the Beijinger

As the flowers open and the weather warms, restaurants gradually open their patios, rooftops and gardens, and even put tables out on the street. Before the heat becomes overwhelming in the summer, May is the best time to dine outdoors at the numerous courtyard restaurants and lakeside venues around town. Thy these picks for the best outdoor dining options in Beijing.

Like any humble meal, great culinary talent can, and does, transcend the limits of a simple staple dish, and elevate it to art. Ranging from simple to superlative, these bowls will get you through the day.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the tastiest part of the chicken is the wing. It is likewise self-evident that Beijing’s most popular wings are based on Chinese recipes, not ones from Buffalo or Kentucky – if you plan to eat in one of these joints, go early or make a reservation because they draw hungry crowds. A few other facts: nothing goes better with barbequed wings than mashed potatoes; wings should be ordered in even numbers; and “BT” (biantai  变态) or “perversion,” means a chicken wing has been loaded with a perverse amount of spicy peppers. Diner beware.

Beijing-based American Xenon Yuan created the blog, Chinabeergeek.com, “as a place to help fellow beer enthusiasts find their way amidst what is often unfairly categorized as a barren landscape for quality brews.” He also works as a sales representative of Dxcel distributors, who provide China with most of the American craft beer in its still-developing market.

After growing up in Jerusalem “where to call Jesus you dial local,” Adam D. Tihany has made his mark by masterminding chic interiors all over the world, from New York to Vegas to Dubai, and most style-capitals in-between.

Now one of the world’s pre-eminent hospitality designers, Mr. Tihany, will soon be marking the debut of his design concepts in Beijing. Tihany has designed the interiors for what will be the city’s highest dining and entertainment venues, located from levels 79 to 81 of the 330-meter tall China World Tower (Guomao 3) at the China World Trade Center complex.

Founded in 1992, Vasoon Animation has grown to be one of China’s most promising animation studios. CEO Wu Hanqing gives Agenda the scoop on their vision of the future of Chinese animation.

Winter is here.

Many will be hibernating until spring. But some of us are polar bears, and to us, the frosty paradises of Dongbei call.

Only 40km outside of Jilin City, Jilin province, this jewel of frigid Dongbei has earned itself a reputation as a photographer’s paradise.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Martin Verpoorten has spent the better part of two decades working in China. Now as the General Manager of The Astor Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel opening in Tianjin this summer, Mr. Verpoorten has taken the reins at what looks to be one of the crown jewels of China’s hospitality industry.

Rarely does a new restaurant have the polish of Madam Zhu’s Kitchen.

The decor? Thoughtful and stylish, with a series of amusing portraits showing the proprietor and her friends playing with their favorite ingredients.

The food? Delicious and memorable.