




Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Start the day by exploring Lijiang’s oldest market to shop for your cooking class, with hands-on instruction led by a local Naxi minority family. Each person will prepare and eat three dishes.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please refer to your voucher ticket for meeting location details.
Lijiang
You will visit Lijiang's largest Naxi minority market and then head to our cooking studio, hosted by a local Lijiang family, where you will prepare and eat three dishes with hands-on instruction.
Local English-speaking guide
Small-group tour (less than 10 people)
Individual cooking station
All food & drinks
Snacks
Lunch
Tea and Bottled Water
Gratuities
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
beneR992DD,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the best things we’ve done on our holiday in China! Fascinating visit to Xiangshan market with our host Fancy, with really useful explanations about the produce, and the cultural and ethnic background to the food. Cooking in Fancy’s Little Kitchen in a small group was so instructive, very hands-on and everyone got to cook. Then we sat down to eat a delicious Naxi meal.


Advro,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was hands down one of the best experiences of our Yunnan trip. It starts at Lijiang’s oldest wet market, early morning, before the tourists are out. Megan guides you through the whole thing , the black pig butcher, the freshly made rice noodles, the mountains of ginger and garlic, the medicinal roots, the seasonal vegetables. Megan’s knowledge of Yunnan’s minority food culture is genuinely impressive, and her English is excellent — clear, detailed, and enthusiastic without being overwhelming. Then it’s back to the kitchen, where you cook three dishes from scratch: the Yunnan little pot rice noodle, a herb chicken salad with mint, cilantro and lime, and Palosda, a coconut milk and mango dessert we’d never heard of before. Oh, and try the yak butter tea on the market. Salty, rich, completely unlike anything called “tea.” Worth the experience. After the class, don’t skip the bakery next door, also run by Fancy. The yak cheese croissant and the pork floss croissant are the best pastries we found in Lijiang. Not an exaggeration. Fully recommended. Book it.






Dreamer67907615205,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This cooking class was absolutely fantastic. The instructor was incredibly detailed, not just showing us how to handle the ingredients, but also sharing the rich culinary culture and professional tips on how to pick the best produce. I truly felt like my cooking knowledge leveled up! We hand-made three authentic local dishes. From prep work to the final toss in the pan, the instructor guided us through every single step, making it super easy even for a beginner like me. Seeing the final dishes I made myself was such a rewarding moment! Not only did I get to taste the authentic flavors of Lijiang, but I’ve also gained a new skill to take home. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Lijiang!




michaelgG4916MK,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We spent a wonderful morning with Fancy at the market and at her home. We toured the local market the real market where Fancy shops and where she showed us the different vegetables, meats, herbs . After touring the market we drove to Fancy’s home where she explained the three dishes we would be making. After careful instruction we got busy and prepared our first dish a beautiful chicken salad appetizer, next came the famous Lijiang rice noodle soup with black pork and then for dessert black rice with sago condensed milk mango and coconut milk. Then we ate our lunch and all of it was delicious. If you are ever thinking of going to Lijiang this is one experience you should not miss. Thank you Fancy for hosting us at your beautiful home and passing on your culinary knowledge.
dfondsupattana,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I are amateur cooks who love exploring the local food and culture of every country we visit. This trip is one of the few still operating in the Yunnan area, and it was truly a highlight for us. After booking through the tripadvisor, you can easily reach out to Fancy via WeChat to coordinate. The activity kicks off at 9:15 AM at the largest local market in Lijiang. If you’re looking to buy authentic ingredients to take back home, this is the place to do it—the prices are much better than in the Old Town! The entire experience was incredibly fun, and the food we made was absolutely delicious. Fancy speaks excellent English, making communication smooth and enjoyable throughout the day. If you are still on the fence about whether to book this trip, don’t hesitate—just book it! It is worth every yuan.









Elke S,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fancy was an excellent cooking teacher and market guide! We added this on the front end of a hiking trip, and it was a major highlight of the trip. We loved getting to walk thru the market and get all of our questions answered. Fancy was incredibly patient as we asked all about mushrooms, the variety of fruit, the coloration on peanuts, etc. Afterwards, the cooking class was back at her home cooking studio. The space was easy to use and clean and hygienic. Fancy was again a patient teacher as we each tried our hand at the dishes. The 3 dishes we made were all delicious and made for a big lunch. We sat outside in the courtyard given the beautiful weather. After lunch, we had local Yunnan fruit and then purchased some croissants from her husband’s patisserie next door. Spectacular day!







G6512ESjasminew,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a very fun and interesting experience cooking with Fancy. My family and I learned a lot while we bought the ingredients and had much fun cooking. She also explained each the ingredients culture and detail while we were buying them in the market. Fancy’s instructions were also very clear and we managed to cook delicious food while enjoying the cooking journey. It was definitely a place to have a chat and cook because of how family friendly the place really is. Highly recommended.






Wanderer39595322864,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Incredible experience! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Fancy learning about local life and visiting places we would have never found on our own. Highly recommended. Thank you so much Fancy :)
TorontoJunction,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a pleasure to spend time with Fancy exploring the local market and spending time cooking. Fancy shared great information as we explored the fabulous market. Cooking was easy to follow instructions with tasty results. We made a cold chicken salad, rice noodle soup and a dessert. Our 8 year old had a great time making the food. It was lovely to eat our lunch in the courtyard.
Rong Yu Z,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great option for anyone looking for unique experiences outside the commercialised ancient towns in Lijiang. Fancy took us through the local market whilst imparting us with insight into local culture, which was an eye opening experience. Cooking was simple enough that anyone could follow and the dishes tasted great. Highly recommend.



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