Peking Duck
Peking Duck — Beijing's most famous dish, perfected over 600 years
Highlights — Why we like Peking Duck
Intro
Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) is China's most internationally famous dish and eating it in Beijing, where it originated in the imperial court of the Ming Dynasty, is a fundamentally different experience from anywhere else. The duck is air-dried, seasoned, and roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin is lacquered and crisp. It is served carved tableside, the slices of skin and meat wrapped in thin pancakes with spring onions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce.
Best Time to Visit
Dinner, any day. Book ahead for weekend evenings.
Getting There
Peking Duck restaurants are found throughout central Beijing. Most famous restaurants are in Dongcheng and Xicheng districts.
Tickets & Entry
- Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Local Tips
Book in advance at the major restaurants. A half duck (半只鸭, bàn zhī yā) is sufficient for 2-3 people. The best restaurants also serve duck soup made from the carcass — order it at the beginning as it takes time to prepare. Avoid tourist-facing restaurants near major sights — quality drops significantly.
More in Beijing
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
The most visitor-friendly Great Wall section — mountain scenery, cable car, toboggan
The Forbidden City
The world's largest imperial palace — 600 years of Chinese history
Temple of Heaven
Beijing's most perfect Ming Dynasty architecture — where emperors prayed for good harvests
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