Beijing Roast Duck dates back to the Ming Dynasty, about 600 years ago. The two famous Beijing Roast Duck restaurants in Beijing are Bianyifang (Shop of Convenience and Pleasure) and Quanjude (Complete Collection of Virtues), both having a history of 400 years. The original Bianyifang was in the Rice Market Hutong while the original Quanjude was in the Meat Market, both in the southern part of the city. Now they both have many branches. Two main branches of the Bianyifang are located at Qianmen (Front Gate) Street and at Chongwenmen, while two of the largest branches of Quanjude are at Hepingmen (Peace Gate) and Wangfujing. 

Almost every part of the duck (except the feathers) can be made into hot or cold dishes, (for example, the wings, webs, tongue, heart and liver). This is called the 'Complete Duck Feast'. The duck head is cut in half and served on a small plate with the tongue. The head is usually for the guest of honour, but if you cannot face it you do not have to eat it. The bones of the duck are made into soup which is served near the end of the feast.