Imperial Tours has launched two new culinary Imperial Moments that can be incorporated into travel itineraries visiting Beijing: Clients can dine at Cheng Courtyard, an aristocratic home bequeathed to Chef Cheng, Chairman Mao’s personal chef, who prepared meals for the visiting Viscount Montgomery, the Dalai Lama and the last Emperor of China. Presently, the chef’s grandson, also a Master Chef, oversees meals during behind-the-scenes ministerial level meetings in this exclusive retreat. Cheng Courtyard is across from Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of Chinese leadership and one of the most exclusive addresses in Beijing. Imperial Tours can also arrange banquet dinners for its guests in a renovated, three-floor palace that is not open to the general public, within the Forbidden City. Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong in 1740, the private palace consists of nine ornate buildings within a maze of walkways, courtyards and gardens. Contact Margot Kong ([email protected]) for bookings.