Xijiao Hotel is one of the hotels near Haidian district. Walking distance from BLCU, you can opt to stay here if you want to walk around Wudaokou for a short while. This hotel is quite convenient and clean but not that great. It’s probably a three-four star hotel if I remember correctly. There’s a bowling place right beside the hotel and also swimming pool area inside. On the third floor of the activity buiding of Xijiao Hotel, there’s a store selling DVD’s which is cheap plus you can check if it’s working.

Though this is not the cheapest around the area, I feel that this one is quite value for money (for the quality of room facilities).

Here’s the address and phone number: not sure if it is updated though

Add: No.18 Wangzhuang Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
P.C: 100083
Tel: 86-10 62322288
Fax: 86-10 62311142
E-mail:Public@xijiao-hotel.com.cn

You can also reserve through here:

It’s rare nowadays that we see people living in a completely different cultural society. Being cosmopolitan is the way of life in this century. However, if we set aside patronizing the liberated modern world, we can see ultimately unique people still existing amongst themselves.

Well, I caught a glimpse of ethnic minority in China. Surprisingly, challenging my ignorance on this subject, I was able to experience first hand on some traditions of these people. I’m not quite sure though what’s the name of their group because I’ve googled this and according to China Culture:

As one of the largest provinces, Sichuan has more than 15 minority groups living with the Han people. Among these are the Yi, Hui, Tibetan and Miao peoples. Each of these minorities has its own charm, ethnic style and folk custom.

I was amazed on how they preserve their culture. They also look quite different than Chinese people in the city. I guess having a long history before has influence mixed breeding. In my opinion, some women here are really pretty. They have bigger eyes than the usual almond eyes Chinese (me included).
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SarangBang is one of my favorite Korean restaurants in Beijing. I first experience this quite authentic Korean cuisine during my trip with friends a year before I went to study in BLCU. The spicy food complimented the cold autumn weather.

Back in the old days, I had learn to love to Korean food when I was still in Manila, there was a really old Korean restaurant we often visit more than twice a month (it’s called Korean Village). I didn’t mind smelling like food (because of grilling by ourselves) after blissful dinner. I grow to love kimchi which I avoided years back.

But I didn’t expect Korean cuisine could get even better! (I sound like an advertisement already!) My friend J taught us the know-hows of eating Korean style in Beijing. There are quite a number of appetizers and sauces to mix together. You’ll get to love mixing rice with everything when you get used to the spicy-ness. Be ready to get your hands dirty! Wrapping everything (meat, appetizer, kimchi, sauces etc) with lettuce is a must try!
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