Haidilao Hot Pot (Wangfujing)

Immersing yourself in the authentic culinary culture of China is hard to imagine without a visit to the legendary Haidilao (Wangfujing) restaurant. Located on the eighth floor of the modern in88 shopping center in the heart of Beijing, this restaurant is a prominent representative of the famous chain specializing in huoguo — Chinese "hot pot" or fondue. Here, guests become the creators of their own dinner, choosing from a variety of aromatic broths, from delicate mushroom to fiery Sichuan spice.

Haidilao (Wangfujing) is famous not only for its authentic cuisine but also for its phenomenal level of service, which has become a benchmark in the hospitality industry. The menu features a huge selection of the freshest ingredients: from marbled beef and tender lamb to various seafood, vegetables, and homemade noodles. The cozy atmosphere, high ratings, and attention to every detail make this place a magnet for everyone who wants to experience the flavor of Chinese cuisine in a comfortable setting.

The uniqueness of the establishment is highlighted by pleasant bonuses: while you wait for your order, you are offered free Wi-Fi, snacks, and in some cases, even shoe-shining or manicure services. The restaurant is perfectly suited for family visits thanks to the availability of high chairs and play areas, while thoughtful navigation makes it accessible to all categories of visitors seeking an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Beijing.

To ensure your visit to Haidilao (Wangfujing) is perfect, we recommend checking current table availability and booking options in advance. Given the immense popularity of this spot in Beijing, a preliminary call will help you avoid a long wait in line.

The main event at Haidilao (Wangfujing) is, of course, the huoguo cooking process itself. First, choose your base: connoisseurs recommend the thick tomato broth with tomato chunks or the rich mushroom option. Be sure to order the signature dishes: springy shrimp paste 招牌虾滑, thin-sliced Australian beef, or fresh lamb. The highlight of the meal is ordering the laomian noodles — a noodle-pulling master will perform a thrilling show right at your table, masterfully twirling the dough to music.

Beyond the food, the restaurant offers plenty of unusual entertainment. You can create your own perfect sauce at a special station featuring dozens of spices and oils, or enjoy free snacks and lemonade while waiting for your table. For those who appreciate service, lounge areas with manicures and even shoe shining are available, and attentive waiters are always ready to help with preparing ingredients if you are trying Chinese fondue for the first time. It is an ideal place for a birthday celebration or a warm evening with a large group.

Finding Haidilao (Wangfujing) is easy — it is located in the heart of the Chinese capital, on the 8th floor of the in88 shopping mall (formerly known as Lotte Yintai) at Wangfujing Dajie, 88. If you prefer the metro, it is most convenient to take Line 1 to Wangfujing station (exits B or C) or Line 5 to Dengshikou station (exits A or C), then simply take the elevator or escalator to the required floor.

For those who prefer surface transport, numerous buses stop nearby (routes 103, 104, 113, 420) serving the Wangfujing Dongkou stop. The restaurant is also just a 10–15 minute leisurely walk from Tiananmen Square. If you are planning a trip by taxi, simply show the driver the name of the shopping center or the address in Chinese — its central location makes it well-known to every local.

The history of this famous chain began in 1994 in Sichuan province, when a small establishment specializing in huoguo (Chinese hot pot) focused on an unprecedented level of hospitality. Since then, Haidilao has grown into a global empire, and the location on Wangfujing Pedestrian Street has become one of its flagship restaurants in Beijing, drawing both locals and tourists from around the world.

The restaurant became famous for adapting traditional spicy Chinese cuisine for the general public, introducing innovations like ordering via iPad and interactive entertainment. The concept of "service above all else" is taken to the absolute here: over decades of operation, the establishment has gathered thousands of glowing reviews about the staff's attentiveness, turning an ordinary dinner into a real cultural event.

While the exact opening date of this specific branch in the in88 mall is tucked away in corporate archives, it was this location in the 2010s that became a symbol of modern Beijing. Here, the traditions of Sichuan hot pot harmoniously coexist with the rhythm of the metropolis, making the restaurant a must-visit on the itinerary of any gourmet wishing to experience an icon of local dining.

To fully enjoy your visit to Haidilao (Wangfujing), you should allow at least 2–3 hours. There are often queues during peak hours, but the wait passes quickly thanks to the free service: guests are offered drinks, light snacks, and even board games.

The meal itself is a leisurely and engaging process. About an hour and a half will be spent cooking ingredients in the aromatic broth and watching the famous noodle show. If you come with a large group or with children, for whom there are play areas, your stay can easily extend to 4 hours, turning an ordinary lunch into a full-scale relaxation experience.

Haidilao (Wangfujing) restaurant warmly opens its doors every day, from Monday to Sunday. Official working hours are from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, making it easy to plan a hearty lunch after touring central Beijing or an exquisite dinner.

It is worth noting that during certain periods, the restaurant may change its operating hours or host guests until the last customer, so we recommend checking the current schedule directly on-site or by phone before your visit.

A visit to the Haidilao restaurant in the center of Beijing pairs perfectly with exploring China's main historical treasures. Just a few steps from the mall entrance begins the famous Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, where you can go shopping or try exotic street food.

If you walk a little further, the majestic Forbidden City and the Palace Museum will open up before you, holding the centuries-old secrets of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A stroll through the neighborhood after a hearty meal will allow you to feel the contrast between the modern metropolis and the Great Celestial Empire's grand past.