Xinjiang folk dancer at Red Rose Restaurant in Beijing

Xinjiang folk dancer at Red Rose Restaurant in Beijing

The last time I was at the Red Rose Restaurant in Beijing, it was at least eight years ago. I still remember the passionate Xinjiang dancers, and the curious international guests. You have to finish your food before 9pm, or people will dance right next to your food on the table.The restaurant was packed on a week day, and was still as popular as eight years ago. In a fast changing economy in China, where many restaurants peaked their popularity for only 6 months in large cities like Shanghai and Beijing, Red Rose obviously did something different. It wasn't fancy. It was cultural!