In this day and age, when most things are massively produced in factories, it is refreshing to find a boutique-shop in Beijing that sells hand-made ceramic wares. As you walk in, the smell of fresh eucalyptus braches standing in a rustic vase, and the calm, Mongolian folk music playing in the background immediately transport your mind to a peaceful place.

Located in the heart of Sanlitun, one of the trendiest areas of Beijing, Phoenix Design has a wide selection of green-white fine porcelain, rustic mugs in all shapes and sizes; dainty milk jugs and warm-brown ginger jars. You will also find modern, contemporary, white and blue tiles, as well as Zen-minimalist rectangular pieces to serve petit fours or simply to display on your mantelpiece.

The room is elegant and simple: white walls, unassuming furniture, shelves and cabinets that don’t take your attention away from the ceramic pieces.

I asked Cui Rui, the owner, why she decided to open a porcelain and ceramics shop in Beijing, her home town. Ever since she was little, Cui Rui has been collecting design ideas in her mind and she decided to focus on ceramics because she believes that things should not only to be beautiful, but also to have a functional purpose. Cui Rui regularly visits a workshop in Jingdezhen, China’s porcelain capital, where she learns ceramic and porcelain techniques with a master and other apprentices. In Jingdezhen she designs porcelain pieces; chooses the material, shape and colour and then she brings them back to Beijing to be sold at Phoenix Design. But not all the pieces at the boutique-shop are her own creation, some have been made by other potters. This enables Phoenix to display a variety of styles to suit all tastes: from rustic country to Japanese minimalist and fine Imperial.

———-

Interested in visiting this store+ other high-end in Beijing? Get in touch with WildChina at info@wildchina.com for other suggestions. To visit Phoenix Design, see below.

This post was written by WildChina’s Chelin Miller.

Tang’ Roulou was founded in Beijing in 2007 as a brand of clothes and accessories for children. French designers Amélie Peraud and Pierre-Yves Babin, have a passion for all things Chinese and this is reflected in their authentic, hand-crafted, unique creations. Together, Amélie and Pierre-Yves form a perfect creative symbiosis, they understand and complement each other and work harmoniously seeking perfection. Their products are a true reflection of their passion and love for beauty and craftsmanship. As I looked around their boutique shop in Sanlitun, Amélie told me the inspiration behind some of the items. Each design is created with patience and tender love and care, in an attempt to revive the timeless traditions that our grandmothers used to live by.

It all began when Amélie started making very personal gifts for her friends in France: She designed blankets for their babies, which she had sewn here in China by a local seamstress. Her designs were very well received and Amélie felt very encouraged, so Tang’ Roulou was born. The same attention to detail from the starting days is carried on to the present.

“Dragons, phoenix and goldfish from Asian imaginary dance joyfully in a setting of dots, stripes and flowers, enhanced with a retro touch – sometimes daring but always elegant”.

Inspired by their travels and observations – from Beijing’s traditional hutongs to remote rural villages – Tang’ Roulou translates their designs into the most adorable children’s clothes and accessories: Shanghai traditional Qipao dresses, crochet handmade jewelry, cuddly blankets, Lama-monk-style reversible bags and my personal favourite: embroidered notebook covers. These products are special: They are not mass produced items that you will find in a supermarket or department store. Each garment and accessory is made individually, making sure that even the last polka dot in the seam matches perfectly. They are made mostly of cotton prints, personally chosen by Amélie and Pierre-Yves, not only in Beijing, but also on their travels around China.

Tang’ Roulou has two workshops in Beijing where their products are hand-made by local seamstresses The embroidery details come from Baihua (Hundred Flowers), a women’s cooperative in North West China. Excellence and elegance are the key elements in Tang’ Roulou’s precious treasures.

Now Tang’ Roulou’s retro-chic products can be bought online on www.tangroulou.com. There is an ordering hotline if you don’t speak Chinese.

And you can also find them at the following outlets:

BEIJING:
Tang’ Roulou – Sanlitun North Road No. 30 – Phone: 010-6416-9761
Brand New China – Sanlitun North Road – NLG-09a –
The Orchard – Cuigezhuang – Hegezhuang village –
Wuhao curated shop – Maoer hutong n˚35
SHANGHAI:
L’Atelier Mandarine – Tai Kang Lu 210 / n˚3 Room 318 – Phone: 021-6473-5381

———-

Are you a keen shoper? There is definitely more to shopping in Beijing than the Pearl Market and Silk Street.  Antiques, gorgeous Tibetan rugs, funky up-and-coming Chinese designers and gorgeous cashmere scarves abound. Want some more tips? Get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

Photos by Chelin Miller (1&3) and Tang’ Roulou (2)

Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup 2012 was hosted at China’s coastal city of Tianjin from 4 -12 February. The final, won by Hong Kong (China) against South Africa was played at the luxury resort Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. Twelve of the best teams in the world took part, including England, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil.

With this year’s Snow Polo World Cup in St Moritz being cancelled due to thin ice on the lake, this World Cup in Tianjin acquires even more importance. And, as the organisers stated: no sport can enjoy comprehensive development without the participation of China.  As we all know, the lack of natural snow in Tianjin is no impediment for the tournament to go ahead, the Chinese will guarantee an abundance of it by making a total of 4,000 cubic metres of snow over the arena, a process that started in late December.

Regular services by bullet train from Beijing South Station take you to Tianjin in under 30 mins, and from there a 25 min taxi drive to the luxurious Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, the largest polo club in China.

The emerging sport of snow polo was first introduced in 1985 at the resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, by a handful of men attracted by the passion and excitement of polo and the extremity of the conditions. Since then it has grown from strength to strength into a recognised winter sport enjoyed among the elites worldwide.

Snow polo is very similar to traditional polo: but games are played on a snow-covered arena. The teams are made up of three players and each game consists of four six-minute chukkas (periods). The horses wear special cleated shoes to provide better traction. The ball is larger and lighter than in grass polo, and bright orange, to make it easier to see against the snow.

Polo has always been synonymous with the finer things in life, attracting affluent, sophisticated high-achievers. Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club provides an exquisite location for impeccable wine dinners through its close relationships with world famous winemakers and chateaux: Chateau Latour, Mouton Rothschild and others. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor training facilities for both the young and adults and comes with a dazzling Clubhouse, spa and leisure facilities on par with any top international resort. Staffed by well-known names in the equestrian and polo world, the Club offers a luxurious venue to relax and entertain.

———-

Is riding a passion? Take a look at the WildChina product Tibetan Yushu Horse Festival in Qinghai province.

Content + photos by WildChina’s Chelin Miller

Hangzhou, located in the lower Yangzte region, has always been renowned for its excellent green tea, and is often associated with Chinese monks, intellectuals and scholars who spent their time meditating in temples and conversing in teahouses and beautifully landscaped gardens.

A cup of Dragon Well tea and bamboo flute

On a cold, snowy morning, we visited a tea farm in Longjing, in the hills of Hangzhou, also known as Dragon Well. From Longjing comes one of the best green teas in China. We went during Chinese New Year week celebrations, and although the area was packed with tourists, we managed to escape the huge crowds because Vincent, our WildChina guide, took us to a private farmhouse, overlooking the tea plantations. We were welcomed with “Xin Nian Kuai Le” – Happy New Year greetings, as the farmer’s wife extended a glass of hot, fragrant Dragon Well green tea. We sat on the terrace, overlooking the tree plantation, sipping tea, talking and listening to Vincent play traditional Chinese music on the bamboo flute.

Vincent playing the bamboo flute

It was a sunny, cold, quiet morning. After enjoying the fresh air and warming up with our tea, we went on a short trek up the hills of Dragon Well, cloaked by a blanket of green bushes. The shaded areas were still covered with a thin layer of silver, shiny, sparkly snow that was beginning to melt with the first rays of sun timidly appearing behind the hills. I had to stop every few steps, not because the trek was difficult or treacherous, but because the breath-taking views deserved to be photographed.

Tea plantations, Longjing

Even on a winter’s day, the landscape is outstanding: lines of tea plants uniformly growing along the hillsides, with scattered trees bearing tiny red berries. And below, deep down in the valley, a small fairy-tale village – white houses with black roof tiles, smoke still coming out of their chimneys. After our walk we went to a local restaurant called Green Tea that, as the name suggests, serves a variety of dishes aromatised with the precious crop, as well as other specialities: Green tea handmade Tofu; Green tea roast pork, chicken or fish; Bread temptation, to name but a few local dishes.

Green tea roast pork

The restaurant has a bucolic, folk atmosphere. Surrounded by a small lake, it is built out of warm, light, wood. It is decorated with rustic pottery vases, freshly cut flowers and ethnic textiles and its many windows allow visitors to appreciate the views. There is an air of congenial hospitality and joy. People sharing their dishes, chatting, laughing. ‘Green Tea’ restaurant is right next to China’s biggest and best Museum of Tea.

Tibetan tea butter set, Museum of Tea, Longjing

At the museum you will find a comprehensive exhibition of the history, cultivation, production and consumption of all sorts of teas. The museum is surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens, with little creeks and waterfalls scattered all over; ancient trees, exotic plants and beautiful birds … No wonder Marco Polo, upon arrival to this area, described it as ‘Paradise on Earth’.

Beautiful garden by the Museum of Tea, Longjing

———-

Interested in learning more about China’s tea culture? Drop a line to info@wildchina.com to experience a customized tea tour throughout the country or take a look at Tea & Horse Caravan, which has set-departures from April 11-20 and September 12-21, 2012. 

Words & Photos by Chelin Miller, WildChina’s own Yummy Mummy.

A chicken is seasoned, wrapped in lotus leaves and slowly baked in clay. Legend has it that this delicacy, of humble, obscure origins came to existence by chance. A beggar had stolen a chicken and ran away. In order to avoid being caught red-handed, he dug a hole in the ground near the river, where he hid the chicken. Later, when he returned for it, the chicken was covered in mud. The man didn’t have utensils to clean and prepare the chicken, so after cooking, the mud became clay. A new dish was born.

I tried this now traditional Chinese dish with my friend Dai at one of Beijing’s finest restaurants, Made in China, on the ground floor of the Grand Hyatt hotel. Although we didn’t have a reservation (and it is recommended), we were able to get a table near the bar. The chicken takes a little while to prepare, so we talked over a cup of liu bao black tea and for snack we were offered orange-infused melon and pickled white beans.

Pre-Meal Snacks at Made in China

When the chicken arrives, the ceremony begins: the waitress brings the piping-hot, clay-covered chicken on a little trolley, and prepares it in front of you. Dai did the honours of breaking off the clay with a huge wooden hammer, she hit hard a few times. Then, with ample dexterity and speed, the waitress breaks off the rest of the clay, under which there is a double wrapping of wax paper and lotus leaves. Once all that wrapping is cleared, the chicken is revealed!

It has been cooking at a low temperature for a long time, stuffed with pickled mustard greens, pork and chestnuts and marinated in a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar and secret spices. In a perfect combination of pungent, spicy, aromatic goodness, the chicken is so tender that it melts in your mouth.

We also ordered braised Beijing cabbage with chestnuts and saffron, fragrant and sweet; and Chinese pancake with yellow chives and sesame seeds, perfect to soak up the Chicken aromatic juices.

Made in China’s menu you will find as well: old-fashioned Peking duck; imperial-style braised shark’s fin soup and double-boiled bird’s nest with Yun’nan ham. Made in China’s wine list includes reds and whites from France, Italy, Spain and the New World, as well as Chinese wines and liqueurs. If you really want to splurge, why not pair your abalone with a 1982 Chateau Lafite-Rotschild, at RMB 99,999 per bottle.’

Made in China is also renowned for its wonderful deserts. We were tempted by an original selection of Western ice-cream with an Oriental touch. The delicate sweetness of osmanthus milk and the slight alcoholic tang of wu liang ye chocolate are a perfect match. Other deserts include: Banana chocolate spring rolls with jasmine tea sauce; milk-caramel- stuffed sesame puffs with pu’er-tea-flavoured chocolate fudge; and hawthorn jelly and date cake.

Within 10 minutes’ taxi drive from the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen square, Made in China is a perfect choice for indulgence after a visit to Beijing’s main tourist attractions.
———-

Interested in learning more about China’s cuisine? Take a look at China for Foodies, a delightfully delicious tour throughout the country.

Photos and text by WildChina’s Yummy Mummy, Chelin Miller.

Aman at Summer Palace, located by Beijing’s historic garden estate, is an exclusive, hidden gem. Whether you are visiting the Northern Capital on a ‘once-in a lifetime’ trip or are a Beijing resident wishing to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, at Aman you will find luxury, elegance and tradition in a spectacular location.

Nestled on the east corner of the Summer Palace, Aman shares the same architecture and style as the imperial estate. On the shores of the Kunming lake, the Summer Palace was the favourite residence of Cixi, the Empress Orchid, in the late XIX Century. Empress Cixi used to spend the summer months here, to escape the Forbidden City’s oppressive heat.

Entrance to Aman at Summer Palace Resort

But Aman is equipped to cater guests all year round. I visited the exclusive boutique hotel in winter and the welcoming, friendly staff and cosy atmosphere all over were very inviting. Aman is built with traditional materials and decorated with Ming dynasty style furniture and accessories, adding a regional touch and a feel of the imperial period. The suites and rooms, which surround internal courtyards, are crisscrossed by pathways separating beautiful gardens in the shade of ancient trees.

Snow on the Music Pavilion, overlooking the courtyard pond

Because of this privileged location, you can visit the Palace before the crowds arrive, and after they have left, giving you the chance to enjoy its quintessential peace and beauty. After exploring every secret corner of the Palace, you can return to the hotel to relax in the finest spa facilities, dip in the clear waters of the indoor swimming pool, enjoy a massage and treatment or cleanse your mind and spirit in this sanctuary of peace.

For families with children, Aman offers a crib service, so you can enjoy your activities knowing that your family are being looked after. Older children will also find themselves entertained with a variety of activities, like traditional Chinese kite making or watching movies at the wonderfully equipped theatre.

Indoor lap swimming-pool at Aman Summer Palace resort

If learning about traditional Chinese culture is on your wish list, the Cultural Pavilion offers a wide range of classes and demonstrations on arts such as calligraphy, Chinese painting and tea ceremony.

If, like me, you live in Beijing and would like to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary, you can dine at one of Aman’s exclusive restaurants. ‘Naoki’ serves French food with Japanese culinary artistry; The Grill features Western cuisine; and the Chinese restaurant serves Peking duck, imperial dishes and Cantonese cuisine. Afterwards, you can retire to the Cigar room, in the bar, where you can enjoy a pure Cuban and fine whisky, while admiring the beautiful collection of antique pipes and the serene pond in the centre of the courtyard.

One of the many secret corners to explore at the Palace, in winter

At Aman you will experience paradisiacal calm and elegance within close proximity of all the wonders that Beijing has to offer all-year-round.

Chelin Miller, WildChina’s Yummy Mummy who reveals China’s finer side

———-
To learn more about the Aman Resort, please see here.  WildChina has planned several special events using the Aman as a home base, including WildChina art expert Kat Don’s fantastic wedding. To learn more, please reach out at info@wildchina.com.

Photos: Chelin Miller (2nd and 4th), Aman Resort (1 and 3rd)

Here is a recent blog from Chelin Miller, WildChina’s own yummy mummy blogger.  Here she talks about a fantastic new book on Tibetan Arts and Artisans.  Makes everyone at WildChina want to add a Tibetan rug to their Christmas wish list!

———-

Living Hands: Tibetan Arts and Artisans, a book by Chris Buckley is an inspiring book. It gives an insightful description of the various aspects of Tibetan Arts and Crafts, about which there is so little written.

From weavers, dyers, metalworkers and thangka painters to mask makers, sculptors and carpenters. We can appreciate Chris Buckley’s passion for Tibet not only in the beautiful images (both by the author and by Mimi Kuo), but also in the knowledgeable description of each craft. But Living Hands is much more than a book about crafts. Because by portraying the artisans’ personal stories and anecdotes, their art comes to life; we feel closer to understanding their history, traditions and emotions. What drives them to create such beautiful objects: necessity, divine inspiration? Where do they source their materials? How did their techniques evolve through time and changing circumstances? What were these objects used for? How are modernity and globalisation affecting their traditional way of life?

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Chris Buckley personally and attending some of his talks about Chinese antiques in Beijing. He is one of the friendliest people I have ever come across, who will open up his home and share his collections, expertise and love for art and tradition. He is also an excellent photographer, designer and researcher, with a humanitarian drive to promote the preservation of Tibetan artisan products. To this end, in 2005 he established the Tanva Weaving workshop in Lhasa, helping to enhance the quality and value of rugs produced and sold by Tibetan weavers.

In September 2011 his gallery in Beijing, Torana, received a design award from Elle Decoration magazine for their colorshade rug range.  Living Hands: Tibetan Arts and Artisans is currently available direct from Torana Gallery in Europlaza, Beijing. The book will soon be available through Amazon.

———

For additional questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

WildChina is thrilled to announce our partnership with Chelin Miller. Chelin is a fantastic photographer and writer, and we can’t wait to feature exciting pieces on our blog about China travel and lux-living.  Stay tuned to watch this yummy mummy take over the blogging world with her local insights and fun side trips.
———-

I was born and grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I lived until my Prince Charming asked me to join him travelling all over the world – That was 18 years ago, and I haven’t looked back.

With a background in English-Spanish translation, three daughters, a passion for good food and an MSc in International Relations, I arrived in Beijing two years ago. I’ve been exploring and discovering this wonderful land and its culture, and every single day I find amazing people and traditions. I am a passionate photographer, a traveller, an explorer. I am a mother, a wife, a globetrotter.

———

To learn more about Chelin Miller, stay tuned here for upcoming blogs or see Chelin in China.