The Manchu-Han Imperial Feast (a full formal banquet) was the grand and luxurious feast prevalent during the Guangxu reign period in the Qing Dynasty. Its name shows the feast originated from the combination of the traditional catering cultures of the Han and the Manchu Nationalities. Meanwhile, it fully reflects the harmonious coexistence of these two nationalities. Manchu-Han Imperial Feast is ever popular throughout mainland China as well as Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and other foreign countries.

With its original name as “Man-Han Banquet”,Manchu Han Imperial Feastwas the product of the policy of Man-Han coexistence advocated by Nurhachi, the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty. A royal system of the segregate “Manchu Banquet” and “Han Banquet” was ever implemented by Emperor Kangxi. In contrast, desiring for further integration of the Manchu and Han Nationalities, Emperor Qianlong promoted the combination of these two banquets. From then on, the catering cultures of these two nationalities have exercised influence on each other and finally developed into an integral catering culture of Chinese nation.

Manchu Han Imperial Feast was also the product of the integration of the cultures of North China and South China as well as that of the officialdom and merchant cultures. According to historical records, in the Qing Dynasty, when the emperor was visiting the southern regions, the local merchant princes would take the opportunity to entertain the emperor in their homes. The original menu of Manchu Han Imperial Banquet recorded in the Notes of Yangzhou Pleasure-boat included the standard on the scale, grade, breed and quantity of the banquet. Moreover, on some ceremonious occasions, the music, fireworks and saluting were needed in receiving the distinguished guests. After seated the guests would be served the pastry first and then the Three-course Tea, finally the main discourse which usually consisted of one hundred and eight dishes. The feast would last for three days with two meals in one day, namely, six meals in three days, hence the popular sayings such as “Meals follow meals” and “Six meals in three days” in Yangzhou since ancient times.