The New York Times has some really interesting pieces on travel in China right now, including:
- The Perils of Hong Kong Jade on tricks and tips for buying jade in Hong Kong
I thought this piece was really interesting, and love the candor of the jade seller (Come on, this is a $2 cellphone charm, of course it’s not great jade!). There are great deals on all kinds of souvenirs in China, but with everything, caveat emptor.
- The Surf’s Always Up in the Chinese Hawaii about new surfing trends and the tourism boom in Hainan
This reminds me of a similar trend that’s happening with snowboarding and skiing developing in China. I haven’t personally been to Hainan, but would definitely be interested in some face time (and, no doubt, falling time!) with a beach and a surfboard. Anyone care to join?
- Hotel Review: The Opposite House – one of WildChina’s preferred hotels and Beijing’s newest hip nightlife spot
The Opposite House is a really interesting boutique hotel that opened this fall. Located in the Sanlitun bar district, it’s perfect for people who want to do some exploring and shopping on their own (very foreigner friendly). The Opposite House also has two lounges (Mesh and PUNK) and 3 restaurants (Sureno, Bei, Village Cafe) that are stand-alone destinations. My vote for the place that has changed the Beijing dining/going out scene the most (in a good way!).
- Store Review: The Shop in Beijing short piece about a gallery/shop/thought project
I haven’t been here, but I’m definitely keen to check it out. It’s interesting that this is located in Jianwai SOHO as opposed to the 798 art district, but I suppose that relates to the commercial/artistic combination they’re going for? Chinese contemporary art in general is heavily centered around consumerism and consumer ideals, so actually the CBD (Central Business District) location makes a lot of sense
- 36 Hours in Shanghai quick itinerary for a short Shanghai jaunt
Ah, Shanghai. I generally think this is a good quick itinerary for Shanghai, but I would have added a few things:
Lynn Modern Shanghai cuisine for brunch – located next to the Ritz Carlton Portman complex, a great weekend all-you-can-eat dim sum deal in an elegant setting
Din Tai Fung for amazing, mouth-watering Shanghai soup dumplings
50 Moganshan Road to see the contemporary art/factory/gallery scene
LoGo and C’s Bar for cheap drinks for a hipster set, Barbarossa for a place to relax with a drink in the middle of People’s Park – but feel like you’re in Casablanca!
That’s all for now!
I will be going to Hainan for the first time this April. I plan to volunteer at the Ironman China and try to catch a few waves while I am there. I’ve only been surfing a few times in Hawaii, so I am sure a few face plants are in my future. I just hope it’s a sandy bottom when I do. The NYT article sounds interesting. I’m trying to find where the surf spots are, maybe that will lead me in the right direction.
jason
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