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Quanjude restaurant in Qianmen Steet
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Quanjude, the doyen of roast Peking duck eateries, opened its first restaurant in Qianmen in the late 19th century.
In the dinning hall is one of the original walls. It's preserved now as an historical showcase.
More than 5,000 tourists come to this restaurant every day! And when you look around the tables, the servings are identical, world famous Beijing Roast Duck.
Chen Zhigang, chef of Quanjude, explained why people like to come here, "Quanjude roasts duck above the oven. And because it's roasted over wood from fruit trees, it is especially fragrant. The duck's skin is crisp and meat is delicate. Visitors from all over the world love it."
Besides trying out the exquisite food, you can't miss the newer "China elements" that were included in the restoration. Look at the lamps that come in the shapes of bird cages and rattle drums. More original touches are added in the waste bins and stools made to look like Chinese drums.
For many Chinese people,traveling along Qianmen recalls cherished memories. For visitors, it is a place where one discovers something of the storybook magic of the ancient Orient.
Qianmen is not only a street, it's also a symbol of the city, linking the past to modern times. So it's true, you haven't truly seen Beijing, until you come to Qianmen Street.
(CCTV August 22, 2008)
