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DIALING CODE
+86 (21)
CURRENCY
RMB1 = PHP6.58/US$0.16
TOUCHDOWN
If you’re taking a cab from the
airport (or anywhere in Shanghai), do ask for
the
fapiao
(receipt). This way, in case you forget
something, you have a way of tracking it down.
www.shanghaiairport.com
BY DAY
Tian Zi Fang has little lanes lined with
shops, as well as nice cafés. On the flip side, QiBao
Old Water Town is a rustic side of town, with its old
houses and shops that sell everything from local
sweets to embroidered cheongsams for a steal.
BY NIGHT
The Xin Tian Di offers a wide selection
of food choices, with outlets ranging from local
Shanghainese restaurants to bars that serve
German beer. Take a walk down Huai Hai Zhong Lu
to discover many malls to shop in.
SLEEP
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai has a prime
location — it’s right in front of the famous Nanjing
Pedestrian shopping street and within walking
distance to The Bund.
CHINA
SHANGHAI
BEST BREAKFAST
Wagas at
Gubei offers a cozy environment for a
lazy morning. There’s free WiFi too.
BEST DINNER
Lost Heaven for
Yunnan cuisine. You’re simply going to
want to keep coming back for more!
INSIDER TIP
When bargaining at
shops, slash 30% off the quoted price
and walk away. They’ll usually ask you
back and raise your offer by a fraction.
Jean Lee
homemaker
DIALING CODE
+86 (592)
CURRENCY
RMB1 = PHP6.58/US$0.16
TOUCHDOWN
Arrive at the Xiamen Gaoqi
International Airport. Taxis are located outside the
arrival terminal. The flat rate for cabs is about RMB8
(PHP53) for the first 3km, and an additional RMB2
(PHP13) per extra km. There are also public buses.
BY DAY
Visit Gulangyu Islet, which is known for its
gallery of international architecture with historical
Chinese and foreign colonial buildings. The ferry
ride is just 10 minutes, and you’ll definitely enjoy the
view of its winding coastline.
BY NIGHT
While in Xiamen, there’s no way you
can miss Zhongshan St. — the main shopping
area that is open until 11pm. There are also street
foods around, like stinky tofu and local treats at
Wang Ze He Peanut Soup eatery.
SLEEP
Gulang Yu Island has hotels with prices
starting at RMB146 (PHP961) per night. Got a bigger
budget? Choose Millennium Harbourview Hotel
Xiamen.
bc@millenniumxiamen.com
CHINA
XIAMEN
BEST BREAKAST
Emma’s Brew
House and brunch at V58 Restaurant,
104 No. 27 Hu Bin Bei Lu, Xiamen.
BEST DINNER
The buffet at
Sheraton Hotel Xiamen has both
Chinese and international cuisines.
BESTBUYS
Chinese calligraphy and
paintings that range from RMB70–150
(PHP461–987), and teapots, tea sets
and dried seafood at Gulang Yu.
Emerson
Gatpo
production
designer
DIALING CODE
+886 (2)
CURRENCY
TW$1 = PHP1.39/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
Taxis to the city will cost you
TW$1,100 (PHP1,528). Private bus companies
run trips from both terminals; you’ll pay a more
manageable TW$110–140 (PHP153–194). To get
around, take the MRT.
BY DAY
Taste your way around Taipei. A few of the
areas worth covering during your culinary journey
are: Yong Kang (for Taiwan’s legendary eateries),
Tianmu, Ximending (for tasty duck and noodles),
and Fuxing South (for soybean milk).
BY NIGHT
A lot of shops are open till evening.
Not to be missed in Taipei, however, are the night
markets. Shilin is the biggest and most popular one
of all, offering street eats like stinky tofu, chicken
cutlet, oyster omelette and spare ribs in soup.
SLEEP
Got allergies and asthma? W Taipei’s
PURE Rooms are 99.9% allergy-free, ensuring
you have a sneeze- and worry-free stay.
www.wtaipei.com
TAIWAN
TAIPEI
BESTBREAKFAST
Dan bing
is a
must-try — one layer of omelette with
scallions cooked with a layer of pancake.
BESTDINNER
Try
jian jiao
(Taiwanese pot stickers); it’s delicious,
inexpensive and available all over the city.
INSIDER TIP
If you’re into
electronics, Nova, next to Taipei Main
Station, has good deals on computers.
For cameras, go to Bo Ai Rd.
Jojo Huang
Tang
high school teacher
The Taipei 101 is the world’s tallest green building. It has a
rainwater harvesting system and recycles 61% of its waste.
DIDYOU
KNOW?