Xi'an Steamed Buns Cooking Class: Make Baozi from Scratch

Make baozi dough, fill it, steam it, and eat it the same afternoon.

A hands-on cooking class in Xi'an where you make steamed buns (baozi) from scratch, starting with a guided tour of an authentic local spice market to learn about the ingredients, then working with a professional chef in a traditional courtyard kitchen to prepare and cook the buns yourself. The class runs 3–4 hours and ends with you eating what you made, along with tea and beverages.

The experience

The class starts at a local spice market where you'll explore the stalls, complete challenges to identify different Xi'an spices and ingredients, and gather what you'll need for cooking. A professional chef guides you through the selection, so you learn which seasonings go into baozi filling and how locals source them. After the market, you move to a traditional Chinese courtyard where you're served local tea, the custom way to welcome visitors, before the cooking begins.

In the kitchen, you make the dough by hand, learn Chinese cooking and seasoning techniques, and fill and shape the buns under the chef's instruction. The class is small enough that everyone gets hands-on time at the work station. Once your baozi are steamed, you sit down to eat them with beer or other beverages included in the class. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

You can choose a morning, afternoon, or private session depending on what fits your schedule. The private option works well for families, children under 5 attend free, or if you want the class to yourself. Public transportation is nearby, and the class runs in all weather, so just wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the conditions.

What’s included

• Light refreshments and tea.
• all food ingredients for the baozi.
• lunch or dinner based on your class time.
• snacks and beverages or beer.
• English-speaking guide.
• market tour with ingredient sourcing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 14:00 and 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (5 to 70 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Chilli Cool China

Is this one for you?Book private if you're traveling with family or friends and want to set your own pace. Choose shared morning or afternoon sessions if you prefer a scheduled time and don't mind learning alongside other travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Chinese and Chinese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is baozi and what will I learn to make?

Baozi is a traditional Chinese steamed bun filled with seasoned meat or vegetables. You'll make the dough from scratch, learn the filling and seasoning techniques from a professional chef, then shape, fill and steam your own buns to eat at the end of the class.

Why does the class include a market visit?

The spice market visit teaches you which Xi'an ingredients and seasonings go into baozi filling and how to select them. You complete challenges to identify different spices, then use what you learn when you cook later in the courtyard kitchen.

Can I book this class if I'm traveling with young children?

Yes, children under 5 attend the class free. The courtyard setting is family-friendly, and infants can be brought in a pram or stroller. Let the operator know any dietary needs when you book so they can prepare vegetarian options or accommodate other requirements.

How much time should I set aside for this class?

The class runs 3 to 4 hours total, including the market tour, the cooking instruction, and eating the baozi you make. Morning, afternoon, and private time slots are available, so you can fit it around the rest of your Xi'an itinerary.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The class includes the market tour, all food ingredients, instruction from a professional chef, tea, lunch or dinner depending on your time slot, snacks, and beverages or beer. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Everything else is provided.