Best Dining in Beijing – Peking Duck & Chinese Palace Banquet | 全聚德烤鸭与北京宫宴 | Visit to Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden and palace complex that served as a summer retreat for Chinese emperors, particularly during the Qing Dynasty. The palace complex features Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, temples, pavilions, bridges, and corridors, creating a scenic environment that reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics and philosophy. Originally constructed in the 12th century and later expanded, the palace has witnessed significant historical events, including partial destruction by Anglo-French forces in 1860 and reconstruction under Empress Dowager Cixi. Today, the Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction, celebrated for its beauty and historical significance.

Quan Ju De is a renowned Chinese restaurant chain, famous for its traditional Peking duck, a dish that has become emblematic of Beijing cuisine. Established in 1864 during the Qing Dynasty, Quan Ju De perfected the art of roasting duck using a unique open-fire technique that employs non-smoky hardwoods, such as date and pear wood, to infuse the duck with a distinctive flavor and crispy golden skin. The dish is prepared meticulously, with the duck sliced tableside and served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and slices of cucumber and scallions. Diners enjoy wrapping the ingredients to create a savory, delicate bite that showcases the restaurant's culinary expertise.

Beijing Palace Banquet is a restaurant located in Qianmen Street. It was established in 2020 and is affiliated to Beijing Palace Banquet Catering Culture Management Co., Ltd. The restaurant specially hired Professor Yuan Hongqi, former deputy director of the Palace Department of the Palace Museum, as a cultural consultant to ensure the cultural connotation of the restaurant.

The Palace Banquet provides clothing and makeup services, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the dignity and style of the ancient palace while enjoying the food. The dishes of the Palace Banquet are exquisite, and each dish is served by the palace maids, and the performances are continuous, so that customers can appreciate the etiquette and culture of the ancient palace while tasting the food. The restaurant's performances are closely integrated with the dishes, and each show is matched with a specific dish, bringing customers a full range of sensory enjoyment. Beijing Palace Banquet is not only a restaurant that provides delicious food, but also a place that integrates culture, art and food, allowing customers to enjoy the food while also experience the luxury and charm of the ancient palace.

This video covers:
0:00 - Introduction
1:39 - The Summer Palace （颐和园）
3:04 - The Long Corridor （长廊）
4:38 - Qianmen Walking Street （前门）
6:11 - Quan Ju De （全聚德）
8:36 - Peking Duck Food Tasting （北京鸭）
10:44 - Chinese Palace Banquet （宫廷晚宴）
12:14 - Commencement of dinner
13:07 - Dance of Beauties
15:03 - The great Chinese explorer - Zhang Qian
17:33 - Imperial Court Music & Dance