PICKS OF THE MONTH: CHINA Edition Part 2

BEIJING

Hotel: City Walls Hostel

No.57, NianZi HuTong, JingShanHouJie, DongCheng District, http://www.beijingcitywalls.com/

It may be true that old Beijing is rapidly disappearing; however, a few traditional pockets still remain throughout the modern city that evoke its old Chinese charm – these are the Hutongs. The Hutongs are the traditional style of housing in Beijing, consisting of narrow little streets lined with doors and high walls that conceal courtyard style homes that house entire extended families. They may look rustic from the outside, but inside they are each a private oasis.

Through hotelworld.com I booked the most fabulous hostel I have probably ever stayed at on any of my globetrotting adventures. Situated in a centrally located but hard to find area near the Forbidden City (get directions written in Chinese before arriving), Sitting on the Walls is a beautifully renovated brand new hostel oozing with feng shui and a friendly atmosphere. It is very clean, it is run by ridiculously friendly and helpful staff, attracts a nice crowd of people, serves great food, doesn’t get too rowdy, and is home to a really adorable little pooch. Most of all it just looks super cool! They have very affordable dorm style rooms with bunk beds and private double bed accommodation at a slightly higher price. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom, with a western toilet I may add, which is somewhat of a luxury in China. Just remember, you came to Beijing to see the city, not to hang around your ultra magnifico hostel, so do force yourself to venture out from this peaceful abode for at least a few hours each day.

Restaurant: Noodle Loft (Mian Ku Shanxi Shiyi)

No. 20 Dawang Road, Chaoyang District, http://www.fro

mmers.com/destinations/beijing/D31125.html

Thanks to the eternally grumpy Anthony Bourdain I discovered this trendy but cheap Chinese restaurant. Due to to my horrendous directions I nearly gave up on ever finding this eccentric noodle house extraordinaire, but I’m glad my persistence paid off and I got to experience the 30 ft noodle myself. Sit back, relax and watch the chefs in the open kitchen (bottom floor) make your noodle-y dishes with big knives, chopsticks and wild arm movements. From the looks of it, I bet it all tastes good. I ordered and loved the 30 ft long noodle with a spicy aubergine sauce and the caramel covered sweet potatoes (so delish if you have a major sweet tooth – dip in accompanied water dish before eating to cool). Not to be left out, the servers were nice and the food arrived quickly. Three thumbs up!

Cafe: Confucius Teahouse

28 Guozijian Street, Andingmen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng district, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/asia/china/1586231/Beijing-travel-guide-teashops-and-nightlife.html

I have a theory that travel is most enjoyable when you get to pair each cultural visit of the day with a little nibble of local cuisine or a break at a nice cafe. In my family we call this the “un chateau, un gateau” principle. Besides, it helps prevent that bothersome sore feet syndrome that seems to creep up on tourists. On one such afternoon in Beijing, after visiting both the Lama Temple and the Confucius temple, my friend and I decided that no trip to China would be complete without experiencing an authentic Chinese tea ceremony. We chose the Confucius Teahouse across the street from the Confucius Temple, aka the best, most serene tea place in town, for our little repose. Served by a gracious young girl, we were taken through the steps of the ceremony and got to drink to two delicate green teas that we had selected beforehand. They also serve funny little traditional cakes to enjoy with your tea and, drum roll please, they have a really nice western toilet. Last but not least, the teahouse isn’t very pricey. It is a great place to seek refuge from the bustling city outside and a must-stop on your itinerary.

Culture: Around Beijing

This is my list of must-see attractions in Beijing that every first-time tourist here should see. The Forbidden city, the Great Wall, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park and Beihan Park. If you are looking to buy anything, visit the Pearl Market and don’t forget to bargain. You should never have to pay more than 25% of the initial offered price. Zaichien! (Goodbye!)

FAVORITES - MAY

Song: Let It Be by the Beatles

Musician: Leona Lewis

Movie: Lagerfeld Confidential

Book: The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Artist: Peter Lik

Trend: White Lace Gloves and Summer Hats

Designer: Trovata

Drink: Croft Sherry

Food: Fresh Grilled Halibut

City/Place: Beijing

TV Show: The Hills

PICKS OF THE MONTH: CHINA Edition Part 1

TOWN: YANGSHUO

Yangshuo is a lovely little town in Southern China with some of the most extraordinary scenery I have ever seen. It is the China of yesteryear that we have dreamt about, with classic styled buildings, farmers picking rice, bamboo rafts floating down river and lush green limestone hills shooting out of the ground as far as the eye can see. It is part of the old world China that is quickly being replaced with 6 lane highways and skyscrapers. Allow yourself the pleasure of visiting this special place before it disappears.

Sightseeing: Hike and take a Li River cruise

By small raft which departs from the dock below the tourist market

It’s time to get up close and personal. Yangshuo is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in the world so what better way to see it than on foot. Hike up its most famous limestone mountain, half-moon peak, to get a great view of the landscape and to work off that extra serving of sweet and sour pork you took when no one was watching. And if you are lucky, and I can pretty much guarantee that you will be, a sweet and very enthusiastic Chinese woman will insist on leading you up the hill, carrying chilled drinks and a fan to keep you cool. She won’t take no for an answer so go with the flow and give her a few Yuan for her troubles at the end. It’s all part of the experience.

Another great way to experience the limestone peaks is on a relaxing cruise along the Li River on a traditional bamboo raft. It is a great way to lose the horde of tourists in town and you to enjoy the serene peacefulness of the limestone backdrop against the calm river. You will never want to leave the magical place!

Shopping: Explore the many shops on West Street and the nearby market by the Li River

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When you booked your trip to China everyone you know and their grandmother probably supplied you with a list of must-have items to bring back that they just had to have. Although Yangshuo is no big city, its stores sell almost anything you will be looking to buy. From silk, to leather goods, hello kitty cell phone accessories, chopstick sets and (I hate to encourage this but whatever) knock-off everything; you can buy it all here and for the same price as in any market in China. There are lots of little shops along this street, which comes to a crescendo in the evening. Just don’t forget to bargain, bargain, bargain! Although they may not look it, shopkeepers will respect you for it. Don’t pay more than a quarter of the starting price they give you and be nice but firm. And remember, if they can profitably sell it to you at your price, they will. It’s like playing a game – have fun!

Culture: “Impression on Sanjie Liu” theatre production

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangxi/yangshuo/impression-sanjieliu.htm

Now you say that you are more than happy eat Chinese food and shop all night long as your evening entertainment. After all, you are on vacation...it doesn’t count, right? You might even make brief appearance at the karaoke bar down the street. But did you know that there is a first class outdoor performance just on the other side of town. More specifically, it is a music, singing, dancing and lights show performed on water with the cascading hills lit up in the background. Created by the same man that is putting together the production of the Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing this August, this show took over 5 years to produce and has a cast of thousands. Like nothing you will have seen before, it will leave you amazed and exhilarated. Believe it.

Cafe: Sanpin Coffee Yangshuo Store

No. 9 West Street, Yangshuo (Old Town), sanpincoffee@163.com

After an afternoon of shopping or a big lunch it is nice to seek refuge in a calm, cozy coffee shop. My favourite is Sanpin Coffee on the main shopping street. They have a large selection of teas and coffee (I like the milky jasmine green tea), comfy chairs, friendly staff, internet access and, luxury of luxuries, a western toilet upstairs!

Restaurant: Try local cuisine in small side street restaurants

I have no specific recommendation for where to dine but I would suggest avoiding the larger, hipper looking places lining the main street and try a simpler looking restaurant on a side street instead. It might not look like much but the food will be authentic, better quality, dirt cheap and absolutely delicious - a real Chinese experience. If you are unsure, ask a local where to go.