Talking Travel: Top Ten Reasons You Should Never Fly to Shanghai Again

Having just completed a 48-hour trip to Shanghai – traveling by high-speed train down and by air on return – I am now forever swearing off plane travel on all routes where travel by high-speed train is possible. There is just no reason to suffer the primitive, cattle-like treatment offered during a typical plane ride anymore when making a trip to Shanghai, now that the speed train exists.

Don Your Tights: Beijing Playhouse Hold Robin Hood Auditions, Sep 21-22

Beijing Playhouse is looking for 30 experienced and aspiring actors and singers alike to audition for their musical comedy version of Robin Hood. Auditions will be held this Sunday and Monday (Sep 21 & 22) at 6.30pm at the British School in Sanlitun and the show will run December 5-21. Email performance@beijingplayhouse.com for more information.

Community Matters: New Night Buses, Elle Holmes Kickstarter, Tougher Hiring Standards for Foreigners?

Beijing Youth Daily reported that Beijing will open up 34 night bus routes starting September 22, from 11.30pm-4.50am. These will replace the current schedule of 15 night bus lines currently in use.

The buses will run at 20-40min intervals and provide late night access to hospitals, universities, and popular recreation hubs. It will only cost RMB 1 to ride, or RMB .4 with the use of your little blue transit card. 

Changing Channels: Foreign TV Series Online Now Need Distribution Licenses

Talk about changing channels. As we previously touched upon regarding The Simpsons, China's top media regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) announced on September 5 that overseas movies and TV series must obtain a distribution license before March 31, 2015 in order for them to be viewed on the Internet in the Chinese mainland.

The Art of Hospitality: Q&A with Jui Kretzu, General Manager, Grace Hotel Beijing

With a global background that covers Taiwan, Brazil, the US and now Beijing, Grace Beijing’s General Manager Jui Kretzu is well placed to understand the needs of international guests. She talks to us about luxury, art and what makes a great boutique hotel.