The 13 Best Cooking Classes in Beijing
Beijing is a city where culinary traditions run deep—think pork dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and dim sum—and the best way to truly connect with this food scene is by learning directly from locals. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, Beijing offers a variety of options that let you roll up your sleeves and bring authentic Chinese flavors into your own kitchen or experience them firsthand. We’re particularly fans of the online classes with Chef Sunflower Li for their expert instruction and flexibility, and the hutong cultural tour with dumpling making for its immersive street-level charm.
Some classes focus on making traditional dishes like dim sum, while others emphasize street food staples such as jian bing. For those seeking a mix of cultural activities and culinary skills, private tours like the Hutong Culture Tour with Dumpling Cooking offer a full day of sightseeing, learning, and eating. Each experience on this list has its unique appeal, whether it’s the intimacy of a family-hosted class or the convenience of a virtual lesson from anywhere in the world.
1. Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli
This online class offers an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine right from your kitchen. Led by Chef Sunflower Li, a well-loved instructor with glowing reviews, this 1.5-hour private session lets you pick your favorite dishes—dumplings, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and vegan options are all on the menu. The class is tailored to your skill level and schedule, with a full ingredients list sent three days in advance, so you can shop beforehand.
What makes this class stand out is its personalized approach and the ability to cook alongside a professional chef from Beijing—without leaving home. The reviews highlight Sunflower’s warmth and patience, with one noting, “The dumplings were delicious and I loved her secret dipping sauce.” It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families wanting a flexible, fun introduction to Chinese cooking.
Bottom Line: If you want expert guidance and the convenience of learning from home, this is a top pick.
2. China’s Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop
For around $55, the Street Food Workshop focuses on making jian bing, one of China’s most beloved street foods. During this 1.5-hour class, you’ll get hands-on help from your instructor, trying out different fillings and flavors to customize your jian bing just how you like it. The small, private setting ensures plenty of personal attention, and you’ll walk away with the skills to recreate this snack at home.
This class is ideal if you’re interested in street foods or want to learn a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The price offers good value, and the instructor’s friendly guidance makes the process enjoyable. Plus, because it’s online, you can join from anywhere, making it accessible for travelers with busy schedules or those who prefer online learning.
Bottom Line: A fun, focused class for street-food lovers looking to master jian bing with expert help.
3. Private Hutong Culture Tour with Dumpling Cooking Class plus Cricket Fighting Game
This full-day private experience combines Beijing’s historic hutongs with a hands-on cooking session and some local entertainment. After a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys, you’ll visit temples and enjoy a dumpling-making workshop in a local family’s home. You’ll also get a peek at traditional cricket fighting, a quirky Chinese pastime, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch.
What sets this apart is not just the culinary lesson, but the deep culture. The guide is highly praised for making the history and traditions come alive, and the chance to cook in a local family’s home offers an intimate, authentic experience. The entire day costs $176.72 and suits travelers eager for a comprehensive, culturally rich adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a cultural deep dive combined with a memorable cooking lesson.
4. Dumpling Cooking Class and Local Market Tour
If you’re keen on making dumplings from scratch, this class offers a 4-hour adventure that includes shopping at a local market and hands-on cooking. Led by friendly Beijing locals, it’s perfect for those who want more than just a lesson—they get to explore the market, choose ingredients, and then learn to fold and cook a variety of dumpling fillings, including vegan options.
Guests describe it as a “super fun experience,” praising the blend of market exploration and cooking. The class is suited for all skill levels and is especially good for those wanting a more immersive, local experience. The price of $80 offers good value for the time and personalized attention.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, authentic experience for dumpling lovers who want to cook, shop, and taste in one go.
5. Online Cooking Class Hand Pulled Noodles by Sunflower Li
This online lesson focuses on one of Beijing’s most iconic dishes—hand-pulled noodles. In about 2 hours, Chef Sunflower Li guides you through the technique of stretching and pulling noodles to create authentic, restaurant-quality results. The class is designed to fit European and US time zones, making it accessible for international travelers.
Guests rave about Sunflower’s thorough instructions and engaging style, with one reviewer saying, “Her detailed guidance made it possible for all of us to have a successful meal.” The class is ideal for those wanting to master a core Chinese skill or looking for a fun team-building activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for noodle aficionados and those who want to learn a traditional craft that’s fun and rewarding.
6. Online Cooking Class Steamed Buns by Chef Sunflower Li
In this interactive online class, Chef Sunflower Li teaches you how to make authentic Chinese steamed buns. Over roughly 2 hours, she covers dough preparation, filling ideas, and steaming techniques. The class is designed for easy participation, with recipes you can replicate at home, and is tailored to suit European or US time zones.
Participants often comment on her engaging teaching style and the delicious results, with one noting, “I am looking forward to making these buns again soon!” It’s a great choice for home cooks who want a hands-on, straightforward lesson.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to learn a staple Chinese dish with expert guidance in their own kitchen.
7. Calligraphy and Dumpling Cooking Classes Private Half Day Tour
This half-day private tour combines the artistic and culinary traditions of Beijing. You’ll learn Chinese calligraphy in the hutong area for about 1.5 hours before heading to a local family’s home to make and eat dumplings. The tour includes market visits, hotel pickup, and lunch, making it an all-encompassing cultural experience.
The mix of art and food makes it stand out, especially for travelers interested in both. With only 2 reviews, the feedback is positive, highlighting the personalized nature of the classes. The price is $180, making it a worthwhile culture for those wanting a well-rounded half-day activity.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a blend of traditional arts and cooking in a private, flexible setting.
8. Chinese Cooking Class with Badminton Experience in Beijing
This full-day experience combines culinary lessons with a badminton session—a lively way to enjoy Chinese sports and food. Starting with visits to an authentic wet market, you’ll learn to make dishes like dumplings, potstickers, and steamed buns from scratch, then enjoy a homemade Chinese lunch and dinner. The tour costs $158 and includes free recipe cards and hotel pickup.
The highlight for many is the blend of cooking and physical activity, perfect for active travelers or groups wanting a dynamic day. The private guide ensures personalized attention, and vegetarian options are available.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine sports and cuisine into one full-day adventure.
9. Beijing: Private Dumpling Cooking Class in Local Family
At Catherine’s home, you’ll join her family to learn how to make dumplings and two other local dishes over a 4-hour private experience. The class begins with a market tour, then moves to preparing fillings and folding dumplings, plus cooking kung pao chicken and more. The meal is enjoyed together afterward, making it a warm, authentic experience.
Guests appreciate the personal attention and the chance to learn about local ingredients and traditions. The class costs $160 per person and includes market visits, home cooking, and a chance to speak with locals about daily life.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting an intimate, home-style cooking experience with cultural insights.
10. Private Beijing Half Day Tour Including Cooking Class And Temple of Heaven Visit
This half-day tour offers a quick immersion into Beijing’s culinary and spiritual sites. After a short cooking class focusing on dishes like Sichuan-style chicken and dumplings, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The private vehicle and guide make this a seamless experience, perfect for tight schedules or first-time visitors.
The value lies in combining culinary skills with cultural sightseeing**, providing a balanced snapshot of Beijing’s traditions. The tour is especially suited for food lovers who want a taste of history and cuisine in a few hours.
Bottom Line: Great for a compact, culturally rich half-day with food as a highlight.
$270.00 per person
11. Beijing: Vegan Home Cooking & Local Market Tour with Sanxia
This vegan experience takes you into a cozy Beijing home to prepare plant-based Chinese dishes alongside Sanxia. You’ll visit a bustling local market to select fresh produce, then cook dumplings, noodles, and colorful seasonal dishes. The class includes a shared meal and a handmade souvenir from scenic Fragrant Hills.
Ideal for vegan travelers or those interested in sustainable eating, this experience emphasizes healthy, traditional Chinese foods made without animal products. The duration varies from 4 to 6 hours, depending on group size, offering plenty of time for discussion and tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for eco-conscious travelers keen on vegan cuisine and authentic local ingredients.
$47 per person
12. Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li
This online dumpling class offers a focused 75-minute session with Chef Sunflower Li. You’ll learn the art of folding and filling authentic Chinese dumplings, with guidance suited for European and US time zones. It’s an easy, quick way to gain confidence in one of Beijing’s most popular dishes.
Fans love her clear instructions, with one reviewer mentioning, “I highly recommend this class for its simplicity and delicious results.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, affordable, and authentic experience that they can repeat at home.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a short, impactful lesson in making dumplings.
$25 per person
13. Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Chef Sunflower Li
In this 1.5-hour Dim Sum class, Sunflower Li guides you through creating a variety of dim sum dishes, from dumplings to buns. The class is designed to suit international schedules and is perfect for those eager to learn the art of Chinese bite-sized delights.
Attendees praise her engaging teaching style and the tasty outcomes, often saying they’re excited to recreate these recipes for friends and family. It’s a manageable, fun way to explore a quintessential part of Chinese cuisine.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick dive into dim sum preparation from a trusted chef.
$25 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Beijing
When selecting the best cooking experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. If you prefer learning from home, the online classes and hand-pulled noodles are fantastic options, especially for busy travelers or those in different time zones. For a deep culture, the full-day hutong tour with dumplings or the family dumpling class provide authentic, memorable experiences.
If street food and casual fun appeal more, the jian bing workshop is a great pick. Budget-conscious travelers should look at online classes or shorter sessions, while those seeking a comprehensive cultural day might prefer the half-day or full-day tours.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular dates or specific time slots, and consider combining your cooking classes with sightseeing for a richer Beijing experience.
Final Thoughts
Beijing offers something for every culinary curiosity, from online lessons perfect for home cooks to full-day adventures exploring local markets and traditional family kitchens. For most travelers, options like the online dumpling class or the Hutong Culture Tour with dumplings stand out for their authenticity and memorable experiences.
If your schedule is tight, the short online classes or quick street food workshops still give you a taste of Beijing’s culinary soul. For those who want a more immersive adventure, the private family classes or full-day tours will deepen your appreciation of Chinese food and culture.
Whatever your interest or budget, Beijing’s cooking classes are a fantastic way to bring a piece of the city’s flavor back home—just remember to book early, and don’t be afraid to try your hand at those dumplings.