Archive for June, 2010

Chinese food holds a popular place among the entire population of the world. You can find a Chinese restaurant in every major city and in many smaller areas of the world as well. Why is Chinese food so popular? Is Chinese food healthy? What is the history of Chinese food?

The History of Chinese Food
The history of Chinese food1 is an interesting one. Unlike many cultures the Chinese believe that the preparation of food is an art and not simply a craft. The art of cooking Chinese food can include dishes and food preparation techniques which are difficult to develop and may require the expertise of a chef with lots of experience. One such technique is noodle pulling (scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more about this technique). Noodle pulling requires skill and lots of practice and results in a delicious noodle dish. This article will refer to noodle pulling later on, but for now, let’s go back to the history of Chinese food.

Chinese food and the way it is prepared is very much influenced by the two major philosophies, which influence the entire Chinese culture. These dominant philosophies are Confucianism and Taoism. Both have these philosophies have influenced the way that the Chinese people cook and the way that they enjoy their food.

Confucianism and Chinese Cuisine
Confucius was the man behind the Confucianism beliefs. Among many other standards Confucius established standards for proper table etiquette and for the appearance and taste of Chinese food. One of the standards set by Confucius (you might have noticed this at an authentic Chinese restaurant) is that food must be cut into small bite size pieces before serving the dish. This is a custom that is definitely unique to the Chinese culture.

Knives at the dinner table are also considered to be a sign of very poor taste by those who embrace Confucianism beliefs. The standards of quality and taste that Confucius recommended required the perfect blend of ingredients, herbs and condiments–a blend which would result in the perfect combination of flavor. Confucius also emphasized the importance of the texture and color of a dish, and taught that food must be prepared and eaten with harmony. Interestingly enough, Confucius was also of the opinion that an excellent cook must first make an excellent matchmaker.

Taoism and Chinese Cuisine
Those who follow the Taoism beliefs focus on the health benefits of particular foods vs. the presentation of the same. Taoists search for foods that will increase their health and longevity. They search for foods that have healing powers. Many times these benefits were often referred to as ‘life giving powers’. For instance, the Chinese found that ginger, which can be considered to be a garnish or a condiment was found to be a remedy for upset stomachs or a remedy for colds.

Is Chinese Food Healthy?
Chinese food, when authentic is probably the healthiest food in the world. Some restaurants, which are not authentic, prepare their menu with highly saturated fats or with meats that contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat. These Chinese restaurants are not recommended and they are both neither authentic nor healthy.

Good Chinese food however, is prepared and cooked with poly-unsaturated oils. Authentic Chinese food does not require the use of milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter or cheese. Meat is used, but not in abundance, which makes it easy for those who love authentic Chinese food to avoid high levels of animal fat. Many believe that authentic Chinese food is really the ideal diet.

Chinese Restaurants in Every Part of the Nation
Whether it is in a Tennessee Chinese Restaurant to a New York Chinese restaurant you are going to find culinary dishes that are both healthy and delicious. Savor the flavor with Chinese food!

Dinning etiquette in China can be quite intricate and daunting at first. The following etiquette and customs may ease your nervousness and make you enjoy China’s cuisine more.

Dinning etiquette in China can be quite intricate and daunting at first. The following etiquette and customs may ease your nervousness and make you enjoy China’s cuisine more.
In Chinese restaurants, knives should not be seen on the table. Chopsticks, bowls and soup spoons are the traditional table ware. Food is always cut into bite sized pieces, whole meats such as pig, fish and poultry are cooked till they are so tender that the meat can be removed right off the bones with chopsticks.
When using chopsticks, don’t point them directly at people and never stick them standing upright in your rice bowl — this is a reminder of the incense burned at funerals.
Use a clean spoon solely for taking food from communal plates for yourself or others, if you serve someone with your own chopsticks, use the blunt ends that don’t go into your mouth. Though you may see that Chinese people take food directly with their own chopsticks sometimes, especially it will be like that when people have meals with their families, relatives and intimate friends.
If you’re invited to be a guest at a meal, don’t be surprised that if your host orders more food than you can have, this is the way for Chinese people to “save face” and show their hospitality. And also, please don’t be surprised if your host keeps serving you choice morsels of food even you don’t ask for it, this is another way to show hospitality.
In Chinese custom, unless amongst friends or in an informal setting, it is the inviter who pays for the meal. It is polite to make an effort to pay, but expect strong resistance, that is why in many Chinese restaurants, it is a common sight to see two people arguing loudly after a meal-they’re fighting for the right to pay.
When you are not so sure what to do, simply ask your guides or do as local people do.

You can Visit China Odyssey Tours to get more information about travelling to China

The guys from VideoHotpot have done it again! The team at Chinesepod.com has continued pioneering this field of on-demand education with the second edition of video language lessons. In this new video your hosts, Tayhler and Ryan, take the viewer to some typical Chinese restaurants, including an authentic Huo Guo (Hot Pot). This lesson aims to teach the viewer some high-frequency phrases and related vocabulary which can be used to successfully fill an empty belly. So, with that in mind, leave your politically correct tendencies at home, and get ready to learn, laugh and enjoy!

I become quite excited when I think about Travel to Asia. It is world’s biggest continent with highest population. Hence, an amazing mix of culture and tradition is an obvious and inevitable element of Asia. With amalgamation various countries and its specialty – India, land of tradition; China, legacy of dragon; Singapore, city of light; Angkor, way of Hinduism – Travel to Asia is one of the most lavish experiences of life.

Every country in Asia is a continent in itself due to the vastness and variety it offers. Hence, it is quite impossible for a person to travel around Asia in a single trip. So, your tour can be essentially divided into three parts: South East Asia, Indian Sub Continent, and Asia Pacific.

South East Asia – While you Travel to Asia, it’s quite impossible to ignore the bunch of countries that comprise ‘South East Asia’. This part includes countries like Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore. Variety is considered to be the spice of life here as flying from one country to another is cheap. This bunch is like a vast country in itself with innumerable places to explore and several experiences to adore.

Indian Subcontinent – The variety and vastness of cultures and traditions found in India is unmatched. However, voyaging through this beautiful land that encompasses Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world, is one of the cheapest holidays you will ever find on earth. Similarly, the countries that comprise Indian Subcontinent – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Tibet, and Nepal – offer vast assortment of unusual experiences.

Asia Pacific – Known for its financial stability, the countries of China, Japan, and Korea fabricate ‘Asia Pacific’. A tour to Asia Pacific is quite different from South East Asia and Indian Subcontinent. People from all around the world travel to this part of the continent specifically to earn money. Land of another wonder of the world (the Great Wall of China), Asia Pacific attracts millions of tourists every year.

While you Travel to Asia, it’s better to hire a professional guide because comprehending the nature and immensity of this continent will not be easy.

Chinese food holds a standard place among the intact population of the world. You can find a Chinese restaurant in every foremost city and in many smaller areas of the world as well. Why is Chinese food so popular? Is Chinese food vigorous? What is the annals of Chinese food?

The History of Chinese Food The chronicle of Chinese food1 is an interesting one. Unlike many cultures the Chinese consider that the preparation of food is an art and not simply a vehicle. The art of cooking Chinese food can restrain dishes and food preparation techniques which are grim to refurbish and may oblige the expertise of a chef with bags of experience. One such procedure is noodle pulling (scroll down to the underside of the page to learn more about this method). Noodle pulling requires flare and plenty of practice and outcome in a delicious noodle dish. This condition will refer to noodle pulling later, but for now, let’s go back to the history of Chinese food.

Chinese food and the way it is arranged is very much influenced by the two major philosophies, which inspire the total Chinese customs. These dominant philosophies are Confucianism and Taoism. Both having these philosophies have influenced the way that the Chinese people bake and the way that they have their food.

Confucianism and Chinese Cuisine Confucius were the man behind the Confucianism beliefs. Among many other values Confucius established values for courteous propose propriety and for the appearance and undergo of Chinese food. One of the values set by Confucius (you might have noticed this at an authentic Chinese restaurant) is that food must be cut into small kick amount pieces before ration the dish. This is a custom that definitely sole to the Chinese culture.

Knives at the feast postpone are also considered to be an endorse of very inferior undergo by those who contain Confucianism beliefs. The values of trait and judgment that Confucius recommended necessary the complete mingle of ingredients, herbs and condiments–a merger which would significance in the complete combination of aroma. Confucius also emphasized the importance of the touch and paint of a dish, and skilled that food must be equipped and eaten with harmony. Interestingly enough, Confucius was also of the view that an admirable heat must first make an admirable matchmaker.

Taoism and Chinese Cuisine Those who chase the Taoism beliefs focus on the strength repayment of particular foods vs. the presentation of the same. Taoists quest for foods that will expand their strength and longevity. They seek for foods that have remedial powers. Many times these benefits were often termed ‘life generous powers’. For demand, the Chinese found that carroty, which can be considered to be an adorn or a condiment was found to be a remedy for disrupt stomachs or a remedy for colds.

Is Chinese Food Healthy? Chinese food, when authentic is maybe the healthiest food in the world. Some restaurants, which are not authentic, prepare their menu with kindly saturated fats or with meats that contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat. These Chinese restaurants are not recommended and they are both neither authentic nor vigorous.

Good Chinese food however, is ready and cooked with poly-unsaturated oils. Authentic Chinese food does not require the use of milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter or cheese. Meat is used, but not in abundance, which makes it relaxed for those who worship authentic Chinese food to forestall high levels of animal fat. Many suppose that authentic Chinese food is really the principle diet.

Chinese Restaurants in Every Part of the Nation Whether it is in a Tennessee Chinese Restaurant to a New York Chinese restaurant you are free to find culinary dishes that are both healthful and delicious. Savor the season with Chinese food!

My pretty princess and I started our trip at Jiayuguan, a frontier town featuring a rebuilt portion of the Great Wall, the westernmost section of it to be exact. Jiayuguan was China’s traditional boundary. Beyond the wall and the large fortress lay Xinjiang, Tibet and the ever changing borders of the western frontier..

Jiayuguan is a fairly dirty, sleepy little town with only the Great Wall and Jiayuguan Fort to entertain tourists. A glacier is also within sight from the fort, but after talking with a taxi driver, we decided to skip it. Too far, and he wanted a lot of loot for the drive. We hired one taxi for all sites and paid him 100 kuai for the day.  This was recommended by Lonely Planet. It was a total mistake.

The sites were all close by precluding any need for wheels. More annoying were his constant calls to my cell phone to hurry us to the next destination so he could get off work.  One particularly intimate moment on the Great Wall was interrupted by the sounds of our driver’s car horn echoing off the mountains.

Jiayuguan Fort was overpriced and boring.  The only redeeming part about it was that we were there in October, so there were only a couple of red hat tour groups to avoid, rather than having to fight off the masses, as you would have to do in the summer.

.The reconstructed Great Wall was great, but mainly because we were alone on it. That blew my mind! Alone on the Great Wall! When my princess and I found ourselves alone on one of the Seven Great Wonders of the World, we took full advantage of the privacy to share an intimate moment.  I hope to do the same on the other six.

From Jiayuguan, we hopped a bus to Dunhuang, the famous site known for its cave paintings.  Dunhuang was a cool, livable little town.  It is surrounded by desert and dunes. There are a couple of Western restaurants, the Friendship Café was good, serving the usual backpacker staples: banana pancakes, French fries and the likes.

We were able to take the local shuttle to the caves.  It stops down the street from the Western restaurants. It’s much cheaper than taking a taxi.  The Dunhuang Caves were worth the hefty price of admission, 150 RMB, but that comes with a helpful English translator.

Only some of the caves are open at any given time.  For the most famous caves, like the tantric cave, which are closed, the museum next to the caves offers replicas of the caves paintings for your viewing pleasure. I thought this would mean a replica of what the caves might have looked like a thousand years ago, before erosion and aging dulled the colors and cracked the walls, but astoundingly that ain’t the case.  The replicas were actual replicas. Replicating the cracks, water and air damage, faded colors and all. The caves were remarkable, and offer insight into the lives of the Buddhist monks that painted them long ago.

After the caves, we rented bikes from the Friendship Café and rode out to the Crescent Moon Lake dune, an unremarkable oasis that has been transformed into a red-hat-tourist-camel-riding carnival.  We decided to skip the entrance fee and hop a fence to sit on the dune.  From the top of the dune we could watch all the manic Chinese tourists enjoying a camel ride adventure with 50 of their best friends and colleagues.

From Dunhuang, we hopped an overnight bus to Golmud. The ride was terrifying, flying over a steep, winding, frozen mountain pass at mach speed. Golmud is the last stop in Qinghai for the train to Lhasa. It’s a dirty industrial and agricultural city without much besides a backdrop of crazy snow-clad mountains.

In Golmud, we tried to secure permits to Tibet, which we discovered would be impossible without a letter from my company in Shanghai saying that I was not a reporter or a separatist. So, we decided to visit the parts of Tibet that you don’t need a permit to visit: namely Qinghai and northern Sichuan—areas of China on the Tibetan plateau, historically and culturally Tibetan, but different provinces on the map.

We started with Xining, the capital of Qinghai. Xining is quaint and small for a “big” city, with some pollution, friendly country folk and many minorities among them like Tibetans, Hui and Salas. Xining is pretty modern, with its share of malls and McDonalds, but it had a relaxing feel to it. There are big city comforts, like pizza, without the big city pace.

Not much to see in Xining. Qinghai Lake is a few short bus rides away, and the Kumbum Monastery is a few kilometers outside of town. The Dalai Lama was born just outside of Xining, although I’m sure his house has been razed to discourage pilgrims and those seeking autonomy.

From Xining, we went to Tongren (Repkong in Tibetan)  and fell in love with the place . The goodness began right when we got there. The hotel we found for 30 RMB a night did not require a deposit or advanced payment.  We could pay when we checked out. Amazing! For travelers grown weary of being swindled by the Chinese, Tibetan honesty, hospitality and laid back culture is a welcoming reprieve.

Tongren is an amazing little secret. This small town is the art capital of the Tibetan Kingdom. There are several temples— the Upper and Lower temples, Long Dai Temple, and Gomar Monastery. The coolest thing to do around town is check out the art: sculpture and embroidery, especially the Thangkas, they’re the dopest you’ll see anywhere.

Thangka painting is everywhere in Tongren.  Monks and laymen both paint full time. In the neighborhood across from the Lower Temple, every man is a Thangka painter. Thangka painting is a blue collar art form. It takes time to develop your skill and patience. It requires a great deal of experience and technical skill and relies less on creativity. Artists can work 10-12 hours a day for 6 months or more to complete a single painting, slowly and meticulously creating the composition one fine line the width of a single cat hair at a time.

The quality of Thangkas is easy to judge and one can become a connoisseur in an afternoon. It’s simple: the smaller the lines and greater the detail, the better the quality. The Thangka reveals the artist’s level of patience. Like monks meditating, the novice will often loose his concentration and peek at his watch. The master never wavers, sitting, concentrating and painting—seemingly without end.

Being able to see the difference in degrees of Thangka quality is especially useful because some of less scrupulous monks sell cheaper rip-off Thangkas from Nepal. The Nepali ones are cheaper and of inferior quality (i.e. the brushstrokes are bigger). The original Tongren produced Thangkas are affordable. I was surprised to find that on my meager backpacker’s budget, I could afford a world class work of art.

..Things to do in Tongren besides looking at Thangkas: eating breakfast at the Lower Temple. Every morning the local townsfolk get together with the monks and eat hard Tibetan bread and yak butter tea at the temple. It’s quite an experience. And if you ask, or are pushed by a happy monk, you can go inside the milk butter tea making room to see a giant vat with lots of yak fluid. The monks chant before breakfast. They create a wild sound with their throats. It sounds like they are speaking the language of earthquakes and floods.

To get to the temple or anywhere outside of the town center, take the minivans, (mian bao che). The minivans are parked just up the street from the bus stop. It costs 1.5 RMB to get to the temple (15 RMB by taxi). To return to town, hail a passing minivan.

From Tongren, we bounced to Langmusi, a beautiful mountain town on the border of Northern Sichuan and Gansu. Langmusi was a little tough to get to because it was closed to foreigners due to last summer’s riots. It is open now so shouldn’t be a problem to get to. If you are having trouble getting through, here’s how to get around it.

First go to one of the crappy bus transferring towns (Hezuo from Qinghaior, Ruoerge from Sichuan) and stay the night. Go to the bus station first thing in the morning to check departure times. Try to buy a ticket. They won’t sell you one because it’s closed to foreigners, but, its worth a shot. Board the bus without a ticket. Once the bus leaves, buy a ticket while on board. That’s it. Don’t worry, they know what you’re doing and don’t care. You’ll be there in a few hours..

For Langmusi, Lonely Planet was surprisingly spot on. But that’s due more to the simplicity of Langmusi than any super-sleuthing on Lonely Planet’s behalf. But we stayed at the Langmusi Bingguan and it was great. Nice people, cheap price, comfortable and clean.

Langmusi is a Tibetan town with horseback riding, sky burials, and a wild man named Tashi that takes people on overnight tours of a Tibetan village (you stay at his mom’s house). Tashi’s tour comes highly recommended. It was kind of hard travel to get there, but worth it for all the beautiful mountain loveliness. Tashi’s friends were a lot of fun if a little reckless. The 15-year-old drunkard who howled at the moon all night was particularly endearing.

Horseback riding was very cool but a bit unfortunate. There was only one company in town that offered horseback riding treks, a Han Chinese couple that rented Tibetan guides and horses. The company charged a high fee, over 200 RMB a day. I asked the Tibetan tour guide how much he made out of that. It wasn’t much.

.A better plan for horseback riding is to talk to Leesha at Leesha’s Café, a great friendly place for Western food in the middle of town. She has plenty of Tibetan friends with horses that could take you on a trekking adventure—an under the table trekking adventure. Horse riding is highly recommended. It’s beautiful out in the country and seeing a little of what nomad life is like is amazing. The air and water is clean, and among the surprising things I saw (there were a few) was a boy of no more than 15 dwarfed by the giant yak on which he was galloping along bareback. It’s a different world…

Resource: China hotels

The island of Malta is typically Mediterranean, especially when it comes to food and wine. In Malta, one can find a vast array of restaurants, cafés and take-outs that range from typical Maltese food, to Japanese sushi and Oriental Cuisine.

Maltese cuisine itself is rustic and seasonal. One very popular year-round meal is the ‘Fenkata’ where Maltese families go to very casual and usually small specialized bars and restaurants in order to eat a meal of rabbit. This is usually made up of a first course of spaghetti with rabbit sauce, followed by rabbit (usually fried in garlic and tomatoes), and finally nuts and sweets. The sweet that is most often coupled with the rabbit is the ‘Helwa tat-Tork’ which is a sweet sugary mixture of crushed and whole almonds. Another dish that is sometimes served before rabbit, but can also be found in many typical Maltese restaurants, is ‘Bebbux’. Bebbux is the Maltese word for snails, which is a delicacy in Malta. When visiting Malta or Gozo, be sure to give this a try!

‘Lampuki Pie’ is another dish that should be looked out for when visiting the islands and is basically a typical Maltese seasonal fish pie. Other interesting dishes are the Widow’s Soup (consisting of vegetables and Maltese goat cheeselets) and ‘Brajoli’ (stuffed beef rolls). Two extremely popular snacks that can be found in the majority of bars and cafés throughout Malta and Gozo are ‘Hobz biz-zejt’ and ‘pastizzi’. Hobz biz-zejt is literally translated as ‘bread with oil’ and is usually made with typical Maltese bread that is dipped in oil, spread with tomato paste, and filled with anything from tuna, olives, capers, onions and the like. Pastizzi (cheese-cakes) are ricotta-filled pastries that are fried and served warm. These can be bought from small specialized vendors that litter most of the streets in Malta and Gozo.

The love for Mediterranean flavours such as olives, tomatoes, olive oil and bread has led to the opening of several Malta wine bars, particularly in the characteristic towns of Valletta and Birgu. It is the perfect occasion to sip wine, while snacking on a cheese platter, cold cuts platter, dips or Maltese platter. Although Malta may not be renowned for wine production, the Maltese wines have been extremely successful in international competitions, winning several accolades in France, Italy and further afield. Maltese beer has also been awarded several prizes in international competitions and should definitely be considered when visiting one of our several bars.

International grape varieties grown on the Islands include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato. The indigenous varieties are Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing some excellent wines of distinct body and flavour. Many wineries have begun to organise guided tours and tastings. Depending on the season, tours may cover the entire production from the initial fermentation through to the ageing process. They also include wine history museums and opportunities to taste and buy a variety of vintages.

Many of the restaurants on the island specialize in typical Mediterranean food, particularly Italian. Thus, pizza, pasta and seafood are probably one of the most common finds in most Maltese Restaurants. One great element here is the mix of Mediterranean recipes with Maltese ingredients since most of the vegetables, meat and fruits are locally cultivated and freshly selected. The variety of the fish found in Maltese waters can be appreciated at the Marsaxlokk market every Sunday morning, where local fishermen display their fish to be sold for Sunday lunch!

Oriental cuisine and sushi is also very well accounted for throughout the island. Most common are the typical Chinese restaurants which specialize in dishes such as spring rolls and wontons, egg fried rice, noodles, sweet and sour pork, duck and so on. Sushi and Japanese cuisine has also become popular over the past years and can be purchased from both takeaway outlets, or in formal elegant restaurants.

Café life, particularly in towns like Valletta and Sliema, is extremely popular and provides the shopper, business man, or passerby the perfect opportunity to sip a hot cappuccino, or chilled glass of wine, accompanied but a light salad, plate of pasta, platter, sushi, or perhaps a divine dessert, while basking in the Mediterranean sun.

Beijing may not be as stylish as Shanghai but if China has a melting pot, this is it. Nearly every culture within China and most from outside of this quickly modernising country can be found on Beijing’s teeming, fascinating and never boring streets.

The city of Beijing is all about contrasts; flea markets and ancient monuments from China’s past mix with steel and glass architecture and hip urban cafés. Advertising runs amok and you’ll be scratching your head trying to figure out just how China is a communist country.

If you’ve ever wondered what the heart of a nation of more than one billion people looks like, Tiananmen Square is it. The world’s largest square is Beijing’s epicentre. Local kite-flyers mix with tourists from both China and around the world as well as undercover cops to take in views of one of the world’s most important cities. The square is impressive, day or night, on a massive scale. One of the best ways to enter these remnants of ancient China, the Forbidden City, is through the Gate of Heavenly Peace from Tiananmen. The Forbidden City is the impeccably preserved home of the country’s past emperors. This part of Beijing was shut off from the outside world for over 500 years and holds over 800 buildings. Leave Beijing behind (it is barely noticeable once you enter) and wander the vast complex full of houses, temples, halls and monuments that was only open to the emperor and selected help for centuries.

The Summer Palace is one of China’s most romantic tourist attractions. The surrounding grounds are a welcome relief from all the pollution Beijing is kicking out these days. It is easy to see why the country’s emperors picked this spot as a getaway from the heat and humidity that hit the Forbidden City during the summer. In the shade of the lush surrounding hillsides, the Summer Palace is a network of parks, pagodas, temples and lakes all in a charming setting. A walking trail around the palace’s lake will take in all the sights and row boats are on hire if you want cruise the tranquil waters and pass under the many bridges.

Although you can’t see the Great Wall of China from space (total myth), you can lay your hands on it via a short day trip from Beijing. Iconic in every sense of the word, you can get to a few different parts of the Great Wall in two to three hours from Beijing. Walking just a bit of its length and seeing it crawl through the surrounding mountains is one of those humbling travel experiences. The Badaling section of the Wall is well-preserved and the most visited section. There are loads of tour companies that will take you out there and it is easy to do it on your own in a taxi. Take one step on the Wall and you’ll have a story to tell for the rest of your life.

Bigger than the Forbidden City and not quite as big as the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven has been around since the Ming Dynasty and is about as perfect an example of Ming architecture there is. The cultural aspects of the Temple of Heaven and the beauty of the complex’s three main buildings are obvious and undeniable. But watching the locals practice martial arts, play traditional instruments and even do a bit of ballroom dancing is what gives this place the extra touch.

It should really come as no surprise that Beijing, the capital of the world’s largest country, should be full of all types of markets but the sheer quantity of them will leave you shaking your head. If gambling is China’s passion, shopping isn’t far behind. Modernisation has been responsible for claiming the lives of many of Beijing’s markets but some of the classics are still here. Hit the original flea market of Panjiayuan(aka the Dirt Market) where over 3,000 merchants hawk everything from cheap knockoffs, pirated DVD’s, Red China memorabilia and items too numerous to mention. The Silk Alley Market and the Hongqiao Market are not to be missed either.

Beijing is a vast city, home to an endless number of things to do and see, so to narrow down your search for the best of them, look around for travel reviews, which will help you decide what it is you want to do when there.

Has it always been your dream to open a restaurant of your own and proudly serve the beef casserole that has garnered you praises since you made it at your cousin’s wedding eighteen years back? Well, now that you have settled plans for setting up your own eating joint you will receive praises from those other than your husband and children as well.

The restaurant business is a competitive one. It is all about pleasing the customer. There are many eating joints between low, mid range and high end dining experiences. Depending on which one yours falls under you should also deck the place up accordingly.

How your restaurant looks is as important as how the food tastes. This has more to do with customer psychology than anything else. But let’s be practical. You don’t want to lose out on customers to the Chinese restaurant opposite your own just because their tables are better spread with cleaner cloth than yours.

Importance of Having a Menu Card

Similarly how you present your menu is as important as how you serve the actual food. The menu is where the customers invest maximum time just after eating the food. Therefore, your menu card should have all the items listed conveniently for the customers to read. You should make sure that the print on the menu card is legible in the lighting you have set up inside.

How to Present It Decide on how you plan to present your menu. Do you want the alcohol and food to be clubbed together? Or do you prefer breaking it down to the details. In the latter case, you need a menu each for the alcohol, appetizers and main course and a separate one for dessert, coffee and non alcoholic beverages.

There are menu card holders available for you to place the menu in if you don’t want to bind it in a diary style. Don’t bother buying these holders in numbers. Buy as many as you want as you should place the menu card at every corner you possibly can. Every table should have a separate menu, as should the bar and the waiting table near the reception right after the entrance.

Choice of Menu Card Holders

You can choose between wooden menu card holders, or the ones made from stainless steel. If you are on a budget crunch then you may even go for the acrylic ones which are easily cleanable. The only thing you should make sure is that they are of the right size to fit the card in and they are cleaned regularly so that there are no specs of food or oily finger prints left by customers on them the next day.

You will be surprised to find how many people decided to step into your restaurant on a day to eat because they thought yours was cleaner than the one across the street. People want to eat at a place that is clean and comfortable. That is all you need to have in mind when starting a restaurant of your own.

Some countries have their own popular and less popular seasons to visit, usually based on the particular time of year. If you do not like the weather conditions during your planned travel period, you might make plans to visit another part of the world instead. However, China is an exception. Being the third largest country in the world, it has a wide variety of offerings in its different regions, which have vastly different climates and weather conditions. 

Hence you will certainly find excellent sights and activities regardless of when you choose to visit. With such diverse offerings to choose from, it is a good idea to find out which parts of China suit your preferences at your chosen time of travel. Here, I shall guide you in deciding when you may want to travel to China. 

General and specific weather conditions for different seasons 

Broadly speaking, most people visit China in all seasons except winter. The spring and autumn usually have pleasant temperatures of between 10-22°C with generally clear skies and less rain. It is hence advisable to wear slightly thicker clothing or bring a windbreaker in case of unpredictable weather. 

The summer can see considerably higher temperatures with a high amount of rainfall, which makes an umbrella or raincoat an essential item to bring. Needless to say, the winters can be harsh with extremely low temperatures, especially if you venture up north. 

Generally, as you get further from the coast, you will experience more extreme temperatures, hence do be prepared. That being said, do monitor the news for the latest weather conditions in your destination. 

Northern China, which includes the capital Beijing, usually experiences six months of warm temperatures and frigid temperatures, usually below freezing, from December through March. When you travel to this region in spring or summer, do be prepared for the occasional occurrence of dust storms. Do bring along some additional medication if you have respiratory problems. 

In central China, do be prepared for scorching temperatures in the summer in places such as Chongqing, Wuhan and Shanghai. The winters are relatively short but can be very cold as well, including in Shanghai. You will experience a high amount of rainfall in this region. 

Southern China, which includes Guangzhou and Hainan Island, has among the hottest and most humid summers in China. However, their winters are short and mild although you will experience lower temperatures the further inland you go. 

Number of visitors in your chosen destination 

Another factor that you may consider while planning when to visit China is the number of visitors to the attractions that you plan to visit. Bigger crowds of tourists are generally expected during the warmer seasons as mentioned earlier, peaking during the high seasons. 

These include the Golden Weeks when many locals travel in conjunction with the national celebrations of the Lunar New Year in spring and National Day in early October. 

Travelling during the winter might be a good idea to not only avoid the crowds, but also have the opportunity to participate in some exciting winter festivals. One such prominent festival is the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, where you can admire some of the most breathtaking ice and snow sculptures while participating in winter sports such as ice-skating and sledding.