IES Global

They are free of charge and a must-have resource for Westerners or Westerners-at-heart.... well judging by the masses of Westerners walking around with them like a Lonely Planet book anyhow. Many of these have extra content on their sites in addition to the hard copy magazines available at high-end retail outlets and typical ex-pat haunts.

• The Beijinger. Thebeijinger.com . This monthly magazine is brought to you by the same editorial team that was previously responsible for “That’s Beijing” magazine. The layout and content is pretty much the same as it’s predecessor and for good reason. (See Beijing Boyce). One of the best publications for social butterflies who like to be well informed. The website contains forums and blogs as well where people may mention some hidden gems yet to be covered in print.
• City Weekend. Cityweekend.com.cn . A bi-monthly magazine. This and The Beijinger are the leaders in bringing great content and events to look out for. The website contains a classifieds, enables reviews and events to be added. There is also a nifty function for those who speak little Mandarin but need to show someone directions (namely taxi drivers) to their intended destination. I discovered if you sign up to the site and you can receive directions sent via sms free of charge!
• Agenda. Agendabeijing.com . A bi-monthly magazine with a focus on “nightlife, dining and shopping in the heart of the city.” I quite like the narrow focus of some of the “lists” in addition to editorial recommendations. For example the latest issue I read had a “Forbidden City Feasts” and a “Sushi to Savour” sections which is quite convenient for a food lover like myself. The website is a little lacking although the latest issues are available on it. A useful pocket book for visitors especially with the presence of basic phrases, city and subway maps.
• Urbane. Urbanechina.com . A monthly magazine centred on “architecture, design, lifestyle, travel and real estate.” Content from the magazine can be downloaded in pdf format on the site.
• Beijingboyce.com . I came across this blog which seems to have covered a number of bars I have been to and some that sound quite interesting and that I may never have found out about otherwise. It is written by a local Chinese who provides independent reviews.
• Lostlaowai.com . In case you didn’t understand the translation, it means “lost foreigner.” This site is brought to you by the same person who created The Hao Hao Report. A great area for expats in China to discuss the many happenings and encounters that possibly only a foreigner may experience in this country.
• Lostlaowai.com . A blog about “China’s blogosphere, travel, entrepreneurship and the urban lifestyle.”

These resources should give you a great head’s up for your social activities in Beijing. But if you are like me then there is nothing quite like discovering a place by your own accord and gush then to your friends about your new best-kept secret... That is until one of them trumpets it to one of the above publications!