Shanghai Lao Fandian (Old Shanghai Restaurant) started serving dazhaxie or mitten crab earlier this week. Photos provided to China Daily

Xie Lao Song's Chaoyang Lu branch

11 Chaijiawan, Chaoyang Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 50 meters east of Hangkong Dasha (Aviation Building). 010-6595-1519.

Average cost per head: 150 yuan.

Recommended: Burmese Mud Crab Fragrant and Spicy Pot, Steamed Flower Crab with Starch, Shrimp Pot.

Lao Shanghai

5 Sanlihe Donglu, 18/F, Zhongshang Dasha, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6858-7777.

Average cost per head: 150 yuan.

Recommended: Hairy Mitten Crab.

Park Hyatt

2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8567-1534.

Average cost per head: 600 yuan.

Recommended: Tianjin Purple Crabs Slowly Cooked in Coconut Shells.

Doubletree seafood festival

168 Guang'anmenwai Dajie, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6338-1888 Ext 1726

Average cost per head: 300 yuan.

Recommended: fresh seafood prepared to order.

	Full coverage: Let's get crabby!
	Autumn is China's biggest crab season. That's very much because the most popular freshwater crabs are at their delicious peak now — meaty and loaded with roe. Beijing's restaurants and hotels are busy presenting their best crab dishes. more