinary tourism in China.

The value of the China food sector has increased. In the case of culinary travel, tourists stop at various places to sample a wide range of foods and drinks that are native to the country’s population. It is projected that the culinary tourism sector in China will grow as more food enthusiasts travel to experience new food cultures, cuisines, and drinks.

What is primarily Driving the Regional Market for China Culinary Tourism Market?

Multifaceted Regional Cuisine is Stealing the Show

China's beautiful environment helps fuel the nation's booming tourist industry. Travelers nowadays select locations for their vacation based on local cuisine. China offers a vast selection of cuisines for visitors.

China's tourist industry has made it possible for visitors to independently explore the country's cuisine. The tourism industry might help many unemployed locals find opportunities and raise awareness of Chinese culinary traditions across the globe by promoting culinary tourism in China.

Online Food Blogging is Fueling the Popularity of Chinese Cuisine

The internet has advanced quickly in recent years and is being utilized as a powerful tool for advertising and marketing, especially in the travel and hospitality sectors. In a way that is distinct from traditional media, the Internet offers information representation, collaboration, communication, interaction, and commerce.

A successful website can draw users, hold their attention, improve engagement, guarantee their return, learn about each user's preferences, and then communicate that knowledge back to the users to deliver tailored interactions and experiences.

The internet has had a significant impact on the culinary tourism sector in China as various food bloggers are promoting the cuisine on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and video sharing platform YouTube. This plays a critical role in the development of the China culinary tourism market.

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Sudip Saha

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Category-wise Insights

Which Activity Type is the Most Preferred?

Cooking Classes are the Most Popular Activity Among Chinese Food Enthusiasts

In 2022, the cooking classes segment acquired a market share of 43.8%. China's culinary tourism market offers a variety of activities, such as cooking classes, restaurants, food festivals, and culinary competitions. Travelers choose to take culinary lessons to learn how to make delectable Chinese dishes such as dim sum, traditional noodles, hot-pot cooking, and street food.

These lessons last between two and two and a half hours. They occasionally take place at the hosts' homes, when the hosts prepare meals from scratch using items they get at the neighborhood market.

Which Type of Booking Channel is Most Preferred?

Online Bookings for China are Being Preferred by Travel Enthusiasts

In 2022, the online booking segment registered a global market share above 32%. Bookings for a Chinese food tour can be made through phone calls, online websites, or in person. The online mode is the most popular booking channel. Bookings cannot be made on the spot due to the popularity of China’s culinary tourism and long waiting hours.

Tourists can benefit from fantastic offers, discounts, and comprehensive information about the tour by making online reservations. The online reservations channel has gained popularity because it allows for cashless transactions, which was a crucial practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Which Tourist Type Will Offer Opportunities to China's Culinary Tourism Players?

The Influx of International Tourists in China Will Remain High

In 2022, the segment of international tourists gained traction with a market share of 27%. International tourists are showing great interest in China’s culinary tourism experience and the government is also taking initiatives to improve the infrastructure to provide a better experience to travelers. International vacationers are individuals who are extra inquisitive about getting to know the nuances of Chinese cuisine.

Region-wise Analysis

How is China's Diverse Culture Fueling the Culinary Tourism Sector?

Travelers in China are Keen on Street Food Tourism

Chinese food, curries, and other dishes with diverse spice characteristics and flavor notes are recognized as works of art. Chinese food is popular across many countries as it embodies distinctive flavors and strong spices notes. The desire to learn more about China's culture and customs is another important factor that is boosting sales in the country’s culinary tourism market.

Travelers get to explore different regional foods and cuisines and understand the local culture through culinary tourism. Food is considered one of six foundations of tourism alongside travel, transportation, lodging, entertainment, and shopping, which cannot be unnoticed. The Chinese government has issued various policies to support gastronomy tourism and promote the regional food culture in the context of tourism for visitors and travelers.

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Start-Ups operating in the China Culinary Tourism Market

  • Travelers can rent short-term homestays using the P2P platform Xiaozhu. On the platform, homeowners may list their houses. It offers an upgraded user authentication system with a credit scoring system to assist fight fraud.
  • Zhiketong is an internet resource that helps tourists find and reserve hotels. It offers hotel booking services over the Wechat platform. It collaborates with hotel companies and aids in the distribution of merchandise on Wechat. Customers may communicate with hotels and make reservations using it. It furthermore offers hotel chains marketing solutions.

Market Competition

Leading players in the China culinary tourism market are specializing in enhancing their services by offering discounts, new excursion places, and applications to provide a memorable experience to international tourists.

Travel agencies are partnering up with homegrown chefs and local bars and eateries to offer unique experiences as the culinary sector in China is witnessing many entrants. They are also offering cab rental services, online booking platforms, and location-specific experiences that enable travelers to enjoy a holistic culinary experience at the most remote locations as well.

The key players in this market include:

  • Hello Hong Kong: Private & Small Group Tours
  • Lost Plate Beijing Food Tours
  • UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
  • Lost Plate Xian Food Tours
  • UnTour Beijing Food Tours
  • UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
  • Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour
  • Discover Beijing Tours
  • Sunny Tours Shanghai
  • Withlocals
  • Dong Dong Tour
  • Catherine Lu Tours
  • Janvi Tours - Guangzhou Off the Beaten Path
  • Catherine Lu Tours Xi'an
  • Amazing Shanghai Trip
  • Lily's Private Tours

Some of the products being launched by the key players are:

  • UnTour’s Shanghai food tours launched their services of providing food tours in the capital city of Beijing. They were lauded by The New York Times, Travel Leisure, and Monocle as they immensely led to an increase in the number of tourists, especially domestically.
  • Zanadu, an online travel agency that specializes in luxury travel received investments from Prometheus Capital and a US$ 12 million investment led by Tencent in China. The company has also debuted a store in Shanghai where travelers can use virtual reality devices to explore safaris, luxury adventure travel, and resort locations.

Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
Growth Rate CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2032
Market Value in 2023 US$ 6.20 billion
Market Value in 2033 US$ 24.65 billion
Base Year for Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units USD billion for value
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered
  • Activity Type
  • Booking Channel
  • Tourist Type
  • Tour Type
  • Customer Orientation
  • Age Group
Key Companies Profiled
  • Hello Hong Kong: Private & Small Group Tours
  • Lost Plate Beijing Food Tours
  • UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
  • Lost Plate Xian Food Tours
  • UnTour Beijing Food Tours
  • UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
  • Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour
  • Discover Beijing Tours
  • Sunny Tours Shanghai
  • Withlocals
  • Dong Dong Tour
  • Catherine Lu Tours
  • Janvi Tours - Guangzhou Off the Beaten Path
  • Catherine Lu Tours Xi'an
  • Amazing Shanghai Trip
  • Lily's Private Tours
Customization & Pricing Available on Request

Key Segments Profiled in the China Culinary Tourism Market

By Activity Type

  • Culinary Trials
  • Cooking Classes
  • Restaurants
  • Food Festivals
  • Others

By Booking Channel

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type

  • Domestic
  • International

By Tour Type

  • Independent Traveler
  • Package Traveler
  • Tour Group

By Consumer Orientation

  • Men
  • Women

By Age Group

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regions are prominent in the China culinary tourism market?

China's market is booming across the country, with major culinary destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou among them.

What insights can you provide about the China culinary tourism market's growth prospects?

Due to China's extensive culinary legacy, rising domestic and international travel, and rising demand for distinctive gourmet experiences, the sector has a significant growth potential.

Which segment leads the China culinary tourism market?

One of the most popular categories is street food tours, which give visitors a real flavor of China's many regional cuisines.

How are cultural exchanges impacting the China culinary tourism market?

Culinary tourism promotes cross-cultural interaction by enabling visitors to learn about China's history, customs, and social structure through its numerous food options.

How is the China culinary tourism market aligning with sustainability and health-conscious trends?

In order to appeal to eco- and health-conscious passengers, the market is undergoing a shift toward sustainable sourcing of foods, organic and healthier menu alternatives, and an emphasis on eliminating food waste.

Table of Content
1. Executive Summary
    1.1. China Market Outlook
    1.2. Demand-side Trends
    1.3. Supply-side Trends
    1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis
    1.5. Analysis and Recommendations
2. Market Overview
    2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy
    2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations
3. Market Background
    3.1. Market Dynamics
        3.1.1. Drivers
        3.1.2. Restraints
        3.1.3. Opportunity
        3.1.4. Trends
    3.2. Scenario Forecast
        3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario
        3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario
        3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario
    3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis
    3.4. Investment Feasibility Matrix
    3.5. PESTLE and Porter’s Analysis
    3.6. Regulatory Landscape
        3.6.1. By Key Regions
        3.6.2. By Key Countries
    3.7. Regional Parent Market Outlook
4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2018 to 2033
    4.1. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis, 2018 to 2022
    4.2. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Projections, 2018 to 2033
        4.2.1. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis
        4.2.2. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis
5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Activity Type
    5.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    5.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Activity Type, 2018 to 2022
    5.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Activity Type, 2018 to 2033
        5.3.1. Culinary Trials
        5.3.2. Cooking Classes
        5.3.3. Restaurants
        5.3.4. Food Festivals
        5.3.5. Others
    5.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Activity Type, 2018 to 2022
    5.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Activity Type, 2018 to 2033
6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Booking Channel
    6.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    6.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022
    6.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2033
        6.3.1. Phone Booking
        6.3.2. Online Booking
        6.3.3. In-Person Booking
    6.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2022
    6.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Booking Channel, 2018 to 2033
7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Tourist Type 
    7.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    7.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2022
    7.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2033
        7.3.1. Domestic
        7.3.2. International
    7.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2022
    7.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Tourist Type , 2018 to 2033
8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Tour Type
    8.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    8.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Tour Type, 2018 to 2022
    8.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Tour Type, 2018 to 2033
        8.3.1. Independent Traveler
        8.3.2. Package Traveler
        8.3.3. Tour Group
    8.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Tour Type, 2018 to 2022
    8.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Tour Type, 2018 to 2033
9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Consumer Orientation
    9.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    9.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022
    9.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2033
        9.3.1. Men
        9.3.2. Women
    9.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2022
    9.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Consumer Orientation, 2018 to 2033
10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2018 to 2033, By Age Group
    10.1. Introduction / Key Findings
    10.2. Historical Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022
    10.3. Current and Future Market Size Value (US$ Million) Analysis and Forecast By Age Group, 2018 to 2033
        10.3.1. 15-25 Years
        10.3.2. 26-35 Years
        10.3.3. 36-45 Years
        10.3.4. 46-55 Years
        10.3.5. 66-75 Years
    10.4. Y-o-Y Growth Trend Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2022
    10.5. Absolute $ Opportunity Analysis By Age Group, 2018 to 2033
11. Key Countries Culinary Tourism Market Analysis
    11.1. China
        11.1.1. Pricing Analysis
        11.1.2. Market Share Analysis, 2022
            11.1.2.1. By Activity Type
            11.1.2.2. By Booking Channel
            11.1.2.3. By Tourist Type
            11.1.2.4. By Tour Type
            11.1.2.5. By Consumer Orientation
            11.1.2.6. By Age Group
12. Market Structure Analysis
    12.1. Competition Dashboard
    12.2. Competition Benchmarking
    12.3. Market Share Analysis of Top Players
        12.3.1. By Activity Type
        12.3.2. By Booking Channel
        12.3.3. By Tourist Type
        12.3.4. By Tour Type
        12.3.5. By Consumer Orientation
        12.3.6. By Age Group
13. Competition Analysis
    13.1. Competition Deep Dive
        13.1.1. Hello Hong Kong: Private & Small Group Tours
            13.1.1.1. Overview
            13.1.1.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.1.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.1.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.1.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.2. Lost Plate Beijing Food Tours
            13.1.2.1. Overview
            13.1.2.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.2.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.2.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.2.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.2.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.3. UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
            13.1.3.1. Overview
            13.1.3.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.3.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.3.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.3.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.3.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.4. Lost Plate Xian Food Tours
            13.1.4.1. Overview
            13.1.4.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.4.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.4.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.4.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.4.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.5. UnTour Beijing Food Tours
            13.1.5.1. Overview
            13.1.5.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.5.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.5.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.5.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.5.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.6. UnTour Shanghai Food Tours
            13.1.6.1. Overview
            13.1.6.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.6.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.6.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.6.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.6.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.7. Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour
            13.1.7.1. Overview
            13.1.7.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.7.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.7.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.7.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.7.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.8. Discover Beijing Tours
            13.1.8.1. Overview
            13.1.8.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.8.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.8.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.8.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.8.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.9. Sunny Tours Shanghai
            13.1.9.1. Overview
            13.1.9.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.9.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.9.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.9.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.9.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.10. Withlocals
            13.1.10.1. Overview
            13.1.10.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.10.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.10.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.10.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.10.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.11. Dong Dong Tour
            13.1.11.1. Overview
            13.1.11.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.11.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.11.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.11.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.11.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.12. Catherine Lu Tours
            13.1.12.1. Overview
            13.1.12.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.12.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.12.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.12.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.12.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.13. Janvi Tours - Guangzhou Off the Beaten Path
            13.1.13.1. Overview
            13.1.13.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.13.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.13.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.13.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.13.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.14. Catherine Lu Tours Xi'an
            13.1.14.1. Overview
            13.1.14.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.14.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.14.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.14.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.14.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.15. Amazing Shanghai Trip
            13.1.15.1. Overview
            13.1.15.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.15.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.15.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.15.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.15.5.1. Marketing Strategy
        13.1.16. Lily's Private Tours
            13.1.16.1. Overview
            13.1.16.2. Product Portfolio
            13.1.16.3. Profitability by Market Segments
            13.1.16.4. Sales Footprint
            13.1.16.5. Strategy Overview
                13.1.16.5.1. Marketing Strategy
14. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
15. Research Methodology
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