A heart-shaped chocolate box, filled with miniature coated sweets, awaits every customer at Ritz-Carlton Beijing.

As the city warms up for the season of renewal, Valentine's Day signals a chance for Beijing's hearts to blossom too.

It seems reasonable that located in the heart of the city's thriving Central Business District is Ritz-Carlton Beijing, a luxurious hotel offering an enjoyable retreat on the day of romance.

The hotel is cashing in on the idea of passing candy to loved ones by providing an opportunity to experience a complete chocolate buffet.

After consuming a five-course meal at either Barolo, an Italian restaurant, or Aroma, a French bistro, visitors will begin their journey into chocolate heaven.

Left: Pastry chef Jane Yang is the lady behind the chocolate creations on offer at Ritz-Carlton Beijing's tasty buffet. Right: A heart-shaped chocolate and raspberry cake.

On offer are dark and milk chocolate buttons coated in rose and lavender skins, as well as a variety of chocolate and fruit cakes. For the young at heart, there are handfuls of chocolate lollipops.

One specialty that catches the eye is a large heart-shaped cake. With a base of rich chocolate mousse, it is topped in a mysterious raspberry cream and decorated with white chocolate hearts and fresh strawberries.

"The evening's theme is a sea of hearts," said Jane Yang, the hotel's pastry chef. "Everything comes in heart shapes to lend romantic feelings."

Yang, a Chinese chef, said she has been in the pastry business for 10 years, working at various luxury hotels in Beijing. She has been with Ritz-Carlton Beijing for the last three years.

"We are very particular about each step in the creation of chocolate. By carefully controlling the temperature and adding in butter slowly, the chocolate dough is thoroughly kneaded so it melts in the mouth."

The path through pleasure is complimented by a bottomless glass of red wine and champagne, not to mention the availability of a heated exterior swimming pool.

A chocolate gift waits for each customer at their table. Shaped like a heart, the chocolate casket holds three coated chocolates laid on sugar stones.

Yang said making these chocolate caskets takes time and skill, but they are built to last. Since they are made of pure dark chocolate, they will not go bad or melt easily.

"The desserts are all handmade, crystallizing our hard work and a fever for pastry making," she said.

"All the ingredients are imported from France to ensure quality and an original taste. There is a massive difference between our chocolate and those sold at supermarkets."

China Daily