Beijing is first location outside of the Americas to taste Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew

The China World Trade Centre Starbucks store in Beijing is the first location outside the US and Canada to introduce Nitro Cold Brew on tap alongside its classic Cold Brew. More locations are to come over the next few months, Starbucks said. The introduction of Nitro Cold Brew in China comes after a highly successful nationwide launch of Starbucks Cold Brew.

“We have been relentless in our pursuit to perfect our coffee expertise and Nitro Cold Brew is a firm demonstration of our significant investments in coffee-forward product innovations to deepen our coffee leadership position,” said Belinda Wong, CEO, Starbucks China. 

Source: Starbucks Drawing a Nitro Cold Brew

“Something magical happens whenever we combine our innovation with the unbelievable passion of our skilled Starbucks barista. The handcrafted Nitro Cold Brew will surprise and exceed the expectations of customers who are seeking a different kind of coffee artistry experience in China.”

Nitro Cold Brew is Starbucks' latest take on its signature Nariño 70 Cold Brew. Cold Brew is infused with nitrogen that unlocks the super-smooth, natural sweetness of Cold Brew coffee, which then cascades from the tap with a velvety and creamy texture that customers can see and taste. It is deliciously cold and is served unsweetened, and without ice, to highlight the flavour the cold brewing process brings out in the coffee. 

“Our customers embraced the smooth, full-bodied flavor of Starbucks Cold Brew when it was first introduced in China last summer. There’s a lot of time and passion that goes into brewing each batch of Cold Brew, so it’s been especially rewarding to see customers enjoying it,” said Xi Wen, Coffee Master and Store Manager, China World Trade Centre Starbucks Reserve store. “I am proud that my store has been selected as the first store in China to introduce the Nitro Cold Brew, and I am looking forward to introducing this new handcrafted cold coffee experience to my customers and partners.”

Recipes for cold coffee beverages are developed by Starbucks coffee and research teams, who taste hundreds of cups of coffee to ensure the right blend, roast and brewing method is used to create the perfect flavour profile. Starbucks Cold Brew features a blend of high-quality varietals from Latin America and Africa, which delivers a sweet, dense and smooth coffee punctuated with a chocolatey and citrusy flavour profile.

Revealed photo exhibition makes first Asia Pacific stop at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing

Source: Sofitel. Olivier Picasso, the curator of Revealed by Sofitel, at the September 1 opening of the Revealed photography exhibition at Sofitel Wanda Beijing.

Sofitel Wanda Beijing (北京万達索菲特大飯店) has launched the inaugural Revealed photo exhibition in Asia Pacific. This exhibition has already been to five cities in North America and five in Europe before Beijing, the first stop on its Asia Pacific tour.

The exhibition takes an intimate look at the world’s greatest modern artists at work as they reveal themselves to the photographer. Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso, hand-selected 30 photographs from the archives of Paris Match, the French weekly, for Revealed.

Among the photographs on display is a black-and-white image of Pablo Picasso eyeing a Dalmatian longing to climb upon his lap; Salvador Dalí seen sitting in an animal exhibit at the Paris Zoo; Jeff Koons styling a BMW for the 24 Hours of Le Mans; Pierre Soulages crouching over a work in progress; Kees Van Dongen painting a posing Brigitte Bardot; and other striking images depicting Rene Magritte, Marc Chagall, Fernando Botero, Joan Miro, Jean Cocteau, Francis Bacon.

Source: Sofitel. Art-inspired menus are offered at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing throughout September.

In conjunction with Revealed, the Sofitel Greater China culinary team, led by Eric Costille, Regional Executive Chef, Accor Greater China, has put together two art-inspired menus that are available for the month of September at Sofitel Wanda Beijing. The Un Mois en Provence dinner menu at Heritage and Le Gouter en Provence Afternoon Tea at Vous Lounge both take inspiration from art in their colour and presentation, as does the Revealed Cocktail available at Vous Lounge.

French Chef Jean-Franscois Nulli from Privé at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 has curated the Un Mois en Provence Menu (RMB 688+). The four-course menu begins with a crab beetroot timbale and moves on to sea bass unilateral with zucchini concasse basil and olives, followed by beef two ways - stewed oxtail pumpkin parmentier and oan-fried tenderloin. To finish, guests will experience the visually stunning pavlova tangerine with mandarin orange sorbet.

Source: Sofitel. 

Curated by Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 Pastry Chef Laem Liu, the Le Gouter en Provence Afternoon Tea Set offers an escape from the city (RMB 118+) with bright sweet and savoury dishes including: strawberry gourmet cones, Provencal honey nougat, lavender macaroons, and anise financiers.

Interested?

Revealed by Sofitel will be on display in the lobby of Sofitel Wanda Beijing till September 20, 2015. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge to guests and the public.

New Air China rules for flights departing from Beijing

Air China passengers departing from Beijing are advised to reach the airport early. Air China has changed the check-in closing time for domestic flights at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport. Prior to August 20, 2015, passengers were allowed to check in 30 minutes before departure. Since August 20 passengers have to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

The check-in closing time for international flights is 60 minutes prior to departure.

Additional time should also be factored in for checked baggage inspections. According to the airline, the following items are not accepted in checked baggage on flights departing from Beijing Capital International Airport. Items in the following list suspected to be present during the security check, will require the passenger's baggage* to be opened for inspection, after which the items will be confiscated:

(1) Bullets, ammunition, weapons, knives, crossbows, and other arms and dummies
(2) Items of an explosive nature
(3) Inflammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive and radioactive materials
(4) Lithium batteries, mobile chargers, lighters and matches
(5) Other prohibited items specified by the state

The airline has also updated its rules on lighters and matches on its flights departing from all airports. Passengers are not allowed to carry either item with them on Air China flights, whether in carry-on baggage or in checked-in luggage. The rule applies whether passengers purchase Air China tickets from the official website, via a distributor or through retail agents.

*Baggage may not be loaded onto a flight if it is delayed because of inspection procedures.

Air China to start nonstop Beijing to Mumbai services from October

Air China will start nonstop services on the Beijing-to-Mumbai route from October 25 2015 in response to increased travel between the two BRICS countries following closer political and economic relationships.

Source: Air China.

The four weekly Beijing – Mumbai flights operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The seven-hour flights take off from Beijing at 7:40pm local time and land in Mumbai at 1am the next day. The return service leaves India at 2:30am Mumbai time and touches down in Beijing at 11:20am.

Air China’s route from Beijing to Mumbai is a significant part in the effort to build a Bangladesh – China – India – Myanmar Corridor. This service means Air China now offers eight weekly nonstop flights between China and India and will also bring the total number of Asia-Pacific destinations served by the Chinese carrier to 17.

Waste cooking oil helps power 1,000 km flight in China

Waste cooking oil may soon become part of travel plans. A regularly scheduled Hainan Airlines flight has carried more than 100 passengers from Shanghai to Beijing in a Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, a distance of over 1,000 km using a fuel blend that includes biofuel made by Sinopec from waste cooking oil collected from restaurants in China. Both of the airplane's CFM International CFM56-7B engines were powered by a fuel blend of approximately 50% aviation biofuel mixed with conventional petroleum jet fuel.

Sustainably produced biofuel, which reduces carbon emissions by 50 to 80% compared to petroleum through its lifecycle, is expected to play a key role in supporting aviation's growth while meeting environmental goals. 

Said Pu Ming, VP of Hainan Airlines, who piloted the plane: "As a fast-growing domestic and international carrier, Hainan Airlines is demonstrating our environmental commitment by showing that aviation biofuel can play a safe and effective role in China's air transport system."

"Boeing is proud to advance its decades-long partnership with China by collaborating closely with Hainan Airlines and Sinopec to achieve this significant milestone," said Ian Thomas, President, Boeing China. "We thank and congratulate our partners, whose teamwork, vision and commitment to sustainable aviation are helping to improve our industry and our environment for the long term."

Added Sinopec spokesperson Lv Dapeng: "For many years, Sinopec has maintained a leadership role in China in terms of the development and application of biomass fuel including aviation biofuel and bio-diesel. This fully represents an earnest commitment from Sinopec to continuously advance scientific and technological innovation and promote green and low-emission development."

Roots opens flagship store in Beijing

Roots, a lifestyle apparel brand which also offers shoes and bags, has marked its success in Asia with its first flagship store in Beijing. In addition to the same Roots products available in the company's stores in Canada and the US, the Beijing store features a specialty athletic collection unique to Asia.

Source: Roots Tumblr. The Beijing store.

"It's extremely gratifying for us to see how much Canada and the Roots brand resonate with the Chinese," says Co-Founder Michael Budman. "The new store in Beijing is an exciting step forward in our expansion in this important market. It wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous work of our Asian partner, Branded Lifestyle. Based on what's happening in both China and Taiwan, the future looks incredibly bright for Roots in Asia."

The new store in Beijing is the largest of the 23 Roots locations in mainland China. Roots opened its 100th store in Taiwan in December 2014.

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island available for bookings from November 17

Integrated resort Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island, managed by Kempinski, is now accepting reservations for stays as of 17 November 2014. The hotel and island are set to become Beijing's new destination for leisure and MICE.

The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island destination is already the official host venue for APEC China 2014, and more MICE business is expected. GM Brice Péan estimated that 60% of his business will be based on business travel-related activities.. "Our new destination is set to offer guests an exciting experience of a fully integrated resort on the outskirts of Beijing," said Péan.
Yanqi Lake is a scenic site located at the foot of the Yan Mountains. The island is a natural habitat for various species of birds, including rare migrant birds and geese, especially during spring and autumn. The name 'Yanqi Lake' literally translates as 'swans dwell on the lake'.

The 14 sq km at the Yanqi Lake area is made up of 14 hotels -- Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing (previously known as Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing), with 306 guestrooms and suites; Yanqi Hotel with 111 guestrooms and suites, and 12 boutique hotels with 178 guestrooms and suites on Yanqi Island. Facilities include 14 restaurants and bars, 14,069 sq m of meeting space, landscaped gardens, a private marina, as well as recreational and fitness facilities.

To book, please visit www.kempinski.com/beijingyanqilake. Graphics of the integrated resort can be seen in the APEC China 2014 promotional video, which is found here. 

*Image from Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing

Hawaiian, Air China join hands on codeshare agreement

Hawaiian Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Air China, China's exclusive national flag carrier, that leverages the reach of their respective hubs in Honolulu and Beijing to offer more options and a more streamlined experience for customers traveling to further destinations. The new partnership follows Hawaiian's launch of a three-times weekly non-stop service to Beijing. 

"Following the launch of our inaugural service to Beijing, we are delighted to partner with Air China to extend our network beyond the capital city, giving customers the ability to easily explore additional domestic destinations within China on a single ticket from Honolulu," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO. 

"Air China is dedicated to establishing close relationships with airlines worldwide. We believe the codeshare partnership with Hawaiian Airlines will further extend the networks of both companies, bring convenience to passengers from and around China traveling to the Hawaiian Islands and US Mainland, and to Hawaiian passengers traveling to Beijing and beyond," said Song Zhiyong, CEO of Air China.

Through this comprehensive and multi-phase partnership, Hawaiian Airlines will place its two-letter "HA" booking code on Air China-operated flights from Beijing to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Shenyang. Likewise, Air China will place its two-letter "CA" booking code on Hawaiian Airlines-operated neighbor island flights from Honolulu to Kahului, Līhu'e, Kona and Hilo.

Future cooperation between both carriers is expected to include additional codeshare cities in both China and North America. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Air China are also negotiating a reciprocal partnership that will allow their respective frequent flyer members to earn and redeem miles for travel on either carrier. 

China-Myanmar travel will be easier with Air China's new routes

Air China will debut new routes from Beijing to Yangon and from Chengdu to Kunming to Yangon on March 30, boosting options from main hub Beijing and regional hub Chengdu respectively.  

Source: Air China

At the end of 2013, Air China introduced non-stop services from Beijing to Chiang Mai and Siem Reap. In 2014, the carrier will continue to service what it calls its "Pilgrimage Tour." 

According to the airline, the situation in Myanmar has stabilised, and business travel to the city is steadily increasing. "Statistics suggest that in the three years from 2010 to 2012, air travellers from China to Yangon increased at a rate of 30.1%, and from January to July 2013, travelers increased by 23.1% year on year," the company said in a statement. 

The two new services will also offer an additional transit option via Beijing for Southeast Asia travellers to Japan, South Korea, Europe, and America, the company said. 

Air China's Beijing-Yangon four-times weekly service CA715/6 will be operated on Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday with B737-800 planes. The outbound flight departs from Beijing at 1930 and arrives in Yangon at 2250. The return flight leaves Yangon at 2350 and arrives in Beijing at 0550. All flight times are in the local time.

Air China's Chengdu-Kunming-Yangon daily service CA905/6 will fly from Monday to Sunday with A320 planes. The outbound flight departs from Chengdu at 0825, arrives in Kunming at 0940, departs from Kunming at 1045, and arrives in Yangon at 1115 local time. The return flight departs from Yangon at 1215, arrives in Kunming at 1600, departs from Kunming at 1705  and arrives in Chengdu at 1815. All times reported are in local time.

Air China offers Beijing to Vienna and Barcelona four times a week

As a member carrier of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline network, Air China has been actively expanding its European schedule. The airline has opted to fill the gaps for nonstop flights linking East Asia and Barcelona, and also to boost the availability of flights betSween Beijing and Vienna. 

Source: Air China

Air China's new Beijing-Vienna-Barcelona service will be Air China's 23rd European route. It provides a direct path between East Asia and Central and Southern Europe, sparing passengers the trouble of having to make transfers, but also offer an additional option to travelers between such cities as Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila and Europe.

CA841/2 will be offered on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the outbound flight leaving Beijing at 0210 and arriving in Vienna at 0610, then in Barcelona at 0925 (local times). The return flight leaves Barcelona at 1125, arrives in Vienna at 1325 and then touches down in Beijing at 0555 the next day (local times). 
The service is to be operated with a wide-body A330-300 and features a Business Class with full-flat seats. The Premium Economy Class offers 120% of the legroom available in standard Economy Class. Personal entertainment systems are available in all classes of service.

According to IATA's projections, Europe's international passenger demand is expected to grow by 4.7% in 2014. Air China also quotes survey results to show that Chinese travellers to Europe have been increasing at a two-digit rate in the past 10 years. 

Air China currently offers more than 100 flights per week between China and Europe, serving such major European cities as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Moscow and Madrid. 

First Bitcoin conference in China to debut in May

Bitfund.pe, a Bitcoin-related private equity, and UBM China have announced the first global Bitcoin conference in China. The Global Bitcoin Summit 2014 (GBS) will be held in Beijing from May 10 to 11. 

Source: GBS

The eight tracks at GBS will feature discussions on Bitcoin trends in China and abroad and explore how to create new or expand existing businesses with Bitcoin.

Li Xiaolai, President, GBS and Founder of Bitfund.pe, said: "Bitcoin is a stunning invention and an innovation opportunity for China. Bitcoin startups began flourishing in China at the end of 2012. 

Source: GBS

"In one year, there have been a number of Bitcoin organisations that have come to the fore and are driving this industry both in China and abroad. GBS aims to showcase the latest news and innovations in the Bitcoin world and to let the world learn about the development of Bitcoin in the China market."
The website will be launched in the near future, and registrations made before March 25 would qualify for early bird discounts, Li said.

Contact Hubert Guan of UBM or Hitters Xu of Bitfund.pe for enquiries.