IHG Hotels & Resorts launches its 2026 Star Chef Gourmet Tour in Shanghai on June 11, starting in Hangzhou with a year-long Greater China dining programme involving nearly 50 hotels.

The programme’s three chapters are Origin, Authenticity and Craft. IHG said the series focuses on ingredient provenance, regional culinary traditions and contemporary craftsmanship.

The opening chapter, Journey of Origin, began at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City. Culinary teams from IHG hotels across East and South China presented a rice-themed menu built around regional ingredients and techniques.

IHG said the 2026 tour is its fourth consecutive annual Star Chef Gourmet Tour. The company said it has more than 900 hotels across Greater China.

The next chapters are Journey of Authenticity, themed around fire, and Journey of Craft, centred on water. IHG said the programme will continue through 2026.