Flower power

Who will travel an hour to get to a restaurant in Beijing's western suburbs? But if you are on your way to Tanzhe Temple (13 kilometers), Jietai Temple (8 kilometers) or Miaofeng Mountain (30 kilometers) west of Beijing, or just want to get some idea of west Beijing's Mentougou District, the Huanghuali Ecological Garden is a good place to visit.

The Ecological Garden Restaurant covers 10,000 square meters, and offers popular Chinese foods. There is plenty of space here, and one dines next to plants, flowers, creek and rockery.

The place is well lit as the high roofs are transparent and let the light in. Although it is warm and generally clean, a slight smell of mildew hangs in the air.