The Verandah is managed by the same group as the Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Like the hotel, the highest quality service and fare are guaranteed. British high tea is served in an environment which transports guests back in time, producing a taste of the colonial history of Hong Kong.

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Running parallel to the busy Wenchang Road is a quiet ancient back alley that contains a host of sites well worth visiting. The alley's main gate/entrance dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Small restaurants and craft shopss line the alley, yet it thankfully lacks any sense of commercialization. Other small alleys jet off to the sides, and wooden doors representing multiple eras of China's lengthy history serve as a backdrop to residents sitting on stools, smiling at passersby. Former Chinese president, and Yangzhou native, Jiang Zemin even has a residence in this alley.

Further down the alley lies one of the best preserved ancient residences in Yangzhou, that of the salt merchant Wang Shi (汪氏小苑). This residence and its nearby offshooting alleys allow for a unique opportunity to look into China's past and observe what has already been demolished in most other Chinese cities. The maze-like residence is a bit dusty and less renovated than other sights, which likely assist in making it feel as if you are walking on a piece of history.

Just east of this area is the Qiong Hua Temple (琼花观) and garden. The former temple, fronted by two 300 year old Gingko trees, is now an art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions of calligraphy and paintings by local artists. Behind the gallery is the quiet Qiong Hua garden which contains an abundance of Yangzhou’s city flower, the qiong hua. This flower was actually part of what drew emperors to Yangzhou for their spring tours.

For incredible cheap products head to the clothing and trinket store lined Guoqing (国庆路) and Ganquan roads (甘泉路). Don’t be afraid to bargain here as well. Any items normally found in Yangzhou's touristy areas can be found on these streets for half the price. This area is within the old section of Yangzhou, and its tree lined narrow streets exudes a very different, time warped feel when compared with other parts of the city. The junction of Guoqing and Ganquan roads marks the historic center of Yangzhou, a location fortunately still without a stop light. Riding a pedicab through this area is a classic way to explore Old Yangzhou.

Like most of the restaurants on Dongping Lu, diners simply can’t go wrong with Lapis Lazuli. The restaurant has a cool ambiance, polite staff, and pricey yet tasty food. Even when one can’t avoid the wait for a table, Lapis Lazuli even has a well chosen ceramics shop downstairs that always seems to be having a sale.
 
The food is mainly continental, with a little Asian flare tossed in for good measure. At night the restaurant is bustling, so I recommend making a reservation. The best time to come, however, is during lunch, when the patrons are mainly “ladies who lunch” and employees that work in the neighborhood.  The lunch specials are quite a deal, and perfect for those with an appetite.  I like the club sandwich special, which comes with a salad, soup and tea or coffee for RMB 48. At dinner time the prices are significantly higher, so while the food is indeed good… well, let’s just say it tastes a lot better when it’s not making such a dent in the pocket.
 
Nonetheless, Lapis Lazuli is a cool locale well worth checking out, and if dinner is all you have time for, I still recommend it.  I love the wood furniture, which feels almost Thai, and the flowers and artwork definitely exude an enjoyable tropical feel. Try to swing a seat by the window to take advantage of a good view of the drinking crowds piling into Zapata’s and Sasha’s next door. The menu is really easy, so those worried by a group that might be hard to please can rest assure that the wide selection certainly won’t disappoint.
 

Take Metro Line 1 to Hengshan Rd station.  Exit onto Hengshan Rd. and head northeast to Dongping Rd., about a 10-minute walk. Take a right on Dongping Rd. to find Lapis Lazuli.

I must admit that I was taken to Mexico Lindo on a bad date, so perhaps I am a little biased. Tucked away on a restaurant alley on Hongmei Lu, I found Lindo to be a tad cramped. However, their margaritas and steak tortillas soon won me over. This is definitely not a place to take the kids, but is a quieter alternative to Zapata’s down on Hengshan Lu. It’s a convenient option if you are staying in the Marriot, the Sheraton or the Renaissance.

For those seeking baguettes, smoothies and simple pasta dishes, Zoe’s is the place. The main branch is located in the Super Grand Mall in Lujiazui, and is the perfect spot to rest and grab a bite to eat if in the area. Zoe’s is a welcome relief from the incessant fast food found throughout the mall. A wide variety of smoothies, both dairy and non-dairy, is complimented by a simple menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas. I recommend the Salmon Carbonara or the Steak and Gravy baguette. The carrot cake is also spectacular. Those with kids can always pop next door to pick up a Happy Meal and bring it into Zoe’s. It is perfectly acceptable to do that here in China.

1F, Super Brand Mall, No.168 Lujiazui Xilu, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai (上海市浦东新区陆家嘴西路168号正大广场1楼延街)
TEL: +86 (0)21 5047 0756

1F, Maxdo Center Plaza, No.8 Xingyi Lu, Shanghai (上海市兴义路8号万都中心大厦1楼)
TEL:  +86 (0)21 3223 3271

If you’re into Chinese culture or just love to take beautiful pictures, you should check out the Twenty-Four Histories Academy (二十四史书院) in Shenzhen. It’s inside the north part of Gankeng Ancient Town (甘坑古镇), in Longgang District.

The place covers around 30,000 square meters—not super huge like a theme park, but big enough to walk around slowly and enjoy the traditional vibe. It’s beautifully designed with classic Chinese architecture—red walls, wooden halls, curved roofs, and peaceful gardens. You’ll often see people wearing Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) and taking amazing photos here.

It’s a peaceful and elegant place, very different from the busy city outside. If you’re already planning to visit Gankeng Ancient Town, don’t miss this lovely cultural spot!