Asia is a wonderful place to travel and do business. And here are just a few of the
places that are popular to visit and a pleasure to enjoy on your off time.
Beijing
Business has improved steadily and car ownership in this capital has
skyrocketed after the outbreak of SARS in 2003. Real estate is also prosperous in
Beijing. If you really want to learn about Beijing and its culture there are
lectures, classes, calligraphy teaching and walking tours of ancient Beijing, go to
the Chinese Culture Club. There are a number of great places to stay here. The Red
Capital Club residence is a 200 year old courtyard home that also has an excellent
bar and a great selection of Cuban cigars. A favorite for business travelers located
in the city’s central business district is the Kerry Center. This hotel has Centro,
the most talked about bar in the city and is the place to network, impress and
relax. This classy place offers live jazz, the best selections of champagne and wine
and luxurious décor. If you are a sports lover, this is the hotel you should
definitely stay at because it has a swimming pool, rooftop track, and basketball and
tennis courts. The Peninsula Beijing located near Tiananmen Square is a great place
if you want a warm and welcoming hotel. Here you will find hardwood floors and a
basement level restaurant with Fusion cuisine. Beijingers love to eat duck and the
best is served at Kong Yiji which has scenic settings with streams and pavilions.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong, which is tanked the world’s freest economy, always bounces
back from disaster and crisis. And here not only are business registration
formalities straightforward and taxes low, it’s also a friendly and legitimate place
to do business. English here is widely spoken and this is a hardworking population.
Be sure to book your hotel near your appointments because traffic is a major problem
here in Hong Kong. Also book restaurant reservations early and though it is
extremely hot here business attire is still expected. Be sure to also bring a lot
of business cards, here people always exchange cards with you. Hong Kong has some of
the finest hotels in the world. Here are its three favorites: Experience grace,
elegance, luxury and class at the Peninsula, which opened in 1928. Here you can even
make arrangements to be picked up at the airport in grand style in a Rolls Royce
limousine. The luxurious Mandarin Oriental has a 140 million dollar renovation and
it now one of the favorites for business travelers from all over the world. And if
you want a contemporary interpretation to traditional Chinese hospitality stay at
the Island Shangri-La, where your every need is catered to you and your guests. Hong
Kong is one of the world’s best eating towns and right now the most famous place is
the Yunfu. Here you will find strong Tibetan influence both in its décor and its
food.
Shanghai
Shanghai, because of its nonstop energy, bright lights and chic streets,
is constantly being compared to Manhattan and it is also China’s economic engine.
This city has climbed up from being a traditional communist factory town to a
growing developing international city. Shanghai has had a decade-long double-digit
economic growth, billions of dollars in foreign capital and a complete overhaul of
its foundation. A majority of fortune 500 companies chose Shanghai as their China
headquarters and Shanghai out did Singapore as the world’s busiest port. Here in
Shanghai the key to good business is networking and having a lot of connections is
key. To do this three things are important here: a willingness to attend banquets,
lots of gifts from back home and business cards. Here in Shanghai the higher you
stay, the better your status. The Grand Hyatt located in the city’s financial
district, Pudong, has the world’s highest lobby. Be sure to reserve a corner room
for the most amazing view. If you want sleek, modern and art deco stay at the Le
Royal Meridian located above downtown People’s Square. If you want a more intimate
setting that isn’t too high up in the clouds stay at the Ruijin Guesthouse. Here you
will find beautiful gardens and immaculate lawns set on its 1930’s estate. When
choosing a place to dine the best meals are still located at local restaurants. The
Shanghai Uncle offers smoked ginger fish, lions head meatballs and crispy garlic
veal.