BEIJING, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Food in China is not only about eating, but also about friendship. Making dumplings with family and friends is an ancient Chinese tradition. It's a must for family occasions such as Chinese New Year but also a common casual activity on weekends. Like in any culture, cooking and eating together is simply good fun.

Jiaozi (dumplings) are the hot dogs of China. Sold at street stalls, specialty restaurants and offered as a side dish in many restaurants, they are a part of the northern Chinese psyche. A specialty restaurant might offer 25 different kinds of filling on the menu from pork, beef, lamb, egg, fennel, mushrooms and other veggies.

Tasting local Chinese cuisine is an essential part of travel in the Mainland. Travelers not only want to experience different dishes but learn the secrets behind the cooking, and that is what The China Guide is offering (http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ). Travelers can choose a Chinese dumpling making class or learn how to cook various local dishes. Chinese cooking classes with The China Guide are providing a hands-on cultural experience that travelers can take home with them.

Dumplings make a delicious meal and are a favorite among tourists. Guests have the option to learn dumpling making in a home setting or as part of a Hutong Tour. "Travelers can tour the old alleys of Beijing, learning the history and culture, and stop into a family home where they will be shown how to make jiaozi," says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide. "This is a unique offering for tourists because they get to experience Chinese cooking and culture with local people, all in a historic family home."

Dumplings are popular year round in China and are specially enjoyed during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. Dumpling cooking classes will have guests making the dough and filling from scratch and molding them together in a special way shown by the teacher. Filling can be meat or vegetarian depending on the preference. Dumplings are then steamed or boiled and enjoyed by the guests, dipped in vinegar. The China Guide's dumpling teacher will discuss the various cooking methods and how to properly freeze jiaozi for future use.

The China Guide is also showing travelers how to cook delicious local dishes. Chinese cooking class will start off with a tour of the local market to pick out ingredients and spices. Guests can learn about the local produce and meat selections. A selection of three dishes will be cooked with the chef and then enjoyed. Guests can learn the secret flavors to Chinese cooking as well as different cooking methods.

Travelers can partake in a Chinese cooking class as a single activity or include it in a full day itinerary of sightseeing. Dumpling and cooking classes are a great afternoon activity during the colder winter months. The China Guide will help travelers customize a full day tour or they can choose from one of many itinerary options including:

    http://www.chinatourbuilder.com/tour/itinerary_out.php?id=1289
    http://www.chinatourbuilder.com/tour/itinerary_out.php?id=324

The China Guide

The China Guide, http://www.TheChinaGuide.com , is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.

SOURCE The China Guide

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