Launch Story understands the restaurant is currently under construction in the Harbour City restaurant precinct in Haymarket, with an opening targeted for before the end of 2026. An exact opening date has yet to be confirmed.
An interior design company involved in the project revealed details on Chinese social media in September, describing a space inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and contemporary Neo-Chinese aesthetics. The design incorporates elements of Beijing's Forbidden City, including green roof-inspired structures, red architectural features, timber finishes and circular private dining spaces.
Xinjingxi brings its New Beijing Cuisine concept to Australia, specialising in traditional Beijing-style lamb hotpot featuring Inner Mongolian grass-fed lamb, seasonal vegetables and sesame dipping sauces, served in handcrafted cloisonné enamel copper pots. The Sydney restaurant may also feature Beijing opera performances, as seen at some of the brand's existing locations, combining traditional cuisine with cultural experiences.
Established in December 2020, Xinjingxi is part of China's Jingyu Catering Group (京遇餐饮集团), founded by chef and restaurateur Duan Yu. Other restaurants within the group received recognition from the Michelin Guide and China's Black Pearl Restaurant Guide in 2019.
The brand has expanded into Hong Kong, with restaurants in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. The Sydney restaurant will mark Xinjingxi’s first expansion beyond Greater China, Launch Story understands.
Chinese Restaurant Brands Expand Overseas
Xinjingxi's Forbidden City-inspired design reflects China's Guochao (China Chic) movement, which reinterprets traditional Chinese culture through contemporary aesthetics. This approach has been widely adopted by Chinese consumer brands across sectors including cosmetics, fashion, food and beverages. As previously reported by Launch Story, Chinese tea brand Molan Tea has incorporated similar design elements into its Australian expansion.
The new restaurant brand comes as more Chinese dining brands are accelerating their international expansion. According to the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, 50 leading Chinese restaurant and tea-beverage brands operated a combined 6,801 overseas outlets by the end of 2025, with 24 having entered international markets after 2023.
Launch Story has also reported on the Australian expansion of Chinese dining brands, including Hunan cuisine chain Nonggengji, which announced its Melbourne debut in 2026, and Hangzhou-based Longjing Green Tea Restaurant, which has expanded across Southeast Asia.
A 2025 Rabobank report identified standardised operations, supply chain capabilities and local market adaptation as key considerations for Chinese foodservice brands expanding internationally, alongside efforts to reach broader consumer markets.
(Image credit: Jingyu Group website)