Here is a NYTimes article courtesy of Michael Oppenheimer about Beijing. I recognized many of the places mentioned - the 798 or Dashanzi art district is particularly cool. We went there on Sunday, huge post-industrial spaces that were designed by East Germans with steam spewing into the street. No taxis are allowed, which makes it pleasant for walking without being honked at constantly. The galleries are top notch, with Beijing making a splash on the international art scene. The day we were there we bumped in to a fashion show - ridiculously modern clothes - I saw an old woman stop and watch, she was pulling a three wheeled vehicle carrying debris, knee high rubber boots, smile and watch the show. Probably not the strangest thing she's seen over the years I thought.

We also stayed in an apartment behind the demolished Sanlitun bar area when we first got to town. All the bars were still in the 2005 guidebooks - but blocks worth of buildings were reduced to ruble, thats how fast Beijing works.

Finally, a great blog I found by some veteran expats: TalkTalkChina. Check it out.