SOUND TRACKS SHENZHEN CITY GUIDE
PUBLISHER Alan Miller EDITORIAL DIRECTOR + DESIGN Gigie Hall INTERN David Husson MARKETING Wes Martin, Molly Kodros, Riley Dwyer, Megan McCredie, ADVERTISING West Coast Maria Sauer maria@WeAreCOLLiDE.com
East Coast Monique Gilbert monique@wearecollide.com COLLiDE is a North American boutique marketing agency weaving brands into the cultural fabric in meaningful ways. weareCOLLiDE.com CultureCOLLiDE.com
HARD ROCK GUIDE TO SHENZHEN is published by Collide Acency INC, 5514 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA. HARD ROCK GUIDE TO SHENZHEN is not responsible for anything, including the return or loss of submissions, or for any damage or other injury to unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Any submission of a manuscript or artwork should include a self addressed envelope or package of appropriate size, bearing adequate return postage. ©2018 COLLIDE AGENCY, LLC. all rights reserved 2
TABLE OF
WELCOME TO SHENZHEN PART 1: CITY GUIDE 06. Meet Your Guides 07. Food 08. Drink 09. Shopping 10. Landmarks 11. Venue
PART 2: EXPLORE THE HOTEL 13. A Snapshot of Your Stay 14. 5 Hotel Corners to Explore 16. Jump Around: Hard Rock Roxity Kids Clubâ„¢ 18. VIP Treatment: Live Like A Rockstar 22. The Stuff of Legends: Memorabilia Tour
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WELCOME TO
SHENZHEN
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shenzhen
Over the last 40 years, Shenzhen has grown from a small village North of Hong Kong to one of China’s wealthiest cities, with both a cultural and financial affluence bar none. It is a city of the future, marked by extremes from its entrepreneurial innovation to its worldwide reputation for pirated goods. For the hacker, mixologist, architect and businessperson, Shenzhen provides an endless supply of creative fuel. The variance of people that thrive here speaks to the polarizing nature of its development, which can be characterized as a mix of DIY urbanism and highbrow excellence. The result has been spectacular, with new restaurants, bars, museums and businesses cropping up in spades. So what better home base to explore the city from, than the Hard Rock Hotel Shenzhen? And who better to guide you than the musicians who call the city home? As you scroll through these pages, discover where to eat, drink and explore through the eyes of a local. Welcome to Shenzhen.
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MEET YOUR Lexi Lei Lexi Lei is the chief visual artist for Mettasonic records, a Shenzhen label focusing on jungle and drum & bass. Her work glows with vibrant color and bold linework. She tempers her fantastical aesthetic with a gentle humor. Lexi’s art graces many of Mettasonic’s productions, complementing the label’s unique sound. She’s also an expert on the urban treasures of Shenzhen. A food and wine enthusiast, her restaurant and bar selections are sure to delight tourists and locals alike.
DJ Quest Jesse Warren aka DJ Quest is the founder of Shenzhen based Mettasonic records. He founded Mettasonic to promote the best jungle and drum & bass artists in Asia. Emphasizing loyalty to the local scene, Mettasonic maintains an underground spirit on all releases. Jesse also organizes Muzikboxxx, a weekly techno residency at a traditional Chinese teahouse. His enthusiasm for the music shines through on all his projects. Originally from Virginia, Jesse provides an international perspective on experiencing the best of Shenzhen.
Zhao Dage Zhao Da Ge is a singer and actress from Shenzhen who studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. Adept at embracing a multitude of styles, she performs both Chinese and Western compositions. In 2015, at only 19 years old, Zhao finished in 7th place on “The Voice of China” reality show. She later appeared on the Chinese outdoors show “Crazy Jungle.” She’s released several singles, including fan favorite “Lighter.” Zhao appreciates the cosmopolitan diversity of Shenzhen; the city’s endless potential for new discoveries drives her creative process.
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city guide
Taixintang
Boneshaker
Lexi Lei
recommends
TAIXINTANG
“Thai Food in Shuiwan metro station, behind Shuiwan bus station. I love this restaurant because they provide local Thai flavor and cheap price. Vegetarian Pad Thai will always be my order.”
DJ Quest Thai Food credit Alpha/Flickr; courtesy of Boneshaker
recommends
BONESHAKER
“Currently it would have to be Boneshaker. It’s a tiny burger joint and their veggie burger is the best I’ve had in Shenzhen.”
Zhao Dage recommends
FANJU
“Too many to pick one. I really like a local one called Fanju. It has really good chicken.” 7
Mokihi
Barbershop
Lexi Lei
recommends
FOR TIMES 2 COFFEE
“I love Stephanie (the owner), she is amazing. Just let her recommend some specialty coffee. The lemon black tea with honey is awesome too.”
DJ Quest
recommends
BARBERSHOP
Zhao Dage recommends
MOKIHI
“I always go for a Gin and tonic. But they have really special Japanese mixes, like Sakura milk or green tea or coffe alchohol.” 8
courtesy of Mohiki; courtesy of Barbershop
“Barbershop has a nice ambience that’s hard to find. It’s a hidden speakeasy behind an actual barbershop. Their specialty is high-end cocktails, and I usually let the bartender (Max) surprise me.”
city guide
Dongmen
Chegongmiao Metro Station
Lexi Lei
recommends
DONGMEN MARKET
“Check Dongmen! If you are lucky you will find some treasures!”
DJ Quest credit Jirka Matousek/Flickr; credit Chris Yunker/Flickr
recommends
CHEGONGMIAO METRO STATION
“I’m not a big shopper, but the underground mall at Chegongmiao metro station has a lot of fashion boutiques where I take my girl sometimes. Great snacks everywhere too.”
Zhao Dage recommends
WANXIANGTIANDI
“On the 4th floor of Wanxiangtiandi, there is a buyer shop and it has everything that they collect from all over the world. It’s really interesting.” 9
OCT Harbour
Diwang
Lexi Lei
recommends
LIANHUASHAN
“It’s in the center of the city and you can have a place to lie down, have a picnic, breathe the fresh air, and drink some cold white wine in a hot summer day under the tree. So amazing. But bring some mosquito spray.”
recommends
DIWANG
“Despite all the new high-rises, Diwang (Shunhing Plaza) is still my favorite skyscraper after all these years. Catch it lit by the sunset from Litchi Park, glistening emerald and feminine elegance. Hubei Village in nearby Dongmen is a peek into Shenzhen’s rural past, and miraculously still exists.”
Zhao Dage recommends
OCT HARBOUR
“The OCT has so many hidden places to go visit and discover by yourself.”
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credit Alick Sung/Flickr; credit Dasha/creative commons
DJ Quest
city guide
Shenzhen Music Hall
OIL Club
Lexi Lei
recommends
THE BREW
“I think it’s a perfect venue to hangout with my girls. Order some tacos with beer, gossiping girl’s secrets while listening to the live music. It’s a great match.”
DJ Quest
courtesy of Shenzhen Music Hall; courtesy of OIL Club
recommends
OIL CLUB + BROWN SUGAR JAR
“Depends what type of show. For electronic music it has to be Oil, who brings a steady stream of good acts. For live music, Brown Sugar Jar is in a nice intimate new space now. However, nothing beats a grungy impromptu show in a random location put on by independent promoters.”
Zhao Dage recommends
SHENZHEN MUSIC HALL
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EXPLORE THE
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 5 HOTEL CORNERS TO EXPLORE JUMP AROUND: HARD ROCK ROXITY KIDS CLUBâ„¢ VIP TREATMENT: LIVE LIKE A ROCKSTAR
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THE STUFF OF LEGENDS: A MEMORABILIA TOUR
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 258 Guest Rooms and Suites Two Restaurants Two Bars Rooftop Swimming Pool Rock Royalty® Level Sound of Your Stay® Body Rock® Fitness Center Rock Shop® Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™ 1000m2 Meeting Space
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H OT E L CO R NERS TO
EXPLORE 1
M.C. FR I DA
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GMT +8 LO BBY BAR
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H AR D R O C K CA F E
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B O DY R O C K
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SESSI O N S
A rooftop pool paradise by day and lounge by night, M.C.FRIDA is as dynamic as it is delicious. Enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine and an extensive Margarita menu poolside. As the sun sets, a view of the city and a fresh DJ set is the perfect way to end an evening.
Inspired by a globetrotting vibe, GMT +8 is a cosmopolitan bar and lounge, perfect for a traditional afternoon tea or some gourmet bites. Make sure to hit up our resident mixologists to find the perfectly paired cocktail for your order.
Located across two floors, Hard Rock Cafe Shenzhen gives you classic American fare and cocktails with a side of rock and roll history. Bite into our signature Legendary® burger, head inside a private room or take over the second floor with space for 180 guests.
Just because you’re on vacay doesn’t mean you have to let go of your exercise routine. Stay active, stay fit and look great doing it with the latest state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment.
Experience a produce-driven menu filled with local contemporary favorites and international cuisines. From a creative buffet to a la carte menus and daily specials, Sessions is truly the ideal place to meet up and chow down when you’re looking for exceptional dining.
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JU M P AR OUN D
HARD ROCK ROXITY KIDS CLUB™ Everyone should feel like a rock star on their vacation, and that goes for the little ones all the way to the not so little ones. Whether it’s time to bring the family together for a group activity or go your separate ways, Hard Rock Hotel Shenzhen provides a customizable experience that is sure to please everyone in the family.
Join the fun at Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™. It’s the ultimate hang out for kids, with tons of activities, games, crafts and music that take Hard Rock vacations to another level of awesome. Plus hang with the club’s very own cast of characters, the Roxtars. These colorful headliners are always ready for a good time. From Skiddley, the lead singer with a sax to Styler, the punk princess with a killer fashion sense, Roxtars inspire young ones to let their inner rock star shine. They’re all here to entertain and always ready to play. 17
T HE V I P T R E AT M ENT
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ROCK
LI V E LI K E A
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R O CK R OYA LTY
With 5 VIP levels, the Hard Rock Hotel Shenzhen has every shade of luxury available, from expansive suites to more intimate abodes. All Rock Royalty level rooms include Rock ‘n’ Roll-inspired design, luxurious linens and Rock Spa bath items among other amenities like The Sound of Your Stay® and Rock Om®. So live out your inner rock star in style and take your stay to the next level with the VIP Treatment: Rock Royalty.
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ROCK ROYA LTY R OOM Escape the spotlight and enjoy added privacy during your stay with special access to all the perks of Rock Royalty. You getaway includes a choice of Double or King suite to fit your style.
R O CK R OYALTY S UI TE Rock-inspired with a modern flair, this suite will have you kicking back like a legend. Relax in a king-size bed embraced by purple curtains to create a private backstage haven. Recharge for game in our King and Double suite complete with our Sleep Like a Rock® bedding.
R OCK STA R S U I T E The Rock Star Suite is all about attitude and brazen sophistication. This is opulence with an edge — the way it was meant to be. Enjoy stylish décor and inspiring features including a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and deluxe bathroom amenities, luxurious bathrobes, and a walk-in wardrobe. Here, extraordinary design meets superstar lifestyle.
TH E ST UF F O F L EG E N DS
A MEMORABILIA TOUR 1
ELV IS PR E SL E Y PA RA DE UNI FOR M
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GEO RGE H A R R I S O N H AT
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J OA N JE TT G U I TA R
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K ISS GU I TA R
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The King wore this parade uniform in the 1966 movie Frankie and Johnny. In the film, Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and is often referred to as “The King of Rock and Roll”.
As a member of the Beatles in the ‘60s, George Harrison helped write the modern lexicon of popular music. As a solo artist in the ‘70s and beyond, he enjoyed unparalleled critical and commercial success. He wore this hat during the mid ‘70s.
After dissolution of the Runaways, Joan Jett formed her own band The Blackhearts. They achieved massive success with hits like “I Love Rock n Roll”, “Bad Reputation” and more. She is on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarist of all time.”
KISS is a hard rock band formed in 1973 in New York, and the members are known for their unique make up and stage modeling, as well as 24 gold records. This Ibanez Destroyer guitar was signed by bassist Gene Simmons.
LES PAUL B ASS This Gibson EB-1 bass belonged to the man whose name is synonymous with the electric guitar – Les Paul. Les was instrumental in the design of the instrument and this vintage example exhibits some crude – but effective – modifications he made .
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RIH A N N A COST U M E This costume appeared in the music video for “Chinese Princess” featuring Chris Martin. The video depicts a complicated love story, scenes of which include a sword fight and Rihanna imitating a multi-armed goddess.
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M AY DAY G U I TA R
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M IC H A E L JACKS O N J EA NS
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S ECO N D H A ND R OS E D R E SS
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Indie pop band Mayday are the elder statesmen of the Asian rock scene. Since 1997, the group has sold over a million albums, headlined many major festivals and built a fanbase that stretches far beyond Asia.
Unquestionably the most beloved and successful pop star of all time, Michael Jackson’s music has become part of a global language. He wore these jeans when he appeared in an ad for L.A. Gear sneakers in 1989.
Second Hand Rose combines the folk music elements from northeast China with the classic Rock and Roll to form an iconic style with Chinese characteristics. Lead vocalist Liang Long wore this cheongsam on stage during the band’s 2003-2004 tour.
XU WE I COST U M E In 1993, Xu Wei had a band called FLY, during that period of time his music was deeply influenced by the rising Chinese Rock n Roll scene. This costume is from Xuwei’s live tour in 2009.
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