In a surprise move China has put in place a smoking ban in indoor public places starting 1 May 2011. Now there is only Russia and a few other major smoking countries left without a ban, as France will have a ban in place very soon. The Chinese Ministry of Health will also bar cigarette vending machines in public places and will not allow smoking areas near to where people might pass. China is the world’s largest cigarette market.
Beijing’s high-tech solution for the demand to have pesticide free vegetables. A futuristic warehouse in China is growing vegetables without any actual sunlight or soil. The Jingpeng Plant Factory grows lettuce, cabbage and other vegetables in a liquid solution, fueled by LED lighting. Although the start-up costs are significant, the factory uses less energy and is able to grow the vegetables without pesticides. There is much distrust within, and outside of China, regarding their current farming methods. Fruit and vegetables are liberally sprayed with dangerous chemical solutions to ward off insects. This type of farming also may be the first step to growing produce in high rise buildings in the center of the city, which is most likely the next step in cities worldwide.
The 5-star Beijing Hotel is set at the corner of Wangfujing Street and ChangAn Avenues. It is adjacent to one of Beijing’s major shopping areas, and the hotel is also only a few steps away from the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, Grand National Theater and other cultural and historical sites.
The Beijing Hotel offers over 700 rooms and suites, Asian and western restaurants, meeting and conference facilities as well as having extensive recreation equipment and a Spa. Other services comprise a business center, post office, money exchange/ATM, concierge service, airline booking counter, shops, and limousine service, parking facilities, hair & beauty salon, Chinese style tailors, laundry & dry cleaning services.
The Beijing Hotel meeting and banquet facilities include top floor venues offering a panoramic view over the city and a Chinese style Grand Ballroom for up to 1000 persons, with 8-channel simultaneous translation booth and programmable stage lightning.
Since its opening in 1900, the Beijing Hotel played host to numerous political and corporate events and welcomed heads of states, industry leaders, academics and travelers from all walks of life. During 2008 Olympic Games, the Five Star Diamond awarded hotel has provided excellent service to the Olympic Family and serving as headquarters for the International Olympic Committee.
Gelato Xindong Lu 38-12, Gongti
Tel. 8610 641178890
This is the latest address after their re-location from San Li Tun Nan Ji (bar street). There are many unusual flavors of home-made gelato listed, although not all flavors listed are available. The room can be very smoky, which tends to ruin the tasting experience.
Shangri-La Kerry Centre Hotel
Level 1
Tel. (86 10) 6561 8833 ext. 42
email: hbkc@shangri-la.com
Opening Hours: Centro