Beijing offers an exciting mix of plant-based experiences that go beyond just food. Its vibrant restaurant scene, innovative art spaces, and local markets make it a prime city for exploring vegetarian and vegan options. Among the standout experiences, visiting the Michelin-starred Jing Zhaoyin Vegetarian Restaurant offers a taste of refined Chinese cuisine, while the Mentougou Art Park tour combines visual art with plant-based dining and unique explorations like decoding dragon reliefs. For those eager to learn traditional Chinese cooking, the Vegan Home Cooking & Local Market Tour with Sanxia provides an authentic, hands-on experience that is hard to find elsewhere. This guide highlights these three top options, each offering a different way to enjoy Beijing’s plant-based scene.
If you’re considering exploring Beijing’s vegan and vegetarian side, these tours showcase the city’s culinary creativity, cultural richness, and artistic spirit. Whether you prefer a quick, Michelin-level meal, a private art and dining adventure, or an immersive cooking class, Beijing has something for every kind of plant-based traveler. Read on to see which experience suits your style best.
1. Beijing: Top Michelin Vegetarian Restaurant Reservation
For around $7 per person, this reservation at Jing Zhaoyin Vegetarian Restaurant offers a remarkable opportunity to enjoy a Michelin-starred meal in Beijing. This restaurant has earned recognition for its clean, flavorful dishes that highlight mushrooms, soy products, vegetables, and whole grains, all prepared with minimal oil, fat, sugar, and salt. What sets this experience apart is that it’s not just about good food; it’s about dining at a restaurant featured in the Harvard Business Review, signaling a certain level of culinary and operational excellence.
The meal is carefully curated to satisfy hunger without overwhelming your taste buds or your waistline. The menu emphasizes healthy Chinese cuisine that respects traditional flavors while maintaining modern dietary standards. This tour is ideal for travelers looking for an authentic yet refined vegetarian experience, especially those short on time but eager to sample Beijing’s top-rated plant-based dining scene. The 2-hour reservation process makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, and the reviews highlight the quality and innovation of the dishes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for quick, quality, and affordable vegetarian dining that impresses even the most discerning palate.
2. Beijing: Mentougou Art Park & Plant-Based Dining Tour
At about $180 per group (up to four people), this full-day private tour offers more than just a meal. It combines a visit to the Mentougou Fantasy Art Park with a guided exploration of its art installations, including decoding hidden constellations on dragon reliefs with a UV flashlight. This isn’t your standard sightseeing tour—it’s a journey into Beijing’s contemporary art scene paired with delicious plant-based food at BaiPu Vegetarian Restaurant, located right inside the park.
Your guide will navigate you through the Industrial Mythology Zone and the Dragon Falls Pavilion, sharing insights into the art and stories behind the sculptures. The tour also includes a personalized art walkthrough and real-time menu translation, making it accessible even if you don’t speak Chinese. The highlight is sampling a variety of vegetarian dishes in a scenic setting, perfect for travelers who love combining cultural exploration with culinary experiences.
Reviews mention how much visitors appreciate the detailed guided experience, especially decoding art with UV light and learning about Chinese symbolism. The private nature of this tour means you can customize your focus, making it ideal for art lovers and those seeking an immersive day out.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a blend of contemporary art, cultural discovery, and plant-based dining in a relaxed, private setting.
$180 per group up to 4
3. Beijing: Vegan Home Cooking & Local Market Tour with Sanxia
For about $47 per person, this hands-on cooking experience is perfect for those who want to learn how to make traditional Chinese vegan dishes. Led by Sanxia, a local host, you’ll start the day by visiting a vibrant local market to pick fresh, seasonal produce. Then, in her cozy Beijing home, you’ll roll up your sleeves to prepare handmade dumplings, noodles, and colorful vegetable dishes, guided by Sanxia’s expert tips.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of market exploration, cooking, and storytelling—all accompanied by tea and a relaxed atmosphere. You don’t just eat; you learn about the cultural significance of each dish and ingredient. The experience lasts between 4 and 6 hours, making it suitable for those with a flexible schedule who enjoy immersive activities. As a bonus, each participant leaves with a handmade souvenir from scenic Fragrant Hills, adding a memorable keepsake.
Testimonial feedback highlights the warmth of Sanxia’s hospitality and the authenticity of the dishes. This tour is especially well-suited for those who want a personal, cultural introduction to vegan Chinese cuisine. It’s less about quick tasting and more about deepening your connection to Beijing’s food traditions.
Bottom Line: A rewarding option for food adventurers eager to cook and share stories over a homemade vegan meal.
$47 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Vegan or Vegetarian Tour in Beijing
When selecting among these options, consider your priorities:
– If you’re after a quick, high-quality meal, the Michelin-starred reservation is unbeatable.
– For a full-day cultural and artistic adventure with plant-based food, the Mentougou Art Park tour offers a private, personalized experience.
– If you want to learn cooking skills and dive into local markets, the Vegan Home Cooking & Market Tour with Sanxia provides hands-on participation.
Time, budget, and your interest in art, food, or cooking will guide your choice. Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular restaurant reservations and private tours, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Beijing’s plant-based scene is surprisingly rich. Whether you want a quick gourmet fix, an artistic day out, or a home-cooked meal with a local host, these tours cover a broad spectrum. The Michelin-starred restaurant is perfect for a refined, efficient experience, while the Mentougou Art Park tour appeals to those craving culture and creativity. For food lovers eager to cook and learn, the home cooking tour offers an authentic, personal connection to Beijing’s vegan cuisine.
Each tour has its strengths, so consider what makes your trip special. If you’re pressed for time, the restaurant reservation is a reliable choice. For a relaxed, immersive day, try the art and plant-based dining tour. And if you love hands-on experiences, Sanxia’s cooking class will leave you with new skills and delicious memories. Whatever your style, these options show how Beijing embraces plant-based living in creative and delicious ways. Book early and enjoy your journey into China’s capital’s vibrant vegan and vegetarian scene.