Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Zhengjiatun, Jilin, China

1. Jilin Deer City Restaurant

Try the famous wild deer meat at this unique restaurant located in a deer farm.

Fresh seafood from the Songhua River caught daily, offering a variety of dishes.

Visit the oldest baijiu distillery in Zhengjiatun to learn about and taste this traditional liquor.

Historic Site: Explore a historical landmark with over a century of production.
Baijiu Tasting: Sample different flavors and learn about the distillation process.
Cultural Immersion: Understand the role of baijiu in Chinese traditions and festivals.

Savor the flavors of traditional hot pot cooking with a variety of meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces.

Interactive Dining: Prepare your own meal at the table.
Fusion Cuisine: Experience a mix of Korean, Mongolian, and Chinese hot pot styles.
Regional Ingredients: Enjoy locally sourced ingredients in your hot pot.

Learn the art of making traditional Jilin dumplings and enjoy them freshly made.

Cultural Education: Understand the history and significance of dumplings in Chinese culture.
Hands-on Experience: Create your own dumplings with the help of local experts.
Fresh Dumpling Tasting: Savor your homemade dumplings hot off the steamer.

Explore the bustling night market and sample a variety of street foods from different regions.

Authentic Street Food: Try local favorites in a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Street Performers: Enjoy live music and performances throughout the market.
Social Interaction: Meet locals and fellow travelers while exploring the market.

Participate in an annual festival celebrating the art of making and eating rice noodles.

Cultural Event: Experience a traditional event with music, dance, and food.
Rice Noodle Tasting: Sample different regional rice noodle dishes.
Community Engagement: Interact with locals and learn about their culture during the festival.

Join a guided tour to search for wild mushrooms in the surrounding forests and enjoy them prepared in local dishes.

Nature Exploration: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural landscape.
Wild Mushroom Tasting: Enjoy the unique flavors of wild mushrooms found only in Zhengjiatun.
Eco-friendly Foraging: Learn about sustainable foraging practices and conservation efforts.

Visit a rice wine tasting room to sample and learn about this traditional Jilin beverage.

Local Beverage Experience: Try a unique alcoholic drink from the region.
Tasting Room Tour: Learn about the brewing process and history of rice wine.
Cultural Immersion: Understand the role of rice wine in Jilin traditions and festivals.

Try the famous duck dishes at this restaurant known for its high-quality duck meat.

Quality Ingredients: Enjoy premium duck dishes using only the best ingredients.
Traditional Recipes: Sample authentic Jilin duck dishes passed down through generations.
Regional Specialty: Experience a culinary specialty unique to Zhengjiatun.

Stroll down the street lined with barbecue stands offering a variety of meats and seafood.

Authentic Street Food: Try local favorites in a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Barbecue Techniques: Observe and learn the art of barbecuing from local experts.
Social Interaction: Meet locals and fellow travelers while exploring the street.

Visit a traditional teahouse to learn about and sample various Chinese teas.

Tea Appreciation: Discover the art of tea tasting and brewing.
Historic Site: Explore a beautiful, historic teahouse with stunning architecture.
Cultural Immersion: Understand the role of tea in Chinese culture and history.

Participate in a festival dedicated to sweet potatoes and their various uses in Jilin cuisine.

Cultural Event: Experience a traditional event with music, dance, and food.
Sweet Potato Tasting: Sample different regional sweet potato dishes.
Community Engagement: Interact with locals and learn about their culture during the festival.

Learn the art of making traditional Jilin milk tea and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

Cultural Education: Understand the history and significance of milk tea in Chinese culture.
Hands-on Experience: Create your own milk tea with the help of local experts.
Fresh Milk Tea Tasting: Savor your homemade milk tea hot or iced.

Visit an ice cream factory to learn about the production process and sample various flavors.

Factory Tour: Explore the inner workings of an ice cream factory.
Flavor Tasting: Sample regional and seasonal ice cream flavors.
Cultural Immersion: Understand the role of ice cream in Jilin culture and history.