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Beijing
Tea festival
The 14th Badachu Chinese Garden and Tea Culture Festival will be held through May 3, at Badachu Park, or the eight temples among the Western Hills of the city. This year's festival will focus on green tea, especially from Zhushan county, Shiyan city in Hubei province, which was once an imperial tribute (gong cha). At the opening ceremony, there will be performances related to tea culture and demonstrations on how to make green tea and pu'er tea.
Chinese cuisine
World Association of Chinese Cuisine, an international organization aiming to promote Chinese food worldwide, held its sixth annual convention in Beijing recently, with more than 400 representatives from 31 countries and regions participating. Yang Liu, the director of tourism bureau in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, was elected the organization's new president. The convention also discussed modern ways to promote Chinese cuisine.
Durian attraction
Some of us don't often glance at the rather strange-looking durian being sold by vendors on sidewalks as we pass by. But the fruit with a fuzzy smell actually tastes divine. Kerry's Pantry is now offering an easy introduction to the fruit with its durian cream roll for 26 yuan. One bite, we are told, will seduce you.
Kerry Hotel Beijing, 1 Guanghua Road. 010-6561-8833 Ext 45.
Mother's Day
Spoil your mom this Mother's Day at 29 Grill, Conrad Beijing. Take her out to lunch and let her enjoy some sparkling wine, a delicious selection of roast meats, imported cheeses and a fine fresh sashimi. There will be a take-home gift as well. It will cost 588 yuan, plus a 15-percent service charge per person, and will include sparkling wine.
11:30 am-3 pm, May 10; 29 North Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang district. 010-6584-6300.
Morton's brunch
US steakhouse Morton's of Chicago launched a new Sunday brunch at its Beijing outlet on Sunday. Set menus of two courses (218 yuan, or $35), three courses (318 yuan) or four courses (418 yuan), and a special menu for children will be served from 11:30 am to 3 pm. The four-course menu showcases Morton's premium beef with a choice of assorted dishes.
Sundays, 11:30 am-3 pm; Morton's of Chicago (Beijing), 2/F, Regent Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng district. 010-6523-7777.
High spirits
The highest bar and restaurant in town - Atmosphere and The Lounge - on the 80th floor of China World Summit Wing are offering a series of "welcoming spring" deals. Guests will get a 50 percent discount on some beverages, including wine, champagne, cocktails and beers, every workday from 6 to 8 pm at Atmosphere. The Lounge has been serving spirits mixed with Chinese tea (95 yuan) since earlier this month and will likely continue doing so next month.
Atmosphere and The Lounge, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chao-yang district. 010-8571-6459.
Hong Kong
Temple trip
Celebrate one of Hong Kong's most exciting festivals next month by setting sail on Aqua Luna, the island's iconic traditional red-sailed junk, with food and drinks served on board. The colorful Tin Hau Festival on May 11 will celebrate the birth anniversary of the sea goddess, and the Chinese ship will sail from Victoria Harbour to the historic Tin Hau Temple, making the round trip twice daily.
Tickets can be purchased at aqualuna.com.hk or by phone at 852-2116-8821.
