01 Sep Dinner and a Show: Experience Kung Fu Tea & Bian Lian Face Changing at Z&Y
FROM THE EVENTS TEAM OF Z&Y PEKING DUCK • Z&Y RESTAURANT
San Francisco’s Chinatown has long been a cultural and culinary landmark, but at Z&Y Peking Duck and our sister location, Z&Y Restaurant, we are offering a dining experience that goes far beyond the plate. Under the expert direction of Executive Chef Lijun Han—whose distinguished career includes cooking for Chinese presidents and international dignitaries—our restaurants have built a reputation as the city’s premier destinations for authentic Szechuan and Beijing cuisine. We believe that true hospitality engages all the senses. That’s why we are so proud to pair our award-winning, expertly crafted menus with two of China’s most captivating, historic performances: Kung Fu Tea and the ancient art of Bian Lian (Face Changing).
Here is what you can expect when you join us for an evening of authentic food and unforgettable entertainment.
The Breathtaking Art of Kung Fu Tea (Gong Fu Cha)
If you have never witnessed a traditional Kung Fu Tea ceremony, you are in for a true tableside spectacle. Known historically as Gong Fu Cha, this highly specialized tea service is far more than a beverage pouring—it is a fluid, meticulously choreographed martial arts dance.
Our master tea pourer utilizes a traditional copper kettle featuring an extraordinary three-foot-long spout. With years of specialized training and absolute precision, the master pours steaming tea into your cup from dynamic, seemingly impossible angles. It is a highly visual, mesmerizing tradition of Chinese hospitality that is incredibly rare to find in the United States, making it the perfect centerpiece for a celebratory dinner or a memorable night out with friends.
WITNESS THE ART OF KUNG FU TEA
Bian Lian: The Magic of Face Changing
The cultural immersion doesn’t stop with our tea service. Guests visiting our original Z&Y Restaurant location on Sunday evenings are treated to an exclusive, live Bian Lian performance.
Bian Lian, translated to “face-changing,” is a revered dramatic art form rooted in ancient Sichuan opera. During dinner, our resident skilled performer, Liu, navigates the dining room to the rhythm of traditional Chinese music. With lightning-fast agility and masterful sleight of hand, he swaps brightly colored, dramatic masks in the blink of an eye. It is an astounding display of illusion and cultural storytelling that delights audiences of all ages and leaves the dining room buzzing with energy.
CATCH THE SUNDAY FACE CHANGING SHOW AT Z&Y
Expertly Paired Cocktails (Without the Headache)
A world-class meal requires a world-class beverage pairing. To perfectly complement the complex, fiery spices of our Szechuan dishes and the rich, delicate crispness of our Peking Duck, our mixologists have introduced an exciting new beverage menu.
We are thrilled to offer a new lineup of non-alcoholic and low-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails designed to cool the palate and enhance your meal. Enjoy our refreshing Guava and Mango Refreshers, or opt for the light buzz of our Soju-based Lychee Mojitos and Mango Daiquiris. These thoughtful additions allow you to fully celebrate the evening with vibrant, layered flavors, ensuring you wake up the next day feeling great.
EXPLORE OUR NEW COCKTAIL & DINING MENUS
Plan Your Experience
Ready to treat your senses to an unforgettable evening? We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich culinary and cultural traditions of China. Both of our theatrical dining experiences are available weekly in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Kung Fu Tea Master Schedule (12:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
Z&Y Peking Duck (606 Jackson St): Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Z&Y Restaurant (655 Jackson St): Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Bian Lian (Face Changing) Performance:
Z&Y Restaurant (655 Jackson St): Sundays at 8:00 PM
We look forward to serving you soon!
Call to Reserve
📞 Z&Y Restaurant: (415) 981-8988
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special ticket or reservation for the Kung Fu Tea ceremony?
No special tickets are required! The Kung Fu Tea performance is a complimentary experience for our dining room guests. Simply order tea during the master’s scheduled hours (12:00 PM to 9:00 PM), and it will be poured tableside. We do highly recommend making a standard dining reservation, as our tables fill up quickly.
Is the Bian Lian (Face Changing) performance family-friendly?
Absolutely. The fast-paced, colorful, and highly energetic nature of the Face Changing performance is thrilling for guests of all ages. It is a wonderful way to introduce children and adults alike to traditional Chinese dramatic arts. Catch the show every Sunday at 8:00 PM at Z&Y Restaurant.
What if I don’t drink alcohol? Are there specialty beverages available?
Yes! We believe everyone deserves a beautifully crafted drink to pair with their meal. Our new beverage menu features vibrant non-alcoholic options, including our Guava and Mango Refreshers, as well as low-ABV Soju-based cocktails.
Which location should I visit?
It all depends on what you are craving! If you are looking for our legendary, fiery Szechuan cuisine, book your table at the original Z&Y Restaurant (655 Jackson St). If you are in the mood for expertly carved, crispy duck, head just down the block to Z&Y Peking Duck (606 Jackson St). Both locations offer an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
