Stars that shine over the capital

Jing Yaa Tang, hidden in a quiet hotel in the bustling Sanlitun area, provides an understated luxurious place for dining and the Peking ducks there are prepared in the wood-fired oven.

Among all the restaurants awarded one star, Beijing cuisine is one of the main elements. Family Li Imperial Cuisine (Xicheng) is now run by the fourth generation, who continue faithfully to replicate imperial recipes. Only set menus at set prices are available, and preordering is required.

A wide range of Chinese cuisine styles flourish in Beijing, and more than 30 styles are selected for the first Beijing Michelin Guide. This diversity is reflected in the one-star selection, in which there are Cantonese restaurants such as The Beijing Kitchen, Seventh Son and Lei Garden (Jinbao Tower). In Love (Gongti East Road) serves Hunan dishes and Huaiyang Fu, in Andingmen, Huaiyang food, while Cui Hua Lou, in Chongwenmen, is one of the best restaurants in the city that offers Shandong cuisine.

In the selection list, Chinese restaurants hold the dominant position, while eateries providing exquisite European dishes also receive star recognition. Three European restaurants are awarded one star: Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, in Xinyuan South Road, and Mio, in Liangmaqiao Road, for their Italian cuisine, and The Georg, in Di'anmen, for its European cuisine.

Ten days before the Beijing Michelin Guide was published the Bib Gourmand selection was revealed, with 15 restaurants receiving the award.

The Bib Gourmand distinction was established in 1997 with the aim of allowing consumers to enjoy good food on the move. In China the distinction recognizes restaurants that feature high-quality dishes for less than 200 yuan ($29) for a full meal.