Museums across China are turning their eateries into cultural experiences, offering dishes inspired by ancient relics as culinary tourism gains popularity. At the Hebei Museum in northern China, the “Changxin Palace Lamp” has inspired a steamed egg shaped like the bronze sculpture, served with Shijiazhuang-style beef noodles. “It feels like eating can also be pleasing to the eyes,” said Ying, who travelled from Beijing to try it.

Further south in central China, the Henan Anyang Yin Ruins Museum, “Oracle Bone Script Noodles” feature ancient characters symbolising good fortune, with weekend orders reaching 600 servings per day. “We thought we must come and taste them – to eat these beautiful wishes into our stomachs,” said visitor Xie Fei.

In central China’s Hubei Province, the Hubei Provincial Museum’s café serves Bianzhong Beef Noodles, featuring a spiced corned egg modelled on a bronze ceremonial bell. “Eating it makes me feel like travelling back in time,” said Lyv, a visitor. Wang Liang, the museum’s cultural development director, explained the goal: to create food that delights visitors while letting them experience relics and culture.

Source: China Central Television