Mianyang Minglou Shengyan • Immersive Palace Feast

Located within the Yue Wang Tower, known as “The First Tower of Poetry and Literature in the World,” Mianyang’s renowned Sheng Yan restaurant, Mianyang Minglou Sheng Yan, takes the culture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty as its soul and the Mianzhou cultural heritage as its backbone to create an immersive local imperial dining show. This feast, which integrates live performances, intangible cultural heritage cuisine, and traditional etiquette, breaks the boundaries between catering and cultural tourism, becoming a new calling card for Mianyang’s cultural and tourism integration. In terms of setting, with the Tang-style architecture of Yue Wang Tower as the backdrop, upon entering the Xihongmen, ladies in ruqun (traditional Tang dynasty attire) greet guests with traditional etiquette. The imitation imperial dining hall is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and palace lanterns illuminate celadon tableware and scroll menus, while 360° light and shadow flow to depict the magnificent scenery of the Fujiang River. Before the meal, Hanfu-clad NPCs lead ancient games such as “Touhu” (pitch-pot), recreating the social atmosphere of a prosperous Tang banquet. The performances trace the history of Mianzhou, with drums and music resounding as sword dances and water sleeve dances are performed in turn. They deeply integrate allusions such as Li Bai ascending the tower and Yuan Zhen and Xue Tao singing in harmony. Actors interact closely with diners, allowing them to become participants in history. The cuisine adheres to the concept of “one dish, one allusion,” blending imperial techniques with Sichuan flavors. The “Ancient Road Golden Ox” braised beef is sculpted into a mountain shape, and the “Furong Xiang” soup is sweet and refreshing with a pleasant aftertaste. Each dish is accompanied by a corresponding dramatic interpretation, with Sichuan cuisine masters and intangible cultural heritage inheritors overseeing the preparation, ensuring both exquisite presentation and rich flavor.