To Become An Expert in Peking Duck

Quanjude 

全聚德烤鸭店

Founded in 1864 during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi during the Qing Dynasty, Quanjude is the most well-established Peking roast duck restaurant brand in China. Quanjude has been visited by government leaders and officials from nearly 200 countries and regions. The name Quanjude means "perfection, union and benevolence". Founder Yang Quanren invented the hung-oven duck roasting method. In such a culinary technique, ducks are roasted inside an open oven with non-smoky fruitwood fuel, such as Chinese date or pear trees, to create a fruit fragrance.

Whole duck price: 288 yuan (includes condiments)

Official Website: www.quanjude.com.cn

Quanjude Hepingmen Roast Duck Restaurant

Address: 14, Qianmen West Street, Xuanwu District

Getting there: Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen Station, or Buses To 4, 67 or 301 to Hepingmen Don

Bianyifang 

便宜坊

Originally founded in 1416 during the Ming Dynasty, Bianyifang is the oldest Peking roast duck restaurant in Beijing. The time-honored brand specializes in roast duck, duck delicacies and Shandong-style cuisine. The name itself means "to greatly facilitate customers". Different from Quanjude's open-oven roasting style, ducks here are roasted in a closed oven, making the skin crispier and juicier. Bianyifang has still retained this roasting technique, though most roast duck restaurants now prepare ducks in an open oven. Bianyifang presents trademark ducks in different flavors, such as flower scent (tea, lotus and date flavors), garlic scent and vegetable scent, which are de-greased and worthy of a try.

Whole duck price: 188 yuan (includes condiments)

Official Website: www.bianyifang.com

Bianyifang Hademen Restaurant (Flagship Restaurant)

Address: 18 Chongwenmen Outer Street, Glory Plaza 4/F, Chongwen District

Getting there: Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Chongwenmen Station

Hua's Restaurant 

 花家怡园

Established in 1998, Hua's Restaurant specializes in fine Beijing cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. The food here follows traditions but also integrates the essence of different culinary schools. The most inviting delicacy at Hua's Restaurant may be its Yongzheng Dynasty Roast Duck. Far more than a stunt, the duck dish is based on the recipe in the "Notes of Imperial Court Food" written during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The duck is roasted to perfection with little grease, and there are more varieties of side dishes, including pineapple, Hami melon and lettuce, in addition to the traditional cucumber.

Whole duck price: 258 yuan (condiments not included)

Website: www.huajiacai.com

Hua's Courtyard Restaurant at Guijie Street (Flagship Restaurant)

Address: 235 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District

Getting there: Subway Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station, or Buses 106, 117 to Dongzhimen Inner Street

Siji Minfu 

四季民福烤鸭店

Continuing the theme of Beijing's best restaurants being found in the CBD, Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck is another restaurant with a Certificate of Excellence which can be found in the heart of the city. Although Peking duck is a must try here, Siji Minfu is also known for its other traditional Beijing dishes. Do remember to try Kongpao Chicken while enjoying the duck.

Just make sure to book in advance because Siji Minfu gets pretty crowded.

Whole Duck Price: 198 yuan (condiments not included)

Siji Minfu Restaurant Peking Roast Duck

Address:32 Dengshikou W St, DongDan, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006

Getting there: Subway Line 5 to Deng Shi Xi Kou, or Buses 103,104,108,111,140 to Deng Shi Xi Kou

Source:  http://www.china.org.cn/travel/beijingguide/2011-08/05/content_23143593_2.htm