Started in 1979 by lawyer/foodie couple, Nina and Tim Zagat, the New
York-based company's hotel and restaurant guides have long been a de
rigeuer accessory for savvy travellers in the United States. It now
publishes guides to more than 70 major markets, including hotels,
resorts and spas worldwide, family travel, entertaining, shopping,
nightlife, movies, music, theatre and golf.

The company was, however, a little cautious in venturing into China,
publishing its first Shanghai restaurants and hotels survey guide in
late 2004. The Shanghai guide was produced to coincide with a jointly
hosted Hospitality and Restaurant forum held in association with
Mastercard. Subsequently, ZAGAT updated its Shanghai guide online in
early 2006, but has, thus far, not produced another hard copy book,
nor ventured elsewhere on the mainland.

That is all about to change as ZAGAT is preparing a new amalgamated
guide of the top restaurants and hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai and
Beijing, due for publication in early 2008.

To cast your thoughts about hotels and restaurants in China (and earn
a free copy of the China guide), visit:
http://www.zagat.com/vote/index.aspx?hid=callout_left_vote_ns