<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title><![CDATA[HopStix Beijing]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Beijing's reviews]]></description>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing</link>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:44:32 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<generator>hopstix.com</generator>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>copyright hotstix.com</copyright><item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Hutong Pizza (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/hutong-pizza_2682</link>
<description><![CDATA[square pizza?  strange, but it works !!!]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:41:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>388</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant  (1/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/liqun-roast-duck-restaurant-_2259</link>
<description><![CDATA[If you had a &quot;0&quot; heart rating, that is what I would rate this restaurant. Actually, a negative rating if possible.  Can you build that feature into this website?  The owners should pay us to eat here.  One of the filthiest restaurants - even by local standards.  The food is less than mediocre. And they charge &quot;lao wai&quot; prices.  I don't know what it is abt this place that people like.  I guess they feel like all the filth gives them a taste of the &quot;real&quot; China?  OK, life is too short to waste on places like this. Or even on writing about them... the end !]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>386</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of China World Trade Shopping Mall (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-shopping/china-world-trade-shopping-mall_2027</link>
<description><![CDATA[China World isn't bad.  There are plenty of boutique shops, all expensive.  There is even ice skating.  But the new hot place for expensive and overpriced brands has got to be in China Central Place (Hua Mao).  or Shin Kong Tian Di.  This is at the Da Wang Lu subway stop.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:33:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>385</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Grandma's Kitchen  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/grandma-s-kitchen-_2164</link>
<description><![CDATA[its kind of crowded in that small space, but the food is what you expect from a diner in the US.  Greasy and good.  A nice place for some comfort food when you just can stomach more mapo tofu or gongbao jiding.  Never been for anything but breakfast, but it hits the spot.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>383</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Eudora Station Bar and Restaurant (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/eudora-station-bar-and-restaurant_2163</link>
<description><![CDATA[Good place to watch sports.  Bad service.  Burgers are really strange tasting - not in a good way.  Kind of in a &quot;just out of freezer and into microwave&quot; way]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:26:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>382</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Chef Too (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/chef-too_2162</link>
<description><![CDATA[Chef Billy would be peeved that you categorize this as &quot;American&quot; since I believe he is Canadian.  Or maybe I heard he was the chef for Canadian Embassy.  Anyway, isn't Canada just like Puerto Rico - a quasi state of USA?  Ok, sorry for the political statements.  Let's get down to business... I had the burger.  It was OK.  The fries very nice.  The lemonade, freshly squeezed.  The eggs, good.  But back to the burger.  Pre fabricated meat.  Not fresh.  Clearly frozen patties fr the way it looked and the texture once cooked.  Presentation and decor is nice and price is OK.  But the best burgers in town still belong to Blue Frog.  Or maybe Union Street Grill (I hear, but haven't tried it yet).  I'm still waiting for Mos Burger to land in Beijing and own the place.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:25:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>381</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of China Club Restaurant (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/china-club-restaurant_5525</link>
<description><![CDATA[Agree that this is overpriced and food not great (for price). Also not very good location unless you are in Tiananmen.  Still this is an impressive place just for the decor.  It was converted very elegantly from its days as a royal courtyard home.  Be sure to visit the hotel on site as well and ask to see a room - very impressive.  So you are supposed to be a member of this elite club to eat there right  -  in the inside dining room.  In reality, you can be a American Express Black Card member and make a reservation.  Ok, so you don't have a zillion dollars after the stock crash of 2009?  Just ask the Grand Hyatt concierge to make a reservation for you (make sure you specify inside dining room).  You might have to stay at Hyatt or act like you stay there.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:20:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>380</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of Han Na Shan  (1/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/han-na-shan-_2661</link>
<description><![CDATA[these restaurants in this chain all have attractive large windows and a clean interior that always seem packed.  does it mean its good.  No.  I find it overpriced.  this is korean food for chinese ppl who don't know any better.  go to any place in Wang Jing over this.  better yet, go to Pine Hill near Lido.  this is the best Korean hands down! ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:12:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>379</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of BSD Dubu House  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/bsd-dubu-house-_2655</link>
<description><![CDATA[great tofu.  great prices.  all the eggs you want (raw). only problem is decor and cleanliness is not a 10.  not bad by Chinese standards.  but not as clean as can be.  also there is a location in Wang Jing. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:10:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>378</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[brat b.'s Review Of The Kro's Nest  (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/the-kro-s-nest-_2686</link>
<description><![CDATA[The largest sized pizza is huge - probably won't fit in the average Chinese fridge.  Good selection of beer at the Worker's stadium location.  There is also a good outdoor area.  This is a good place to stop for food after hitting nearby clubs, but the thick crust pizza isn't the best in town.  I still prefer thin crust at Tree or Annie's or Elsie's.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Brat Boy]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:43:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>377</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[baker k.'s Review Of Great Wall at Mutianyu  (1/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/great-wall-at-mutianyu-_4905</link>
<description><![CDATA[To experience the authentic adventures on Great Wall of China in a responsible and sustainable manner, join the Great Wall Trek tour with an professional tour operator. 
Click this link to watch the breathtaking views of ancient great wall of China. http://www.wallking.net/gallery.html
]]></description><author><![CDATA[Baker Kong]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:45:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>373</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[baker k.'s Review Of Great Wall at Badaling (Badaling Chancheng) (1/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/great-wall-at-badaling--badaling-chancheng-_4890</link>
<description><![CDATA[To experience the authentic adventures on Great Wall of China in a responsible and sustainable manner, join the Great Wall Trek tour with an professional tour operator. 
Click this link to watch the breathtaking views of ancient great wall of China. http://www.wallking.net/gallery.html
]]></description><author><![CDATA[Baker Kong]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:44:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>372</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Qin Tang Fu (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/qin-tang-fu_5527</link>
<description><![CDATA[Shaanxi food is known for its noodles, dumplings, Uighur Muslim influence and strong spices. It's also one of my favorites. There are not a lot of good Shaanxi restaurants in Shanghai, so I was really excited to try Qin Tang Fu in Beijing.  The restaurant offers a great selection of noodles, including hand-pulled noodles (la mien), hand-rolled noodles (shou gan mien), and wide version of hand-pulled noodles (che mien). The Shaanxi specialty is  Shaozi Mien, which is hand-rolled noodles served in a tangy, spicy broth filled with various vegetables and pork. The Shaozi Mien at Qin Tang Fu were perfectly firm and chewy, while the broth was very flavorful and spicy. We also tried another Shaanxi specialty, the dumpling soup, which is a tangy-spicy soup filled with over-sized dumplings. Surprisingly, we still found room for the Rou Jia Mo, which is the Shaanxi version of a pulled-pork sandwich. The bun was excellent, but the pork was a little under-seasoned, or maybe it seemed that way compared to th rest of the food.  For anyone interested in Shaanxi food, Qin Tang Fu  is a great introduction to Shaanxi food.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:51:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>343</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Song Music Bar and Kitchen (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-nightlife/song-music-bar-and-kitchen_5526</link>
<description><![CDATA[If you want to see contemporary Beijing at its best, check out Song Music Bar and Kitchen. Designed by and named after Chinese artist Zhong Song, Song is not only creatively designed but also features an innovative menu and great music. The curved wave-like wooden interior is inspired by rice terraces in Yunnan, China, and serves as a beautiful backdrop to one of the most popular dance-floors and DJ booths in Beijing. Song is not just known for its music though. Its menu serves some of the most creative dishes in town, like "Pressed Pork Belly and Ox Tongue Salad" and "Sticky Banana Pudding with Caramel and Honeycomb Ice Cream". From 3PM-9PM each day, the bar also offers drink specials where two drinks are the price of one, and the drinks are awesome. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>342</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Hua Jia Yi Yuan  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/hua-jia-yi-yuan-_2317</link>
<description><![CDATA[There are countless courtyard restaurants in Beijing. Hua Jia Yi Yuan is a local favorite for its lovely courtyard, simple but tasty food, and very reasonable prices. We loved the bamboo shoots and minced pork, eggplant with abalone sauce, and mountain vegetable salad (juai cai). Although all the dishes were yummy, my favorite was the pig ears fava bean salad. I know it doesn't sound appetizing, but the crispy texture of pig ears was a perfect balance to the soft fava beans. The best part of the meal was probably enjoying the well-restored courtyard, with covered seating outside and air conditioned seating inside.  You cant go wrong with either. If you want to splurge, try the really well-restored seating area at the back of the courtyard. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:43:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>341</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Aline C.'s Review Of China Club Restaurant (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/china-club-restaurant_5525</link>
<description><![CDATA[After hearing raving reviews about China Club I finally got lucky enough to get invited by one of the members about 18 months ago. There is a trick about this place: there are 2 parts inside the China Club which are very different from each other from what I have heard. One part is for members only, and one part is a commercial restaurant. I was in the first section and the service was sweet, nice and discreet, the decor was pristine and traditional. The antiques were beautiful, the old library full of real and really old books. When it was time to order food, I asked the very sweet girl whether she could ask the chef to not use msg in my dishes and she knew all about msg and responded straight away &quot;we never use msg in our food madam, so do not worry&quot;...a relief for me. The lemon chicken and the Sichuan duck smoked with tea leaves and campher wood is a dish I will just never forget. The best duck my boyfriend and I ever had in China. It was a Bday celebration, and a memorable one. Just loved it! I agree with Xiaodi, it is a pricy place so if you get a chance to go, be prepared with a flexible budget.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Aline Conus]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>340</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of China Club Restaurant (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/china-club-restaurant_5525</link>
<description><![CDATA[Years ago, I read an article in Saveur Magazine on China Club, and it seemed like a must-see for Beijing. The four-hundred year old siheyuan, courtyard house, belonged to a Qing Dynasty prince. Remodeled, the exclusive club is filled with antiques and features a boutique hotel and a Sichuan restaurant. The review of the restaurant in Saveur was ravishing. Every dish was "amzing" and "revolutionary".  Fast forward a few years, I finally got the chance to visit China Club last year, and the experience left me seriously doubting Saveur Magazine's editorial integrity.  Maybe my expectations were too high, but neither the food nor the design warranted such a glowing review. While the Siheyuan was well-preserved, the overall remodeling seemed more garish than refined. The private room we occupied was freezing, and there were some obvious stains on the walls. I think we would have overlooked all of these minor annoyances if the food was good. We ordered almost all the house specials, but none of them wowed us. On top of that, each dish was outrageously expensive, resulting in the most expensive meal we have had in Beijing. Unfortunately, it was also one of our most disappointing. Go for a tour, not for a meal. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:09:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>339</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Westin Beijing Hotel (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-hotels/westin-beijing-hotel_4682</link>
<description><![CDATA[While most people have heard about the Grand Hyatt or the Peninsula in Beijing, the Westin is relatively new and I think the strongest hotel of the three. Modern, understated, but comfortable, the hotel stands apart with its great service and luxurious rooms. To be fair, we got lucky and got upgraded, but the room was so comfortable that we didn't really want to leave. One drawback might be its location in BJ's financial district. However, it also means that you can be away from the crowds, which can feel heavenly in Beijing. If you have Starwood points, this is the hotel to use them on. We wish we had more! ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:38:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>335</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[cindy c.'s Review Of El Fogoncito (1/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/el-fogoncito_2238</link>
<description><![CDATA[Very authentic Mexican food, not like Tex-Mexican food, it is not that spicy.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Cindy Cindym]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>330</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Terrence O.'s Review Of Great Wall Adventure Club (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-activelife/great-wall-adventure-club_5510</link>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks Nicole for the wonderful reaction to our service! Our goal is to become, not necessary the largest, but the most friendly international travel agency across USA and China. Our mission is to help our international guests with their best experience to have in China and leave their smile to their Chinese friends. As this forum may not allow add HTML link to our site (www.greatwalladventure.com/), please search for &quot;Great Wall Adventure Club&quot; on Google and we are at #1. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Terrence Ouh]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:56:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>313</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Paomo Guan (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/paomo-guan_5511</link>
<description><![CDATA[These noodles are in the running for my final death row meal.  They've got all the tastes of Xi'an here and the picture menu is the perfect guide for the uninitiated.  You can tell it's good because it's usually packed with Chinese families. Affordable, renao, clean, classy, and they have midget seats that are far more comfortable than they look.  The pork burgers must be eaten at least once in a lifetime.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:31:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>312</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nicole L.'s Review Of Great Wall Adventure Club (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-activelife/great-wall-adventure-club_5510</link>
<description><![CDATA[This was a great and professional service from start to finish. I was going to be making my third trip to the Great Wall with a friend so I wanted to see a section I hadn't seen before. I found Great Wall Adventure Club just by doing a search on Google and was very happy with the experience. I booked a 1 day hiking trek from Jinshanling to Simatai which was a definitely not a cake-walk but beautiful. Our guide, Mao, was very cool and knowledgeable about every section of the wall. Even when we asked off-the-wall questions (no pun intended) he always had an answer. With a trans-pacific staff they were able to answer my emails at all hours and right away and they can book tours in all parts of China. They helped me with a Xi'an tour as well which I didn't end up booking b/c we didn't have time for it. Their prices are very reasonable and the best part about GWAC is that  I got the feeling from them that they really had my best interest in mind instead of trying to "upsell" different tours to make a higher profit.

After having this great experience with the Wall I wouldn't hesitate to book one of their Tibet hiking treks or Yangtze/Three Gorges tours. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Nicole Legacki]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:31:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>311</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Da Li Courtyard  (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/da-li-courtyard-_2446</link>
<description><![CDATA[Excellent courtyard ambiance makes this a great place to pay 100 kuai for a 40 kuai meal. Out of town visitors will be impressed.  People who aren't aware of better Yunnan restaurants 10 minutes away will be too.  You can only order set meals and must make reservations in advance so don't expect to come here on a whim. Still, that courtyard is nice when weather permits.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>310</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of The Kro's Nest  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/the-kro-s-nest-_2686</link>
<description><![CDATA[ALERT! This place serves Brooklyn Beers. On my last visit Brooklyn IPAs were two for one, so 15 a pop, which made it the cheapest beer on the menu.  Pizza good too, massive with a thicker crust than you get at the Tree or Vineyard (they can also make 'em vegan friendly believe it or not). No smoking inside which is either a good or bad thing depending on how good or bad you are. (this review also for Gongti location) ]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:06:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>309</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of The Bookworm (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/the-bookworm_2474</link>
<description><![CDATA[Give me a break, this place is one of the most overrated joints in Beijing. Though it can't be beat for lectures and readings, the food is weak and overpriced and the coffee is served in a thimble. The lending library is the best in town, but that's hardly a reason to let these clowns nickle and dime you over cream for your coffee and limited refills of hot water for your glass of tea. This is the kind of place where you go to be seen working or reading rather than to work or read.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:58:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>308</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Q Bar  (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-nightlife/q-bar-_1697</link>
<description><![CDATA[If the rundown exterior of the Eastern Inn dissuades you, it shouldn't.  This bar is a mainstay among the young and upwardly mobile who can't quite afford the price tag of Centro or Face when it comes to real drinking.  I've been following bartenders George and Echo from First Cafe to Midnight and finally to Q, where they've found their home and their audience.  Real stiff drinks with real alcohol in a swanky environment that doesn't quite cross the line into pretentiousness.  The large deck is one of the main attractions, though it's frequently shut down by the police just when spirits are getting high.  The oversized square ice cubes they put in your on-the-rocks drinks (melts slower, doesn't dilute the alcohol) is indicative of the care they put into the operation.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>307</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of 798 Space (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/798-space_4895</link>
<description><![CDATA[A dissenting, and perhaps sacrilegious, view on 798.  Yes interesting, yes quirky, yes Beijing is a better place for its existence.  But who actually goes there on a regular basis?  Artists?  Maybe.  Gallery owners? Probably.  Hip tourists seeking the &quot;new China&quot;?  For sure.  Beyond the occasional art opening by a friend or friend-of-a-friend, or the run of the mill Halloween/Christmas/New Year's costume rip-off dance party, or the free boozathon at the Nike space, I almost never visit except when guests are in town looking to see some &quot;real Chinese modern art&quot;. Don't get me wrong, there's enough to like about this place, I just have a hard time believing that this is the front lines of Chinese art anymore.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:20:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>306</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nicole L.'s Review Of 798 Space (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/798-space_4895</link>
<description><![CDATA[798 is a very cool alternative to your typical Beijing destinations. You can spend hours here browsing in the countless modern art galleries and never get bored or find some great shops tucked away between galleries. If it is a nice day, find a good spot outside and just people watch. I think I really took to 798 because it seemed like the only place in Beijing where we were able relax and not be surrounded by the hectic energy that seeps out everywhere in the city.  My only non positive remark are the less than stellar cafe options. My advice...don't go hungry! ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Nicole Legacki]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:07:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>304</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nicole L.'s Review Of The Bookworm (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/the-bookworm_2474</link>
<description><![CDATA[The Bookworm was such a great stop on a really windy day I recently spent in Beijing. My friend and I popped in for lunch (which was pretty decent) and stayed for a couple hours browsing books and lounging on the couches reading (current!) magazines from the US and UK. With wireless internet as well I could see myself spending hours and hours here and never lack stimulation. I only wish The Bookworm was in Shanghai rather than Beijing! ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Nicole Legacki]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>302</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[tess z.'s Review Of The Bookworm (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/the-bookworm_2474</link>
<description><![CDATA[The Bookworm is one of the reasons I love Beijing. A fantastic bookstore and lending library, the Bookworm also features a cafe. Its as close to a Borders bookstore as you'll get in China, and the food is much better than Borders. None of the foreign language bookstores in Shanghai can compare to the breadth and character of this place. Stop by if you are craving for a good read and a great cup of coffee.  ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Tess Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2008 23:32:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>294</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Hutong Pizza (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/hutong-pizza_2682</link>
<description><![CDATA[Not much needs to be said about this place. It is the best pizza in Beijing.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 17:20:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>292</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Ai Jiang Shan (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/ai-jiang-shan_2653</link>
<description><![CDATA[Do not fear its power! This place specializes in &quot;chong-shik&quot; a set meal which is essentially a Korean version of tapas. I went with my brother, and once with my entire family. Both times we arrived starving, ready to eat like condemned men, and didn't even come close to finishing the spread that included salads, chigaes (stews), little dishes of vegetables, meat, fish, tofus, kimchis, not to mention one of those shaved ice desserts. The interior is swanky to the extreme, with an artificial river, black stone and glass. If you like Korean food but are tired of the usual barbecue then this is the place, though their barbecue is also excellent, by the way. Little touches take this place to the next level. For example, when in season, they provide you with wild sesame leaves in which to wrap your barbecued meat.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 17:17:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>291</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[john b.'s Review Of Cafe de la Poste (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/cafe-de-la-poste_2501</link>
<description><![CDATA[A popular watering hole for a quiet glass of wine, or a noisy glass of wine, or several glasses of wine, or a whole bottle. One of my favorite wine bars in the city and without the fake pretensions of Aperitivo. A stone's throw from the Vineyard, if you can throw far, and a good place if your night nightlife destination is in the jiaodaokou/nanluo/gulou/houhai area. You may even end up making it your final destination. Have never eaten there, but the food looks and smells delicious and won't break the bank. Seating can be an issue sometimes, particularly for bigger crowds.]]></description><author><![CDATA[John Bishop]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 16:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>290</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant  (2/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/liqun-roast-duck-restaurant-_2259</link>
<description><![CDATA[Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was really disappointed by my experience at Liqun Roast Duck restaurant. Before going there, I read about its famous roast duck on Time magazine, watched a special about it on TV, and heard friends rave about it. When I finally got there, after a couple of wrong turns in the hutong, I was excited to see a jam packed restaurant, although I became a little suspicious when I noticed most of the patrons were foreigners. I hardly saw any local Chinese in the restaurant. 

Unfortunately, the crowd also meant we had to wait 30 minutes even though we made reservations. When we finally got seated, and the duck arrived, I was shocked by how mediocre the duck tasted. The skin was not as crispy as it should have been. The duck meat itself tasted a little overcooked. Also, the pancakes were just average. 

I can see why it continues to draw huge crowds. Its quaint location, tucked away in a hutong, makes it a rare find. However, the food is not anything to write home about. So, I am going to dispel the myth and say that its just average. Combined w/ the poor service, its sub-par. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>278</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gerald M.'s Review Of Great Wall at Badaling (Badaling Chancheng) (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/great-wall-at-badaling--badaling-chancheng-_4890</link>
<description><![CDATA[I agree the wall itself is amazing, but i found this side to well rebuild and too busy with tourists.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Gerald Malenstein]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>277</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gerald M.'s Review Of Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/summer-palace--yiheyuan--_4889</link>
<description><![CDATA[My favorite time to go to Summer Palace is during Spring and Fall. It's a really big place, so you need to take your time, at least if you want see everything. I would also suggest to take food with you, the food is a little expensive. But all with all this is a must see for when your in Beijing.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Gerald Malenstein]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:56:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>276</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gerald M.'s Review Of Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/temple-of-heaven--tiantan-_4891</link>
<description><![CDATA[Most people are only going to the main attractions in the Temple, try to take a walk on the far sides of the park. There are some beautiful gardens that are in bloom during spring and summer.]]></description><author><![CDATA[Gerald Malenstein]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:49:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>275</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gerald M.'s Review Of The Tibetan Lamasery (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/the-tibetan-lamasery_4920</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One of my favourites spots in Beijing. You can see a lot of smaller and bigger temples in here. There is a big Buddha (17m) in the end of the park. It took me 1, 5 hour to complete the park, but if you want to do you prayers, it will take more time!

The Lhama Park is easy to reach by taking the line 2 subway and get out at Yonghegong.
]]></description><author><![CDATA[Gerald Malenstein]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>273</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Nicole L.'s Review Of Paper  (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/paper-_2292</link>
<description><![CDATA[Hm...I really wanted to love this place but while I had a good experience, I can't help but feel disappointed. Since we arrived early and were waiting for a friend we pretty much had the place to ourselves and therefore got to speak to the owner, Cho. He also owns and runs Bed, a bar in a nearby hutong. Cho obviously has an eye for interior design and innovative establishments. The bar area is interesting with a live feed being projected on a screen of the sidewalk right outside. I highly recommend the martinis. Tell the bartender what you are in the mood for and he comes up with his own concoction all of which were delicious and poured with a heavy hand. The food on the other hand disappointed. I think it tried to go too posh and left out the flavor. We had the set menu so we got to try several dishes but each one lacked flavor EXCEPT for the pork burgers which actually were quite tasty. Maybe if I got to pick what I wanted I would have liked Paper more but for now this will go down in my book as a place to have a drink but off to somewhere else for dinner. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Nicole Legacki]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:14:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>263</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Ken L.'s Review Of Wain Wain (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/wain-wain_5394</link>
<description><![CDATA[Wain Wain has a great view of the city from the 35th floor of the SOHO tower, wifi, reasonably priced (and tasty) Japanese food, and last I checked they had great deals on unlimited beverages (alcoholic or non), great for a relaxed afternoon talking, working, or just watching rush hour traffic back up 35 stories below.  Very modern design, but comfortable.

Dawangqiao stop on Line 1, go around to the back of the building and catch the elevator to the 35th floor.  Wain Wain is around the corner to your right.  www.wainwain.com]]></description><author><![CDATA[Ken Liffiton]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:04:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>260</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Music Station (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-shopping/music-station_5390</link>
<description><![CDATA[With so many DVD/CD shops all around China, you'd think cool, hip, contemporary music would be easy to find. Instead, I find a ton of Madonna and Black Eyed Peas CD's but never any cutting edge Chinese music. This is why I was so excited when I stumbled upon Music Station, a tiny CD shop located close to the NanLuo GuXiang Hutong. This stop specializes in contemporary Chinese music, and I left w/ 8 CD's! Expect to spend a pretty penny though, this shop doesnt sell any 7RMB CD's. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:19:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>254</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[philana c.'s Review Of Chef Too (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-restaurants/chef-too_2162</link>
<description><![CDATA[the best place in town for a nice weekend brunch - complete w/ fresh squeezed Orange Juice... mmmmm....]]></description><author><![CDATA[Philana Chen]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 07:42:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>251</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/tiananmen-square--tiananmen-guangchang-_4888</link>
<description><![CDATA[I have been to Tiananmen Square countless times, and it never ceases to amaze me. The sheer size alone is overwhelming, especially on a hot summer day. In recent years, more and more Chinese tourists have flocked to the square. Walking around the square, you will see families, tour groups, young couples taking countless pictures and waving Chinese flags. The sense of joy and pride is palpable, and you cant help buy smile. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:34:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>249</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[claire w.'s Review Of Jamie's Bar  (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-nightlife/jamie-s-bar-_1633</link>
<description><![CDATA[brilliant place.. freindly chinese and english speaking staff, made to feel very welcome, great facilities and fantastic prices, also very pleased to help with your stay in beijing !!! great people !!!]]></description><author><![CDATA[Claire Wilson]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:24:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>208</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vivian C.'s Review Of China World Trade Shopping Mall (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-shopping/china-world-trade-shopping-mall_2027</link>
<description><![CDATA[Located in the heart of downtown Beijing, this extravagant, upscale 
shopping mall has many designer labels available, as well as a few popular mid-range clothing stores such as Mango and Esprit. Head to this place if you've grown weary of bargaining in the markets, or just feel like window shopping. When you tire of shopping, you can head to Le Cool ice rink in Basement 2 of the mall to get some exercise yourself.
 ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Vivian Chow]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:07:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>203</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Allen L.'s Review Of Houhai  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/houhai-_4926</link>
<description><![CDATA[This is actually a pretty cool area to walk around.  There is a large lake in the middle and lots of little bars and restaurants surrounding the lake.  The area has a lot of live music and as you walk along at night, you'll be able to hear the bands playing and get pulled in by the sales guys/marketers...  One of the times we went we even saw a great flamenco band playing in a really low-key venue... 
]]></description><author><![CDATA[Allen Liu]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:33:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>191</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Allen L.'s Review Of Great Wall at Mutianyu  (4/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/great-wall-at-mutianyu-_4905</link>
<description><![CDATA[The great wall is one of those things that you have to see at some point during your time in China.  However which section you go to can make a huge difference on your perception of the Great Wall.  

I just recently went to the Mutianyu section of the great wall.  I actually really liked this one.  Its much less crowded than Badaling and not as far away from town as Simatai.  When you get to the top of the cable car, if you hike along the wall towards your left, you come across an un-restored section of the wall that is 'technically' supposed to be off limits.   However we ventured on a bit further and found there to be some pretty recently traveled foot paths amid the overgrown walkway on the wall.  

It takes a little more effort but it is well worth the view and being able to see the wall in its raw form.  It looks like you can hike this section further beyond where we went, so if you are up for it I think you could probably do a day hike along the wall, exploring the overgrown and lesser traveled portions of the wall...

And for the more adventurous, there is another section of the wall called Jinsanling where you can actually hike 4 miles along the wall to the Simatai section of the wall.  I haven't had a chance to hike this section yet, but its on my list of things to do...  



]]></description><author><![CDATA[Allen Liu]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:16:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>190</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[xiaodi z.'s Review Of Aperitivo  (3/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-nightlife/aperitivo-_1539</link>
<description><![CDATA[On the last couple of trips to Beijing, my friends and I continue to end up at Apertivo. I am sure there are other laid-back bars w/ a nice terrace in BJ, but this one's heated in the winter! A good, consistent place to go w/ friends. ]]></description><author><![CDATA[Xiaodi Zhang]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:21:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>189</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Allen L.'s Review Of Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat  (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-beauty-spas/bodhi-therapeutic-retreat-_1823</link>
<description><![CDATA[All I have to say is that they have the best Thai massages that I've had outside of Thailand.  And they are even better than some of the Thai massages you get in Thailand!  How is that possible you might wonder...?  Well the masseuses are 'real' Thai masseuses imported from Thailand! (some don't even speak chinese)  They make it hard to go back to the pointy finger Chinese massage...  

Oh and they happen to have an awesome Xinjiang restaurant right next door that has some really good down to earth food along with a great performance!
]]></description><author><![CDATA[Allen Liu]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>185</guid>	</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Aline C.'s Review Of Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) (5/5)]]></title>
<link>http://www.hopstix.com/beijing-attractions/temple-of-heaven--tiantan-_4891</link>
<description><![CDATA[When walking around the gardens of the temple of heaven, one feels all the cultural wealth of this great civilisation: China. The perfect architecture, the sophistcation of the gardens...I strongly recommend going there during sunset. Unforgettable, just unforgettable!]]></description><author><![CDATA[Aline Conus]]></author><category><![CDATA[]]></category><comments></comments><pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>168</guid>	</item>
</channel>
</rss>