Ever since Beijing won the Olympic bid, this city has been undergoing a makeover that would rival anyone on “The Swan”. Gone are the dull and ugly in favor of all things bright and beautiful. The latest facet of Beijing to go under the knife is the city’s traditional brands, some of which are centuries old. In order to fit the global mold better, some established Beijing outlets have been remade with a more English friendly image in anticipation of the deluge of tourists expected to hit the capital come August. According to Reuters, “roast duck restaurant Quanjude has become “Quanjude Peking Roast Duck - Since 1864″, and purveyor of traditional Chinese medicine, Tongrentang, has transformed into “Tongrentang Chinese Medicine - Since 1669”. Although this move is supposed to make it easier for those not familiar with the culture to grab an immediate understanding of the what exactly lays inside, the name change, in contrast, seems more of an exercise in hyperbole. However, with the new year, I’m trying out a new attitude so as the saying goes, “don’t knock it until you try it”: The China Arts Page website – Since 2007. Hmm, I feel brighter and more beautiful already.
Image: Tasty
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