2
Beijing's only international English language media with a full range of platforms for your brand! Why Time Out Beijing? Readership 读者群 Monthly Household income 家庭收入(每月) Time Out Beijing’s influence After reading a Time Out review... Age 年龄 Gender 性别 Nationality 国籍 How long have you been in Beijing 在北京停留时间 Consumption habits 消费习惯 Mix of expats (70 percent) and locals (30 percent) • Aged 28-45 years • Earns 20,000-30,000RMB a month • Senior management level Extroverted: eats out 16 times a month, spends an average of 550RMB on a night out Frequent traveller: goes abroad four times and makes six trips within China annually Our distribution 80,000 copies per month Distribution points in 2014 1,388 venues Our readership 240,000 per month Distribution points increase 5% Distribution Areas 发行区域 Distribution 发行 A CBD (including: Jianwai SOHO, Jianguomen, World Trade Center, Dawang Lu) CBD(其中包括: 建外SOHO, 建国门, 国贸, 大望路等) B Chaoyangmen 朝阳门 C Dongzhimen 东直门 D Sanlitun and Workers’ Stadium 三里屯和工体 E Yansha Business Area and Chaoyang Park 燕莎商圈和 朝阳公园 F Houhai 后海 G Lido Area and 798 Ar t District 丽都商圈和798 H Wudaokou 五道口 I Zhongguancun Business Circle 中关村商圈 J Within the Second Ring Road (including: Changan Jie, Financial Street, Nanchizi, Xicheng and Dongcheng districts) 二环内 (包括:东西长 安街, 金融街, 南池 , 西城区和东城区 ) K Shunyi 顺义 L Out of Beijing 北京以外地区 3rd Ring Road B4% 2nd Ring RD. C G A 34% F 4% D17% H 2% K 8% E12% I 2% 3% 9% 1% L J 4% 40% Male 60% Female Dining out 外出就餐 Drinks 泡酒吧 Shopping 购物 Exhibitions 参观展览 Concer ts 欣赏音乐会 Travel (abroad) 出国旅游 Travel (China) 国内旅游 Average frequency of going out 平均外出频率 Average spend per activity 平均外出花费 16 times (per month) 550RMB 14 times (per month) 250RMB 6 times (per month) 800RMB 2 times (per month) 100RMB 2 times (per month) 500RMB 4 times (per year) 18,000RMB 6 times (per year) 8,000RMB Have eaten at a restaurant or bar Have attended a concert or party (music, comedy DJ) Have travelled or planned a holiday Have gone to an event (exhibition, market etc) 88.8 % 60.5 % 78.7 % 45.3 % 68% Expats 32% Locals 3% 3% 12% 19% 27% 36% Just visiting Less than 6 months 6 months - 1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years Over 5 years 16-24 1 5% 51% 20% 14% 25-34 35-44 45-54 Less than 10,000 10,000 to 19,999 20,000 to 29,999 30,000 to 39,999 More than 40,000 10% 19% 18% 24% 29% Venues exclusive to Time Out Beijing 读者群由70%外国人和30%生活 在北京的中国人组成 年龄在28-45岁之间 月收入为2-3职位多为高级主管 每月平均外出就餐16次,每次平 均消费550每年平均出国旅行4次,在中国国 内旅行6Magazine 杂志 Events 市场活动 All around the world, Time Out showcases the best of a city in easy-to-read sections. Known for its sharp writing, in-depth research and objective reviews written by local experts, Time Out Beijing is the foremost authority on where to go, eat, drink, shop, listen, watch and play. Perfect for those who live in Beijing or are just visiting! 遍布全球的Time Out杂志,由专业外籍采编团队在分类清晰的版块内容中通过锋锐的文笔、深刻的调查以及客观的角度去发现 精彩城市生活的方方面面。无论是生活在北京的读者还是在北京短期逗留的游客,在美食、美酒、购物、旅行、音乐、演出和戏剧 等诸多领域, Time Out Beijing的权威推荐都值得信赖。 Time Out Beijing hosts the best events in town all year round, ranging from classical music salons, film festivals, themed parties and cultural tours and our annual awards for restaurants, bars and clubs. Time Out致力于在每年的不同时间段举办城中最精彩最 特别的活动,丰富的活动内容包括古典音乐沙龙、电影 节、主题派对、文化探寻之旅以及年度的餐厅评选和酒吧 大赏。 Time Out Beijing 21st Floor, Prime Tower, 22 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Beijing 100020 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街22泛利大厦21Advertising and Marketing Director Owen Peng 彭丽宝 Tel: +86 010 8565 7025 Mob: +86 186 1166 7069 [email protected] www.timeoutbeijing.com Grow your business with Time Out Beijing A H J D B E F L C G K I POSITION 版面 SIZE 尺寸 H×W BLEED 出血 H×W RMB 价格 A FULL PAGE ROP 整版 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 85,000 A INSIDE FRONT COVER 封二 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 105,000 A INSIDE BACK COVER 封三 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 88,000 A OUTSIDE BACK COVER 封底 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 118,000 A FULL PAGE BEFORE CONTENT PAGE 内容页前整版 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 88,000 B DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD (DPS) 内页跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 148,000 B DOUBLE PAGE COVER GATEFOLD 封面拉页 273mm × 408mm 279mm × 414mm 228,000 B FIRST DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD 封二跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 208,000 B CENTRAL DOUBLE PAGE 中心跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 198,000 C HALF PAGE VERTICAL 内页竖半版 249mm × 91mm NA 46,000 D HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横半版 123mm × 185mm NA 46,000 E 1/3 PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横1/381mm × 185mm NA 30,000 F QUARTER PAGE 内页1 / 4123mm × 91mm NA 25,000 G QUARTER PAGE VERTICAL 内页竖1 / 4249mm × 44mm NA 25,000 H QUARTER PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横1 / 460mm × 185mm NA 25,000 I 1/6 PAGE 内页1 / 681mm × 91mm NA 18,000 J 1/8 PAGE 内页1 / 860mm × 91mm NA 15,000 K 1/12 PAGE 内页1 / 1291mm × 44mm NA 12,000 L LOGO BOX 内页竖1 / 2444mm × 44mm NA 7,000 INSERTION 单页夹带 2 / COPY POLY BAG PACKING 别册夹带 3.5 / COPY Magazine artwork requirements 杂志物料要求 Binding: Saddle-stitch Format: 300dpi, CMYK, PDF or JPG. There is a 3mm margin required on full-bleed adverts. Please also include a 5mm margin around the outside of your advert. Advertising materials must arrive before the specified advertising deadline (15th of the preceeding month). Other formats, to be discussed. 装订: 骑马钉装订 格式: 分辨率300dpi CMYK式, PDF或者JPG格式。需要出血的文 件,出血3mm,并请将广告有效信息 (文字、 logo或图片等)远离裁切线 至少5mm. 广告物料应在每月广告截稿日前 ( 每月15) 提供到位。 其他形式,价格另议。 Magazine 杂志 Contact us today!

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Page 1: Grow your business with Time Out Beijingimg.timeoutbeijing.com/20150713042808184.pdf ·  · 2015-07-13Beijing's only international English language media with a full range of

Beijing's only international English language media with a full range of platforms for your brand!

Why Time Out Beijing?Readership 读者群

Monthly Household income家庭收入(每月)

Time Out Beijing’s infl uenceAfter reading a Time Out review...

Age 年龄Gender 性别

Nationality 国籍 How long have you been in Beijing 在北京停留时间

Consumption habits 消费习惯

• Mix of expats (70 percent) and locals (30 percent)

• Aged 28-45 years • Earns 20,000-30,000RMB a month • Senior management level • Extroverted: eats out 16 times a month, spends an average of 550RMB on a night out

• Frequent traveller: goes abroad four times and makes six trips within China annually

Our distribution

80,000 copies per month

Distributionpoints in 2014

1,388 venues

Our readership

240,000per month

Distributionpoints increase

5%

Distribution Areas 发行区域

Distribution 发行

A CBD (including: Jianwai SOHO, Jianguomen, World Trade Center, Dawang Lu)

CBD(其中包括: 建外SOHO, 建国门,国贸, 大望路等)

B Chaoyangmen 朝阳门

C Dongzhimen 东直门

D Sanlitun and Workers’ Stadium 三里屯和工体

E Yansha Business Area and Chaoyang Park

燕莎商圈和朝阳公园

F Houhai 后海

G Lido Area and 798 Art District 丽都商圈和798

H Wudaokou 五道口

I Zhongguancun Business Circle 中关村商圈

J Within the Second Ring Road (including: Changan Jie, Financial Street, Nanchizi, Xicheng and Dongcheng districts)

二环内 (包括:东西长安街, 金融街, 南池子, 西城区和东城区等)

K Shunyi 顺义

L Out of Beijing 北京以外地区

3rd Ring Road

B4%

2nd Ring RD.

C

G

A34%

F4% D17%

H 2% K 8%

E12%

I 2%

3%

9%

1%L

J 4%

40% Male

60% Female

Dining out 外出就餐

Drinks 泡酒吧

Shopping 购物

Exhibitions 参观展览

Concerts 欣赏音乐会

Travel (abroad) 出国旅游

Travel (China) 国内旅游

Average frequency of

going out 平均外出频率

Average spend per activity

平均外出花费

16 times(per month) 550RMB

14 times(per month) 250RMB

6 times(per month) 800RMB

2 times(per month) 100RMB

2 times(per month) 500RMB

4 times(per year) 18,000RMB

6 times(per year) 8,000RMB

Have eaten at a restaurant or bar

Have attended a concert or party

(music, comedy DJ)

Have travelled or planned a holiday

Have gone to an event (exhibition,

market etc)

88.8%

60.5%

78.7%

45.3%

68% Expats

32% Locals

3%

3%

12%

19%

27%

36%

Just visiting

Less than 6 months

6 months - 1 year

1 - 3 years

3 - 5 years

Over 5 years

16-24

15%

51%

20%

14%

25-34

35-44

45-54

Less than

10,000

10,000 to

19,999

20,000 to

29,999

30,000 to

39,999

More than

40,000

10%

19% 18%

24%

29%

Venues exclusive to Time Out Beijing

• 读者群由70%外国人和30%生活

在北京的中国人组成

• 年龄在28-45岁之间

• 月收入为2-3万

• 职位多为高级主管

• 每月平均外出就餐16次,每次平

均消费550元

• 每年平均出国旅行4次,在中国国

内旅行6次

Magazine 杂志

Events 市场活动

All around the world, Time Out showcases the best of a city in easy-to-read sections. Known for its sharp writing, in-depth research and objective reviews written by local experts, Time Out Beijing is the foremost authority on where to go, eat, drink, shop, listen, watch and play. Perfect for those who live in Beijing or are just visiting!

遍布全球的Time Out杂志,由专业外籍采编团队在分类清晰的版块内容中通过锋锐的文笔、深刻的调查以及客观的角度去发现

精彩城市生活的方方面面。无论是生活在北京的读者还是在北京短期逗留的游客,在美食、美酒、购物、旅行、音乐、演出和戏剧

等诸多领域,Time Out Beijing的权威推荐都值得信赖。

Time Out Beijing hosts the best events in town all year round, ranging from classical music salons, fi lm festivals, themed parties and cultural tours and our annual awards for restaurants, bars and clubs.

Time Out致力于在每年的不同时间段举办城中最精彩最特别的活动,丰富的活动内容包括古典音乐沙龙、电影节、主题派对、文化探寻之旅以及年度的餐厅评选和酒吧大赏。

Time Out Beijing21st Floor, Prime Tower, 22 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Beijing 100020北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街22号泛利大厦21层

Advertising and Marketing Director Owen Peng 彭丽宝

Tel: +86 010 8565 7025Mob: +86 186 1166 7069 [email protected]

Grow your business with Time Out Beijing

A

H

J

D

B

E

F

L

CGK

I

POSITION 版面 SIZE 尺寸 H×W BLEED 出血 H×W RMB 价格

A FULL PAGE ROP 整版 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 85,000

A INSIDE FRONT COVER 封二 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 105,000

A INSIDE BACK COVER 封三 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 88,000

A OUTSIDE BACK COVER 封底 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 118,000

A FULL PAGE BEFORE CONTENT PAGE 内容页前整版 273mm × 206mm 279mm × 212mm 88,000

B DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD (DPS) 内页跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 148,000

B DOUBLE PAGE COVER GATEFOLD 封面拉页 273mm × 408mm 279mm × 414mm 228,000

B FIRST DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD 封二跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 208,000

B CENTRAL DOUBLE PAGE 中心跨页 273mm × 412mm 279mm × 418mm 198,000

C HALF PAGE VERTICAL 内页竖半版 249mm × 91mm NA 46,000

D HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横半版 123mm × 185mm NA 46,000

E 1/3 PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横1/3版 81mm × 185mm NA 30,000

F QUARTER PAGE 内页1 / 4版 123mm × 91mm NA 25,000

G QUARTER PAGE VERTICAL 内页竖1 / 4版 249mm × 44mm NA 25,000

H QUARTER PAGE HORIZONTAL 内页横1 / 4版 60mm × 185mm NA 25,000

I 1/6 PAGE 内页1 / 6版 81mm × 91mm NA 18,000

J 1/8 PAGE 内页1 / 8版 60mm × 91mm NA 15,000

K 1/12 PAGE 内页1 / 12版 91mm × 44mm NA 12,000

L LOGO BOX 内页竖1 / 24版 44mm × 44mm NA 7,000

INSERTION 单页夹带 2 / COPY

POLY BAG PACKING 别册夹带 3.5 / COPY

Magazine artwork requirements杂志物料要求

■ Binding: Saddle-stitch■ Format: 300dpi, CMYK, PDF

or JPG. There is a 3mm margin required on full-bleed adverts. Please also include a 5mm margin around the outside of your advert.

■ Advertising materials must arrive before the specifi ed advertising deadline (15th of the preceeding month).

■ Other formats, to be discussed.

■ 装订: 骑马钉装订 ■ 格式: 分辨率300dpi,CMYK式,

PDF或者JPG格式。需要出血的文件,出血3mm,并请将广告有效信息(文字、logo或图片等)远离裁切线至少5mm.

■ 广告物料应在每月广告截稿日前 (每月15日) 提供到位。

■ 其他形式,价格另议。

Magazine 杂志

Conta

ct us

toda

y!

Page 2: Grow your business with Time Out Beijingimg.timeoutbeijing.com/20150713042808184.pdf ·  · 2015-07-13Beijing's only international English language media with a full range of

Huairou Map

Time Out Beijing produces bilingual special print features and supplements annually. Whether a co-branded publication such as the Seoul Guide, promotional features or corporate brochures and supplements we're committed to making sure that you reach your target audience.

Time Out Beijing每年出版风格多样的特殊出版物。无论是出版中英双语首都机场

官方《交通攻略》,还是特别定制的推广内容或集团特刊,如《三里屯太古里餐饮指

南》及《首尔旅游指南》,我们一如既往的精准覆盖客户的目标读者群。

Becoming a partner of one of our Time Out events such as the Food or Bar awards, is the best way to allow our audience to really experience your brand. We also have an events team that can create a bespoke event exclusively for your product.

参加Time Out举办的各种活动,如“餐厅评选”和“酒吧大赏”,是让品牌受众更好的体会和了解品牌的方式。除此之外,我们有专

业的市场团队为您的品牌定制专属的市场活动。

Special advertising solutions品牌推广特殊方案

Stella Artois

Zhengzhou Tourism Bureau

China Radio International

Stella Artois ran a year-long campaign associating itself with Time Out Beijing.Time Out Beijing's solution:1. Came up with creative

advertorials including a fake cover for Christmas and presence in the Food & Drink as well as Bars & Clubs section of the magazine.

2. Created sponsorship packages for Time Out's Food & Drink as well as Bar & Club awards with creative displays and brand presence on site and on any promotional materials.

3. Created and publicised a Ski Tour at a ski resort for Stella Artois including ski package deals and an après-ski party.

Stella Artois希望能够结合其啤酒

文化在北京组织一次特别的品牌推

广活动。

Time Out Beijing提供的方案:

1. 为客户策划了圣诞节期间的特殊

封面,同时在杂志的“美食”版块

和“夜生活”版块页面右下角设

计品牌标志展示。

2. 作为杂志“餐厅评选”和“酒吧大

赏”的赞助商,在活动现场为品牌

设计特别展示位,同时在其他活

动宣传物中做品牌标志展示。

3. 为Stella Artois设计专属市场活

动,包括冬季滑雪游活动并策划

滑雪活动后的现场Party。

With the new high-speed railway connecting Beijing to Zhengzhou, the Zhengzhou Tourism Bureau wanted to attract tourists to see the city as a travel destinationTime Out Beijing solution:1. Created Time Out Culture

Tours and brought 30 expats to Zhengzhou on a weekend getaway. Ran the entire event hiring an American professor to do a informative tour.

2. Created a series of advertorials highlighting Zhengzhou's top attractions

随着高铁的开通,北京至郑州的交通

更加便捷,郑州市旅游局希望籍此机

会吸引读者游览来推广当地的旅游。

Time Out Beijing提供的方案:

1. 组织30多位外籍读者进行了为期两

天的“郑州周末游”,同时邀请了解

郑州历史文化的美国教授做导游,

为团队介绍郑州当地的历史人文知

识。

2. 连续多期刊登介绍郑州不同景点及

风貌的特殊推广内容。

China Radio International kicked off its Chopsticks & Beyond programme and wanted a media and event organiser to fi nd talent and publicise the event.Time Out Beijing solution:1. Created and managed three

Chopsticks & Beyond events; two in Bejing, one in TIanjin.

2. Used Time Out resources to fi nd talent (chefs from 5-star hotels and expat students from international schools).

3. Gave post-event coverage with each event.

4. Further coverage via Time Out's digital platforms.

中国国际广播电台推出系列“美食

活动”,希望与媒体合作进行活动

设计及品牌推广。

Time Out Beijing提供的方案:

1. 策划并组织了三场美食活动,其

中两场在北京,一场在天津。

2. 通过杂志资源邀请相关行业人士

参加活动,包括邀请五星级酒店

主厨及国际学校学生参与活动。

3.在活动结束后,通过杂

志进行后续报道,继续扩

大活动影响力。

3. 通过Time Out网站和微

信等电子平台对活动进

行后续报道,扩大活动

的传播度。

Print 出版物

On Site 活动现场

Case studies 案例分析

City Guide Time Out Seoul GuideTaikoo Li Dining Guide

Heineken branding

Film Festival 2014

Zhengzhou Tours

10th Anniversary PartyBar & Club Awards 2014

Stella Artois & Time Out Ski Tour

Food Awards 2014Stella Artois & Time Out

Food Awards 2014

Heineken branding

10th Anniversary Party

Zhengzhou Tours

Film Festival 2014

Zhengzhou Tours

Bar & Club Awards 2014

Zhengzhou Tours

12 www.timeoutbeijing.com September 2014 September 2014 www.timeoutbeijing.com 13

Promotional FeaturePromotional Feature

During ancient times, the key position of Zhengzhou city in Henan province along the Yellow River ensured that it was the axis of

Chinese civilisation; it would become the home of the country’s common ancestors, witness the birth of Chinese Buddhism, and produce powerful businessmen who owed their fortune to the convenient transportation along the river.

Now, in modern times, Zhengzhou is still a vital transport hub in China, having replaced boats with trains and planes, while the cityscape is undergoing formidable development with a goal to becoming one of the most modern cities in the country. With world-class architecture, impressive night time illuminations as well as a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to youth hostels, Zhengzhou is an ideal destination for a festive getaway from Beijing.

World-class architectureShowing great foresight, Zhengzhou began its modernising project as early as 1898, when foreign companies were first granted concessions

A glittering development project, Zhengzhou is ideal for a festive break any time of the year

to build major railway lines across the country. The city grew quickly over the next five decades and became the provincial capital in 1954, securing its key role in the country’s industrial network.

Over the last few decades, the city has turned its attention to making itself a leading commercial destination, doubling its size and creating top-class business and entertainment areas, and when you step out of the railway station you can

instantly see that the project is well on its way. Unfinished skyscrapers sparkle in the sun as cranes loom over them, getting their work done at mesmerising speed. The city’s geography is simple and grand: the Erqi Memorial stands at its heart, with five major roads stretching out from that point to cover the rest of the city. For the most glittering examples of modern architecture, head straight to Zhengzhou New District. It was designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won a competition in 2003 to build up this area.

First to catch your eye is the Provincial Art Centre, shaped like a traditional musical instrument, or a collection of five huge golden eggs. It’s the art hub of the city, with a concert hall, a gallery, an exhibition space and theatres all located in one compound. Next, take a look at the Convention Centre, ambitiously built on a suspender and cable framework, whose capacity is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. With no expense spared in facilities or equipment, these two buildings are hoping to draw international crowds of world-class calibre.

Those international guests could hop across the road to stay in a self-proclaimed six-star luxury skyscraper hotel, whose shape was inspired by the Songyue Pagoda near Shaolin temple.

All these pieces of bold architecture are brought together around the man-made Dragon Lake, whose illumination shows with water jets reaching the height of the surrounding buildings make it a good spot for a post-dinner stroll.

Shopping, food and entertainmentAll the city’s main shopping, restaurant and entertainment areas are within walking distance from the Erqi Memorial, convenient for some Christmas shopping and a merry knees-up. For a bit of historical Zhengzhou, head to the Dehua Commerical Walking Street, a commerical thoroughfare which has been used for trading for over a century. As you wander through its streets, keep a look out for the famous Chinese dates, the jujube. It’s one of Zhengzhou’s local specialities, treasured through time for its health benefits that supposedly help nourish the stomach, cleanse the spleen, replenish blood and strengthen immunity.

The stomach is indeed well looked after in Zhengzhou. Since much of Chinese civilisation is rooted in this area, it’s no surprise that Henan

cuisine is one of China’s oldest cooking styles. Many of its signature dishes are soups, and the overall taste of Henan cuisine is gentle and tender.

To sample the best, start with the Yellow River carp, commonly enjoyed in a baked noodle dish, one of the most traditional dishes in Henan cuisine. Cooked in sweet and sour sauce, the carp is wrapped with fried and dried noodles that absorb the flavour. Another local favourite is huimian, a rich and warming mutton noodle soup, whose vibrant flavours owe a lot to mushrooms, coriander and other vegetables and herbs. For a pure soup option, try hulatang, a spicy and sour affair with beef, glass noodles, seaweed and vegetables. And for a light snack, sniff out some zhengjiao, steamed dumplings with meat and onion.

After a hearty meal, take a stroll in one of the city’s numerous parks and gardens. The main one is Renmin Park, where you’ll see locals doing taichi and flying kites. It also has an amusement park with a rollercoaster, dodgems and even a place where you can bungee jump. For a quieter option, head to Zijingshan Park, wander around the small pavilions that surround the lake, and listen to amateur opera singers break into song.

To end the trip in comfortable bliss, head to the Jiangnanchun Hot Springs. Containing over 90 minerals, be prepared to emerge refreshed and detoxed for your trip back to Beijing.

Essential travel information•�The�high-speed�rail�to�Zhengzhou�leaves�regularly from Beijing West train station starting at 7am daily.

•��The�journey�costs�around�300RMB�each�way for second-class seats, and takes approximately three hours.

•�Alternatively,�there�are�three�flights�daily�from�Beijing to Zhengzhou, which cost around 1,300RMB return, and take an hour and a half each way.

Recommended 3-day Zhengzhou ItineraryDay 1 Hop onto the high-speed train from Beijing.On arrival, head to the Henan Museum and take in China’s massive history. Afterwards, make a beeline for the century-old Dehua Commerical Walking Street for some retail therapy and enjoy the night life after.

Day 2 Get out of town to visit Shaolin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the founder of Zen Buddhism settled and spread the art of kungfu. Also go to Kangbaiwan, the luxurious residence of the Kang family, a legendary millionaire clan.

Day 3Take a healthy soak at the Jiangnanchun Hot Springs where you can also enjoy a programme of spa therapies to brace yourself for the return to the urban jungle that is Beijing.

Modern calling Left: The modern cityscape with the commanding presence of the JW Marriot Hotel in the centre of the city’s modern development. Top: The art hub of the city – the Provincial Art Centre. Bottom: The shopping hub of Zhengzhou: Baolong City

Zhengzhou: A modern city

Zhengzhou’s cityscape is undergoing formidable

development

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If you want to get out of Beijing for the Spring Festival, and go somewhere that’s easy to get to and offers a wealth

of culture and entertainment, then look no further than Zhengzhou. The provincial capital of Henan province, the city of Zhengzhou has historically been at the heart of Chinese civilisation: it’s the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, the home of the country’s common ancestors, and the spot where businessmen in imperial China built their fortune thanks to convenient transportation along the Yellow River. In recent times, the city has invested heavily in development, and now boasts world-class architecture and luxury hotels.

Cultural treasuresA must-see attraction in Zhengzhou is the famous Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The founder of Zen Buddhism, came from India to China in the early sixth century and settled here at Shaolin. The story goes that he was dismayed to see the

There’s no better time to visit the city of Zhengzhou than during the Chinese New Year

Shaolin monks physically weak from hours of meditation and, declaring that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, began to whip them into shape by teaching them self-defence moves. This had the added bonus of the monks being able to protect the temple from local bandits, guaranteeing their art of combat to grow and spread. Now, foreigners can learn kungfu at the Shaolin Wushu International Center, which balances rigorous training with access to cable TV and internet.

Wander through the temple complex and its open courtyards, and watch the monks in yellow garments serenely going about their chores before disappearing into the no-entry areas. Among the more striking sights are the large dents in the stone floor inside the Pilu Pavilion, made by dedicated monks in the Qing dynasty who practised their martial arts in secret when it was banned. You can also sample the temple’s vegetarian cuisine and catch the regular 40-minute live kungfu show, where you can see Shaolin monks break iron bars across their heads and manipulate swords with mesmerising ferocity and grace. Between February 2 and 26, the temple hold a Chinese

New Year folk performance every morning, featuring drums and lion dance.

Fast forward eight centuries from Bodhidharma’s highkicking years, and Zhengzhou was witnessing another phenomenon: the meteoric rise of businessmen who took advantage of education, connections and opportunity in imperial China to accrue an unprecedented amount of wealth. The Kang family, whose residence on the banks of the Luo river is known as Kangbaiwan, was a particularly extravagant example. Over 400 years, the family grew from restaurant owners to dons of the business world with offices as far as Tokyo. Walk around the well-restored maze of buildings, vaults and secret getaway caves, and relive the luxurious life of the Kang clan through thoughtful displays of original furniture and large-scale models. The best time to see all this is during Spring Festival when it will host a series of events such as “God of Wealth Sends Out Gold”, “God of Fortune Sends Out Blessings” ; all of which are held with festive foods, temple fairs and the Heluo

Drum Drama.Another must-visit location in Zhengzhou

is the Henan museum, where you can get a sense of the region’s crucial contribution to Chinese civilisation. With free entry and

detailed explanations in fluent English, the museum has an

impressive catalogue of archaeological artifacts that takes you through the region’s

stunning history starting from the Neolithic Age. Here you can see an excellent collection of pottery, porcelain and musical instruments including the oldest bronze

drinking vessel in the world.Finally, for a spot of outdoor

sightseeing, head to the Yellow River Scenic Park, and head up to

the Jimu Pavilion on Five Dragon Peak for a panoramic view, or to the

twin statues of Yellow and Yan emperors looming 50 metres tall over a massive ceremonial square.

If you have time, venture out to Ciyun temple in Gongyi, a tranquil, spiritual spot hidden in the mountains, and then venture further to the Gongyi grottos to see beautiful carvings of Buddha.

Modern pleasuresIn Zhengzhou, you can enjoy modern comforts. All the main shopping, restaurant and entertainment areas are within walking distance from the centrally located Erqi Memorial. Around Chinese New Year, you’ll find many buy-one-get-one-free deals or discounts. The Zhengzhou New District, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Kisho Kurokawa, is especially impressive. Look out for the Provincial Art Centre that looks like a collection of five huge eggs, where on December 31 you can catch a New Year’s Concert performed by Naples Royal Philharmonic.

While you’re in Zhengzhou, try Henan cuisine. It’s one of China’s oldest cooking styles, and is gentle and tender. Start with the Yellow River carp, commonly enjoyed in a baked noodle dish. Cooked in sweet and sour sauce, the carp is wrapped with fried and dried noodles that absorb the flavour. Another local favourite is huimian, a rich and warming mutton noodle soup, whose vibrant flavours owe a lot to mushrooms, coriander and other vegetables and herbs. Finally, to end the trip in comfortable bliss, head to the Jiangnanchun Hot Springs, which contains over 90 minerals. Be prepared to emerge refreshed and detoxed for your trip back to Beijing.

Festive fun Far left: Shaolin temple; above: Kangbaiwan; below: twin statues of Yan and Yellow emperors and Zhengzhou New District

Zhengzhou isthe birthplace

of Chinese Buddhism

Zhengzhou: Your Ideal Getaway

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