"In 2018 we will not only be enjoying the food at a KFC restaurant, but also be able to explore the beauty of Chinese historical relics and learn the history and stories behind them," said Joey Wat, chief executive officer of Yum China Holdings Inc., which operates over 5,400 KFC restaurants across China.

"The fast food chain will use its powerful resources both online and offline to tell an interesting story to the relics and let these national treasures shine all over the country," she added.

Taking its theme restaurant in Shanghai as an example; the outlet will be decorated with Chinese lanterns. And using artwork by designer Zhang Lei, a multimedia demonstration will show visitors how a Chinese lantern works and its beauty from an aesthetic point of view.

At its downtown branch in Wuxi's Chong'an Temple, a KFC restaurant has been transformed to resemble Furong Shuanglu Tu, a famous Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) painting that depicts hibiscus flowers and a pair of herons. It is expected to give its customers an immersive dining experience featuring ancient China－a cultural tour no one would have expected from a fast-food chain.