4-Hour Beijing Roast Duck Dinner and Beijing Opera Show
This 4-hour experience combines two of Beijing’s most iconic offerings: authentic Peking duck (an imperial-era delicacy) and Beijing Opera (a 200-year-old performing art recognized by UNESCO). Perfect for travelers wanting to savor both Beijing’s food and artistic legacy.
Tour Duration: Maximum 4 hours, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Participants: Maximum 5 persons
Price Per Person in US Dollars
Please contact us if you require a quotation for a group of more than 5 people.
- 1. Book now and benefit from our free cancellation policy: receive a full refund if you cancel up to three days before the experience starts (local time).
- 2. You will receive your booking confirmation email within 24 hours of us receiving your payment.
Highlights
- Treat yourself to the renowned Beijing delicacy of perfectly roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat.
- Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Beijing with a traditional Peking Opera show.
- Benefit from a knowledgeable guide who enhances your understanding of the cuisine and cultural significance.
Tour Itinerary
Your guide will arrive at your hotel’s lobby (or the agreed-upon meeting point, e.g., hotel entrance) at 5:30 PM — the guide will typically carry a small sign (with your name or the tour logo) for easy identification.
Your guide will arrange a licensed local taxi (or take the subway) to take you to the roast duck restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Beijing cuisine. Peking roast duck is more than a meal—it’s a culinary ritual with specific steps. This 60-minute dinner lets you savor every part of the process.
Good to Know
Dietary restrictions: Please inform your guide or the restaurant in advance if you are vegetarian (some restaurants offer 'vegetarian duck' made from tofu) or if you have any allergies (e.g., nuts or gluten).
After dinner, a licensed taxi or tour van (arranged by your guide) will take you to the opera theater. The transfer takes 20–30 minutes (depending on the restaurant’s location—most are in central Beijing, near Liyuan Theater.
Beijing Opera blends singing, dancing, martial arts, and storytelling—most shows for tourists include 3–4 short excerpts (30 minutes each) from classic operas (instead of full-length 3-hour shows), making it easy to follow.
The Show (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
- First Excerpt (7:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Often a martial arts scene (e.g., The Monkey King). Watch for acrobatic moves like flips, sword fights, and “cloud steps” (gliding across the stage)—performed without wires!
- Intermission (8:00 PM – 8:15 PM): Stretch your legs, use the restroom, or buy a drink. Some theaters have souvenir shops selling mini opera masks or traditional Chinese instruments (e.g., erhu).
- Second Excerpt (8:15 PM – 8:45 PM): A singing-focused scene (e.g., Farewell My Concubine). Listen to the unique “high-pitched” singing style and the accompaniment of traditional instruments (erhu, gong, drum). Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the actors’ expressions (e.g., sorrow, anger) will convey the story.
- Final Excerpt (8:45 PM – 9:00 PM): A comedy or colorful dance scene (e.g., Matchmaker), featuring the Chou (clown) role—lighthearted and fun, perfect for ending the show on a high note.
Take a taxi or subway back to your hotel after the show, depending on the location of your hotel.
Good to Know
- Dress code: The restaurant and theatre do not have a strict dress code, but please avoid overly casual clothing (e.g., flip-flops or tank tops) and opt for smart casual attire (e.g., dresses or collared shirts) to respect the cultural setting.
- Opera Language: Most shows have English subtitles on a screen above the stage. If not, the programme's plot summary will help you follow along.
What's Included
- Roast Dinner at a local restaurant
- Beijing opera show in Liyuan Theater (front row seat at: 1st, 2nd, 6th or side seating in 5th Rows)
- Subway or taxi transfers
- Private English-speaking guide
- Service charge & taxes
Important Info
- Operates: Daily
- Departure point: hotel in Beijing
- Return details: returns to the original departure point
- Guide languages: English
- The price of this tour will rise during the China National Day holiday (September 30th to October 7th) and the Chinese New Year holiday.
Good to Know
- This is a private tour. The local private English-speaking guide will serve your group only.
- You will receive a confirmation letter within 24 hours of making your payment.
- Your guide will contact you in the evening (Your guide will call you at around 18:00. If you missed your guide’s phone call, he or she will send you a short message) before your tour and confirm the exact pick-up time according to your preference.
- Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby on the tour date at the appointed time.
- The meal (if included) is in a Chinese restaurant, and your guide will help you order the dishes according to your taste.
- There is absolutely no forced shopping.