Last century, a French writer published an interesting book "When China Wakes Up!"

Well, China is very awake right now and Beijing is now a city like any other modern city in the world, with tourists everywhere. But, this "everywhere" is unfortunately where only the tourists are.

Of course, you need to visit:

The Forbidden City,
Tian'anmen Square,
The Temple of Heaven,
The Beijing Zoo (to see the pandas),
The Sleeping Buddha Temple,
The Great Bell Temple,
The Great Wall,
Badaling & Ming, the 13 Tombs,
and The Marco Polo Bridge,
etc. etc.

Or, instead, just visit for one or two hours the Beijing Railway Station to see the real people of China.

In and around all of this, you can go to eat at Wangfujing Street and the streets nearby, where are all the restaurants and tourists are. That's where you can find the maximum number of restaurants and tourists per square meter, and unfortunately can eat Chinese food adapted to the foreigners' tastes.

But, what about getting "lost" to find the "real" Beijing in the "hutongs" (old districts) of the Xicheng district, far from the tourist crowds. Those neighborhoods are 200 % Chinese, where you can find a unique "Nice Little Chinese Restaurant."

This issue of "Gourmet Corner" is dedicated to one of the nicest little restaurants in Beijing:

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The Beijing Gongwangfu Sichuan Restaurant

Located in the Xicheng district, not far from Quianhai Lake, the original Beijing Sichuan Restaurant was established based on instructions from Premier Zhuo Enlai in October 1959. In May 1996, the restaurant moved to its present address at the Gongwangfu House, which used to be the home of He Shen, an official scholar in the Quing Dynasty under Emperor Quianlong. Its architecture is a combination of North China's architectural style and South China's garden characteristics. It's among one of the best of all homes for princes and has garden that can be used for buffets and parties

The restaurant serves "Sichuan Food" (Hot) - the "Best" in Beijing - and the "menu" is too long to be detailed in this article. So, I will recommend what I believe are the most appetizing dishes you can taste.

The prices are in "Yuan" and to order your meal, I suggest you do it in the Chinese way: Order with no order! In other words, mix starters, soups, vegetables, fish and meat dishes to your satisfaction! And, remember they are served in big portions, so please share!

For your choices: 
(***) = Specialty

Shark's Fin In Supreme Soup  > 268 Y
(the most expensive dish in the restaurant)
Braised Shark's Fin Soup  > 108 Y     
Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup  > 128 Y

Sauteed Scallops with Nuts & Chili  > 128 Y     
Gross Crab with Chili Oil  > 108 Y
Sauteed Prawns with Celery Cabbage  > 128 Y     
Soft Fried Shrimps  > 88 Y
Sauteed Prawns with Garlic & Chili Sauce (***)  > 98 Y      Steamed Perch  > 48 Y
Sauteed Prawns with Dry Red Chili & Peanuts  > 88 Y
Deep Fried Mandarin Fish (***)  > 98    
Sauteed Fish with Dried Chili Sauce (***)  > 68

Sizzling Crispy Rice with Three Fresh Ingredients (***)  > 58 Y
Fried Beans with Meat & Preserved Vegetables  > 28 Y     
Stir Fried Kale's  > 28 Y
Fried Eggplant with Chili Sauce  > 28 Y     
Stir Fried Corns with Pine-nuts  > 38 Y
Braised Bean-Curd with Hot Meat Sauce  > 18 Y   
Braised Assorted Vegetables  > 28 Y

Diced Chicken with Dry Red Chili & Peanuts (***)  > 28 Y     
Beggar's Chicken (***)  > 68 Y
Deep Fried Chicken with Dry Red Chili (***)  > 58 Y
Shredded Pork with Garlic & Chili Sauce  > 18 Y
Sauteed Eel with Duck's Blood and Bean Sprouts  > 48 Y
and my favorite dish: Smoked Duck with Camphor Wood and Tea Leaves (***)  > 48 Y

For Desserts: Usually the restaurant offers, after every meal a nice plate of fresh fruits.

For Drinks: Try the local Beer - "Beijing Beer" - or
the Chinese Red Wine (with a French name) at very moderate prices. But be careful ordering Chinese Alcohol (After Drinks). A bottle of "Mau-Tai" can cost the double of the price of the whole meal

Please note, that since Marco Polo introduced "The Pasta" (from China) to Italy, a very select number of Italian tour operators introduced this restaurant to some selected Italian tourists, (small groups). So, they are the few foreigners you may eventually at the tables (in private rooms)

Beijing Gongwangfu Sichuan Restaurant
14 A  Liuyin Street    (Xicheng District) 
Beijing
Tel: (+86) 10 661 56924
Fax: (+86) 10 661 56925
Restaurant Manager: Mrs. Wu Li Ping 
(The only person who speaks English)