Sichuan Fermentation Experience
Group: Maximum 10 People
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Age: +18
This fermentation journey began the way many of our best experiences have – with a curious nose, a quiet kitchen, and a question: How did we get here? How did something as simple as a jar of pickles or a sip of Baijiu come to hold generations of knowledge, patience, and culture?
Through Snout & Seek, we invite you to come along – not just to taste, but to understand. This experience is about stepping into rural kitchens, open food markets, and river mud built cellars where fermentation is not trendy – it is tradition. You will learn how locals craft everything from soy sauce to vinegar to powerful, fragrant Baijiu. You will get your hands messy with salt and time, and learn to create something new using old techniques and unexpected ingredients.
But it is not just about food. It is about people. We will meet the artisans who quietly carry these traditions, and we will work with local communities on small but meaningful projects – because we believe learning is about sharing and giving back.
This journey is for anyone who wonders about the story behind a flavor, or who has ever tasted something and felt transported. We are here to honor the past, play with the present, and ferment something beautiful for the future.
Luzhou, Sichuan Province
CHINA
A journey for anyone who wonders about the story behind a flavor, or who has ever tasted a dish and been transported somewhere else. We honor the past, play with the present, and ferment something beautiful for the future.
Your Ticket to Luzhou
Join Snout & Seek to explore the ancient art of fermentation along the unique Yangtze river in Luzhou, Sichuan Province. An unforgettable experience set in the heart of China.
Take Home a Taste of Luzhou
1. Handcrafted Soy Sauce and Vinegar
Bring back premium handcrafted soy sauce and vinegar from the heart of Sichuan.
2. Baijiu (Chinese Spirits)
Create your own unique blend of Baijiu to take back home to remind you of Sichuan and inspire new culinary explorations.
3. Ingredients Galore
From the street markets in Luzhou, taste and pick culinary treasures to level up your next big dish.
Day 1 - Arrival & pre-trip briefing
Arrive in Luzhou from Chengdu; We will provide background information and trip introduction, mini lectures on traditional fermentation techniques we will observe throughout the trip and staple species and ingredients; Meet and greet with local chef guide, getting to know one and another.
Day 2 - Local Market & Historical Site Visit
A local chef guide will take guests to traditional food market to learn about local ingredients and seasonal vegetables, spices and condiments that are important parts of fermentation. We will provide an identification booklet on different spices and local vegetables. We will take guests to different iconic stores to taste different types of fermented food and explain how they are made and the history and culture behind it.
Day 3 - Fermentation workshops (vinegar & soy sauce)
We will go to two factories that are still using artisan methods to make soy sauce and vinegar to show their own fermentation techniques and guests can interact with their technicians and experts to learn about each process. There will be fermentation participation, soy sauce and vinegar tasting and other hands-on experiences.
Day 4 - Distillery tour & local cuisine tasting
We will go to one of the most famous Baijiu brands in China – Luzhou Laojiao’s Baijiu Museum to learn about the history of Baijiu. We will also visit a Baijiu and fruit wine Manor and learn about the fermentation process for Baijiu and fruit wine, as well as tasting and mixing. We will also take our guests to local authentic restaurants to taste how fermentation influences everyday life here.
Day 5 - Cooking workshop & final culinary exchange, community involvement
Day 6 - Debrief & Departure
Lastly, there will be a trip debrief where we recap the week. We will send everyone to the train station/airport should they request it and they can go to Chengdu to catch their flights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What will I learn?
You will learn practical fermentation methods, flavor layering, and cooking techniques that you can use at home or in a professional kitchen. Throughout the experience, a professional chef will guide you in applying what you learn directly in markets, workshops, and the kitchen.
Hands-on seminars include:
- Fermentation techniques for soy sauce and vinegar
- Local specialty dishes
- Baijiu fermentation and blending
- Traditional fermentation in cooking with seasonal changes
You will also develop a more open, experimental approach to cooking. Many guests leave with new recipe ideas, new flavor combinations, new ways of processing ingredients, and strategies for reducing food waste.
Connections are an important part of the journey. Shared work and shared meals often lead to lasting friendships, cultural ties, and professional relationships.
You take home:
- Skills
- Inspiration
- A broadened mindset
- And connections that last.
2. Who is this for?
Chefs, culinary educators, food industry professionals, home cooks, and cultural travelers. No professional cooking background or Chinese language ability is required.
3. Do I need to speak Chinese?
No. We cater small group sizes so that our team can translate and interpret. You will meet with culinary professionals and locals who speak a number of dialects beyond Mandarin, such as Luzhou-hua, Sichuanese, and more. Our team is here to ensure that comfortable two-way communication is always possible.
4. What is included?
Local accommodations, meals, tastings, workshops, site visits, and local transportation during the program. Our team of coordinators and professional chefs provide guidance and translation/interpretation throughout the entire program. Gifts: A bottle of soy sauce, a bottle of baiju, and a bottle of vinegar, and more.
5. What is not included?
Flights to/from the designated destination cities (Chengdu/Luzhou), visa arrangements, or activities outside of Snout & Seeks planned program itinerary. Nor are any personal shopping or additional personal expenditures covered during the planned program or activities.
6. What if I have dietary restrictions?
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please contact us in advance to discuss arrangements.
7. Can I do a private experience?
Yes! We can cater existing experiences to meet your specific wants and needs, or develop something completely new - get in touch.