A Journey Through a Thousand Years of China: My Immersive Experience at Shanghai's "Palace Banquet"

I have always been deeply fascinated by Chinese history—whether it is the magnificent palaces in historical dramas or the exquisite patterns on traditional costumes, they all hold a strong appeal for me. The "Palace Banquet" in Shanghai has been a place I have been eager to visit for the past few months. Last weekend, when I finally pushed open its door, it felt like stepping into a time machine: behind me were the modern and bustling skyscrapers of Shanghai, while in front of me lay the elegant living scene of the ancient Chinese nobility.

As soon as I entered, the interior decoration took my breath away. Tall red lanterns hung high, emitting a warm glow that lit up the wooden pillars carved with dragon patterns. The waitstaff were all dressed in exquisite Hanfu—long robes in rich colors such as royal blue, emerald green, and crimson fluttered gently with the breeze. They bowed slightly to greet me, and their smiles instantly made me feel at ease. A young lady with a soft voice led me to a room, where a variety of Hanfu were displayed for guests to choose from. As someone who had never worn traditional Chinese clothing before, I was overwhelmed by the options: there was a soft pink dress embroidered with floral patterns, a luxurious blue robe trimmed with gold, and a green casual outfit that exuded a scholarly charm. I finally chose the red one. The staff carefully helped me put it on, adjusting the sash and straightening the collar until the costume fit perfectly. Looking at myself in the mirror, I could barely recognize who I was—as if I had transformed into a character from a Chinese historical novel.

By the time I was fully ready, my seat had been arranged in a cozy corner of the main hall. The other guests around me were also dressed in Hanfu, creating an incredibly immersive atmosphere. The tableware was equally exquisite: white porcelain bowls adorned with gold-edged patterns, small plates carved with lotus designs, and teacups that felt cool and smooth to the touch. A server poured me a cup of jasmine tea, and its sweet, fresh aroma instantly soothed my excitement.

When the feast began, delicate dishes were served one after another, each more stunning than the last. The first dish was "Vinegar-Glazed Lotus Root Slices." Thinly sliced lotus roots were arranged in the shape of a flower, paired with a sweet and sour sauce that immediately awakened my taste buds. The server told me this dish was highly favored in ancient times, as it was refreshing and easy to prepare in large quantities for banquets. Next came "Braised Pork Belly with Chestnuts"—the meat was so tender it melted in my mouth, while the chestnuts added a sweet, nutty flavor. I couldn’t help but take photos of every dish; they looked less like food and more like works of art.

What made the experience even more special was the live performances. Between courses, musicians played traditional instruments: the guzheng (a Chinese stringed instrument) filled the hall with its soft, melodious tones, while the bamboo flute played lively tunes that made some guests tap their feet in time. Later, dancers in vibrant Hanfu performed a traditional fan dance. Their movements were elegant and fluid, like butterflies fluttering in the air. I unconsciously leaned forward, completely absorbed—this was nothing like the concerts or shows I’d seen in my home country. There was an indescribable magic in appreciating an art form passed down for hundreds of years.

During the meal, I chatted with a server about the history of the dishes. She told me that the recipes for many of the dishes originated from the royal banquets of the Song and Ming dynasties. The chefs at "Palace Banquet" spent years researching ancient cookbooks to recreate these delicacies. I was amazed by their attention to detail—even the way the food was plated had a story behind it. For example, "Steamed Fish with Ginger Shreds" was served on a lotus leaf-shaped plate, because in ancient China, lotus leaves symbolize purity and good fortune.

By the time dessert arrived—a bowl of sweet red bean glutinous rice balls—I was already full, but I couldn’t resist finishing every bite. The warm sweet soup soothed my stomach, the glutinous rice balls were soft and chewy, and the red bean filling was sweet and delicious. Somehow, it even tasted like "home."

When I left "Palace Banquet" that night, I was still wearing the Hanfu (I just couldn’t bear to take it off right away!), and my heart was filled with joy and gratitude. This was far more than just a meal—it was a journey into China’s profound culture and history. I tasted delicious food, wore exquisite clothing, and enjoyed wonderful performances. Most importantly, I formed a genuine connection with Chinese culture, which I had previously only learned about from books.

For any foreigner visiting Shanghai who doesn’t want to only visit modern malls and skyscrapers, "Palace Banquet" is a must-see. Here, you can temporarily leave the present behind, slow down, and experience the beauty and elegance of ancient Chinese culture. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—maybe I’ll bring my family so they can also experience this wonderful journey.