Off-road in scenic Fujian
The sweat, the strain, the huffing and puffing – it had all been worth it for this. After a long morning of biking, the 20-minute uphill climb had nearly beaten me. Much of the time the slope was so steep that I decelerated to a
Restaurant review: Back Alley Bistro
It’s no secret that one of the best burgers in town is served –‑ somewhat incongruously – at the nail salon/bar Frost Nails. But now Beijing’s diners have a more sophisticated place to get their teeth into these juicy buns, as Frost’s owner, Jeff Powell,
The Middle Kingdom Ride: A motorbike odyssey around China
Imagine travelling 11,600 miles. That’s more than twice the distance from Beijing to London as the crow flies – or the distance needed to circumnavigate China, as Canadian brothers Ryan and Colin Pyle found out on their epic journey motorcycling all the way round the
Interview: Ang Lee
‘There are some unwritten rules in the film industry,’ says Ang Lee , the Oscar-winning director of Brokeback Mountain, discussing the difficulties of making his latest film. ‘Don’t work with kids, don’t work with animals, and don’t work with water. This film includes all three
Interview: Expendables 2 actress Yu Nan
It’s no surprise that the team behind The Expendables 2 should want to bring a Chinese actress onboard. The first instalment of The Expendables – the testosterone-fuelled fight-fest that saw Sylvester Stallone and his merry band of action men, including Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Jet Li, trotting round
Genghis Khan Wall: Made in China?
Seated among the businessmen of the Kempinski Hotel’s café, William Lindesay looks rather out of place. Wearing an olive T-shirt, khaki trousers, bush hat and the middle-distance stare of someone used to spending large amounts of time outdoors, the British geographer resembles a modern-day incarnation
Cash of the Titans: Will Chinese money ruin the Hollywood flicks you love?
The love affair between Hollywood and China has been a longer one than you might think. The courtship began in 1985, shortly after the country opened up, when Universal, Paramount and MGM sent Chinese-American ‘ambassador’ Janet Yang to Beijing. Yang, who’d brought previously unknown Chinese
Interview:Karen Smith, Chinese art pioneer
What a difference two decades makes. When Guy Ullens, the man behind the UCCA, put part of his collection under the hammer earlier this year, collectors scrambled over each other like kids after birthday cake. Paintings went for three times the asking price, the top
Restaurant review: Ji Xiang Niao Xiang Cai
When people think of spicy Chinese food, thoughts first turn to Sichuan. But, while often overshadowed by its fiery neighbouring province, Hunan cuisine can pack a more powerful punch. Get your chilli kicks by visiting this eatery off Chaowai where hordes of hungry businessmen descend
Restaurant review: Little Yunnan
Happily situated between the Forbidden City and the National Art Museum, Little Yunnan was a Guilin joint before its new owner changed its ways. And you still find the odd Guangxi dish on the menu. But those keen to stick toYunnan specialities won’t be disappointed.
Restaurant review: Kiko Izakaya
Conveniently positioned on Nanluoguxiang but set far enough back from the street so you don’t spend half the evening looking out the window, distracted by the scrum outside, is cute little Kiko. This restaurant calls itself an izakaya – the Japanese equivalent of a pub-bistro