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>>

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>>

With dipping temperatures and Autumn fast approaching there has never been a better time to explore the wealth of culture that Beijing's ancient temples provide. In this article we discover some of the best temples in Beijing to be explored and enjoyed as ... Read More>>

Ah Beijing, Beijing…a place that many of us expats know and have come to love. For all of us who call this wondrous and chaotic city our home, we also claim our favorite residential areas of the city as well. Each district of Beijing is distinct so ... Read More>>

I have lived in a hutong for six months, and it is definitely a love-hate relationship. For those thinking about moving into the hutongs, there are definitely some pros and cons to evaluate before making the move. Using my experiences, here is the expats ... Read More>>

Sanlitun and Gongti – the latter referring to the area around the Worker’s Stadium – have long been names synonymous with dining and entertainment. In the last few years, the arrivals of high profile developments such as The Village and the more recent ... Read More>>

Wudaokou’s Chengfu Lu is one of Beijing’s commercial and recreational areas most overlooked by the non-student/university crowd. However, in recent years, the area has come on in leaps and bounds receiving attention from residents of other districts. With ... Read More>>

Now that the smothering summer heat has subsided and given way to mild temperatures, blue skies and gentle winds, the perfect time for horse riding has arrived! There are plenty of indoor and outdoor equestrian centers all around Beijing, so below we’ve ... 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>>

Beijing is an enormous city and deciding which part of town to live in can be difficult. But as big as the city is, not all neighbourhoods are created equal; foreigners looking for alternatives to the usual expat “ghettos” would do well to check out these ... Read More>>

The fate of Beijing's multitudinous hutongs is something of a controversial issue for both foreigners and locals alike. These historic areas of Beijing have endured explosive development projects over the last few years, some more agreeable than others. ... Read More>>

The beautiful Nanluoguxiang hutong (南锣鼓巷胡同), nestled in Beijing’s historic Dongcheng District, is one of the oldest alleyways in Beijing. The street has a history of over 800 years, and served as a flourishing commercial street during the Yuan ... Read More>>

Welcome to Miyun, a picturesque suburban county north east of Beijing where the hills are green, the air is fresh and pollution at bay. The area is known for its beautiful natural environment and rich history, but what makes Miyun even more attractive is ... Read More>>

Venturing through a Chinese Hutong is an incredible experience, not only because it is completely different from western civilisation but because it is a piece of ancient history that is soon to be non-existent. There are very few traditional housing ... Read More>>

Beijing is famous for its wonderful ancient alleys (hutongs) and streets, many dating back to the Ming Dynasty and retaining their traditional architecture. However, over the years a number of historically rich hutongs have succumbed to the bulldozer – a ... Read More>>

With winter just around the corner, and snow already on our doorstep, everyone’s looking to pack on some extra insulation without having to venture too far to do so. Luckily for those in the Guomao area, there are some new restaurants and cafes to help you ... Read More>>

On first glance there isn't a lot going on to entice you in Beixinqiao, unless you enjoy trying not to get pulled into a mala shrimp restaurant on Guijie, that is. However, a spate of new bar openings and some overlooked restaurants make this unassuming ... Read More>>

Beijing’s parks are the perfect place to catch a slice of Chinese culture; be it the elderly practicing their elegant calligraphy on the paving stones, or middle aged urban denizens strutting a fox trot while young children scoot by on all kinds of ... Read More>>

There might not be 798 galleries at Beijing’s most famous art district, but choosing from the great many that are can still be tough. Truth be told, it’s worth wandering among all of them, taking your time to find a favorite. But if you’re short of time, ... Read More>>

The quirkiness of Wudaoying makes it a worthy visit upon your list of interesting hutongs of Beijing to visit. This guide lists some of the lesser-known gems you’ll find in Wudaoying. Read More>>

By now, even if you've relatively new to Beijing, you must have surely heard the name "Lido" mentioned somewhere. Lido – an up-scale, international neighborhood just outside the fourth ring road in Beijing's north-eastern suburbs – is the ... Read More>>

Living in Beijing can get a bit much at times. Maybe it's the traffic jams that get to you, maybe it's the crowds; but no matter the cause, the cure is the same; head for the mountains! Read More>>

Still relatively unfamiliar territory to many Beijingers, Caochangdi is a hipster’s paradise. A far cry from the touristy, built up, forget-you’re-in-China feel of 798, Caochangdi is the ideal destination for viewing art in a overly commercial setting. Read More>>

Yandai Xiejie is less crowded than its famous neighbor Nanluoguxiang and still has plenty of old Beijing vibes. If you hate crowds, and love shopping and culture than make sure to check out Yandai Xiejie while in Beijing. Read More>>