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Feel Like an Emperor in Jiajingdu

Mansion Eight has become a byword for luxury in the Chaoyang Park West Gate area. Well known for its food and services such as foot massages, Mansion Eight has become one of life’s relaxing treats. Several months ago an imperial Chinese restaurant opened here with the name, Jiajingdu Imperial Banquet. It is said that the restaurant imitates the palace of Emperor Jia Jing of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), however, it is interesting that most of waiters and waitresses here are in costumes of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). According to the manager, Ming clothing was not as exquisite or luxurious as that of the Qing.

A special welcome awaits you with a Jiajingdu Imperial Banquet. Upon your arrival two men dressed like imperial guards will bow and exclaim, “Emperor’s back!” As the message is sent to the interior hall through a blue brick wall, court attendants and guards will line your path: two imperial concubines will await you on golden seats. There are nine compartments with waiters and waitresses playing various roles ranging from plebeians to eunuchs, court ladies, to gege (princes) and empresses. The way they speak and behave is in the tone of an ancient Chinese palace. The Jiajingdu Imperial Banquet’s food is dominated by Shandong cuisine, also called Lu cai, since it prevailed in the capital of the Ming Dynasty. The dishes of eight cuisines are changed every month to avoid of monotony. If you have dinner here, maybe you don’t care what you eat, because the special service for distinguished guests is more enjoyable.