With the exception of the much-loved xialongbao (soup dumpling), Shanghainese cuisine doesn’t always enjoy the respect it deserves. Many Chinese diners simply dismiss it as ‘too sweet’. Whilst it’s true that sugary flavours are common, here are five uniquely Shanghai delicacies all foodies will enjoy.
Xiefen Doufu (Crab Meat with Tofu)
Rules are the key to a harmonious society, especially in Beijing. When someone in authority tells us what to do, we do it. Or at least, we try to understand what to do. We try really hard. Please obey these Chinglish signs.
Bespoke Beijing has teamed up with the Opposite House hotel to offer its guests an exclusive on our new bike tour. Along with a room at the ‘House, hotel guests will be treated to ‘Life on Two Wheels’, a cycling tour like no other. Led by our expert (an Australian-born, Beijing bicycle culture historian, urban researcher and cycling fanatic), it won’t just take you on a journey around the city, but put the importance of the Beijing bicycle in context.
Nothing works up an appetite like a hike through the world’s largest palace complex. But finding somewhere to eat and drink afterwards isn’t easy. The Forbidden City is hemmed in by state buildings, touristy shops, exclusive residential compounds, and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest (restaurant-free) concrete space. But never fear, Bespoke is here to help!
Beijing’s best western restaurant is a 10-15 minute walk from the north gate of the Forbidden City. Best of all, TRB’s set lunch deal is one of Beijing’s foodie bargains: three courses of European-inspired fine dining with lots of tasty extras like their divine cheese puffs and homemade marshmallows, for 135 RMB+15% (4 courses for 188 RMB). Weary legs? Ask the waiter to arrange for the restaurant’s private car to take you back to your hotel, at a fraction over local taxi prices!
Fact: the Forbidden City is awesome. (Note: this is not one of our five fascinating Forbidden City facts). But seriously, when you start to dig a little deeper into the history of China’s most important Imperial institution, it really starts to astonish. We asked out team of expert guides and local personalities to share their favourite fascinating tidbits.
In the dark days before deodorant, in order to ensure that the emperor’s concubines met their master in tiptop condition, it was one hapless eunuch’s job to check the hygiene of his consorts beforehand. It’s a dirty job, but…
From Dynasty to Republic is our third Limited Edition Public Walking Tour created by the history experts at Beijing Postcards. (Click for more info on The Nightwatch or Sai Jinhua and the Brothels of Dashilan). Taking place within the Forbidden City, the tour is a whirlwind journey through the final years of Imperial China leading up to the momentous day, exactly 90 years ago this November 5th, that the “boy emperor” Puyi was forcibly evicted from the palace.
