The Wending Lu Christmas Market, an "outdoor extravaganza" of Christmas joy that will feature shops, fake snow and an actual skating rink, starts today. It'll run to December 31st and is open 4 to 9pm on weekdays, 11am to 10pm on weekends. The address: Wending Living Style Plaza, 258 Wending Lu, near Kaixuan Lu. more ›

Brunch at the Creek: We recently checked out Creek Kitchen's weekend brunch. Located at the Creek Art Center on the north shore of Suzhou creek, the restaurant on the sixth floor of this renovated art center serves an all you can eat brunch buffet that we enjoyed less for the food than for the relaxing vibe and cool atmosphere. The buffet includes a limited and very standard continental offering: scrambled eggs, thin pancakes, crispy potato wedges, bacon, pizza, spaghetti, muffins, salad, and slices of tender duck (our favorite). Free flow soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included in the 115 RMB price tag, with unlimited sparkling white wine included for an extra 30 RMB. Not a bad deal if you're willing to eschew trendy presentation and adventurous food for a calming weekend meal with good friends and conversation. more ›