A museum dedicated to one of China’s most iconic foods – roast duck – has been opened by well-known restaurant chain Quanjude in Beijing.

The museum, which exhibits around 500 items from Quanjude’s 150+ year history, covers an area of more than 1,000sq m (10,700sq ft).

Quanjude has served its signature roast duck to dignitaries and heads of state, such as former US President Richard Nixon and former Chairman of the Communist Party of China, Mao Zedong, which is chronicled at the new museum along with displays illustrating how to properly prepare the dish.

The ducks are pumped full of air to make them appear rounder, brushed with sugar water, and dried for 24 hours. To give the duck the characteristic crispy skin, the meat is roasted at temperatures as high as 200°C, and served with pancakes, scallions and sauce, according to the exhibit.

Since opening, Quanjude has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Chinese government and has been promoted as the leading preparer of roast duck in China. The new museum is located next door to the brand’s flagship restaurant in Beijing.