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Xi Lai Shun Restaurant

Xi Lai Shun Restaurant was established during the 19th year of the Republic of China in 1930 and is a time-honored restaurant that specializes in Muslim cuisine. The new site is located at No. 116, Bei Xinhua Street in Xicheng District. It is a two-story building, with two dining halls on the fir...

Xi Lai Shun Restaurant was established during the 19th year of the Republic of China in 1930 and is a time-honored restaurant that specializes in Muslim cuisine. The new site is located at No. 116, Bei Xinhua Street in Xicheng District. It is a two-story building, with two dining halls on the first and second floors as well as 3 private rooms on the second floor. Waiters at the restaurant can all speak English and Arabic to serve millions of tourists from Muslim countries. Xi Lai Shun has its own features in cooking and is regarded as the representative of Western Muslim cuisines. Its main features are its wide use of ingredients, delicate selection of seasonings, meticulous cooking, beautiful appearance and the combination of advantages of Chinese and western cuisines. Malianliang Duck, Grilled Whole Lamb, Roast Young sheep, Quewo shrimp and chicken wrapped in cellophane are all very delicious. It is said that the chefs at the restaurant once won two gold, two silver and a copper medal on the fifth world cooking contest.

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Xi Lai Shun Restaurant was established during the 19th year of the Republic of China in 1930 and is a time-honored restaurant that specializes in Muslim cuisine. The new site is located at No. 116, Bei Xinhua Street in Xicheng District. It is a two-story building, with two dining halls on the first and second floors as well as 3 private rooms on the second floor. Waiters at the restaurant can all speak English and Arabic to serve millions of tourists from Muslim countries.

Xi Lai Shun has its own features in cooking and is regarded as the representative of Western Muslim cuisines. Its main features are its wide use of ingredients, delicate selection of seasonings, meticulous cooking, beautiful appearance and the combination of advantages of Chinese and western cuisines. Malianliang Duck, Grilled Whole Lamb, Roast Young sheep, Quewo shrimp and chicken wrapped in cellophane are all very delicious. It is said that the chefs at the restaurant once won two gold, two silver and a copper medal on the fifth world cooking contest.

Chill Cafe & Bar

Chill is something in the land of identical hutong bars. Inside, two stylish rooms flank either ends of a covered courtyard, set aglow by a roaring log fire on weekends. On one side lies the bar, all cheese plates, leather sofas, minimalism and lounge music; on the other, a cozy room of floor-cha...

Chill is something in the land of identical hutong bars. Inside, two stylish rooms flank either ends of a covered courtyard, set aglow by a roaring log fire on weekends. On one side lies the bar, all cheese plates, leather sofas, minimalism and lounge music; on the other, a cozy room of floor-chairs. It should be pretentious as hell, but actually it’s rather charming. Owner Remy Lardinois splits his time between Pyongyang and Beijing, and Chill is a sideline for him, but plans for live music and film screenings, as well as its North Korean booze connection, suggest promise. After a few visits, however, we’ve yet to find Chill’s much-advertised Taedonggang, its rare North Korean imported beer. On experience, even at 50 RMB a pop, it is worth a taste, so put your name on the waiting list. The more readily available ginseng and blueberry-flavored North Korean liqueurs (25-35 RMB), on the other hand, should only be drunk as a bet. Thankfully, a massive Belgian-beer parade of Kwaks, Grimbergens, Achels (40-50 RMB) et al and some rather powerful cocktails (all 45RMB) offer some variety. The only downside is the food menu’s one-ingredient war against lactose intolerance; its choice of a half-dozen ‘paninis’ (dry, toasted baguettes 42-53RMB), all smothered in flavorless brie or mozzarella, is a grim one. Food aside, this bar is exemplary. Friday night’s ‘rock-paper-scissors’ deal (beat the waiter at said game and you’ll receive a second round on the house; lose and you pay) will bring in drinkers, but Chill deserves more.

No. 1 Jazz Café

Located near Ciqikou, No.1 Jazz Café is one of those bar that offers both coffee and dringks in Beijing. It is established by a self-proclaimed jazz aficionado in 2012, which is to provide a space for his fellow music lovers.

The hip café/bar consists of two floors. While the first floor ac...

Located near Ciqikou, No.1 Jazz Café is one of those bar that offers both coffee and dringks in Beijing. It is established by a self-proclaimed jazz aficionado in 2012, which is to provide a space for his fellow music lovers.

The hip café/bar consists of two floors. While the first floor acts a foyer and offers a bit more privacy and quiet, the second floor is more spacious and accommodates larger groups. The large plush couches and tasteful décor make the second floor an excellent place for happy hour cocktails or an afternoon coffee date. The second floor also offers private rooms that are tucked away behind curtains opposite of the bar.

In terms of it being a jazz bar, the café definitely lives up to its namesake. Platinum and gold records line almost every wall. On the first floor, the owner and his friends play impromptu shows for fun. In the background, jazz standards plays at just the right volume for a café setting. And as if that isn't enough, make sure you don't miss the café's pride and joy: a signed hat of the late Michael Jackson. Music is definitely the theme of this restaurant. 

Friends Cafe

Central Perk, the fictional coffee shop where the characters of Friends spent almost all their time, has finally opened in real life. A near-identical replica of the iconic '90s hangout has opened in a Beijing apartment complex, run by a Friends super fan named Du Xin—who actually prefers to go b...

Central Perk, the fictional coffee shop where the characters of Friends spent almost all their time, has finally opened in real life. A near-identical replica of the iconic '90s hangout has opened in a Beijing apartment complex, run by a Friends super fan named Du Xin—who actually prefers to go by "Gunther." Obviously, Du is really, really into Friends, claiming, “For me, it’s like a religion. It’s my life.”

That intense devotion to Friends is apparent from the detail Du put into his Central Perk, which has the same window and doorway as the “real” coffee shop, as well as that couch. Furthermore, the menu only features snack items mentioned on the show, complete with annotations that explain exactly when that cupcake appeared in an episode. Du has even constructed a replica of Joey and Chandler’s apartment next door to Central Park, featuring a foosball table, Baywatch DVDs, and the giant TV cabinet Joey built.

Du traces his love of Friends, as well as its massive popularity in China, to the “living way” of the characters, who spent all their time just hanging out with their best friends. So what do Friends devotees who flock to Du’s Central Perk do while similarly just hanging out? Watch Friends reruns, of course.

Ricci Cafe

Ricci Café is a good new after-school hangout in the heart of the university district. The spacious café has a modern college look to it, with long wooden tables, comfy red sofa cushions and large windows.

The coffee here is strong and delicious, all made from Arabica Roasters beans. We rec...

Ricci Café is a good new after-school hangout in the heart of the university district. The spacious café has a modern college look to it, with long wooden tables, comfy red sofa cushions and large windows.

The coffee here is strong and delicious, all made from Arabica Roasters beans. We recommend the spicy Sichuan mocha (RMB36) for those who prefer something sweet with a miniature kick of spice.The Ricci Bolognese (RMB48) is appetizing but doesn’t quite replicate the taste of Italy. The sauce is a much lighter version compared to the meat-heavy, authentic recipe, but the portion is hearty. The meat is half beef and half pork, with clean chopped tomato squares scattered throughout long locks of linguine.

The Ricci Waldorf salad (RMB45) comes with sliced apples, roasted chicken and walnuts in a light, sweet vinaigrette. The Sichuan spice-rubbed chicken focaccia sandwich (RMB45) is very popular, which is served on a cutting board with fried lotus chips. The fluffy focaccia is delectable, and the pulled chicken breast is soaked in Sichuan peppercorns and served with grilled long green Chinese peppers for a zesty burn.

Service is quick and efficient. With snug seating, highly caffeinated drinks and yummy food, it is definitely nice place for afternoon study sessions or catch-ups with friends.

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Top China Tours

$238 Per Day

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.

This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.


$150 Per Day

Guangzhou

Day 1 Arrive in Guangzhou

Arrive in Guangzhou in the morning, you will be met and transferred to hotel, then visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Memorial Hall is a very famous historical scenic spot. It is in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner. After that proceed to visit the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family. It is a unique site for offering up sacrifices to worship ancestors of 72 Chen families in Guangdong. This ancestral temple is also the largest, best preserved and best decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province.

Day 2 Guanzhou Tour 

After breakfast, you will go to Yuexiu Park first, the largest and the most famous park in downtown Guangzhou. There are three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain. Then you will visit Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road (meaning the Six Banyan Trees Road). The Nanyue King Tomb Museum is a must-see Guangzhou attraction, which dates back to 2,000 years ago, is the earliest large scale painted stone chamber tomb ever found south of the Five Ridges. Buried with the tomb owner in a jade shroud are a gold seal and a lot of exquisite jade adornments. It has become a world famous museum. After the day tour you will be transferred to airport for your next destination.

$53 Per Day

Pingyao Highlights Walking Tour

Pingyao Highlights Walking Day Tour

With our guide to know the Ancient Pingyao better!

Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 08:00 or 08:30, then show you the ticket office to get the ticket for the museums we will visit later.

First we will visit the 700 years old City wall, We will climb up from south gate and have a walk on the wall. We are not sure how many km we can walk, because of the renovating of the wall. Normally we will walk from south gate to the Yunlu Exit.

Then visit the Confucius temple, there is a old building named Dacheng Hall which is over 840 years old. From outside, we can see the big wood joints to lift the big roof around the building which is named Dougong. Due to this design, there are less columns inside the hall for giving the big space for the statues and the prayer. We have chance to see the Confucius statue and learn the philosophy of Confucius. If you like, you can pray for you and your children to get better study.

There is the Paper Cutting master named Wentao nearby the exit of Confucius temple. She is very smart and create the new style paper cutting with much more details and good wishes on it. Her products are made by hanks. It is worth to visit and buy as a souvenir from Pingyao. From the table standing and wall hangings. Please remember, take the red one because of red is the traditional and happy color. But the white one is the best. It is really difficult to choose, because of all of them are really nice.

Then you can have coffee break or tea break if you need at Chummy coffee, after this, visit the City god temple (ChenghuangMiao) which is most beautiful temple inside the wall. Because of the roof is covered by the colorful glazed tiles. There is not only city god and also the three money gods, Now you know why pingyao was the financial center.

Next we will visit the Ancient government building, to see the pingyao politics center in the ancient time. It is the complete building with officials bed room, kitchen and private garden. Follow the guide to look the official’s life from the 250km far away from the hometown.

Have a stroll in the alley to the Rishengchang exchange bank, which is the first bank all of china.You can not miss it.

After lunch, walk to the Ming and Qing street, this is the shopping street full of the stores on the both side of street. You can find alot things here , from post card to lacquered boxes, and wall panels. One more place to see, it is the Armed escort agency also named security and transport service for the business man before the bank founded.

Inlcusions

1.private english speaking tour guide servcie

2.bottle water for the tour