"S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G, we're shopping" sang the Pet Shop Boys and we listened. Shopping is exactly what we did for the December issue of the Beijinger to bring you a Cover Feature that's jam-packed full of a whole heap of wholesale and specialty markets in the city. There's tips on where to go and when plus handy advice for picking up a bargain. Whether you're after a pig, a poncho, a plate or a plant we've got the lowdown on where you should go down to just in the nick of time for the holiday season.

It's that time of year again where you've told us exactly what you think of the city's dining scene in our Reader Restaurant Awards. For the ninth year running, we've expanded the categories to match Beijing's growing gastronomical tastes and then put it to the public vote. Perhaps you agree with the results, perhaps you don't – but this is what Beijing thinks of its culinary content in 2012.

Experience should tell you that Beijing is a city of writers. Why else would that be everyone's response when asked, "And what do you do?"

It seems that everyone's got something to say and in the Beijinger's March issue we want to help you say it. There are interviews and handy advice from some of the best authors and publishers in the game - and not just for print. We've also given you a how-to guide to both pitching and starting your own writers' group, plus we've our favorite 50 entries from the "Your Beijing In Just Six Words" competition.

Belita Jewelry opened late last year, only to close for renovations and unveil a newer and brighter self at its grand opening party this past month.

 Beijing's a noisy old place but over the din of the comings-and-goings of millions of people you can hear the sound of music. This is music being made right here and now in Beijing. Some's good, some's bad but it's happening and it's something for the city to take pride in. Beijing's becoming known for its music scene so we talked to people at the forefront of it. The only requirement that we had was that they weren't originally from Beijing. Our Cover Feature highlights the Chinese and Foreign acts who have left a musical stamp on the city that they now call home.