the Beijinger

You might not guess it while chowing down at your favorite noodle joint on a meal that cost you the equivalent of a pack of gum in many countries, but according to BusinessWeek, Beijing is one of the most expensive cities to live, eat and wash clothes in.

The battle between Beijing and Shanghai for the reputation as China’s top city may be heating up on more than one front in the near future. Shanghai is working out final details for its World Expo 2010 set to begin in less than a year. The expo features the theme "Better City – Better Life" and focuses on Shanghai's status as an economic and cultural world leader.

Kempinski Resort & Spa Sanya is currently offering a family getaway package to their highly-acclaimed resort on Hainan Island. The package includes a stay in a Deluxe Ocean View room, breakfast each morning, daily BBQ dinners, complimentary snacks and activities for children, free internet access and transportation to and from the airport. Guests also have access to the resort’s six swimming pools, two children’s water slides and the only private beach in Sanya.

Prices start at RMB 1,480 per night (minimum of two nights), but the offer is for a limited time only and is subject to room availability, so act fast if you’re interested.

Living in Beijing, it’s easy to forget that there are areas in China where people are living in extreme poverty, earning RMB 650 or less annually. These people are cut off from the rest of society, so they often do not have access to assistance to help improve their living situation. Cheng County, in Gansu province, suffers from such poverty; its problems were exacerbated when the area was heavily damaged by the May 12 earthquake last year. The disaster destroyed 11,000 homes and damaged more than 46,000 others. The people living in this area have been unable to rebuild their lives, as the majority of residents are subsistence farmers living in relative to extreme poverty.

Two major heavy weights in the world of turntablism, DJ Craze and Klever, will be coming to Beijing for a killer night of dance madness. Three-time World DMC champ DJ Craze throws down his bass-centric jams while two-time US Disco Mix champ Klever specializes in the sort of electro that used to get caned at Pretty Titty’s Sing Sing Night.

Here Bar is surprisingly relaxed, considering it’s located just meters from East Third Ring Road. The modern interior includes a glassed-in alcove with cascading water; its cozy booths are well-suited for small, intimate gatherings.

The Eatery at the Four Points Sheraton is launching a Saturday Brunch, which features a 50% discount for the first 15 guests and free RMB 180 French wine with the purchase of two RMB 368 brunches. In addition to the discount promotion, Saturday Brunch guests will be treated to a weekend food carnival experience.

Tucked away near the Lama Temple, ING provides a welcome escape from the noise and bustle of Beijing life. The tiny tea-shop/bar hybrid is quiet and cozy, with a uniquely animal take on décor (live goldfish swim below your feet, a mynah bird sings and there’s also a couple of iguanas) that can be enjoyed from the comfy loft.

Join ORIENTED Beijing and agenda for a Professional Networking Happy Hour at Loong Bar, Thursday at 7pm. Enjoy the company of other business professionals for an evening of networking, drinks and prize drawings in the beautiful dragon-themed lounge of the JW Marriott.

General admission is RMB 100, but ORIENTED members can register online to receive a 50% discount for standard membership and free admission for premium membership. Entry includes one free drink (additional drinks are two-for-one until 10pm), tons of finger foods served throughout the event, and a chance to a free deluxe overnight stay at the JW Marriott. Most importantly, the Happy Hour allows unlimited professional networking opportunities. Dress is business casual. Don't forget to invite friends and colleagues, and bring plenty of business cards.