Last month, WildChina received a request from one of Brazil’s top fashion designers whichdefinitely got a few ooohs and ahhs out of our office.

Expecting the request to be filled with high-end dining experiences at  M on the Bund in Shanghai (delicious) and behind the scenes art tours with WildChina art expert Kat Don in Beijing’s top galleries, WildChina was delighted to learn that this fashion designer had a taste for adventure and exploration. At present, a planned summer 2012 journey to explore Guizhou’s embroidery culture will aim to inspire this designer’s next line of clothing!

Elaborate Guizhou embroidery - evolving into high-end fashion?

For those in the know, Guizhou is an absolute must for collectors of  China’s fabric handicrafts.  Brightly colored, hand-made and varied depending on the region, WildChina feel this is one of the great places in China to pick up high-end goods that are distinctive and cannot be found anywhere else.  No matter where you travel in Guizhou– from the smaller villages in Leishan County or the capital of Guiyang, the quality and fabrics are extraordinary.

Earlier this year, Patti Waldmeir of The Financial Times traveled with WildChina.  Before her trip,  Waldmeir also noted that “All the guidebooks drone on about the intricate embroidery and elaborate hairstyles of Guizhou’s many ethnic minorities…. But that was before I met Xiao Zesheng, our WildChina guide – a Guizhou native with no more tolerance for counterfeit culture than I have. He marched us off through the rice fields – balancing precariously on narrow dikes separating paddies of mud and dung and water – right into the farmyards and courtyards of villages apparently untouched by much technical innovation since the water buffalo. In the process, he showed us plenty of traditional embroidery and elaborate hairstyles but they were all worn by women chopping wood and planting rice fields.”

Gejia Village welcome in Guizhou

WildChina recently launched our cross-border Cityscapes & Countrysides: An Intimate Look at China and Vietnam, which starts in Beijing, travels down to Southwest China in Guizhou and then into Vietnam.  While the purpose of the trip is not solely devoted to learning about China & Vietnam’s embroidery traditions, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the traditional methods of creating these local textiles and crafts.

We have our eyes peeled on the Brazilian fashion scene for influences in Guizhou’s local embroidery.

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Have Guizhou on your travel radar in the near future? Good! The Sister’s Meal Festival is taking place this year from April 5-7. Now is the time to arrange all bookings before it is too late…

Looking for a longer format cross border trip? Cityscapes & Countrysides: An Intimate Look at China and Vietnam is a fantastic new product WildChina launched in collaboration with fellow Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist Journeys Within. Beginning in Beijing and traveling south to Guizhou, this journey takes you across the border into Vietnam where you will continue exploring ethnic minority communities– and take in some incredible sights in Hanoi.

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

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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)

WildChina is excited to announce the product launch of Cityscapes & Countrysides: An Intimate Look at China and Vietnam.

Northern Vietnam

This pioneering cross-border journey will transport guests through two ancient capitals and into contact with rural ethnic minorities. The trip begins in Beijing where you will be part of modern China at its best, as business executives brush shoulders with pedi-cab drivers against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers and family-owned hutongs.  In contrast, China’s southern province of Guizhou, invites travelers to step back in time to a world of rice paddies and karst hills, inhabited by water buffalo and the Miao ethnic minorities.

On the Vietnam side of the border, Hanoi and the Vietnamese countryside represent two vastly different corners of the country, both in landscape and in culture. In Hanoi you will glimpse the history and culture behind this 1000-year-old Vietnamese capital, while the villages of Sapa, Seo Trung Ho, and Ban Ho expose the traveler to the bucolic, traditional side of life, providing interesting comparisons with China’s Guizhou to the north.

Among the rice paddies in Guizhou, China

WildChina is collaborating with Journey Within, a South East Asia based travel company and a member of the Condé Nast Destination Expert Alliance. Over the years, Journey Within CEO Andrea Ross and WildChina Founder Zhang Mei have forged a strong relationship while attending annual Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist conferences, an gathering of the crème de la crème of the travel industry (picked by the one and only Wendy Perrin, Condé Nast’s famed travel guru).  Several years ago, Andrea and Mei began speaking about how they should create an cross border adventure journey so their clients could learn about Vietnam and China’s complex shared history, ethnic minorities and gorgeous handicrafts.

Zip through Hanoi, Vietnam with Journeys Within

With WildChina and Journey Within’s access to local families in these remote villages, there’s no better way to Experience China–and now Vietnam–Differently. To take a look at more trip details, click here on Cityscapes & Countrysides: An Intimate Look at China and Vietnam.

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Ready for cross-border travel? Get in touch at info@wildchina.com and a WildChina travel consultant would love to answer any questions you might have regarding this journey.

Photos by WildChina + Journeys Within

With winter winds blowing through northern China, cold season has sadly set in.

Heaven Lake, Xinjiang

While WildChina’s international staff is beefing up on their Vitamin C and working to get a good night’s sleep,  we wanted to share how WildChina’s expert local guides ward off the dreaded sniffles and sore throat. Their responses– some expected and others quite different– are a wonderful insight into Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Do let us know if you try any out on your own!

1) Hot foot bath: Every night draw hot water in a tub and add in a table spoon of vinegar (very imporant). This is an effective method when you are beginning to have early symptoms of a cold as it can ward off a more serious illness.

2) Firmly (don’t hold back!) rub a hot towel behind the ears: Every night before bed (very important to be done on a regular basis), grate a hot towel from the top to the bottom of your ear, causing friction + slight pain.  Good preventative measure.

3) Eat onion ginger porridge:  Place 250 grams of washed rice into a pot of boiling water. Add 100 g of finely minced ginger and 100 g of minced onion. Boil for nine minutes and add a dash of brown sugar. Apparently more effective than than any medication and the hot porridge will begin to make you “sweat out you illness.”

4) And last but not least…Back Scrapping: Dip a coin in white wine and begin scuffing the chest, back and spine on both sides, to create redness + sores on the skin.  This, apparently, eliminates fever and body sweating.

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Interested in learning more about Chinese Traditional Medicine? We have experience in customizing trips with a TCM expert! Get in touch at info@wildchina.com.

Each year, WildChina plans and leads journeys for thousands of clients from all over the world. And with these clients, comes lots and lots of used plastic water bottles– which doesn’t make us, as committed members to sustainable travel in China, very happy.

However, as China has no potable drinking water– even in the big international cities like Shanghai or Hong Kong– we have been left with limited options.

Even financial powerhouse Hong Kong has non potable water

You might say, well, “Why don’t you provide each WildChina guest a re-usable water bottle?” In theory, we couldn’t agree more.  WildChina would love to purchase BPA-free water bottles for our clients to use both on trip and at home.  However, since our guests cannot re-fill their water bottles back at the hotel or at a restaurant, we are uncertain that investing in water bottles is a good investment.

One model that WildChina Founder Mei Zhang liked was discovered at a recent holiday to Soneva Kiri Six Senses in Thailand. At this resort, elegant glass bottles can be picked up and dropped off at many locations throughout the property. We think this is a great idea and the bottles look classic and high-end

However, if traveling with young children or on a Huanghuacheng hike, we are not convinced that this is the most appropriate solution.

We have a few more ideas up our sleeves, but would love to turn this conversation over to you. What are your thoughts?

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Have any ideas? We are all ears. Drop a line at info@wildchina.com to tell us your suggestion.

Photos by: Sustainable Water, Paul Moreno, Nalgene, Zhang Mei at Soneva Kiri

There is arguably no trip more important than one’s honeymoon. And while many couples opt for mass scale inclusive resorts and sugary drinks, others are looking to take a trip of a lifetime and experience something a bit different. As a result, each year WildChina carefully plans bespoke honeymoon trips throughout China for couples from all over the globe. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we sat down and compiled our favorite top three romantic experiences in China to share with you.

1. Sample imperial cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you watch the sunset together in your private courtyard in Hangzhou at the Amanfayun, for a passionate evening alone.

2. Horseback ride side-by-side against the serene backdrop of Lashihai Lake in Yunnan province, an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

3. Buzz above Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour in a private helicopter tour; take in amazing views of this subtropical metropolis that few ever experience.

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Planning a honeymoon trip? WildChina would love to help. Drop a line to info@wildchina.com.

Photos by: Amanfayun, WildChina and Hunter Holt

It will come as no surprise that travel in China can be tricky.  Mountaineous terrain in the rugged western regions, booming cities of 18 and 20 million people, and a serious language barrier for those not fluent in Mandarin are all challenges one can face. In the words of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, “We aren’t in Kansas anymore…” never rings truer when landing in China for the first time.

However, there are the rare moments when China travel becomes a bit easier.  One of WildChina’s favorite off the beaten locations is Mt. Kailash in the Ngari prefecture of Tibet. Mt. Kailash is one of China’s most holy mountains and the three day circumnavigation around the base of the +21,000 ft. mountain is challenging, but moving. In the words of WildChina Founder Zhang Mei, “Definitely a trip of a lifetime.”

Several years ago, arriving to the base of Mt. Kailash was an ordeal.  Three days of arduous car travel extended the trip significantly and turned many away who only had 7-10 days of holiday.  Fortunately, a flight from Lhasa to the Ngari prefecture has opened, allowing quicker access to Mt. Kailash. 

Earlier this morning, WildChina received a travel request from a couple interested in traveling to this region and we were thrilled to tell them that the three day challenging drive could be reduced, allowing them to visit other places on their trip, allowing more time to explore the Guge Kingdom.

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Interested in traveling to Tibet in the near future? Summer is a fantastic time to go. Get in touch at info@wildchina.com

Last month in Beijing’s Opposite House, WildChina Founder Zhang Mei sat down with Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News and regular guest on The Early Show.  Known as the “consummate insider when reporting the travel business as news, Peter was named one of the most influential people in travel by Travel Weekly, along with Al Gore, Bill Marriott and Richard Branson.”

Mei and Greenberg discussed Beijing’s dramatic change since his inaugural trip “many years ago.”  During his visit, The Great Wall Sheraton reigned as the only “it” hotel , but oh, how times have changed! Beijing is now spoiled with a long list of fantastic hotels, including the Opposite House where Greenberg stayed.

Opposite House in Beijing

Mei and Peter delved into their experiences in visiting the  Great Wall.   During the same initial visit, he “left the hotel at 4:30 AM to be the first one there,” which many thought crazy.  However, when Greenberg arrived and found the sun creeping over the Great Wall and a lone group of Chinese men performing early morning taichi, he knew he had made a good decision– even if it meant having less sleep.

Mei points out that “finding the right locals is key to opening doors” in China and gives some insider tips on how WildChina likes to visit the Great Wall.  Here’s a clue–  it doesn’t invovle sitting in morning traffic and you’ll find yourself with a glass of wine in hand!

Interested in listening to the live recording? Take a look here, including other speakers such as John Pomfret, Washington Post journalist and author of Chinese Lessons and Meg Maggio of Pékin Fine Arts.

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Interested in learning more about Peter Greenberg? Take a look here.

Photos by: Peter Greenberg, Opposite House, WildChina

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.
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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.

1. Beijing’s got blue sky. Here’s the proof below.

2. Milk delivery and bill collection. My door bell rang at 5:40am this morning, I stumbled out of bed to peek through the keyhole, aha, it’s the milk delivery man. I opened the door, and said, “That’s an early delivery.”. He said, “yes, but I am also here to collect payment!”. “how much?” I asked. “RMB 840.” (USD 130) How was I supposed to have that much cash at this ungodly hour? “I’ll pay you next week.” “OK” he said, and I closed the door behind me, and went back to bed. I love the fact that I can get everything delivered at no extra charge, but what happened to online payment? Nope, it’s all cash upon delivery, at any hour of the day!

3. A permanent conversation topic – food safety It’s a safe conversation starter with any parents in China. where do you source healthy food items? Where do you buy chicken, celery, or milk. Yes, the supermarket is stocked full with large varieties of these, but no one really trusts them. So, we searched, and found, Wonder milk (full or low fat), they don’t make them in skim or in cartons larger than half a quart. Apparently, the organic chicken should come from BHG supertmarket. I had some super sweet chestnuts the other day, and wondered if they soaked the nuts in artificial sweetner ahead of time. Eat, but keep on questioning.

4. A well thought through road sign. This is the sign that’s in front of our apartment. My son discovered it. Whoever made this sign gave it a lot of thoughts, and decided to lay out the letters from left to right to match the direction the sign was pointing to. Genius!

5. Every Chinese is traveling the world. Went back home in Yunnan the other day, and my aunt told me that she was going on a leisure trip to Dubai! She’s usually a good parameter on where the hot destinations are. A selection of a few places she went in the past 5 years: America, 新马泰 (Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand on one trip.), Japan, 欧洲10国 （10 European countries), and Russia. I have no doubt she’ll be headed towards the Maldives, and Maritius soon. By the way, the 7 day Dubai, air inclusive journey costs around RMB 7000. (USD 1100).

6. The automated verification process on Chinese internet. Usually, on craigslist, you are asked to key in a few jumbled letters to verify that you are a human, not a machine. In China, the process requires higher level of intelligence. For example, 16+20=?, please type in two numbers that’s the answer to this equation. Example two, what’s the capital city of Russia: please input 3 characters to answer this question. (莫斯科 is the right answer)。

6. Kids study hard. “Ayi, it only takes me two hours to complete my homework!” a nine year old boy told me proudly. I had to ask his parents to make sure that I heard him right. “Yes, it takes other kids 3-4 hours to do homework, so he’s very proud!”. WOW, how are the American kids going to catch up?