He entered his 30s ready for a career change and noticed Beijing lacked the flavors of his hometown. One year after opening his restaurant, Wu, now 31, says he has made back his initial investment.

The Quanjude Restaurant, the largest roast duck restaurant in Beijing if not in the world, opened for business in 1979. Located near Hepingmen Gate (Peace Gate), it has a floor space of 15,000 ...

Years later, a similarly unexpected turn of events led him to open — and become the face of — a popular restaurant in Beijing ...