Peking duck or Beijing duck?

Both 'Peking' and 'Beijing' are transliterations. That is, you take a non-english word and make up a spelling that when pronounced hopefully mimics the sound of the word. Peking is easier to say, but a less accurate representation. Beijing is pretty close to how it sounds when the Chinese speak of this city.

We had a big banquet the first evening of our two days of meetings. After the second day of meetings, a smaller group took us out for 'Peking' duck. This picture is from the taxi ride. Bikes no longer rule the road as they once did, but they are still a major force to be reckoned with.



This is evidently the original restaurant that started a dish called Peking duck, about 150 years ago. It has become a tourist institution. A place to bring out-of-towners. We're told no Beijinger would go there to just eat, as you can get roast duck that is just as good for half the price elsewhere.



Touristy but still pretty fun. Dazzle them with as much China decoration as we can.



The duck being carved. Every party has it's little room. It's a huge place; can accomidate something like 2000 guests!