On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, one of the 24 solar terms, the old generation of Beijing follows the tradition of fleshing out by eating more meat to brave the freezing winter with enough fat. The crispy and tasty Peking ducks maybe an ideal option. 

• Bian Yi Fang Roast Duck

Opened in the 14th year (1416) of the reign of Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, nearly 600 years ago, Bian Yi Fang Roast Duck was listed in the first batch of “China Time-Honored Brands” by the Ministry of Commerce. Its specialty “closed oven roast duck” is among the most two famous Beijing roast ducks, and the cooking technique was approved as the national intangible cultural heritage item. Closed oven duck features crispy outside and tender fine insider, fat but not greasy. With sugar applied on the surface of duck skin, this meat just melts in your mouth, worthy of the name of “China Time-Honored Brand”.

Address: Xianyukou Food Street, east side of Qianmei Street, Dongcheng District 东城区前门大街东侧鲜鱼口老字号餐饮一条街

Average Spend: 116 yuan per person

• Siji Minfu

Out from the East Gate of the Forbidden City, there is the Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant. This restaurant is not very far from the Forbidden City, so you can find it easily. The antique decoration of the restaurant is full of style and splendor. The black brick in the wall, gray tile on the roof, and vermeil shop sign, all seem to be the scene in an old photo, bearing the unique memory of old Pecking.The restaurant is full of rectangular tables, backrest chairs, and its dishes are mainly old Beijing specialties and roast duck. The perfect taste, good measure, and reasonable price of the dishes are praised by many eaters.

The roast duck served here has thick skin, a slight flavor of duck oil, and moderate grease. When chewing, duck meat seems to melt in the mouth, tasting very soft and comfortable. Each slice has three layers, respectively skin, fat, and lean meat, all in good cooking conditions. Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant is Beijing's best price-performance restaurant, which also ranks in the top two in the circle of roast duck diners.

If you want to eat authentic Beijing roast duck after visiting the Forbidden City and feeling the magnificence of imperial family, this restaurant is a good choice.

Average spend: 120 yuan per person

Address: No. 11, Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District 东城区南池子大街11号

• Dadong Roast Duck

In recent years, Da Dong is becoming increasingly popular and famous for its beautiful environment and detail-oriented service in Beijing catering sector. In the restaurant, delicious dishes like roast duck, which is crisp but not greasy, and savory marshmallow go perfectly with the artistic air here. The restaurant, charging high though, is a wonderful place for you to fete friends from other cities.

The roast duck is crispy and tasty. The duck skin is so crumbly and palatable that it might melt in your mouth, and the tender duck can be divided easily with just a touch by chopsticks. Furthermore, the nice-looking mustard kale salad may impress you with bright-colored vegetables and fruits, not least the savory avocado, as well as delicious mustard sauce; fish slices with yellow curry brings a flavor of coconut milk and tender fish slices; you might feel like tasting shark fin when trying the juicy Chinese cabbage with chestnut.

Average Spend: 349 yuan per capita

Address: F5, Jinbao Place Phase I, No. 88, Jinbao Street