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Hard Rock banks on golf for China hotels
How to be a Singapore local: 10 ways to fake it
Insider Guide: Best of Mumbai

Hard Rock banks on golf for China hotels

Posted: 23 Sep 2012 08:39 PM PDT

by CNNGo staff

Rock music enjoys a niche following in China. So does golf.

Now they're being welded together in attempt to attract Chinese tourists.

Hard Rock International is swinging into mainland China, partnering with golf resort-operator Mission Hills.

The Florida-based hospitality company will open the mainland's first two Hard Rock Hotels by 2015 to let the nation's well-heeled tourists live, eat and party like rock stars. (Outside of the mainland, Macau already houses a Hard Rock Hotel.)

The two new hotels will be located in Mission Hills' golf and leisure complexes: the 150,000-square-meter Mission Hills Centreville in Shenzhen and the 80-square-kilometer, 10-course Mission Hills Hainan resort.

How to be a Singapore local: 10 ways to fake it

Posted: 23 Sep 2012 09:50 AM PDT

by Charlene Fang

You probably know it as "Disneyland with the Death Penalty" (thank you, William Gibson), but few can deny Singapore is one fine city.

As in, the fines still exist, the Merlion remains cheesy and the city is just as disconcertingly clean and green as ever.

But fitting in with the locals isn't as easy as one might think.

Whether you're stopping over on a visit or moving here full-time, these 10 tips will help you get with the Singapore vibe faster than you can say "can, lah!"

1. How to get a seat at a hawker center

Hawker center tables don't stay empty for long. Stake your claim with a packet of tissues. Or an iPhone. Don't ever leave home without a packet of tissues. Not only will you use the tissues to mop the sweat off your brow, but you'll need it to "chope" (translation: reserve) a table at a hawker center.

It's an unspoken but understood indicator of an already occupied table. Under no circumstances should you remove a packet of tissue paper placed at an empty hawker center table and sit down.

Also, if you see an iPhone being employed in a similar manner, the owner merely forgot to bring his/her tissue packet and this is the next best thing. Again, do not assume it's free for the taking.

If you're getting desperate, zero in on a table of diners and hover. The closer you stand to them, the faster they will slurp down their noodles and vacate their seats. Score!