Imagine savoring a meal where every bite feels like a scene from a wuxiaepic. In Hubei Province, the newly opened Xiangyang Courtyardhas done just that—blending gourmet dining with the timeless allure of Jin Yong’s martial arts legends, and captivating Chinese social media in the process.
This isn’t your average themed restaurant. Here, the staff doesn’t merely dress the part; they becomethe characters. Picture a graceful waitress channeling the clever Huang Rongfrom The Legend of the Condor Heroes, serving dishes with a knowing smile. Elsewhere, an employee portraying the sinister Mei Chaofengputs her “Nine Yin Skeleton Claw” to use—flourishing it dramatically while kneading dough. Then there’s the blindfolded chef embodying Ke Zhen’e, the sightless master, who prepares food with eyes closed, staying true to his novelistic roots.
“We trained our team with professional performers to ensure these portrayals feel authentic,” explains Zhu Xiujun, the restaurant’s general manager. “Our goal is to deepen the martial arts atmosphere and elevate the guest experience.”
The setting—Xiangyang, a city pivotal in Jin Yong’s stories as the battlefield of a legendary clash—adds layers of meaning. While reactions online are mixed, the concept has sparked excitement. “Brilliant idea!” one fan wrote. “I need to feel this wuxiaenergy!” Others, however, questioned priorities: “Shouldn’t food hygiene come first?”
In China’s cutthroat food industry, bold creativity is a lifeline. For now, Xiangyang Courtyard has found its edge: not just a plate of food, but a feast for the imagination—where diners rub shoulders with literary legends.
