Author: admin6

  • A La Puff Bakery

    This “almost-hole in the wall bakery” is easy to miss hidden on the bustling but slightly secluded Qindao Street off Guangzhou Lu; and yet missing this little treat will make your life a little less rich. The handmade cupcakes and puffs (by the looks a variation of the Hong Kong pineapple buns with a generous swab of falvoured butter cream) are inexpensive at around ¥10 and even the macaroons at are well below the golden arches competition. Their taste options range from lusciously creamy caramel-apple cupcakes to durian cream-filled puffs for the unafraid; not my cup of tea personally speaking. Delivery in the area of Qingdao Lu is available for orders above ¥30; good news for the Nanjing University students in need of a sugar boost for their studying session. There is one more store to be found in Nanjing, close to Ikea at 永乐路101号(海鲸公寓以北).

     

  • Used beverage bottles turn into “green bicycle”

    A bicycle which is made of hundreds of waste beverage bottles attracted citizens’ eyes at Shilu shopping square in Suzhou, Jiangsu province on Sept. 9. The display of the “green bicycle” aims to promote awareness of “green travel”.

  • Thai Orchid

    Thai used to be one of those nationalities under represented in the colorful cuisine-scape of Nanjing; not anymore. Thai Orchid is the latest of a number of restaurants hailing from the Asian country that will delight your tastebuds with its spices. Thai Orchid’s major advantage is that the chefs are original Thai nationals, who know what they are doing. Its second big plus is its fabulous Tuangou offer (Chinese group on), where one can purchase a set meal of ten dishes for half price. This excellent deal offers more than enough food for five people and introduces one to a set of less mainstream dishes than the green and red curries with different meat and vegetable content (these are of course also available). Finally, the restaurant surprises due to its low key decor, Thais the world over tend to look like a Bollywood Movie (yes, different country, I know) exploded in their midst showering the place with golden elephants, glitter-rimmed colourful fabrics and any other over-the-top decor items the Gaudy Central Store had on sale. Thai Orchid on the other hand takes a rather simple approach to the whole business, adding only the minimum amount of elephants and colour, and putting more of a focus on the actual food than the usual pompous palaces.

  • Dr. Beckmann Cleaning Specialist

    The cleaning specialist from Germany has recently found its way to Nanjing to help local expats keep their clothes and homes as clean as can be. A range of different cleaning products from color & dirt collectors to stain devils and beyond are now available at a range of different stores in Nanjing including locations often frequented by expats such as Times Grocery, Golden Eagle, The Central, Suguo and BHG. Also available for purchase on big online retail sites such as JD.com and Amazon.cn, so you can have your professional cleaning equipment delivered right to your doorstep.

  • West City Story

    West City Story

    For those seeking a nice, relaxing lunch in the Fraser Suites part of town, West City Story is a dining spot worth paying an afternoon visit to. The cosy and inviting store offers a generous variety of the “now-mandatory” fruit smoothies, coffees and teas. During your visit, accompany a beverage with culinary options that run the gamut from chicken salad, grilled salmon salad and classical caesar salad to an array of sandwiches (including the very tempting-looking, but pricey, warm, Italian sandwich). Soups such as mushroom and borsch, and items that finish off any meal nicely, for example, a slice of black forest cake, also catch ones eye on the menu (which happens to include very helpful English translations). Portion sizes are more than generous while the pleasant members of staff are also more than likely throw in a satisfying bowl of creamy mushroom soup during your first visit. 

  • Tangshan Homo Erectus Fossil Museum

    Tangshan Homo Erectus Fossil Museum

    When the past met the future; Homo Erectus Fossil Museum, opened on 11th August 2014 in the running-up to the Olympic games, gives an in insight into the prehistoric life of the Nanjing cave couple, a pair of 600 000 year old skulls discovered in the Tangshan area of Nanjing in 1993. While its interior takes visitors on a trip into the distant past, displaying the origins of man most vividly through wax figures and busts that have been reconstructed out of the skulls, the exterior of the museum in total contrast to its content is rather futuristic. Designed by French architect Odile Decq and her studio of international fame, the building is fitted into the side of the mountain, that was the site of discovery over two decades ago, running along side the slope and winding itself in unison with the mountain. The construct is glass to allow for maximum natural light and is further representative of Nanjing’s “green and sustainable Games” motto. So, whether it is the pre-historic past or the future of today you are curious about, this cultural highlight produced due to YOG will definitely not disappoint. 

  • Tao Xingzhi Memorial

    Tao Xingzhi Memorial

    The Memorial of Tao Xingzhi, located at the foot of Laoshan impresses first and foremost through its aesthetic and unconventional architecture; it was built in memory of the renowned 20th century educator and reformer, who returned to the mainland after having studied at Columbia University to champion progressive education.The main scenic spots include the tomb of Tao Xingzhi, the Xingzhi pavilion, and a woodland area making for a rejuvenating stroll while contemplating local history after a visit to the two exhibition rooms with 120 pictures, manuscripts, and more than 200 artifacts.

  • Sakura

    Sakura

    Sakura is the latest addition to the growing number of Japanese cuisine available on Shanghai Lu, specialising in “innovative Japanese cookery”. Deliciously light and healthy hot pot options to which a portion of Udong noodles can be added at request make a lovely change from the oiliness of local cuisine. Starting at ¥98 for chicken and prawn combo and progressing to ¥128 for the exclusive seafood option this refreshing meal to share will probably fill up two to three people if ordered with a few sides; just plain hot pot would be too boring anyway. While portion size for many of the classic Japanese dishes is slightly wanting, this is offset by the comparatively reasonable price, an average of about ¥80 per person. An absolute must at Sakura is the selection of inside-out sushi rolls; truly innovative combinations such as tuna with shrimp and avocado topped with a delicious thousand island dressing. The comfortable environment of the restaurant cum bar invites to linger and in combination with the portions is perfect for a relaxed evening with friends. Upstairs a private room is available, which seats 16 people, ideal for your next birthday party. 

  • Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum

    Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum

    From the reign of Emperor Kangxi to that of Emperor Qianlong, Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Government Office became a temporary palace for the emperors during their southern tours and was the largest such structure in the country. The ruins are now home to the Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum, spread over 8,700 square metres and six floors, in which one will now find permanent exhibitions that include Jiangnan Imperial Silk Manufacturing, Celestial Cloud-pattern Brocade, Chinese Qipiao dresses and one devoted to that seminal piece of Chinese literature “Dream of Red Mansions” in which one can experience settings where many events in the novel happened.