Pink Day 2012: Help Fundraise More for Breast Cancer

Beijing’s First-Ever Pink Day 2012 Launch in Central Park

This past Sunday, May 20th saw Beijing’s first Pink Day, a fun food and activities fair dedicated to Breast Cancer Prevention with all funds raised to support the China Breast Cancer Foundation‘s various projects and impoverished mothers with breast cancer.

Hosted by the China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company, the event featured a wide host of generous vendors (hotels, restaurants, spas and wellness groups) selling great products to do their part in this fundraising campaign.

Food & Activity Stalls Galore at Pink Day 2012 in Central Park

From GungHo! Pizza to Lollipop Bakery’s delicious cupcakes, a jewelry stall, a Merry-Go-Round for kids and a Mashup Sports & Social Toss-Up for those with good aim, there was something for everyone of all ages and interests at Beijing’s first-ever Pink Day.

Friendly Smiles and Generous Donors at Pink Day 2012

The fair also featured a Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center for FREE Breast Cancer Screenings (only 15 minutes per person for free screening) made available onsite at Pink Day with doctors from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital who gave on-site consultations.

FREE Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center at Pink Day 2012

They had a goal of RMB 100,000 and after a fun-filled day of food and activities outdoors in Central Park, they raised RMB 94,000. Just RMB 6,000 shy of reaching their goal, May Cheng, owner of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat has put out the request for extra donations to help them reach their goal.

“I would like to ask if you happen to be in Central Park, do drop your pocket change as a small donation into the Donation Box which can be found in our Spa.  I would then turn in the box to Savills Property Management to submit it to China Breast Cancer Foundation. Or if you wish to donate a larger sum, please proceed to Savills Management Office at Tower 3 or get in touch with Diana To (diana.to@savills.com.cn) and they should be able to assist in getting an official receipt for tax relief purposes.”

- May Cheng, Owner of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat and Pink Day 2012 Organizer/Volunteer

For all the women you care about, please do your part and join in the fight against breast cancer by simply donating as little or as much as you can! The donation box will be available until the end of this week so hurry and act now!

To get you all a little more inspired, check out snapshots of all the volunteers, generous donors and people who came out to join in Pink Day 2012 all-day festivities.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Pink Day 2012:

Friends of Pink Day / Peace for Humanity Joins Fight for Breast Cancer

Secret Mustard Recipe Mrs. Dupps Makes Debut at Pink Day 2012

Mashup Sport & Social Hosts Fundraising Games for Pink Day

Bouncy Castle / Food Stalls at Pink Day

Jia Hau Jewelry / Lollipop Bakery Cupcakes

Fairmont Sells Giant Cookies, Brownies & Sandwiches to Fundraise for Pink Day

Pink Day Hosts: China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) & Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company

Painting T-Shirts to Tossing Basketballs: Fun Activities for Kids

Entertainment for Kids / Raising Awareness / Breast Cancer Survivors Performance

LumDimSum & May Cheng (owner of Hummingbird Spa) Proudly Holding Donation Box

About China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)

The China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) under China Social Work Association is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2008 with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. Mr. Xu Ruixin, the primary vice minister of Civil Affairs of China, is the director-general of CBCF. Dr. Xu Guangwei, a well-known cancer expert and director-general of the Chinese Cancer Prevention Association, is the vice director-general of CBCF.

The mission of CBCF is to mobilize social resources to raise public awareness and knowledge about breast cancer, fund research and development in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and promote early diagnosis and early treatment techniques for breast cancer in medical organizations.

For more info, click here for CBCF’s official website. 

Beijing’s first Pink Day 2012 raises RMB 94,000!

Help them reach their goal of RMB 100,000 by Donating a Little Cash

Pink Day Charity Fair: Where Wellness Takes Flight

Beijing’s first Pink Day 2012 will be hosted in Central Park

Beijing’s very first Pink Day 2012 is a fun food fair dedicated to Breast Cancer Prevention with FREE Breast Cancer Screenings (only 15 minutes per person for free screening) made available and onsite doctors from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital will be made available for on-site consultation as well as the well-known Breast Cancer Professor Guangwei Xu and Doctor Hui Yu.

For all the women you care about, come out and join in the fight against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center

Hosted by the China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company, this event has over 1,000 expected guests and a wide host of vendors including Beijing’s most dynamic restaurants, spas, wellness groups and health service providers.

More than just food and activities relating to breast health (free mini lectures, consultations, and examinations), there will also be a charity garage sale, a bounce house and lucky draw where winners can score a free iPhone, hotel stays Health Club Membership and restaurant vouchers.

All funds raised in this event will support the China Breast Cancer Foundation‘s various projects and impoverished mothers with breast cancer.

Special thanks to the owners of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat and Wellness Spa, who are actively engaging the Beijing community to get involved and do their part.  We’re trying to raise at least RMB 100k so please help us spread the word for this great outdoor fair.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012

• Time: 1PM-5PM

• Location: Central Park

• Address: Central Park on Chaowai Dajie 朝外大街6号新城国际

• To Volunteer or Get More info: Email pr@hummingbird.net.cn 

About China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)

The China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) under China Social Work Association is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2008 with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. Mr. Xu Ruixin, the primary vice minister of Civil Affairs of China, is the director-general of CBCF. Dr. Xu Guangwei, a well-known cancer expert and director-general of the Chinese Cancer Prevention Association, is the vice director-general of CBCF.

The mission of CBCF is to mobilize social resources to raise public awareness and knowledge about breast cancer, fund research and development in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and promote early diagnosis and early treatment techniques for breast cancer in medical organizations.

For more info, click here for CBCF’s official website.

The Hills are Alive with Cherry Blossoms

Surrounded by a Sea of Cherry Blossoms

A few weeks belated, but better late than never.  A symbol of Spring in China, cherry blossoms are normally known to come out beginning of April, but already in the middle of the month, cherry blossoms are in full swing right now.

For only two weeks out of the entire year, cherry blossoms spread across the mountains along the Great Wall, splashing the hills with splotches of pink and white. It’s a trip worth taking to bear witness to this sight worth seeing.

With such a transient, short-lived existence, I will make it a point to drop whatever plans may have been to make the journey up north to the hills to savor this rare gift from nature. You can see here my very first experience hiking on the Great Wall hike surrounded by cherry blossoms.

It’s been said that these cherry blossoms are symbolic of mortality and an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, but they are also an omen of good fortune (a popular omen in China) and an emblem of love and affection.

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Regardless of any superstitions, cherry blossoms are stunning and these little flowers make all the difference after a long and dry, brittle winter.

Follow me along my two hour hike along the wall and you will find that the deeper I trekked, the more the cherry blossoms began to uncover themselves, which made each step further that much more rewarding.

Reaching the base of the Wall, I did a little Rocky dance

Health Rave by The Hutong & Heyrobics

Heyrobics Makes Running & Fitness Fun Again

The Hutong and Heyrobics are teaming up to bring great food, drinks, music and exercise together for one event called The Health Rave on Sunday, April 29 from 11AM to 3PM.

The rave begins at Ditan Park with a warm-up session and Heyrobics aerobics followed by a 4 km run through the park and back streets of Beijing with the final destination being The Hutong, where participants will be rewarded with a BBQ, drinks and music on the terrace.

Run from Ditan Park to The Hutong

For those with an interest in learning some some mean kitchen skills, The Hutong is hosting three different additional 1 hour workshops (from 2-3PM)  that all are welcome to join in on including a “Race Fast Gourmet Pasta Cooking Class”, “Power Cooking Making Workshop” or “Luscious Chocolate and Tea Tasting Workshop”. Each of these additional activities will have a discount rate of RMB 150 per person (RMB 100 for members).

For those who stick around, the event will wrap up at 4PM with an interactive talk called “Tales from An Ultra Athlete – a photographic insight into the toughest times that athletes choose to endure!”

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012

• Time: 11AM-4:30PM

• Location: The Hutong

• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号

  Map & Directions: Click here.

• Website: Click here for more info. 

Transform Yourself: WHS 12-Week Challenge!

Have you seen the dramatic results documented on the show The Biggest Loser? The World Health Store is about to launch it’s 3rd annual 12-Week Challenge, a body transformation program to help participants either to lose weight or gain muscle.  The results are incredible and pretty equivalent to what’s been achieved on The Biggest Loser.

Last year’s Beijing winner, Nate Holdstein, was thoughtful enough to call me out of the blue last year to say thank you for posting about last year’s 12-Week Challenge because he said he would never have heard of it if I didn’t post about the challenge on LDS! I’m still waiting to see his inspiring video of how he worked so hard to lose over 15% body fat and change his life for the better, but he’s posted his Before & After Pictures on the WHS website and given his story here on how the 12-Week Challenge continues to change his life as he is getting ready to enter again in this year’s challenge ”to push myself to get rid of the fat that really doesn’t want to go away”.  

Last year’s Shanghai winner, Iannique Renaud from Canada also has a similar story that is no less impressive and moving. An ex-professional hockey player, he managed to lose 24 kilos and his moving essay was so inspiring, WHS has re-printed it on their website for you to read here.

Taking place in Beijing and Shanghai, this health chain is gaining momentum and it’s really motivating to see how they’re helping more and more of us to look and feel our best!

“The WHS 12WK Challenge is our most important program as we become so intertwined with peoples’ lives in their efforts to transform themselves into healthier beings.  WHS reaches out to our Challengers to provide them professional nutrition advice and gather our network of experts to help all in the community to truly transform.   It is one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences to see so many reach their health goals through the WHS 12WK Challenge.” – Drew Campbell, CEO and Founder of WHS

From seeing previous year’s results, that ought to be motivating enough to get you running over to your gym.  Many of the participants lost an impressive double-digit amount of weight over the course of 12 weeks.

To sign up, the fee is RMB 300 per applicant and you will get a free full body analysis report including measurements such as circumference measurements, body fat %, BMI (Body Mass Index), BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) along with the recommended kg weight loss required to be healthy.  During the 12 weeks, all participants will also be given a jam-packed schedule inclusive of nutrition classes and counseling offered by WHS and partners, along with fitness classes ranging from Heyrobics, Circuit Training, Boxing, Zumba, Capoeira Mandinga, Weight Training, etc.

2012 will have four winning titles - Mr. & Ms. Amazing (weight loss) and Mr. & Ms. Fit (muscle gain).  Winners are rewarded with over 1,000,000 RMB in products, services and prizes ranging from weekend hotel stays to spa memberships to an IntelaMetrix Ultrasound BodyMetrix machine.

With an Official Weigh-in on April 6 and fitness classes starting on May 6, here’s how to sign up for a chance to transform your body and mind here.

Learn Qi Gong & Healthier Living Habits with Alex Tan

Alex Tan leading Qi Gong in ‘Eat Sleep Breathe’ Workshop 

When I first signed up for Alex Tan’s 5 week “Eat Sleep Breathe” workshop at The Hutong, I did not expect the impact it has had on my life.

My original intentions for signing myself up a month and a half ago was inspired by a general effort to be more active this year and take on healthier living habits. So when Mark from the Hutong first told me that Alex’s workshop would “change my life”, I have to admit, I was skeptical.  But over the course of the past five weeks, I have totally changed my daily habits around for the better and it’s all thanks to Alex Tan.

In bed by 11PM, up at 6:30 every morning and enough time to practice the Eight Golden Treasures Qi Gong exercises and make a hot breakfast every morning before heading off to work, I am so impressed that I’ve been able to stick with this new regime. I’ve never been a morning person, I used to save most of my work for post-midnight when I found myself most productive, but going to bed earlier and doing what I need to get done first thing in the morning is just as productive and I feel more rested with this schedule than if I slept the same amount of hours pushed back.

More than just a Qi Gong exercise workshop, Alex Tan’s “Eat Sleep Breathe” workshop is a 5-week course that introduce you to a different perspective on nutrition, diet, and introduces you to a preventative philosophy of living. Instead of just waiting to get sick and cure yourself with a quick-fix, Alex teaches you easy ways to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life for restoring and maintaining energy, being more efficient and feeling more positive.

‘There is a difference between really living and just existing. Existing is instinctual; it is involuntary, reactive, self-preserving, with the primary goal of just getting from one day to the next, without regard to quality. Living, on the other hand is the exercise of certain life skills, attitudes and abilities that you have acquired and honed.’ – Dr Phil (McGraw)

Alex Tan teaches new perspectives on nutrition, the importance of scheduled eating habits and preventative Chinese health

You would think that most of what Alex must preach is common sense stuff like “go to bed earlier” and “remember to exercise and eat regularly”, but I was blown away by the sheer amount of information I learned and really took away from the workshop.  It really changed the way I think about everything – literally everything I have been doing the past 10 years has been possibly harmful to my body and I had no idea about it.  Skipping breakfast or just grabbing a banana on the go, eating late dinners, drinking fruit smoothies all day every day, trying to cut out carbs from my diet are all disastrous and I really thought I was being “healthy”.  Of course there are a million different schools of thought when it comes to nutrition and diet, but for the first time ever in my life, someone has been able to articulately explain to me the philosophy behind Asian nutritional health and it actually makes sense for once.

I’m not kidding when I say Alex Tan is my new hero. He is motivating, he’s a living example and proof that what he teaches works and he truly wants to educate people on taking a more active stance on their own health.

I highly recommend everyone and their mom (I would totally take my Mom to Alex’s workshop if she was in Beijing!) to sign up for Alex’s next workshop starting May 5 (with a free introduction talk on April 28).  For more information, click here.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the 8 Golden Treasures Qi Gong Workshop:

Taken the day after that random snow dump last weekend, Alex reviews the Eight Golden Treasures with our class on the rooftop of The Hutong. The skies were blue, the weather was warming up and the last bits of snow added such a nice touch to the backdrop of traditional Chinese rooftops all around us.

Learn how to live a healthier life in Beijing

Get Running & Train: HeyRunning Spring Camp 2012

This past Sunday, I joined Heyrobics for their monthly People’s Run in Chaoyang Park.  Running 5K total, they took us all through Chaoyang Park, stopping only for interval strengthening exercises like arm lifts, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc.) My first major work-out of 2012, I have literally been so sore that my legs haven’t been working the past two days.

But this is just a taste of how effective Heyrobics and HeyRunning work-outs are. With an upcoming 10K run for the Northface 100 Challenge and a half marathon in June with the Genghis Khan Festival in Inner Mongolia, I’m convinced that the best way to prepare for both races is with the aid of HeyRunning!

Once again, they are hosting their annual HeyRunning Spring Camp in just a few weeks!  Starting March 11, 2012, they just opened registration this past Sunday, Feb. 26.  Don’t wait to sign up because the first 50 slots get to sign up for discounted price of RMB 500 (normal price is RMB 700) for 10 weeks of non-stop running training with at least two sessions every week and personalized coaching from running pros (yes, I consider the HeyRunning team to consist of an elite team of running coaches)!

And Heyrobics Founder Linus Holmsäter said that last year, the 50 slots sold out in just 7 days, so hurry before this deal runs out! To sign up, just email heyrunning@heyrobics.com with your name, age, contact info and goals of signing up for this running camp (training for a marathon or just joining to get fit?)

Run Harrowthon 2012 & Fund Two Baby Operations

Harrow International School Beijing is partnering up with The Hutong Team to put on a 10k Fun Run on March 18, 2012 (their 3rd Annual Harrowthon) to fund surgeries for two babies at Feng Tai Orphanage.

With a goal of raising RMB 50,000, they hope raise enough funds to give two babies life changing operations.

“Zhao Chang Hao is a 3 month old baby suffering from a cleft lip and cleft palette. Chang Hao is hoping to have his first surgery in March and a further operation six months later to solve both problems. His operations will cost 10,000RMB.”

“Zhao Pu Si is a 13 month old baby girl. She has hydrocephalus, also known as “water in the brain”. The condition is caused by a build up of spinal fluid in the brain and can cause increased pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head, convulsion, tunnel vision, and mental disability. Hydrocephalus can also cause death. Zhao Pu Si’s operation will cost 40,000RMB to remove the fluid from the brain and allow her to live a healthy life.” – Harrow International School

Race will take place at Harrow International School Beijing Lower School in Grassetown at 10AM.  Click here for SIGN UP FORM.

With a minimum age requirement of 11, expect runners of all ages and skills including Harrow’s students and faculty. Fee for Participating Adults is RMB 100 and for those Under 18, the fee is RMB 50.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012
• Time: 10AM-Noon
• Location: Harrow International School Beijing Lower School in Grassetown
• Sign Up: Click here.

Hiking to the Peak of Yang Tai Shan Mountain 阳台山

Yang Tai Shan 阳台山 is a hike I tried once last winter, but only made it halfway up through the snowfall as one hiker fell ill and my shoes were drenched wet trekking through the snow.  We didn’t summit the peak as planned, but the scenery was stunning as it had been snowing all morning and everything was covered in white snow. Click here for photos and previous post of my hike on Yang Tai Shan 阳台山.

This time around, we were lucky to score a perfect hiking day.  Not too hot and (finally) not too cold, there was little wind and hardly any one in sight.

To get there, we took the subway to Beigongmen 北宫门 by the Summer Palace on Line 4 of the subway and then hopped on Bus 346 to Bei An He 北安河 (about 12 stops from Beigongmen). Total transport time is about an hour and a half (considering we met at Liangmaqiao subway station).

From bus stop to the entrance, we found our way by just walking up towards the mountains (which took about 30-40 minutes). Passing through the town, picking up extra water and snacks for the hike, we hopped over some railroad tracks and found our way to the mountain hike’s entrance.

Getting There: Over the Railroad Tracks @ Bei An He 北安河:

Random Statues by the Railroad Tracks

LumDimSum Snapshots of Yang Tai Shan 阳台山 Hike:

The entrance of Yang Tai Shan 阳台山:

We were told the hike would take about 3-4 hours and even with a speedy hike up with barely any breaks and hopping down the mountain twice as fast as we climbed up, the total hike to the peak and back down to the entrance was probably around 3 hours (but 4 hours from bus stop back to bus stop).  The hike was not very steep, but the uphill climb of rocky stairs seemed endless and I have my sore legs to prove it! 

And the Yang Tai Shan 阳台山 Hike Begins Up a Rocky, Cobblestoned Path:

Making our way between giant boulders and up towards the sunlight:

Slowly rising above the pollution with a better view:

Feeling ‘HAPPY’ all the way (It wasn’t me who graffiti’ed on the boulder):

At last we reach the peak:

And treated to a sight for sore eyes:

The view was a nice treat at the top, to rise above the hovering, low-hanging pollution and see the beautiful scenery around us.  On one side, we could see the trail that runs from Fragrant Hills to Summer Palace and the other side was Beijing from a distance.  

Feeling a bit like jello, with legs shaking and barely able to withstand the weight of my own body, we made our way back to Beijing the same way we came, but with a colorful sunset to bid us farewell.

A great hike, I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the great outdoors and wants to get away from the crowds of Beijing.  You’ll hardly run into any other people along the way and the scenery is lovely.  But be forewarned, your legs will turn to jello by the end!

And even a sunset as we say goodbye and return home:

Genghis Khan Festival: Run & Bike in Inner Mongolia

The beginning of 2012 and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon brings new aspirations, new dreams, motivation for better lifestyle decisions and a drive to reach new goals.

Among the many new years goals I’ve set for myself, one is to kick myself into shape and train for the half marathon.

I had originally planned to run the Great Wall Marathon in May (which I may very well still run), but I just recently found out about the Genghis Khan MTB Adventure & Grassland Marathon in Inner Mongolia at the end of June (thanks to the adventurous and active Erin Henshaw).

So rather than risk running on a dreadfully polluted Beijing city, you can run on through the fresh and natural grasslands of Inner Mongolia!

“The Genghis Khan Festival consists of two different sports disciplines: mountainbiking and cross country running. Mountainbikers are being offered a 3-day stage competition with a total length of 200km, while runners get the chance of running a full marathon distance offroad. Both events take place in the grasslands surrounding Xiwuqi town and cater for all levels of athletes as shorter distances are also available.”

Eager to sign up? Just follow these easy-peasy steps and you’ll be good to go!

1. Book Your Plane Ticket.  There are round trip tickets from Beijing to Xilinhaote for only RMB 1,280. There is one flight running every day leaving Beijing 07:10AM and arriving at 08:25AM in Xilinhaote Airport. Return flights leave Xilinhaote at 9:25AM and arrive back in Beijing at 10:30AM. You will want to hurry to book your seats as there is only ONE flight per day! You can book tickets on AirChina here.

2. Sign Up on the Genghis Khan Grassland Extreme Marathon website by clicking here to sign up for either the marathon or the MTB Adventure Mountain Bike Competition.  Lock in early bird pre-registration prices now by signing up online.  10K and half-marathon is RMB 150, Marathon is RMB 200 and  MTB Bike Adventures are RMB 200, 300, or 400 depending on how many race days you want to sign up for. Students get a 50% discount and teams of 5 or more also get a cheaper sign-up rate.

3. Your Stay: You can choose various travel packages from 3-6 days and basically everything from transport to accommodation and food is all included!  Transport is easy by Nordic Ways who provide daily airport transport to and from the event site.  Living Arrangements are also accommodating with different travel packages.  Click here for your list of options, but basically you can either stay in a 4-star hotel in the town center or you can choose to stay at Mongolia yurts in the ancient Imperial City of Kharakhorum which is 20 km away from town in the grasslands. Single yurts are first come, first serve but they also have a range of yurts that can accommodate up to 6 people. All daily meals are included including a BBQ and bonfire party. I recommend Travel Package B (4 Days, 3 Nights) so you have an extra day of rest after your marathon and you won’t have to miss the famous local lamb hot pot dinner on Sunday night!

For further inquiries and concerns, you can contact the organizers directly to help you book a yurt, find vegetarian meals, or save you a seat on the bus from the airport:  Jenny.zhao@nordicways.com

Grasslands of Inner Mongolia

If you’re keen to start training for the marathon earlier, you can also sign up here for the North Face 10KM/50KM/100KM Race in May 2012.

If you sign up before March 20, 2012, you can lock in pre-registration fees: 10k (RMB 90), 50k (RMB 300), 100k (RMB 500).

For more info, click here.

Free Preventative Health Talk by TCM Specialist Alex Tan

A qualified TCM practitioner and educator, Alex Tan of Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practicing for over 8 years.

“Immersing himself in ancient traditions embodied in the lifestyles and culture of everyday Chinese people, Alex is well aware of the problems associated with modern TCM in the hospital system in China and aims at providing a more holistic and personal style of healthcare focusing on effective communication and information.”

On Saturday, February 11, The Hutong is offering a unique opportunity to attend an hour and a half discussion led by Alex Tan to learn how we can use both eastern and western ideas to improve our health and how to incorporate these into our daily lives in both a practical and useful way.

“Alex believes the true treasures of Chinese medicine lie in its greater focus on holistic health combined with western natural health concepts, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work, counseling and lifestyle practices. The key focus of his approach is not only to assist the healing process through TCM treatment, but also in learning how we can live in accordance with nature to avoid illness and disease.” 

To sign up for this free preventative health discussion, click here.

How is this class free you ask? Well, this is a lead in to a 5 session “Eat Sleep Breathe” Workshop in the following weeks. More information can be found on The Hutong’s Website.

“In this five-session ‘Eat Sleep Breathe’ workshop we aim to help you to lift the veil on some of the ideas and philosophy behind Asian health and lifestyle practices. The goal of this program is that you will acquire a basic understanding of the concepts of traditional Chinese health & longevity. The aim is to also to become proficient in an authentic set of ancient Qi Gong exercises, leaving you with the motivation and ability to include these positive rhythms into your daily life. ”

Here’s to a healthier new year with long-lasting, new lifestyle practices!

 Alex Tan Teaches Qi Gong at The Hutong

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Time: 10AM-11:30AM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号
• RSVP: Click here to sign up.
• Website: Click here.

About Alex Tan’s Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic: 

Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic is open 5 days a week for acupressure and related treatments.

• Individualised and personal treatment with a focus on holistic health, effective communication & information for English speakers
• Treatment and assistance designed to help you understand your imbalance and what you can do about it using Chinese medicine dietary therapy, Qigong, positive psychology and daily rhythms
• Acupressure, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua-sha & Massage
• Lifestyle Consultation – How to gain greater health & happiness using ancient Chinese health knowledge; for people who want to increase health awareness and discover balance through positive interventions

Click here for Clinic Location and Times.

Hike and Explore Beijing’s Fragrant Hills in Peace

Beijing’s Fragrant Hills 香山 are a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, particularly when the seasons are changing – when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or the leaves are changing colors.

It’s pretty much the dead of winter at this time of year, but I also think this is one of the best times of year to hike up Beijing’s Fragrant Hills. I like to savor the few moments where I can feel like I get to enjoy a place all to myself. No more crowds, making way for big groups of people crawling up or coming down, people playing techno music out of their hiking backpacks. And best of all – no more booming fireworks blasting into my ear drums at all hours of the day (and night).

I much prefer a hike that’s spacious, quiet and peaceful and when the air is brisk and fresh to keep you cool as you hike up an endless mountain of stone stairs.

Sounds a bit daunting, but once you reach the top, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the entire Beijing city on one side and rolling mountains on the other. You may already be breathless from the steep hike up, but that does not mean the view is any less breathtaking in itself.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Beijing’s Fragrant Hills 香山:

Directions to Fragrant Hills Park 香山公园: 

• Taxi: You can go directly to Fragrant Hills 香山公园
• Subway: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and get off from Exit A. Then transfer to bus 331 or 696 to Xiangshan Station. 
• Take bus 318, 331, 360, 714, 696, 698 and get off at Xiang Shan Station.
   Beijing Bus / Subway Search
• Tickets: RMB 5 (Nov. 15-Mar. 31) or RMB 10 (Apr. 1-Nov. 15)

LDS Discovery: GungHo!’s Turkey Hot Pot Tradition

Annual Turkey Hot Pot Tradition

It really should be no surprise that GungHo! Legends John and Jade are the masterminds behind my newest LumDimSum Discovery: Turkey Hot Pot.

LDS Discoveries are normally reserved for finds I uncover in various dining establishments around Beijing (click here for previous posts), but I couldn’t pass up writing about this discovery because this could easily be imitated and replicated in the comfort of anyone’s home! Yes, you can try this at home too!

Always scheming up new adventures, new recipes and new concoctions to share, this happens to be a relatively new tradition (second year running) and John & Jade were kind enough to introduce me to their world of turkey hot pot.

Turkey Chainsaw Massacre

Taking a giant, frozen turkey and slicing the meat into thin slivers and prepping a ton of veggies – pumpkin, sweet potato, brussel sprouts, baby carrots, potato slices and asparagus, we shared three massive pots of boiling turkey broth between 16 of us.  If you can close your eyes and just imagine, the turkey meat is even more juicy and moist in hot pot broth than out of the over! And the boiled vegetables were super healthy and carefully selected to follow in their theme of a classic turkey dinner’s veggie sides, but in Chinese hot-pot dinner style.

And not only did each person get their own sesame dipping sauce, we had cranberry sauce as well -an unexpectedly delish compliment to the savory turkey meat!

Pure Genius: Turkey Hot Pot

Flying Chopsticks Fighting For More Turkey Hot Pot!

As this weekend was Beijing’s first snowfall of the year, a hike on the Great Wall was in order. Needless to say, it was cold, but the sky was bright blue and winds were mild. So in spite of the lack of snow on the wall, it was an invigorating hike with gorgeous views of the mountain side and valleys all around.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hiking on the Great Wall at the First Sign of Snow:

Lane Change: Take the ‘Winter B-Icicle Challenge’

I am a true Beijing biker and damn proud of it.  Some call me crazy, some call me a nutter, some call me a biking Mary Poppins (when it’s raining I often bike while holding an umbrella in one hand), you call me whatever you want, I won’t have it any other way.  I am that stubborn, but for good reason!

Rain or shine, I am biking every day – to work, to meetings and even out to bars/clubs on the weekends.  Fashion doesn’t even hold me back – I bike in miniskirts, in high heels, I’ve done it all.

Bicycling in Beijing really is the only trusted mode of transportation in this manic, traffic-ridden city and it is by far the most efficient way to get around.  You can never hail down a taxi when you’re most in a hurry and of course the same goes for the levels of traffic leaving you in a habit of road rage when you’re not even behind the wheels!

But more important than being punctual, biking is just one more way I can be more green. With both the traffic and pollution become more and more unbearable, I wish more people went back to riding bikes in Beijing…which leads me to Lane Change’s Winter B-Icicle Challenge!

Starting December 1, Lane Change is starting an initiative to encourage everyone in the Northern hemisphere to keep peddling through the winter months

“It’s not difficult to wax lyrical about the joy of cycling. It’s fun, good for your health, better than being stuck in traffic, and gives you an entirely new relationship to a city. And on a larger scale, it’s a much more environmentally friendly option than gas guzzling cars. Something to think about with climate change breathing down our necks.”

Take The Winter B-icicle Challenge!

Why are we doing it?

• To see if we can put our money where our mouth is in regards to living a greener life, and not just when weather permits

• A good time to reflect about those people without homes during winter

• We love riding our bikes and don’t want to go three months without it

• We hate Beijing traffic jams!

Rules. We will ride to work or school everyday unless:

• The road is so icy we’ll most probably break our necks 

• We have a meeting or activity that is more than an hour bike ride away

• We’re so sick with the flu we can’t even be bothered to watch The Wire

To join this global bike gang, sign up here.

Wishing All a Winter of Safe & Happy Biking in Beijing!

Get Inspired to Cook: The Hutong’s Winter Special

I never cook. For someone who enjoys eating food as much as me, it probably sounds a bit odd that I never do.

For the record, I can cook and I used to cook all the time during my college years, but I rarely do it in Beijing.  Especially in a city where it’s so easy and so affordable to eat out, maybe I’ve just gotten lazy.  But I think the main reason behind my lack of cooking is that meals have become such a social event that I would feel quite odd cooking and eating a meal alone in my little apartment.

Although this has become my lifestyle in Beijing, I have actually grown more of an appreciation for home-cooked meals and I have more of a preference towards hanging out with a close group of friends at a home rather than in a restaurant or public setting.

With the weather getting colder, the idea of spending more time indoors becomes more appealing.  Perhaps now is a perfect time to get cozy and spend more time at home making soups and health-nourishing foods.

On this note, The Hutong has just released a “Winter Long Special”, an opportunity to experience up to eight cooking classes for two people at just RMB 1,280 (33% discount).  You can also sign up for 3 cooking classes in one winter month for RMB 480.

This really is the perfect opportunity for those who already love to cook or for those (like me) who want to start learning and getting in the groove of cooking again.

The Hutong’s cooking classes and workshops include (but are not limited to) the following:

About The Hutong: