Where to Eat this May: From Hutong to Michelin Stars - The Ultimate Peking Duck Crawl

As one of China's most iconic dishes, Peking duck is more than just a meal—it's a cultural experience. From crispy, caramel‑colored skin to tender, fragrant meat, each slice tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and regional pride. While you can find duck on menus across the capital, not all are created equal. To truly understand Beijing, you have to taste its duck—and these five spots offer distinctly different takes on the classic.

Shengyongxing (晟永兴)– The Michelin Star

When a duck restaurant earns a Michelin star, you pay attention. Shengyongxing's signature move is topping crispy duck skin with caviar—a luxurious, umami‑rich bite that redefines the experience. The ducks are air‑dried, then roasted over jujube wood, giving them a subtle sweetness. With sleek interiors and a wine list to match, this is where Peking duck meets fine dining.

📍 Address: 

【Sanlitun Branch】 Jia 5, Xindong Road, Chaoyang 

【Wudaokou Branch】35, Erlizhuang, Zhixin Road, Haidian

💰 Average: ¥600 per person

Da Dong (大董) – The Innovator

If Peking duck had a haute‑couture version, it would be here. Da Dong reinvented the dish with his "Crispy‑Not‑Greasy" technique, using 22‑day‑old ducks whose skin shatters like glass. Served with hawthorn strips, sugar, and even popping candy, this is duck for the modern gourmet. The dining rooms feel like art galleries and are perfect for a business dinner or a special celebration.

If you ask a local, they'll usually tell you that Da Dong is more of a business-oriented restaurant. It's beautifully decorated and definitely pricey, but it’s not really the go-to spot for a casual gathering with friends.

📍 Address: Several branches in Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng and Haidian

💰 Average: ￥410 per person

Siji Minfu (Forbidden City Branch) (四季民福-故宫店)– The View Master

Some restaurants serve food with a side of scenery; Siji Minfu serves scenery with a side of exceptional duck. Its prized tables look directly onto the Forbidden City's eastern walls—a view that turns a meal into a memory. The duck itself is textbook‑perfect: crisp skin, moist meat, and pancakes so thin they're almost translucent. Come early, because everyone wants that window seat.

This restaurant does not take reservations, so long queues at mealtimes are almost unavoidable. You could also visit other branches, as they serve the same standard of food.

📍 Address: 11 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng; Other branches are located in Dongdan, Wangfujin, Qianmen and Financial Street

💰 Average: ￥170 per person

Liqun (利群) – The Hutong Classic

Tucked in a zigzagging alley near Qianmen, Liqun feels like a secret. Founded by a former Quanjude master, it still roasts ducks over fruitwood in a traditional brick oven. The space is cramped, the walls are plastered with celebrity photos, and the service is no‑nonsense—but that’s the charm. This is duck as it was decades ago: robust, smoky, and utterly unpretentious.

You won't have any trouble ordering even if you don't speak Chinese, but don't expect much in the way of service. Honestly, it's virtually non-existent, so keep that in mind if you're looking for a pampered experience.

📍 Address: 11 BeixiangfengHutong, Qianmen

💰 Average: ¥160 per person

Ziguangyuan(紫光园) – The People’s Duck

For many Beijingers, Ziguangyuan isn't a restaurant—it's a canteen. This halal institution has been serving hearty, affordable duck for the last century. The skin is crackly, the meat is succulent, and the side dishes (like their famous yogurt) are worth the trip alone. At about ¥70 a head, it's the kind of place families return to week after week.

Other than the Peking Duck, the deli by the door is a local favorite for those nights when you just want a quick, easy meal.

📍 Address: Almost everywhere in Beijing. Type "紫光园" in the map App, find the nearest one, and enjoy your feast.

💰 Average: ¥70 per person