It’s time for another round-up of the latest news from around the capital. Read on to find out about the latest weird, wonderful, good and bad happenings in Beijing. Read More>>
As winter begins to tighten its grip on the capital there's no better way to fight the chill than by “chillying” up with some spicy Asian cuisine. We've rounded up some of the best Thai restaurants in Beijing. Read More>>
On January 29th, many in Beijing found themselves waiting in trepidation. Asia's first ever Grand Slam singles finalist was about to enter the tennis court, and she was Chinese. Beautiful Wuhan- born Li Na did not win the match, but her humble smile to ... Read More>>
You’re young, ambitious, newly arrived in Beijing and looking for work. If you rewind to just five years ago, those would have been the ingredients to an auspicious start of your life here. Unfortunately, that train has passed, and finding a job in Beijing ... Read More>>
Not so long ago and very far away, I lived in a land where steak was nearly as common a sight on restaurant menus as jiaozi dumplings are here in Beijing, and in a city where KFC was not one of the best options for a side of corn and mashed potatoes. Here ... Read More>>
Sometimes a few stories slip between the cracks, but we try to serve them up in our Watchdog articles. Here’s what you might have missed in the past week and what you could be longing for in the future… Read More>>
Remember that fabulous shot of the old Forbidden City in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Remember the Starbucks Café right in the middle? I don’t either but similar sensations await you at the (fairly) newly refurbished Qianmen Street. Read More>>
It is easily argued that French cuisine is among the best in the world and there is no doubt that Beijing has many fabulous French restaurants to choose from. Of all the foreign restaurant ethnicities in Beijing, it is the French restaurants that really ... Read More>>
The world has been watching in disbelief and shock as Japan’s worst ever earthquake and tsunami has unfolded to become a multi-faceted disaster of epic proportions. As rescue workers race against time to find survivors amongst the thousands that are still ... Read More>>
Nanlouguxiang (南锣鼓巷) has always been a lively hub in Chinese ancient cultural history, and more recently, general expat quirkiness and consumerism. This picturesque, albeit slightly touristy, commercial and entertainment strip, offers a glimpse into ... Read More>>
It seems like people are divided about vegetarianism in China – some say it’s extremely difficult; others rave about how many vegetarian options are out there. If you belong to the former category, then rest assured; Beijing’s vegetarian restaurant scene ... Read More>>
A lot has happened since our last Beijing watchdog article, once again proving that it’s all too easy to fall out of the loop. From random news bulletins to new openings, not-to-be-missed events to practical info, here’s another round-up of the latest ... Read More>>
Don’t be fooled into thinking that only Beijing’s big department stores and tourist markets stock the hottest goods. Beijing is dotted with plenty of clothes markets that have two very special traits: fashionable and cheap! This article introduces you to ... Read More>>
Beijing is fast becoming an eclectic playground for cocktail enthusiasts. However, with fake alcohol and bad quality drinks sadly being an accompanying feature of the city’s bar scene, we decided to put together a guide that is guaranteed to lead you to ... Read More>>
Beijing’s hutongs hold many secrets hidden within their walls, and exploring the maze-like alleys of the city is an essential way to discover the city’s ancient and dilapidated charm. Hutongs also happen to be home to some of the city’s most charismatic ... Read More>>
Like a race car driver, Beijing is speeding forward in top gear. As we’re inevitably dragged along for the ride, many things flash by so quickly that we don’t even notice them, nor do we have time to turn our head and look back. Below, we’ve compiled a ... Read More>>
As Guinness is to the Irish, Champagne to the French and Rosso to the Italians, so too is tea to the Chinese. Traditionally Tea was the medium under which many social and formal events were carried out, and today still holds great symbolism in the minds and ... Read More>>
If you’re looking to start a rock band or simply looking to test your musical talent, Beijing has what you need, if you know where to look. Specialized items can be difficult to find when you move to a foreign country but Beijing has ever so cleverly ... Read More>>
Craving good ole American cuisine? Beijing has several American-style dining options but knowing which one to try can be difficult because they are hit or miss. Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining feast or a good old fashioned plate of soul food, ... Read More>>
With so many malls already to choose from in downtown Beijing, there’s still one big reason to make the trek out to the Scitech Premium Outlet Mall near the Beijing airport: big savings. With a tagline of “Big Brands, Small Prices”, the Scitech Premium ... Read More>>
“We used to build civilizations, now we build shopping malls,” best selling American author, Billy Bryson, once wrote. Beijing’s Xidan is more than just a mall; it’s an entire area full of malls, dedicated to shoppers’ ... Read More>>
In Beijing – indeed in many cities throughout China – there is an abundance of Japanese restaurants. What many connoisseurs of this far eastern cuisine are really concerned with is whether a restaurant is "Japanese" – as in a restaurant chain ... Read More>>
Jean Ellie Guillaume, 24, says that when he came to China from Haiti in 2009, he had it in his heart and prayers to find a place to worship, but when he arrived he was hesitant to ask people questions. He says he held back because he had learnt that China's ... Read More>>
We wandered o’er hill and down dale in search of Mexican food that is worthy of the name. Although Beijing is not exactly a multi-cultural hub of food fusion there are some sparks of hope; so for all you Mexican enthusiasts and enchilada gobblers out there ... Read More>>