Taste of China: Shanghai’s Immersive Dining Show To Bring Culinary Tourism to Life With Digital Storytelling And Live Performances

Published on August 24, 2025

Shanghai’s vibrant food scene is taking a new turn with the launch of Taste of China, an immersive dining show presented by Trip.com Group, which starts from Wednesday, August 27. Located in the heart of Shanghai at the newly renovated Bund City Hall Plaza, this unique experience blends fine Chinese cuisine with digital storytelling, live performances, and cultural meanings. Aimed at travelers seeking a deeper connection to China’s rich culinary heritage, the event is reshaping how tourism and food intersect.

The show is not just about eating; it’s an interactive journey through seven regions of China, featuring live storytelling, animated characters, and regional dishes that bring guests closer to the flavors and history of the nation. For both food lovers and cultural explorers, Taste of China is an essential addition to Shanghai’s already dynamic tourism offerings.

A Journey Across China’s Culinary Regions

Taste of China offers a seven-course journey, each representing a different region of China, from the north with its famous Peking Duck to the spicy flavors of Sichuan’s Mapo Tofu. Guests are guided by Cheng BaoBao, an animated panda chef, as they explore the diverse culinary landscape of China. The experience includes regional dishes like Sour Soup Fish from the south, herbal hot pot from central China, and Mapo Tofu with wagyu beef cubes and lobster from the west.

This innovative dining experience not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers guests a cultural and philosophical dive into each region’s culinary traditions. Each chapter of the story is paired with insights into Chinese values such as integrity, heritage, and responsibility, making it an educational journey as much as a gastronomic one.

Live Performances and Interactive Dining

The Taste of China experience goes beyond food with dynamic projections, live performances, and interactive elements that bring each course to life. Guests can watch dancers in traditional Chinese hanfu costumes glide through digital representations of Suzhou’s gardens, while a live Shaolin martial artist wields a staff during a chapter on Guilin. One of the most exciting parts of the show is the interactive tabletop game, where guests can “catch” fish, adding a hands-on element to the dining experience.

The finale includes a Sichuan opera face-changing performance, where performers switch masks with speed to an unexpected rock rhythm, creating a dramatic climax that ties together the sensory journey.

Culinary Tourism: A Gateway to Deeper Cultural Connections

Culinary tourism has seen a significant rise, and Taste of China is capitalizing on this growing trend. According to Trip.com’s latest data, culinary travel bookings increased by thirty percent in 2025, with cities like Paris, London, New York, and Milan topping the list for global food tourism. Within China, cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Changsha are attracting food enthusiasts, with Shanghai’s restaurant bookings leading the pack.

By offering a multi-sensory dining experience that combines food with technology and culture, Taste of China provides a unique opportunity for tourists to connect with Chinese traditions on a deeper level. This type of immersive tourism experience helps differentiate Shanghai’s tourism offerings, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic, local experiences.

Enhancing Shanghai’s Tourism Landscape

The introduction of Taste of China is not just about serving food, it’s about fostering a greater understanding of China’s culinary landscape and heritage. It has the potential to become a major tourist attraction in Shanghai, drawing both local and international visitors eager to experience more than just the city’s famous landmarks.

The program is designed to create a lasting impact on tourism by offering QR code-linked destination guides, allowing diners to easily explore the featured regions further and even plan future trips based on their culinary discoveries. With a rising demand for food-centered travel experiences, this program is sure to attract tourists who may not have previously considered Shanghai as a top culinary destination.

A Perfect Pre-Dinner Experience

For those planning to visit Taste of China, the experience is enhanced by Shanghai’s vibrant surroundings. Guests can explore nearby attractions such as The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the Shanghai Museum before the show. With a price starting from RMB thousand per person, the experience is an affordable way to immerse oneself in the region’s cultural richness. Additionally, guests are encouraged to dress in traditional Chinese attire, adding to the authenticity of the experience and offering great photo opportunities for social media sharing.

A Gateway to Chinese Culture and Culinary Tourism

Taste of China offers an exceptional blend of culinary tourism and cultural immersion in Shanghai, setting a new standard for food-based travel experiences. By pairing China’s rich culinary heritage with cutting-edge technology and live performances, the experience provides a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse regions and values. As culinary travel continues to grow, Taste of China positions Shanghai as a global hub for tourists seeking meaningful and authentic travel experiences, with food as the gateway to culture and exploration.

Image Credit: Trip.com Travel Singapore