Fine dining hits the road

Each evening, as traffic pulses through Beijing's East Third Ring Road, a double-decker bus glides along its route, offering a dining experience unlike any other.

Inside, the bustling city fades away as guests savor gourmet meals, engage in lively conversation, and take in the capital's glittering skyline — all set to soft, romantic music.

The Beijing Chaoyang Gourmet Sightseeing Bus, Beijing's first restaurant bus, merges fine dining with panoramic city views. It features a 24-seat dining area under a 360-degree glass ceiling on the second level and a lower deck with an onboard kitchen and restroom.

As the 40-kilometer route winds past iconic landmarks such as the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, Liangma River and the CBD area, passengers get a front-row seat to some of the city's most dazzling nighttime scenery.

Developed by the Beijing Chaoyang Culture and Tourism Development Group, the bus is part of a broader initiative to showcase the capital and, in particular, Chaoyang district.

Dubbed a "mobile reception hall", it complements other signature attractions like the "sky reception hall" at Beijing Olympic Tower, the "water reception hall" on the Liangma River cruise, and the "cultural reception hall" at the Mansion of Commandery Prince Shuncheng. Each caters to travelers seeking immersive, unique urban experiences.

Chaoyang district Party Secretary Wen Xian emphasizes that the nighttime economy is a vital force in boosting consumption, enhancing urban vibrancy, and driving economic growth. Integrating culture, tourism and commerce is key to crafting engaging, interactive nighttime experiences, ensuring that "sleepless Chaoyang" remains dynamic and well-organized, he notes.

Pan Xiaoye, 42, a celebrated food and travel writer known as Pan Pan Mao, recently took her 9-year-old son on this twohour gourmet bus tour.

"Dinnertime coincides with Beijing's rush hour but between eating, sightseeing, and chatting, we barely noticed the traffic," Pan says. The seamless transition between courses and city views made the experience feel effortless.

She found the bus an ideal setting for social interaction, offering a rare opportunity to fully engage with companions, whether family or friends, without distraction.

The thoughtful onboard design also stood out. Wine and water glasses were placed in specially designed holders to ensure stability while maintaining easy access. "Each glass rests on a silicone coaster, keeping it secure and eliminating clinking sounds," she notes.

The service, she adds, was as polished as that of a high-end restaurant. "The staff were professional and attentive," she adds.

With winter still leaving the city's trees bare, Pan is looking forward to a return visit when Beijing's streets are in bloom. "The scenery will be completely different in spring," she says. "And if there's a new seasonal menu by then, it will be even better."

The gourmet bus experience is provided by Wolfgang's Steakhouse, a Michelin-recommended restaurant. According to the restaurant's manager Gao Feng, the current menu features signature dishes such as the classic Caesar salad paired with ultra-thick, crispy bacon, and New York Cheesecake.

"Our steak is USDA Prime Angus ribeye, dry-aged in our in-house aging room and slow-roasted to perfection," Gao says. "We also offer unlimited wine and beverages."

The menu has recently been upgraded, with plans for further seasonal updates. "Right now, the main course is steak, but we're looking to introduce options like chicken and fish," he adds.

Service standards remain a priority, with professionally trained staff ensuring a smooth dining experience while the bus is in motion. "Our team is trained to provide top-quality service while maintaining safety," Gao says. He also highlights the eco-friendliness of the bus, which runs on new energy, producing minimal noise and no gasoline odor.

The current route includes a stop at the Bird's Nest, where guests can step off to enjoy the illuminated views of the iconic stadium and the National Aquatics Center, also called the Water Cube.

Beyond the fixed evening tour, the bus offers customizable routes and menus for a tailored urban travel experience.

Gao reveals plans to collaborate with travel agencies and nearby hotels to create bespoke itineraries, offering domestic and international tourists a unique way to explore Beijing.

"We provide a short city tour that is effortless and enjoyable for all ages, from young travelers to families and seniors," he says.