Now that it’s summer time in Beijing, it’s the perfect time to have a BBQ! In Beijing you can find many barbecue sites that are popular social hubs where friends and families gather for delicious food, lively conversations, and outdoor fun. Known as “烧烤” (shāokǎo), these gatherings celebrate both food and camaraderie, making them a favorite cultural activity across the country. Rent a Barbecue Event Site in Beijing My friends and I recently were invited to spend the day at West Mountain Wild Coffee Camp, which was the perfect getaway from Beijing. Nestled in West Three Village, this campsite i ..read more

The Avatar Mountains, located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, are renowned for their towering pillar-like rock formations that inspired the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie “Avatar.” These floating Avatar Mountains are indeed a real place! (Albeit, a little different from the movie). What many people may not know is that the scenic area is huge and includes many other sites that are spread out.  Key attractions include Tianmen Mountain, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with its famous Glass Bridge. Each area offers unique experiences, fr ..read more

Indulge in the ultimate brunch experience with the “Bubbly Brunch” at the Regent Hotel in Beijing. Located close to iconic Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, this hotel brunch features a luxurious atmosphere, a three-course brunch extravaganza, and free-flowing drinks to complement each delectable dish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Weiss (@rachelmeetschina) One of the highlights of the Bubbly Brunch is the freedom to curate your own dining experience. You will select a starter, second course, and main from the list of options ..read more

If you’re searching for a foreigner-friendly hair and beauty salon in Beijing, Catherine de France has you covered. Many expats know the struggle of finding reliable hair care abroad, particularly if you dye your hair or have unique textures. Over the years, I’ve heard countless horror stories within expat circles about miscommunications leading to disastrous hair experiences. So, when I discovered Catherine de France Hair and Beauty Salon, it felt like such a relief. Conveniently located near Beijing’s bustling Sanlitun area, Catherine de France caught my eye with its foreigner-friendly vibe ..read more

Shanghai has a vibrance breakfast scene, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and dynamic energy. From savory scallion pancakes to steaming bowls of wonton soup, morning rituals here are as diverse as they are delicious. But perhaps what truly sets Shanghai apart is its thriving coffee culture. With the highest number of coffee shops per capita in the world, Shanghai has become a global hub for caffeine aficionados and artisanal roasters alike. So with over 8000 coffee shops in Shanghai and countless local breakfast stalls, where do you even begin? Don’t sweat, because Lost Plate Food ..read more

Brunch lovers of Beijing rejoice! Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to ditch the winter coats and head back outside for some breakfast and bubbly at Beijing’s coolest terraced restaurants. And if you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot for a laid-back Beijing brunch, look no further than Side Street’s Jianguomen location! Most Beijinger’s know Side Street for their award-winning burgers, winning the coveted Beijing Burger Crown in 2020, but they also do an incredible weekend brunch and freeflow bubbly deal on Saturdays and Sundays at their Jiangguomen location. View this post o ..read more

Stepping into Morton’s Steakhouse at the prestigious Beijing Regent Hotel feels like uncovering a hidden gem. The ambiance, with its jazzy tunes and 1920s-style décor, sets the stage for an authentic Morton’s encounter that transcends borders. If you’re looking for a steakhouse in Beijing, Morton’s of Chicago should be at the top of your list. Morton’s of Chicago is a renowned steakhouse chain originating from the Chicago, known for its commitment to delivering exceptional quality steaks, seafood, and classic American fare in an upscale dining atmosphere, consistently providing guests with an ..read more

In China, there’s a fascinating trend in the wedding industry: themed wedding rooms you can rent. These venues offer couples an all-in-one solution for their big day, providing fully decorated spaces complete with flowers, tables, and decorations. They also come equipped with modern amenities like LED screens, in-house videographers, photographers, and MCs to ensure a seamless event. As I’m looking for a venue in Beijing, I thought it would be really fun to check out one of these themed wedding companies. Join me in what I can only describe as a magical wonderland of Bride Elysse, a themed wed ..read more

Living and working in the vibrant city of Beijing, my British fiancé and I have jumped into the adventure of getting married and planning a wedding in China. He proposed in NYC last October during our trip to the US, and since then we’ve had to answer all the big questions two expats abroad must face: Where should we get married? The US, the UK, or in China? (Or somewhere else?!) How many celebrations should we have? What are all the documents and logistics we need to figure out? International couple life, amiright? It’s been challenging to sort through these big questions, but with much del ..read more

Beijing is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 21 million people that offers a distinctive fusion of traditional and modern culture, making it the perfect location for tourists looking for an authentic Chinese experience. There is something for everyone to do in this dynamic city, from touring the Forbidden City to hiking the Great Wall, sampling local cuisine in Beijing, and exploring the historic hutongs. I’ve compiled 30 best traditional things you should try in Beijing in 2024, including food, restaurants, attractions, walking tours, and experiences to try. As an expat living i ..read more