Frosty temple hikes help warm the soul
2011-02-09 08:18:07
Though luxurious and crowd-free, a private car is not always an essential bit of kit for getting out of the city and having fun.
Taking advantage of Beijing's Spring Festival exodus
2011-01-26 07:59:25
With millions of people leaving the city and going home during the Spring Festival, Beijing is at the beginning of an annual phenomenon - empty streets and deserted shops.
The fairs are coming to town
2011-01-26 07:59:25
Whether you are an old Beijing hand or a traveler trying to catch the city celebrations, no Spring Festival would be complete without a trip to a booming Spring Festival temple fair.
Five new subway lines broaden local horizons
2011-01-19 07:58:16
On Dec 30, Beijing's subway system got not one but five new subway lines and line extensions, bringing once remote parts of the city's periphery well within the reach of more centrally based residents.
Frozen scenic spot is icy retreat
2011-01-12 08:00:57
At this time of year, most people try to keep away from the cold and bunker down in a cozy indoor nook.
Hikers see the light at Yunshui Caves
2011-01-05 08:36:58
An outing to Yunshui Caves gets the best results when looked at as a bit of a package deal.
Taking a trip back in time at Shanxi
2010-12-08 08:07:46
It's hard to believe that a visit to Shanxi, two provinces away from Beijing, could qualify as a destination for day trip.
History embraces nature at Pagoda Forest
2010-12-01 08:09:00
With my body feeling the effect of the city's dusty air and my bicycle packed away, safe from the cold, I once again feel the need to escape the concrete jungle and return to a more natural environment.
Hot spring heaven at Beijing's doorstep
2010-11-23 08:15:42
A day trip out of the city can, in reality, be more frazzling than reviving.
Wall offers last look at the sun
2010-11-17 08:00:08
The pre-dawn air is freezing but refreshingly clean as we rouse ourselves from our sleeping mats and shake our legs, stiff from a day's climbing and the night's hard stone floor.
Ancient town escapes city's pace of life
2010-11-10 07:53:30
With Beijing now fully enveloped in autumn, the weather is cooling off and the TV is going on. For some people though, the prospect of four months of hibernation does little to excite, which is where Yanchi town strikes a note.
Chateau bottles a taste of Europe at Miyun
2010-11-03 08:21:49
Imagine roaming around Bordeaux before spending the night in a luxury chateau where wine is served straight from the barrel.