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Beijing's most reliable weekly expat listings for 8 years
Xianzai Beijing
Volume 9, issue 50 - December 12, 2005
Click a section in the Table of Contents below to get great information
  Weekly Quiz   Ni Zai Na Li?   Weather Forecast   China News
  China Forum   Funny Pics   Property and Real Estate  

Dining Out

  Hotel Deals   Travel Information   Education   Health and Fitness
  Relocations   Jobs   Classifieds   Services
       
       
Weekly Quiz

Are you smart enough?
Search through this week's email newsletter for answers to the following questions. Then submit your information before Wednesday at noon (Beijing time) to be eligible to win great prizes.
This week's prize is a voucher for Afanti Restaurant worth 150RMB!

1): How much has director Chen Kaige invested on his new flick Promise?
2): Which Grammy award winner will come to Beijing for a solo concert this week?
3): Who wrote the book Leaving Mother Lake?

Please provide answers to each question in this box:
Your Email:
Your Name:
Ni Zai Na Li?

YPHHWhere Are You?!
Each month, YPHH organizes Happy Networking Events at bars and restaurants in Beijing. Visit www.yphh.com for more info and check back each week to see if you are pictured here!

If You Are Above, You Have Just Won
Voucher for Afanti Restaurant worth 150RMB!
If you are pictured above, tell us before noon on Wednesday this week by clicking here.

Weather Forecast
Date 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18
Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 
Highs -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 2 3
Lows -11 -11 -11 -11 -10 -10 -10
China News
SinoLinx.com China NewsThe Week in Review from SinoLinx.com
ChinaPulse.com China Forum
Participate in discussions on travel, life, and work in China at the ChinaPulse.com Forum. Visit us at http://forum.chinapulse.com

Here are some discussion topics from last week:

Private Tour Guide With Video Profile That You Can Access
Last post by kanxiqi, Tue 2005-Dec-06 17:52:47

December Beijing Auto Show
Last post by chinalewis

China Culture Shock
Last post by du shan

HELP Needed - Studying Mandarin In Beijing
Last post by Christina

Tour China On Line (Video + Stills)
Last post by IntrepBerkExplorer

Funny Pics
These are real pictures taken by real China travelers!

Thanks to Anna Zhukov for the pic:

Send in your favorite photo of something interesting, odd, or funny while you stayed in China. Send it to funnypics-3@xianzai.com with the subject "Xianzai Beijing Funny Pics!". We'll post the best pics here each week!

Property and
Real Estate

Advanced Apartments at Lufthansa Business District Ready for Lease...
Ocean Express is located at Xiaoyun Road, close to the flourishing area formed by Lufthansa Business District and the East Third Ring Road. It is also neighboring the second and third embassy districts and surrounded by top grade office buildings, international hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and international schools. 691 advanced apartment suites managed by COSCO Hotel and Property Management Co.Ltd are now ready for lease. 236 hotel-style apartment suites to be managed by the prestigious OAKWOOD will also open in early 2006. Ocean Express complex features huge central garden squares, shops, 3000sqm Club House, 24-hours security, ground and underground parking lots. The apartments are installed with international satellite TV. Apartments from 1br to 4br 50sqm to 201sqm. Please click logo for more information. Click here for floor plan. Apartment Leasing hotline: (8610) 6460 3536/7/8/9.

Find Expat Housing in Beijing!
DTZ can help you find the perfect home in Beijing. No matter your budget, we can aid you in finding a home near some of Beijing's cleanest and spacious living areas. To see a listing of some of our suggested properties, click here! And please contact us at: Ms Angela Shew, DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, Phone: (8610)65171275 (Direct line), Fax: (8610)65101368/69. E-mail: angela_shew@dtz.bj.cn

 

Dining Out

Christmas Eve At Wangfujing Grand Hotel
Indulge yourself in an endless night of joy and celebration at Wangfujing Grand Hotel on December 24, 2005 with luxury buffet, exceptional lucky draw prizes and exciting live stage show. Price: RMB1288 net/person. Christmas Eve package: RMB1988 net including 1 gala party ticket and 1 night accommodation in Executive Suite with 2 complimentary breakfasts, For more information, please dail (8610) 6522 1188-6052/6036 or visit www.wangfujinghotel.com

December 24th "Magical White Chistmas" At Presidential Plaza
From 6:30pm till 10:00pm at the grand ballroom and the four seasons roof garden. Enjoy an extravagant Gourmet Buffet prepared by our award winning international chefs nclusive of : free flow wine, beer, and soft drinks 21st Century Mirror Dancing, Live Lazar Dancers, Music, Magicians and Lots more. Prizes Galore: 3 Days Cruise Asia Pacific, and Executive Accommodation etc...Price from RMB 1488/ 1288/ 1188 per adult; Price at RMB 688 net per child from 4 to 12 years old. Hotline (8610) 5858 5588 ext. 8340.

Brand-new Christmas and New Year Bash On Dec. 24 / Dec. 31
Beijing Aquarium and Central Garden Hotel will bring you a brand-new Christmas and New Year jamboree this year, featuring Central Garden Hotel's selected Chinese food and irresistible Christmas food, including roasted turkey, roasted ham and much more, wonderful performances by oceanic animals - Dolphin, sea lion ... and surprising prizes. Christmas Ticket RMB888/adult; RMB588/student under 18. New Year Ticket: RMB688/adult, RMB388/child under 18. For more info or reservation call Central Garden Hotel at (8610) 5156 8888-191/158 or Beijing Aquarium at (8610) 6217 6655 2760/2771/2780; 6212 3910.

Celebrate your Christmas up North and stay the Night
Just RMB 588 net to enjoy a culinary tour of 6 fine restaurants, bar and Disco, and have it all you can dine and drink. Superior Room is available for advance booking at a festive special RMB450net per night. Grand Ballroom - Christmas Eve Party - Presents the national top-class comedians with their famous skit in our Beijing Grand Ballroom, and you can win two way ticket to France. Diamond Table – RMB1288 net/person; Platinum Table – RMB 988 net/adult; RMB 588 net/child. For more information, please contact us at 8079 9988 Ext. 71105(Chinese) 77033(English).

December 24 Christmas Eve Party I
Adult: RMB1288 and RMB1188 net, including free flow of soft drinks and beer, Prices according to the seating; Child: RMB688 (4-12 years old inclusive). Venue: Grand Ballroom starts at 18:30. With Holiday Inn Lido Beijing hosting the Funkiest Christmas Party ever, we are offering a great night out, you can be sure that we will rival any Christmas celebrations in Beijing! For reservations and information, please call (8610) 6437 6688 Ext. 2865/2800.

Christmas Eve Gala Party, December 24, 2005
It is a night of excitement, fun and live entertainment with so many pleasant surprises. For wining and dining, you'll have a choice of sumptuous buffet or candlelight set dinner at RMB918 or abalone set dinner at RMB1580. For more information, please log onto our website at www.capitalhotel.com.cn. For reservations, please dial: (8610) 6512 9988-3240/3104/3897.

24th December 2005 Christmas Eve
Jade Grand Ballroom Christmas Eve Dinner - A scrumptious Buffet of festive favorites with a complete entertainment program including live entertainment, magic shows, Santa Claus, toys plus plenty of party novelties and a lucky draw with wonderful prizes. The evening will begin at 18.30 hrs. Tickets are available at Rmb 1688.00 - Rmb1988.00 - Rmb 2188.00 net per person including free flow of wine, beer, sparkling wine and soft drinks. For further information and table reservation please call (8610) 6465 3388 extension 4075 or 4118 or visit our festive Christmas House in the Lobby.

The Sounds of German Christmas and the Art of Russia @ Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing
Experience an exciting and unforgettable Christmas Eve with an art presentation from Germany and Russia at Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing, where an impressive feast of Christmas favorites await you and 'Die Alpenvagabunden', a dynamic show band specially flown in all the way from Munich, Germany and Russia's most prominent folk performance troupe: the State Academic Kuban Cossack Chorus Russia – Krasnodar will entertain you with their festive blend of Christmas and contemporary hits. Christmas Eve Gala Dinner tickets start from CNY388 net per person and including free flow of soft drinks & local beer. For ticket reservation or more information, please dial (8610) 8498 2288 ext. 7126 or fax (8610) 6499 3181.

Nutcracker Christmas & New Year's Eve Celebrations at Hilton Beijing
A forest of live pine trees, ballerinas, giant nutcrackers, oversized toys, snowflakes, warm Gluehwein, mountains of gingerbread, live caroling, prizes, turkey with all the trimmings... Christmas Eve celebrations in the Ballroom, Louisiana, Panorama, Private Banquet Rooms & Atrium Café from 6pm. Ballroom Extravaganza seats from RMB 888 - 1,588. New Year's Eve festivities amongst the pine trees in the lobby lounge for RMB 499 or in the Atrium Cafe for RMB 295. All prices subject to 15% surcharge. To reserve your seat today call 010 5865 5125.

Sixth Sense Japanese Restaurant & Bar Has Reopened Its Doors
With the addition of teppanyaki and a comfortable lounge we have created a fantastic dining experience for you and your guests. Ongoing Promotion: Set Lunch RMB 30-70, Teppanyaki for Two RMB 98-238, daily Happy Hour 5-8pm buy 1 get 1 free. Add: #4 Jianguomen Nei Dajie, just east of Customs bldg. Tel: (8610) 6559 6606/6667.

FLO - We will bring you Paris for this year, Christmas and New Year Eve Celebrations
CHRISTMAS EVE 398RMB/Person, Special menu include a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne, Traditional French Christmas atmosphere, Live Music Band, Santa Claus, Magic man, Table entertainment, Lucky draw.NEW YEAR EVE 398RMB/Person, Special menu include a welcome Laurent-Perrier champagne cocktail, Fairytale atmosphere, Live Music band and Latinos Dance show, Lucky draw. Please reserve in advance (8610) 6595 5135/39, Address: Rainbow Plaza Dong San Huan Bei Lu 16.

HOT! Assorted Buffet Special At The Loft
Tasty food and reasonable price in a nice cozy atmosphere with musical entertainment; Order for above 5 persons get a bottle of complimentary fine wine. Lunch (11.30-14.00): RMB98 per person; Afternoon tea (14.00-17.00): RMB 48 per person; Dinner (18.00-22.00): RMB138 per person. Get RMB20 coupon for every RMB100 consumption during lunch; Get RMB30 coupon for every RMB150 order for dinner. TEL (8610) 6501 7501

The Holidays Are Upon Us!
Want to know what great dining and entertainment options are available to you in Beijing this holiday season? We have information about all the great Christmas, Spring Festival, and Valentine's Day activities happening thoughout China's Capital City! Click here to subscribe to the free Xianzai.com Holiday Newsletter: http://www.xianzai.cn/holidays/


For more restaurants information, please visit

Sanlitun

Chaoyang park

Haidian

Nuren Jie

HouHai

Other

 

 

ChinaPulse.com
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PRICING KEY:
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Hotel Deals

A Special Christmas at Holiday Inn Resort Yalong Bay
RMB 2688 per two nights stay for two persons in Superior Ocean View room: Daily buffet breakfast for two at the Cafe | Gala dinner buffet on the beach for two on Christmas Eve (24 Dec, 05) | Lucky draw | Special Christmas gift | One way airport transfer (from airport to hotel). *Remarks: Advance reservation required | Room rate is inclusive of 15% service charge | Two night minimum stay | Upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View Room with RMB200/night extra | Validity from 24th December to 25th December, 2005. Please call 86-898 8856 5666-7103 for detail. China Toll Free Reservation No. 800 830 6368. China Toll Free Reservation No. For Mobile 400 884 0888. E-mail: hotel@holiday-inn-sanya.com

Let Us Handle All Your Business...and Pleasure.
We understand your need to get things done - anyplace, anytime. With us, this means getting them done in total luxury, as you bask in friendly, personalized service in China's heaven. Meeting Package: RMB328 per person, Please call 0898-8856 8888 ext. sales center for more information. * The rate is subject to 15% service charge. * Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. * Applicable to 20 persons minimum. * Spa package is also available.

Mixing Business with Pleasure at Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing
Golf package rate starting from RMB1648*. Indulge yourself, and get into the swing of things with us. Valid through December 31, 2006, we invite you to take part in our special golf promotion. When mixing business with pleasure, The Place to Meet is Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing. Click here for package details. For reservations, please visit www.crowneplaza.com or call toll-free number: 800 830 4088 (for mainland China area); 400 88 40 888 (for mobile phone users).

Satisfy your Senses... with a Spa Getaway at Sheraton Sanya Resort!
The perfect getaway in a Resort that has it all... all here, at Sheraton Sanya Resort. The experience starts with a pick up from Sanya Phoenix Airport At the Resort a spacious room with all the comforts awaits your pleasure. Start the day right with a daily buffet breakfast at our open air Lotus Cafe restaurant. Then... a bit of thrill on the jet ski to exhilarate the body followed by a relaxing spa experience to unwind. Please visit www.sheraton.com/sanya and view Special Offers for reservation. For Full information please visit www.sheratonsanya.com or click here or phone (86) (898) 8855 8239 or Toll-Free on 800 810 3088, email: sanya.res@sheraton.com

Enjoy the Winter Season in Loong Palace Hotel & Resort
We especially recommend our duplex suite, luxuriously furnished in a tasteful and contemporary style, also equipped with kitchen facilities, which is perfect for long term stay or weekend gatherings. And this winter, you only need RMB 650 net for 1 Bedroom Duplex Room; RMB700 net for 2 Bedroom Duplex Room, which including: complimentary breakfast; free usage of Gym, Swimming Pools, Fitness Center and Movie Theatre. Limited rooms available from November 2005 till February 28, 2006. Call our Toll-Free Number at 800 810 0098 or Email: reservation@loongpalace.com

Winter Season Greetings from Presidential Plaza Hotel Beijing
Presidential Plaza's "Service Charge Free" Winter Season. Valid from December 16 2005 till February 12, 2006. RMB 620 net in a comfortable superior Room, including: Daily breakfast buffet, unlimited internet access, free swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna usage, 45 minutes simulation golf training. For reservations, please contact: (8610) 6800 1786; reservations@presidentialplaza.com; www.presidentialplaza.com

Christmas Special Package
During this festive season, guests who purchase our Christmas Eve Party tickets are entitled to enjoy our special room rates. Superior Room: RMB688 net single/double occupancy including breakfast. RMB888 net triple occupancy including breakfast. 1 ticket 1 room allowed, reservation is required and subject to availability. Valid from December 20, 2005 till January 3, 2006 (inclusive). For more information and reservations: Tel: (8621) 62111235, Fax: (8621) 6211 1237. Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel Shanghai, 78 Xing Guo Road, Shanghai 200052 China, www.radisson.com/shanghaicn_plaza.

Book a Hostel Room in China!
Now you can preview and choose hostels from around China. Find pictures, comments, and maps for the hostels and then choose what type of bed and rooms you need. We lots of cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming, Lhasa, Sanya, Shanghai, and Yangshuo--plus lots more. You can securely book online and find the cheapest rates online with us. Visit http://www.chinatravelnow.com/hostels.php and search for yourself!

Travel Information

Air Canada "Royal Orchid Holiday"
Effective from 1Oct 2005 to 30Apr 2006, purchasing in China and completing round trip from Beijing/Shanghai, Executive First Class Passengers will enjoy "Royal Orchid Holiday" provided by Air Canada. Boarding passes and air tickets are required to exchange redemption letters at Air Canada Beijing/Shanghai Office prior to 31 May, 2006. The last travel day of "Royal Orchid Holiday" is 30 June, 2006. Executive First Passengers with confirmed status on Air Canada can make "Royal Orchid Holiday" reservation in advance. "Royal Orchid Holiday" includes: Round trip economy class tickets on Thai Airways; Two nights accommodation at a 5 star hotel; Airport meeting service; Airport-hotel return transfer; Daily breakfast. For more information please contact Air Canada. Beijing Office: (8610) 6463-0577; Shanghai Office: (8621) 6289-6011.

Boracay (Kalibo)
A seemingly endless coast of talcum-white sand, clear waters and an air of island serenity are what attract most visitors to Boracay. But the island is not lacking in fanfare and creature comforts: rock bars and discos, deluxe resorts and superb restaurants abound. Boracay has been named one of the world's best beaches by the London-based BMW Tropical Beach Handbook, Harper's and Queen magazines. Prices start at CNY2,610. For more information please contact Philippine Airlines at telephone (8621) 6279 8765 or fax (8621) 6279 8762 or visit our website www.philippineairlines.com

Need Airline Tickets From US To China?
Got Friends in the U.S. Planning To Go To China? For Air Tickets from The US to China, the cheapest tickets are sold in the U.S. We offer the best priced tickets on Air China, and on most other carriers. Located a block from New York's Empire State Building, Happy New York Travel can ship tickets to anywhere in the world. Call Catherine in the US at 646-552-2331, or US toll-free at 1-866-886-6868. Or Email: happynytravel@yahoo.com or visit www.happynytravel.com

The New Edition is here! Insider's Guide to Beijing
Improved, enhanced and fully updated, the second edition of Beijing's most comprehensive guidebook, the Insider's Guide to Beijing 2005-2006, is a must-have for English-speaking residents of the Chinese capital. It contains listings of over 300 shops, 180 restaurants and 130 bars and useful information about everything from finding the airport bus when you arrive to shipping your loot home when you leave. The Insider's Guide also features over 120 sidebar articles and 650 color photos that provide a richly detailed portrait of this fascinating city. Best of all, this 704-page book costs only RMB 60. Order your copy for immediate delivery in Beijing, China or around the world (distribution@insidersguide.com.cn, +8610 6554 5631) or visit www.insidersguide.com.cn to find a list of Beijing retailers that sell the book or order online. Overseas buyers can also purchase it on Amazon.com

Wide Range of Great Valued Packages for South-East Asia
Special promotions on Paradise Isle Sri Lanka, Sunshine Maldives, Fascinating Thailand, Spectacular Angkor Wat, Lovely Vietnam etc. China Peace Travel takes great care to perfect the details of your experience! For more information, contact our English speaking service sub-branch - Mercury Travel at Tel: (8610) 8454 9420 or (8610) 8454 9422. Email: MercuryTravel@bbn.cn

New Skiing Attraction This Year: Panshan Ski Resort
Visit the newly-built ski destination in Jixian County, Tianjin: Panshan Ski Resort will formally open in December with various discounts. Totalling 80000 square meters in space, the ski resort has two intermediate ski areas, each 500 meters long, 80 meters wide; four primary ski ways and 4 snow rings; an elementary learners' practice area and a kid's play area. Professional coaches available. For more info call (8610) 6894 9697

Tulip Hotspring Takes The Chill Away
Tulip Hotspring is located in Jinzhan Town in Chaoyang District, 22km from downtown Beijing. Pumped from 3000 meters underground, the 65 degree water is a rare find in Beijing. The separate villas here provide you full privacy for you to relex after a day's work. And it's so romantic! RMB350/3hr. TEL (8610) 8432 7810



Book Your Airline Tickets Direct with ChinaTravelNow.com!
We have the lowest rates for online ticketing--guaranteed! Use our form below to find the best rates to and from China! Or visit us for China travel deals at www.chinatravelnow.com.
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Education

The Frontiers School - Make Mandarin Studying Easier
We have more than 25 teachers with an average of 5 years teaching experience to foreigners; Convenient location, very close to Dong Zhi Men subway station. For information please call at (8610) 6413 1547/48 or mail to frontiers@frontiers.com.cn

The British School of Beijing
The British School of Beijing offers the English National Curriculum from the age of 3. IGCSEs are offered in Year 10. It is situated in the Embassy District of Beijing and yields very high academic results as supported by last year's UK SATs results. A broad child centred education is offered with small class numbers (15 - 20). A state of the art campus will be opened in Shunyi in September 2006, offering parents the choice of two locations. Further information or visit to the school can be arranged etc. Mailto: info@britishschool.org.cn or Tel: (8610) 8532-3088.


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Health & Fitness

BODYWORKS - Are You Ready for Your Body to Change with the Season?
It is in true fashion to care yourself and your family's health. Being the first fitness center in Beijing that makes its checking procedures wholly automated and networked, Bodyworks can produce you a check report within four hours with a detailed explanation given by our expert physicians. We guarantee accuracy and reliability of each test result with our avant-garde devices, imported reagent and considerate staff. We also provide green channel and consulting services for members. Address: No. 5 Building, Lido Business Square, Chaoyang District, Beijing. TEL (8610) 6430 2008 or click here for more info.

Learn Hatha Yoga at Home for Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the most popular style of yoga in the world that invigorates minds and bodies. Home for Yoga's yoga classes are taught by an Indian yoga master with simultaneous translation in Chinese. Teaching materials in both Chinese and English are available. Courses are designed to cater the needs of learners at different levels. Monthly Card costs RMB700, Annual Card for unlimited class RMB4900. Address: Room 0101, Building 1, SOHO New Town, 88 Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District. For more info contact (8610) 8589 4351

Seine Foot Care
One of the most luxury foot care centers in China, featuring top grade decoration and comfortable ambience. Dermatophytosis treatment RMB60/times, foot message RMB128/70 minutes, foot care RMB60/times. Address: 4F, Jinyuan Lufthansa Shopping Mall, 1 Yuanda Road, Haidian District Beijing. TEL (8610) 8887 5382

 

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Relocations

CIM Continental International Moving
Located at 50 meters away from Chaoyang customs office, CIM Continental International Moving provide a fully range of moving, storage, record management and expatriates documentation services. Wherever you move, whenever you move - call CIM. Tel: (8610) 8762 5110 /8762 5109. Fax: (8610) 8762 5281; Email: info@cimmover.com; Web: www.cimmover.com

Ji'anShun Home Moving Service
Professional home moving service provider approved by the public transportation department, have various vehicles and qualified staff to help individuals or businesses move around town. Starting price: RMB150 for individual clients, RMB200 for piano typed 120 or below. Address: 2 Haidian South Road, Haidian District. TEL (8610) 6286 2980

Beijing Longyang Relocation Company
Set up in 1995, we've gathered a group of dedicated and experienced staff to serve our clients' needs in relocation. We've added some new business items including furniture installing/dismantling; air-conditioner fixing and logistics delivery, cardboard box available upon request. RMB150/individual client, RMB160/business. RMB150-200/piano. RMB30-50/home appliances. More info via 800 810 1729


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