Category: Tips and Advice

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Where are we now? Updates from Beijing’s Culture Community!

“退一步 进两步” Maneuver back one step, advance forward two steps. Whereas the current situation in China might be described by some as ‘two steps forward, one step back’, there are very few who could deny the current path is a very practical, beneficial one. With its most recent lockdowns, China strategically took one-step back, so as we can all collectively move forward two steps in the very near future. Glass half full indeed!

But while we are waiting for that inevitable two-step advance, when we can all breathe a collective mask-free sigh of relief, what are your favourite Beijing culture providers up to? Read on to find out!

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Events and Offers in May from Beijing’s Best Culture Companies!

See that date? It’s May 1st! Even if you’ve been self-isolating for the past 90 days in a cave, you still know that with the start of May, summer (un)officially begins! But with Beijing (as with the rest of China) slowly waking from its pandemic-induced slumber, it can be a bit difficult to know what is on offer to you to learn, explore, taste and engage with in terms of culture.

To address that, Cultural Keys has asked some of the city’s best activity providers what they have in store for everyone. Read on to find out the best ways to culturally immerse yourself this month!

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Current Entry Restrictions for Scenic Spots in and Around Beijing

As we may have mentioned once or twice over the past few weeks, now is the best time of year to see Beijing at its most beautiful!  Having said that, it would be irresponsible of us to suggest people get out and about right now, both because we’re in the middle of the Labour Day holiday and because of the current coronavirus situation.

While China and especially Beijing have managed to control the situation very well, it is only through continued vigilance and caution that we can avoid a second wave and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and sound.

Of course, once the holidays end (officially May 6th) and the crowds thin, it would be a great time to get out and start taking in the sights and sounds again! And if that’s something you plan on doing, this list of entry requirements for Beijing’s top scenic spots, compiled by the experts at Amber Travel in conjunction with Cultural Keys, will be invaluable!

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All the Tea in China: An Interview with Tea Expert Johnny New

Few aspects of Chinese culture are as easily identifiable or universally appreciated and enjoyed as tea. But with a history spanning more thousands of years, and so many types, it can be a little intimidating to know where to start learning more about it.

As with most things of course, the best place to start is usually talking to an expert. Cultural Keys took time to drop by Gengxiang Tea, a well-known tea shop in Beijing’s Chaoyang District to say hi to owner Johnny ‘New’ Niu and get his insight on many aspects of all the tea in China.

Read on to see what Johnny had to share with us, plus see how you can save money the next time you visit Gengxiang Tea! 

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Best of Beijing: The Best Places for Actively Exploring the Capital City!

It’s often said that spring is the best time to visit Beijing and see everything the city has to offer. While getting out and about and experiencing everything isn’t exactly possible at the moment, that doesn’t mean you can’t start to make plans!

To that end, we have started our Best of Beijing series, introducing you to the best that the Chinese capital has to offer, from food to flowers and from classical architecture to useful words and phrases especially for Beijing! 

Today we bring you part 2 of our series: the most interesting places to actively explore around Beijing!

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