Written by The Strategy
A couple weeks ago, we introduced you to Peter Hu, the future designer and student at Parson’s. This week he’s guiding us to some of his favourite spots in Beijing. Read on and prepare for some serious wanderlust.
The Hutong area
I love the Hutong area in the Dongcheng District, where there is a still a glimpse of the old Beijing. My favourite stops include:
– The Peking Cafe: this cafe/hostel hybrid is right in the middle of Nanluoguxiang, the main drag in the area, and is an oasis from the crowds. They have a killer rooftop patio with a greenhouse garden, and amazing views of the area.
-Right around the corner is a little boutique called Dojo store, the owner is an graphic designer who went to school in San Francisco, and has opened up a little store stocked with designers she found on her travels. These including the super adorable street-wear brand, Animal House, from Thailand. There is a treasure in every corner.
The Sanlitun area
The Sanlitun area in the Chaoyang is like my second home in Beijing. Is the most international area, with a lot of embassies in the approximity, and has the most vibrant energy.
-Stay in The Opposite House, the chic boutique hotel in Tai Koo Li North village. The modernist accomendations is right in a shopping mecca of Lanvin, Baleciaga, and the I.T Market, the Beijing outpost of Dover Street Market opened up by I.T.
-BNC stands for Brand New China and is boutique owned by local media mogul, Hung Huang, and champions a new generation of Chinese designers. There are a lot of interesting ideas and if you are looking to get a sense of the local design aesthetic, this is place.
-One block south in the Nali Patio complex, is the unpretentious bar The Apothecary (3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District) that offers loyal patrons a cocktail menu largely inspired by Mexico. That also means they have an unrivaled selection of top shelf tequila.
The Rug Cafe for brunch near Chaoyang park is where you will find all the hip type Beijing-ers on a Saturday morning. The sunny bistro offers a light menu and great place for conversation.
When it comes food, Peking Duck is with Beijing, and its a widely known fact. But I argue that if you should also try traditional style Beijing Hotpot with a good old tin pot like they do it in the old days. The best place, JuBaoYuan, is practically an institution. Their hand cut lamb is mouth watering.
Our monogrammed luggage is already packed.
