New Year's Eve dinner sold out at Palace Museum restaurant

The Palace Museum is inviting the public to enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner at the venue, which is stirring up excitement in culture lovers across the nation.

A staffer at the Corner Tower Restaurant near the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men) outside the Palace Museum confirmed the news to China News, adding that the restaurant is taking reservations for New Year's Eve dinner but they are booked full from Jan 19 all the way to the Lantern Festival on Feb 8.

A table for 10 is priced at 6,688 yuan ($996), with an added charge of 680 yuan per added guest. To keep up with the quality of the dishes, the Corner Tower Restaurant is only taking a limited number of reservations, a staff member said. Customers can call to make reservations for lunch and dinner, but it is difficult to tell whether bookings are still available.

The menu for the set meal was not disclosed. However, the staff member said dumplings, a staple of New Year Eve's dinner in North China, will be on the menu. At the same time, dishes related to the history and culture of the Palace Museum will also be offered.

Some internet users are questioning whether the dining experience is worthwhile, considering the cost. Others said it is a fair price, with the location, time and culturally added value taken into account.

"It is really not that expensive when we think about where the restaurant is, but it is high-profile. Will the palace maids be serving us?" asked an internet user whose witty comment earned more than 14,000 likes on Sina Weibo.

The Corner Tower Restaurant: 010-64032606/65214358