Han Fu Xing (Laomendong)

Han Fu Xing is a long-established salted duck house at 102 Gutong Alley in Laomendong, the preserved old-town quarter of the Qinhuai District in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Laomendong, meaning the old south gate area, is a district of low-rise Ming and Qing-style lanes and rebuilt courtyard houses, and the restaurant benefits from the steady flow of visitors who come to walk its alleys. The shop specialises in Nanjing salted duck (yanshui ya), the city's most emblematic dish, in which ducks are dry-cured with salt and spices and then simmered gently so the meat stays pale, tender and lightly fragrant. A portion is priced at about ¥45, and the shop's second signature is a duck-fat pastry at about ¥12, a flaky baked snack that reflects the local habit of using duck fat in pastry. Beyond these, the menu is short and built around duck and accompanying snacks, so there is little need for a wine or spirits programme; tea or soft drinks are the norm. There is no Michelin recognition, and the appeal is longevity and focus. The dining space is small, casual and practical, with a mix of takeaway customers and people eating on the spot, and noise levels are moderate. Dress is informal. Reservations are not required; the shop operates walk-in, and most customers order at the counter. Opening hours run from 7:30AM to 7:30PM, which suits an early snack or a late-afternoon stop between sights. Prices are low, with duck and pastry together costing under ¥70, and many customers buy a boxed duck to take away as a gift or travel snack. Visitors exploring Laomendong on foot can combine the visit with nearby lanes, craft shops and the Confucius Temple area, which is a short distance away. Because the dish is served cold or at room temperature, it travels well and is easy to enjoy in a park or hotel room afterwards.