TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Chinese Restaurant
If you are planning a trip to Shanghai and want to experience Chinese cuisine not just as a meal but as a full-scale theatrical production, TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Chinese Restaurant is the reservation you need to make. Launched in late 2025 by Trip.com Group inside the historic The Bund City Hall Plaza, this 90-minute dining show transports guests on a sensory voyage across seven Chinese culinary regions — complete with 270-degree digital projections, live Sichuan opera face-changing, Shaolin martial arts, and a passport-style menu that doubles as your keepsake.
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Unlike any traditional restaurant in China, TASTE OF CHINA does not simply serve food. It tells a story. Walls dissolve into living paintings of the Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. A giant panda chef named Cheng BaoBao appears on screen to introduce each course. Dancers in flowing hanfu glide between tables while the aroma of Peking Duck fills the room. By the end of the evening, you will have eaten your way from Jiangnan to Sichuan, from Beijing to the Greater Bay Area — all without leaving your seat in a century-old landmark building steps from the Shanghai Bund.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to China seeking a crash course in regional cuisine, a couple planning a memorable date night, or a family with curious children, this guide covers everything you need to know for 2026: the full menu breakdown, ticket prices, how to book, the dress-up experience, and how to combine it with a perfect Bund evening.
What Is TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Chinese Restaurant?
TASTE OF CHINA (味) is an immersive 90-minute dining experience created by Trip.com Group and located in the basement of The Bund City Hall Plaza (外滩老市府) at 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai. The venue occupies Unit LG1-03 inside a beautifully restored historic building that once served as Shanghai’s Old Municipal Government Building — a fitting setting for a show that celebrates Chinese heritage.
The concept was developed over two years and represents Trip.com’s flagship entry into the booming “culture plus dining” trend that has taken China’s major cities by storm. Similar immersive dining shows like Gongyan (Palace Banquet) in Beijing and Shuyan Fu in Chengdu have become viral sensations, but TASTE OF CHINA distinguishes itself as the most foreigner-friendly and bilingual experience of its kind. All on-screen narration is conducted in English with Chinese subtitles, and the menu passport is fully bilingual, making it accessible to international visitors who may not speak Mandarin.
The dining room accommodates a maximum of 60 guests per show, arranged in three tiered seating categories across 15 tables of four. The intimate scale ensures every guest has a clear view of both the 270-degree projection walls and the live performers who move between tables.
Key concept: Each of the seven courses represents a Chinese value — Wisdom, Responsibility, Benevolence, Integrity, Heritage, Connection, and Innovation — woven into a narrative journey across China’s geographic and culinary landscape.
The 7-Course Culinary Journey: Menu Breakdown
The heart of the TASTE OF CHINA experience is its Culinary Passport — a beautifully designed menu that doubles as a storybook, explaining the inspiration behind each dish, the region it represents, and the tea pairing chosen to complement it. Here is the complete menu:
Course 1: Wisdom — East (Jiangnan)
The Dish: A Tai Chi-inspired appetizer platter featuring delicate Jiangnan cold dishes and intricate knife work. The Story: Symbolizes balance and harmony, reflecting the scholarly traditions of eastern China. Tea Pairing: Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea — fresh and grassy, echoing the lakeside gardens of Hangzhou.
Course 2: Responsibility — North (Beijing)
The Dish: Peking Duck, carved tableside and served with pancakes, scallion, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. The Story: Represents the dedication and loyalty of master craftsmen. Guests are invited to roll their own duck pancakes. Tea Pairing: Jasmine tea — floral notes cut through the richness of the duck.
Course 3: Benevolence — South (Guangdong / Greater Bay Area)
The Dish: Sour Soup Fish, made with giant grouper and mushrooms in a tangy, aromatic broth. The Story: Reflects southern warmth and hospitality. The presentation evokes mist rising from mountain peaks. Tea Pairing: Pu’er tea — balances acidity and highlights the seafood’s freshness.
Course 4: Integrity — West (Sichuan)
The Dish: Mapo Tofu reimagined with wagyu beef, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili bean paste. The Story: Honors culinary innovation and the integrity of using three-year-aged bean paste for authentic flavor. Tea Pairing: Pu’er tea — aids digestion after spice-heavy dishes.
Course 5: Heritage — Central China
The Dish: Herbal hot pot with abalone, marbled beef, fresh vegetables, and noodles. Guests mix their own dipping sauces from nine condiments. The Story: Pays tribute to China’s heartland and the tradition of sharing food around a bubbling copper pot. Tea Pairing: Imperial chrysanthemum tea — robust enough to match hearty flavors.
Course 6: Connection — The Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong & Macau)
The Dish: Dim sum platter, presented as edible art with delicate, colorful dumplings. The Story: Celebrates the cultural fusion and refinement of Cantonese cuisine. Children can join an interactive dim sum quiz projected onto the table. Tea Pairing: Silver needle white tea — elegant and light, echoing the refinement of Cantonese dining.
Course 7: Innovation — Shanghai
The Dish: Sweet fermented glutinous rice balls with a modern twist, accompanied by a star-filled projection inspired by the Shanghai Astronomy Museum. The Story: Cheng BaoBao returns to guide guests through constellations, closing the journey on a note of modern creativity. Tea Pairing: Silver needle white tea — light and refreshing.
Wine Pairing Option: For an additional ¥398, guests can add a curated all-Chinese wine pairing selected by the house sommelier to match each course.
Live Performances & Digital Immersion
What elevates TASTE OF CHINA from a tasting menu to a theatrical event is the seamless integration of digital projection mapping and live performance.
The Projections
As the lights dim, the restaurant walls transform into a 270-degree panoramic canvas. Scenes include:
- The misty blue-green mountains and rivers of Jiangnan, with boats gliding across digital water
- The thundering Hukou Falls of the Yellow River, where cascading torrents appear to roar from above
- Lantern-lit Beijing hutongs and the Great Wall
- Star-filled domes inspired by the Shanghai Astronomy Museum
The projections are not static backdrops — they shift and evolve with each course, creating a living environment where sight, sound, and taste merge.
The Live Acts
Between courses, performers bring Chinese culture directly to the dining room:
- Hanfu dancers in flowing traditional costumes glide between tables, their movements synchronized with the projected scenery
- Shaolin martial arts masters wield long staffs with tiger-like power and precision
- Sichuan opera face-changing (Bian Lian) — the dramatic art of swapping masks in an instant — performed to the pulse of modern rock rhythms
- Interactive tabletop games — guests can “catch” fish in a virtual Guilin fishing scene projected onto their table
Language: The entire show is narrated in English with Chinese subtitles, making it the most accessible immersive dining experience in China for international visitors.
Tickets, Prices & How to Book
| Ticket Type | Price (RMB) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (General Seating) | From ¥788 | 7-course meal, tea pairings, show |
| Dinner (General Seating) | From ¥888 | 7-course meal, tea pairings, show |
| VIP Seating | Up to ¥1,588 | Premium middle-tier seating, closer to projection walls |
| VVIP Seating | ¥1,468+ | Front two rows, best views of live performers |
| Children (ages 6–11) | ¥488 | Kids’ menu version of the 7-course journey |
| Wine Pairing Add-On | ¥398 | Curated Chinese wines for each course |
| Dress-Up Experience | Priced separately (2 tiers) | Professional styling, hanfu/cheongsam rental, makeup, photoshoot |
How to book:
- Official Trip.com website / app: Search for “Taste of China” under Activities or Dining
- Klook: Often offers instant confirmation and mobile vouchers
- Expedia / Agoda: Available under “Things to Do” in Shanghai
- WeChat / Douyin / Meituan: For Chinese-speaking users
Important booking notes:
- Maximum 60 guests per show — book at least 3–7 days in advance, especially for weekends.
- Two sessions daily: Lunch 12:00–14:00; Dinner 19:00–21:00.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early for seating. The show starts promptly.
- Children under 6 are not recommended due to dynamic lighting, sound, and the 2.5-hour duration.
The Optional Dress-Up Experience
For guests who want to fully immerse themselves, TASTE OF CHINA offers a professional dress-up and styling service available two hours before your scheduled dining time.
Costume options include:
- Song Dynasty hanfu
- Qing-era cheongsam (qipao)
- Tang Dynasty-inspired outfits
- Traditional garments from Miao and Tibetan communities
The experience includes professional makeup and hairstyling, followed by a photoshoot in front of a 3D screen and intricately designed sets outside the main dining room. This add-on is priced separately and requires advance booking.
Is it worth it? If you love photography and want unique keepsakes, yes. However, the dining experience alone is already richly immersive. Many guests find the 2-hour early arrival requirement too long unless they are specifically seeking a photoshoot.
How to Get to TASTE OF CHINA
TASTE OF CHINA is located at Unit LG1-03, Basement 1, The Bund City Hall Plaza, 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai — directly in the historic Bund area and within walking distance of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks.
Option 1: Metro (Recommended)
Take Shanghai Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站), Exit 2. Walk south along Henan Middle Road for approximately 8–10 minutes (about 700 meters). The Bund City Hall Plaza is on your right.
- From People’s Square: Line 2, 1 stop (3 minutes) + 8-minute walk
- From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Line 2 direct, ~50 minutes
- From Shanghai Pudong Airport: Line 2 direct, ~70 minutes
Option 2: From The Bund Promenade
If you are already sightseeing along The Bund, walk north along Zhongshan East 1st Road and turn west onto Henan Middle Road. The restaurant is approximately 5 minutes from the waterfront.
Option 3: Taxi / Didi
Set your destination to “The Bund City Hall Plaza” (外滩老市府) or “270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District.” Most Shanghai drivers know this historic building.
Tip: Combine your reservation with an evening Bund walk. Arrive at 17:30 to watch the sunset over Pudong, then walk to the restaurant for your 19:00 dinner session.
Best Time to Visit
| Session | Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (12:00–14:00) | Brighter, more family-friendly | Families with children; daytime Bund sightseeing |
| Dinner (19:00–21:00) | More theatrical, romantic | Couples; date nights; Bund night lights afterward |
Best days of the week:
- Tuesday–Thursday — Easiest to book, quieter atmosphere
- Friday–Sunday — Higher demand; book well in advance
- National holidays — Often sold out weeks ahead
Seasonal recommendation:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather for walking around The Bund before or after your meal.
- Summer is fine for the indoor, air-conditioned experience, but The Bund is hot and humid outdoors.
- Winter creates a cozy atmosphere inside, and the post-dinner Bund walk with holiday lights is magical.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Kids & Allergies
Vegetarian Menu: A fully vegetarian version of the 7-course menu is available. Dishes are adapted to maintain the same regional storytelling without meat. Ingredients containing gluten are clearly listed.
Kids’ Menu: Children ages 6–11 can order a ¥488 kids’ version of the experience, with portions and spice levels adjusted for younger palates.
Allergies & Restrictions:
- The entire menu is pork-free
- Gluten-containing ingredients are clearly marked on the passport menu
- Notify staff of any allergies when booking or upon arrival
Note: Children under 6 years old are not recommended to attend due to the duration (2–2.5 hours), dynamic lighting, loud sound effects, and the formal nature of the experience.
Nearby Attractions & The Perfect Bund Evening
TASTE OF CHINA sits in the heart of Shanghai’s most walkable district. Here is the ideal evening itinerary:
17:30 — Sunset at The Bund Walk the Bund promenade as the sun sets behind Pudong. Watch the sky turn pink and gold over the Oriental Pearl Tower.
18:30 — Pre-Dinner Drink (Optional) Stop at Captain Bar or The Fellas for a rooftop cocktail with Bund views.
19:00 — TASTE OF CHINA Dinner Your 2-hour immersive dining show begins.
21:15 — Post-Dinner Bund Walk After dinner, walk back to The Bund to see the heritage buildings lit up in golden light (lights on at 19:00 in summer, 18:00 in winter). The promenade is at its most romantic after 21:00 when crowds thin.
Alternative: Add Yu Garden If you have a full afternoon, visit Yu Garden and the bazaar before heading to The Bund for dinner.
Related read:The Bund Shanghai: Complete 2026 Visitor Guide
Practical Tips & Visitor Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Unit LG1-03, Basement 1, The Bund City Hall Plaza, 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai |
| Phone | Book via Trip.com app or website |
| Hours | Lunch: 12:00–14:00; Dinner: 19:00–21:00 (Mon–Sun) |
| Duration | Approximately 90–100 minutes for the show; plan 2–2.5 hours total |
| Language | English narration with Chinese subtitles |
| Payment | Online booking required; Alipay, WeChat Pay, credit cards accepted |
| Dress Code | Smart casual; optional dress-up experience available |
| Best For | Couples, first-time visitors to China, families with children 6+, foodies, cultural travelers |
| Wi-Fi | Available at venue |
| Accessibility | Basement location; elevator available |
What to bring:
- Your booking confirmation (mobile voucher)
- A light jacket — the dining room is air-conditioned
- A camera or fully charged phone — you will want to photograph the passport menu and projections
- An appetite — the 7 courses are substantial
What to avoid:
- Arriving late — the show starts promptly and late entry disrupts the experience
- Bringing children under 6 — the experience is not designed for infants or toddlers
- Expecting a quiet dinner — this is a theatrical show with music, lighting, and performers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Chinese Restaurant?
TASTE OF CHINA is a 90-minute immersive dining experience in Shanghai that combines a 7-course tasting menu with 270-degree digital projections, live performances (Sichuan opera face-changing, Shaolin kung fu, hanfu dance), and storytelling. Created by Trip.com Group, it takes guests on a culinary journey through seven Chinese regions, hosted by an animated panda chef named Cheng BaoBao.
How much does TASTE OF CHINA cost?
Lunch starts from ¥788 and dinner from ¥888 for general seating. VIP and VVIP seating ranges up to ¥1,588. Children (ages 6–11) pay ¥488. A wine pairing add-on costs ¥398. The optional dress-up experience is priced separately.
Where is TASTE OF CHINA located?
The restaurant is located at Unit LG1-03, Basement 1, The Bund City Hall Plaza (外滩老市府), 270 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai — steps from The Bund and Nanjing Road.
How do I book TASTE OF CHINA?
Book online through the Trip.com website or app, Klook, Expedia, or Agoda. Advance booking is essential as only 60 guests are accommodated per show.
Is TASTE OF CHINA suitable for children?
Children ages 6 and above are welcome and have a dedicated kids’ menu at ¥488. However, children under 6 are not recommended due to the 2.5-hour duration, dynamic lighting, loud sounds, and formal atmosphere.
Is there a vegetarian option at TASTE OF CHINA? Yes, a fully vegetarian 7-course menu is available. The standard menu is also pork-free, and gluten-containing ingredients are clearly marked.
What language is the show in?
The show is narrated in English with Chinese subtitles, making it highly accessible to international visitors. Most staff can also communicate in English.
How long is the TASTE OF CHINA experience?
The dining show itself runs approximately 90–100 minutes. With arrival, seating, and post-show photos, plan for 2 to 2.5 hours total.
Is TASTE OF CHINA worth the price?
For first-time visitors to China, expats, couples seeking a unique date night, or anyone interested in immersive dining, yes. The combination of high-quality regional cuisine, world-class projection technology, and live cultural performances creates an unforgettable evening. It is widely considered the most foreigner-friendly immersive dining experience in China.
What should I wear to TASTE OF CHINA?
Smart casual is appropriate. If you book the optional dress-up experience, you will be styled in traditional Chinese hanfu or cheongsam with professional hair and makeup.
Can I take photos at TASTE OF CHINA?
Yes, photography is encouraged. The passport menu, projection walls, and performers make for excellent photos. However, avoid using flash during the face-changing performance as it can distract the artists.
What is the best time to visit TASTE OF CHINA?
The dinner session (19:00) is the most atmospheric, especially when combined with a pre-dinner Bund sunset walk and a post-dinner illuminated Bund stroll. For families, the lunch session (12:00) is more relaxed.