China - Beijing
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Complementary Dining at the lounge
- Free Breakfast and Dinner on the 17th Floor for tech crew
- Har-kau (rice wrap shrimp dumpling)
Looking for the latest movies? An obscure around-the-corner shop just past the gate. Keep your eyes peeled.
Click here for ABBA location of DVD shop
- There is a flat 3RMB additional charge on top of displayed fares. This is due to government ruling to help ease fuel cost in taxi operations.
- Pay the bus attendant (not the driver). Change is given. Fairly simple and easy to use.
ABBA Eats(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE)
"Jade Hotpot"
Located behind the hotel, after crossing An Li Lu, a 400m walk would get you to "Guolin home cooked restaurant". No pictures unfortunately this time round, but an order of:
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Where crew stay:
The Crowne Plaza Beijing
Crowne Plaza Beijing is located between MRT stations, Olympic Sports Center and Huixinjie Beikou, and the Olympic grounds a mere 400m walk away. Transportation by train is very cheap and well connected to most attractions. Be careful in snowy or poor visibility conditions, cabs maybe scarce and not bring you back to the hotel in due time.
ABBA tips:
- Free Wi-fi Available for multiple devices
-Free Internet is also available in the lobby. No registration of any kind is required.
- A great gym with added gym ball aerobics corner, and a respectable lap pool to boot.
- Free Wi-fi Available for multiple devices
-Free Internet is also available in the lobby. No registration of any kind is required.
- A great gym with added gym ball aerobics corner, and a respectable lap pool to boot.
- Ask the concierge for maps to places of interest.
Printed sheets as that displayed below, offers easy and clear communication between yourself and taxi drivers.
Printed sheets as that displayed below, offers easy and clear communication between yourself and taxi drivers.
- Free Breakfast and Dinner on the 17th Floor for tech crew
Breakfast sample Menu 0630~1030
- Pancakes with jam and creme fresh
- Pancakes with jam and creme fresh- Sausages and bacon strips
- Congee and condements
- Assortment of Dim Sum
- Fruits and juices
- Cereals and puff pastries
Dinner sample Menu 1730~2030 Happy Hour
Dinner sample Menu 1730~2030 Happy Hour
- Har-kau (rice wrap shrimp dumpling)- Lotus paste buns
- Pastry wrapped Beef and mushroom
- German Sausages- Brazilian style mid wing joints
- Coconut Seafood fried rice
- Assortment of breads and cheeses
- Cucumber and mushroom salad
- Brazilian bean salad
- Desserts and fresh fruits
Drinks available
- Pastry wrapped Beef and mushroom
- German Sausages- Brazilian style mid wing joints
- Coconut Seafood fried rice
- Assortment of breads and cheeses
- Cucumber and mushroom salad
- Brazilian bean salad
- Desserts and fresh fruits
Drinks available
ABBA Massage
Apparently there are many others ABBA massages available, but if you want a booking, call early to reserve a spot a.s.a.p.
ABBA Buys
Compact Humidifier
Air-O-Swiss
Compact Humidifier
Air-O-Swiss
Compact humidifier by Air-O-Swiss stands at approximately 11cm(L)x6cm(W)x8cm(H). Its water source is derived from any water-filled, generic plastic bottle.
- System has an auto-shut off feature and has low sound emission. *Pictured above: Air-O-Swiss compared to Samsung SII Handphone. Comes with China interchangeable plug. Colors, Black, Green, White, Purple.
- System has an auto-shut off feature and has low sound emission. *Pictured above: Air-O-Swiss compared to Samsung SII Handphone. Comes with China interchangeable plug. Colors, Black, Green, White, Purple.
A 500ml bottle would give approximately 6hrs of usage. Although listed at RMB499, purchased at RMB200 due promotion. Item maybe found in North Star Shopping Center, a 300m walk from Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5th floor, along with house-ware section.
ABBAtip: Purchased another one a few months later but offer was at RMB300. Told her that I had gotten the previous one at RMB200. In the end, with cash purchase, no problem for RMB200 sale. Try your luck to bargain down even further.
ABBAtip: Purchased another one a few months later but offer was at RMB300. Told her that I had gotten the previous one at RMB200. In the end, with cash purchase, no problem for RMB200 sale. Try your luck to bargain down even further.
ABBA DVD Shop
Click here for ABBA location of DVD shop
ABBA Eats at the Hotel
Cafe Asia
Cafe Asia
Cafe Asia
RMB180 nett. No additional discount.
Serves a spread of international dishes. There are lots of stations, with food orders which are only upon request; Like cooked vegetables, dumplings, noodles stations and more. Keep an eye out for them. Every time someone came back with something new, others would inquire where they got it from.
Special Mentions:
- BBQ Station.
Be quick to get your pick. Fish, prawns and beef go lightning quick.
Fish broiled well, with a crispy skin layer, great omega3 fatty distribution, keeping it succulent.
Beef tenderloin has excellent grill marks and tender.
Lamb has an excellent dry rub. May not be for those who don't like the overly gamey taste of lamb.
- The antipasti station, with olive oil drizzled asparagus and mushrooms. Also the star is Parma ham on a meat slicer. Have your fill of salty, cured goodness.
Getting Around
Taxi
In China, it is very strict that cabbies have to run by the meter and not tout flat prices for destinations.
ABBA Tips:
- Always go for metered Cabs and if discrepancies arise, ask for receipt.
All details of driver distance and charge are logged there.
All details of driver distance and charge are logged there.
- There is a flat 3RMB additional charge on top of displayed fares. This is due to government ruling to help ease fuel cost in taxi operations.
- Carry small change with you. Sometimes taxi drivers are unable to break a 100RMB. Even then, to break a 100RMB note, with passer-bys or nearby shops is either difficult or non-willing. There are plenty of counterfeit notes circulating around. Your best bet is to purchase something to get small change.
Subway system Approx 2RMB
You are subjected to a security scan if you have carry-on luggage. Ensure the ticketing machine can return change. It is very easy to establish which station you are at, and the direction of its travel.
ABBA Tip:
- No warning is given when doors close.
-Getting In: During Peak Hour. Prior to train arrival, stand close to the sides. No one queues. You HAVE to be assertive and make your way in.
- Getting Out: You have to push, even force your way out, or else risk losing your party when doors close without warning. With a flood of people coming in, no mercy is shown to outgoing commuters, be they man woman or child.
ABBA Eats(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE)
Yu Gong Yu Po Seafood Restaurant
Located along Hui Zhong road, Yu Gong Yu Po Seafood Restaurant is a nice sit down and order location. It has an amalgam of live, fish, crabs, shellfishes, vegetables and meat dishes to choose from. Each of which maybe prepared in a variety of ways.
What was ordered
*pictured from L to R top to Btm
- Giant Cockle stir fry with Celery
- Spicy Mongolian stir-fry lamb with parsley- Three Egg Red Spinach in soup broth
- Flash Broiled Oysters in garlic,
- Flash Broiled Oysters in garlic,
onions and chives *The best of the shellfish dishes tried.*
- Clams with mustard cabbage and dried chili
- Half-shelled scallops served done two ways,
served on Tang Hun (Clear bean noodles)
*served in black bean and other in garlic and soy*
3 Bowls Rice + Chrysanthemum Tea.
Fed 3
Total Aprox RMB500
Located approximate 800m from the Hotel.
Click here for ABBA location of Yu Gong Yu Po Seafood Restaurant
Through their large pane windows, you can undoubtedly see the "aquarium" which holds all the seafood.
Click here for ABBA location of Yu Gong Yu Po Seafood Restaurant
Through their large pane windows, you can undoubtedly see the "aquarium" which holds all the seafood.
ABBATip:
- The early bird catches the worm. In this case, the better selection of seafood.
- Shellfish are relatively cheap at RMB18 each. Crabs and Fishes are much pricier and can go to prices RMB1000 and beyond.
- The early bird catches the worm. In this case, the better selection of seafood.
- Shellfish are relatively cheap at RMB18 each. Crabs and Fishes are much pricier and can go to prices RMB1000 and beyond.
"Jade Hotpot"
Crowne Plaza Staff have recommended the Jade Hotpot, located opposite of the empty field. Though a tad shabby looking from the outside, the inside of this place is classy and elegant. However food is pricy, with any meat dish going anywhere from 50RMB-500RMB. A meal would go for on average 200RMB. I have yet to try this location.
"North Star Foodcourt"
Xiabu Xiabu
Xiabu Xiabu
Xiabu Xiabu
Not sure of what to eat in the adjourning food court, try Xiabu Xiabu, as recommended by the China Crew.
Xiabu Xiabu is a chain, serving hotpot sets and A la carte dining. Found in the basement food court adjacent to and in North Star shopping center on the top floor. Prices are reasonable and serve good simple eats. Approximately at RMB100 fed 2.
Located beside the hotel, in North Star Shopping Center, is a food court selling cheap and good food. Payment is done with a tap stored value card, which is refunded back to you upon return.
Also located within the building are familiar brands, "Ajisan Ramen" and a "Starbucks".
*Revied "Ajisan Brand name only, not the same food. Starbucks, Ok!*
Click here for ABBA location 北京市朝阳区北辰东路8号 China 010-84985734
Also located within the building are familiar brands, "Ajisan Ramen" and a "Starbucks".
*Revied "Ajisan Brand name only, not the same food. Starbucks, Ok!*
Click here for ABBA location 北京市朝阳区北辰东路8号 China 010-84985734
"Guolin Restaurant"
Located behind the hotel, after crossing An Li Lu, a 400m walk would get you to "Guolin home cooked restaurant". No pictures unfortunately this time round, but an order of:What was ordered
- Half Peking duck
- Brinjal with minced pork*one of the better brinjal dishes I've had*
- Long beans with dried chilli and mala
- Slow Stewed Pork Belly and Cabbage with clear noodles
- Chrysanthemum tea
Fed 3
Total 165RMB
- Half Peking duck
- Brinjal with minced pork*one of the better brinjal dishes I've had*
- Long beans with dried chilli and mala
- Slow Stewed Pork Belly and Cabbage with clear noodles
- Chrysanthemum tea
Fed 3
Total 165RMB
ABBA Eats
Quan Ju De
Olympic Village Roast Duck Restaurant
Slim Taste
Best Sichuan home dishes and special snacks
To Do
Beijing Olympic Ground - Bird's Nest
Quan Ju De
Olympic Village Roast Duck Restaurant
Having been there twice, the restaurant is always packed with diners. The duck is brought out and sliced in front of diners, the meat still attached to the skin.
Duck goes for 288RMB each including the usual condiments.
*pic from Left, Fried Rice, Spicy Topshell, Shredded Chicken Cold Dish, Duck Liver*
Unfortunately, the other dishes featured fell short - vinegar is a oft-used condiment and the fried rice lacks the "wok hei" of our local examples. Stick to the duck or head someplace else.Listed as number 1 on China.org.cn http://www.china.org.cn/top10/
*Contributed by Denison Tan
*Contributed by Denison Tan
Located in Sanlitun, 3rd Floor in North Village beside Adidas adjoining village, "Slim Taste" offers delectable rice dishes, fragrantly steamed. Food plays the backstage, supporting-crew to a dinner get-together.
- Purple Fried Rice
*I think its healthy but its fried*
- Kai Lan
*Sauce for Kai Lan a little on the salty side. Add with discretion*
- Steamed lotus rice garlic and prawn
*very nice fragrant dish.*
- Honey Pork
*good flavour and camaralizing, but think that the
meat is either really tender pork or minced finely*
- Honey Green Tea
*for 2pax
Total 114RMB
Verdict 6/10
Click here for ABBAdetails on Slim Taste *I think its healthy but its fried*
- Kai Lan
*Sauce for Kai Lan a little on the salty side. Add with discretion*
- Steamed lotus rice garlic and prawn
*very nice fragrant dish.*
- Honey Pork
*good flavour and camaralizing, but think that the
meat is either really tender pork or minced finely*
- Honey Green Tea
*for 2pax
Total 114RMB
Verdict 6/10
Best Sichuan home dishes and special snacks
With a name as confident as that, they better match up with the food. Boy did they ever! Located just beside Silk-street shopping center.
- 1.25l bottle of coke.
- Braised pork short rib with corn
*Tender pork, beautifully braised. Chewy textured corn.*
*Tender pork, beautifully braised. Chewy textured corn.*
- Sweet and sour deep-fried, fresh water fish
*elegantly presented, fantastically fried, all deboned. excellent dish to have*
*elegantly presented, fantastically fried, all deboned. excellent dish to have*
- Sweet Corn and pine nuts
*sweet, refreshing, healthy, a definite re-order.*
*sweet, refreshing, healthy, a definite re-order.*
- Mah Po To Fu
*amazing flavor with a hint of ma-la that gives that extra dimension that makes it great!*
Served x2 Pax to the brim.
*amazing flavor with a hint of ma-la that gives that extra dimension that makes it great!*
Served x2 Pax to the brim.
Total: 170RMB
Verdict 7/10
Verdict 7/10
To Do
Zhong Guan Cun Technology Hub in Beijing
<Explored Ding Hao Market>
- 15-20min at about 25RMB per trip to and tech village from the Crowne Plaza.
Visit any of the big five prominent IT and electronic markets, namely, Hailong Market, Guigu Market, Taipingyang Market, Dinghao Market and Kemao Market. Known mostly for their shops within a shop, as well as needing to bargain down prices, it's an electronic haven for all techies and consumers. (Nearest MRT;ZhongGuanCun Line 4, 50m away) Click here for ABBA Location of Zhong Guan CunABBATip:
- Buyer beware! Always test equipment. You may need to know a local to make more expensive purchases to ensure quality and product. There have been cases of 120gig thumb drive, tested at store, only to install program on PC to indicate 120gig. This later resulted in buyers have a corrupted operating system at home.
...continued...Ding Hao Market
First few floors are largely mainstream brands, selling cameras, phones, laptops and so forth. However, it is the basement and upper floors, which sell novelty electronic products.
These range from surveillance equipment, random electronic connectors, phone accessories, and even commercials goods such as, bar-code scanners and even money counters. A wide variety and stores to find various products.
A rough price guide at Ding Hao Market
Toshiba Hard Disc 1TB: 500RMB
4GB Novelty thumb drive: 40RMB
Video Camera for cars: 250RMB and up
Laptop bag 15/17" Bag: 60RMB (bargained from 86RMB)
Spy Pen Camera: 80RMB
Razor Mouse, probable replica: 160RMB
Third Party IPad connection for HDMI output 160RMB
Click here for ABBA location of Ding Hao Market
Click here for ABBA location of Ding Hao Market
"Sanlitun Village/Yashow Market"
Getting there: (From Crowne Plaza Park View WuZhou Beijing) Located near "Dong Si Shi Tiao" Train station or via Taxi, 30mins under peak hour traffic at 33RMB from crew hotel.
A tripartite of shopping galore. The 'shopping' village is divided into two massive shopping districts, North and South, each with multistoried, middle to high class shopping. Be in awe at the famed Apple Shop, architectural designs and the mega-sized brand stores.
Go to "Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Market" for a bargain hunt and replica products, similar to "Silk Street Market" Shops closes at 2030hrs. It's literally beside the North Shopping village. From ultra posh architecture, full priced items, straight to knockoffs by crossing a narrow alleyway.
Street Eats between North and South Shopping Center.
Click here for ABBA location for Yashow Clothing Market
Click here for ABBA location for Yashow Clothing Market
Street foods, high quality pirated DVDs from 6-30RMB a piece, rap bars, drinking bistro line this short street. Definately worth checking out, and for the brave to try street foods. (A-la-carte steam boat, open grills of duck/chicken, chinese prata burgers and many more)
Silk Street Market/XiuShuiJie
From Crew hotel, walk about 1km to
HuiXinJie Bei Kou Stn.
Change at Dong Dan Stn.
Get off at Yong An L Stn.
Subway service stops right in front of the shopping center.
From Crew hotel to location
*Walk + train about 1hour journey. 2RMB
*Taxi pending traffic about 30min 50RMB
HuiXinJie Bei Kou Stn.
Change at Dong Dan Stn.
Get off at Yong An L Stn.
Subway service stops right in front of the shopping center.
From Crew hotel to location
*Walk + train about 1hour journey. 2RMB
*Taxi pending traffic about 30min 50RMB
Open from 9.30am-9.00pm, this is a multi-storied shopper's haven or a bargain hunter's hell. Knock-off branded clothes, bags, toys, trinkets, suits and much much more. Know your prices and always bargain for the right price.
ABBA Tip:By how much to bargain down? On others account; a Gucci Leather Bag opening quote, 880RMB, and was purchased at 80RMB. You be the judge. - *for short distance of about 3km from Silkstreet to Tian An Men, cabbies wanted to charge 30-40RMB DO NOT BE SCAMMED!*
Click here for ABBA location
ABBA Tip:By how much to bargain down? On others account; a Gucci Leather Bag opening quote, 880RMB, and was purchased at 80RMB. You be the judge. - *for short distance of about 3km from Silkstreet to Tian An Men, cabbies wanted to charge 30-40RMB DO NOT BE SCAMMED!*
Click here for ABBA location
Tian An Men
A national monument known to all. Photographers take note, lights at Tian An Men go off by about 10pm. ABBA Tip: A trip from Tian An Men/Silk Road to Crew Hotel; 35min drive costs 50RMB (taken at night).
Beijing Olympic Ground - Bird's Nest
Admission into the grounds itself is free, however to the Bird's Nest (Stadium) there is a small entry fee. Various displays and artifacts line the stadium. Defiantly hike to the very top of the stadium to get a sense of space of the place which plays host to the 080808 Beijing Olympics.
Can Do
In between Dong Dan and Yan An Li station (Silkroad Shopping Centre) are located embassies from all over and around the area are international bistros of Spanish, Italian, diners. Be in awe at the grandeur and architectural beauty of the grounds.
Click here for ABBA area
Click here for ABBA area
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