The Hilton Beijing’s Food & Wine Experience is back for the twelfth year on this Saturday, November 14 – an entire day of food and wine tasting of nearly 1,000 different labels from some of the world’s best wine regions, as well as samples from over 100 suppliers, wine appreciation seminars, food stalls, cigar rolling demonstrations, a cocktail master class, coffee and chocolate tastings, childrens’ activities and a lucky draw. See below to win tickets to this event.

Perhaps it was politics that stirred Ken Wiland’s interest in China – he was a socialist union organizer during a 26-year career on the New York subway. Maybe it was a family connection – his father flew supplies into China as a pilot during World War II. One thing that’s sure is that Wiland didn’t come to Beijing primarily for the city’s ballroom dance scene – though he did start his own club. Jennifer Ying Lan asked him why Beijingers should hit the floor with Beijing Ballroom.

Jennifer Ying Lan: When did your love of ballroom begin?

Now the home to culinary experiences such as Maison Boulud, the Fez/Agua/Shiro Matsu/Hex compound, the Meat & Wine Co., and Ristorante Sadler, the former American Legation Compound used to be only a twinkle in Chinese businessman and lawyer extraordinaire Handel Lee’s eyes.

Tucked away behind Pacific Century Place just off Sanlitun, in what used to be the research facility for the Beijing Machinery and Electric Institute, is now 1949 – The Hidden City, a neo-industrial factory-chic dining and entertainment compound. Behind the brick walls lies a quaint courtyard, which features indoor and outdoor restaurants, cafés, bars, gardens, terraces, a private members' club, and a contemporary art gallery. The restaurants each serve a distinct style of cuisine.

For Americans and fans of the US of A, this Saturday marks the annual all-day drink and food fest that is also known as the 4th of July. If you're looking for places to get your fix, Beijing Boyce (a Canadian!) comes to the rescue with a list of events.

Beijingers and visitors alike have a wide selection of venues from All-Star to the Great Wall Beach Party to Chien'men 23 (featuring kids' face painting sponsored by our sister magazine Beijing Kids) to Danger Doyle's.

Joanna Wong fans...this just in from the ticket office. Her concert for this weekend in Beijing has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

For those who bought tickets, please call your ticket office or (8528 5344) for reimbursement information.

This Japanese bar lies off a sterile corridor of a Jianwai Soho tower; you need to buzz the doorbell to get into the building, then follow the signs pointing to the appropriate door. Once inside, it’s a cool little box of a bar, similar in layout to most Japanese bars, but funkier in its decor.

Cocktails (from around RMB 40) are Yao Xin’s main attraction, with a detailed menu giving hints about each drink’s flavor and star ratings to indicate popularity. Sake (RMB 40-150/180ml), Belgian beers and a smallish selection of malt whiskies, including a ten year-old Laphroaig and 15 year-old Balvennie, add variety to the drinks list.

Much of Beijing woke up to the news that the irrefutable King of Pop had passed away, much too early, at the age of 50. As his iconic songs are being blasted around the world right now, Beijingers, too, are mourning the loss of such a creative genius.


With his undeniable hits, it's hard to imagine that Michael Jackson would have wanted his fans to sit around and wallow. In addition to attending the myriad of MJ tributes going on around town, Beijingers can also support our local original artists, who may aspire to, one day, make a lasting impact on worldwide music as well.

Here are five musical acts worth checking out this weekend:

This Sunday, the Canada China Business Council will be holding its annual Canada Day Celebrations at the Canadian International School. Join the Canadian community and friends at one of the largest outdoor events in Beijing this summer!

This is a fantastic way for family and friends to enjoy a fun and casual day out. Highlights of the event will include the Beijinger sponsored Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest, where you can abuse your tastebuds and win cool prizes! There will also be BBQ, corporate exhibitions, a kids corner, and much more.

Time: 1pm-5pm

So, we're coming up on the one year anniversary of the monumental Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and we're finally getting more light on the actual stats. As with most things, there is good news and bad news.

Bad news, the air quality was pretty scary. (surprise, surprise right?) Mr. James Fallows over at the Atlantic Monthly sheds some light through this dense fog of Beijing pollution here.

"...a joint US-Chinese governmental study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, has concluded that the air during the Beijing Olympics was far dirtier and unhealthier than in other recent Games..."