Finding beautiful scenery and spring-like weather in Beijing during winter is something of an impossibility. However, if you are looking for a reminder that the cold days won't last forever, Yunnan cuisine may be for you.

Yunnan is China's most southwest province bordering Vietnam, Laos and Burma and is the heartland of many of China's minorities. Their food is known for its fresh, natural ingredients.

One of the most well known Yunnan dishes is across the 'Bridge Rice Noodles' (Guo Qiao Mi Xian), steaming bowl of clear broth, sliced chicken and pork, rice noodles and seasonings. 'Steamed Pot Chicken' (Qi Guo Ji), another famous dish, is made by sealing the ingredients in a pot and steaming for several hours. Sometimes, special herbs are added to make this tasty dish even more nutritious.

Jia 21 Guesthouse: subtropical breeze

If the name puzzles you, a little bit of Chinese should help make it clear: it's actually the address. Located in Yayuncun, Jia 21 is not as big as many famous restaurants there, but it has its own specal Yunnan and Guizhou taste.

Decorated with a subtropical flair, the restaurant has water, stones and greenery.

Spare ribs (48 yuan), the most popular dish, made my mouth water. One quick glance at the dish's black juice and green and red peppers will remind you of Yunnan and Guizhou's colorful minorities.

Gao Minghan, the manager, said, "people these days are eating the atmosphere more than the food. " Jia 21 focuses on providing a soft and relaxing atmosphere and a comfortable environment.¡W

Location: No. 21, Section A, Beituchenglu, Chaoyang
Open: 9am-11pm
Tel: 010-6489 5066
Cost: 80 yuan per person

South Silk Road

One of the most famous Yunnan restaurants in Beijing, offers typical Yunnan specialties like smoked ham, wild mushrooms and homemade rice wine. Its Across the Bridge Rice Noodles and Steamed Pot Chicken aren't to be missed. The restaurant's second floor is made of glass. So ladies, if you plan on wearing a dress, you might prefer to sit on the first floor. The branch in Houhai has plenty of outdoor seating and a good view of the lake-in summer time of course.

Location 1: No. 12-13 Tianhefang, Houhai, Xicheng
Open: 10:30am-2am the next day
Tel: 010-66155515

Location 2: 3/F, D Tower, SOHO, No. 88 Jiangguo Road, Chaoyang
Open: 10:30am-12am
Tel: 010-85804286

Location 3: 2-3/F, 4 Anhuili, Chaoyang
Open: 10:30am-8pm
Tel: 010-85804286

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