We all know what the larger Fuzimiao area is like in the lantern season. Much as we are proud of it, we often have to avoid that area due to the crowd. It would be nice if there is a quieter corner, or in Xin Qiji’s (辛弃疾; 1140-1207) words, “Somewhere the lantern lights are sparse”, somewhere we can enjoy a bowl of yuanxiao at ease. That is why I am writing this with mixed feelings; not yet known to many, there is indeed such a place right inside the Laomendong...

Over the past year or two, some of the fanciest coffee shops, bars and bistros have mushroomed around the intersection of Wangfu Da Jie (王府大街) and Nantai Xiang (南台巷). The Sauce, Wine Thieves, Bitter Brew, Southern Trip, Staff Only, Cherry Bomb, Y&T… the list could go longer. If you have been following The Nanjinger, chances are that many of the names sound familiar to you. But have you ever walked around that area early in the morning, like 08:00?  “What for?”, You might wonder. The time is indeed too early...

Accommodation and itineraries are arranged. Now the only question for you is, where to take them for dinner? At one point you considered the option of dining at home, but you doubt if they like the idea of coming from afar just to sit on your couch and watch you cook.  You need a restaurant. Actually, you know quite a lot, but your list of options shrinks dramatically as your friend keeps messaging.  Would love to try some local flavours! Anywhere so long as not too far from the downtown area, preferably...

The night of 1912 is not quiet. The noisy bars, the colourful Ferris wheel, the flashing neon and fashionable people make for a splendid city scene. Yet Shi Wang Fu stands as still as the nearby lake’s waters, displaying an elegant Chinese air.  A clean and tidy marble facade sports an ivory palette of colour under a soft, white light. The golden carved door, the smiling waiters who receive you, the name of the restaurant in beautiful calligraphy, the red carpet that stretches deep into the interior; all display the...