Mr. Ma came to our office to teach us the traditional craft of Chinese egg carving.  This involved the laborious process of drawing, in pencil, the character “fu” (“prosperity) on a hallowed egg, then using a blade to slowly chisel away the peel of the egg.  While at first frustrating, each of us eventually became so involved in our eggs that it was almost meditative.  While carving our eggs,  » Read more »

  Hong Kong has long – unfairly in my opinion – been dismissed by many as a destination dominated by business or conference travelers. Now officially a part of China, the world’s largest art market, but with regulations and red tape much more easily navigated than on the mainland, the city is really stepping up its cultural offerings to the benefit of not only its sophisticated and well-traveled populace but also to the millions of international visitors that it attracts from all over the globe.  » Read more »

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  When booking the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund through Imperial Tours, you will receive these special amenities: A glass of champagne or signature cocktail for two at The Long Bar Chef’s choice of a Waldorf signature cake for guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries In-room fruit amenity replenished daily Afternoon Tea for two at Salon de Ville or Peacock Alley per room with a minimum 2 night stay And to entice families to visit China this summer,  » Read more »

In the face of modernization, China is struggling to preserve its cultural heritage, and nowhere is this more visible than in the ancient hutongs of Beijing. I have never been an admirer of the hutongs from an architectural or historical point of view, it was more about the buzz I felt as I meandered down these narrow alleys, seeing them bursting with activity.  Sadly, the city’s rapid growth will no longer allow these vibrant communities to remain in these areas.   » Read more »