Effortlessly chic. That’s how I would describe Song Hye Kyo’s style in Descendants of the Sun. Her wardrobe staples include easy to wear pieces such as breezy shirts, light linen shorts, A-line skirts and casual t-shirt dresses. If you’re interested to find out more about the outfits, bags and accessories that the Korean star wore, you can check out my previous post here.

Perhaps I was subconsciously influenced by her style because when I threw on this minimalist jacket set, my hubby immediately exclaimed “That looks like something from Descendants of the Sun!”. I was in total disbelief till I looked in the mirror and even then, I still thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.

So anyway, to cut a long story short, this confirms that while we may not look like Song Hye Kyo, we can certainly replicate her easy breezy summer style (and hopefully steal the heart of someone like Song Joong Ki)! The oversized BF jacket looks similar to what Song Hye Kyo wore when she first arrived in Uruk.  I am all for jacket
sets as you can break them up and wear each piece separately. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic ensures that you get plenty of mileage.

 My only regret –  I wasn’t able to complete the look with the Singapore Air Show as my backdrop. Just kidding. Give me Nanjing’s Laomendong district any day. Not only does it look photogenic, you’ll also find quaint little shops and cafes at every turn. I had fun exploring and adding touches of modernity to the ancient Chinese architecture with this outfit.

I did a vintage photo shoot recently with an Old Shanghai theme and I really love how it turned out.

Where? Where else, China of course. If you’re traveling to China and you love having your photos taken, this is an enjoyable and relatively inexpensive activity (if you pick the most basic package) that you can add to your bucket list. Be prepared to draw lots of oohs and ahhs from all your friends and family when they see your photos!

There are two spots where you can do this in Nanjing:
1) Laomendong; and
2) Nanjing Museum

Nostalgic Photo Studio at Laomendong, Nanjing

 

Both attractions have a vintage photography studio. You can be a cheapie like me and just go for the most basic studio photoshoot package where you’ll get 1 hard copy of a photograph similar to the ones above for 70 yuan or about S$15 (inclusive of a simple hairdo, accessories, clothes and professional lighting equipment). You are also allowed to take your own photos in the shop, so be sure to bring along your own camera too.These are some photos taken by my hubby:

Waiting to elope with my secret lover

 

Laomendong, Nanjing (China)

If you prefer the full works, you can opt for the most comprehensive package which includes an elaborate vintage hairstyle, make-up and several backdrops and poses. You’ll get to keep an album of photos too. This would set you back by 1680 yuan or about S$350.

 

The full works

These photos give you a flavour of what the backdrops look like. On hindsight, I should have styled my hair in the series of photos below to match the gorgeous Old Shanghai setting in Nanjing Museum. With the right makeup, hairdo and backdrop (plus some editing), anyone can transform into an upper class woman of leisure sipping tea in a retro tea house or a cute schoolgirl waiting to elope with her secret lover. 

Retro tea house in Nanjing Museum

Cinema from a bygone era at Nanjing Museum

Streets of Old Shanghai at Nanjing Museum

If you prefer the DIY route, it is possible to ace this shoot with your Instagram boyfriend or husband by wearing your own cheongsam, styling your hair yourself (check out tutorials on pinterest & youtube) and bringing your own props.It’s a really fun way to spend an afternoon and you can expect the end results to be nothing short of spectacular!

Starbucks is the largest coffee chain worldwide and although it doesn’t serve the
best coffee (sorry Starbucks fans!), it is always very comforting to be
able to spot a Starbucks from afar in a foreign land, especially in
China.

And you’ll be surprised.

Many of these Starbucks stores are architectural marvels in their own right too.

I was amazed to find not just one, but two very beautiful Starbucks stores in Nanjing alone. There are many other branches around the worldthat fit the bill just as well, and today I’ll be sharing where all these gorgeous stores are located. If you are a Starbucks fan, be sure to put these on your bucket list! Even if you’re not a fan, I assure you that these stores will make excellent backdrops for your travel photos!

5. Tukwila, Washington (USA)

 Have you come across other Starbucks stores that are just as beautiful? I would love to hear from you so do leave a comment or drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com!

Being able to truly experience the four seasons is one of the simple pleasures of life that I have come to appreciate in China, although I have to admit that I do miss the blazing sun on chilly days. I remember running towards the sea of red maple leaves at Hangzhou’s West Lake, catching a glimpse of the very last cherry blossom in Suzhou’s classical gardens before it withered, jumping out of bed at 7am in Nanjing just to catch the first snowfall, and now that Spring is upon us, I have been photographing flowers in bloom from every angle imaginable. The fleeting beauty of each natural phenomenon makes every moment more precious than it already is, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to reconnect with Mother Nature.Just a few days before I returned to Nanjing from Singapore, I read in the news that the plum blossoms in Nanjing have bloomed prematurely. Overwhelmed with excitement, we told our driver to take us to Plum Blossom Mountain for the annual plum blossom festival the day after we arrived.

An ocean of marshmallow pink and white greeted us along with throngs of visitors on an early weekday afternoon. The plum blossoms, also known as Nanjing’s national flowers, were in full bloom in end February, a rarity since they usually bloom in mid-March. Not unlike Japan’s cherry blossom season, we found visitors settling into their favourite spots, picnic baskets brimming with food in tow and just enjoying a leisurely afternoon with their loved ones. The plum blossoms danced to the rhythm of the wind, and when the sun cast its rays upon them, that was when their beauty came to life.

The beauty of photography lies in its ability to capture magical moments that bring back beautiful memories and today, I hope these moments captured in time will put a smile on your face as we take on another week ahead.

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Open Concept Reception

Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.

Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room

Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.

Shanghai Tang bath toiletries

Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast

For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant

Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa

Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

Today’s Fashion Fridays post marries both my love for travel and fashion. Traveling around China for the past 2 months has given me a glimpse into the lives of the Chinese, their thoughts and reflections on how they are progressing in the global arena, and more importantly, what their dreams and aspirations are.  

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling for an extended period of time. I relish the opportunity to live among the locals and
truly immerse myself in a completely different culture and environment, propelling me to open my eyes and mind to fresh, new perspectives.

For
the average man on the street here, traveling overseas remains a dream,
and in their quest to better their lives, you can feel
their hunger and drive for success, a commendable quality that seems to
be fading into oblivion in Singapore. It appears that we have forgotten how privileged we truly are in the grand scheme of things and have
begun to take our nation’s stability and prosperity for granted. Sometimes I wonder, have we transformed into frogs in wells?

Perhaps
it is time for us to step out of our comfort zones and experience
living (and not just traveling for a week or two) in a less privileged
city. Perhaps only then will we be able to appreciate what we have back
home. Go back to basics and live in a rural town, or travel to preserved ancient villages, some of which are still occupied by villagers. 

  

Preserved ancient villages are popular tourist attractions in China. I much prefer ancient villages to museums. Not only can you marvel at the beautiful architecture that reflect rich historical and cultural roots, taking a stroll in these villages gives you a peek into ancient China and transports you to a bygone era. 

Xiema Bridge village is an ancient village located in Jia Chuan Town in the city of Kunshan. One of the 120 preserved villages in Kunshan, it was formerly known as Wang village and was a bustling trading hub. 

Buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Xiema Bridge built by war hero Han Shi-zong and the 500 metre long flagstone road are all painstakingly preserved in Xiema Bridge village.

 

Unlike
its more touristy counterparts, Xiema bridge is an oasis of
tranquility. A few villagers still live here and there are hardly any tourists around, hence you can soak in
the beauty of this slice of history at a leisurely, unhurried pace. 

Here’s what I wore:

Minimalist chic with a twist (background: Xiema Bridge)

I have been checking out several Chinese designers via Taobao recently and Have Rice饭馆 is one of my favourites. Its selection of basic pieces with a twist, such as this unique cross-over panel culottes, caught my attention immediately and the fit is great for petite ladies too. I am officially a fan!

Now, who said greys and blacks had to be dull and boring?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays! Have an amazing weekend ahead!

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai Pudong is one of the most beautiful hotels in Shanghai in my opinion. It has the perfect combination of old-world charm with contemporary features and modern finishes, not to mention the killer view of Pudong’s iconic skyscrapers from its infinity pool, made world-famous by the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall 007.

Infinity Pool featured in Skyfall 007

During my recent trip to Shanghai, I had the privilege of dining at Shang-Xi, hosted by the lovely team from Four Seasons Pudong. Located on the second floor of the hotel, Shang-Xi offers fine Chinese cuisine in an exclusive and luxurious setting.

I found myself attracted to the
opulent decor reminiscent of old Shanghai and the intimate ambiance
resulting from just 22 seats for public dining, which affords a
wonderful balance of privacy and interaction.

The highlight of Shang-Xi lies in its five private rooms, each of which is designed to represent a semi-precious stone. The cozy yet elegant rooms are ideal for hosting VIPs or even just a private get-together with family and friends.

Ambience aside, I had one of my most enjoyable dining experiences in China to date. The food was exquisitely prepared and artfully plated, but what struck me most was how the restaurant gave iconic Shanghainese and Chinese dishes a unique twist.

One of the four appetizers that we had was the Pan-Fried Dough Cake with Spring Onion in Foie Gras, a popular Shanghainese delight that combined both eastern and western elements.

While you may be
able to find pan-fried dough cake with spring onion on the streets,
Shang-Xi’s Foie Gras version was a refreshing change. The smooth and
creamy foie gras was a wonderful accompaniment to the light and fluffy
dough cakes which were pan-fried to golden perfection.

Double-Boiled soup is a must-have for me at Chinese restaurants as it is both nutritious and very flavourful.  As I had just touched down from a long flight before the meal, a bowl of piping hot soup was a nourishing and comforting way to wind down after a long day. I could taste the savoury goodness of the fish maw and matustake mushrooms with every sip.

The Garoupa fillet, which was up next, was very fresh, tender and aromatic. The citrus notes from the preserved mandarin peel balanced out the fermented garlic flavour beautifully. I loved it as the beauty of this classic Chinese dish lies in its simplicity.

I would highly recommend the braised pork in brown sauce layered in crispy tofu sheet and if I had to choose my favourite dish for the night, this would probably be it. The braised pork was already delicious on its own, but that delightful crunch from the crispy tofu sheet was the icing on the cake and truly sealed the deal for me.

The last dish before dessert was fried rice, and if you are familiar with Chinese cuisine, I am sure you would have heard that fried rice is the true test of a chef’s culinary skills. I was feeling quite full by the end of the meal, but this bowl of fried rice was so addictive it took my breath away. Topped with a dash of flying fish roe, it was bursting with flavours and textures with every bite.

To cleanse the palate after my hearty meal, a light and refreshing dessert in the form of osmanthus jelly with chilled yogurt was served. I was told this dessert is wildly popular with ladies and health-conscious patrons due to the health benefits of osmanthus jelly (including beautiful skin!) and the creative pairing with chilled yogurt. It tastes sinfully delicious, but you can rest assured that this delicious concoction will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Looks like killing two birds with one stone isn’t that challenging a task after all!

I am always thrilled at the prospect of indulging in a pampering facial after a flight or a long day of meetings and travelling. After a quick change of clothes and a soothing foot bath, I settled comfortably under the covers and let my therapist work her magic as I drifted off to slumberland. What a wonderful way to recharge!

Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale range of products which contains orchid extracts to boost cell longevity were used during the facial, accompanied by a gentle massage to improve circulation and aid relaxation.

You can expect to wake up to a smoother, brighter complexion with redefined facial contours immediately after. I felt absolutely refreshed and all ready for my week-long meetings in Shanghai.

Refreshed after the relaxing facial

While I stayed in Puxi this time, I would definitely head back to Four Seasons Hotel Pudong on my next trip, be it for business or leisure, as I came to realize that it took me just under 10 minutes to get from Puxi to Pudong even in peak hour traffic.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the warm reception and hospitality at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong. The immaculate service and attention to detail and aesthetics only made my dining and spa experience all the more memorable. I can’t wait for my next trip to Shanghai, but till then, I thought I’d leave you with a breathtaking view of Pudong from Four Seasons Hotel Pudong’s infinity pool. Isn’t it beautiful?

210 Century Avenue

200120, Pudong District

Shanghai

86 21 2036 8888

http://www.fourseasons.com/pudong/