Bianyifang predates Quanjude by 448 years — founded in 1416 during the Ming dynasty, it's the oldest continuously operating Peking duck restaurant in Beijing. While Quanjude perfected the hung-oven (挂炉) method using open flame, Bianyifang specializes in the older closed-oven (焖炉, mèn lú) technique: the duck cooks in a sealed brick oven heated only by smoldering sorghum stalks, producing a duck with crispier skin and gentler, less smoky flavor. Many Beijing-born locals consider Bianyifang's duck the more authentic version. The Hademen branch (the most central and accessible to tourists) sits at the edge of the old Chongwen district. Full duck ~298 RMB serves 3-4; reservations recommended weekends. Less ceremonial than Da Dong, more historic than Quanjude — for foodie history buffs, this is the must-try Peking duck in Beijing.
Address
5F SoShow Plaza, 16 Chongwenmen Outer St, Beijing
崇文区崇文门外大街16号搜秀城5楼
Highlights
- Closed-Oven Method (焖炉烤鸭)Sorghum-stalk smoldering brick oven — older than Quanjude's open-flame style
- Founded 1416 (Ming Dynasty)Predates Quanjude by 448 years — oldest Peking duck in continuous operation
- Crispier Skin, Less SmokyClosed-oven method produces drier crackling skin; locals' preference
- Full Duck Carving TablesideSame tradition as Quanjude — first crispy skin, then meat slices
- Foodie History PickLess famous than Quanjude internationally, but the authentic older method
For foreign visitors
- English service: full english menu
- Cards accepted: visa, master
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Lunch or dinner; book ahead weekends
- Wi-Fi: free
- Transit access: metro direct
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What travelers say (5 reviews)
Sandra P.·TripAdvisor·4/5
600+ year old duck restaurant — older than Quanjude. Uses the 'menlu' (closed oven) technique vs Quanjude's open hearth. Less smoky, more tender.
2026-03-08
便宜坊老粉·Xiaohongshu·4/5
便宜坊焖炉烤鸭外皮没那么酥脆,但肉质更嫩。鲜鱼口老字号店环境最好。
2026-02-19
Eric F.·Google Maps·4/5
The Xianyukou flagship near Qianmen is the most atmospheric branch. Half-duck order works for 2 people.
2026-04-14
Lisa M.·Ctrip·4/5
Less famous than Da Dong or Quanjude but more historic. Service is old-Beijing brusque — that's the experience.
2026-01-22
DuckExpert·YouTube·4/5
The cucumber and scallion are sliced extra fine here — old-school Beijing style. About 280 RMB per duck.
2026-03-27
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