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National Peking Duck Day

Get ready to savor the delicious flavors of National Peking Duck Day - a celebration of one of China's most iconic and mouth-watering dishes!

Monday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 18

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Calling all foodies! Get ready to indulge in one of the most iconic dishes from Chinese cuisine on January 18 – National Peking Duck Day. This mouth-watering holiday celebrates the delicious and succulent roasted duck dish that originated in Beijing, China. With a history dating back to imperial times, Peking duck has become a beloved delicacy around the world and is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Whether you're a seasoned fan or trying it for the first time, National Peking Duck Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to this delectable dish.

TIMELINE

National Peking Duck Day Timeline

Peking Duck Creation

The dish, originally named "Shāo yāzi", started being served in Beijing in the Yuan Dynasty, which was established in the 1300s.

Quanjude Restaurant Opens

In 1864, the Quanjude restaurant was established in Beijing, later becoming famous for its Peking Duck.

International Exposition Features Peking Duck

Peking Duck was served at the Pan-American International Exposition, helping its global recognition.

Henry Kissinger's Visit to China

US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, and President Richard Nixon visited Beijing in 1972. Kissinger was reported to be a fan of Peking Duck, striking significant media attention.

Peking Duck in the United States

In the 1980s, expansion of Chinese-American cuisine led to an increase in Peking Duck consumption in the United States.

National Peking Duck Day

In 2013, National Peking Duck Day was established in the United States, celebrating the dish every January 18th.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Peking Duck Day

Try making your own Peking duck

Get adventurous in the kitchen and try making your own Peking duck at home. There are many recipes available online and it can be a fun and delicious activity to do with friends or family.

VISIT

Visit a Chinese restaurant

Celebrate Peking Duck Day by going out to a Chinese restaurant and trying their famous Peking duck dish. Make sure to call ahead and reserve a table, as this dish is often in high demand.

ATTEND

Attend a cooking demonstration

Many cooking schools or culinary institutes offer classes or demonstrations on how to make Peking duck. Attend one of these events and learn more about the traditional preparation of this dish.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Peking duck tasting party

Gather friends and family together for a Peking duck tasting party. Have everyone bring a different version of the dish or try making it with different sauces or spices to see which one is the crowd favorite.

WATCH

Watch a documentary about Peking duck

Learn more about the history and cultural significance of Peking duck by watching a documentary about it. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate this delicious dish.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Peking Duck Day

It's a communal meal

Peking Duck is traditionally served as a communal meal, with family and friends sharing the large dish together. This fosters a sense of unity and connectedness while enjoying a delicious meal together. National Peking Duck Day encourages us to gather with loved ones and share in this special experience.

It's a celebration of culture and tradition

Peking Duck is a famous dish from Beijing, China, and National Peking Duck Day not only celebrates the delicious food itself but also the rich cultural history behind it. It's a great way to learn more about Chinese cuisine and customs.

The taste is unbeatable

Peking Duck is known for its succulent meat, crispy skin, and flavorful seasoning. There's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly cooked piece of Peking Duck - it's truly an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.