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Perhaps you are working for a Chinese school or company, you may attend a few business dinners at some point, or maybe you are meeting your significant other’s family during the spring festival in China, Either way, there is lots of drinking involved during these Chinese social events, and the proper etiquette can be elusive. Here are some tips.
In 2021, we here at XIANEASE would like to showcase some of the work and creativity of aspiring writers living here in the city of Xi’an by publishing works of short fiction, poetry, and other forms of self-expression. If you have a piece that you would like to have published, please contact us through our official account or email us at editor@xianease.com
Sitting in the teachers office, notebook in one hand whilst the fingers of the other feathered over the last page of questions I had diligently prepared the night before in an attempt to maintain a sense of professionalism and respect for the place I was sitting, I looked up to Anya, a teacher and the recipient of all my inquiries and confessed the interrogation was over. She smiled with a grin of curiosity and posed a question to me: What made you decide to visit here today?
It was a wet, brutally cold evening when we arrived – snowing lightly, the streets and sidewalks covered with puddles, mud, and leaves. Located a short walk from Nanshaomen Station, the neighborhood is familiar, but has undergone some recent changes. The addition of Takiyoshiya is decidedly a most welcome one.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were instantly transported to Japan: a wave of hot air washed over us, a slightly claustrophobic dining area had colorful posters advertising Suntory highballs, the glow of hidden light strips illuminated the walls, and peeking over the bar counter we could see steaming pots in the kitchen. The icing on the cake, though, was a Japanese cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” playing over the sound system.
Chuan-chuan, for the uninitiated, is a variation on hot pot that serves the typical arrangement of hot pot goods served on skewers instead of the standard trays. Skewers are counted up at the end, just like at barbeque. These restaurants have become increasingly popular over the past several years and for good reason; they offer the best of the hot pot experience, but allow you to eat a greater variety of things without having to massively extend your bill.
2020 has been a rough year for many in the hospitality industry, with many places going under as the year grinded on. But, as old places disappear, new ones pop up to fill the void and one of those is the newly opened Local Club at Localand. Located at Glorious Plaza in Gaoxin, Local Club opened up in mid-November with an idea of becoming a live music venue. .
The space is a relatively intimate one, with just a few tables with comfortable chairs and a long wooden bar with plenty of stools. There is also an upper level with additional seating. A bright neon sign lights up a small stage that has been set up for performances. The place has a very chill vibe, with just a touch of class. The bartenders are all dressed in vests and shirts, and the menu consists of a variety of cocktails, beers, and spirits to satisfy most anyone’s needs.
It used to be that a good cup of coffee was hard to find in Xi’an. Now it seems we are spoiled for choices, with coffee shops popping up everywhere, from large sprawling affairs to smaller boutique places. These places will offer up special varietals of coffee beans from the far reaches of the planet. Quality can sometimes vary though, as all the excitement surrounding coffee has not necessarily gone hand in hand with knowledge of proper preparation.
The groans and hisses of radiators, the prevalence of puffy jackets, and falling of the last few stubborn orange and yellow leaves herald the gradual but certain arrival of winter. We even had our first snowfall of the season on November 22! However, fanatics here often face a difficult question: “How do I do (insert winter sport name) in Xi’an???”
The northern part of China, where Xi’an is located, is generally dry and cold during the winter. According to traditional Chinese medicine, during this time Yin will rise while Yang will decline, so efforts must be taken to balance the Yin and Yang and moisten the lungs with a proper diet.
Here are some local foods and the restaurants to try them in this winter in Xi’an.
Winter is upon us, and while a cold beer never goes out of fashion, sometimes you want something a bit warmer, stronger, and spicier to carry you through the cold winter air. One of the things that fulfills this is mulled wine or Glühwein, a beverage made from the slow simmering of spices, citrus, wine, and sweeteners that is popular the world around. While many have their own secret recipe for the stuff, sometimes it is simply satisfying to walk into a place and order one, especially after having braved the elements to get there. As such, we have gathered together five places that are serving up the hot stuff this winter season.
