Shang Palace

The story

Shang Palace in Yangzhou: Michelin-Starred Huaiyang & Cantonese Dining

Shang Palace: A Michelin-Starred Taste of Yangzhou

At the Shangri-La Hotel in Yangzhou, Shang Palace brings together two of China’s great culinary traditions: the delicate, knife-focused Huaiyang cuisine native to the region and the refined flavours of Cantonese cooking. This focus earned the restaurant a Michelin star in the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide for Jiangsu, a recognition that speaks to the precision and depth on every plate.

The dining room is designed with classic Chinese elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. Eighteen private rooms offer space for gatherings, while the main hall is airy and elegant. The setting matches the food: thoughtful, unhurried, and quietly luxurious.

The Chef and His Philosophy

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chinese Chef Zhu Yifei, a native of Changzhou, Jiangsu. He trained under Zhou Xiaoyan, a recognised master of Huaiyang culinary heritage. Chef Zhu’s approach is grounded in technique—he is a senior cook with a deep respect for the traditions of Huaiyang cuisine, yet his dishes show a modern sensibility. His accolades include the “Outstanding Chef of the Year” at the 2021 Travel Awards and the “Selected Outstanding Chef” for 2020-2021.

Signature Dishes

The menu highlights Huaiyang classics alongside Cantonese favourites. Three dishes stand out:

• Crispy Beef Tenderloin – Unlike the braised version common in Huaiyang cooking, this beef is first blanched, then pan-fried in salad oil or butter to seal in juices, and finally simmered for two hours. The result is a contrast of crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, with a subtle sweetness.
• Stewed Lion’s Head Meatball – A Huaiyang icon. These large pork meatballs are gently simmered until they are “loose but not scattered, rich but not greasy,” with a texture that nearly melts on the tongue.
• Yangzhou Fried Rice – Perhaps the most famous dish from this city. Shang Palace’s version follows the classic formula: light, fluffy grains studded with shrimp, ham, and vegetables, each element distinct yet harmonious.

Awards and Recognition

Beyond the Michelin star, Shang Palace has been named a one-star restaurant in the 2024 Golden Banyan China Restaurant Guide and was among the first batch of “World Gastronomy City Model Shops” in Yangzhou. These honours reflect the restaurant’s consistent quality and its role in showcasing Yangzhou’s culinary heritage on the global stage.

Whether you come for the precise Huaiyang cuisine or the polished Cantonese dishes, Shang Palace offers a meal that respects tradition while feeling thoroughly contemporary. It is a destination for anyone serious about Chinese fine dining.