China Tea
China Tea
The central areas around the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) and city gates as well as the lakes – ZhongNanHai, BeiHai and HouHai – have been designated as protected landmark districts that retain the features of Old Beijing. The Forbidden City at the centre is surrounded in concentric circles by the Inner City and Outer City.
Good coffee is hard to find in most parts of China, although addicts have a place to retreat now that Starbucks has at least 50 spots in the capital, most situated around shopping malls and in commercial districts of the city.
The most popular Chinese beer, which is also quite good, is Qingdao. You can get it for 10-20 yuan or just 2-3 from a street vendor whilst the main beer brand of Beijing is Yanjing (10-15 yuan at restaurants, 2 yuan on the street).
Wine made in China are considered not drinkable by most foreigners, but it is also true that its not their traditional drink. Just give them 10 years and they will come up with it too! If you really want to have some good wine, you can try Great Wall that is the most popular local brand, or get foreign products, such as those from the US, France, Italy, Australia, and Chile, but you will find them in more upper scale restaurants.
Winter Palace or Beihai is a good place to take a glance at Zhongnanhai, the heart of Communist China. The counter part of a beautiful white pagoda of 17th century and of a peaceful island in the middle of the park, is a skyline made up of giant Government buildings (PRC’s Ministry of Defence and General Staff). Before you leave the park, visit some small but beautiful gardens on the north bank.
The Hutong Villages of Beijing most represent the traditional housing of Chinese locals and are the perfect place to get a glimps of Chinese daily life. Unfortunately, the majority of Hutongs have been demolished to make space for modern buildings. Better see these typical Hutong Villages with rickshaws that can weave in and out of their narrow streets.
On a last but useful note, keep in mind that during Olympic games everything is going to be much expensive from food to accommodation and comparable to western rates. Do not fear to haggle: is essential especially in touristy markets, shopping areas, etc. Example youth hostels that used to sell a bed night for 3 euros, now they sell it for 20-30 euros. So, what about International hotel chains?? Worse than worse.
Temple of Heaven, located on south east of the Tiananmen Square, is not only a beautiful sight, but also the greenest public park of Beijijng. The temple itself was the site where the emperor prayed every year for good harvests and fair weather.Very popular with local residents practicing tai chi, dancing and other activities in the mornings and on weekends, the Temple of Heaven is home to many ancient trees, peaceful woods and amazing solitude.
Want to find out more about oolong tea benefits, then visit The China Tea Authority online and choose the best benefits of other teas for all your tea needs.













