Very stylish book bar, spacious, bright, and nice to remain for hours, while get lost in the wide selection of international arts, design and architecture books. A real highlight on the mind map of new Beijing. By the way: the company behind is Trends (时尚) media group, occupying main parts of the tower.

Eating Between the Lines

This book bar and cafe is the closest thing to Barnes & Noble in Beijing, offering visitors a wide variety of foreign magazines and books—and that’s pretty much the only reason to go. After perusing the shelves, we sat down to an order of shacha bacon (¥25)—crispy slices of pork slathered in a savory Chinese condiment of soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilis and dried shrimp. Next, we had a plate of potato strings (¥18) and the curry chicken set (¥38) paired with a bowl of soup and side of vegetables. It was nothing spectacular, but satisfying nonetheless. We washed down our meal with a cup of jasmine black tea (¥38) and a steaming mug of café latte (¥28). While Trends Lounge fails to impress food-wise, it’s a good option for those in search of a quiet place to read and enjoy a cuppa Joe. Be warned, though, there is no English menu and food is not served after 8pm.

Erica Chen