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The Peninsula name has always been equated with luxury and magnificence, and as the brand’s flagship location, the Peninsula Hong Kong is a cut above the rest.

 

The two-phase “landmark room enhancement programme,” commenced in 2012, aimed to transform all 297 of the hotel’s guestrooms.

New room designs offer simplicity and elegance:

The new room designs speak to “Classic Modernity”: tenets of simplicity and chic elegance built with the finest materials and craftsmanship available. Leather finishes and glossy wood detailing create an ambiance of comfort while setting off the room’s warm, neutral color palette (think cream and dark chocolate). Traditional Chinese ink painting served as inspiration for the artistic features – touches of tradition, reminders of the Peninsula Hong Kong’s proud 85-year history.

At the same time, the hotel looks to the future; this renovation has undoubtedly produced the world’s most technologically advanced guestrooms.

For your entertainment and enjoyment:

A 46” LED flat-screen TV, a iPod/iPad docking station, surround sound set-up, and noise canceling earphones (not to mention 90 Internet TV channels, 460 Internet radio stations, and a complimentary selection of HD movies). For effortless convenience: an all-in-one fax/printer/photocopier/scanner, a bank of international outlets, free long distance VOIP calls, and complimentary fibre-optic-cable-enhanced high-speed internet.

Really revolutionary, though, is what the upgraded technology allows in terms of personalization. LED touch wall panels allow visitors complete control of their room environments: temperature, lighting, curtains, privacy. The same options are available on the multiple portable tablets included in each room – but the tablets also offer access to restaurant menus, hotel services (including the Peninsula’s signature Rolls-Royce fleet!), the impressive new “PenCities” virtual city guide, live flight status updates, and more. The entire system is synchronized throughout the room and available in 5 languages: English, French, Japanese, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.

The Peninsula Hong Kong has always been trusted to deliver on its promise of comfort in the midst of splendor, and with this most recent renovation, the hotel has exceeded all hopes and dreams. Take our word for it – or better yet, take our advice and experience the “Great Dame of the Far East” for yourself.

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All photos by the Peninsula Hong Kong.

Want to stay arrange a stay in the Peninsula? Email info@wildchina.com for more information!

Recently, real estate firm SOHO China unveiled its newest addition to Beijing: the Galaxy SOHO. Rising up above Beijing’s second ring road, the four main buildings look like a cross between eggs and slinkys, and are surprisingly reminiscent of New York City’s Guggenheim Museum. Connected by futuristic walkways and wrapped in sleek, white stripes, standing in the open-air lobby is an otherworldly experience. The brain child of Zaha Hadid Architects, the complex opened to the public amid considerable public interest, excited crowds, and some exotic hairdos. Below are pictures from the event:

(Close up of an egg)

(The brightly colored ushers)

(The rising eggs)

Architecture in China is an area that has recently spawned considerable creativity so if you are an architecture enthusiast, the Middle Kingdom is an excellent place to set your sights.

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If you have any questions about travel in China feel free to send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 

When you have a cultural and culinary history as long as China’s, you’ll find that a lot of customs and dishes have legends behind them.

One of our favorites is the touching story of the Yunnan dish, guoqiao mixian (过桥米线) or the “Crossing the Bridge Noodles”:

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Long ago, just south of the Yunnan city of Mengzixian (蒙自县)….

There was beautiful lake with water as clear as jade. In the center of the lake, there was a small island covered in green bamboo saplings and giant trees whose ancient stalks reached the heavens.

Known for its natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere, the small island drew many neighboring scholars seeking a tranquil place to study for the imperial exams.

Among these scholars was a particularly diligent student who spent many days studying on the island.  Every day, his wife made the long walk to the lake, crossing the bridge to the island to bring him his midday meal.  However, he was frequently so engrossed in his studies that he only remembered to eat long after the food had grown cold.

Due to his irregular eating habits, the scholar became noticeably thin and his warmhearted wife grew very worried.  One day, she had an idea. She butchered a plump hen to make a hot chicken soup, and separately prepared her husband’s favorite local rice noodles, seasonings, and ingredients.

She brought them over the bridge in different bowls, combining them just before he was ready to eat. On it’s own, the chicken broth stayed hot enough to cook the noodles and other ingredients, and created a thin layer of oil that kept the whole bowl piping hot.

It worked. The scholar loved the hot noodle soup, and the wife started crossing the bridge everyday with these bowls.

Eventually, the scholar succeeded in passing the imperial exams and, remembering his wife’s great kindness and hospitality, joked that it was his wife’s wonderful noodles that helped him pass the prestigious and famously difficult exams.

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“As a result of their unwavering resolve, the husband became an imperial scholar and great honor and satisfaction was brought to the village.”

As you may have guessed, the wife’s daily walk across the bridge to deliver her husband’s meals inspired the name “Crossing the Bridge Noodles”. The story was passed on by word of mouth through the generations and has come to symbolize affection, endearment, and admiration

Like many legends of its kind, this story helps us understand the values and morals of traditional agricultural society in China. For example, the scholar is always described as diligent and hardworking—willing to embrace solitude and hardship in pursuit of good fortune and future.

The wife is considered virtuous and kindhearted for overcoming difficulty and heartache to care for her husband; her delivery of daily hot meals is used to express deep love and affection.

The story often ends with the line, “As a result of their unwavering resolve, the husband became an imperial scholar and great honor and satisfaction was brought to the village.”

Today, guoqiao mixian (过桥米线) is still considered a Yunnan specialty—and it still comes in separate bowls, allowing you to pick your ingredients and add the hot soup yourself. In Yunnan, this dish is so popular that there are restaurant chains that specialize exclusively in varieties of guoqiao mixian. It can be found anywhere from street-side noodle shops to high-end banquet-style restaurants.

If you’re heading down to Yunnan, this dish is definitely worth a try. Who knows, maybe it’ll be all the inspiration you need to finish that next project, or pass that next exam.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at making this dish yourself, here’s a recipe worth trying from the Australian Gourmet Traveler.

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Interested in traveling to Yunnan? Check out our sample journey South of the Clouds to get some ideas. No time to fit Yunnan into your China itinerary? Send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we can recommend great Yunnan restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai.

 

What do you get when you cross a Japanese, a Hong Konger, and a Swede who all love bread? Po’s Atelier.

Located in the ever cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong, Po’s Atelier is, according to its press release, “…a French-Japanese boutique bakery focusing on artisan breads and pastries paired with inspiration from Scandinavia.” Sounds like a delicious combination from our perspective.

Vincent Cheng (Hong Konger) and Jonathan Leijonhufvud (Swede) first started Po’s Atelier as a result of what they perceived as Hong Kong’s “lack of quality bread free of additives and other nasty chemicals.” Though the two come from backgrounds in art direction, design, and photography, they were excited about the challenges of creating a bakery.  They were looking for an opportunity to “present their recipes in a unique yet humble environment”–something of a rarity for bakeries in Hong Kong.

Since opening, Vincent and Jonathan have really enjoyed getting to know the neighborhood and establishing a regular clientele of enthusiastic bread lovers. Customers comments and suggestions are frequently the impetus that brings Jonathan and Vincent back to the drawing board with their designer chef and baker Masami Asano (the Japanese).  And as one might expect, bakery favorites tend to fall along nationality lines…

For Chinese clientele, the top breads are Madame Cheng (a dairy-free loaf baked with fresh homemade soya milk–a recipe passed down from Vincent’s Mom), AOP (Po’s Atelier’s signature brioche made with Grand Fermage butter) and Oolong (also dairy-free, made with Yunnanese oolong tea seed oil and fresh tea leaves). For western customers, subtle tangy sourdough breads and savory grissini take the cake. All patrons though, are fond of the Danish pastries–whether with Valrhona chocolate, escargot, or their special green bean and manuka honey reduction.

This month, Jonathan and Vincent are preparing to open Café Deadend next door which will also feature the humble aesthetic and artisanal delicacies of Po’s Atelier. With plans to begin supplying their breads to a few like-minded eateries in Hong Kong, the only question we still have is when are they coming to Beijing?

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If you are interested in travel in China or Hong Kong send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Photos provided by Po’s Atelier

BREAKING – August 30, 2013

At 1:27 p.m. local time, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake was registered by the China Earthquake Networks Center in Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China.   The epicenter was at a depth of 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles).

As of 3:44 p.m. today, no casualties or injuries have been reported. There are currently no AsiaTravel travelers in the area of the earthquake.

As with all earthquakes of this magnitude and higher, visitors and residents are advised to travel with care and be mindful of aftershocks.

We at AsiaTravel will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates that become available.

 

Last week Beijing’s beautiful performing arts center “The Egg” welcomed artist Sylvie Guillem‘s latest production ‘6000 miles away.’ Widely recognized as one of the greatest dancers of our time Sylvie’s piece involved three difference parts. The first two were duets while the final act was a solo by the artist herself. A truly remarkable show, Sylvie Guillem’s 6000 miles away is one of many such foreign acts that have been invited to perform in Beijing. Against the backdrop of Beijing’s performing arts center and Tiananmen’s holiday season lights, it was a beautiful evening inside and out. Next time you are in Beijing we would highly recommend you add a peak at Beijing’s dance scene to your journey.

(Audience filing in)

(A snapshot of the second act)

(The Egg at night)

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If you have any questions about travel in China send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

 

On Saturday, August 31st, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake occurred China’s southwestern province of Yunnan.  The quake hit the counties of Shangri-La and Deqin, on the border with Sichuan, at 8:04 a.m. local time.

No AsiaTravel travelers have been hurt or seriously affected by the incident.

Local authorities have reported 3 casualties and 50-plus injured, mostly due to landslides caused by the quake.

The roads connecting Shangri-La and Deqin have been blocked by landslides, and the Songtsam Benzilan and Songstam Meili hotels in the area are also temporarily closed due to power outages.

Since Saturday, over 300 aftershocks have been recorded by the China Earthquake Networks Center, with the largest measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale. In the short term, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of Deqin recommend tourists and residents in Shangri-La not visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, Meili Snow Mountain and Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey National Park.  Local tourism authorities have also shut down some scenic spots to avoid potential risks.

If you are a AsiaTravel traveler and had a trip planned to Shangri-La, one of our travel consultants will be in touch with you or you can email us at: info@wildchina.com.

Much of western China, and its neighboring areas of Central Asia, is prone to earthquakes caused by the impact of the Indian Plate into the Eurasia Plate. Over time, this collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates has lead to the formation of the Himalayan Mountains, the Tibetan Plateau, and the mountains of southwest China, Central Asia and the Hindu Kush.

 

UPDATE – September 10, 2013:

There are currently no restrictions on traveling to Shangri-La, though access to some of the more remote regions in Yunnan continues to be affected.

If you intend to travel to northern Yunnan–specifically to Meili, Deqin or Weixi, please note that the road heading west from Nixi is currently closed. This restricts access to Songstam Lodges (Meili/Benzilan) and to western Sichuan via Derong. Songstam Meili is scheduled to reopen to the public on September 17th, while Songstam Benzilan will remain closed until further notice. 

If you are planning to visit the Yading nature reserve (Sichuan), the road to Xiangcheng from Shangri-La is open, though it is in poor condition and AsiaTravel does not recommend taking it during this period. In addition, the road between between Tibet and northern Yunnan remains closed.

We are paying close attention to the situation and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Wan Chai is best known for its bars and exotic nightlife, made famous by Richard Mason’s novel and the subsequent film The World of Suzie Wong. While the occassional scantily-clad woman still beckons from doorways along Lockhart Road, the emergence of chic, new eateries have led a local reclamation of the forgotten parts of this engaging district.

Here are five reasons to visit Wan Chai:

Pak Tai Temple – Two gnarled trees stand guard at the entrance to this secluded and beautifully restored little temple, which is over a century old. Pak Tai is Cantonese for ‘Northern Emperor’ who, according to legend, defeated the Demon King and is worshipped for his courage and devotion. Though small, this quiet temple is a great, easily accessible spot to experience Hong Kong’s spiritual side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Blue House – One of the few remaining pre-war balconied tenements (or Tong Lau) in Hong Kong, this Grade I classified monument gives a glimpse of what Wan Chai once looked like. Just around the corner is the Wan Chai Visual Archives, a community art space that explores the implications of urban redevelopment for the community, through workshops, exhibitions and collaboration projects. The neighboring Tai Lung Fung is a quirky East-West fusion café decorated with old fashioned children’s toys, and is worth stopping by for a cheeky mid-exploration refreshment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street Markets – The lanes connecting Johnston Road and Queen’s Road East are packed full of vendors selling everything from fresh produce, goldfish and potted plants to iPhone cases and Halloween costumes. Wander along Spring Garden Lane and you may stumble upon an old barber shop, mahjong parlour or pawn shop tucked between ramshackle residential lowrises. If you’re feeling adventurous, sample the local delicacies like wonton noodles, fish balls or herbal tea at one of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Gastronomy – The Pawn combines the iconic exterior of an old pawn shop with hearty British fare. Stop by for a Sunday roast, afternoon tea or sip one of their delicious signature cocktails on the outdoor terrace overlooking the tram line. Nearby French café Passion by Gerard Dubois has an incredible selection of delectable baked goods, sweet treats, and freshly made salads and sandwiches. Tapas bar 22 Ships, recently opened by Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton, is also a great place for a quick bite. But if you’re looking for high-end Chinese cuisine, try the luxurious Fook Lam Moon, famous for its abalone and often frequented by Hong Kong celebrities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Ferry – Starting near Bauhinia Square, the site of the 1997 handover ceremony, this must-do Hong Kong experience lasts longer and is less touristy than the one that leaves from Central, affording more time to appreciate the distinctive cityscape on both sides of the harbor.

If you are in Hong Kong from 29 November – 16 December be sure to check out Detour 2012, a pop-up exhibition that showcases local artists and designers, which will be held in the former Wan Chai Police Station.

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If you have questions about traveling in Hong Kong feel free to send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Passion Cafe photo by Passion Cafe all other Photos by Samantha Woods

 

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to visit and review one of Swire Hotel‘s newest properties in Beijing, The East. In light of the attention we have given to that fine establishment we felt it would be remiss if we did not acknowledge The East’s older sister, and one of our longtime favorites, The Opposite House.

(The Opposite House lobby)

Designed to be unlike anything you have ever seen, the interior of The Opposite House will leave you spellbound. Entering the open, cavernous lobby, friendly staffers pop up to help you check-in or direct you if needed. Spotlights direct your attention to the fantastic contemporary art on display that has been featured in galleries as far away as Paris.

(One of the lovely rooms)

As with any worthy hotel, the rooms are where the magic truly happens–no less exquisite than the hotel entrance, each chambre has its own minimalist design of elegant lines and bamboo closets. With glass walls and ethereal curtains, it feels like you’ve really stepped through the looking glass to wonderland. Relaxing in these surroundings isn’t something you need to attempt, it’s something that washes over you the second your door closes behind you.

(The fitness zone)

For the health conscious, fear not. Deep in the heart of The Opposite House, there is a full gym, lap pool, and spa facilities–all traditional luxury amenities but offered in the same atypical fashion that surely inspired the hotel’s name.

(The dining scene at Bei)

As for the food? You most definitely have your pick of delights here. Sureño, with it’s delectable Mediterranean fare, Bei, a Chinese restaurant offering a panoply of Northern oriental flavors, and Village Café, for a more laid back approach towards international favorites. Sureño’s pizza’s have been reviewed by AsiaTravel travelers “as some of the best thin crust the world over.” Grab a drink pre or post dinner at the ever trendy in-house bar Mesh. Our only word of caution when you stay at The Opposite House: Don’t forget there is an entire city to explore beyond its front door!

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If you are interested in staying at Opposite House during your next journey to Beijing send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Photos by Opposite House

 

If you’re still trying to figure out which corner of this wonderful world you should head to in 2013 then look no further than this post by travel blogger Ellen Barone. Ellen is an accomplished independent writer-photographer who specializes in global travel. She has journeyed to six continents in search of compelling travel tales and evocative images, using her experiences to help people travel smarter as well as keep them up to date on the latest travel trends and gadgets. AsiaTravel was honored to have our trip Soul of Tibet featured on Ellen’s list of Extraordinary Experiences for 2013.

Although Tibet is closed at the moment to foreigners, we are hopeful it will be reopened in April–we’ll keep you updated via Twitter and Facebook. As Ellen notes, “Tibet is one of those epic destinations so enticing, so enchanting and so compelling that it tends to get put on the back-burner, saved for another day (or decade) when the time and money for such an expedition will be possible. But guess what. There’s never enough time or money. And, while those easier, more accessible, places are fulfilling, Tibet still beckons.” We couldn’t agree more. Is Tibet beckoning to you?

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If you have questions about travel in China or Tibet send us an email at info@wildchina.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Photo of Ellen Barone courtesy of careerbreaksecrets.com all other photos by AsiaTravel