A Bite of Linhai, Authentic Local Food Tour Through Ancient Streets

No ratings yet

Linhai

Duration: 3 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Xiaoxuan

Registered on 20 April 2025

My name is Xiaoxuan, but feel free to call me Olive! Born and raised in Harbin, I’m now a freelancer based in the charming coastal city of Linhai, Taizhou. Three years ago, a casual visit turned into love at first sight—I was captivated by the city’s slow rhythm, its warm-hearted people, and, of course, the incredible food. My journey has taken me from studying film and art in upstate New York to soaking up creativity in Berlin, experiences that shaped my open-minded and multicultural perspective. Now, I’d love to share the hidden gem I call home—this small but inspiring city that nourishes my soul every day.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

If you're a true food lover, you've undoubtedly heard of Xin Rong Ji.

As China's most celebrated culinary institution, this Michelin-starred, Black Pearl-honored restaurant group has redefined Chinese fine dining. But the real magic begins here in Linhai—a picturesque town nestled between misty mountains and the East China Sea, nourishing both this restaurant empire and generations of locals who find daily joy in its authentic flavors.

On this immersive walking tour, we'll:

Savor the Soul of Linhai (A Carb-Lover’s Must)
• Haitai Bing – Crispy seaweed crackers
• Mai Bing – Flaky stuffed wheat cakes
• Bianshi – Delicate folded dumplings
• Shou Rou Wan – Bouncy pork meatballs

Go Beyond the Bites（Web Market and Coffee Shops）
• Navigate the lively wet market with local grandmothers as our guides
• Discover hyper-local seafood and vegetables you won’t find anywhere else
• Taste authentic Luwei (braised delights) exactly as locals enjoy them at home
• Visit local cafes opened by young people who’ve returned from big cities—you’ll be amazed by their coffee and moved by the details they put into their little shops

This isn’t just a food tour—it’s a journey through time where you’ll:
• Feel the rhythm of authentic small-town life
• Connect with Linhai’s living food history
• Discover how humble ingredients become extraordinary flavors

This is a free tour. Food tastings will cost around 50–100 RMB (6-12€) per person. Vegan and vegetarian options are available—please contact me in advance.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

2 Zi Yang Jie, Lin Hai Shi, Tai Zhou Shi, Zhe Jiang Sheng, China, 317000

I will wait in front of Starbucks with a guruwalk sign holding

Outside visit

Ziyang Old Street

On this historic and bustling old street, we'll visit multiple shops and stalls tailored to your preferences: Must-try Internet Famous Delicacies (Always with Long Queues): • Haitai Bing - The crispy, savory crowd favorite • Pao Xia - Freshly fried street food classic

Outside visit

Ziyang Old Street

Refreshing Beverage Options: • 18 Reserva Coffee - Premium hand-drip experience • Local Green Tea - Authentic regional brew • Grass Jelly - Traditional herbal dessert for summer relief (We'll flexibly adjust the itinerary based on your real-time preferences)

Outside visit

Linhai Central Wet Market

Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the authentic local wet market, joining grandmothers as they select ingredients for their family dinners. You'll witness: • Morning's freshest catch - glistening fish and shellfish hauled in at dawn • Hyper-local produce - seasonal greens and rare spices unique to Linhai's terroir • Living culinary traditions - watch how locals bargain for the perfect ingredients

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).