The Parisienne of Beijing

Maxim's was one of the first Western restaurants to open in the capital 27 years ago. Ye Jun revisits the stately French lady and finds her as charming as ever.

Beijing

Maxim's de Paris Beijing is probably more well-known than the original restaurant founded in late 19th century Paris - at least as far as the Chinese are concerned. In 1983, all of 27 years ago, the opening of Maxim's in Beijing was an unprecedented sensation. So was the 200 yuan ($30) bill per person, at a time when the monthly income of most Chinese was hardly ever above 50 yuan.