Beijing’s 798 Art District was born from the hollow hulks of decommissioned military factory structures in northeast Beijing. The empty warehouses proved the perfect studio space for China’s up and coming art superstars. Huang Rui, Sui Jianguo and many more set up shop here in the 90s. Today the area’s gentrification is well and truly complete, with streams of visitors browsing world-class galleries like the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, and sipping lattes in dozens of cafes.
Woof! Say ni hao to this canine cutie (featured on our Facebook page last year) and its doting, hair-style copying owner. Why is it that folks in Beijing like their dogs so bloomin’ diminutive? Since 2008, a city ordinance has prevented residents from keeping dogs taller than 35cm at the shoulder. But we’ve come across mutts so minuscule they would struggle in a scrap against a pair of frisky hamsters. The moral? Be careful where you step. You might squash it.
Last week we were featured in Conde Nast UK’s “Little Black Book of all the people you need to know in travel” as their choice for Beijing Experts. Thanks Conde Nast, we’re flattered!
You could ‘do a Rupert Murdoch’ and start tapping people’s phones. You could fashion a plastic cup into a listening device so you can hear through walls. You could even just loiter in Revolution or Janes & Hooch all week-long. But we think there’s a better way to stay up to date with the latest. And that’s by reading this article. Here’s what’s hot in beijing in 2013.
Ahh…the gentle, calming sounds of the gong chime, the giant banana trees, the scent of lemongrass… no, you’re not in Thailand, but dinner at this rather gorgeous little boutique Thai restaurant on Wudaoying hutong is probably the closest you’re going to get, so our advice is to go and give your taste buds (and brain) a little holiday.
After many a late night and much talk about ‘breadcrumbs’ and ‘drop downs’, we’re very proud to present to you our lovely new Bespoke Beijing travel website. We’ve added our full range of services, from our Signature Beijing experiences to our Tour Guides and Gift Vouchers. There’s even some deep, philosophical stuff about our core values and why we’re so passionate about doing what we do. So what are you waiting for? Go and have a look around – and then go tell your friends! Otherwise all our efforts will have been for nothing. And then we’ll be sad.
