Beijing Today Commerce (August 1, 2014)

Spanish film season begins this month at Instituto Cervantes HTTP://BEIJINGTODAY.COM.CN/

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CHIEF EDITOR: JACK WANG • NEWS EDITOR: SU DERUI • DESIGNER: ZHAO YAN

CHIEF EDITOR: LI XIAOBING • NEWS EDITOR: DERRICK SOBADASH • DESIGNER: ZHAO YAN

August 1, 2014 • No. 686 • PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY • CN11-0120 • ￥3.00 (METRO & COMMERCE)

The tradition of cheating Testing facilities at this year’s National College Entrance Exams were equipped with security monitors, fingerprint scanners, metal detectors and mobile phone signal shields to thwart the plans of would-be cheaters.

But for all the hoopla, academic dishonesty is a storied tradition of Chinese history.

Sophisticated attempts at cheating on exams date back to the Imperial Civil Service Exams of the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618). Until their cessation in 1905, the imperial exams inspired thousands of cheats to create crib notes out of everything from clothing to jianbing.

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Digital firms aim for pink economy

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London delegation seeks scientists

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Wudaoying the new hipster heaven

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BUSINESS

August 1, 2014

Digital firms fight to win China’s pink market

By YANG XIN

Beijing Today Staff Chinese investors seem unusually optimistic about the buying power of a group that, at least officially, does not exist.

Zank, the leading social networking site for China’s homosexual men and women, raised 20 million yuan from undisclosed investors as of July 17.

In “An Outlook on Trends in the Pink Economy,” a survey of the purchasing power of its target demographic, Zank said China’s gays demonstrate impressive consumption – even on a modest salary – and are free to spend boldly without the pressures of raising a family.

Power of pink

Launched last May, Zank has swelled rapidly to a network of 5 million users. More than a quarter of them are active on any given day.

The platform has its roots in Feizan.com, an earlier gay social network. Ling Jueding, the founder and CEO of Feizan.com, looked to Renren and Douban for inspiration in community building. The site’s users get acquainted through their profiles and meet up for offline events.

But Zank is designed to emphasize communication rather than to be a platform for booty calls. “Sex is a rigid demand of our users, but not the only one,” Ling said.

Ling has been exploring ways for Zank to go offline and integrate into users’ real lives. Its most recent features make it easier for users to respond to dating requests from strangers or to plan and advertise small parties.

As for becoming profitable, Lin envisions a future where so-called “pink economy” merchants settle their own stores on Zank. Inspired by WeChat, China’s largest mobile application, the platform would facilitate brand building, marketing and direct sales.

Strong competitors

Zank is not alone in China’s same-sex social networking market. Even within the mobile field it is competing with Jack’d, a gay social network fist built in the US, and Blued, a domestic app that spun off Danlan.org.

In spite of having the world’s largest homosexual user base, Jack’d has not fared well in China. Many users report it is laggy and incompatible with many of the most popular domestic mobile applications.

Blued, on the other hand, has dominated the gay social scene since its launch at the end of 2012. The site boasts a user base of 3 million and daily activ-

ity rate of 40 percent – a higher percentage of active users than even WeChat.

Unlike Zank, which places date invitations and local events on the home page, Blued uses location – based services to help users connect with their nearest gay neighbors. It also offers location-based gay news reports to boost user engagement.

Blued received more than 10 million yuan in funding this February. Geng Le, the company’s CEO and founder, said the money will be used to further enhance its product rather than to expand and market itself for commercialization.

Challenges

While Zank’s market report may have been the perfect bait for investors, it merits a more critical look.

NGOs and activist groups estimate that China has at least 70 million homosexual individuals. In 2013, the country had an urbanization rate of about 53.7 percent. By expanding on this math, all gay social networking apps are competing for a population of only 37.5 million users. That figure contracts even further to 25.4 million when one considers purchasing power: only 67.6 percent of the total population is earning money in China.

It will be extraordinarily difficult for several social networking apps to coexist in such a niche.

“In a vertical niche market, there can be only one,” Geng said.

Long-term user engagement is also doubtful. In a poll of gay social networking app users, most said they would abandon the platform after finding a partner for life.

Political concerns are also a worry – especially given the Chinese social environment.

Zank is focused on gay communication and social events.

Editor: Yang Xin

Blued helps homosexuals to find a date.

BEIJING TODAY

Even the press conference to announce Zank’s funding was forced to relocate twice. Local governments are notoriously intolerant of any business geared to gays.

“I want a real community where I can expose my true self: who I am in reality,” said one user who refused to be named.

Whether Zank or Blued will evolve into that remains to be seen.

Photos from blued.cn and zank.mobi Designer: Zhao Yan

August 1, 2014

EDUCATION

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Academic honesty clashes with culture of cheating

CFP Photos

Eyeglasses built to receive signal.

Miniature earphone for receiving answer.

By SHU PENGQIAN

Beijing Today Intern

W

hile cheaters often get a free pass in China, the ones who enable them do not.

The People’s Court of Panjin, Liaoning Province recently sentenced the seven creators of cheating devices designed for the National College Entrance Exam to prison terms ranging from six months to two years.

In Tonghe, Heilongjiang Province, local police arrested a man who was suspected of selling similar cheating devices to examinees on June 4.

Students often liken the exams to a battleground, but the real battle appears to be going on behind the scenes. Police and education officials have been fighting to catch increasingly sophisticated cheaters.

This year, China’s testing facilities were equipped with security monitors, fingerprint scanners, metal detectors and mobile phone signal shields to interfere with the plans of would-be cheaters.

“I feel I’m stuck in a spy movie,” said Xiao Tao, a student from a high school in Liaoning Province who attended the exam this summer.

But high technology is only a small part of the War on Cheating.

Before the exam, police spent several weeks training teachers and monitors to be aware of the latest methods of cheating. Specialized monitors circled the testing area every minute, while radio surveillance vehicles were snooping on the airwaves from outside the building.

“The 2014 National College Entrance Exam was the strictest in modern history,” said an employee of the Department of Education.

Editor: Shu Pengqian

Monitors scan the testing area for digital devices.

Examinees have to be scanned before entering the testing area.

But even with strict supervision cheaters always find a way.

Academic dishonesty has a long tradition dating back to the Imperial Civil Service Exams of the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618).

Until their cessation in 1905, the imperial exams inspired thousands of cheats to create crib notes out of everything from clothing to jianbing.

Today, cheaters have the benefit of access to high technology and precision instruments.

“An e-pen may resemble a normal pen at first glance, but when you scrutinize it carefully you may find an unnoticed infra-

red device fixed to the tip. This allows students to scan and identify English words and have them automatically translated into Chinese,” said Gao Sheng, deputy director of the Ministry of Education’s Testing Center.

When high technology isn’t an option, some students simply hire an imposter to sit the exam in their place.

On June 17, an officer in the Admissions Office of Henan Province confirmed that 127 examinees in the province had hired other people to take their place in this year’s test.

“I’ve heard of many extraordinary cheating cases before, but this is astonishing. That 127 persons were involved is incredible,” said Zhang Yan, a teacher from a Henan Province high school.

China’s cheating culture continues into college.The College English Test Brand 4 (CET 4) and other nationwide exams are rife with creative cheaters even as the Ministry of Education boosts its punishments for dishonest students.

It’s not that hard to understand what motivates China’s cheaters.

“Society ties the best jobs to the best universities. I’m not a good student. If I want to get into a good university, I have no choice but to break the law,” said Xiao An, a senior at a high school in Anhui Province.

“Other students are cheating on the exam. If my child does any less, his oppor-

BEIJING TODAY

tunity to attend a good university would be diminished. Preventing him from doing what the other students are doing would be unfair,” said Chen Hua, a parent.

Indeed, the idea that it’s easy to find a good job after graduating from a top school is burned into the Chinese psyche.

Many parents and students are willing to do anything for the elusive golden ticket to a famous school.

“A degree is important, but many companies pay more attention to personal ability.

Having a high degree but no real qualifications will result in the graduate being fired sooner or later,” said Wang Zhibin, a manager at a local company.

Political expert James Wilson and criminologist George Kelling put forward the famous “Broken Window Theory”: when a building’s broken windows are not repaired, vandals will tend to break even more windows.

The logic sounds strikingly similar to defenses of cheating in China.

“People complain that the exam is unfair because others are cheating, even while they themselves are cheating,” wrote Zhang Zhihua, a Web critic. “You want a fair exam?

Start with yourself.”

Yu Haibo, a researcher at the Rural Education Institute of Northeast Normal University, blames the problem on the university system itself.

“The mechanical approach to enrollment in Chinese universities makes students strive to get high scores while the rigid education method produces students who lack basic qualities,” Yu said.

Employers may even be able to spot a bad worker in advance thanks to a new database by the Ministry of Education that records incidents of cheating and other types of academic dishonesty. These records are open to inspection by both future employers and schools.

“The College Entrance Exam is not been the only way for Chinese students to create a better life. There is no need for exam takers to break the law,” said Wei Bin, a professor from Communication University of China.

Designer: Zhao Yan

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COMMERCE & CONSULATES

August 1, 2014

Academic dialogue boosts Sino-UK exchange

By YANG XIN Beijing Today Staff

Following Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to UK last month, Sir Keith O’Nions, president of Imperial College London, is leading a delegation to China to seek cooperation in research, innovation and education.

As one of China’s largest partners in academics, Imperial College London has a relationship with many of China’s top schools and innovative enterprises.

Prompted by the newly built Imperial West innovation district, the delegation’s dialogue with Chinese counterparts is especially practical and effective. “At Imperial West, we will work with Chinese and other international partners to create value from ideas on a global scale,” O’Nions said.

The visit included a meeting with Zheji-

ang University to discuss ‘Big Data: Healthy Citizens, Smart Cities’ and promote the start of a data science collaboration designed to bring together the UK and China’s finest data scientists in London.

“In an increasingly data rich world, collaborations like this help the academic community to convert data assets into useful knowledge and valuable products,” O’Nions said.

Guo Yike, director of the Data Science Institute at Imperial, agreed. “The Applied Data Science Lab will allow researchers from Imperial and ZJU to better access useful data to solve major scientific problems,” Guo said.

O’Nions said China is fast becoming one of the world’s most important collaborators in innovation, scientific discovery and commercial application. Anyone serious about the future should embrace Chinese partnerships, he said.

Keith O’Nions is seeing scientists.

Photos provided by British Council

Cool films from Japan to counter summer heat

Photos from douban.com

By YANG XIN Beijing Today Staff The Embassy of Japan in China is hosting film screenings throughout the month of August to give Chinese viewers more chances to appreciate the country’s cinematic art.

Themed for summer, the film show will present a suite of cool films to counter the heat with picturesque motion and compelling stories.

The Voices of a Distant Star is a Japanese original video animation that chronicles a pair of childhood sweetEditor: Yang Xin

hearts and their attachment that never fades even after years of separation.

“Communication from the heart is important wherever you are, so I assume that is why it appeals to so many people,” said director, scriptwriter and co-producer Makoto Shinkai.

5 Centimeters per Second is an animated feature by the same director as The Voices of a Distant Star. The story begins in Japan in the 1990s and ends in the present day. The three segments comb through the life experiences of the protagonist to reflect Tokyo’s recent transformation.

5 Centimeters per Second was awarded as the Best Animated Feature Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Lancia Platinum Grand Prize in Bologna Future Film Festival.

The Voices of a Distant Star and 5 Centimeters per Second will be presented as a double-feature at 7 pm on August 7 at the Embassy of Japan in China.

Apart from cartoon films, the embassy will also screen an adaption of the Shakespearian drama A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The adaptation focuses on the local people’s pursuit of love and harmony

BEIJING TODAY

in Okinawa. Frustrated with failed love in Tokyo, Yuriko returns to her hometown and reunites with Majiru, the guardian elf. However, Yuriko soon becomes entangled in a conspiracy on the island.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be screened at 7 pm on August 21.

Attendees must download and fill out an application form and submit it to the embassy at least seven days before the desired screening. More information is available at cn.emb-japan.go.jp, the official website of The Embassy of Japan in China.

Designer: Zhao Yan

August 1, 2014

COMMERCE & CONSULATES

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Art show brings Mexican creation across the Pacific

By YANG XIN Beijing Today Staff

Lost Horizon, an exhibition of Mexican contemporary art, is on display for the next two months at the Xu Yuan Center in Beijing.

The exhibition collects 90 pieces from nine Mexican artists to showcase the best of Mexico’s exotic artistic expression.

At the opening ceremony, participating artist Valerie Campos spoke briefly about her experiences in art.

“Edward Twitchell Hall Jr. once said the best to way to know yourself is to look through others’ works and creations. Now we are exploring ourselves by looking at what’s beyond the Pacific Ocean,” Campos said.

Lost Horizon is the first event in Nao Now, an art project cohosted by Mexico and the Xu Yuan Center.

During the next two months, nine Mexican artists will participate in a creative adventure in China to restore and reinvent the cultural and artistic connections across the Pacific Ocean.

“I work on maps of big metropolises like Berlin. I find it amazing that the city Beijing is expanding in a ring while European cities expand in rectangular shapes. That is why Beijing is so unique to me,” said Vanessa Farfan, one of the artists.

Farfan said she was excited about the upcoming months of creation. “I have only been in Beijing for a week. It’s quite an adventure for me to walk the streets while knowing nothing about what people are saying,” she said.

Although Nao Now is primarily intended to promote cultural exchange between Mexico and China, US galleries will also be listed on future exhibition tour.

Photos frovided by Xu Yuan Center

Film season begins at Instituto Cervantes

By YANG XIN Beijing Today Staff Instituto Cervantes de Pekin is screening a series of Spanish films for Chinese viewers every Friday in Aug ust.

The film season begins on August 1 with the Spanish thriller No Rest for the Wicked.

Set on the eve of the Madrid bombings, a tired police officer is seen working on a missing person’s case when he stumbles into a dangerous fundamentalist Muslim terror cell.

The film won six Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Writing and Best Leading Actor.

Celda 211, the blockbuster Spanish prison film from 2009, will be screened on August 8.

Having obtained a new job as a prison officer, Juan Oliver tries to make a good impression and tours the prison to finish his daily work report. When an accident knocks him unconscious, Juan is rushed to the empty but visibly haunted walls of Cell 211. As convicts break free and hijack control of the prison, Juan has to pose as a prisoner to survive.

As an artistic and commercial success, Celda 211 won eight Goya Awards

in 2009.

The Living Forest is another Goya Award-winner from 1988 that will be screened on August 15.

The Spanish animation tackles ecological issues with an immersive style that captures the spirit of the Spanish countryside.

Dark Blue Almost Black, playing on Aug ust 22, examines how needs and desires are subjugated to family obligations.

Jorge is forced to put his life and career on hold after his father’s stroke.

He takes over his father’s position, cares for him and studies at night. His life is further complicated by romantic entanglements with a woman. Meanwhile, Jorge’s friend begins to question his sexuality and his family’s integrity when he discovers that his father frequents a male masseur.

The August film season ends with Even the Rain on August 29.

Even the Rain depicts a Mexican film crew’s shooting experience in Bolivia. The film crew unexpectedly lands in a moral crisis during the intensifying 2000 Cochabamba protests lead by their key actor.

Even the Rain was nominated and won awards internationally, including an Ariel Award for Best Ibero-American Film and three Goya Awards.

Photos from douban.com Editor: Yang Xin

BEIJING TODAY

Designer: Zhao Yan

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TRAVEL

August 1, 2014

Wudaoying: Beijing’s hipster heaven

By YANG XIN Beijing Today Staff Since the brutal colonization of Nanluogu Xiang by tourist traps and souvenir shops, Wudaoying Hutong has evolved into Beijing’s newest trendy hangout.

Bounded by Yonghegong Lama Temple on the east and Andingmen Inner Avenue on the west, Wudaoying was a major commercial, cultural and political center in Beijing for more than 700 years. During the Qing dynasty, Wudaoying became a military outpost used to protect the inner city. After periods of relative peace and stability, soldiers began to settle the hutong.

Years ago, the city government designated Dongcheng as one of the four core zones of the capital. As Wudaoying is located in this zone, it has received support from the government to renovate the hutong as a pedestrian street.

Landmarks Vineyard Cafe

Wudaoying’s first store

VA Cafe and Bar

Heaven for music fans

Be Sure To: 1. Visit the open mic Wednesdays and Friday and Saturday live shows.

2. Catch a film screening.

Tips: • All cocktails and beers are priced 40 yuan.

Tel: 5844 3638

Dessert Cafe & Bar Elegant coffee bar As the first store to open in Wudaoying Hutong, Vineyard Cafe was the only reason many of the hutong’s first visitors came.

Be Sure To: 1. Enjoy a full English breakfast on a workday.

2. Catch brunch on the weekend.

3. Stop by for cocktails and wine in the evening.

Tips: • Reservations are a must • Price: 93 yuan on average • Tel: 6402 7961

Saffron Restaurant

Beijing’s best Spanish food

Two young couples returned from study abroad and give up their careers to open Saffron. The restaurant has become famous for its paella and snacks.

Be Sure To: 1. Order the Spanish seafood paella.

2. Try the mushrooms fried in olive oil.

3. Order an appetizer of bread with chicken liver paste.

Tips: • Make a reservation if you are going on the weekend.

• Be aware that you are allowed to bring your own drinks.

• Take advantage of the free bread and lemon water.

Tel: 8404 4909 Price: 201 yuan on average

Tips: • If you dislike your first cup of tea, swap it for another tea of the same price.

• The store closes at midnight so don’t plan any late nights.

Tel: 8404 9341 Price: 60 yuan per cup

Natooke

Fixed gear bike shop and stunt club

Opened by the French female cyclist Yiquan, Natooke is now a communication platform for fixed gear bike lovers. You can even make your own fixed gear bike at the shop.

Tips: • Fixed gear bicycles are quite different from what you may be used to. Don’t buy in without getting more information from the experienced staff.

Tel: 8402 6925 Price: 3,000 yuan on average

Save As

A living record Be Sure To: 1. Try the durian cakes 2. Order the tiramisu Tips: • Don’t expect a conversation with the owner. She only likes eavesdropping.

• Any cake that is not eaten during the day become half price or free at night.

Tel: 6402 1016 Price: 43 yuan on average

Chayunyiran

Tea courtyard

A couple of tea lovers opened this courtyard to serve fine Chinese teas. They are knowledgeable about tea culture and can introduce teas and their preparation in Chinese and English. They are also a solid source of information on Old Beijing’s hutong culture.

Be Sure To: Women should not miss the fruit tea in summer. The sweet and sour drink is steeped with rose petals, which purportedly help to maintain one’s beauty.

Owner Guan Wei opened this store to preserve fragments of Beijing’s traditional life. Save As sells old time ceiling fans, old-fashioned furniture and old television. “We need these touchstones to refresh and sustain our memories,” Guan said.

Be Sure To: Check out some of the pop culture artifacts from the Republican Era. Tips: • The store’s hours run from noon to 10:30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

• Check the official Weibo account for more information. weibo.com/saveas wudaoying

CFP photos Editor: Yang Xin

BEIJING TODAY

Designer: Zhao Yan

Stage

Dining Indulge in a romantic Chinese Valentine’s

Swan Lake by Moscow Ballet Theatre The ballet Swan Lake is already well-known to Chinese theater-goers, but this summer’s ice ballet of Swan Lake by the Moscow Ballet Theatre will bring Chinese viewers a new artistic experience. The fusion of ice dance and ballet is the latest creation of the Moscow Ballet Theatre.

Ballet is a performance dance that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. During the latter half of the 17th century, ballet developed into a popular form in France, from where it spread around the world. The most important feature is the way dancers pivot on

the points of their feet.

Ice dance is a type of performance art in which a man and a woman dance and skate

to music while on ice. It evolved from figure skating to become its own competition event.

Unlike other Swan Lake performances, Moscow Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake uses hula hoops, jump ropes and other props. The Moscow Ballet Theatre has also added some Chinese elements to the show, and the Russian dancers will play with diabolos while on ice.

Dancers are all graduates of top Russian ballet academies such as the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Vaganova Academy.

Where: Century Theater When: 7:30 pm, August 08 Price: 180-580 yuan

catchy melodies leave listeners across the globe spellbound.

Based on a bushland property in Adelaide Hills, South

Australia, the talented multiinstrumentalists Georgia, Ella and Clara Germein are touring Australia, Europe and the UK with their debut album Because You Breathe. Recorded in Ireland with producer Billy Farrell (The Corrs, Westlife) and assisted by Jealoustown Studio’s Stuart Gray (Sinead O’Connor), the album indeed showcases the depth of talent.

Where: Jianghu Bar When: 9-11:30 pm, August 7 Price: 50 yuan (40 yuan advance)

Music Germein Sisters (AU)

Australian three-piece pop band The Germein Sisters will be playing a one-off show in Beijing at Jianghu Bar on August 7. This is a great chance to see a brilliant up-and-coming band in the intimate environment of Jianghu, one of Beijing’s last hutong folk bars.

The Germein Sisters are a refreshingly honest young female band whose unique brand of pop and folk rock has propelled them through two international tours that received rave reviews. Their

Spring Cello Ensemble summer concert Spring Cello Ensemble (SCE) is a non-profit music organization founded in 2012 by cello and double bass professional players and teachers from China Conservatory and Shanghai Conservatory in order to foster new talents and provide a dedicated performing platform for young cello and double bass learners in China.

The ensemble is open to students from 6 to 20 years old.

SCE organizes concerts, as well as group trainings and rehearsals, twice a year. It stands out

for its unique selection of music and its young and dynamic members. SCE’s committee is composed of professors, professional cellists and distinguished composers from conservatories and orchestras in China and abroad.

Where: Tian Di Theatre (behind Poly Theatre) When: 3-5 pm, August 3 Tel: 13911901411

Sports Hiking the summit of Beijing’s Mt. Lingshan

As a natural protected zone and tourist attraction, Mt. Lingshan has the highest peak in Beijing. Its average temperature is 12 ℃ lower than downtown.

There are stunning views along the way and on the mountain summit. We will pass by a small forest, a large meadow and then arrive at the summit, which has an elevation of 2,300 meters. There will be a lunch and free time for exploration and photography.

Mt. Lingshan still enjoys spring weather even in the hot summer. The whole hiking tour takes about 4 hours.

Where: China Travellers When: 8 am - 6 pm, August 10 Editor: Zhao Hongyi

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CLASSIFIEDS

August 1, 2014

Price: 450 yuan (10 percent discount for members and students) Tel: 18801335578

BEIJING TODAY

Celebrate romance at One East and spoil your loved one with this sensational feast. The fragrance of dainty roses and fine cuisine is sure to bring you an evening to remember.

With a variety of creative desserts and delicious food, Elements offers you and your loved one a romantic Chinese Valentine’s Evening.

On this evening, we have reserved a Qixi Couple’s Table at One East. The first couple to dine at the table will enjoy a complimentary Qixi three-course set dinner and complimentary one-night stay at the Hilton Beijing’s Deluxe Room.

Where: Hilton Beijing When: 6-10:30 pm, August 2 Price: 596 yuan per couple for three-course set dinner; 498 yuan per couple for dinner buffet Tel: 5865 5125 Email: laura.wang@hilton.com

Live & artistic outdoor barbecue party

Come and join us as we kick off the 2014 season and beat the summer heat at DoubleTree’s outdoor roof garden.

The spacious garden features trees from around the world and a stream that presents a green oasis in the heart of the city. The new modern sculptures give it a mysterious and artistic atmosphere.

Come find a seat and enjoy the live music. Savor an array of tasty barbecued meats and seafood, charcoal-grilled burgers, selections of salads and tempting desserts.

Play foosball? Dip in the blue swimming pool? Bask in the sun? It is all up to you! A children’s area with a slide and toys is available for your lovely little ones.

Where: Doubletree by Hilton When: noon-4 pm, August 3 Price: 228 yuan

Art Gathered Sky by James Turrell, Sunset Sessions Visionary artist James Turrell wowed viewers with a retrospective at the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and a monumental installation at Guggenheim in New York in 2013. The first and only Skyspace by Turrell in China, “Gathered Sky,” is located at The Temple, where it stands adjacent to a Qing dynasty temple complex and within a few paces of the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.

Its Sunset Session viewings during Beijing Design Week 2013 were an instant success, with a full house every evening. Due to the great demand, The Temple is proud to open Gathered Sky to the general public every Sunday during 2014.

Where: The Temple Hotel When: 7-8:30 pm, Sundays Price: 150 yuan Designer: Zhao Yan

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NEWS RELEASE

August 1, 2014

EU, Cuban officials attend Beijing Youth Camp International

Group photo at the graffiti stonewall of BYCI

Enjoy fresh air in the countryside

Warm up of counter strike game

By Beijing Today Media Center

By WANG XIAOLIN

Beijing Today Intern Eighteen officials from the Delegation of the European Union and the Cuban Embassy visited Beijing Youth Camp International (BYCI) for a series of outdoor activities on July 27.

Organized by Beijing Today Media Center, the group arrived at the park in Miyun District at 10:30 am. BYCI leaders guided them through the mountain paths and introduced the park’s orientation, construction, operation and future plans.

The busy day included rock climbing, downhill sports, orienteering and camping. The group of officials posed for a photo at the graffiti stonewall, one of the park’s landmarks.

By invitation, a group of young people from the Beijing Youth League also intended to participate in a Counter Strike-themed paintball tournament.

Wearing blue team clothes, officials from European Union and Cuban embassy and the staff of Beijing Today Media Center fought against the red team, a group of management trainees under the Beijing Youth League. After several scenarios, including Bus Conflict, Bushwhack and Suppression on the Hill, the blue team won.

After a short rest, the officials began their next aerobic activity: mountain climbing.

At noon, EU and Cuban officials stopped in the camp site to sample some of Miyun’s specialty dishes such as chicken stewed with mushrooms, caitu-

anzi and fried yellow croakers.

After lunch, the team began a hike to the Miyun Reservoir.

“The design of BYCI is quite interesting. For me, spending weekends in such free and cozy outdoor environment is attractive - especially when it’s with my wife and baby,” said Carlos J Rosario, cultural counselor of the Cuban embassy.

“We are always looking for places that are suitable for family gatherings and to learn more about Chinese culture.”

“I really like wilderness combat games. I hope BYCI can offer similar activities and add some extreme sports in the future,” said Jonason Dove, a student from Tsinghua University.

“Camping is quite popular in Western countries, so I’m delighted to see that Beijing is constructing and operat-

ing similar projects in a positive way,” said Giulia Barbieri, a member of the EU delegation. “The camp’s projects can help to boost youths’ physique and will power. They also facilitate crosscultural communication and understanding between different social groups. I’m optimistic about the BYCI’s continued development.”

Initiated by the Beijing Youth League, Miyun government and Beijing Education Media, BYCI is known as a base for youth exploration. It encourages young people to experience nature, exercise outside, develop their social values and communicate with their foreign peers.

BYCI aims to become a f irst-class brand for youth communication and development during the coming three years.

Dell wins trust by respecting customers

By VENUS LEE

Beijing Today Staff Although many American technology companies have seen their sales plummet since the revelations of NSA abuse by former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, leading systems provider Dell is still going strong.

“We see the scandal as a chance to win more trust in the market,” said Cao Zhiping, general manager and executive director of Dell China, at Dell’s Top Customer’s Summit. “Information security services are one of Dell’s directions of major strategic development.”

The company’s other key areas include cloud technology, mobile Internet and big data services.

More than 200 experts and senior managers from the fields of education, media, finance, manufacturing, IT, telecommunications and energ y participated in the annual summit on the July 18.

Shi Xinfu, president of Qizhi Qicai, was among them.

Qizhi Qicai, founded in 2012, is a civilian-run technology company engaging in the search and producing Editor: Zhao Hongyi

Li Hui, the Global Vice President of Dell, at Top Customer’s Summit Photo Provided by Dell China

various creative animated learning programs and products for pre-schoolers.

The company has encountered several challenges in saving the rapidly growing data and finding a solution for new proofs of concept (POC) in the big data era.

“We hope we can build an effective platform that can bridge parents and

kindergarten students and bring high quality education resources to China’s western interior,” he said. “But without top IT talents, we can only rely on a strong partner like Dell who can provide us with both effective equipment and professional solutions at the lowest cost.”

Dell’s comprehensive services also

BEIJING TODAY

helped a group of state-owned giants develop further and faster. Xugong Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), the world’s fifth largest engineering machinery company, is a good example.

“With the constant expansion of its business globally, comprehensive and in-depth information construction is needed to support XCMG’s marketing network all over the world,” said Zhang Qiliang, CIO of XCMG, “Tailored solutions and strong IT support provided by Dell accelerate the process of XCMG’s globalization and improve our competitiveness in the world.”

XCMG has developed more than 280 overseas agents to provide their users with a comprehensive marketing service, and its products have been exported to more than 150 countries and regions all over the world.

“Dell intended to provide our customers end-to-end solutions: to grow together with our customers and help them become more successful,” said Li Hui, the global vice president of Dell.

“Dell will continue listen to its customers’ voices, as we always have, and to better meet their needs.”

Designer: Zhao Yan