For expat parents in Beijing, finding the right extracurricular activities to keep our children active, happy and entertained can be a bit of an obstacle. Chinese extracurricular activities tend towards the academic, and intramural sports are nearly unheard ... Read More>>
After 798, Songzhuang and Caochangdi a new art district is in the making. Roughly a kilometer north of Shuangjing, and south of the Tonghui river stands Baiziwan Lu: an ill-paved road cutting between smelly car repair shops on one side, and fancy apartment ... Read More>>
Are you a do it yourself kind of guy or gal? For those of you who enjoy creating your own projects but don’t know where to start in this massive city, we’ve created a “Do it yourself” (DIY) list of shops in Beijing to assist you in your favourite DIY ... Read More>>
Let’s face it: sometimes you just get a literary itch. Being surrounded by a language as fascinating and complicated as Chinese can be great, but every once in a while, you just need an ol’ fashioned English book to revel in. You aren’t alone; Beijing is ... Read More>>
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>>
Some of us have deeply rooted relationships with our hair professional and therefore, one of the most frightening things about moving to a foreign country is finding someone you trust to cut, colour and style your hair. While it’s difficult to give in to ... Read More>>
BC MOMA will be two years old this year, so I took a subway down to Dongzhimen to visit the cinema complex and see what leeway had been made in China’s supposed underground film Mecca. For those unfamiliar, BC MOMA—not to be confused with the Museum of ... Read More>>
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>>