Which Spots In The City Best Represent Beijing Nightlife

Beijing nightlife is these days about as colorful as you could expect in any major metropolis, anywhere. And the best thing about it? Generally speaking, you will get a lot more bang for your buck in Beijing.

Beijing nightlife options range from eating kebabs and swilling cold beer at an evening food market, to getting hot and sweaty in a top-class club, dancing to the beats of a well-known Western DJ.

To get a real taste of the flavor of Beijing nightlife, start your evening off with a few bites at Wangfujing Night Market. There youll find all things expected and unexpected skewered and roasted to your liking, including silk worm cocoons, if you so fancy. Or, have some BBQ-flavored chicken wings at Hooters (yes, there is one of those in Communist Chinas capital), if you prefer.

Many foreign visitors and ex-pats then continue their Beijing nightlife adventure with a visit to Western-inclined pubs like the Den or the Rickshaw, or clubs like Babyface and China Doll. When they stagger out of those places, they can soak all the alcohol up with a greasy bite at Fish Nation.

Some aspects of Beijing nightlife are not for the weak of liver there are certain bars that stay open 24 hours a day, drawing in the hardcore crowds wholl sit there till the breakfasters come in, sipping their cocktails, playing pool and discussing (or continuing) the antics of the dance-floor.

To get the lowdown on Beijing nightlife, including full listings of pubs, bars and clubs, click here.

www.echinacities.com

Ideas for keeping in touch with family while traveling

Although our kids are in their 30s, working professionals and live in another city, my wife insists they keep in close touch when they’re traveling. The era of the cell phone and internet has made that task both easy and, at least for we parents, enjoyable.

One son recently went on a business trip to China. His client firm paid for everything, including first class air tickets. Throughout the trip, we received many calls, and most exciting, digital photos on the internet as the events happened. We saw him lounging in his comfy seat/bed on the plane. He posed with locals and Chinese soldiers at Tianamin (sp?) Square in Beijing. He sent photos of dining at various Hong Kong restaurants, including one on a sampan in the harbor. He then showed up riding a rickshaw and later perched on a camel.

Because he was so thoughtful, we had the vicarious thrill of sharing in his adventures. Next month, the same company is sending him to France, where he’ll attend the Cannes Film Festival. He promised his dad he’ll be sure to take his camera to the most posh events and get photos of famed actors. He also intends to go to the beach to get shots of the famed topless bathers just for his dad. Now, there’s a thoughtful son!

Our daughter is a TV writer/producer, and travels frequently on assignments. Her trips are planned by a big travel agency, and our daughter makes sure her printed itineraries are always emailed to us. She also send photos, which also often include famous people she encounters. We can always check both of their itineraries, and if there’s a family emergency, get in touch within minutes. Fortunately, it has never happened, but it is comforting to know the option is always there.

When we parents travel, we do the same. We recently crossed the country from West to East to attend a large family gathering. Our busy kids couldn’t make the trip, but I shot some photos, made up a composite email page and sent them to the absentees. They were very much appreciated. As usual, we talked by cell phone several times during the trip.

Although we never do it … too old and too frightened … our kids often cell phone us while driving. They both live in a big, busy city and are often stuck in traffic during drive time. That’s when they call. All of us find that another best time to call is when in the airport waiting for a flight. In both situations, talking on the phone is not only convenient, but helps pass the frustrating time.