Yuxiandu Royal Gastronomy Museum

This museum is devoted to dynastic dining. The actual museum part is rather small compared to the acres of dining halls. However, the dynasty-by-dynasty exhibition of imperial food is utterly fascinating (even more so if you can read Chinese). Curiously, the collection begins with China’s so-called ‘ancestor’ the Peking Man, a few of recreations of whom are huddled around a fire, barbequing some titbits.

The remainder of the multi-floor complex is a restaurant. Every evening, an extravaganza of on-stage performances starring emperors and empresses aim to give diners an ‘Imperial Banquet’ experience. Dishes are reasonably priced; royal set menus are also available. It’s worth snooping through the private banquet suites on the top floor–some are so enormous and ostentatious the king himself would be impressed.