New experience of ancient palace feasts in Shenzhen!

Published : 2025-04-24

Editor︰Ryu

When watching ancient costume dramas, have you ever fantasized about wearing gorgeous ancient costumes yourself, sitting in a splendid palace, enjoying delicious food while watching song and dance performances?

Now, at an ancient style restaurant in Shenzhen, you can experience the pleasure of attending an ancient court banquet as a noble, traveling back to ancient China in an instant. Let's explore together!

Shenzhen ancient style restaurant "Xuyan"

In recent years, in addition to wearing Hanfu for outings, the craze for "immersive court banquets" has gradually swept across China.

This uniquely styled ancient version of "Omakase" (Japanese chef's choice) can now be experienced in Shenzhen.

Located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, this ancient style restaurant is called "Xuyan."

It is the first store in Shenzhen, offering not only traditional cuisine but also a cultural journey that equally engages both sight and taste, taking you directly back to ancient times.

Xuyan, Shenzhen Ancient Style Restaurant — Originally from Shanghai, the ancient style restaurant brand "Xuyan" has opened several branches throughout China, with the first branch in Shenzhen, Nanshan District. (Image Source: VCG)

So, what exactly is the process of a court banquet? Before entering the "Palace", you should of course dress up first.

The restaurant has a Hanfu dress-making service with more than 300 sets of costumes and props for you to choose from, with a wide range of items, from make-up and hair to accessories, and you will feel more elegant when you put on the Hanfu dress.

After selecting the outfit, Xuyan's professional makeup artists will tailor Hanfu styling for the guests.

Once dressed up, guests can officially attend the feast. Pushing open the restaurant's door, you will immediately see hanging palace lanterns, antique pavilions, and stages, accompanied by melodious ancient-style music.

The staff dressed in Hanfu will address guests as "Honorable Guests," making you feel as if you have travelled back in time.

After all guests are seated, the grand palace feast will commence soon.

90-minute ancient palace banquet

As an immersive ancient-style themed restaurant, Xuyan launches different themed palace feast shows each season, such as the recreation of the Tang Dynasty prosperity and the elegant experiences of the Song Dynasty, with each show featuring different performances and menus.

Each palace feast lasts about 90 minutes, featuring around 20 dishes, interspersed with splendid song and dance performances before each dish is served.

Throughout the process, guests can interact with the performers, integrating the feast, food, etiquette, and music. This is the joy that the ancients enjoyed!

It is worth noting that Xuyan offers palace feast packages at different prices for everyone to consider.

In terms of styling, you can either complete your makeup and costume outside before entering the "palace feast" or choose the restaurant's all-inclusive package.

Of course, you can also choose not to change outfits, but the experience might be slightly less immersive.

If you want to experience dining as an ancient noble, why not travel to Shenzhen and try it out yourself!