If you are looking for a Western food fix in Tanggu, head for the Parrot Restaurant, Huanghai Road, Dongying Xia Qu (district). It's a cozy, clean and quiet restaurant run by an American man and his Chinese wife. The food is great, large portions and there is a good wine list as well. There is a small bar inside too. Prices are reasonable if slightly high, but it's a great spot for a romantic dinner or a great evening out to satisfy your Western food cravings: steak, pizza, pastas, anti-pastos, salads - YUM!

In the small city of Korla in Xinjiang province there is some great food to be found! An absolute MUST is the multi-level Bei Yuan Chun restaurant. The food is fabulous and the wine list is mind boggling. There are some pictures, but no English menu. Another great place to eat is the Hong Rui Hotel, third floor. Again, no English menu, but some fantastic Chinese food. The local mutton skewers are roasted with all kinds of spices and are to die for!

For anyone planning to travel to Urumqi or onward from there, please be aware that due to recent terrorist attempts in the air sector in Xinjiang, absolutely NO sharp objects are allowed to be carried in your CHECK IN baggage. Unfortunately, if you have been to the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi and purchased any of those beautiful knives on sale, these will be confiscated at the airport if you are traveling by air. If you wish to buy a knife in Urumqi, you are better off to ship it home instead.