Off to The Westin Beijing, with Air Asia X !

There might be fewer posts on CCFoodTravel this coming week as we have been very kindly invited to cover The Westin Beijing Financial Street…and Air Asia X will be flying us over there in comfort!

Located in the heart of Beijing, The Westin Beijing Financial Street is super luxe, is the hotel of choice for international travelers and businessmen/women, and has an array of fine, world-class cuisine apparently. Just 40 minutes from the airport, hotel is conveniently located near the entertainment and shopping district and also the cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall of China, which means we will have plenty of time to explore the city. Will definitely be doing all the 3 Top Things to do in Beijing on this trip as well!

Beijing is one of China’s true ancient citadels. I like it because it’s old… and holds many hidden secrets. Beijing is the seat of the communist political power in China, so its architecture, from felled hutong, to huge underground bomb shelters scooped out during the troubled 1970s, is really something worth spending time exploring. I remember my last trip to Beijing more than 8 years ago (back before my blogging days)… I really liked it, more than I ever liked Shanghai. Beijīng dispenses with the persistent pace of Shanghai or Hong Kong, and locals always seem to have time to play chess, practice Qigong, dance in the parks and watch the world go by.

our room for the week at the Westin – this is the Renewal Room.. I wonder if we will feel brand new after staying here for week?

the pool

The hotel has an amazing spa I am told.. aptly called the Heavenly Spa. I’m eager to check out the hydrotherapy with ancient Chinese-inspired treatments. This spa offers a series of therapies and treatments designed to cast off fatigue, while encouraging balance, repose and wellness. Wow.. I like it already!

ancient Chinese-inspired treatments

We will also be interviewing the Chef, and Director- Kitchens, Chef Stéphane Tremblay. As executive Chef of this 5 star hotel, Stéphane has had over 20 years culinary experience with leading luxury hotels and restaurants. Hospitality industry has taken him from his home in Canada to France, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Before this appointment, he was the Executive Chef for Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, the flagship Le Meridien hotel in China famed for its gastronomic creations. We look forward to interviewing him and sampling his terrific signature dishes.

Director- Kitchens, Chef Stéphane Tremblay

So, we are off to the Westin Beijing. Can’t wait to photograph the city’s impressive historic landmarks – Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and The Great Wall of China. Beijing is an enormous city of nearly 15 million people, with one of the oldest cultures on earth. I only hope we have enough time to do everything!

More on this when we return!

Add:

THE WESTIN BEIJING FINANCIAL STREET
9B, Financial Street, XiCheng District,

Beijing 100140, China

Phone: (86)(10) 6606 8866

all photos courtesy of The Westin Beijing