That's Beijing - April 2016 by That's - Pulse of The City

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4 00 8 2 0 8428 城市漫步北京英文版 4 月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press

ISSN 1672-8025

APRIL 2016

主管单位：中华人民共和国国务院新闻办公室 Supervised by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China 主办单位：五洲传播出版社地址：北京市海淀区北三环中路 31 号生产力大楼 B 座 602 邮编 100088 B-602 Shengchanli Building, No. 31 Beisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, PRC http://www.cicc.org.cn 总编辑 Editor in Chief 慈爱民 Ci Aimin 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 Editor 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili 发行 / 市场 Distribution / Marketing 黄静，李若琳 Huang Jing, Li Ruolin

Editor-in-Chief Oscar Holland Food & Drink Editor Noelle Mateer Staff Reporter Dominique Wong National Life & Style Editor Marianna Cerini National Arts Editor Andrew Chin Digital Content Editor Justine Lopez Designers Li Xiaoran, Iris Wang Staff Photographer Holly Li Contributors Mia Li, Trevor Marshallsea, Mario Grey, Isabella Farr, Virginia Werner, Lin Yin

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EDITOR’S NOTE

DEALS

Art Beijing returns for its 11th

APRIL

installment at the

UNTIL LAST MONTH, I HAD NEVER INTERVIEWED A MAN WEARING ONLY UNDERWEAR.

Nor had I interviewed someone who could easily bench-press me. But then I’d never been to a bodybuilding competition, which is one of the few places where these things were likely to happen. As well as making me question my own sedentary lifestyle and the feeble power of my biceps, the curious world of bodybuilding offered more than just a chance to ogle at freakish bodies. It also brought up challenging issues like gender inequality, drug use and corruption. But if you’re just after the muscles, everything has been brought to life through photos from our supremely talented staff photographer, Holly Li (check them out from page 40). She also took the cover shot and the bromantic picture below, both of which feature bodybuilding star Ady Kung. Elsewhere in the magazine: Dominique Wong looks at domestic violence in China, in light of a new law designed to empower and protect victims (page 10); Marianna Cerini delves into the ludicrous luxury pet market (page 20); Andrew Chin chats to rock legends Iron Maiden (page 32); and Noelle Mateer meets the director of Art Beijing (page 34) before bringing you her characteristically acerbic take on the latest food and drink openings (from page 52). Lastly, on page 62, we bid farewell to our longstanding columnist Trevor Marshallsea aka Tiger Father (or, to be precise, he bids farewell to us). He has recently returned to Australia, and he files his last column from somewhere presumably very sunny and idyllic. Best of luck to Trevor from all here at That’s.

end of this month (see page 34) and readers of That’s

Beijing can get a massive 40% off tickets for any of the fair’s three days, May 1-3. All you have to do is scan the QR code below before April 25 to get discounted entrance (usual ticket price: RMB100).

Oscar Holland Editor-in-Chief Tickets to Beijing’s first Boiler Room If you're an electronic music fan, you'll know all about Boiler Room, the web-stream DJ sets that have taken the music world by storm. And if you're an electronic music fan you'll have always longed to be one of the cool people loitering around the decks at these exclusive invite-only events. Well, you're in luck (maybe). Thanks to Le Music and dART, who are teaming up to bring Boiler Room to China for the first time on May 1, we have a pair of tickets up for grabs. The identities of the artist and venue both remain guarded secrets, but it's guaranteed to be off the chain. To win, follow us on WeChat (using the QR code on the right of this page) and keep an eye out for competition details.

T hats_Beijing t w i t t e r. c o m / T h a t s B e i j i n g facebook .com/ T hatsBeijing

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QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“Domestic violence is, at its heart, a crime of men against women. It’s a social phenomenon that human beings have to address” Lawyer Siodhbhra Parkin talks China's new antidomestic violence law, page 10

6 CIT Y 8 AIDS WORKERS We follow a volunteer testing Beijingers for HIV

9 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Our new architecture feature looks at buildings in Beijing

15 TERMS OF ENDEARMENT Goudai means dog leash, but also sounds like ‘go die’

16 LIFE & ST YLE 16 NOW YOU SEE ME Shanghai-based Biz Eyes makes nerdy look good

18 JEANEOLOGY Your guide to all things denim, just in time for spring 24 SCENE & HEARD Vega Zaishi Wang’s new collection is an ode to strong women

28 ARTS

3 0 F U Z Z Y N AV E L We chat with indie rockers The Fuzz about their upcoming tour

32 MAIDEN CHINA Iron Maiden gear up their private jet for a Beijing visit 38 T HE A POST LE PAUL Paul Oakenfold hates interviews, but hates ours slightly less

5 2 E AT & D R I N K 54 BREAD AND BUT TER Toast, at The Orchid, is great for hypothetical dates

5 6 I WA N T C A ND Y We look at traditional Laobeijing sweeties, and you can too 6 0 H AV E A N I C E N I G H T New Sanlitun speakeasy Night & Nice is… nice 4 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

THE WRAP 20 HEAV Y PET TING In China, sometimes pets own their humans

3 4 DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BRE AK MY ART Your guide to Art Beijing, plus an exclusive interview with director Takahiro Kaneshima

40 PASS T HE PROT EIN A look into the peculiar world of bodybuilding in China

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CITY TH E B U Z Z

S LO U C H I N G D R I V E R , H I D D E N PAC K AG E A kuaidi driver takes a rest (and a selfie?) during his work break on a spring afternoon.

Q U OT E O F T H E M O N T H

“There is still money to be made in China” …according to the new spokesman for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Wang Guoqing, who spoke at a press conference during last month’s ‘Two Sessions.’ His comments came in reply to a question on whether China’s investment climate had worsened for foreign companies. While Wang added the caveat that “it is not as easy as before to make money,” he remained optimistic about the country’s general economic outlook. 6 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

RANDOM NUMBER

…is the number of people in a gang of hospital scalpers arrested in Beijing as police crack down on the practice. It is believed that the group was booking appointments using false identities before selling tickets to hospital patients with a huge mark-up. Operating primarily from the Air Force General Hospital, the gang reportedly created a WeChat group, which they dubbed “Dragon’s Chamber” to communicate with each other and sell tickets. Of the 29 arrested, 14 were ultimately detained. Patients should be able to purchase tickets themselves for RMB300, but scalpers hawk them for as much as RMB4,500.

Ed i t e d by D o m i n i q u e Wo n g

PA R KS A N D R E C R E AT I O N

b j e d i t o r @ u r b a n a t o m y. c o m

AS K A L AO B E I J I N G We met Wang, 41, during a taxi ride from Dongsi to Dongzhimen

What do you think about Donald Trump as a US presidential candidate?

Beijing will add at least 10 recreational parks in 2016, according to a recent announcement by the Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry. A spokesperson from the Bureau said that of the estimated 400 extra hectares of green space to be added this year, half would be public parks. The parks will be placed near residential and other densely populated areas of the city. Authorities are also aiming for more greenery in housing compounds and on roofs. Overall, the municipal government proposes an additional 2,300 hectares of green space over the next five years. NO RETURNS

Beijing supermarkets, including Jingkelong and Merry Mart, have started stamping receipts with a disclaimer stating that the purchased products have not expired. According to Beijing Youth Daily, the stamps are aimed at those with “absurd complaints,” rather than the average customer. Wumart’s food safety officer, Sun Wenbo, said the supermarket receives around 50 complaints a month, many of which come from “professional shoppers” whose strategies include hiding bread inside objects in the hardware department with the aim of returning to buy it after the expiration date, before then claiming compensation (for which a minimum of RMB1,000 can be awarded).

“I don’t really approve of some of his principles, although I have only heard a few of them. When I watch the news I see him talk a bit about China. It seems he wants the US and China to become enemies, and for China to turn into somewhere like Iraq. I think Trump wants people to believe China is a threat because of its economy and military. Now there are a lot of overseas Chinese. Chinese people are smart. Trump may be scared because he thinks these Chinese have the potential to influence Americans’ way of thinking. So he has to say a lot of controversial things to make people think negatively about China. Everybody has a different outlook and looks at people differently. For example, I might see you as a good person but he might see you as a bad person. Trump says a lot of controversial things but I think most of it is just rhetoric to get people excited. If he actually became president he wouldn’t be able to implement a lot of his policies, like sanctions on other countries. As a Beijingren, I can actually understand his policy against immigrants. There are a lot of Beijing people who don’t like migrants coming to Beijing because they might take our jobs and there will be fewer opportunities. Also, they may practice bad habits in Beijing, such as littering or smoking. I feel like their character is not as great as ours. But what can we do? Isn’t this the same as Trump’s idea? Trump is a little mad though. It’s hard to say what will happen in America and the effect on the world if he is elected president. I prefer Hilary Clinton because I like her principles and think she would do a better job. Her husband previously being president may influence my opinion. Also, she has been to China before, which is good for us, as it means she knows more about – and understands – our country.” As told to Dominique Wong W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 7

CI T Y | TA LES

TALES OF THE CITY

WITH THE LAUNCH OF BEIJING’S FIRST MOBILE HIV TESTING LAB, DOMINIQUE WONG HITS THE STREETS TO FIND OUT MORE It’s an uneventful Wednesday night when we meet Xiao Dong outside an inconspicuous KTV in the middle of Fengtai district. Greeting us from his mobile HIV testing car, Xiao leads us inside the KTV before we venture to an empty room on the third floor (“The designated gay floor,” he explains). Xiao is in charge of a new initiative which sees mobile labs provide free HIV tests to young gay men. The first electric minicars were launched last month by UNAIDS’ China office and the National Center for AIDS and STD Control and Prevention Center (The Center) to mark Global Zero Discrimination Day (March 1). The cars travel at night to popular gay spots around the city, including parks, bars and bathhouses. And tonight Xiao has let us accompany him to find out more about the scheme. It takes no more than a few minutes for Xiao to set up his equipment. Soon, four young men enter the room, a slight anxiety visible beneath a surface of youthful bravado. Xiao passes each man a kit before briefly going over the procedure and all that is required ("You just need to brush your teeth," Xiao says). To us, it seems as if the HIV testing kit functions similarly to a pregnancy kit: Once a bodily fluid – in this case, saliva – is inserted into the kit, a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ result appears upon the display after about 15 minutes. All of the men are ‘negative,’ much to their relief. Xiao tells them they must get tested again next month before gifting them a box of condoms and a key ring. As the men head out to continue their night of KTV, a straggler pops in and asks if Xiao is still offering check ups. “We’ll be back tomorrow,” Xiao tells him. While tonight’s men were all HIV-free, others have not been so lucky, Xiao tells us. “Since we began the mobile testing, we have tested 126 people. So far, six percent have had an HIV-positive diagnosis.” The initiative is particularly relevant for young gay men, aged 15 to 24, who are considered a high-risk group. Last year the number of 8 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

reported student cases of HIV in China was 3,400 – more than four times that of 2008. Nearly 81 percent of the students contracted the virus through gay sex, according to a statement by the director of The Center, Wu Zunyou. While China has over 2,000 government HIV testing outlets offering free tests, many at-risk individuals, such as young gay men, are hesitant to go. Xiao hopes that the user-friendly nature of the mobile testing vehicles will appeal more to this target demographic. His organization provides support for those who test positive by accompanying them to counseling and other follow-up treatment services for up to two weeks post-diagnosis. The service is also available to women, Xiao explains. “Women can give us a call if they’d like to try,” he says. If they are close we can go to them, or we can kuaidi a testing kit.” Reaction in the gay community has been largely positive. Editor-in-chief of gay magazine Gayspot, Zhao Ke, tells us by email: “[The vehicles] are very consistent with the characteristics and needs of the gay community. They can go directly to the people, so that everyone can have access to testing and counseling services.” Meanwhile, a member of Beijing’s gay community, Zhen Li shares: “It’s hard to say whether or not it’s good, yet. Some of my friends saw it in front of [popular gay-friendly club] Destination. The government provided RMB50 million for NGOs to deliver HIV prevention and control [initiatives] and this project is one of them. I wish it well but the number of gay men it’s able to recruit for testing will be the best indicator of its success.” It’s still early days, and Xiao says there are “many gaps and areas for improvement.” But from what we see, the initiative has plenty of potential and is already providing a vital service for those it has tested so far. For more information call HIVCT 400 090 9744

ON THE BLOCK | CIT Y

PETROCHINA HEADQUARTERS, DONGZHIMEN

New guidelines on urban planning will forbid the construction of “bizarre” and “odd-shaped” buildings that are devoid of character or cultural heritage. In our new feature, we gather opinions on some of the unusual architecture that remains, from both an architectural and civilian viewpoint.

The Building The formidable-looking PetroChina Headquarters looms over the Second Ring Road. Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and completed in 2006, the structure is a symbol of the city’s new economy. The energy-efficient building uses an automated lighting control system, which adjusts light in accordance with natural sunlight, and mirror-coated blinds that move with the sun’s rays. It looks like it’s straight out of a dystopian film, especially on a gray Beijing day. It’s so enormous we often gauge the pollution level on whether or not the building’s outline is visible through the smog from That’s Beijing offices.

The Residents’ View A nearby sweet-potato seller, 55, praises the building for its “beautiful, strong and great” appearance while a security guard, 30, similarly describes it as “very goodlooking.” Hmm… perhaps we are too jaded?

The Architect’s View Co-founding partner of Beijing-based architecture and urban design reMIX studio, Nicola Saladino, says: “At 200,000sqm, it is a gigantic construction and it would easily look out of scale if it weren’t for the Ring Road itself already being way beyond human dimensions. “The volume, with an abstract facade of vertical louvers that change permeability according to different angles of observation, clearly relates more to the dynamic vehicular perspective than to the pedestrian traffic around it. “The building is a celebration of power: Its huge entrance hall certainly awes its visitors. But at the same time, the architecture gives up having any impact on its surroundings, not engaging at all with the public space. I think this is a missed opportunity as a more articulated intervention of such a scale could easily change a neighborhood for the better.”

朝阳店 CHAOYANG PARK STORE 东湖别墅店 EAST LAKE STORE

TEL: (010) 84511168 B1 of East Lake Villa Club, Dongcheng District 东城区东湖别墅东湖俱乐部地下一层观湖国际店 GREEN LAKE STORE

TEL: (010) 59283525 \ 59283723 A1 Building of GreenLake International Apartment, Chaoyang District 朝阳区观湖国际甲 1 号楼新城国际店 CENTRAL PARK STORE

TEL: (010) 65336791 No. 101, Tower 17, Central Park, NO.6, Chaowai Ave. Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝外大街 6 号新城国际 17 栋 101 海晟店 SEASONS PARK STORE

TEL: (010) 64175815 First floor of Dongchengyishu No.6, Shizipo Street, Chaoyang District 朝阳区十字坡街 6 号东城逸墅 1 层逸盛阁店 EAST AVENUE STORE

TEL: (010) 64602658 Room 108 ,East Avenue, No.10 Xindong Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区新东路 10 号逸盛阁 108 室

TEL: (010) 65016249 \ 65931220 West Gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农展南路 1 号（朝阳公园西门南 60 米）三里屯店 SANLITUN STORE

TEL: (010) 64616928 \ 64635156 No.6 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯北小街 6 号芳草地店 RITAN STORE

TEL: (010) 85630626 No.4 Ritan North Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛北路 4 号香江花园店 RIVERA GARDEN STORE

TEL: (010) 84701557 \ 84704095 No.1 Laiguangying East Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区来广营东路 1 号

建外 SOHO 店 JIANWAI SOHO STORE

TEL: (010) 58692326 \ 58692253 0413 of Building 4, Jianwai SOHO, No. 39 Middle Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环中路 39 号建外 SOHO4 号楼 0413

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FE AT URE | CI T Y

W it h C h in a â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fi d o m e s ti c v io ler s t law ta r g eti n g e ffe c t o n Ma r n c e h a v in g c o m e into a s ks w h eth e r c h 1 , Do m in iq u e Wo n g a tt it u d e s tow ait is e n o u g h to c h a n g e rd abuse.

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CI T Y | FE AT URE

ast summer, Zhao*, 30, a victim of domestic abuse, called the Maple Women’s Psychological Counseling Center for advice. She had suffered years of mistreatment, not only from her husband, but also her mother- and father-in-law. On one occasion, after Zhao sought refuge at her parent’s home, her husband tracked her down and, in a fit of rage, violently attacked Zhao and her family. She had managed to flee her abusive husband with her son, but was afraid of what might happen next. What if he found her? What would happen to her – and her son? Every day dozens of domestic abuse victims from around China seek help from Maple Center, either via its hotline or through face-to-face sessions. Located on the first floor of a residential apartment building in Xicheng, Beijing, the center assists callers by talking through available options, such as separation or couple’s counseling. It also conducts research on domestic violence and provides advocacy for victims. The center advised Zhao as best they could. But with China’s anti-domestic violence law having come into effect on March 1, visitors and callers now have a concrete legal foundation – specific to domestic violence – in which to seek redress. Founder of the Maple Center, Wang Xingjuan, tells us during a visit: “The law is a good start because abused women can now seek [legal] justice. The law has a lot of bright spots.” Indeed, anti-domestic violence advocates regard the specialized law as a victory for human rights. It offers legal acknowledgment of a deeply ingrained social problem that, in Chinese society, has traditionally been viewed as a ‘private’ issue. The law intends to combat domestic violence by focusing on prevention. It combines education, correction and punishment measures for a more proactive approach. Notable provisions include: an increase in the scope of what can be considered domestic violence (family members and non-family members “living together” can all be prosecuted); the conduct covered (which now includes psychological as well as physical violence and restrictions on physical liberty); the duty or right to report; and the establishment of a written warning system. The law also makes it easier to apply for protection rulings and orders than in the past. “Women would go to the police and the police would say: ‘It’s a family matter so it doesn’t concern us.’ But now the government has made it so that people have to care," Wang says. "It’s not a ‘family problem’ anymore; it’s a national problem.” But how big a national problem is it? A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) study, conducted in 2013, found that 39 percent of female respondents in China reported experiencing “physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence.” The study also found that of those women who had experienced “physical partner violence,” 40 percent had been injured to the extent that they had to take leave from work or stay in bed. Estimates of lost productivity resulting from domestic violence in developing countries range from 1.2 to 1.4 per cent of GDP, according to the 1 2 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

International Labour Organization. Lawyer and anti-domestic violence advocate, Siodhbhra Parkin, spent four years researching domestic violence in China before moving from Beijing to the US, where she is now based at the Yale China Law Center. Speaking with us over Skype, Parkin says: “Most people are quite happy with the law because it’s vague in the right ways and there are some relatively progressive provisions. For example, it allows for prosecution of domestic violence committed between partners who are unmarried but cohabitating. The law doesn’t mention gender, which is important because, potentially, LGBT individuals might get protection from this as well. “One important element of the law is the protection order program,” Parkin continues. “If your partner is beating you, you can apply for what is essentially an injunction against them. [The law] also notified schools that it’s mandatory to report suspected acts of violence in homes of children in school.” Other organizations singled out for mandatory reporting include medical establishments, residents’ and villagers’ committees, social work service organizations, and employees of the above. According to article 35 of the law, if the individuals responsible for reporting instances of domestic violence fail to do so, they will face punishment. But the law has its shortcomings. In particular, it still fails to explicitly cover sexual violence, which discourages victims of sexual abuse from coming forward, and perpetuates the idea that people can act as they please in an intimate relationship. Also, as Parkin notes: “A lot is still left to police discretion in terms of whether they choose to investigate and prosecute. We were also not thrilled with the police’s written warning system, which [may mean no more than] putting the case on a pile. “But at least [the police] can now put it on the record, so if any future acts of violence take place, or divorce proceedings commence, there will be a record of [domestic violence] incidents, and the victim may have more power of getting something out of the situation.” The law was over ten years in the making, aided by rights activists’ tireless campaigning. The drive was also buoyed by high-profile cases such as Li Yan, who, after months of abuse and a lack of help from authorities, beat her husband to death.

FE AT URE | CI T Y

PHOTOS BY HOLLY LI

Below, L-R | The Maple Women's Psychological Counseling Center's Founder Wang Xingjuan provides counseling to a visitor; a logbook of domestic violence cases received by the Maple Center; a volunteer at the Maple Center answering a call

Following a huge public outcry, the Supreme Court overturned Li Yan’s death sentence in 2014. Another influential case was that of an American woman Kim Lee who made Chinese legal history in 2013 when she was granted a divorce on the grounds of domestic violence, as well as securing a threemonth restraining order against her abuser, Crazy English founder Li Yang. Lee first brought attention to her case by uploading images of her injuries on Weibo and by publicizing her futile experience of reporting domestic violence to the police. One of the founders of the now defunct Anti-Domestic Violence Network (ADVN), and co-founder of anti-domestic violence group Equality, Feng Yuan, tells us: “Kim Lee was important because it was reported by the media and also we [ADVN] supported her and helped her win her case. Her case set a very good example for many Chinese

women: if you insist, you will find change.” Now, the challenge lies ahead, with the law’s success largely dependent on its execution. During a panel discussion about the new law, as part of the British Embassy’s Be Yourself campaign, director of Linxinwobang law firm, Yi Yi, said: “We have the law but now we need proper implementation. This means making the law feasible and practical, publication [of the law] through education, the media and the public, and comprehensive training for those in the judiciary system, juries and police, so that they can identify domestic violence and how to stop it. “We need training and education at the grassroots level, because if they don’t know how to respond, they can’t act.” During our Skype, Parkin is more specific: “I’d like to see more training of police in particular in how to respond to domestic violence and to assist women in getting the

help that they need. This requires funding. The Chinese Government [should] commit more money to these efforts.” The law’s provisions were quickly put to the test: On March 1 (the first day the law came into effect), two domestic violence victims filed for a personal protection order (PPO) at their local court in Beijing. That afternoon the court issued the city’s first PPO. A PPO lasts for up to six months and, depending on the situation, can be revoked or extended. The recipient of the PPO, surnamed Gu, 61, had suffered abuse by her husband for 30 years, according to a news report by the Beijing Times & Legal Evening News. She stated: “I have endured his violence for so many years in [full] view of my two young children, but now they have grown up and I cannot bear it anymore.” Yet, it remains uncertain whether the law will result in a flood of victims taking similar W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 1 3

CI T Y | FE AT URE

legal action against their abusers. Lack of education and access are just some of the huge barriers still facing women, in spite of the law. One of the biggest hurdles, though, is changing society’s perception of domestic violence – behavior that has historically been deemed as ‘normal’ or, as previously mentioned, ‘private.’ While elements of gender discrimination can be found in Chinese society (one of Chinese philosopher Confucius’ Three Guidelines and Five Virtues in Confucianism states that ‘wives must submit to the husband’) it is a common misconception that patriarchy is a China-specific problem. Still, individuals affected by domestic violence or authority figures often point to this idea – that domestic violence is an ingrained part of Chinese culture – when rationalizing abusive behavior. Parkin shares: “One thing I would often hear in domestic violence training in China was judges or police saying: ‘Well, this is China and [domestic violence] is a part of our traditional culture.’ It’s all very tied up in that conception of the traditional Chinese patriarchal system, but that’s just not true. “Domestic violence is, at its heart, a crime of men against women. It’s an international phenomenon, occurring across cultures and countries with very different historical experiences. It’s a social phenomenon that human beings have to address.” For example, Taiwan also has a traditional patriarchal culture. Yet, it was the first in Asia to implement laws aimed at preventing domestic violence with the Domestic Violence Prevention Act in 1998 and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act in 2005. After years of combating violence against women, Taiwan’s legislation resulted in a comparatively low rate of partner violence at 18 percent, according to research discussed at 67th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2014. So, it is possible to change perceptions. But, scenes encountered at the Maple Center suggest it is likely to be a bumpy road ahead. In the center’s counseling room, volunteer Hou Zhiming shares a logbook of case summaries, from calls made to the center’s hotline. It is a depressing read: perpetrators’ job descriptions include finance manager, designer, journalist, government official and, disconcertingly but perhaps unsurprisingly, police officer. Victims range from nurses to teachers. The logbook is damning evidence that domestic violence is a problem that affects all strata of society. As Hou says: “It doesn't matter if people are [university] educated or not.” In a recording of Hou’s most recent call, a 28-year-old woman named Wang* describes months of suffering abuse. Originally from Sichuan, Wang moved to Anhui to be with her husband. Wang called the hotline for advice after her husband hit her so hard he split her head open. She wants a divorce. Because of the domestic violence? Hou asks in the recording. No, because of his temper, Wang responds. 1 4 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

Women would go to the police and the police would say: ‘It’s a family matter so it doesn’t concern us.’ But now the government has made it so that people have to care. It’s not a ‘family problem’ anymore, it’s a national problem

When Hou states this is an issue of domestic violence, the victim instead categorizes it as a ‘marriage’ problem. Apparently, she can endure the violent beatings; the deal-breaker is that her husband lacks similar ‘sanguan’ (fundamental values). The conversation continues in this vein, with Wang admitting she is depressed even though the frequency of beatings has recently decreased. Furthermore, Wang says that upon seeing her husband for the first time after several days of absence, she still has feelings for him. These are emotions experienced by victims of domestic violence across the world. But China’s legal framework can exacerbate them in unique ways. According to the Marriage Law, for instance, property owners are deemed to be whoever’s name is on the deed. Due to intense cultural pressure, many Chinese women live in their husband’s home, without their own legal security. Subsequently, they are at risk of losing substantial amounts of property in divorce cases. The language of the law also promotes “family harmony,” much to Parkin’s disappointment. “The approach that the government is taking is very much couched in this language of ‘peace’, which is unfortunate because the law should be about protecting women and vulnerable individuals from abuse,” she argues. “There’s a heavy push for people to go through mediation rather than litigation, in order to keep the family together. But in an abusive relationship, there’s a power difference: If you have an abuser and an abusee in a room trying to mediate, you’re not going to get an outcome that’s going to protect the victim more.” Despite Parkin’s skepticism of the “political buzzwords” in the law, she agrees with other experts that it is important to grant victims their own autonomy. “It’s about empowering women to be able to control their lives and get out of these relationships, rather than saying, we know what’s best.” Perhaps most importantly, the law sends the unequivocal message that domestic violence is abnormal and simply unacceptable behavior in Chinese – or any – society. While a concerted effort is required to bring about changes in attitudes toward domestic violence, the law is a step in the right direction. Because, as Hilary Clinton famously said at the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women: “Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights.” █

* Names have been changed

The Domestic Violence Law can be read online at www. news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2015-12/27/c_128571791.htm (Chinese) or www.chinalawtranslate.com (English; search for ‘domestic violence law’). For further information about the Maple Center visit www. mapleonline.org or call the center’s anti-domestic violence hotline Mon-Fri 1-5pm (10 64073800; 10 64033383; 10 68333388). To report an instance of domestic violence in Beijing call 110 or visit your local police station

CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY | CIT Y

狗带 Goudai / Gǒudài / 狗带 n. dog leash; a homonym of to ‘go die’ A handbag is like a woman’s second face. My handbag cost 10,000 kuai.

It looks very nice.

How much did yours cost?

A hundred yuan. It’s from Taobao. I goudai.

Goudai, meaning ‘dog leash’ in Chinese, has nothing to do with dogs. It is simpler than that. It was invented in a botched attempt to freestyle rap by a popular Chinese pop star and simply means what it sounds like in English: ‘go die.’ Huang Zitao, a 22-year-old Qingdao native, was signed by a major South Korean entertainment company in 2010. After moving to the land of K-pop to join a boy band, Huang dyed his hair a series

www.pageonegroup.com weibo.com/pageonechina site.douban.com/pageone

of colors (from ash blonde to copper red), learned how to break dance, practiced jumping really high and studied Kungfu. You know, the usual. Five years later, Huang – now called ‘Tao’ – realized he was way more popular in China than The Republic of Korea. So, he ended his contract and returned to the Mainland as a popping and locking, freestyle-rapping international hip-pop star. However, his kickass kungfu and nunchaku skills did not reflect similar rap ability. When asked to freestyle rap at a concert in China, Tao scrambled and failed to produce any rhymes. Fans started booing and the star became defensive. To the beat, he spat out a rhyme: “This is my life. I won’t easily goudai.” Tao’s total lack of rhythm or rapping skills stunned millions of fans in the arena, as an uncomfortable silence rose like smoke from the ashes of Tao’s star status. The moment was later described as having “struck

everyone with the cancer of awkwardness.” As Tao’s reputation as a rapper died, goudai was born, with the meaning of what fans wished he would do – to ‘go die.’ It’s often used in a selfdeprecating way, meaning ‘to retreat’ when one doesn’t feel up a task: “I choose to goudai” (signaling self-awareness). Or it is used to describe someone who doesn’t have the skills for – but is strangely confident about – something: “Why don’t you goudai?” (signaling hubris). Despite the hiccup, Tao the hip-pop legend managed to retain most of his fans. He has released three records and played a part in a major feature film just last year. The moral of the story is: either refrain from boasting about skills you don’t have, or, any setback can be survived if you have a good plastic surgeon. You decide. By day, Mia Li is a news reporter in

Beijing; at night, she tries to turn that news into standup comedy.

Shop LG50, Indigo, No.18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang - (+86 10) 8426 0408 Shop Units S2-14a-b,No.19 Sanlitun Road Chaoyang - (+86 10) 6417 6626 Shop 3B201, Zone 3, China World Mall, No.1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang - (+86 10) 8535 1055 W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 1 5

LIFE & STYLE S T Y L E RADAR

S P OT L I G H T

COV E T

Cindy Wang, founder of Degage Couture

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

The Zest of Life

— What’s your background? I was born and raised in Beijing. But after graduating from college I furthered my studies at the Box Hill Institute in Melbourne, and did a TAFE [technical and further education] course in fashion. That’s when I got my foot in the door of the fashion industry. I began working for different companies, designing wedding dresses and evening gowns. I also learned how to make and design headwear, leather handbags and jewelry. I decided to set up my own brand in 2004, which is when I founded Degage Couture. In 2010, I returned to China, and brought the label with me. —What’s the concept behind it? Degage Couture does wedding gowns, dresses and eveningwear. Its core philosophy is to design pieces that are chic yet unpretentious. —Have you always found yourself drawn to fashion? Absolutely. Growing up I was very thin, and I remember my mom would buy me clothes 1 6 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

that wouldn’t always fit very well. I began altering them myself, tweaking the lines and silhouettes till I was happy with them. I got instant gratification from that, which is why I decided to pursue a fashion career full time. —Your aesthetic in three words. Elegant, unique, classic. —What’s style to you? A mix of creativity and avant-garde, always with a touch of personality. —If you could go back to any decade in the past, which one would you choose? The Jazz Age of the 1920s. I love the accessories and clothes from that era. —What’s your favorite piece of clothing? A handmade light-brown evening gown with a silver pattern I made for my final year graduation project. It was the first of my pieces to walk the runway. It carries lots of memories. Visit Lalu’s Weidian store at www.weidian.com/ s/819461844

We recently watched Iris, the delightful 2015 documentary on the nonagenarian fashion icon Iris Apfel. One of the many inspiring life and style lessons we came away with was her belief that accessories are the herbs and spices of any ensemble. “They give zest and zing to an outfit,” says Apfel, as she tries on a bangle three times her weight. We couldn’t agree more – details can make or break a look. Big or small, subtle or mega-bold, they pack a punch like few other fashion items. In need of ideas? Check out China-based Missy Skins’ range of jewelry, pins and clutches. Loud and eye-catching, they take cues from the 80s and play with a tonguein-cheek aesthetic, from a plastic-fantastic ‘Lovesick’ necklace (RMB98) to a pin set called ‘Memories’ (RMB99) that manages to balance teenage cute and hipster cool. “If there was a choice of spending a lot of money on accessories or [a] dress, I always chose accessories,” says Apfel. When they don’t take themselves seriously (like these ones don’t), we are happy to play along. Also pictured: an ultra rad mini shoulder bag (RMB699) and a ‘Be Mine’ pin (RMB49).

missyskins.com

Ed i t e d by Ma r i a n n a Ce r i n i /

MADE IN CHINA

Raise Your Glasses Fashion should always be fun. Period. Why stick to the classics when you can find standout pieces any time? Don’t get us wrong; we love a good, sharply-cut suit or timeless designer clutch. But sometimes the excitement that comes from wearing something a little more extravagant – a little more decadent – is hard to beat. We’ll go as far as saying this: no closet is complete without a few of those signature items (aka statement pieces) that are guaranteed to garner compliments, turn heads the moment you walk into a room, or simply make you feel like a million bucks. Shanghai-based venture Biz Eyes ticks all of these boxes. Launched by Iranian architect Nasim Sehat, the brand-cum-design-project produces stunning, architectural, sculptural glasses (art pieces in their own right, if you ask us) inspired by expressionism, minimalism and naïve art. Quirky and delightfully frivolous, each pair of Sehat’s 3D glasses – rigorously assembled and hand-finished in her Shanghai studio – is composed of custom detachable spectacles that can be replaced by turning them 25 degrees and screwing another pair on. The base frame is made from sturdy transparent resin and the frames themselves are printed in white nylon and resin. The result is a series of madeto-order, Lady Gaga-esque accessories you can adapt and change, interpret and re-interpret in a variety of different ways, from vintage to contemporary, futuristic to abstract. Your style should mimic your personality. This label lets you do just that. Prices range RMB950-1,500; Biz Eyes takes 10

days to produce, dye, assemble and deliver its pieces to the customers; Pre-order on www. bizeyes.biz

b j e d i t o r @ u r b a n a t o m y. c o m

UNDER THE LENS

Luis Vuitton on CCTV9

In another example of ‘let’s charm this country with an economy that isn’t doing that great (but still better than most places),’ French fashion house Louis Vuitton sponsored a five-part documentary series on CCTV9 in February. Titled Journey of a Muse in Chinese – or Craft a Destiny in English – each episode of the series follows a different woman in the international fine arts sector (LV loves a bit of mix-up between clothes and arts) as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The ladies profiled included Danish author Karen Blixen (Out of Africa), contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and three personalities from China: supermodel Liu Wen, fashion pioneer Song Huaigui and contemporary musician Dadawa. The project was directed by the Canada-based Chinese director Fan Lixin, who has made documentaries covering a range of social issues. If you’re curious about the series, you can now view it on the brand’s interactive WeChat account or on streaming service Youku. Despite a slowdown of its brick-and-mortar presence in China (one of its four stores in Shanghai recently closed to make space for Victoria Secret’s first mainland flagship later this year, and even more have shut in second-tier cities), Louis Vuitton is aggressively targeting the country’s online consumers. The documentary confirms this: Chinese millennials respond well to mini-movies and videos and LV is going for it – big time. You clever, clever multi-national company.

OV E R H E A R D

“I DON’T CALL IT TEEN VOGUE BECAUSE IT’S NOT A TEEN MAGAZINE. I DON’T CALL IT VOGUE GIRL BECAUSE IT’S NOT ABOUT BEING YOUNG ONLY; IT’S ABOUT BEING COOL AND WITH AN ATTITUDE. IT COULD BE SOMEONE IN THEIR LATE TWENTIES, BUT HAVING THAT KIND OF ATTITUDE AND MENTALITY THAT IS GROWING IN CHINA… IT’S ABOUT ME, THAT ‘ME’ GENERATION.” Vogue China Editor-in-Chief Angelica Cheung on the upcoming launch of Vogue Me, a new fashion glossy from the Condé Nast family exclusively targeting Chinese millennials. The new title was inspired by the Vogue Mini app, whose digital content is already all about the ‘cool’ generation. Chinese millennials are perhaps the single most lucrative demographic on the planet today. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, they represent around 31 percent of China’s total population – 415 million motivated consumers with a total combined income of USD3 trillion. The Condé Nast move isn’t at all surprising: who wouldn’t like a slice of that? W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 1 7

LIFE & S T Y LE | FASHION

Head-to-Toe Denim Looks for Spring

w o r d s by M a r i a n n a C e r i n i

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FASHION | LIFE & S T Y LE

08 10 11

12 If the word ‘denim’ only makes you think of jeans, well, you’re behind, my friends. There’s much more to this sturdy textile than Levi’s pants. Fashion pros know it well: last summer, everyone was wearing denim – and double denim, too. No longer a fashion faux pas, the trend is coming back this season, with a bunch of offerings spanning skirts, 80s jackets and shirts. Embrace it. Or just wear it solo with a white tee (always a winning combo) and some hipster plimsolls. Here are some key pieces to get you inspired. You'll be dreamin’ of denim before you even know it.

FOR HIM

FOR HER

01 Pull&Bear RMB399 www.pullandbear.com

Topshop RMB462 www.topshop.com

02 H&M RMB399 www.hm.com

Topshop RMB268 www.topshop.com

03 Zara Men RMB259 www.zara.cn

Zara RMB359 www.zara.cn

04 River Island RMB347.82 www.asos.com

Zara RMB239 www.zara.cn

05 H&M RMB249 www.hm.com

H&M RMB199 www.hm.com

06 Our Legacy RMB850 shop.projectaegis.com

New Look RMB195.54 www.asos.com

W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 1 9

LIFE & S T Y LE | FE AT URE

How Pets Became China’s New Status Symbol

"People are starting to be concerned about their pets’ moods and whether they’re getting enough sleep" 2 0 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

FE AT URE | LIFE & S T Y LE

words by Marianna Cerini images by Mario Grey additional reporting by Tongfei Zhang and Zoey Zha

A shiny plastic bathtub greets visitors in front of the main entrance at Shanghai International Pet Expo (SIPE) 2016. Milkywhite foam sits atop the water, and warm bubbles give a Jacuzzi-like effect. But this small pool isn't for humans; it’s for their furry friends. The price? RMB8,800. Pair it with a “pet-friendly heater designed especially to keep your dog or cat warm” (the seller’s words, not ours) at RMB1,500, and you’ve got the “perfect home spa for your pet.” “It’s true,” reiterates the vendor. “These are essential products for your house. Good pet owners know it: both of these items are incredibly popular.” It’s little wonder that China’s pet industry is booming. Forecast to grow by more than 50 percent to RMB15.8 billion (USD2.6 billion) by 2019, according to market research firm Euromonitor, the pet care sector in China is rapidly outpacing the world's biggest market – the United States – which grew by just over 4 percent in 2015 (to an estimated USD60.6 billion). China now has the third-highest figure for dog ownership in the world. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the

country is home to 27.4 million pet dogs, behind only the US (55.3 million) and Brazil (35.7 million). China’s cat ownership is even higher – second in the world with 58.1 million (versus 80.6 million in the US). These are remarkable figures for a country that, during the Cultural Revolution, condemned dog ownership as an elitist, bourgeois pastime. In the capital, keeping dogs was banned through the 1980s, and it was only in 2003 that all Beijing residents were allowed to own canines. Now, having a pet has become a symbol of wealth and financial success. This is particularly the case for the affluent middle- and upper-classes, many of whom are products of the country's strict one-child policy and appear happy to indulge their pets. Shanghai’s SIPE, and other events like it, seem to support this theory. Walking around the fair – a smaller version of Asia’s largest trade show for animal supplies and aquariums, Pet Fair Asia – we find booths selling high-tech leashes, organic pet food, toys and heaps of accessories for your best friend Fido – like GPS devices and shoes. If your pet isn't into walking, strollers from Japan cost RMB1,100. Cat-scratchers

shaped like a Disney castle go for RMB800. A tiny pink bed emblazoned with the tag ‘PRINCESS’ is RMB500. Then, of course, there’s the ‘style section.’ A stand solely dedicated to ‘dogswear’ peddles outfits for your poodle that start at RMB200 and go all the way up to RMB600 for a detachable ballerina outfit featuring a glittery leotard and an organza tutu. The brands on display have names like Sugar Berry, Mamadog and Apple Apple, and you can peruse their offerings in catalogues and on gigantic advertising banners dotting the expo. Each features sultry pooches staring right into your soul, begging you to buy them ball gowns (or, equally likely, to free them). Everywhere around us, people are handing over credit cards, chatting to vendors, and stocking up on the latest gadgets. It all feels slightly insane, but maybe we just don’t love our cats enough. “I definitely spend a few hundred kuai on Duo La every month,” says Mrs. Chen, a 60-something Shanghainese lady pointing at her poodle. “I just bought her a dress, and I always, always get her imported food.” Pet beauty therapist Huang Yuwen, a W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 2 1

LIFE & S T Y LE | FE AT URE

26-year-old whose two dogs (of the eight she owns) are attending SIPE’s competitions and beauty contests, also spends a big slice of her monthly income on her pets. “Food is especially important to me,” she says. “I really want to make sure they get the best quality.” Pet food is indeed one of the most lucrative areas of the industry. Multinationals such as Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive have all rushed to the Chinese market, licking their lips at the possibility of profit. They are onto something: more data from Euromonitor reports that dog food sales are expected to almost triple to over USD760 million by 2019. Over the past year, China has become a key market for companies to launch new pet food, an increasing amount of which is now marketed as organic and all-natural, according to Laurel Gu, manager at market research firm Mintel. “A number of [pet food] manufacturers are developing new products specifically targeting China,” Gu says. “They see its

strong growth potential. At the same time, people are increasingly drawn towards products’ health benefits for their pets, labels like ‘no additives’ and specialized foods.” Other sectors are cashing in, too – particularly in the luxury field. Last year, leather brand Coach launched an entire collection of exclusive collars for pooches. American firm Chrome Bones, which specializes in Swarovski crystal-encrusted pet collars and leather carriers costing well above USD200, opened its first China franchise in Shanghai in 2014. It has since reported a steady monthly sales increase of 40 percent. Even the state-owned People’s Insurance Company of China (PICC) offers pet insurance policies, with annual premiums ranging from RMB450 up to RMB3,500 a year. In Shanghai, meanwhile, some funeral companies sell burial packages that include a limousine hearse, luxury coffin and flower arrangements for your deceased dog, at a mere RMB500 to RMB9,000.

It’s as if a craze is taking over firstand second-tier Chinese cities – one that expects owners to burn money on pets. They should, of course, be rigorously pure in breed. The Tibetan Mastiff – once the indulgence of choice for the country’s wealthy (a Chinese businessman allegedly paid USD2 million for one in 2014) – is no longer the hottest commodity in the dog world. But pet owners are still very sensitive about the purity of their companions. “It’s a sign of class,” says Chen Yu, a 27-year-old sales executive who owns two Pekingese dogs. “For me, the purer the better, although of course there are plenty of people who don’t care much about that.” But breeds, food and accessories are just a small part of the picture. Pet grooming and pampering services are “skyrocketing” in first-tier cities, says Jiang Yuxuan, a dog beautician we meet at Naughty Family, an in-demand Shanghai pet salon, training school and private clinic. “On average, we style 40 pets – mostly dogs – a day, although during holiday

"My parents have a cat, and they treat her like another daughter"

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FE AT URE | LIFE & S T Y LE

season that number can go up to 60 or 70,” Jiang says. “We are always very busy.” Services offered at Naughty Family range from hairstyling, spa services (i.e. ‘manicures’) to hair coloring, “especially before parties,” says Jiang. “We use the highest quality dye, so it doesn’t hurt the pet.” “Pets have become part of the family, and owners are willing to spend a lot on them,” says senior manager of Pet Fair Asia’s organizing committee, Grace Wu. “We want them to look good and be healthy, but we are also more attentive towards their needs, just like parents would be with their own children.” One of the industry’s latest trends is the rise of special care services aimed at the mental state of our furry friends, Wu explains. “People are starting to be concerned about their pets’ moods and whether they’re getting enough sleep,” she says. “Companies are listening: there’s now a tracking device that allows you to check your dog’s daily patterns, and interact with him or her when you’re not home. Many of

our exhibitors will be bringing products like that to the expo next August.” But can such attachment to dogs and cats – one on par with human family members – be healthy for pet owners? A psychologist from the Association of Certified Psychologists of China (ACPC), He Liang, is skeptical of the phenomenon. “In some cases, particularly with the ‘me-obsessed’ generation of the one-child policy, people just relish the idea of owning something that’s completely subordinate to their care,” says He. “It’s a way to feel in control of their own lives.” The loneliness and stress endemic to city life means some Chinese urbanites, mostly single ones, see pets as substitutes for human companions, explains He. “Wanting to treat your pets well is normal and healthy,” he says. “But when petowners are willing to spend large sums on beauty makeovers, yet refuse to invest any time or money maintaining regular social networking, we need to start worrying.” It’s not just millennials who show excessive love for their animals. Approximately 61 percent of urban residents over 65 live with a pet, compared to the national average of 44 percent. Left alone, many elderly people in urban areas have replaced their child with an animal companion. “My parents have a cat, and they treat her like another daughter,” says Chen, the poodle-owner at SIPE. “I think she motivates them.” As China’s pet market expands, so does the variety on offer. Last year, Pet Fair Asia had rabbits, hamsters, hedgehogs and parrots. The year before, someone brought in alpacas. This year, they’ll have “an entire hall dedicated to reptiles and amphibians,” says Wu. “We’re in the process of getting our licenses for that.” Whether snakes and lizards will also need salon services is unclear. But if it’s going to happen anywhere, it will probably be China. █ W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 2 3

L IF E & S T Y L E | A R R I VA L S

SCENE & HEARD by Ma r i a n n a Ce r i n i 2

H & M CO N S C I O U S E XC LU S I V E

It’s that time of the year again, y’all: H&M’s Conscious Exclusive collection comes out this month. We tend to avoid writing about big, fast-fashion brands in this section, but we also like to get behind sustainable style. So the giant Swedish retailer’s attempt to put something out there that raises the bar for sustainability pleases us. This season, the label has steered away from the tribal and Eastern inspirations seen in past collections and has instead dug into the archives of Musée des Arts Décoratifs of the Palais du Louvre in Paris. The result is a line of ‘red carpet’ pieces whose lines and patterns nod to the style of French painter Gustave Moreau. At the same time, it pushes an eco-message with the use of innovative materials, such as beads and rhinestones made from recycled glass, and Denimite – a recycled fabric made from old denim. French style maven (and daughter of former Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld) Julia Restoin Roitfeld is the face of the range, adding that extra Parisian touch to it all. The collection drops in stores on April 7. Mark the date. Green is the new black.

M E GA V I N TAG E

One of Beijing’s oldest malls, 3.3 (seriously, it was here when I first got to China in 2007) is, for the most part, full of crap. In case you haven’t been, it offers cutesy princess-style kinda shops, questionable tailors, blingy sequin-centered boutiques and many, maaaany stores selling knockoffs of big brands. Or silicone underwear (for real, check out a couple of spots on the third floor). Well, things have changed. Retro Beijing institution Mega Vintage has opened its doors on the fifth floor – and with it, a bunch of legit, hipster-cool enterprises in what is now essentially one of Sanlitun’s most interesting multi-functional spaces, no joke. Beside the second-hand garbs of Mega, an old-school-looking barber and hairdresser, Two Face, is on site too, delivering high-quality cuts from RMB280. Facing it is a place selling classic watches and handbags and, next door, an indie cafe serving single-origin coffees to buy in bulk or drink on site. Flowers and shrubs from lifestyle store The Beast dot the space, and are available for purchase too. The whole space oozes with vintage panache for Beijing’s hipster types. It’s enough to give you a real reason to venture inside the mall.

www.hm.com

5/F, 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 33 号 3.3 服饰大厦 5 楼

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V E GA Z A I S H I WA N G

Titled “I am Rooted, but I Flow” – after a Virginia Woolf quote – Beijing-based fashion darling Vega Zaishi Wang’s spring/summer collection is further proof that this lady can design. Playing with volume and geometry, the line features plenty of the dramatic, tailored silhouettes Wang has become known for – while retaining a slightly unhinged vibe. Denim, checks, maxi pockets and organza all make appearances, adding interesting detail to a skirt, or a modern twist to a classic coat. There is always a dimension of practicality, however. Aiming to be “an ode to independently-spirited women,” such as Virginia Woolf, the whole collection offers garments that aren’t just pretty but are, above all, logical. The result is a series of looks that are strong, but with plenty of lightness in the way they twist and turn. Beautifully crafted, this is a perfect example of clothes conceived for women of our times. No frills: just clever, utilitarian fashion.

www.vegazaishiwang.com 3

ADVERTORIAL | LIFE & ST YLE

Shang Xia "Breeze" Woman's Dress, 9,800 RMB Shang Xia "Seal" Belt, 1,200 RMB Shang Xia "Satis-feet" Woman's Shoes, 3,600 RMB

SHANG XIA "Bamboo Charm" Woman 's Coat, 19,800 RMB SHANG XIA "Moon Light" Shirt, 8,000 RMB SHANG XIA "He Qi" Woman's Pants, 3,800 RMB SHANG XIA "Man Yi "Handbag, 8,800 RMB SHANG XIA "Satis-feet" Woman's Shoes 3,600 RMB

SHANG XIA "Wanderer" Men's Jacket, 12,500 RMB SHANG XIA "Poetry" Men's Shirt, 1,200 RMB SHANG XIA "Heqi" Men's Pants, 4,500 RMB SHANG XIA "Urban & Nature" Woman's Dress, 9,800 RMB

SHANG XIA "Satis-feet" Men's Shoes, 3,900 RMB

SHANG XIA "LAN YUE" Bag, 22,800 RMB SHANG XIA "Satis-feet" Women's Shoes, 3,600 RMB

SHANGXIA Spring Arrives in Guomao

hang Xia’s latest pop-up in Guomao redefines what it means to be a high-end brand in China today. The store’s warming red hues make it stand out from the rest of the (typically Western) brands in China World Mall, and the entire space embodies Shang Xia’s mission of marrying traditional Chinese aesthetics with urban utility. Silk scarves hang gently from the walls. Ceiling lights illuminate artfully displayed handbags. Gorgeous wooden tables serve as holding places for sleek lookbooks. Inside them you’ll find the enchanting new Spring/Summer collections. Nature – its beauty, vastness and sheer grandeur – is the main inspiration behind the lines for 2016’s warmer seasons. Shang Xia has captured its rhythm, and combined it with modern city living, resulting in a dazzling array of garbs, gathered in the Urban and Nature (Cheng Shi Shan Shui) collection. Red, a color close to the hearts of the Chinese people, is the predominant shade used in the line. The designers at Shang Xia refer to it as “danxia,” and it is found on short tops, form-hugging pants, comfortable long shirts and graceful one-piece dresses, each crafted to suit different styles. Further bridging the gap between nature and urban life are the brand’s Breeze, Architecture and Dream collections. Each line presents an understated, soft expression of Eastern feminine beauty, as do the nimble Clouds, Heqi and Sun & Moon collections. Made using simple and natural tailoring techniques, comfortable materials and subtly elegant colors, these leisurely, relaxed collections are suited for everyday urban wear. Shang Xia’s craftsmanship and commitment to the best materials is exhibited in the great diversity of fabrics and techniques found in this season’s creations: multi-layered folds of lacquered silk thrill with their rich texture and shimmering beauty, while outerwear made from gambiered Canton silk are exquisite in their simple colors and elegance. Other highlights include specially woven gridpatterned silk dresses that cool and refresh during summer, and Shang Xia’s all new fabric formed by interweaving sheepskin leather with cotton-silk. Keeping the balance between nature and city life, Shang Xia’s collection lets us discover and revel in the simple beauty of our daily lives. And we can’t but embrace that.

BY VIRGINIA WERNER

SHANG XIA "Grace & Glory: The Full Art of Foulard" Exhibition Free Entry, starts from April 6, 11am-9pm L118 & 119, L1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国国际贸易中心国贸商城1楼 L118 & 119 86-10-6505 3446 W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 2 5

L IF E & S T Y L E | B E AU T Y & HE A LT H

CATHERINE DE FRANCE de France, de Chine, du Monde

Turns out, there really is a Catherine from France behind Catherine de France. We chatted with the eponymous owner about her journey from traveling hairdresser to salon owner – and about what’s next. — So, you lived all over the world? No. I just lived in Paris, Budapest, Moscow, Hong Kong, Beijing… and I've traveled with my scissors to many other countries. — That seems like all over the world to us. No! [Laughs.] I still haven’t been to South America. — So did you choose to become a stylist in order to travel? I learned my skill in the best salon in Paris, so I always need to refresh my style and skills in France – I just never wanted to live there. I don’t know why, but I wanted

to go anywhere. It wasn’t to make money, because you don’t make money traveling like that – you just have fun. — We hear you’ve worked with a lot of celebrities. Everywhere I’ve worked – here, Hong Kong, Moscow – we were the only French hair salon in the city, so it’s easy to be on call. I've done hair for Salma Hayek and Arianna Huffington. I also did Emma Watson’s hair when she was in Hong Kong promoting Harry Potter – she was 12 or 13. When I was in Budapest, I did hair for Melanie Griffith. The cast of Evita [including Griffith's thenhusband Antonio Banderas] was staying in the Kempinski, and our salon was there. She didn’t have a choice! [Laughs.] — You’re being modest. So after all that travel, why did you choose Beijing? Beijing is interesting! I came just before the Olympics and there was a lot of energy. I don’t think you could have wanted to be anywhere else at the time. — What did you do in Beijing then? I opened a salon in 2007 called C de France, but later I had some problems with my partner, so I lost everything. At the time

I wasn’t sure what to do – whether I’d stay here or not. But I had a great clientele, and so I decided to open a new salon [today’s Catherine de France]. Now it’s been three years since we’ve been in this location, but it still feels like a new start because I changed everything about my way of management and working with collaborators. — You have a new accessory line. Where does your inspiration for that come from? I work with a Danish designer. We sit down and we review all these important fashion shows for the upcoming seasons, and from this we create our accessory line. Every time I make my accessories and they’re ready I go online and I see that I have the same ideas as many other designers! Then I know my mind is on trend. — What is important for Catherine de France? Creativity. If we lack creativity in our group, we can feel it. It’s heavy. It feels like we’re going to work. But if we brainstorm and work creatively, the team are happy. Catherine de France, see Listings for information

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

Waxing Lyrical About LilyNails

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offers IPL removal – a hair reduction method which promises to shut down your hair follicles for good. Being a tad old-fashioned and in need of a quick fix, we opt for traditional waxing (though we’re definitely trying IPL next time we visit), and the whole experience is practically pain-free. Although Lily’s staff won’t give up the secret formula, we can attest to the near painlessness of Bliss’s proprietary ‘poetic stripless wax.’ Our therapist uses the hair remover at a low temperature, which helps mellow the sting, and she checks throughout that we are comfortable. Each appointment then concludes with the application of a waxing oil that calms any redness. Daily, 11am-11pm; Shop 5009, 5/F, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 3.3 大厦 5 层 5009 号 (5136 5919)

PHOTOS BY HOLLY LI

Waxing. If you’re a member of the female population, chances are you’ve come across the practice at some point in your life. We are not saying you have to, mind. What you do with your hair – be it on your scalp or your nether regions – is your business, and yours alone. But in case you are part of the anti-fuzz fight, we’ve a piece of advice for you: LilyNails. A long-standing beauty establishment on the Beijing pampering scene, the salon chain might be best known for its immaculate manicures and divine foot massages. But we recently tried its waxing services and were more than pleasantly impressed. Expert staffers are at the ready to tweeze and wax your… anything, using Depileve products, which contain purified rosins and rich oils for an excellent grip on fine or tough hair. They leave the skin soft and smooth with minimal reddening. If you’re after permanent hairless status, the spa also

B E AU T Y & HE A LT H | L IF E & S T Y L E

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

One morning, we awoke to the realization that our teeth had assumed an unhealthy color. Not quite brown, not quite yellow, but just not… white. It takes a lot of coffee and red wine to get this magazine to the printers every month – and both had taken their toll on our once perfect teeth. A smile says a lot. So we book an appointment for a thorough teeth cleaning at Joinway Dental, located just minutes away from That’s Beijing towers in Dongzhimen’s Ginza Mall. The first thing we notice is just how much natural light streams into the treatment room. This is absolutely nothing like the cold, clinical dental practices of our recurring nightmares. The second thing we notice is how good the dentist’s English is. He politely leads us to the chair, explains the process and gets things gets underway. Using the latest ultrasound technology, our

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

Coming Clean with Joinway Dental

dentist scrubs and polishes each tooth until it is squeaky clean. Sure, no-one likes having dental work, but this is as comfortable as it gets. And you know sometimes when you get your teeth cleaned and the dentist goes a little too close to that sensitive gum? Well that genuinely never happened here. Not once. After some whitener is applied, we’re done and ready to get on with our day. No more half-smiles to hide the stains beneath. Thankfully we don’t need any major dental work done on this occasion. But if we did, there’s much more at Joinway than cosmetic procedures. Root canal treatment, implants, orthodontics, fillings, extractions and periodontal care are all available, alongside much else. So while we hope that none of our readers need serious work done, you can rest easy knowing that there is a convenient,

international-standard dentist in the heart of Dongzhimen. The dental team here boasts qualifications from some of the best medical universities in the world, and they have access to some of the most advanced equipment and specialist tools in modern dentistry. Joinway Dental offers a professional and comfortable service that can put your mind at ease – regardless of whether you’re having major work done or you just drink too much coffee. Joinway Dental; Daily, 9am-6pm; 1D, Building D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街 48 号银座大厦 D 座 11D (8447 6092 / 8447 6093, joinway@dentalcn.com, www.dentalcn.com)

YIHE 42° HOT YOGA Mind, Body and Soul

A pioneer of the city’s yoga scene, Yihe 42° Hot Yoga Centre isn’t content to rest on its asana (that's Sanskrit for yoga pose, FYI), founder Cherry Wang assures us during our interview at Yihe Solana studio. Yihe is the top choice for people seeking an all-round body and mind workout thanks in part to its premium service. Wang shares: “At the beginning, 10 years ago, there was hardly anybody who knew about yoga [in Beijing]. I was the first yoga teacher to bring hot yoga here.” As well as its three city center locations,

Yihe also has its own Yoga Academy, certified by the Yoga Alliance in 2014. The studios offer a range of yoga classes to suit all levels and ages, plus smaller workshops for optimal training. As Cherry says: “Yoga is for everyone. We've had bodybuilders come in, an 85-year-old man, plus the ping pong champion team. At Yihe you will start with different postures and body positions, getting to know your body, step by step. “We offer a range of styles, including Flow (regular yoga), but for beginners we recommend our Bikram hot yoga class because the warm temperature relaxes the muscles and improves circulation.” Yet, Yihe offers more than just a class; it’s also a community. “People feel like Yihe is their home. They come and stay, even after the class is finished, because they feel relaxed. They don’t want to go straight back into society again,” Wang says. Yihe already enjoys a partnership with healthy food restaurant Moka Bros, while recently it became an official partner of yoga

clothing brand Lululemon, which can be purchased on site at Yihe studio. Wang, an ambassador of the brand, tells us: “We have the same vision, which is about creating a healthy world.” This year Yihe plans to focus on raising awareness. Wang explains: “It’s ‘Yihe Culture Year’. We are going to start to do a lot of public welfare promotion. On April 2 (World Autism Awareness Day) we’re holding a seminar at our studio about The Kangnazhou Autism Family Support Center, which supports girls and boys [with autism]. Every month we will highlight a different organization.” Indeed, Wang is committed to helping others achieve their best self. “I want to show people that good health is most important – not only physical, but mental.” Yihe 42 ° Hot Yoga; Daily , 10am-8pm. 3/F, No. 2 South Building, Blue Castle, Dawang Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区大望路蓝堡国际中心南写字楼 2 座 3 层 (8599 7395/96,

www.yh42.com); 3/F, Bldg. 14, Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西路 6 号 , 蓝色港湾 14 号 , 三层 (5905 6065/67, www.yh42.com)

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ARTS CO LLAG E

W H AT ' S N E W

DRUMROLL

MR. CARMACK

It may have taken six years, but Beijing indie rock heroes Queen Sea Big Shark have finally released their third album. With viral hits ‘Bling Bling Bling’ and ‘Mammoth’ included, To Wild Heart is an immediate essential. However, the shape-shifting quartet refuse to rest on their laurels, adding horns, sitar and rhymes to their colorful sonic mix. Available at buy.modernsky.com.

Disney classic The Jungle Book gets a liveaction reimagining. Neel Sethi stars as Mowgli, a human boy raised by wolves. When a fearsome Bengal tiger (Idris Elba) threatens his life, Mowgli leaves his jungle home and embarks on a memorable adventure with black panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and Baloo the bear (Bill Murray). The film will debut in China on the same date as America on April 15, a week after its world premiere in India.

Nanchang label Pest Productions returns to its dark ways with the release of a debut disc by symphonic folk black death metal band, Black Kirin. Formed three years ago in Changchun, the band have ambitiously released English and Mandarin versions of National Treasure. Regardless of language, it’s a fascinating mix of downtuned guitars, guttural vocals and the sounds of traditional Chinese opera. Available at pestproductions. bandcamp.com. 2 8 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

Hailing from Hawaii (via LA), Mr. Carmack has seen two of his releases become No. 1 bestsellers on Bandcamp. We chat to the producer before he brings his unique blend of hip-hop and trap to Lantern on April 29. — Your initial success came through Bandcamp and Soundcloud. Do you ever stop and think about how quintessentially 21st century your career has been? Yes! Without the Internet, I’d still be a farmer. My initial success was because I set up a Bandcamp and Soundcloud and directed people – friends and fans – there to listen. It is a proven, successful method to get music out. It’s still possible today, although people are more wary. They have better-tuned ears than a couple of years ago, due to the saturation and over-saturation of people utilizing these methods. — Why did you decide to put your entire discography up for free? Because I wanted to. A lot of my ‘career’ is owed to gut feelings, or spontaneous ideas that came along. I’ve been more calculated and reserved lately, though. We'll see if it’s to my detriment or advantage. — Did you get any weird questions on your Reddit AMA? I got a direct message asking me to come teach someone’s girlfriend how to make

beats. I think they lived in the Midwest though, so too far away. — Have you been on your own Wikipedia page? It’s one of the longest ones we’ve ever seen. Pretty much every track you've worked on is listed in detail. No, but that’s awesome! — Your motto is “make music like noone's listening.” But does that become increasingly difficult to live by as you realize how many more people are listening? You know, this is my favorite interview ever. Great question. I do find it more difficult to live by, because the nature of shows and how different crowds react have 100 percent affected the way I make music. I used to just tune out and write, stuck in my own house or at the park, with no show or crazy tour schedule looming over my head! Now I am more attuned to what people like, what people dance to – or don’t dance to. But I still manage to keep myself happy, creating my own direction and ideas. I’ve found I'm way more productive when I'm working to realize my own vision, not someone else’s. OH Fri Apr 29; RMB120, RMB100 if you follow SHFT on

WeChat (username: oneloveshanghai); Lantern (see Listings for details); Support comes from Jarreau Vandal, Oshi, Shackup, Bloodzboi and Dokedo

Ed i t e d by A n d re w C h i n /

b j e d i t o r @ u r b a n a t o m y. c o m

C A N VAS S E D

Antony Gormley, ’Host‘

‘Host,’ a site-specific installation by widely acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley, offers a sensory experience featuring natural substances, steel and iron sculptures. The exhibition includes red clay from Beijing’s Changping district and seawater from the Tianjin coast, which, mixed at a ratio of 50:50, flood the central spaces of the gallery to depths of 23 centimeters. Viewers are encouraged to sense the relationship between the built environment and nature.

Tue-Sun, 11am-6pm, Mar 19-Aug 20; free; Galleria Continua, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798

Art District, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 2 号 798 艺术区 (59789505)

H AO B U H AO

Hao

Bu Hao

All hail Stephen Chow as he reclaims his title as king of the mainland box office. In just 12 days, his comedy The Mermaid topped Monster Hunt’s record takings of USD382 million and has already become the first film to gross RMB3 billion in China. The film has also been granted an unprecedented three-month extended run.

When Ip Man 3, starring Donnie Yen and Mike Tyson, pulled in RMB443 million in just three days, it seemed too good to be true. The SAPPRFT are now investigating accusations of box office fraud through bulk purchases of tickets and ghost screenings. Officials have also announced a new package of film industry regulations to outlaw these fraud tactics. W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 2 9

ARTS | MUSIC

NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS

Here Come The Fuzz by A n d re w C h i n

The Fuzz have been the subject of conversation among Chinese indierock listeners for years. And their latest disc, The Root of Innocence, proves that they live up to their hype. But that doesn’t mean the Xi’an-based group are calling it a day. There’s no rest for The Fuzz, who are now embarking on an ambitious 42-city tour that stops off at Modernsky Lab on April 16. The tour will be a milestone of their career, according to frontman Liu Peng. “For a band to maintain their vitality, they have to try new things,” he explains. “The tour will undoubtedly be a challenge, but we would regret it if we didn’t do this.” Speaking a couple weeks before the tour kicks off in Chengdu, Liu admits that being away from their families and regular jobs (read: their regular income) will be a struggle. However, they can’t wait to see places like Dalian, Lhasa and Taipei for the first time. “We’re going to a lot of places bands don’t usually visit, so we feel like we have to go there,” he says. “Maybe there aren’t indie music scenes there, but there are usually a lot of people in those places who are interested in hearing new bands. Hopefully we can meet them.” Liu has been a leading figure of Xi’an rock ever since he returned from a ‘pilgrimage’ to Beijing, where he soaked in the capital’s vibrant music scene. A month after his return, Liu found guitarist Lan Ye, drummer Li Boyang and bassist Nie Zhong on Douban. The Fuzz was born. The band’s first show was a tribute to The Ramones that foreshadowed their eventual dance-punk debut, Bomb Your Brain. But The Fuzz’s current post-punk and new wave-indebted sound is 3 0 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

far removed from their first, electronic-influenced disc. Or, as Liu puts it: “We started paying more attention to channeling our personal feelings into the music to move the audience, even if it’s anger.” The Fuzz’s evolving style was first captured on their 2013 sophomore disc, Running Horse, which marked their first time working with P.K. 14 frontman and producer Yang Haisong. This relationship continues today and is, according to Liu, crucial to The Root of Innocence. “We have a complete understanding of each other,” he says. Released on Maybe Mars, The Root of Innocence features a number of musical styles. There are New Order-esque anthems (‘0909 11’), noisy jams (‘Psychedelic’) and guitar-driven indie-pop gems (‘Xiamen’) that may appeal to fans of The Smiths and the early albums of The Cure. “Some of our past albums were rushed, but we spent more time on this one and really enjoyed making it,” Liu says. “We spent more time jamming and added a violin.” The Fuzz are already planning their next move, having spent six months last year writing tracks for their fourth album, which they plan to record during the tour. “It’s our first attempt at doing this,” Liu says. “But maintaining our creative passion is the most important thing.” Sat, Apr 16, 9.30-11.30pm; Modernsky Lab, 5-108, Floor B1, Building D, Galaxy

SOHO, Dongcheng 东城区朝阳门银河 SOHO D 座 B1 层 5-108. The Root of Innocence is available at downloads.maybemars.org.

MMUUSSI ICC | A R T S

A GRIMY SLICE OF GROOVE Soulspeak Turns to the Dark Side by A n d re w C h i n

“The amount of noise everywhere in China is ridiculous. This album uses it to create grooves”

Forget everything you know about Soulspeak. While the Beijing-based producer may be best known for his funkinfused, soulful hip-hop beats, his debut release under the alias Kai Luen unveils a completely different side of his musical personality. Set for release on Shanghai’s SVBKVLT label, The Hollow Ghost offers 10 tracks of dark soundscapes. Bass grooves and layered beats have been replaced by songs predominantly composed from field recordings made on tour. “The amount of noise everywhere in China – apart from the countryside – is ridiculous,” he explains. “This album deals more with sound design and the idea of using noise to create grooves.” Just don’t expect Soulspeak (real name Jeff Liang) to stay in Kai Luen’s sonic lane for long after this month’s release show at Dada. Diversity is part of the producer’s musical DNA. Last year, he released two solo EPs on Beijing electronic label Ran Music, a second collaborative disc with “China’s best freestyle rapper” J-Fever and an album with the future jazz group Flash Beats Bones. Liang attributes his broad taste to listening to public radio in his hometown of Los Angeles, noting: “I could hear ParliamentFunkadelic, Sun Ra and John Cage within the span of 20 minutes.” Admitting that he “pretty much held onto a radio from the time I was in middle school to the time I was in college,” Liang began playing guitar at 9. Encouraged by his parents to pursue classical music (because “I wasn’t so great at math”), he balanced more formal musical studies with his growing habit of collecting vinyl in high school. Then came China. After Liang’s parents implored him to discover their homeland, he moved to Qingdao before settling in Beijing after the Olympics. He laughingly recalls attending his first Beijing hip-hop party, Season 6: “I remember thinking it was really random that there were all these Chinese kids dressed up like it was 90s New York. “But then the DJ began to play these obscure independent hip-hop

tracks which blew me away,” he adds. “It turned out to be Wes from the Park, which is a hip-hop radio station broadcast in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.” Shortly after, he connected with three-time DMC China champion DJ Wordy. Their collaborative project, Wordy Soulspeak, released two albums and performed at the massive EDC Las Vegas festival. While DJ Wordy’s relocation to Shanghai has put the duo on hiatus, Soulspeak has plenty of other plans for the year. A third album with J-Fever is in the works, which he describes as “more based on ideas around theater with elements of hip-hop that we want to make more schizophrenic.” He’ll also be working with As Bo, whom he describes as “the Chinese Tom Waits”; planning a solo project created from recordings of his children and their toys; and, later this month, releasing an album with Shanghai-based Ttechmak (the electronic persona of Australian trumpeter Toby Mak) on Ran Music. He describes the latter record, Land in the Love of Robots, as “heavy beats and altered horns [that is] very soulful, but not jazz at all.” This willingness to explore new possibilities is permeating China’s electronic underground. Soulspeak is keen to shout out other producers experimenting with sound, identifying Li Shijia, throutin, Damacha, Jason Hou and Zhi-16 of Do Hits! as producers to keep an eye on. “The thing I like the most is young people who have their own sound,” he explains. “Artists who are interested in stretching the boundaries of what is possible within the field, rather than regurgitating something that happened before.” Sat Apr 23, 10pm-late; RMB50; Dada (see Listings for details). The Holy Ghost will be available at svbkvlt.bandcamp.com and Land in the Love of Robots will be available at ranmusicbj.bandcamp.com/music

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A R T S | FE AT URE

Maiden Invade!

The Beast is Back by A n d re w C h i n

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FE AT URE | A R T S

"E wh ver ile y si we ng ar le s e pl how ay in we g it. per Fa fo ns rm ar is e re the lyi m ng o on st i us mp to ort de an liv t o er ne " FOURTEEN MONTHS AFTER BEGINNING

treatment to remove a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue, Bruce Dickinson and his Iron Maiden cohorts are back raising hell on the road. With the singer literally flying the group around the globe on their customized Boeing 747 (named Ed Force One), the metal legends are conquering the few remaining cities they’ve left untouched, including an April 24 date with Beijing. “The Book of Souls is a very important tour for Iron Maiden. The very fact that the tour is happening makes it a highlight in itself, especially for me,” Dickinson tells us from somewhere in South America. It’s a couple of weeks into the 70-concert tour that will take the septet to 35 countries across six continents, and the 57-year-old has found time to chat. The iconic singer conveys the group’s excitement about their first visit to China, which stops off at LeSports Center (formally the MasterCard Center). Still riding high from their first ever concert in El Salvador, where they set an attendance record by drawing 25,000 fans, Dickinson breaks down the group’s live mindset. “Every single show we perform is the most important one while we are playing it,” he explains. “Fans are relying on us to deliver. They have come to see us, to share the music and the vibe with us.” Revered across the rock landscape, Iron Maiden are equipped to deliver the goods. (Avenged Sevenfold’s singer M. Shadows described them as “by the far the best live band in the world”). They’ve played over 2,000 concerts over a 41-year-long career and Dickinson beams with pride about Ed

Force One, showing off photos of the customized plane he recently became qualified to pilot. “We’ve been using a jet to tour since 2008 and it worked out to be the most economically viable way of traveling,” he explains. “We can put the band, the crew, all our equipment and the entire stage production on board, then just fly off where we want to go.” Private planes are just one of the perks that come with selling over 90 million records. Emerging from the East London pub scene in the mid-70s, Iron Maiden quickly became one of the leading lights of the new wave of British metal. Despite little radio support, the group has been packing stadiums since 1980 due to their hell-raising sound. With his 4.25 octave voice, Dickinson was one of the pioneers of an operatic vocal style that would become a power metal trope. The group’s sci-fi-and horror-inspired imagery, best encapsulated by their iconic mascot Eddie, continues to inspire bands today. However, the metal legends are no nostalgia act. Last year’s The Book of Souls topped the charts in 40 countries (“a personal best”), 33 years after their first number one album, The Number of the Beast. Speaking about the disc, Dickinson praises the Guillaume Tell Studio in Paris where they recorded it (and 2001’s Brave New World), noting: “The place has a very special vibe to it.” He also credits the double album’s success and critical acclaim to a different recording process used by the group. “We wrote a lot of it in the studio,” he says. “Then we rehearsed and recorded it straight

away, which gave The Book of Souls more of a spontaneous and live feel.” With such an extensive discography to dip into, Dickinson assures us that, when playing live, Iron Maiden take appealing to their wide fanbase extremely seriously. “We know people look forward to hearing the older songs if they are seeing us play live for the first time,” he says. “Of course, people want to hear the brand new album too. So we have managed to achieve a good balance on this tour with some songs from the new album, older fan favorites and a couple of songs that fans have not heard us play live for many years.” While the band is fully focused on The Book of Souls tour that wraps up in August, Dickinson takes a few minutes to reflect on their past. Having had over 20 different people perform with the group over the years, he admits that Iron Maiden has suffered from the same internal fissures that have destroyed countless lesser acts. “Being in a band is like being in a closeknit family,” he notes. “There’s always going to be clashes and disagreements. That’s actually normal and healthy, it means you care. As long as there’s an underlying love and respect, which there is with Maiden, then nothing is insurmountable.” █ Apr 24, 7pm; RMB380-1480; LeSports Center,

Wukesong Culture Square, 69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian 海淀区复兴路 69 号五棵松文化广场 (400 610 3721,

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to Iron Maiden. For your chance to win, sign up to our weekly newsletter at www.thatsmags. com/beijing or on WeChat at Thats_Beijing. W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 3 3

A R T S | FE AT URE

With the return of the mainlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest creative fair, Art Beijing, Noelle Mateer talks to Director Takahiro Kaneshima about Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing presence in the art world.

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FE AT URE | A R T S

I AM NERVOUS ABOUT MEETING

Takahiro Kaneshima, the art world luminary at the helm of this year’s Art Beijing. But as it turns out, he is nervous about meeting me. Naturally shy, Kaneshima welcomes me into his office with a quick bow and small smile. He then sits with his hands clasped squarely on the table in front of him for the duration of our interview, peering at me meekly from behind large, thickrimmed glasses. Kaneshima is slight and quiet. But his soft-spoken demeanor belies a brilliance that has escalated him to the top of the Asian art world. After working in museums and galleries around the world, Kaneshima directed the colossal Art Fair Tokyo in his home city for seven years. Today, he is a widely cited voice on Asian art and the increasingly noisy world of international art fairs, and he’s bringing this experience to Art Beijing. His tenure will bring a number of changes to the 11th fair. This means more international artists. More collaborations with galleries both in China and abroad. More big-ass statues outside the Agricultural Exhibition Center. But Kaneshima is especially eager for a few updates in particular: a pavilion dedicated to emerging East Asian artists, a partnership with London’s prestigious

V&A Museum and an exhibition featuring the superstars of Japan’s photography scene. (At the mention of this last one, That’s Beijing’s own photographer Holly perks up. “Can you give us some names?” she asks. Kaneshima flashes another shy smile before rattling a few off. Based on Holly’s gleeful reaction, I understand they're a big deal.) All of these initiatives aim to highlight Asian artists’ works and propel them to the international stage – a goal that, according to Kaneshima, other Chinabased fairs have largely failed to achieve. “Shanghai, Hong Kong… they’ve tried to follow the Western system,” he explains. “Most fairs now try to follow the Western model, but we’re focusing on the kinds of things we can only do in Beijing.” When asked what he means by ‘the Western system,’ Kaneshima becomes visibly excited. “Ah!” he exclaims, momentarily breaking his staid posture to show enthusiasm for the topic. “In the art industry there is this huge hierarchy. Most of the art scene is controlled by Western people, and Asian people feel we have to follow their way. “But in Asia we have our own aesthetics, and also a unique market. So we are going to listen to the audience in China and introduce Asian artists to the world.” 01

02 03

01 'Taihu Stone' by Liang Manqi, 2015 02 'Cuboid' by Zhang Huairu, 2015 03 Takahiro Kaneshima, Art Director of Art Beijing, photo by Holly Li 04 'Kamaitachi #8' by Eikoh Hosoe, 1965 05 'Comedy Production Workshop' by Zhang Zhaoying, 2016

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A R T S | FE AT URE

Art Beijing’s 2016 theme itself rejects the Western model: “locally based, Asia-oriented.” Part of being “locally based,” Kaneshima explains, is gearing Art Beijing’s pavilions toward the interests of local collectors – a growing force within China, whose median age is getting lower. Kaneshima sees increased fervor for art collecting among uppermiddle class professionals who “are interested in art, but have had no chance to learn or study it.” As such, Art Beijing’s offerings are broad. Pavilions are divided into four areas: contemporary art, classic art, public art and design. Whereas other fairs of this scale in Shanghai and Hong Kong have mainly focused on one kind of art – say, photography or sculpture – Art Beijing offers, as Kaneshima simply puts it: “Diversity.” “This kind of variety is important for attracting them,” he says of the new wave of Chinese collectors. “We try to create something which other cities cannot.” This month’s Art Beijing will be Kaneshima’s first as director. But while he gained the majority of his art experience in Japan, he isn’t new to China.

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FE AT URE | A R T S

01 05 06 02

03 04 08

01 'Tkoki No Shashin: Photographs of A Seventy Year Old' by Nobuyoshi Araki, 2007 02 'Red Yellow Blue Koi' by Tomoya Tsukamoto, 2015 03 'unión de...' by Noritoshi Hirakawa, 2013 04 'The Washer Woman' by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, circa 1890 05 'Golden Cabbage' by Li Shigong, 2014 06 'The Kiss' by Auguste Rodin, 1905-1910 07 '99 Ears of Corn' by Jin Defeng, 20142015 08 'Mayflies' by Chen Ying, 2015

“I was in Beijing from 2004 to 2008, working in a gallery in 798 called Tokyo Gallery,” he says. It was in pre-Olympics Beijing that Kaneshima met his predecessor Dong Mengyang, who later recruited him to work for Art Beijing, and helped develop his interest in the mainland art scene. When asked about the differences between the Chinese and Japanese art worlds, Kaneshima chuckles. “The art world itself is quite global, so there are not big differences. But the way of working is different,” he says, smiling. “Japanese people do everything ahead of time. For instance, half a year before the fair we would have decided almost all the programs. So the Chinese way of working, for me, is tough.” Tough, yes, but worth it – Kaneshima views his career in Asian art fairs as not only enriching, but vital. “I think the 20th century was the century of the West, but the 21st century will be the century of Asia. In 10 or 20 years an Asian-driven art market will appear. Our economy is growing, and there are many more interesting artists coming up. So I think the systems will start to change.” “I want to challenge the Western system. We have to create something by ourselves in China.” And with this, we wrap up our interview and Kaneshima turns back into the quiet man I’d initially met, bashful when posing for his portrait. It’s clear he’d rather be the person looking at the picture than the one in it. As he waits for his photo to be taken, I ask him one final question: Which exhibitions are you most excited for at this year’s fair? “In my position, it’s a little bit difficult to say,” he says diplomatically. “So I just hope visitors enjoy our fair and find something they like.” Art Beijing takes place from Apr 30 to May 3. For full event information, see page 65

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ARTS | MUSIC

“Let’s just say this interview is much better than Vice’s”

A MAN OF FEW WORDS We Speak (Briefly) to Paul Oakenfold by O s c a r Ho l l a n d

Paul Oakenfold doesn’t really like interviews. In an awkwardly reticent chat with Vice’s music channel Thump in 2013, he said: “[I do too] fuckin’ many. I hate interviews. I’m sorry. But I do.” All power to him. He doesn’t need us, we need him. He’s one of the most successful DJs of all time, and we want a slice of his glory in our humble pages ahead of his free show at Sir Teen. So, anticipating brief answers to our email, we sent a whole bunch of questions to the three-time Grammy Award-winning DJ and compiled what came back. On playing in China… Being the first big international DJ to perform on the Great Wall was a great moment for me. On Chinese food… I love the food there! On Chinese artist he likes... Sa Ding Ding. I have actually worked with her. 3 8 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

On upcoming album, Pop Killer… It’s due out this year and you can expect some great collaborations with both young and upcoming artists and big artists. On killing pop… I don’t think [the album title] has ever meant killing pop. On being voted the No. 1 DJ in the world (twice)… As great as it was to be voted No. 1 twice, I don't think the list has ever really mattered that much. It can be very valuable to someone's career but I think that’s changing. On the electronic music awards show he is co-producing… It has felt like the right time to do it for a while now but it wasn't until recently that this labor of love finally came to fruition. On his label Perfecto… Selling millions of records is a great achievement. Just being able to put out good music for 25 straight years is a great achievement to me.

On Perfecto’s future… I don't know what the next 25 years hold but we will continue to find and support young artists and release quality music. On his new DJ Academy… It is going very well. Our next DJ Academy at the Los Angeles Film and Recording school is on April 26. On Ibiza… It’s not the way it used to be but, that being said, it’s still a great place to go for electronic music and is still going strong. On his football team, Chelsea… I think we can have a strong finish this year. Next season some changes will be made and we will hopefully start fresh. On his dislike for interviews… Let’s just say this one is much better [than Vice’s]. Fri Apr 1, 10pm–2.30am; free; Sir Teen, 2/F, 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体西路 6 号 2 层

A D V E R T O R I A L | T R AV E L

AS BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT JOINS WEIBO TO PROMOTE OLYMPICS, CAISSA BRINGS YOU THE CHANCE TO WATCH THE 2016 GAMES IN RIO

After opening accounts on social media sites including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff – known as “Giant” on social media – has just opened an account on Sina Weibo. Her first article was used to promote the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games, which will be held in Rio this August and September, to her friends in China. With the 2016 Rio Olympic Committee publishing its torch relay route, the whole world is gradually entering ‘Rio time.’ President Rousseff’s promotion strategy is on point. Despite the fact that China’s economy is not at its best and preparations for the Rio Games have received criticism in recent months, the enthusiasm of global audiences toward the Olympic Games has not dampened, and Chinese sport fans are no exception. As an official ticket agent for Rio 2016 – as well as a top-level partner of the reception services supplier – Caissa Touristic has published data showing that since it launched its Olympic packages on its official website, more and more Chinese tourists have paid attention. Nearly a thousand orders have already been received. And its not just the athletes who are preparing for the Olympics – the tourists are too. From the hundreds of calls received about Olympic tours, Caissa Touristic has found that people care most about what sporting competitions they’ll get to see. It will of course be a proud moment to see, in person, the flag of one’s motherland

rising on the Olympic field. As such, Caissa Touristic launches the “I Hope China Wins” travel packages, which are proving popular, as well as smaller packages of event tickets to meet the demands of all of its customers. According to Caissa Touristic’s statistics, the five events that have received the most ticket enquiries are the opening ceremony, men’s swimming, women's volleyball, diving and badminton. There has also been some interest around the sports being newly introduced into the Olympics this year, such as golf. Since successfully becoming a listed company last year, Caissa Touristic has been focusing on sports tourism and outdoor travel. Its promotion of Rio Olympic tour packages is an important step for Caissa Sports Operative Segment in the industry. As the Games approach, Caissa Sports will launch a succession of Olympic eventwatching team tours, which offer more diverse and flexible route planning and provide tourists with more choice. So, if you want to discuss the Olympics with President Rousseff, you can follow her on social media. And if you want to cheer for the Chinese team on the ground in Rio, contact Caissa Touristic. (Source: Caissa Touristic) For details about packages and products, please visit the official website of Caissa Touristic at http://www.caissa.com.cn/

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Bikinis, Bronzer and Bodybuilding in China

Oscar Holland

images & design by

Holly Li

cover story

words by

ehind a partition wall at the back of Shanghai’s World Expo Center, the scent of spray tan hangs in the air.

Bronzed skin may be more commonly associated with rural labor in China, but in the world of bodybuilding (or jianmei yundong – literally ‘healthy and beautiful exercising’) it represents the final flourish in a quest for perfection. Flashes of bare soles and unfinished legs are the only traces of the paleness beneath. While bigger international competitions offer spray booths for a more even coating, in the makeshift backstage at the International Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo (IWF), tanning spray is applied the old-fashioned way. Coaches smear it liberally onto their teams, which consist of toned women in bikinis and hulking men in skimpy regulation ‘posing suits’ (read: revealing colored briefs). Once suitably bronzed, the competitors carry out some final exercises before proceeding to the stage. These last-minute pumps may add a little to the bulge of muscle. But for most of these athletes, the short walk through the convention center marks an end to months of preparation – and days of dehydration to achieve tight skin and highly visible veins. This is the first major competition after Chinese New Year, but all the competitors I ask say that they abstained from the traditional celebrations of dumplings and baijiu shots. Amid the mass of human flesh, Taiwanese bodybuilder Ady Kung strikes poses for fans and photographers. Having just returned backstage from his semi-final, the 35-yearold’s smiling face appears utterly relaxed while his body tenses in every way imaginable –

Above | IWF competitor Wu

just as it had on stage moments earlier. He

Tao shows off his medal to

replicates some competition stances, each

the crowd

designed to show off different sides of his

Opposite page | Taiwanese

freakishly muscular physique. “I want to be a hero – I always wanted to be a superhero and to look strong,” he says

during his final

of his decision to progress from powerlifting

Previous page | Veteran

to bodybuilding 14 years ago. Kung is calm, soft-spoken and as stoic as one might expect. He is “very confident” about his chances in the next day’s final. And with good reason. Having already taken part

bodybuilder Ady Kung (right) poses for the judges

bodybuilder Tang Jianyi, who has been in the sport for almost 30 years

in five international-level competitions in his career – and with hopes of breaking into Asia’s top five this year – Kung was clearly among the best in his semi-final. Even to the untrained eye, his muscularity, symmetry and poise stood out on stage. Should he succeed, a reward of RMB10,000 (USD1,500) awaits. Although top prizes at China’s biggest competitions can be up to eight times higher, the winners’ pot at the IWF is still sizable given that competitors pay an entrance fee of just RMB100 (USD15). The majority of the prize money comes from sponsors looking for a slice of China’s growing interest in extreme fitness. In addition to commercial events like this one, official competitions are becoming increasingly common, according to China’s national team coach, Ji Kaili, who I find backstage, deep in a crowd of scantily dressed competitors. “There are around 10 national-level competitions a year,” she explains. “But if you include all the smaller ones at a provincial

joined the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) four years later. By

level, it will be closer to 50. That’s an increase

1994, Shanghai had been asked to host the World Championships, though it

of at least 60 percent in the last two years. The

was clear that the country’s amateur athletes could not match their international

fitness market is peaking now, and peoples’

counterparts. As American stars flew to China with lucrative sponsorship deals,

mindsets are changing.”

one competitor, Chen Gin, cycled over 2,000 miles from Guizhou province just

Nonetheless, the popularity – and standard

to take part.

– of bodybuilding in China cannot compare

Today, China boasts its own homegrown world champions. Mainland com-

with Europe or the US, its spiritual homeland.

petitors have won titles in the IFBB and the World Bodybuilding and Physique

As new competitions like Mr. Universe and Mr.

Sports Federation (WBPF). No-one in the bodybuilding world seems to know

America fascinated the West throughout the

exactly how many athletes there are in China, but the WBPF’s secretary-general

1950s and 1960s, the sport was falling out of

tells me it’s in the “thousands.”

favor in China. Viewed as a Western pursuit

At a semi-professional level, however, there would appear to be no more

and outlawed during the Cultural Revolution,

than 100, none of whom live on prize money and sponsorship alone. (To do so

bodybuilding was consigned to underground

would require a significant sum – one athlete I speak to spends RMB10,000 a

gyms until the economic and social reforms

month on high-protein food ahead of competitions.) Every competitor I meet has

of the late 1970s.

another job in the fitness industry, many of them personal trainers. By contrast,

But the sport developed rapidly thereafter.

the number of full professionals in the US is close to 1,000.

China founded its first formal bodybuilding

Mainland tournaments are also considered to be behind international stand-

competition, the Hercules Cup, in 1982 and

ards. A number of athletes I speak to complain of backstage chaos at Chinese

"I want to be a hero – I always wanted to be a superhero and to look strong" 43

Below | Fans climb on gym equipment for a better view Right | The bikini competition gets underway as the bodybuilders prepare to go on stage

shows, with competitors left confused about when

the younger competition), Tang’s toned, taut

Chinese athletes don’t use them properly. While

to go on stage, or told last-minute before they’re

body is a caricature of masculinity. Like all of the

there is debate on whether any steroid use can

ready. But the IWF runs smoothly enough. There is

bodybuilders here, it’s hard to understand how

truly be considered ‘safe,’ certain practices – like

even a small media center where I am introduced

he achieves such an exaggerated shape through

giving muscles enough rest at the end of each

to one of the veterans of Chinese bodybuilding,

exercise and diet alone.

‘cycle’ – can reduce the dangers. As China ar-

Tang Jianyi.

“I’m totally natural. I don’t use any steroids

rived late to bodybuilding, coaches may lack the

Tang has been bodybuilding for the last 27

or medicines,” he says, pre-empting an awkward

experience and education to mitigate the risks.

years. I offer him a seat on a white leather sofa,

question. “This is my way – the natural, healthy

While there was no evidence of steroid use among

but he politely declines on the grounds that he

way.”

the competitors at the IWF, the question remains:

may leave some of his tan behind. “It’s getting better and better,” he says of the

for many in bodybuilding. Since the 1970s, the

changes he has seen in bodybuilding since the

use of steroids and growth hormones has been

1980s. “More people are getting involved and

the most open of secrets. It is prolific among the

the equipment is getting better.”

sport’s top competitors, and China appears to be

Despite being in his early 60s (I dare not ask his exact age after he grunts indifferently to my observation that he does well to keep up with

True, perhaps, though the same cannot be said

no different. No-one seems to deny that steroids are found here. But the caveat offered is always the same:

How can Chinese bodybuilders compete on the international level without them? *** The next day at the IWF, the finals are getting underway. Ady Kung and the competitors in his weight class prepare in a pen next to the stage,

"Chinese people still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like women with muscle but it should be considered healthy and beautiful"

their tans still dripping. A huge man

Next up is a group of toned guys

muscular strength and more on tone

with a surgical facemask performs resist-

in board shorts. Known as ‘physique,’

and outdated notions of femininity. But

ance exercises with a length of elastic,

this category focuses less on extreme

many in the sport say that these less ex-

while others rub and slap their muscles

muscle development and more on

treme categories (and more achievable

in anticipation.

attainable – one might say ‘normal-

body shapes) make fitness competitions

looking’ – figures.

more appealing to women.

There’s no seating area for spectators. Instead, crowds pile against a metal barrier, climbing on gym equipment

musclemen are the main attraction.

Two-time national champion Lulu Zhu is a case in point. She’s not compet-

for a better view. The audience appears

But in the women’s categories, it’s

ing at the IWF, but she’s here to meet

to be made up of curious onlookers

the opposite. The less extreme divi-

friends and watch the contest. Zhu used

rather than bodybuilding enthusiasts,

sions (‘fitness,’ ‘figure’ and ‘bikini’)

to have a desk job at a jewelry brand

though a small cheer rings out as the

have proven more popular in China.

before becoming more serious about

finalists are summoned for inspection.

The IWF doesn’t even have a traditional

fitness two years ago.

Once their number is called, each

bodybuilding competition for women,

bodybuilder struts to the front of the

explains Head Judge Rocky Cao.

“I was going to the gym quite regularly, and I had some friends who said:

stage to strike poses for a long table of

“Bikini is the most popular now

‘come and try a competition,’” she ex-

judges. The accompanying music var-

because it’s the most accessible,” he

plains. “I started to like fitness more

ies dramatically. One athlete emerges

says. “People, especially in China, pre-

than luxury things – it’s more valuable.

on stage to an orchestral anthem that

fer women to be more fit and feminine.

So I quit, and now I work in fitness full

crescendos as he reaches for the sky,

Bodybuilding for women got canceled

time.

biceps bulging. Kung, meanwhile, per-

because it’s too muscular – you couldn’t

forms to Seal’s ‘Kiss From a Rose.’ It’s

tell if it was a guy or a woman at all.

strangely emotive.

The crowd thins a little – extreme

“I do personal training at the same time. I have some female clients who

“For bikini, the judge needs to see

I help achieve their goals and I’m also

As all eight finalists line up beneath

that you’ve trained and have a healthy

a master trainer, which means I give

the bright lights, the judges ask them

diet,” he says, explaining the criteria

classes to personal trainers to help them

to perform identical poses in groups

he’ll be looking out for. “You have to

get certified.”

of two or three, rotating clockwise in

be thin, but not as lean as the physique

quarter turns. All maintain smiles

athletes.”

The eventual winner of the bikini division, 34-year-old Jennifer Zhang, has a

throughout, their muscles visibly shak-

As the bikini athletes prepare for

similar story. As a first-time competitor,

ing with strain. These attempts to

their final, a larger audience forms

she found the competition to be a natu-

appear both tense and relaxed vary in

once more. Spectators hold phones

ral progression from her fitness regime.

success. Kung certainly seems com-

and iPads aloft. By the competitors’

“I started at a gym,” she explains

posed, but others’ grins take on manic

entrance, an old man with a long-lens

backstage. “I trained every day and

properties, their heads appearing as if

camera (and no visible media pass)

started to get benefits from the train-

photoshopped onto separate bodies

takes snaps of the women as they warm

ing. I built up my body, felt good and

(an illusion exacerbated by uneven tan).

up in the pen.

had a good shape. Last year my trainer

After about 10 minutes of com-

Each finalist sports a sparkling bikini,

asked me if I was interested in joining

parison, the judges dismiss the body-

faultless makeup and – as regulations

this competition and I thought ‘why

builders. Kung’s confidence proves

stipulate – high heels. Like the male

not?’”

well-founded: he is crowned the winner

bodybuilders, each competitor is called

“For bikini it’s the whole package,”

shortly after, returning to the stage to

to the stage individually before posing

Zhu explains, when I ask about the dif-

collect his trophy and a brown envelope

in groups for comparison. The positions

ferences in judging between men and

stuffed with cash.

they are asked to assume focus less on

women. “You’ve got to have a good

A competitor performs some last-minute exercises before taking to the stage

"Judging in China is below par â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The bikini contest is more about beauty than muscles"

Above and previous page | One of China's most successful fitness athletes, Lisa Liu, at her photography studio in Beijing

body, but you’ve also got to have a good

later, the chair of the judges committee,

competitors are globally competitive, an

face, makeup, hair, skin – you’ve got to

James Manion, wrote to all IFBB com-

increasing number (including Lulu Zhu,

show people your definition of being

petitors telling them that women would

who I met at the IWF) are placing well at

beautiful.”

be judged on healthy appearance, face

international-level competitions.

The female competitors are cer-

makeup and skin tone. He concluded

But Liu is not alone in her criticism of

tainly in excellent shape. They too have

with the criteria: “symmetry, presenta-

judging in China. One male athlete, who

undergone months of preparation – diet,

tion, separations, and muscularity BUT

speaks to me on condition of anonym-

exercise and dehydration – for the show.

NOT TO THE EXTREME!” (his capitals).

ity, says that judges are affiliated with

But unlike the men’s division, there is

Then, in 2005, the IFBB introduced a ‘20

bodybuilding teams, and that it is almost

something overtly flirtatious about the

percent rule’ that requested female ath-

impossible to win without joining one.

hair flicks, pouts and playful smiles re-

letes in a number of categories decrease

quired to win the approval of the judges

their muscularity by a fifth.

(almost all of whom are men). There is a quiet but audible ‘whoop’ from the crowd

win so they can increase their fees for ***

when the competitors are asked to turn their backs and stick their butts out.

“It’s very political. Judges have stakes in gyms and they want their athletes to personal trainers,” he says, pointing to other commercial interests, like equip-

The uneasy differences between male

ment businesses and supplement lines.

There is something very uncomfort-

and female roles in bodybuilding stem

The athlete tells me that he once

able about this asymmetry of expectation

not from the competitors themselves, but

entered a contest independently and

between male and female categories.

from the judging system. Much of this

placed lower than he – and fellow en-

While the former are encouraged to

trickles down from the upper echelons

trants – expected. After joining a team,

achieve extreme levels of strength, the

of the sport, though there are specific

he secured a second-place finish, which

latter are celebrated for their femininity.

problems that arise in China.

he feels would have otherwise been im-

But the message from all in the sport

I meet competitive bodybuilder Lisa

is clear: There is no appetite for tradi-

Liu at her studio in Beijing. In addition to

At the IWF, Head Judge Rocky Cao

tional female bodybuilding in China. The

running her business as a gym photog-

had been adamant that team member-

national team coach whom I’d met the

rapher, she is one of the country’s most

ship makes no difference.

day before, Ji Kaili, nonetheless hopes

successful fitness athletes. Having gained

“Whether you’re on a team or on your

that the more muscular forms of women’s

sponsorship from a supplement brand,

own, the judges are fair to the athletes,”

competition take off in China.

she trains for four to five hours a day and

he told me. “Some might belong to a

can bench press 100 kilograms.

big team but the judges used to be ath-

“Chinese people still don’t like wom-

possible.

en with muscle,” she says. “It should be

“Judging in China is below par,” she

letes – they know what it feels like to be

considered healthy and beautiful. That’s

says. “The bikini contest is more about

treated unfairly. So they are trying their

why we need more media attention for

beauty than muscles. As long as female

best to just judge how the competitors

girls working out. But it’s going to be

contestants look beautiful and skinny,

look on the stage.”

quite hard – not just in China, but world-

judges think they’re great – even if they

Bodybuilding has always been

wide.”

don’t have muscles. A woman I know is a

shrouded in controversy. Steroid use,

Everyone at the IWF seems keen

pole-dancing teacher who never spends

gender inequality and the dangers of

to stress that this is not just a Chinese

time building up her muscles, but she

extreme fitness have long been talk-

phenomenon. Indeed, the bikini division

does well in competitions every time

ing points in the sport. But the growth

was only introduced into China two years

because she’s beautiful.

of these competitions in China reflects

ago, while the worldwide move toward

“In China, fitness athletes are like

something very positive: the increased

feminization in female bodybuilding has

swimsuit models, 90 percent of whom

interest in health and fitness. Extreme

been underway since the early 1990s.

don’t have much muscle to speak of. If

fitness may be a niche pursuit, but it is

In 1992, the IFBB created rules stat-

they entered international competitions,

symptomatic of a wider gym culture. One

ing that female competitors shouldn’t

they’d be knocked out in the first round.”

suspects that as China grows stronger, so

be “too big,” steering judges toward

Her latter judgment may be unduly

a more feminine physique. Eight years

harsh. While it is clear that few Chinese

will its bodybuilders. • Additional reporting by Lin Yin

EAT & DRINK G RAPEV IN E

S N AC KS A N D T H E C I T Y

Nothing makes me question the linear nature of the Western perception of time more than the cycle of rebirth that occurs in nature each spring. Time is a flat circle, you know? Or maybe a circular circle, I’m not sure. Regardless, if winter is the season during which we ponder the meaninglessness of human existence (just me?!), then spring is when we find hope again. This is exemplified by the yearly springtime introduction of new brunch menus. Migas in particular, that shimmering timepiece of Beijing’s food-anddrink scene, has ditched the old in favor of the new. Carnivore’s brunch is dead, and rising from its ashes are tapas and pinxtos – slabs of toasted bread smothered with a variety of creative culinary spreads. We recommend. By the time this fair magazine goes to print, The Georg will also have unleashed its new brunch. Given the quality of, well, everything at The Georg – it’ll be good. It is Beijing’s hottest spot for forward-thinking cuisine at the moment, and we’re sure that will show up in its brunch menu. Expect creative twists on comfort foods. But if you're in it for the booze, Atmosphere’s new brunch takes it to a new level (literally, it’s on the 80th floor) by offering freeflow cocktails in addition to its free-flow champagne. Fortifying my argument for the existence of reincarnation are the rebirths of mainstays School Bar and El Nido. Check them out for yourself, but here’s the SparkNotes version: School is bigger; El Nido has shiny new taps for draft imports. Also Jing-A has poutine now. (I’m not sure if that fits into this theme, or if I just like fries.) Either way, food babies across the city are about to be reborn. Noelle Mateer 5 2 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

O F F T H E B E AT E N P L AT E

We'll go ahead and file this under ‘things you should only try once for the novelty of it’ – unless, of course, you’re a true lover of durian and cheese, in which case Pizza Hut’s new durian pizza has just made your dreams come true. The 9-inch pie features a simple combination of mozzarella cheese and durian, slapped onto a pizza base. When our pizza man came after a mere 15 minute wait, wafts reminiscent of a Chinese supermarket flooded our office. The first few bites were OK - until we hit the chunks of durian. The texture is the worst element of this pie – think, like, a really mushy pineapple pizza, but with the tang of smelly socks. You’ve been warned. IF

RMB71, available at select Pizza Hut stores and online for delivery

H E A D -TO - H E A D / F A N C Y E D I T I O N S O F N O N - F A N C Y B E E R S

VER SUS Nicer-Than-Normal Kaiserdom

Fancy-Looking Snow

窖藏啤酒1L RMB33.90

雪花8度(棕瓶)330ml RMB24.80

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A gold can emblazoned "MONKEY YEAR" is preparing us for an allnew Kaiserdom experience.

It takes us a while to realize this is even Snow Beer – this label with the Peking opera singer is entirely too classy for our notions of the brand.

INITIAL SIP

This is both sweeter and maltier than we’d expected. It’s also watery. That part we did expect.

Definitely a lighter body than Kaiserdom. And by that we mean it tastes just like water.

AFTERTASTE

The bitterness of the malt stings like disappointment on our tongues. Not the greatest aftertaste.

The differences between this and Kaiserdom recede into the background. Are these the same thing, in two different bottles?

VERDICT

Neither of these hold a candle to any of Beijing’s craft beers. Hell, we’d even prefer Yanjing. But if you want your beer to taste like, well, beer then go with "MONKEY YEAR" Kaiserdom. NM

Ed i t e d by No e l l e Ma t e e r /

BA RT I SA N S

T H E Y SA I D I T, W E R E A D I T

Maggie's Ever wondered what kids these days think of some of Beijing’s long-standing foodand-drink establishments? To give you an idea, we’ve handpicked and translated some comments from popular ratings site dianping.com. This month: notorious Ritan Park bar, Maggie’s.

I go there specifically to listen to the band. I like how apparently there's a lot of older men who visit... haha.

I couldn't find any drink less than RMB50. But if you want to pay somebody money to have a chat with you, it's okay.

b j e d i t o r @ u r b a n a t o m y. c o m

Maggie's is a national disgrace! I really don't know how this kind of place can still exist in our capital.

This month, Matthieu Torrano, the charming Frenchman behind the bar at Modernista, talks parties, shots and why he never drinks anywhere else.

I have finally experienced the legendary Maggie's! The band is great. When you get tired of dancing, you can eat a few chuan'r pretty good.

N E WS B I T E

Tibetting on Success

Think KFC is everywhere? You’re wrong, or were wrong until last week, when the fried-chicken chain opened its first branch in Tibet. The store’s Lhasa location was welcomed with long lines and local enthusiasm. Previously, the only fastfood chain in the region was Dicos (a far cry below KFC in terms of fried-chicken quality, in our opinion). That’s right: There is no McDonald’s in Tibet. Tibet’s flagship KFC is decorated with pictures of Himalayan peaks. But it also comes with higher prices, as ingredients need to be flown in from Shaanxi province. A combo meal in Xi’an that would cost RMB31, for instance, costs RMB40 in Lhasa. Regardless, KFC’s expansion is big news for Tibet – next up, Burger King?

— So what's your official title at Modernista? [Matthieu is stumped, turns around and asks a colleague what his title is.] The Godfather? —Wait, really? [Laughs.] The thing is we don’t really have titles here. We should probably have them, but I’m just like… one of the Modernista people. —How crazy do your happy hour shots get? The happy hour shots are very crazy. Sometimes a show is happening that’s really amazing. The musicians will be playing and playing, and we have hundreds of people around doing a variety of things… and then it’s happy hour shots and people are ordering thousands of shots at once. I think a lot of people are surprised because they actually taste good. They go down really smoothly and you can drink them until you don’t remember anything. —What’s your favorite shot? I’d say the Jagerita. It’s Jager, tequila and lime. I don’t like tequila, and I don’t like Jager – but I like this shot. —When you go out, where do you go? I have no time to go out anywhere else! I think when I have time to go for a drink, it’s in France for example, when I’m on holiday back home and I’m going out to small bars there. —What’s the best part about working at Modernista? Unlike a lot of other places, Modernista isn’t only a bar, and it isn’t only a restaurant – it’s a place where a lot of crazy things happen. Modernista, Tue-Sun, noon-2am; 44 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng

东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同 44 号 (136 9142 5744); Modernista's happy

hour shots run from midnight to 2am (all shots RMB10)

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E AT & DRINK | RESTAUR A N T S

TOAST

The Orchid in Bloom wo rd s by No e l l e Ma t e e r, i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

Toast, the restaurant at The Orchid that now serves dinner, is great for dates. I don’t go on a ton of dates, but I do have a vivid imagination. So allow me, if you will, to paint a scene for you. So, you really like this guy. He is handsome and intelligent. You tell your friends all about him, and when you show them a picture of him, they go “daaamn girl!” and then high five you. You met him at some cool party, you tell them. That one inappropriate friend (everyone has one) gets drunk and asks something about his penis. You gasp at her audacity and then blush and giggle and refuse to answer the question. You are classy! You are demure. Fast-forward to, say, date three or four. You spend an hour doing your hair and makeup so that it looks like you didn’t spend any time on it at all. You are naturally this beautiful. Your guy shows up and says: “Hey, you know The Orchid? The boutique hotel in Gulou? They have dinner now.” You go. Inside, the setting is romantic. Remember that thing I say about The Orchid being great for dates? You realize I’m right. You begin with Toast’s special bread and dips (RMB98): freshly baked wheaty triangles accompanied by hearty, lightly spiced hummus; creamy Greek yogurt with a puddle of olive oil; and a deep-purple spread made with beets. Beetroot is typically a nerdy superfood, you think, but this is sexy. Damn. “Cheers,” says your guy as you clink glasses of sparkling (RMB55) together. One day, you two will create beautiful babies. But until then, you eat samosas with stewed chickpeas (RMB68, very reasonable given the filling nature of their thick, velvety chickpea gravy). You also order the beautifully plated poached egg kofte (RMB78). The egg jiggles atop a delicately seasoned mix of minced beef and lamb until you and your guy poke it with your forks and let the yokes run wild over the meats and greens below. This is vaguely erotic. You blush. “I’m getting a lot of Middle Eastern vibes,” you say, pointing to the hummus and the kofte. “But what about these spicy coconut wings (RMB68)?” says your guy. “They’re pretty Thai.” Good point. He is so smart. One day, you two will move into a fancy renovated hutong with heated flooring together. But until then, you enjoy a simple shakshua (RMB78). At the end of the meal, you agree that Toast’s food is excellent value, its service swift and its atmosphere hushed and calming. The Orchid’s new restaurant, like an orchid flower, is rare and beautiful. But it’s also small, so book ahead. (An aside: Did you know you can WeChat The Orchid? Shoot them a message and they’re obliged to get back to you. So fun! Since I’ve found this out, The Orchid has regretted offering this service.) To be clear: The Orchid is great for all sorts of dates. Heteronormative dates. Gay dates. Friend dates. Get-togethers. Chilled-out girls’ nights. Boys’ nights. Gender-neutral nights with non-gender specific people. Tinder dates! (Actually it’s probably too nice for Tinder dates, go to a bar for that.) What I’m trying to say is: This space is relaxing and romantic. It’d probably be great for dates. Even if those dates are in your imagination. Wed-Mon, 6-10pm; Toast, The Orchid Gulou, 65 Baochao Hutong, Xicheng 西

城区宝钞胡同 65 号 (to reserve, call 8404 4818 or message TheOrchidHotel on

WeChat)

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BA RS | E AT & DRINK

XIHE VILLAGE

Drink Like a Duck

In the small English village of Chulmleigh, Devonshire, a duck called Star became a local celebrity after his owner put him in a bow tie and took him to the pub. Described in the gloriously named Cheddar Valley Gazette as “Britain’s booziest duck,” Star discovered a penchant for ale, and was often seen standing on the bar, his bill deep in a pint glass. Recounting this tale has no purpose other than to illustrate the following point: while ducks and drinking are not usual bedfellows, they can go remarkably well together. And this is exactly what we discover at the latest branch of the Peking Duck restaurant Xihe Village. You may have been to one of Xihe’s other locations. But this one is on the third floor of Taikooli South, so it caters to the needs of the Sanlitun crowd. As a result, there’s a well-stocked bar with bottles found on shelves so high, we wonder how the staff are supposed to reach them. The spot has all the trappings of an enjoyable drinking place. The deep wood furnishings and high ceilings offer something more refined than the usual restaurant setting, while the cute pods at the entrance provide some privacy. There’s even a little roof terrace (yes, that time of year is upon us already). But Xihe works perfectly well as a restaurant too. By day, natural light pours in and reveals the finer touches of the understated decor. Crucially, the Peking Duck (RMB258 with all the accompaniments) is some of the best in Sanlitun. The pancakes even come on a circular plate that allows you to spin the accoutrements toward yourself like a lazy Susan. Fittingly, the duck comes with a flight of wines – red, white and sparkling – which have been paired with the three types of duck meat. Were it not for the fact that he’d end up in an oven, we suspect that Star the duck might like this place. Mon-Fri, 11am-2.30pm and 5-10pm, Sat-Sun, 11am10pm; 3/F, S9-33, Taikooli South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 19 号三里屯太古里南区 3/F,

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

S9-33 (6417 6082)

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

by O s c a r Ho l l a n d

TIGER SWEET Sweet Jigglypuffs

wo rd s by No e l l e Ma t e e r

To the untrained eye, Southern Chinese desserts are strange. Sure, there are egg tarts, and there are fruit purees. But then there are things that wobble. Things that bounce. Goopy soups bouncing with jiggly candy pillows. Some are cold, some are hot, some are lukewarm things poured onto cold things. Upon first encountering Southern Chinese desserts, many Westerners – perhaps in the final stages of a dim sum brunch, or during a shopping break at one of those Honeymoon Desserts in a Beijing mall – are flummoxed. These things do not fit into their definition of ‘dessert.’ They are forced to re-evaluate the concept. And yet, Sanlitun is full of Western desserts. Think ice cream sundaes, French crepes and that weird Gelato Stick place. (Who goes there? Seriously, we want to know. If you frequent Gelato Stick, send an email to bjeditor@urbanatomy.com telling us why.) Tiger Sweet is changing this. The shop is the second concept from popular Macanese noodle joint Tiger Mama, and it serves a

variety of well made, good-value desserts. We like the cold, soupy yangzhiganlu (mango, grapefruit and coconut, RMB38) – a near-perfect snack option for the rising temperatures outdoors. The sesame paste (RMB28) is exactly what we mean when we say these desserts might seem strange to the uninitiated. It looks like a bowl of hot tar. The goop’s viscosity puts it somewhere between soup and gelato. It tastes, however, like sesame – and good sesame at that, lightly sweetened. Tiger Sweet is small, but charming, with coffee-shop vibes and plenty of natural light. Granted, its desserts won’t be everyone’s cup of milk tea (see stereotypical laowai confusion above). But we think that many of the desserts on offer are good enough to sway even the most stubborn minds. Plus the long menu should offer something for anyone. And in a Sanlitun that plays host to Gelato Stick, we’re excited to have this option.

Daily, 11am-2.30am, 1/F, 38 Sanlitun Xijie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯西街三里屯南 38 号 1/F (6416 5892)

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E AT & DRINK | T HE SPRE A D

2 1

10 6

Sure, you can find Cadbury, Hershey’s and Nestlé in just about every 7-Eleven. But when it comes to candies that make a Laobeijing nostalgic, you have to dig a little deeper. We hunted for these treats with the determination of a die-hard sweet tooth – then pointed our candied camera.

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S O U L B OW L S Hatchery's latest concept, Soul Bowls, offers tasty breakfast bowls for brunch, which include granola, healthy yogurt, fresh fruit, whatever. Here’s the real reason you should care: make-your-own Bloody Marys. Choose your own spices, liquor and garnish – then wash down all that health with some booze.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS

Furniture) 朝阳区农展馆南里12号 (团结湖地铁B出口克

DD is – dare we say – one of the best megachains in all the United States. So now that we have a branch here, don’t take it for granted. (Dunkin’ opened its first Beijing outpost pre-Olympics, but it later shut down.) The coffee is good (read: better than Starbucks) and the donuts fun.

拉斯家具院里) (186 1813 4454)

院(荣祥广场汉堡王旁边)

Hatchery, 12 Nongzhanguan Nanli, Chaoyang

(Tuanjiehu subway, exit B, in the same yard as Classic

Daily, 9am-9pm; 2 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi 顺义区天竺镇馨园一路2号

T I X I A N G JA PA N E S E R E S TAU R A N T Another month, another middling, overpriced Japanese restaurant. This time: Tixiang, on Wudaoying, whose redeeming feature is its long bar where you can watch chefs chop slices of sashimi in front of you. But seriously – if it’s mediocre Japanese you’re after, you can get it somewhere else.

Daily, 11am-10pm; 3 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 3 号 (5703 4660)

is R ic e l e e h t f s i s ll You he Ha We Te Worth t

MORNING Wuhan is one of China’s ‘three furnaces’ due to its hot and wet summer. Its noodles, on the other hand, are hot and dry, and can be found at Morning. Unlike a Wuhan summer, their heat is delightful.

Daily, 11.30am-8.30pm; 1/F, Bldg 15, Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng 东直门外大街 15 号楼 1/F

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H E K I TC H E N & CO

SA K E M A N ZO

Daily, 9am-11pm; 48 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng

You know what we just said about the plague of mediocre Japanese restaurants in Beijing (see just above)? Well, Sake Manzo’s new location is where you go to escape all that. Rent out one of the adorable private rooms and let the sake drinking begin.

东城区五道营胡同 48 号 (5245 1039)

亮马桥路甲 40 号 21 世纪饭店 1 层东北角 (6436 1608)

He has plenty of things for you to he (喝 or ‘drink,’ obvs), the best of which is draft beer from breweries around China. But we’re confused as to who’s guzzling pints in a coffee-shop setting. Or who wants cake with their beer.

Daily, 6pm-midnight; 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang

(Northeast corner of the 21st Century Hotel 1F) 朝阳区

RESTAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK

GEORGIA’S FEAST Breader Luck Next Time wo rd s by No e l l e Ma t e e r, i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

The reason we returned to Georgia’s Feast is this: Я только что обнаружил Грузинский ресторан в Пекине, спасибо #thatsbeijing за это!#хачапури!!!! It is also this: ес, я несколько ночей не спал, думал о нем. А тут открываю журнал, а там статья про этнические рестораны стран шелкового пути. Ура! We do not speak the language of the above Instagram comments. But Google Translate does, and what it told us is that one Instagram user is really, really excited about Georgian food. “I just discovered a Georgian restaurant in Beijing, thanks #thatsbeijing! #khachapuri” he says. Then: “Some nights I did not sleep, thinking about it. And then I opened this magazine, and there was an article about ethnic restaurants of Silk Road countries. Hooray!” Before we continue, let’s get one thing straight: don’t confuse Georgia’s Feast Georgia with American Georgia. Georgia’s Feast Georgia is a small, former Soviet country bordering the Caspian Sea. American Georgia is a state whose official state fish is the largemouth bass. Now that’s out of the way, let’s address #khachapuri. Khachapuri is freshly baked bread folded over thick, gooey cheese with a soft egg yolk on top. It is such a staple in Georgia that some cities measure their economic standing by the price of one – the Khachapuri Index. This may explain why, some nights, this dude does not sleep thinking about them. When we ate our first khachapuri at Georgia’s Feast last month, we were obsessed. We could not stop thinking about its heavy cheese. Its egg yolk dripping all over the hot bread. Its fatty richness exploding on our taste buds. Its sticky mass moving its way down our esophagi to rest languidly en masse at the base of our stomachs. We did not sleep thinking about it. So we return, and a wooden statue of a wrinkly old man welcomes us at the entrance. Inside, the restaurant’s wooden beams and wide windows make me feel like we’re dining in a low-rent Central Asian castle. There’s an elk head mounted on the wall. We can’t tell if it’s brilliant or cheesy. Well, it’s definitely cheesy. The khachapuri (RMB68) is great – but others disagree. (It’s a tough idea to swallow, literally, for many in this traditionally cheese-averse city.) The salmon salad is dull and uninspired (RMB48). The lamb shashlik (bits of seasoned lamb on a skewer, RMB68) is tasty, but overpriced. And it’s hard to enjoy the dry Georgian lamb dumplings (RMB18) when you know there’s a tastier, juicier Inner Mongolian equivalent down the street. We don’t mean this to be a reflection on Georgian cuisine as a whole – this is only one restaurant, after all. What we are saying, though, is that you’d have to be pretty confident to put a new spin on dumplings and lamb skewers in a city filled with so many fantastic ones. The team at Georgia’s Feast doesn’t quite make the cut. And thus we learned an expensive lesson: stick to the #Khachapuri. That khachapuri though – it’s enough to make us say Ура. Daily, 11.30am-10pm; 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街 2 号 (8448 6886)

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E AT & DRINK | BA RS

NIGHT & NICE On A Speakeasy Boat

wo rd s by D o m i n i q u e Wo n g , i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

‘New speakeasy in Sanlitun’ is becoming the most hackneyed phrase in describing Beijing’s bar scene. We can barely muster the energy to finish this sentence. But Night & Nice, the newest speakeasy on the SLT block, and from the same people behind Revolution, Hidden House, Ala House and D&M Bar, is pretty, well, nice. And as with all charming things – think puppies, babies and your co-worker crush – it’s difficult to find fault. We were skeptical of its name for a start (just try saying it out loud). The fact that it is located outside the Taikooli-and-CourtyardFour perimeter also struck us as odd. Tucked down a quiet embassy street, Night & Nice is so discrete we almost walk past it, but for the stylish neon sign that saves us just in time. At least they have a sign, we figure, unlike some other Speakeasies That Shall Not And In Fact Cannot Be Named. The cocktail menu is categorized by base, so if you’re choosy with your booze then you’re in luck. But it’s also easy to get

ARROW FACTORY TAPROOM

Pub Grub Hubbub by No e l l e Ma t e e r

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overwhelmed by page after page of drinks. We suppose this serves as a good opportunity for bartender and co-owner Vincent Guo to share his recommendations: the Blueberry Queen and the Love of the Hawthorn Tree (both RMB70). As Guo skillfully whips up our cocktails, we take a look around. There are leather booths topped with a smattering of printed cushions, but our favorite features are the barrel-shaped stools and lights. We feel like we are at the hull of a (classy) ship en route to Speakeasy Land, and that maybe later we will drink from an upturned boot because that’s probably what Johnny Depp – premidlife crisis, of course – did in Pirates of the Caribbean (but only in the first one, the sequels were mega shit). Anyway, we digress. There is also an upstairs area that is yet to open, but Guo informs us that it will, come summertime. Summer in Beijing’s food-and-drink scene revolves around two things. The first is beer. The second is brunch. Arrow Factory’s new taproom on the Liangma River marries the two. For the record, we’re not sure why winter doesn’t also revolve around these things – what is it about the cold that keeps Beijingers from brunching? Surely January is when we need boozy Saturday afternoons most? We only know that spring and summer are undoubtedly brunch seasons. And the new Arrow Factory Taproom has opened just in time. Granted, the pub’s Anglo-Saxon fare is good for after work. Its dishes are hearty enough for dinner. And they’re high-quality enough for get-togethers and casual dates. But it’s brunch we think this space is made for. The pub offers a full English breakfast for you Brits, huevos rancheros for you North Americans (RMB90 and RMB80 respectively, including coffee) and Bloody Marys (RMB35 with your brunch) for anyone else. Not that we’re ignoring the beer. This second location has the same brews as its first one, which, yes, is still operating out of its delightfully painted wooden shack in Gulou. The new taproom matches the first’s smarts for interior design, and to prove it, I am about to write a sentence I once never thought possible: It is industrial-chic with

The cocktails themselves – not served in a boot, probably for the best – are tart and fruity. The Blueberry Queen is a light combo of brandy, champagne and triple sec. And the Hawthorn Tree’s Aperol and homemade hawthorn pulp with egg white is, true to its name, rather lovely. At the end of the day (or night?), it’s a solid spot and we actually kind of like how it’s away from the busy bar area. That way it really does feel like we’re on a boat, in the middle of the Sanlitun Sea. We imagine that, when summer rolls around, it’ll be all hands on rooftop.

Daily, 5.30pm-2am; 4 Sanlitun Dong Sanjie,

Chaoyang (near the Palestinian Embassy) 朝阳区三里屯东三街 4 号 ( 巴勒斯坦使馆的附近 ) (158 1124 3096)

personality. That means exposed fauxdistressed walls, yes, but also swaths of patterned tiles on the floor. Arrow Factory’s food is designed to soak up all that beer. We enjoyed the classic steak sandwich (RMB85). Even the non-English among us loved the traditionally English steak and ale pie (RMB85), accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and green peas. The pulled-pork pita (RMB76) was refreshingly light – and the fact that we’re describing pulled pork as ‘light’ should give you an idea of the other dishes’ heft. One does not munch on these gently. One gobbles. One wolves. And then one gulps. We’re partial to Arrow Factory’s syrupy-yet-sessionable Belgian Bruin, but the Seeing Double IPA appears to be the reigning champ of the place. The overall quality and consistency of the brews doesn’t yet match that of the trifecta of big dawgs Great Leap, Slow Boat and Jing-A. But they’re certainly excellent, and as beer drinkers, we’re more than happy to add this place to our after-work rotation. Or our workday-lunch rotation. Or our cancel-yourplans-for-the-rest-of-the-day rotation. Arrow Factory Taproom; Sun, Tue-Thu 11.30am-

midnight, Fri-Sat 11.30am-2am; 1 Xindong Lu (at Liangmahe Nanlu), Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路 1 号 ( 亮马河南路 ) (8532 5335)

A DV ER T ORI A L | E AT & DRINK

KICK SOME ASPARAGUS White Asparagus Festival Comes to Solana’s Nord Land Spring is upon us, and for those German food enthusiasts among you, this can only mean one thing: spargelsaison. If your German isn’t so good, this means ‘asparagus season,’ and it’s the time when market stalls and roadside stands fill up on the vegetable. Half of the country’s consumption of white asparagus takes place during this time. Unlike the usual green variety, white asparagus is grown by covering the shoots with earth to block out the sun (known as ‘blanching’). With photosynthesis unable to take place, the shoots stay white in color. But, most importantly, this method of cultivation gives the asparagus a more delicate texture and flavor. It’s so popular in northwestern Europe that some nicknames for the vegetable translate as “white gold” and “edible ivory” (not kidding). In Dutch it’s even known as “the royal vegetable.” But while white asparagus is common in many cuisines, the Germans do it best. Asparagus festivals (spargelfest) are

common in Germany and, from April 10 to May 15, there’ll be one right here in Beijing, thanks to Solana Mall’s German restaurant, Nord Land. Whether blended into soup or served alongside a juicy steak, the coveted vegetable will form the backbone of Nord Land’s menu throughout the festival. And – as it’s happening in a brauhaus – you can wash it all down with some of the most refreshing German beers in town. If you’re yet to visit this authentic German restaurant, there’s no better time. Even if you’re not a fan of the old “white gold,” there are plenty of other dishes to get stuck into. With a range of classics – including schnitzel and countless varieties of wurst – Nord Land serves up hearty German fare, spargelfest or not. Prost! Nord Land ’ s White Aspragus Festival takes place

Apr 10–May 15; Daily, 11am-11.30pm; L-DS-23, 1/F, Bldg 1, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园路 6 号蓝色港湾 1 号楼 1 楼 L-DS-23 号

(5905 6268)

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNI T Y | T IGER FAT HER

LIFE AFTER CHINA

Repatriation and Saying Goodbye by Tre v o r Ma r s h a l l s e a

“AAAAAAAARGH!!!” It wasn’t what I’d expected. This family’s much anticipated return to Australia has been soundtracked not by hoots and hollers of joy, but by bloodcurdling screams. A typical day so far in Sydney: 1. Wake up, beautifully rested after what for the past seven years in Beijing would have been considered a very naughty night in the bedroom. No, not that. We’re married with children. I’m speaking about real joy – sleeping with the windows wide open! Having our lungs filled with wonderful air all night. 2. Enter the lounge room and shoo the two little couch-dwelling, book-reading Beijingren who somehow are your daughters into the backyard. 3. Wait a minute, brace for the scream, watch them race back to the safety of the great indoors. “A grasshopper!” they’ll say. Or “A beetle!” or “A lizard!” It was one thing to realize that after seven years in China our two little Aussie girls had barely any knowledge of what being an Aussie girl even was. It was another thing to realize how indoors-y they had been raised. I should have known from a conversation between our 10-year-old Lani, and a play-date friend in Beijing, when I was insisting they go outside one treasured bluesky day. They frowned, aghast at my cruelty. “Lani,” the friend asked, “do you like going outside?” It was like “outside” was a concept. When I was a kid, we used to hate going inside. On weekends we’d run out the door while chewing our last bits of breakfast, and stay there until that bitter moment when Mum would call us in for dinner. And then we invented night cricket!

After a couple of weeks in Sydney, I set up our trampoline and demanded the kids use it. Lani dutifully hopped on, then laid down and read a book. Until a fly or something scared her back inside. That’s what you learn about Beijing, in hindsight. There’s nothing there! No, I don’t mean interesting things to do, but bugs and creepy crawlies. In Australia, the plethora of beetles, insects, birds and little lizards in the backyard seems endearing to me, and a horror movie to the kids. They’ll learn. Hopefully quickly. It’s noisy ‘round here. Environmentally, returning to Sydney has been superb. At first you literally gulp the air and, after Beijing, it’s like breathing heroin,

great likelihood that beyond a five-minute chat about China, no one’s that interested. If they were, they might’ve gone too. Moreover, you might discover that one thing you miss about being an expat is… other expats. There’s a mindset that comes with being an expat. After all, there’s the spark that gets you off your butt to see the other side of the world. And once there, you learn to mix, to initiate and engage in conversations with new people. This isn’t just small talk. It’s conversation that makes you a mixer, hopefully an interesting one. Don’t get me wrong. I famously hate new people. But being flung into these crowds does teach you how to be sociable. Despite your insistence, perhaps your years abroad have changed you, or at least your world. Perhaps old friends feel they relate to you less. Perhaps that’s true. Perhaps you feel their old spark has dimmed. Maybe that’s just age and responsibility, coinciding with your time away. Or maybe it’s because they haven’t had this layer of experience – getting out and making friends, from various experiences – broadening cultures. Something else to prepare for: time with friends of 20 years might feel more awkward than sitting with that stranger with odd manners and broken English you’ve only just met in expatland. That said, repatriating feels great. But thanks, you other expats. I hope you’ve enjoyed my columns. I hope you enjoy China. Mind you, it can be hard to get out of. Don’t stay too long.

“Time with friends of 20 years might feel more awkward than sitting with that stranger you’ve only just met in expatland”

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or honey, whichever’s your favorite thing that you probably shouldn’t breathe. And it’s not just clean air, it’s scented – eucalyptus, jasmine, etc. You realize that even on blue-sky days, Beijing air still feels dead. We can go to a beautiful beach – even after school. The traffic is less congested. It’s expensive, but so is Beijing now. Another hurdle isn’t so obvious – the people. Australians are nice, our friends amongst them. But when you repatriate, regardless of your stage in life, you have to prepare for the

Trevor Marshallsea was a foreign correspondent in Beijing in the 1990s and returned a decade later. This time around he stayed at home to raise the kids. Read more of his domestic adventures (now in Australia) at www.thetigerfather.com.

T H AT SM AGS.COM | COMMUNI T Y

TOP STORIES

INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT

BEIJING • Billionaire’s Son Spends RMB2.5 Million at a KTV Wang Sicong continues to burn money like it’s 1999.

• Beijing is Now Letting Expats Apply for Visa Online Is this the end of the Hong Kong visa run institution?

• China Proposes High-Speed Train From Beijing to Taipei Look out for Taipei as a potential railway destination by 2030.

• Beijing Police Arrest 29 Hospital Ticket Scalpers City authorities crack down on scalpers fixing the system.

• Manchester Derby Headed to Beijing This Summer

THE MONTH ON

THATS MAGS. COM

Thanks to @eu.in.china for tagging #thatsbeijing. Tag your pictures on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH

China set to host the big one: Man United vs. Man City.

WATCH: Toddler Falls Out of Van on Busy Jiangsu Freeway

NATIONAL

Dashboard video records footage of a toddler left unscathed after falling out of a vehicle onto a freeway.

• China to Introduce Overnight Bullet Trains

COMMENT OF THE MONTH

Plans to equip ‘red-eye’ high-speed trains with sleeping cars.

• China Wants to Get Rid of One Yuan Notes for Good Phasing out the RMB1 note with coins is no small change.

• Shanghai, Shenzhen Among World’s Most Expensive Cities …according to a new report measuring global cities’ cost of living.

• Heavy Metal Traces Found in Face Masks Six out of 30 masks contained traces of lead, mercury and arsenic.

“Today a billion-

aire, tomorrow a billionaire in dust. It’s about how you perceive and treat your fortune”

• Taco Bell is Coming to China… Again The American-Mexican fast food giant gives China a second chance.

-- WeChat user 马小费Ferdinand, on Wang Sicong’s KTV blow out (see ‘Top Stories’ above)

S can the QR code to v isit that smags .com

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Destroyer / Gig

Vanilla Killer DJ

HEAR

Chui Wan and Alpine Decline Gig Chui Wan team up with Maybe Mars label mates Alpine Decline before embarking on their latest European tour. Expect to hear some new slices of neo-psychedelia from the Beijing quartet, whose sophomore album was one of the highlights of mainland music in 2015. Sat Apr 2, 8.30-11pm; RMB60-80; Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

Once a solo project of Dan Bejar of The New Pornographers, Destroyer has now grown into a full-fledged band, responsible for critically acclaimed chamber pop-inspired albums like last year’s Poison Season. Along with the expanded lineup comes a more dynamic live set, which is where you’ll see the Canadian group at their captivating best. While Destroyer could broadly be categorized as harmonic indie rock, their sound, since the mid-90s, has been defined by variety. Each album sounds profoundly different from the last, meaning audiences are never quite sure which version of the band is going to show up. That is never a bad thing. Support comes from Uncle Hu. Sat Apr 16, 9pm; RMB120-150; Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

Migas Rooftop Opening / Nightlife

Image Above All Gig

New “electronic-funk” outfit Image Above All launch their new EP at Temple Bar this month. Sure, there’s a whole bunch of international acts in town this month, but if these guys make it then you can say you were there when it all began. Sat Apr 15, 10pm; free; Temple Bar (see Listings for details)

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Street Kids turn 6 this month. And while that is an awfully young age to be on the streets, the party crew is getting by just fine. Invited to join this year’s celebrations is Spanish DJ Vanilla Killer, who has been lurking on the forefront of Barcelona’s electronic music scene since 2010. Whether by herself, or as part of the Cientosesenta crew, she plays forward-thinking bass music spanning jungle, juke and grime. And when she’s not committing acts of violence against harmless vanilla pods, she’s supporting the likes of DJ Barely Legal, DMX Krew, and Slugabed. Support comes from the Street Kids’ own Mu Dirtydishes, Yauman and Ludo V. Fri Apr 22, 10pm-late; RMB50; Dada (see Listings for details)

LITE Gig

Every year, when we write about the re-opening of the Migas terrace, we wonder: will this be the last time we care so much? Beijing is a fickle place. Bars and restaurants fall in and out of favor with reckless abandon. Yet, every year, heading to the Migas rooftop feels like the official start of the summer. To celebrate, there’s a weekend of parties (it better not rain). On the Friday, local heroes Watermelon and Demone go back-to-back, with Boflex, Cad 73 and Nassdak all having a go on the decks as well. Then the big one on Saturday: Djuma Soundsystem, the Norwegian DJ and producer (once a duo) behind the club anthem ‘Les Djinns’ – and much else besides. Fri Apr 22 and Sat Apr 23; RMB100 (each night); Migas (see Listings for details)

Prog-rock promoter New Noise is bringing in Japanese math rock giants LITE for a five-city China tour. Known for their emotional compositions that mix edgy riffs with complex rhythms, the band have worked with Tortoise’s John McEntire and headlined their country’s massive Fuji Rock Festival. Something of a misnomer, LITE have a heavy, cinematic sound. Time to get the earplugs out again. Sat Apr 23, 9-10.30pm; RMB100-150; Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

Art Beijing / Fair

Tour de Jing-A Pub Crawl

While the Tour de France has been tainted by Armstrong’s doping scandals, Jing-A’s Tour de Jing-A is also to set to be dope AF. The Jing-A Keg Egg is going on a “slow ride” pub-crawl starting at Palms LA Sanyuanqiao and ending at 4Corners. So, bring your fixie bike, scooter, roller skates or whatever and follow the Egg for a sweet afternoon of fun, food and craft beer. Each of the stops will have a different Jing-A brew plus snack (think tacos, chuanr, pizza, etc). Riders can join in at any point of the Tour. Drink strong, Livestrong! Sat Apr 23, 1pm-late; starting at Palms LA Sanyuanqiao, Bldg D, Yuanyang Xinganxian, 66 Xiaguangli, Chaoyang 朝阳区霞光里 66号远洋新干线D座底商

The Tempest Theater For over a decade, TNT Theatre has been staging Western classics across China. For its latest jaunt across the country, the theater group presents the Shakespeare classic about the all-powerful Prospero who must deal with Caliban, the “beast he civilized and then enslaved” (TNT’s words, not Shakespeare’s). Apr 13-15, 7.30pm; RMB120-380; Chaoyang Nine Theatre, 17 Jintaili, Chaoyangmenwai, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门外金台里17号 (5456 2471, 247tickets.cn)

CSI: The Experience Exhibition

Family Fun Day Community

Looking for an activity for the whole family? Check out The Hutong’s Family Fun Day, where a children’s dumpling-making class will keep the kids busy, while the adults indulge in a spring tea tasting. Afterwards, both parties can enjoy a family scavenger hunt. A perfect spring afternoon for families and friends alike. Sat Apr 9, 2-5pm; RMB150 (RMB100 for The Hutong members, RMB80 for children below 12 years old); The Hutong (see Listings for details); Book tickets online www.thehutong. com

The mainland’s largest Art Fair is back with its 11th installment, themed “locally based, Asia oriented.” The fair will divide its massive collection of artworks into four pavilions: classic art, contemporary art, design and public art. The catalog is vast and the genres diverse, so there’s something for everybody – whether you’re a certified art scholar or just someone looking for a cool way to spend a Sunday. This year’s event will highlight emerging East Asian artists with its additional theme of “Find Asia.” As such, Art Beijing is collaborating with prominent galleries in the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. But you can also expect masterpieces by well-known Western artists as varied as Andy Warhol, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Andrei Milnikov. This year will see some exciting new additions to the program that include a partnership with London’s prestigious V&A Museum and an exhibition featuring the superstars of Japan’s photography scene. Ultimately, both the scale and scope of Art Beijing 2016 make it an event worth traveling to Beijing for. So whether you’re “locally based,” or not, save the date.

We have tickets to give away for both days of Art Beijing. To enter, follow us on WeChat (username: Thats_Beijing) and keep an eye out for competition details. Sun May 1-Mon May 2, 11am-7pm; Tue May 3, 11am-6pm; National Agricultural Exhibition Center, 16 Northeast Third Ring Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区全国农业展览馆 (for more information, see www.artbeijing.net)

Inspired by hit TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition about forensic science and technology. Going from crime scene to lab, visitors can perform realistic CSI tests such as matching DNA, examining bullet casings and identifying single strands of hair. Just like on TV, or real life, we guess. Apr 23-Jul 17, 10am-8pm; RMB60 (60 minutes) to RMB280 (120 minutes), group tickets of 5 adults RMB600-1,200; Joy City Chaoyang 朝阳北路大悦城朝阳区朝阳北路101 (early bird tickets via gewara.com/ drama/290187186)

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American Embassy Collection Menus Dining

Char at Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido / Opening

TA S T E

Cheers Wine Dinner at Feast Dining Feast’s talented Chef Rob Cunningham has created a menu specially tailored to accompany wines from every Beijinger’s favorite wine shop: Cheers. The four-course meal will feature a seafood platter with harissa, baked puff-pastry chicken soup, beef shank braised in Malbec wine and pavlova for dessert. Each course will be paired with a different Cheers wine – from light sparkling to deep red. Thu Apr 21; RMB288 plus 15 percent service charge; Feast, food by EAST Hotel, 2/F 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号北京东隅酒店2/F (8426 0888)

For one week only, Conrad Beijing’s 29 Grill will host Michael Rosenblum, the private chef to the American Ambassador in China. Rosenblum will prepare menus previously served for visiting dignitaries at the ambassador’s residence, which means diners can taste dishes eaten by the likes of Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates and Jack Ma. As a special treat, each guest will take home a copy of the menu signed by both Rosenblum and US Ambassador Max Baucus. Mon Apr 25-Sun May 1; RMB888 plus 15 percent service charge for ﬁve courses (lunch or dinner), RMB388 plus 15-percent service charge for three courses (lunch only); 29 Grill (see Listings for details)

A Taste of Estonia Dining

Migas Pinxtos and Tapas Brunch Brunch

Carnivore’s Brunch: Out. Pinxtos and Tapas Brunch: In. Migas has launched its new brunch concept, and it is a banger of gluttony and gastronomic delight. Pinxtos are snacks from the Basque region of Spain, which usually come in the form of a small piece of bread smothered with toppings. Tapas, well, you know tapas. As always with Migas, you can expect trolleys carting paella and grilled meat, and of course, never-ending booze. Every Sat and Sun, from noon; RMB268, plus RMB128 for free-ﬂow drinks including cava and wine; Migas (see Listings for details)

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To celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between Estonia and China, China World Summit Wing Beijing will host renowned Estonian chefs and bartenders. Inga Paernum, formerly the head chef to the Estonian president, will create special menus for diners in Grill 79, and bartenders Kristo Tomingas and Silvester Harineem will bring their famous recipes to Atmosphere. Mon Apr 25-Sun May 1; China World Summit Wing Beijing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, by Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大厦 (6505 2299)

Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido has several exciting changes coming up – but we’re most excited for the opening of its new steakhouse restaurant, Char. Perhaps you’re familiar with Shanghai’s Char, on the Bund. Well, we can confirm that the two establishments are indeed related – and Beijing’s branch is opening shortly. We got a special look behind the scenes, and then we sat down with Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido’s Executive Chef Stephane Laurens to talk cuisine and the challenges of managing food services for a large hotel. —How long have you been with Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido? For two months. Before that, I was working in Brasserie FLO for two years. It's been three years since I came to Beijing. —What have you learned during your time working with hotels? Working in a restaurant and working in a hotel are very different. In a hotel, you have more people. But why not try? It’s a challenge. It’s very interesting. —What changes will your leadership bring to the food at Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido? First I’m starting with new suppliers, because for cooking you need to have very good products. I hope I can bring in a new supplier with a really high quality. —Do you have a personal philosophy when it comes to cooking? To be simple, all while being original. The most difficult thing for a chef to do is to make something simple. I think that when you cook something like beef or seafood, you really have to focus on doing it well, then present it in a beautiful, simple way. You have to work with tastes as well. All the condiments – salt, pepper, fresh herbs – you have to make sure they have the proper flavor. —What can we expect when dining at Char? There will be interesting layout – a design that incorporates private rooms and a dining room. But most importantly, we want to deliver a great experience to our family and friends at the tables by impressing them with our creations. Dining in Char Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido should be sensory overload – from all the top-quality meats, seafood and fine wines. Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路6号 (6437 3388)

Cavalia / Equestrian Ballet

Half the Sky: Conversations with Women Artists in China Talk

SEE

In 2011, Australian writer and art educator Luise Guest set off on a mission to find out more about Chinese contemporary artists. As she interviewed people from various galleries and studios, Guest began to question why the amazing female artists she encountered were not more widely known. And so her book Half the Sky: Conversations with Women Artists in China was born. Guest’s book reveals littleknown yet fascinating stories about artists she met over four years of traveling to China, where she visited their studios in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an and Chengdu. Her book explores the lives of 32 individuals and will be discussed in more detail at Guest’s book talk. Keep an eye out for the book launch, which will involve a pop-up exhibition of some of the artists, at Red Gate Gallery on April 23-25. Mon Apr 25, 7.30pm; RMB50 (RMB40 for Bookworm members); The Bookworm (see Listings for details, book in advance via order@ beijingbookworm.com)

The Bitter Tea of General Yen Film This month’s ‘Classic Hollywood in China’ movie displays Hollywood’s orientalist and exoticized view China. The 1933 film is notable for its portrayal of a Chinese man and a white woman’s romantic attraction to him, at a time when interracial relations were still illegal in China. Sun Apr 17, 7-10.30pm; RMB50 (RMB20 for CY students); Culture Yard (see Listings for details)

‘Epiphenomena’ Art

Zainab Johnson Comedy

Sculptor Qi Zhen is given the Lab 47 treatment with a solo exhibition showcasing scenes of various animals. Titled ‘Ephiphenomena,’ collection purports to draw upon a quote from the 7th century Buddhist monk Huineng: “Truth has nothing to do with language. The Truth is like moon in the sky and language is like the finger that points to the moon. A finger can point out where the moon is, but the finger is not the truth.” Deep. But also inherently accessible via the space’s glass doorcum-window. Through May 8; free; Lab 47, 30 Dongsi Qitiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四七条30号 (186 0104 7706, lab-47@ hotmail.com)

If you’ve ever wondered what a stage show with live horses and humans would look like, you’re in luck: Created by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle, Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse is the world’s first equestrian ballet… and it’s coming to Beijing. The spectacle is a global hit, seen by over four million people and declared the “best show ever” by CNN icon Larry King. Involving more than 40 horses and riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians, this is a grand tribute to the bond between human and animals. And before you ask, horses are excellent dancers and they perform all manner of stunning tricks. Apr 28-May 8, 7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm matinees (Sat) and 2pm matinees (Sun); RMB120-1,880; Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园 (400 610 3721, en.damai.cn)

Kung Fu Komedy hosts its first female international headliner (about time, we say). The New York native mines serious laughs from everyday drama, thanks to an engaging style that took her to the semi-finals of the 2014 season of Last Comic Standing. Considering Johnson has trained with the Groundlings, toured the world with Jimmy Schubert and appeared on hit shows like BET’s Hell Date, we’re locking this one in. Sun Apr 17, 8pm; RMB170-200; The Bookworm (see Listings for details)

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WEEKLY SPECIALS

Happy hours Meal deals Brunch

Food and Drink

Ladies' nights

The Georg

PHOTO BY HOLLYL LI

The Georg’s afternoon tea is all the good adjectives we associate with the ritual (refreshing, relaxing, delightful) and none of the bad ones (stuffy, frilly, overpriced). It also one adjective we have yet to use for high tea anywhere else in Beijing: creative. Chef Talib Hudda has concocted a masterful selection of finger foods to accompany your tea (or coffee) – some sweet, some savory, all delicious. We love the chocolate chunks wedged into aerated bread; the daiko sandwich; the warm scones… well, everything. But we like best the innovative approach The Georg has become known for – every bite has been carefully planned and prepared. For that attention to detail, RMB188 is great value. And for that setting – the Georgeous atrium (ha, get it?) – it’s a steal. RMB188 per person; daily, 1-5.30pm; The Georg, 45 Dongbuyaqiao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区东不压桥胡同45号 (8408 5300)

M O N DAY to FR I DAY MONDAY Mai Bar Buy two cocktails, get one free. > 40 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷40号 (138 1125 2641)

MONDAY TO THURSDAY XIU Buy-one-get-one-free on selected drinks, 6-9pm. > 6/F, Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianwai Dajie, Chaoyang 北京柏悦酒店, 朝阳区建国门外大街2号6楼 (8567 1108)

MONDAY TO FRIDAY One East Two-course set lunch: RMB118/ per person, 12:00-2:30pm. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dong Fang Road, North Dong Sanhuan Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路东方路一号北京希尔顿酒店2层 (5865 5030) Great Leap Brewing 11.30am-2pm, free soft drink or juice with any burger or salad or add RMB5 for a Pale Ale #6. > At Xinzhong Lu branch only, (see Listings for details) Hagaki Set lunch, 11.30am-3pm, Bento style lunch set from RMB58 with no service charge. 5-10pm, Daiginjo Sake promotion, RMB550 / 150 Bottle / Carafe. > 1/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号1层 (8414 9815) Agua Agua’s new set lunch menu is RMB118/ person for three courses. 6 8 | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M

> RMB118/person, Mon-Fri, 12pm2:30pm, Agua, 4/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花园4楼D308号 (5208 6188 ) Greyhound Café Only RMB28 for a Tsingtao or Bud, and RMB38 for a mojito or dry martini, 5-7pm. > Greyhound Cafe (see listings for details) Village Café Set Lunch, RMB98+15% (3 courses), RMB88+15% (2 courses) > 11.30am-2.30pm, Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5210) MEI All cocktails half off from 6-9 pm. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Twilight Mon-Sat before 8pm and all day Sun, RMB20 off cocktails. > 0102, 3/F, Bldg 5, Jianwai SOHO, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环39号建外SOHO5号3层0102室 (5900 5376)

TUESDAY Pebbles Just RMB10 per taco – order as many as you want. > Midday to midnight; 74 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同74 号 (8404 0767)

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY

杯胡同7号 (6401 7797)

S.T.A.Y Restaurant Three courses including coffee and tea for RMB388/person with 15 percent service charge, 11.30am-2.30pm. > Level 1, Valley Wing, Shangri-La Hotel, 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian 海淀区紫竹院路 29号香格里拉酒店1层 (6841 2211-6727)

Xian Whiskey night, discounts on special selected whiskeys. > All night, 1/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号1层 (8414 9810)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Great Leap Brewing All day, one select beer at RMB25. > At Number 6 Courtyard branch, (see listings for details)

Domain Happy Burger’s Day, 2 for 1 Burger promotion. > 10.30am-2pm, 2/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号2层 (8414 9830)

Mao Mao Chong Cocktails RMB35, 7-11pm. > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 (6405 5718) MEI A glass of champagne or a champagne cocktail free for all ladies. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label buy one bottle, get one free all night long. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083) Elements Free mojitos, champagne and cosmos, 9pm-1am. > 58 Gongti Xi Men, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体西门58号 (6551 2373) 4Corners Ladies get 15 percent off red wine. cheap shots and drink deals at 4Corners’ weekly celebration of KTV. > Dashibei Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石

Opus Terrace Ladies enjoy free cocktails; on Fridays, it’s bachelors night, where chaps get 50 percent off beer and burgers at the same times, 5-8pm. > Opus Bar & Terrace, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路48号 (5695 8888) MEI ‘Mad Men’ Thursdays, selected bottles of whiskey half off. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

FRIDAY Mesh House Champagne buy 1 bottle get 1 free. > Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5220)

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LISTINGS OPEN DOOR

RESTAURANT

The Hot One Hundred About This guide represents our editors’ top 100 picks, and includes some That’s Beijing advertisers. Restaurants rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our experts, and scored according to the cuisine, experience and affordability.

CHINESE Contemporary & Mixed Cuisine 8 Qi Nian 祈年8号 (Cantonese/Sichuan) The New World Hotel’s flagship restaurant has classic Chinese cuisine in abundance, as well as some vitality-restoring medicinal soups. (Their decent wine list is just as effective.) > Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5:30-9:30pm, Sat/Sun 12-2:45pm, 5:30-9:30pm; 2/F, New World Hotel, 8 Qinian Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区祈年大街8号新世界酒店2层 (5960 8822)

Bellagio 鹿港小镇 (Taiwanese) A favorite among the city’s hip and young, this swanky Taiwanese restaurant chain is the place for mountainous shaved ice desserts and creamy bubble teas. > 11am-11pm; 6 Gongti Xilu Chaoyang 工体西路6 号 (6551 3533) see www.bellagiocafe.com.cn for more locations

Din Tai Fung 鼎泰丰 ¥ (Taiwanese) This Taipei-based franchise impressed Ken Hom enough to call it one of the best 10 eateries in the world, back in 1993. Famous for its dependably delicious xiaolongbao or little steam buns. Book ahead, there’s always a long wait.

Expensive...................................¥ Expense Account ....................¥¥ Highly Recommended ..............* Top Ten ....................................**

a diner, but a diner this is not. Rosewood Beijing’s resplendent Northern Chinese restaurant serves elegant Hebei fare unlike you’ve ever had it. Excellent peking duck is on offer as well. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10:30pm; 3F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店 3层 (6597 8888)

Da Dong 大董 Among the city’s most famous haunts, Da Dong guarantees slick cuts of Beijing-style roast duck and delectable wrap fillings. The venue’s a class act and the plum sauce is hard to follow.

> Daily 11am-10pm; 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四十条甲22号 (5169 0328); see www.dadongdadong.com for more locations

Duck de Chine 全鸭季 ¥ * Good duck is meant to show your guests how wonderful you are, as much as the food. Duck De Chine does that in spades, with fantastic presentation of its crispy, succulent duck (RMB188).

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm; Courtyard 4, 1949 The Hidden City, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (6501 8881) ; 98 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng 东城区金宝街98号 (6521 2221)

The Horizon 海天阁 (Cantonese Beijing Duck) ** Kerry Hotel’s Chinese restaurant has widened its predominantly Cantonese and Sichuan horizons to include dim sum, double-boiled soups and Peking duck – and the roast bird here really is fabulous. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5:30pm-10pm 1/F, Beijing Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路 1号嘉里中心1层 (8565 2188)

Xihe Village Restaurant and Bar

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5-10pm, weekends 11.30am-10pm; 24 Middle Street, Xinyuanxili, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源西里中街24号 (近渔阳饭店) (6462 4502) > Additional branches in Shin Kong Place; Parkview Green; Grand Pacific Mall Xidan; Modern Plaza Zhongguancun; see www.dintaifung. com.cn for details

No 16 Courtyard 后海16号 (Beijing) Houhai No. 16 is a courtyard restaurant in Houhai, specializes in dishes once served for the government in the imperial times, with customizable menus. ¥380/person (without drinks)Open: 11.30am-9pm

RED WALL GARDEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL A Spring In Its Step Red Wall Garden Boutique Hotel is looking fresh this spring as they welcome a new menu full of seasonal dishes. We recently sampled the restaurant’s new offerings and were heartily impressed. For starters we enjoyed a medley of snacks including tofu and vegetable pockets and chicken and codfish sliced rolls, as well as a healthy mushroom and pumpkin soup. We especially enjoyed the pockets, which were deliciously moist and flavorful. We also tried a selection of classic dishes. The sweet taro with pork was rich and addictive; the thick slices of pork and taro went down like a smooth treat. Meanwhile, the sliced squid and asparagus and hami melon with lily and fungus offered lighter, yet just as tasty, alternatives. A meal would not be complete without rice or noodles and lucky for us, Red Wall combines both with their rice noodle with beef. We loved the simplicity of flavors with crunchy pork skin and peanuts providing a nice contrast to the silky noodles. And for something sweet, you can’t go past Red Wall’s lemon cheesecake with fruit for a satisfying conclusion. Dining at Red Wall is a vibrant experience, thanks to its hutong location and courtyard surrounds. The bright paintings and antiques lend a colorful feel to the restaurant while the hotel also has cultural performances on Tuesday and Friday nights – great for visitors looking to learn more about Beijing’s history and tradition. An authentic must-try for anybody who appreciates good taste. > Daily, 7am-10.30pm; Red Wall Garden Hotel, 41 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区史家胡同41号 (51692222)

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> D4, Dajin Hutong. Xicheng District, 西城区后海大金丝胡同4号(8322 6461,13716551797,www. houhai16.com)

Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 (Chinese, Peking Duck) Resembling something between a nightclub and a theater, the Opposite House’s basement restaurant proves to be more than just style over substance with their range of expertly prepared classic dishes.

> Daily 12-10:30pm, B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼瑜舍酒B1楼 (6410 5230)

Wu Li Xiang 屋里香 (Cantonese, Sichuan) * Impressive views don’t detract from the exquisitely presented cuisine of Chef Kam, especially the dim sum. Swanky classics from all the main culinary regions of China, including, of course, “Monk Jump Over the Wall” – braised pork in oyster sauce. > Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; 2-3/F, Traders Upper East Hotel, Beijing, 2 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东四环北路2号北京上东盛贸饭店二三层 (5907 8406)

Yipin 一品 (Huaiyang) * The Sofitel Beijing’s boutique Chinese restaurant, Yipin is a beautifully thought-out conflux of all that is elegant, traditional and tasty. Huaiyang cuisine headlines the menu, so expect sweet and delicate and sweet flavors with impeccable presentation. > Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C 座索菲特酒店 (8599 6666)

Peking Duck Country Kitchen The name ‘Country Kitchen’ may sound like

> Mon-Fri Lunch: 11am-2.30pm; Dinner: 5-9pm; Sun: 11am-9pm, S9-33, 3/F, South Area of Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19 号三里屯太古里南区三层S9-33(6417 6082)

Shanghai Shanghai Min 小南国 Many swear this chain has the best Shanghai-style hongshaorou north of the Yangtze. The jury’s out, but its popularity remains. > 0505, 5/F Raﬄes City Mall, 1 Dongzhimen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街1号来福士购物中心5楼0505号铺 (400 820 9777)> Additional branches in Financial Street; Jinbao Jie; Oriental Plaza; Sanlitun Soho; Xinyuan Nan Lu (see www. online.thatsmags.com for details)

Wang Jia Sha 王家沙 Modern Shanghai cuisine – popular with Hong Kong celebrities – famed for its crabmeat dumplings. Try the spiced-salt ribs (RMB62) for a bit of Adam action. > Daily, S1-30a Taikoo Li Sanlitun (on the third floor of i.t shop) 朝阳区三里屯路19号院太古里1号楼3层 S1-30a号商铺 (6416 3469)

Sichuan/Hunan Chuan Ban 川办 * This bright, modestly decorated dining hall is frequently cited as Beijing’s best Sichuan restaurant.

> Mon-Fri 7-9am, 10.50am-2pm, 4.50-9.30pm; SatSun 7am-10pm; 5 Gongyuan Toutiao, Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区建国门内贡院头条5号 (6512 2277, ext. 6101)

Karaiya Spice House 辣屋 * Bold and fiery Hunan cuisine in the most serene of restaurant interiors. Don’t miss

LISTINGS the dry roasted duck with a dozen spices and stir fried bullfrog with shiso leaves and ginger. Peanut milk is there to soothe the palate: you’ll need it. > Daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm; 3/F, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里19号院南区三层S9-30 (6415 3535)

South Memory 望湘园 This restaurant chain is the Hunan staple in the capital. The trademark shilixiang niurou (fragrant beef), duojiao shuangse yutou (dual-colour spiced fish head) and meltingly tender frog dishes are among the favorites with locals. > Daily 11am-10pm; 2/F, 230-232, Fenglian Plaza, 18 Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街 18号丰联广场2楼230-232号 (6588 1797); see www. southmemory.com for more locations

Yuxiang Renjia 渝乡人家 The menu here is old-fashioned and reliably good. The lazi ji is crispy but not too greasy, the pepper-sauce noodle, with spinach, is filling and refreshing. Assorted confections are guaranteed to comfort numbed-and-burned tongues, too.

> Daily 11am-2pm, 5-9pm 5/F, Lianhe Dasha (Union Plaza), 20 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门外大街20号联合大厦五层 (6588 3841) see www.yuxiangrenjia.com for other locations

Yu Xin 渝信川菜 Open since 1993, Yu Xin’s authentic Sichuan dishes have earned a loyal fanbase. Their liangfen – a jelly-like substance cut into chunky strips and dressed in an addictive spicy sauce – hits the spot. The rustic, intimate setting of bamboo cubicles and swift, friendly service complete the experience. > Daily 11am-10pm; 5A Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福一村西里甲5号 see www.yuxin1997.com for other locations.

Transit 渡金湖 ¥¥ ** Sichuan is known for its blazing spices and its equally hot girls. While the latter are up to you, the creative minds at Transit have made some fiery additions to the classical, chili-thumping canon, and they will charge you for that knowledge. But unlike many equally expensive joints, this is high-end Chinese dining at its best.

> Daily 12-2.30pm, 6 -10pm; N4-36, Sanlitun Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090)

Yunnan Dali Courtyard 大里院子 * If you like authentic Yunnanese food, you’ll have to trust the staff: there’s no menu, it all just arrives in an intimate courtyard setting. The price (RMB120/person) matches the rustic ingredients. > Daily 12-2pm, 6-10.30pm; Gulou Dong Dajie, 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街小经厂胡同67号 (8404 1430)

Hani Gejiu 哈尼个旧 ¥ Somthing about Gulou makes it the perfect district for Yunnan food, and this little gem is up their with the best. Contender for friendliest service in town. > Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; 46 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区钟楼弯胡同46号 (6401 3318)

Lost Heaven 花马天堂 (Yunnan, SE Asian)

Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光化路9号世贸天阶南楼L404A (6587 1431) > Additional venues in Sanlitun; Taikoo Li Mall; Indigo Mall (see www.middle8th.com for details)

Yun’er Small Town 云洱小镇 Folksy and affordable Yunnanese fare on Beiluoguxiang. Fragrant dishes including the jasmine bulbs with scrambled eggs, lemongrass shrimp, and banana leaf wrapped bolete mushrooms will keep us crawling back.

> Daily 10am-11pm, 84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷84号 (8404 2407)

Dumplings Baoyuan Jiaoziwu 宝源饺子屋 Famous for their rainbow of dyed dumplings, Baoyuan have their jiaozi (six, under RMB10) wrapped in a larger yuanbao silver-ingot shape, with creative vegetarian options and authentic Sichuan food. > Daily 11am-10pm; north of 6 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967)

Mr Shi’s Dumplings 老石饺子馆 Since recieving a Lonely Planet recommendation the prices have risen and the walls are covered in backpackers’ scribbles, but the fantastic dumplings – boiled and fried – are still fantastic. > 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同74号 (8405 0399, 131 6100 3826)

Regional Crescent Moon (Xinjiang) * Roast mutton enthusiasts go over the moon at this reputable Xinjiang Muslim restaurant. Eastern European and Central Asian influences are evident throughout, with peppery and cumin-spiced dishes livening up traditional Chinese favorites. > Daily 10am-11:30pm; 16 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东四六条16号 (6400 5281)

Da Gui (Guizhou) Guizhou’s famed hot-and-sour cuisine nestled into a charming traditional alleyway. Munch happily into pickled greens and don’t miss the salty-sweet deep-fried black sesame balls. They’re sensational. > Daily 10am-2pm, 5-10pm; 69 Daxing Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东城区交道口大兴胡同69 号 (6407 1800)

Makye Ame (Tibetan) Determined to prove that Tibetan cuisine consists of more than just yak-butter tea, the Beijing branch of this nationwide chain serves up nomadic classics such as curried potatoes and roast lamb.

> Daily 10-midnight; 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外秀水南街甲11号 (6506 9616)

ShiChengJi Shaobing 实诚吉烧饼 If ever a food were able to alleviate life’s difficulties – however temporarily – then this is surely it. In one bite, these beef shaobing will remind you exactly why you first chose to live in Beijing. They’re that good. Queues of locals are testament. > Daily 7am-7pm; 43 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四六条43号 (186 1029 5038)

Xinjiang Red Rose (Xinjiang) * One of Beijing’s most famous Xinjiang restaurant, Red Rose serves some of the tenderest lamb skewers around, matched by enormous servings of classics like dapanji (a chicken, potato and pepper stew), latiaozi (noodles with a spicy tomato sauce) and nang (baked flatbrea). > Daily 10.30am-11pm; Inside 7 Xingfuyicun, opposite Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门对面幸福一村7巷内 (6415 5741)

BLUE FROG

WESTERN

Hopping Into Spring

Fine Dining

An emphasis on Yunnan characterizes this menu’s fresh journey through the SE Asia passage, with a grandiose yet dark teak interior.

> Daily noon-2pm, 5pm-10.30 (bar open till 1am). Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区前门东大街23号(8516 2698)

Middle 8th Restaurant 中八楼 * Hip and slightly swanky, without being pretentious, this is a celebration of all things ‘south of the clouds’ – so try crisp-fried worms, or “crossing-the-bridge” noodles, beef jerky-style yak meat and fresh, wild herbs galore. > The Place Branch: Daily 11am-11pm, L404A, South

OPEN DOOR

Barolo ¥¥ (Italian) * Average Italian abounds in Beijing: not here, though. Quite the opposite, in fact, meaning Barolo is as well-regarded as the Piedmont wine it is named after.

> Mon-Sun 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm. Ritz Carlton Hotel, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路甲83号华贸中心丽思卡尔顿酒店内 (5908 8151)

Brasserie Flo ¥¥ (French) * Marble slabs, mosaic floors and brass fittings establish the Parisian bona fides; dishes like snails (RMB78), oysters (RMB48 each) and steak tartare (RMB158) confirm. The grandeur is matched only by the service, and the prices reflect the authenticity of the experience.

> Daily 11am-midnight; 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区霄云路18号 (6595 5135)

Spring signals the rebirths of many things – and in Beijing, one of those things is blue frog’s menu. After all, just because blue frog is one of the reliable mainstays of our restaurant scene doesn’t mean it stays the same. Blue frog has added a bevy of new burgers to its rotation, but our favorite is the People Mountain People Sea Burger (RMB118), which is as insane as its name – in a good way. And by that we mean don’t even attempt to pick it up and bite it, unless you’re willing to spill sauce down your shirt. It’s more of a fork-and-knife job. Between its two buns are bacon, juicy grilled mushrooms, a deep-fried onion ring, BBQ sauce and Sichuan chili sauce. It is a flavor explosion accompanied by fries. On a lighter note (literally), the Shrimp & Cranberry Cheddar Salad (RMB108) is a great option if you don’t have quite enough room in you for all that beef. The salad comes with avocado and shrimp – perfect for sharing before you dive into your burger. > Blue Frog (see Listings for details) W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 7 1

Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 67号 (6445 7076)

OPEN DOOR

C Pearl (Oysters, Seafood) ¥ * This slick oyster restaurant imports fresh shells from Canada, South Africa, France, USA and more – and they are well worth the price. The fries are the best we’ve had in Beijing, beer and wine selection also excellent. > Tue-Sun 5.30pm-2am; 14-2, Bldg 14, Shunyuanli, Xinyuan Jie, Yansha Qiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥新源街顺源里14号楼14-2号 (5724 5886)

PHOTOS BY HOLLY LI

Grill 79 (Steak) With views this good, Grill 79 would probably make it onto the list even if the food was terrible. It’s something of a bonus then that the kitchen is superb, and supported by one of the most extensive wine lists in town.

THE RUG The coffee artists at The Rug are on another level. We ask for a Pokemoninspired latte, and get a detailed image of Pikachu inscribed into the foam. But fear not, The Rug hasn’t opted for style over substance – it has both in abundance. We headed down to the Sanlitun branch to try the new menu items and they are all completely on-point, in particular the gnocchi and Thai-style sea bass (RMB138) and the Sichuan spicy beef tendon pasta. But our favorite has to be the kimchi and pork egg Benedict bagel with asparagus and roasted cherry tomatoes (RMB138), which offers an Asian twist on a brunch classic. If you’re in a mood for veggies, may we also recommend the pan-fried okra (RMB52) and the stir-fried wild mushrooms, which comes topped with a gooey egg that has been poached to perfection (RMB68). Essentially, The Rug is still killing it. > New menu items available at The Rug’s Sanlitun and Chaoyang Park branches. Additional new items also available at The Rug Chatroom in Chaoyang Joy City (see Listings for details).

> Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, Sat and Sun 11.30am-3.pm; Dinner: Daily 5.30-10.30pm; The Westin Beijing Chaoyang 7 North East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang 东三环北路7号 (5922 8888)

Capital M ¥ (Contemporary Western) ** The Art Deco interior, swish staff and breathtaking views over the archery towers from Qianmen ensures the pinnacle of al-fresco dining, with world-class modern European stylings and deliciously posh afternoon tea. > Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. Floor 3, 2 Qianmen Buxingjie, Dongcheng 东城区前门步行街2号3层 (6702 2727)

Héritage ¥¥ A French country-style chateau in the heart of Beijing. A chef de cuisine with Michelin star restaurant experience and an extensive wine cellar make this Sofitel Hotel restaurant one of the best French dining experiences in town. > 6F Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场 C座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666)

Mio ¥¥ Glitzy Italian fare at the Four Seasons, with a mobile Bellini cart, wheeled straight to your table.The Chef crafts a superb squash tortellini by hand, and pampers diners with desserts like the deconstructed tiramisu. >Daily lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm, dinner 5.30pm -10.30pm, Four Seasons Hotel, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang, 朝阳区亮马桥路48号北京四季酒店 (5695 8888)

S.T.A.Y. ¥¥ (French) Luxury dining with three-Michelin-starred chef, Alléno Yannick’s, back-to-basics kitchen concept, which includes a mouthwatering ‘pastry library’. Classic dishes usually include dishes such as steak, foie

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Miss K Cafe (Xing Fu Cafe) Whether it’s a rainy morning or a sunny afternoon, relax with your favorite novel and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Experience a quiet moment of serenity amid the hustle and bustle of Beijing. >Daily, 8am-8.30pm; 1/F, Tower A, East Gate Plaza, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门东环广场A座一层幸福咖啡馆 (6418 1096)

New Menu, Old Favorite

Grange Grill ** Located in the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Grange Grill serves up some of the city’s best steak, seafood and grill offerings. The restaurant’s welcoming decor provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a glass of cocktail or a fine vintage from the extensive wine collection. Be sure to try the ‘luxurious oyster feast,’ where you can enjoy the delicacy raw, grilled or with cheese.

> Daily 6.30-10.30am, noon-2pm, 6-10pm. 79/F, China World Trade Center Phase 3, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒店 79楼 (6505 2299 ext 6424)

gras, rack of lamb, plus a spit roast and grill for international standard fine-dining. > Daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 5:30pm-10pm; Sundays 11am- 4pm. Shangri La, Valley Wing, 1/F, 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian 海淀区紫竹院路29号北京香格里拉饭店 (6841 2211 Ext. 6727)

Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) ¥¥ (Contemporary Western) ** Setting is everything here, especially if it’s fashioned inside a restored Buddhist temple. The bold contemporary European cuisine is fitting in majesty and the service alone is worthy of worship.

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm; 23 Songzhusi Temple, Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng 东城区沙滩北街嵩祝寺23号 (8400 2232)

Contemporary Western Alﬁe’s ¥ (British) What’s all this about, then? British gastropub classics, (like pukker fish and chips, RMB188), a swanky gentleman’s club interior, and located in a chic modern art gallery-cum-mall. That’s what, mate. > Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm, brunch served on weekends; Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号芳草地L1-22 (5662 8777)

Bistrot B Rosewood Beijing’s exquisite French restaurant is the sort of place chefs like to eat. Expect lavish luxury. > Daily, 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10:30pm; 1F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店 3层 (65360066)

Caribeño (Latin) Heavy Cuban influence, but there are dishes from all over the Latin continent here. The Ropa Vieja (shredded beef on potato) is excellent – as are the Mojitos. > Daily 11:30am-9:30pm, 1/F, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华东里8号中海广场北楼1层 (5977 2789)

Chi (Organic, Fusion) Hutong set-menu dining par-excellence, with organic ingredients all locally sourced. From the owners of neighboring Saffron. > Daily, opens 10:30am, last order 9:30pm, 67

Missa (European) Whether it is the tender, imported cuts of meat or the long list of expertly made and creative cocktails going down your gullet, you can’t really go wrong at this refined relaxed lounge like restaurant.

> Daily 6pm-late. 32-33, 3/F, Bldg 3, Sanlitun Taikoo Li North, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里北区3号楼3 层32-33 (137 1851 7917)

Mosto (European, South American) ¥ * A perpetually busy lunch and evening spot, thanks to chef Daniel Urdaneta’s skill for modernising South American-style dishes like ceviche and risotto in his open kitchen. > Sun-Thu noon-2.30pm, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat noon2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6030)

Sizzler Sizzler invented ‘casual dining’ in Australia when it introduced the first soup, salad, pasta and fresh fruit concept. Since those pioneering days, it has expanded its ‘classic grill’ to include, not only steak and seafood, but also delicious chicken dishes, BBQ ribs, combination meals, and burgers. ‘Variety’ and ‘freedom to choose’ set Sizzler apart from other dining experiences. At Sizzler customers are free to control the volume, nutritional balance and variety of each meal by ordering from the grill and helping themselves to our famous soup, salad, pasta and fruits. >All stores open daily, 10am-10pm ;Wangfujing Oriental Plaza Store 王府井东方广场店 (8518 6315); Chongwenmen Glory Mall Store 崇文门国瑞购物中心店 (6714 0399); Wangjing Capital Mall 望京凯德购物中心店 (6471 3876); Wanliu BHG 万柳华联商场店 (8258 9405) Wan Shoulu Crystal Capital Mall 万寿路凯德晶品店 (6826 086); Xizhimen Capital Mall 西直门凯德购物中心店Mall (5830 2199); Sanlitun Shimao Gongsan 三里屯世茂工三店 (8400 4014); Changying Paradise Walk 常营龙湖天街店 (8539 0438); Tianjin Joy City 天津大悦城店 (8728 1620)

Stuﬀ’d (Contemporary Western) The concept of Stuff’d is to simply stuff one kind of food in another. From sausage calzone pizzas (RMB68) to scotch eggs – it all works. On-site micro brewery a bonus.

> Wed-Mon, 11:30am-2:45pm, 6-10pm, 9 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区箭厂胡同9号 (6407 6308)

Tomacado Tomacado is indeed a mash-up of ‘tomato’ and ‘avocado’ – and while you’ll certainly find these ingredients on the menu, you can also expect pleasant drinks, light soups and heartier main courses from this charming cafe. Fowers are also available for sale.

> Daily 10am-10pm (Lunch start from 11am, Only afternoon tea served on Mon-Fri 2.30-5pm), No. 19/20, B1/F, Jia Ming Center, 27 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路27号嘉铭中心地下一层 19/20号(6500 3354)

VIC Not to be confused with the notorious nightclub of the same name, this VIC is the Sofitel Beijing’s casual dining restaurant. All the major world cuisines are in attendance here – make you pay special attentions to the French-inspired breads and pastries – as is the customary Sunday champagne brunch. > Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C 座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666)

Yi House (Contemporary Western) Nestled in the confines of 798, Yi’s great tasting brunch is bettered only by their wide range of cocktails. Sundays offer jazz brunches with lobster and champagne.

> Daily 11am-3pm, 6pm-12am; 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798 Yishu Qu, No.1 706 Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号院798艺术区706后街1号 (6436 1818)

Café/Deli/Sandwich Beiluo Bread Bar (Café) This local hipster café favorite offers inhouse baked bread and sandwiches but we usually go for the hand-pulled noodles. Gets cozy at night. > Tue-Sun noon-10pm. 70A Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷甲70号(近南锣鼓巷) (8408 3069)

Café Zarah (Café) * A smart new interior and menu for this longstanding cafe has propelled it from hipster hangout to Gulou institution. Large, airy and with a terrace for summer, the only downside is it’s always packed. > Daily 9.30am-midnight，42 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街42号 (8403 9807)

Café Flatwhite Hailing from New Zealand, Café Flatwhite uses fresh and healthy ingredients in its tasty selection of sandwiches, pizzas, salads and brunch options, all served alongside some of the best coffee in Beijing. > Open Daily, Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm; Sanlitun Soho Store: B1-239, Building 2, Sanlitun SOHO, 8 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路8号院三里屯SOHO2号楼B1-239 (5785 3762 / 15910944325); 751 D-Park Store: No.4, 798 Dashanzi Art District, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798大山子艺术区751动力广场 (6432 2798 / 13522120390); 798 Dashanzi Art District Store: D09-1, No.4, 798 Dashanzi Art District, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang朝阳区酒仙桥路4号 798艺术区D09-1 (5978 9067 / 13051771436); China Central Mall Store (Hua Mao): China Central Mall, Room L315, 81 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang朝阳区建国路81号L315 (8588 7978 / 15652922791); Jianguomenwai DRC Store: Building 7-1-11, 1 Silk Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水街1号建国门外外交公寓7-1-11 (8532 2633 / 18701092189) www.cafeflatwhite.com, cafeflatwhite@hotmail.com, WeChat username: CafeFlatwhite

MODO Urban Deli (Contemporary Western) * Yates Wine Lodge this is not. Unconventional and great fun, this compact eatery was designed around an ever-changing selection of fine wines. Serves up fresh tapas style food and original finger foods.

> Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-10.30pm; 3/F, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South (close to Element Fresh), 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区3楼(近新元素) (6415 7207)

MOKA Bros (Contemporary Western) * Power bowls, salads and wraps are the kind of fare on offer at this trendy Nali Patio space, which also has a great selection of cakes and pastries if you’re feeling more indulgent. > Sanlitun: Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm, Fri/Sat 11am11:30pm, B101b Nali Patio South, 81 Sanlitun Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号B101B南楼 (5208 6079) ; Solana: Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区湖畔美食街朝阳公园路6号院蓝色港湾 (5905 6259)

Element Fresh (Contemporary Western) Another import from Shanggers, this is boutique salads-and-sandwich lunching, with somewhat questionable price tags.

> Daily Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 7am-11pm. 833, Building 8, 19 Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区 8号楼833 (6417 1318)

Ricci Named after a 17th century Italian Jesuit (duh), this creative café has a funky, kookymeets-organic vibe and serves up some of the best casual western food in town, and a great brunch at the Wudaokou location (Chaoyang branch closed weekends).

> 1/F, Building D, Tsinghua Science Park, 1 Zhongguancun Donglu, Haidian 海淀区中关村东路1 号院清华科技园D座1楼 (8215 8826 )

The Rug (Contemporary Western, Organic) * With ingredients supplied by local organic farms like Dahe and De Run Wu, and an emphasis on sustainability, this café’s wide ranging menu has something for everyone, especially green types, bored foreign moms and freelance Macbook types. > Mon-Fri 7.30am-10:30pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am10:30pm; Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite Chaoyang Park South Gate), Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4 号楼(朝阳公园南门对面) (8550 2722) > Additional location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see online.thatsmags. com for details)

LISTINGS TRIBE * Salads, wraps and sandwiches, and noodle and grain bowls are as tasty as they are holistic, and there are more superfoods in one single dish than we even knew existed. Come hungry, leave basking in the warm, glow that comes from knowing that you are eating well. Kombucha is the icing on the (organic, locally-sourced) cake. > Daily 8am-10.30pm, 1/F, Building 3, China View Plaza, 2A Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体东路甲2号中国红街大厦3号楼1层大厅入口南侧 (8587 1899)

Wagas (Contemporary Western) Quality eats with minimal pretension. This stylish, no-fuss Shanghai rival to Element Fresh offers some of the best and most affordable Western lunch options in town. The zesty carrot-and-zucchini cake is a crowd pleaser.

> Daily 8am-10pm; S8-33, 3/F, Bldg 8, Taikoo Li South, 19 South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里南区三层 (6416 5829) > Additional locations in The Kerry Centre, Raﬄes Mall Dongzhimen (see www.thatsmags.com for details)

Burgers Blue Frog Blue Frog is pleased to introduce a creative new Drinks Menu. As the new year begins, this new menu will wake up everyone’s taste buds with a bevy of specialty and original cocktails, mocktails, shots, beer, wine and healthy drinks inspired by popular ingredients.

> All open Daily 10am-late; S2-30, Level 3, S2 Tower, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区三楼S2-30 (6417 4030) ; No.167, 1/F, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号1层167号 (8426 0017) ; No.125, 1/F, Bldg 1, Sanfeng(North), Chaoyang 朝阳区三丰北里1号楼1层 125号 (8561 2665) ; Unit 15-16, 1/F, Bldg AB, Ocean International Center, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座一层15 16单元 (8590 3168)

Chef Too ¥ With its crisp white tablecloths and service, this upscale New York diner serves up some of the classiest burgers in town. > Tue-Fri 11am-1pm; Sat-Sun 9.30am-3pm; Tue-Sat 5.30pm-10pm. Opposite the West gate, Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西门 (6591 8676)

American/BBQ/Grill The Big Smoke * Taking the Home Plate BBQ concept and upscaling was a gourmet masterstroke. Full menu evenings only (also delivers rotisserie chicken via Uncle Otis).

> Daily Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-10pm. First Floor, Lee World Building (opposite Frost Nails), 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村中路 57号楼利世楼 (6416 5195, 6416 268, www. uncle-otis.com)

Home Plate BBQ * Scruffy looks and laid-back staff belie the popularity of this entry-level brick-smoker barbecue joint, that blossoms in the sunny months. Pulled-pork sandwiches are the favorites, followed by baby-back rib racks. Beer and bourbons are taken care of, too. > Daily 11am-10pm. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard (20m north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection, first right), Chaoyang District 朝阳区霄云路35号院过霄云路路口, 往北走20米,到第一个路口右转(5128 5584) > Additional location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see www. thatsmags.com for details)

NOLA N’Orleans finds a dark-wood home in the leafy embassy area, with a jazz soundtrack, shrimp and grits, gumbo, fried chicken, jambalaya and decent-enough po’boys – yes’m. Excellent Cajun snacks, craft beers and cocktail also make NOLA a popular watering hole. > Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水南街11号 (8563 6215)

Union Bar and Grill The definitive US-style diner in Beijing, Union’s extensive menu – from eggs Benedict to baby back ribs – covers all bases and hours, served by friendly staff. The warm atmosphere tempts many to stay all day.

> Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat/Sun 11am-midnight; S631, 3/F, Bldg 6, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区 6号楼3层S6-31 (6415 9117)

The Woods * New York native-owned, Manhattan-style restaurant, tucked in amongst the skyscrapers of CBD: you can’t get more Big Apple than that. > Daily 12pm-10pm, Central Park Tower 1, Suite 101, No. 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际1号搂101 (6533 6380)

Steak 29 Grill (Contemporary Western) * Top-notch steak, along with just about every other cut of meat found in the barnyard in this well-priced meat-eaters’ mecca. > Mon-Fri lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Mon-Sat dinner: 6-10.30pm (closed Sundays); Conrad Beijing, 2/F, 29 North Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路9 号2层 (6584 6270)

Morton’s of Chicago (American) ¥¥ * Meat so tender the knife falls through it: ritzy Morton’s deserves the worldwide praise. Expensive, but where else are you going to get steak this good? (Try the RMB550 set menu if you want to save cash)

Guanghua Lu, opposite Sunshine 100 Building 朝阳区光华阳光100公寓对面首经贸南门 (858 98366)

Assaggi ¥ * This fine Italian spot in the leafy embassy district has one of Beijing’s best terraces for summer dining. The tagliata steak is worth a return visit. > Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号 (8454 4508)

Bene ¥ * Chef Ricci will have you singing like a soprano with his pork ravioli and prize-winning tiramisu. Excellent set menus (RMB588) and extensive wine selection.

> Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm, Sun 5-10:30pm; 2/F, Regent Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng 东城区金宝街99号丽晶酒店二层 (6523 7777)

> Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng, 36 Northeast Third Ring Road, Dongcheng District 东城区北三环东路36号(5798 8995)

Steak Exchange Restaurant+Bar (Contemporary Western) ¥¥ * The bill is hopefully on the company kuai at this opulent eatery, where charcoal-grilled cuts of 250-day, grain-fed Australian Angus start from around RMB428 and merrily spiral. But the meat is unquestionably succulent, and cooked exactly to order.

Cepe ¥ In a city inundated with Italian offerings, Cepe manages to stand out thanks to its attention to the smallest detail – everything from the vinaigrette to the Parma ham is import quality, and the wine is superb.

> Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10.30pm. InterContinental Beijing Financial Street, 11 Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金融街11号北京金融街洲际酒店 (5852 5921)

O’Steak A well-cooked steak in Beijng isn’t all that rare anymore, and here we have affordable but quality cuts. Don’t be fooled by the Irish sounding name, it’s an authentic French bistro – not a Guinness in sight.

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. The RitzCarlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街丽思卡顿酒店大堂 (6601 6666)

Della Bocca Trattoria¥

Taco Bar Rising from the ashes of its deceased hutong location, the new Taco Bar is hip, popular and able to produce some of the most authentic Mexican fare in town. Only RMB45 for three and great cocktails to complement.

> Tue-Thu 5.30pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-2.30am, Sun 11am-1am; 1/F, Unit 10, Electrical Research Institute, Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南路机电研究院内10号1层 (6501 6026)

Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar * (KoreanMexican fusion) Tucked away near Gulou, this hip little hutong concept is truly one of a kind in Beijing. Quesadillas with kimchi and bibimbaps with melted cheese and hot sauce. Guess what? It works. Killer range of classic Cali’ cocktails, too. > Daily 11:30am-midnight (closed Mondays); 14 Zhangwang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街张旺胡同14号 (6405 4352)

Italian Annie’s ¥ * Now a certified Beijing institution, Annie’s, serves up the city’s most reliable Italian fare. Delivery is free anywhere between Line 5 and the the Fifth Ring Road (call for delivery prices outside this area), and can be ordered in English between 10.30am and 10.30pm from www.annies.com.cn or by calling 8589 8366. Alternatively, drop in to your local branch.

>All open Daily,10.30am-11pm; Beijing Riviera: opposite west gate of Lane Bridge Villa, Shunyi 朝阳区来广营东路5号长岛澜桥别墅西门对面尚古城一楼 (8470 4768); Lido: Jiangtai Lu, opposite United Family Hospital 朝阳区将台商业街4号楼2楼和睦家医院对面 (6436 3735); Wangjing: 2F, beside the Daimler Tower, LSH Plaza, 8 Wangjing Jie 朝阳区利星行广场A座戴勒姆大厦裙楼2层近望京商业中心 (8476 0398); Chaoyang Park: West Gate of Chaoyang Park 朝阳区朝阳公园老西门南侧 (6591 1931); Sanlitun: China View Building, opposite East Gate of Workers’Stadium 朝阳区工体东门对面中国红街一楼 (8587 1469); Ritan Park: Ritan High Life, 3F, north of Ritan Park 朝阳区神路街39号日坛上街3-108号 (8569 3031); The Place: East of the Place, south of Central Park 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座1 层 (8590 6428); Guomao: Ruisai Business Building (southest of Guomao subway) 朝阳区东三环南路2 号瑞赛大厦商务楼1层 (6568 5890); Sunshine 100:

> Daily noon-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6052)

Migas ¥ * The boys at Migas have turned a concept bar into a thriving Mediterranean restaurant, bar and party venue, and one of summer’s rooftop destinations.

> Daily 10am-3pm, 5pm- late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 6层 (5208 6061)

German Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant 博璨德国啤酒餐厅 Brotzeit offers its customers a unique experience with authentic German cuisine and world famous German beers in a casual environment. Coupled with its contemporary setting and unique brand appeal, Brotzeit is distinct from the traditional-style German restaurants still seen in Germany and other parts of the world.

Drei Kronen 1308 * Authentic (truly – when they say 1308 they mean it) displays of armour and brewing kits draw regular evening crowds for the superb pork knuckle and heavy-duty helles (pale lager), wheat and dark beer (brewed on-site). > Daily 11am-2am. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体东路中国红街5号楼1 层(6503 5555)

Mexican/Tex Mex

>Sun-Thurs 11am to midnight. Fri–Sat 11am to 2am, S4-32 South Block, Sanlitun Taikoo Li, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里太古里南区 (6416 5212)

Niajo ¥ * With homely Mediterranean influences and a charming management, Niajo is prime Sanlitun smart-casual dining. Order the paella (their star dish) together with some tapas and be automatically transported to Spain (minus the constant sunshine).

> Daily 11am-late; F109, Grand Summit, bldg 5, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东方东路19号楼(DRC外交办公大楼)一层F109 (8531 5166, www. brotzeit.co)

> Daily midday-midnight, Xingfu: No.55-7 Xingfucun Zhonglu, opposite of April courmet, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村中路55-7杰作大厦底商绿叶子超市斜对面 (8448 8250) ; Central Park: No.o103 building 20, Central Park, No.6 Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际20号楼103 (6533 6599); shunyi: No.11-102 Shine Hills, No.9 Antai Avenue, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪安泰大街9号祥云小镇南门 11号楼102 (8048 5080)

Cantina Agave (Tex-Mex) Great selection of burritos, tacos and 80+ imported tequilas. Spice up dishes with the walk-up salsa bar and don’t leave without a bite of the custardy flan.

2266 ext. 36)

Good-value homestyle Italian is the order of the day at this little-known spot in Beixinqiao.

> Closed on Monday; Dinner: 5-10pm; Lunch: 10am3pm; 3/F, 277 Dongzhimen Nei Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门内大街277号三楼雍和宫大街和北新桥头条交叉处的四层商业楼三楼 (6455 3832, 1391 0969 240)

Isola Bar & Grill Isola’s elegant design, even by Taikoo Li North standards, is classic Italian panache – and so is the food. Beef carpaccio, burrata, Strozzapreti (handed twisted pasta) are all fantastic, but just as good is a classic Margherita pizza. > Daily, 11:30am-10:30pm, N3-47, 3/F, Building 3, Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院太古里北区N3-37和 47商铺 (6416 3499, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/isola-beijing, reservations@isolabeijing.com )

Mercante ¥ * Old World family charm in an intimate hutong setting. Time (and, occasionally, service) slows with a rustic menu from Bologna offering an assortment of homemade pastas and seasonal mains. > Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方砖厂胡同4号 (8402 5098)

Opera Bombana ¥ Head chef Umberto Bombana boasts three Michelin stars to his name, earned at his wildly successful Hong Kong restaurant Otto e Mezzo. He’s the only Italian chef to do so outside of his native land, and certainly the only to have opened a restaurant in Beijing. > Daily, 12pm-10:30pm; LG2-21 Parkview Green Fangcaodi, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地地下2层21号 (5690 7177)

Spanish Agua ¥ * Occupying the high end of Nali’s Spanish invasion, Agua excels with reasonably priced classics like suckling pig, chorizo and jamon. Winner of the 2014 Golden Fork Editors’ Pick for best restaurant. > Daily Midday-2pm, 6pm-10pm. 4/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 (5208 6188)

Aria ¥¥ * This gold standard of opulence has crafted a new Spanish menu. A fantastic place for paella brunch. In-house sommeliers help tailor your meal perfectly. > Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 6-10pm; 2/F China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Waidajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街 (6505

Paulaner Brauhaus The grand old man of Beijing brauhauses, Paulaner delivers the Teutonic goods in the hands of lederhosen-clad staff from the provinces. It can be pricey but is usually worthwhile, especially during Oktoberfest.

> Daily 11am-1am. Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基饭店 (6465 3388 ext. 5732)

African/Middle Eastern Al Saﬁr 阿拉伯餐厅

> Daily 11.30am - 10pm, Shop 6-12, 35 Food Street, Ocean Express Building, 66 Xiaguangli, Chaoyang 朝阳区霞光里66号远洋新干线美食街35号6-12铺 (5130 4243)

1001 Nights There’s no missing this beast of a Middle Eastern on the way into Sanlitun. The whole Arabic dining package is on offer here, from kebabs, to shisha to belly dancing shows between courses.

> Daily 11am-2am, 3-4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路3-4号 (6532 4050)

Pinotage ¥ (South African) * A seasonal blend of Dutch, English and regional African influences, this contemporary and stylish eatery has an impressive selection of fine import-quality meats, and wines to match. The traditional borewor ground beer-sausage (RMB100) is tender and sweet, while the red-wine pork tenderloin makes the trip out to their Shunyi branch worth it. > Dongmen Building, 12 Dongzhimen Wai, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街12号东门下楼 (5785 3538) > Additional location in Shunyi (see online. thatsmags.com for details)

Biteapitta * Enjoyed by vegetarians (hummus, falafel) and 58 kuai kebab-lovers alike, Biteapitta has the Middle-East mid-range market all wrapped up in a fluffy pitta.

> Daily 11am-11pm, Second Floor, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯后街同里2 层 (6467 2961)

Pizza Tube Station Nowhere does gigantic toppen-laden pizza quite like Beijing, and these guys claim to be the biggest in town. > Sanlitun 3.3 Branch: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat/Sun 10am-11pm, delivery Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-11pm 3/F, 3.3 Building, No. 33 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang 三里屯北街33号3.3服装大厦3层3008号 ( 5136 5571, delivery 8989 177) > Additional branches in Gongti, Beida, Beitai, Yayancun, Solana and Weigongcun, see www.online.thatsmags.com for details)

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La Pizza Among the upper echelons of Beijing pizzerias is this Sanlitun goldfish bowl with a wood-fired oven and Neapolitan manners. Further branches in Solana and pasta/salad/mains-buffet restaurant in Sanlitun 3.3

> Sanlitun Branch: daily 10.30am-3pm, 6-11pm. 1/F, 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路33号3.3服装大厦西北角底商(5136 5582); Solana Branch: SA-48, 1/F, Bldg 3, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳公园西路6号蓝色港湾3号1层 SA-48 ( 5905 6106) > SOHU Shangdu Branch: SH1112, SOHO Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东大桥路8号SOHO尚都 SH1112号(5900 3112); La Pizza Buffet: 4F, Sanlitun 3.3 Mall, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3服装大厦4层 (5136 5990)

Asian Indian Raj Tucked away in musty old building just underneath the drum tower, this curryhouse may look Chinese but everything on the menu is authentic Indian, espcially the rather fine naan.

Nyonya Kitchen (Malaysian, Nyonya) This chain specializes in Nyonya style cooking – ostensibly Malaysian but with a mix of Chinese, South-East Asian and European influences resulting in lots of bold flavors and bright colors. > CBD: EB105, B1/F, China World Mall Phase 1, 1 Jianguomen Wai, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城一期地下一层EB105 (6505 0376); Taiyanggong: Unit 10-11, 4/F, CapitaMall Taiyanggong, Chaoyang 朝阳区凯德Mall太阳宫4层 10/11号 (8415 0863,www.nyonyakitchen.com)

Flor de Loto Sleek and chic Vietnamese restaurant – always draws a crowd. DIY fresh spring rolls are a highlight. Worth the ride to Korea-town.

> Daily 11am-10pm; 201, Europark Bldg A1(Cafe Bene Building) Guangshun Nandajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang 朝阳区望京园610号楼悠乐汇A座 201室 (6477 7387)

Malacca Legend

Ganges Conveniently located above popular Irish sports bar Paddy O’Sheas, this solid Indian curry house provides the perfect post-match culinary accompaniment. Or put another way: it’s what you’ll be craving after eight pints of beer.

Indian Kitchen

South-East Asian Bhoomi Store Philippines Food Shop

Malaysian food with a view, this spacious and airy restaurant sits on the banks of Shunyi’s Roma Lake and at a new unit in the heart of the city at The Place, making a great spot for their beef rendang or green curry prawns.

> Daily 11am-11pm, S1-30B, Building 1, Sanlitun Road 19, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号1号楼 S1-30B (6416 3439)> Additional branch in Shin Kong Place (see online.thatsmags.com for details)

Purple Haze (Thai) Given Beijing’s lack of white sand beaches and backpacker bars, Purple Haze has to make do for the best Thai experience in town. Has all the classics like veggie spring rolls (RMB40), papaya salad (RMB46) and curries (RMB44-180) – but our pick’s the seafood pad Thai (RMB45). > Daily 11am-11pm, 55 Xingfu Yicun, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福一村55号 (6413 0899)

Susu (Vietnamese) The first step is finding it. Follow that up with a dreamlike renovated courtyard, extensive wine list and a listing of top-notch Vietnamese curries, banh mi sandwiches, stews, soups and la Vong fish. > Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm; 10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号 (8400 2699)

Japanese Hatsune ¥ * (California Japanese) As much a California roll joint as true Japanese, Hatsune is now an old favorite among the sake-swilling, sushi-swallowing set, though less so among sashimi purists.

Bhoomi store One stop destination where a wide range of Philippines food products are served.

> Mon-Sat 9.30am-9.30pm, Sunday 2-7pm. 266 Yaohong Lu by Hongsong Dong Lu, Minhang Shanghai, 上海闵行区姚虹路266号, 近红松东路 (021 2428 3400)

4Corners (Vietnamese, Fusion) The definitive hutong bar/restaurant? Chef Jun Trinh took a break from his celebrity TV work to host this part-Vietnamese venue, serving up steaming bowls of pho with zesty, fresh rolls, as well as a great bar, with frequent live indie performances. > Tue-Sun 11am-2am, 27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng 西城区大石碑胡同27号烟袋斜街西口附近) (6401 7797)

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>Daily 5pm-1am, Ichibangai First Avenue Food Court, Zaoying Nanli, Maizidian, East 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang朝阳区东三环农展馆北路宾都苑东侧一层底商一番街内 (137 1692 7543)

Sushi Yotsuba ** It doesn’t come cheap (tasting menu RMB1,000), but what would you expect from some of the best sushi in town? Buttery and meaty fatty tuna sashimi is a cut above.

Ai Jiang Shan This upscale seafood restaurant proves that chargrill and composure can go together. Their RMB58 bibimbap lunch is an absolute bargain.

Greyhound Café (Modern Thai/Fusion) Greyhound Café originated in Bangkok offering Thai food with a twist and served in a fashionable surrounds. Perfect for Taikoo Li Sanlitun then.

> Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm, 2/F 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街2号2楼 (6462 7255)

Sui Ka Is this what after-work hangouts are like in Japan? We’re not sure, but we hope so: This charming izakaya nails it when it comes to sake selection and fried delights to munch alongside it.

Korean

> Daily 11am-10pm; 6 Roma Lake: 6 Luodong Lu, Luogezhuang Village, Hoshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪镇罗各庄村罗马湖东北三路6号C院 (8049 8902); Signature: Shop L203, 2/F, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶2 层L203 (6587 1393)

The go to curry house among Beijing’s homesick Indian community, this ever popular no-nonsense restaurant has built up a solid reputation thanks to its wide range of quality dishes and particularly friendly service. Looking good after a recent rennovation and very available on JinShiSong online delivery.

> Daily 6pm-midnight. 7A Tuanjiehu Beisantiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区团结湖北三条甲7号(6436 1608)

> Dongcheng: Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm. 10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号 (8400 2699); Lido branch: 2F, No.9-3, Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路 9-3号2层 (8420 0998)

> Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, 31 Gulou Xidajie Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼西大街31号 (6401 1675)

> Daily 11am to 10.30pm; Dongzhimen Branch: 2/F, 28 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街28号2层 (6417-0900) > Additional branch in Sanlitun, see online.thatsmags.com for details.

over 60 different sakes on offer, this super-cool little eatery is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s toil. The sashimi is fresh to the cut, and the beer-marinated chicken is out of this world. One of the very best and least appreciated restaurants in town.

> Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层 (6581 3939) >Additional locations in Sanlitun Tai Koo Li South; Kerry Centre Mall (see www.online.thatsmags.com for details)

Inagiku * This Beijing branch of one of Tokyo’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants is as near to perfection as you’re likely to find. Deceptively simple yet finely crafted, the handmade Inaniwa udon (RMB80) is not to be missed.

> Daily 11am-3pm, 6-10.30pm; Rm 315, 3/F, Park Life, Yintai Centre, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街2号银泰中心悦生活3层315室 (8517 2838)

Sake Manzo * The barmen here are serious about their sake. Boasting one of the best stocked drinks cabinets in town with

> Daily 11am-10pm, Sat and Sun until 9.30pm; 5/F, LG Twin Towers (East Tower), 12 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街乙12号双子座大厦东塔5层 (5109 6036/6037) see www.thatsmags.com for other locations

Saveurs de Coree This upmarket Korean bistro has undergone several changes in recent years, not least its move away from the hipper-than-thou confines of Nanluoguxiang. Fortunately, the menu remains largely intact. The Shin Ramyun is among the best in Beijing, while the Wagyu barbecued beef is almost too good to be true. > Daily noon-11pm; 128-1 Xiang’er Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区香饵胡同128-1号(5741 5753)

Vegetarian Tianchu Maoxiang (Asian) Like many arrivals to Beijing, this place started out in Wudaokou and it’s since made a successful migration to Chaoyang. Great range of veggie fare, reasonably priced and they offer cooking classes as well. > Daily 10am-10pm; 19 Rm 0260, 2/F, Bldg D, Chaowai SOHO, 6B Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳门外大街乙6朝外SOHOD座2层 0260 (5900 1288) > Additional location in Wudaokou (see www. online.thatsmags.com for details)

Veggie Table (Western, Asian) * Proving that Beijing-style vegetarian cuisine is by no means the exclusive preserve of Buddhist monks and soppy Jack Johnson fans, this superbly honed eatery offers some of the very best sandwiches – vegetarian or otherwise – found anywhere in the city. > Daily 10.30am-11.30pm (last order 10.30pm); 19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 19号 (6446 2073)

BARS TOP 40 BARS AND CLUBS About This guide represents our editors’ top 40 picks, and includes some That’s Beijing advertisers. Bars rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our experts, and scored according to the cuisine, experience and affordability. Arrow Factory The newest craft beer taproom on the block, Arrow Factory is a rustic hideaway brimming with good Anglo-Scandinavian vibes (courtesy of the brew-masters) and the brand’s distinctive Chinese brewed ales. A winning combination > 38 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区箭厂胡同38号(6407 6308)

8-Bit Drinking alongside multiplayer retro gaming – why didn’t anyone do this sooner? Megadrive, Super Nintendo, N64... some real gems make up an ever-growing col-

lection. Draft Kirin goes for a reasonable RMB25 a glass.

> Daily 1pm-2am; 13 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷13号 (159 1025 6538)

BBC (Bottle, Boot & Cigar) The brainchild of local spirits professional Douglas Williams, this bar provides the discerning Beijing drinker with a peerless selection of liquor for sale, cocktails and coming soon, shoe shines, cigars and straight-razor shaves.

> 1pm-late. 1 Taipingzhuang Nanli (At Xingfucun, between Frost: Coffee, Nails & Cocktails and Commix Bar), Chaoyang 朝阳区太平庄南里1号 (1861 405 7407, www.bbcbeijing.com)

The Brick A Cheers-style atmosphere ensures you’ll find this neighbourhood drinking hole-inthe brick-wall faux dive bar either cliquey or inclusive. The heavy-duty cocktails (including the devastatingly boozy RMB80 Terminator) are probably needed for the bizarre Wednesday pub quiz.

> Daily 4pm-late. Unit 2-11, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子 2号楼底商2-11 (134 2616 6677)

Capital Spirits A team of non-China natives doing a baijiu bar? Brave and, luckily, brilliant. Lovely hutong setting, friendly owners and great bottle collection.

> Tue-Sun 8pm-late; 3 Da Ju Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区大菊胡同3号 (6409 3319; www.capitalspirits.com)

China Bar ¥¥ Top views from the 65th floor and flash drinks are the attractions on offer at this hip hotel bar.

> Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. 65/F, Park Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街2号柏悦酒店65层 (8567 1838/40)

CICADA Ultralounge ¥ The latest – and perhaps only – ultralounge in Beijing is fast becoming one of Sanlitun’s trendiest bars. A Shanghai style lounge bar with mixology credentials, the Whisky Sours and Smoky Havana’s are worth the cost. > Mon-Sat, 6pm-late, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯太古里北区N4-33 (6418 9898)

Cu Ju Moroccan-inspired bistro, cocktail destination and sports fan’s manna all rolled into one, Renaissance man Badr Benjelloun’s hutong gem is constantly evolving. Offering North African food with an international cocktails, Beijing’s widest selection of rums and sports broadcasts from basketball to cricket, Cu Ju is truly one of the city’s best all-around bar-restaurants. > Sun-Tue, Thu 5-11pm ;Fri-Sat 5pm-late ; closed Wed. 28 Xiguan Hutong (Hutong entrance is 300m north of subway line 5, Zhangzizhong Lu stop), Dongcheng 东城区细管胡同28号(6407 9782, www.cujubeijing.com)

Daily Routine 日常生活 This cozy bar is a diamond in the rough. Owner Travis is a cocktail aficionado, and the drinks at this establishment change seasonally according to ingredient availability. Light cafe fare is available during the day. > Daily 11am-11pm. 34 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同34号 (8400 1159)

El Nido * The first hutong hang-out to patent the fridge-full-of-cheap-imports formula, El Nido inspires a loyal following, particularly in summer. The roast leg of mutton place next door is one of the best locally. > Daily 6pm-late, 59 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方家胡同50号(158 1038 2089)

Enoterra Looking for an affordable glass of wine with that date? Look no further than Nali Patio’s wine center. Although the food leaves a bit to be desired, the selections are vast, and if anything, you can enjoy a nice cheese plate with that tart glass of vino. > Daily 10am-2am, 4/F Sanlutun Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 D405室 (5208 6076)

First Floor First Floor is like that friend who’s too popular to properly enjoy their company. At weekends, it gets aggressively full, with regulars and the passing tourist trade all baying at the bar. A good place to meet new friends, perhaps.

> Daily, 4pm-late, Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街 (6413 0587, first.floorbeijing.com)

Fubar Slightly past its prime, this basement bar is trying to rediscover the speakeasy pretence

LISTINGS that made the place its name. Live lounge music and a vast amount of pours are starting to persuade people it’s succeeding.

> Sun-Thur 8pm-4am, Fri-Sat 8pm-5am, Ritan Park South Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛公园南门 (8562 8142)

> 6pm-2am Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-4am Friday and Saturday. 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Workers’ Stadium East Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路8号工人体育场东门内 (6593 8227)

Mai Bar * Understated hutong hideaway with a long list of some of the best cocktails in town.

Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒 ¥ * The bar that began the whole Beijing microbrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes in idiosyncratic, local-style brews (RMB2540) with intriguing flavors – their Sichuan peppercorn ale was memorably good. Reservations used to be recommended for their original hutong brewhouse, but the opening of a wildly popular new pub on Xinzhong Lu has shifted most drinkers there instead.

Mao Mao Chong ** The cocktails at Mao’s – such as their sublime ‘Mala’ Mule, a Sichuan peppercorninfused vodka drink that’s a long way from Moscow – are unique infusions using local ingredients and know-how. Grungey without being grimey, Mao’s eschews flash while still keeping it real. And those pizzas.

> Gulou: 5pm-late, Tue-Fri, 2pm-late Sat-Sun 2-10pm, 6 DouJiao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区豆角胡同6号 (5717 1399) ; Sanlitun: Daily 11:30am-2pm; Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri /Sat 5pm-1am, B12 Xinzhong Street 新中街乙12号 (6416 6887, www.greatleapbrewing.com)

Glen ¥ Experiences can vary at Glen (we’ve endured poor service and drinks that are scandalous at the price), which is located in a decidedly downbeat compound. But whisky lovers have been known to swear by its selections and dark, intimate atmosphere. See for yourself. >Daily 6.30pm-2am. 203, 2/F, Taiyue Suites Hotel Beijing, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区南三里屯路16号泰悦豪庭2楼203室 (6591 1191)

Glen Classic ¥ Tucked away in the grounds of Face hotel, Glen Classic is a Japanese-owned whisky bar where discerning drinkers can sink into an arm-chair, glass in hand, and while away the hours. Huge range of whiskies and rums are personally selected by expert owner Daiki Kanetaka – let him recommend you something special. > Mon-Sat, 7pm-2am, reservation required, minimum spend RMB200, Face Hotel Courtyard, 26 Dongcaoyuan, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体南路东草园26 号 (6551 6788)

Heaven Supermarket A purgatory of bottles, bongs and bedraggled English teachers, Heaven sells the cheapest alcoholic takeaways in town. You can also hang around and appreciate the afterlife (clientele) if you want. Caveat: the food is straight from Hell’s own kitchen. > Daily 11-4am. 14 Xindong Lu (next to The James Joyce), Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路14号 (6415 6513)

Hidden Lounge * Although frustrating to find, Hidden Lounge rewards the intrepid with good artwork and comfortable seating, suggesting a Kasbah, plus well-made drinks at great prices (wine from RMB100 a bottle, mix drinks from RMB25). You’ll probably have to call them to find it, though.

> Daily 6pm-1am. Room 101, Bldg 8, CBD Apartments, Shuanghuayuan Nanli Erqu, Chaoyang 朝阳区双花园南里二区CBD公寓8号楼101屋 (8772 1613)

Ichikura ¥ One of the best-known ‘secrets’ in town, this Japanese whisky bar tucked behind a theater also offers terrific cocktails. Although less expensive than several rivals, you’ll want to indulge. > Daily 7pm-2am. 2/F Chaoyang Theater, 36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路36 号朝阳剧场南侧 (6507 1107)

Jane’s & Hooch ¥ * Acclaimed by some foreign press as one of the best bars in the world (cough), this not-so-plain Jane has been at the vanguard of the South Sanlitun gentrification. It serves RMB60-80 measures of your favorite Prohibiotion-era hooches in a fanstastic speakeasy atmosphere, with attentive staff and unimpeachable cocktails.

> Daily 8pm-2am, Courtyard 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 ( 6503 2757)

Jing-A Taproom ** In just a few years, these guys developed from shady guerrilla brewers to upstanding publicans with their own range of souvenir T-shirts. Their bar is a peach: a bricks-andmortar taproom, which is large, warm and sociable, and has up to 16 different beers on tap.

> Daily 5pm-late, 40 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷40号 (6406 1871)

> 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 (6405 5718, www. maomaochongbeijing.com)

Mesh ¥ Whether it’s an early evening cocktail or a late-night infusion, Mesh’s moody interior and underground soundtrack draws the bright young things (and on LGBT Thursdays, quite a few old things, too). > Daily 5pm-1am. Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼 (6417 6688)

Parlor Learn a few quotes from Gatsby before heading to this 20s Shanghai-style speakeasy and you’ll fit right in.

> Daily 6pm-2am, 39-8 Xingfuercun, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路幸福二村39-8 (8444 4135)

Revolution * Sanlitun doesnt really do hipster bars but if it did, this cramped ode to Maomorabilia would be it. The East may be red but their cocktails (RMB45) are fit for a Chairman.

> Daily, 12pm-late, west of Yashow, Gongti Bei Lu, 朝阳区工体北路雅秀市场西侧 (6415 8776)

Salud 老伍 * A Nanluoguxiang institution, with everything from cheap beer to (loud) live music and low beams. The rum infusions are a particular favorite on cold nights. Latest branch in WDK a welcome addition to surrouding student dives.

> NLGX: Mon-Fri 3pm-late, Sat-Sun noon-late. 66 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District 东城区南锣鼓巷 66号 (6402 5086)；Wudaokou: 2/F, Qijixin Building, Zhanchunyuan Xilu 展春园西路奇蓟鑫大厦南侧2层

The Irish Volunteer Everything – from the red-faced owner to the grub – is authentically Irish: tinged with alcoholism, doggerel and drunken regret. A good place to down a pint and a pizza before heading into town, then. > Daily 9pm-2am. 311 Jiangtai Lu (opposite Lido Hotel East Gate), Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路311 号 (6438 5581)

The Tree A cozy stalwart of the Beijing bar scene, you’ll find wood-fired comfort pizza, beer aplenty and a hearty, mature atmosphere. Has two neighborhood offshoots: By the Tree (brickwork, pool, old man’s pub) and Nearby the Tree (live music, two floors).

> Daily noon-2am. 100m west of Sanlitun Bar Street, Youyi Youth Hostel, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯酒吧街往西100米友谊旅馆后面三里屯医院东面 (6415 1954)

Trouble Bar Beijing’s leading venue for imported craft beers. Stocks a large draft selection and an even larger selection of bottles. Also does a nice line in creative cocktails, if brews aren’t your thing. Conveniently located next to Gung-Ho, hosts a full-sized foos-ball table, darts, and plenty of TV’s to accommodate any event, meetings, and gatherings. > 2-101, China View Building, 2B Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang (Next To Gung-Ho) 朝阳区工人体育场东路乙2号中国红街2-101叫板比萨隔壁 (8590 0390, troublebar@gmail.com, www.trouble.bar)

Slow Boat Brewery Taproom ** This popular microbrewery has its own pub hidden away in Dongcheng’s hutongs. Quality ales that change depending on the season, heated floors and a great little kitchen round out the deal. > Mon Closed, Tues-Wed: 5pm-midnight, Thu 5pm1am, Fri 5pm-late, Sat 2pm-late, Sun 2-10pm; 56 Dongsi Batiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四八条56号 (6538 5537)

> Building B, 1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院

10 Best Livehouses

Maggie’s ¥ A notorious sausage fest (we refer, of course, to the hot-dog stand outside), Maggie’s has been providing its special comforts for so long, it’s practically a timehonored Beijing brand – although it’s also a bastion of Mongolian culture.

School Bar 学校酒吧 * Crap drinks and regular, unscheduled fights: no wonder the cool kids adore this alternative livehouse/ DJ bar, founded by Beijing and Shanghai rock n’ rollers.

> Daily 8pm-late. 53 Wudaoying Hutong, Chaoyang 朝阳区五道营胡同53号 (6402 8881, 6406 9947)

Dusk Dawn Club (DDC) 黄昏黎明俱乐部 Great little livehouse near Meishuguan with a focus on jazz, folk and indie rock. Craft beer and whisky means you won’t get bored of the drinks list quickly. > Tue-Sun 1pm-2am; 14 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号 (6407 8969)

Hot Cat Club 热力猫 A true stalwart of the Beijing scene, Hot Cat is the type of hard-working venue that helps cement a city’s music scene. From Afro Funk to Math Rock to painful open-mic nights, this everyman’s club breeds good vibes. Decent drinks, lots of loungy seats and plenty of space. > Daily 10am-late, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng 东城区方家胡同46号 (6400 7868)

Jianghu 江湖酒吧 This former Qing Dynasty courtyard home is exactly where you’d take that friend from out of town to prove you’re cool. Its cozy atmosphere is also its downfall – any show with under 40 people and you’re stuck looking through the windows. Hip and casually familiar, the jazz and folk bookings keep things low-key enough for the gethome-for-the-babysitter crowd.

> 7 Dongmianhua Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街东棉花胡同7号 (6401 5269, site.douban.com/jianghujiubar, jincanzh@ gmail.com)

MAO Livehouse 光芒 * From the denim-jacketed doorman to the well-grafittied walls, Mao leans on every Hollywood rock club cliché without feeling scripted. Besides boasting the worst bar in town, Mao delivers with great sound and the best billings of heavy metal, punk hitting this side of the Drum Tower.

> 111 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区鼓楼东大街111号(6402 5080, www.maolive.com)

The Post Mountain 后山 Built into a man-made hill in the center of the MOMA Complex, this new addition to Beijing’s growing livehouse empire is The Hobbit meets Manhattan. With as much vibe as a sterile modern-art gallery. Its imported sound system and ramped floor makes for decent sound and sightlines.

> Bldg T8, MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng (next to MOMA Cinemateque) 东城区东直门外香河园路1号当代 MOMA园区T8楼北百老汇电影中心北侧 (8400 4774)

Temple 坛 * Probably the manliest venue in town, this dimly lit and unventilated space is owned by rockers (Gao Xu, Gao Jian and Clement Burger) and known for late sets of hard rock, punk and ska, with weekend gigs and DJ sets every fortnight. It offers a long drinks menu, with plenty of cheap pastis and shooters, but you’ll probably stick to the RMB15 draught. > Daily, 7pm-late. Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼202 (131 6107 0713)

Yugong Yishan 愚公移山 * We’ve lost more body weight than we’d care to remember in YY’s mosh pit. Fortunately, almost all the acts – usually hip-hop DJs, emo rocks and obscure indie outfits from across the globe – were worth it. The upstairs bar area is a refuge from the sweat glands below. > Daily 7pm-late. 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu (100m west of Zhangzizhong Lu subway station), Dongcheng 东城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711）

Sports Bars The Local * Formerly Brussels, this beery bar has come into its own, with large (yet strangely unobtrusive) screenings of sports and political events, a pub quiz, quality fare and a nice selection of draughts and cocktails. Try the Bourbon Street Ice Tea – you won’t need another. > Daily 11-2am. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (6591 9525)

Paddy O’Shea’s * An entire Irish-themed pub, which could easily been trasnsported, untouched, from a back alley in Limerick and gently deposited in central Beijing. With plenty going on, including pub quiz and sports.

> Dongzhimen: Daily 10am-late, 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街28号 (6592 6290); Sanlitun: 2/F, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Back Street 三里屯北路43号同里二层 (6415 0299)

V Sports Spacious, comfortable, huge screens and no rowdy drunken cretins, V Sports makes a claim for the champion of Beijing sports bars.

> Daily 5.30pm-6am, Gongti North Gate East side, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北门内东侧 (5293 0333)

Nightclubs The Bar at Migas * A place to dance and prowl, perhaps, rather than a drinks destination, TBAM, as no one calls it, focuses on upscale local DJs to get the party started. Good-enough cocktails range from RM55-70 but mostly it’s about the music, man. > Sunday to Wednesday 6pm-2am, Thursday to Friday 6pm-late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路81号 (5208-6061)

Chocolate It’s impossible to discuss Chocolate without mentioning gold leaf, dwarves, cabaret dancers and oddly-friendly Russian women. Timed right, a visit can be raucous fun, with bottles of spirits from around RMB200, cocktails under RMB50 (including the absinthe-based Flaming Armageddon) and regular floor shows. > Daily 7pm-6am. 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区日坛北路19号 (8561 3988)

Dada * It hasn’t been on the Beijing scene for too long, but already Dada is the hippest hangout in town. Their cosy Gulou confines under rock house Temple offer an intimate place to nod along to an eclectic range of all things electro from the best names on the underground scene. > Daily 9pm-late, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B栋101室 (183 1108 0818)

Lantern * Founded by now-defunct Acupuncture Records, Lantern is a beacon of light in the strip of truly ghastly nightclubs and bars known as ‘Gongti.’ Serious about its music, it also makes good drinks and attracts international electronica DJs. > Thurs-Sat 9pm-6.30am. 100m north of Worker’s Stadium West Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场西门向北100米 (139 119 77989)

MIX A bit like a trip to the Forbidden City, Mix is one of those places in Beijing you have to experience before you leave. Not much is forbidden in this underground hip-hop disco palace and if you don’t leave with hook-up in tow then you’re doing something very wrong.

> Daily 8pm-6am, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (6506 9888, 6530 2889, 150 1138 2219, mixclub@sohu.com)

Vics Separated at birth from its identical twin brother, Mix, this is the definition of Gongti sweatbox meat-market chic at its very finest. The Chinese love it – as do moody Russians and jailbait students – helping Vics to become one of the most infamous clubs in the capital. > Daily 8.30pm late, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (5293 0333)

Hotel Bars Atmosphere ¥¥ Beijing’s highest bar, on the 80th floor of the 1,082-ft China World Tower, offers 300+ swanky cocktails from RMB65 with 360-degree views of the 700AQI PM2.5. > Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat and Sun noon-4am. 80/F, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号北京国贸大酒店80 (6505 2299 ext. 6433)

Centro ¥ Although it’s no longer quite the go-to place for beautiful people it once was, Centro still draws a cute crowd with its nightly jazz performaces, spacious and recently renovated lounge areas and classic drinks like the blue-cheese martini. > Open 24 hours. 1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里大饭店1层 (6561 8833)

MEI One of the livelier hotel bars in town, MEI has a nightly band, serves creatively delicious cocktails and overlooks the CCTV ‘trousers.’ Don’t leave without trying the frightfully delicious Panjiayuan Bramble. Mon-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 5pmmidnight; 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

BEAUTY & FITNESS Alona Pilates Studio Pairing up traditional Pilates with an innovative, full-body workout, Alona Pilates

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offers classes designed to tone and whip you into shape fast. It also provides a personalized experience for all its students, regardless of fitness, strength and flexibility levels. > Daily, 7.30, late. 5/F at Heavenly Spa by Westin, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀酒店五层 ( 139 1029 0260, www.alonapilates.com)

Daisy’s Beauty Salon

方银座Mall B1-11H号(8447 7178) ; CapitaMall Crystal store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop B1-09,CapitaMall Crystal, Haidian 海淀区复兴路51号凯德晶品购物中心 B1-09号(8819 7078); CapitaMall Wangjing store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop K01, 2/F, CapitaMall Wangjing store, Guangshun Beidajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区广顺北大街凯德望京购物中心2层02-K1(5602 0736) ; Carrefour Siyuanqiao store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop 08, 3/F, Carrefour Siyuanqiao store,Yiju Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区四元桥家乐福购物中心3层08号(647 71889)

ing full-body workout set to pumping beats – not forgetting the fluorescent spandex. Differing classes for all abilities, check online for the full schedule. > www.heyrobics.com, info@heyrobics.com

Yihe 42° Hot Yoga

> 209 2/F, zoon3 China World Trade Centre Shopping Mall. 国贸商城区域3二楼209 (8535 1002, 131 4667 9913); 43 Sanlitun Beijie Nan,Chaoyang. 三里屯北街南43号楼 (135 0137 2971)

Beijing Hikers Want to experience the wild, unrestored Great Wall, away from the tourist masses? Or do you just want to get out of the city for some exercise? Beijing Hikers offers hikes in the countryside of Beijing every week all year round. Hikes for all fitness levels! Regular hikes are priced from RMB380, with discounts for members. Cost includes hiking guide, transportation, tickets, food and water. We’ve also got adventures all over China. > For more information, visit www.beijinghikers.com

Since 2001, Daisy’s beauty salon has catered to thousands of Beijing expats and locals and is renowned for its premium waxing services and imported wax that smells like hot chocolate. If waxing isn’t your thing, the salon also specializes in an array of other treatments including IPL Facial Rejuvenation and lifting, a 90-minute treatment that uses a laser to stimulate collagen production and soften lines. The salon’s slimming treatment is also proving popular and effective.

Brad Clinic Welcome to Brad Clinic, Beijing’s unique skincare and anti-aging center. Our professional and personalized treatments rejuvenate the skin safely, naturally and most effectively while restoring your skin’s natural beauty and health. We offer: skin rejuvenation and re-firming, hair removal, acne and sun spots treatment, and wrinkle reduction.

>Tue-Sat 9am-6pm, Room 2103, Tower E1, The Towers, Oriental Plaza, 1 East Chang’An Ave, Dong Cheng 东城区东长安街1号东方广场东方经贸城E1办公楼2103室 (8518 2103/ 5688, contact@BradClinic.com)

ZELL BeauCare Clinic 泽尔丽格医疗美容

> Daily 10am-late. 60 Donghuamen Dajie (near The Peninsula Hotel and Oriental Plaza) Dongcheng 东城区东华门大街60号(近王府饭店和东方广场) (6527 9368, www.dragonfly.net.cn); 1/F Eastern Inn, Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang朝阳区南三里屯路逸羽酒店一层 (6593 6066); Grand Summit Plaza, 19 Dongfang Donglu (100m north of Lufthansa Center), Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥东方东路19号外交会所1层(燕莎中心路北100米) (8532 3122)

> Daily, 10am-10pm. Rm 307, Bldg 4, Jianwai Soho 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路建外SOHO西区4楼307室(5900 0427, www.luxura. net); 5005, 5/F, 3.3 Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 3.3大厦5层5005号 (5136 5186, www.luxura.net)

> Sanlitun: 11am-9pm, 2/f, Bldg 3, Sanlitun SOHO, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路三里屯Soho3 号楼2层217 (5785 3711, jusonghao@hotmail.com); Wangjing: 11am-9pm, Rm T5, 3/F, BOTAI International Building, 36 Guangshun Bei Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区望京广顺北大街36号博泰国际商业广场3层T—5 (8472 2855)

Lily Nails

> Daily 10am-8pm. 3/F, No. 2 South Building, Blue Castle, Dawang Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区大望路蓝堡国际中心南写字楼2座3层 (8599 7395/96, www.yh42.com); 3/F, Bldg. 14, Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西路6号,蓝色港湾14号,三层 (5905 6065/67, www.yh42.com)

Dragonﬂy Therapeutic Retreat Created as a contemporary urban retreat, Dragonfly is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of the hectic city.

Luxura Tanning Center This tanning salon has some of the city’s best state-of-the-art tanning beds, all imported from Europe. For the sexiest tan possible, get custom-made tanning tips from the well-trained staff.

Black Golden Tanning Studio 古铜日晒中心 Beijing is hardly the best place to pick up a natural tan. When it finally reaches the warm summer, the sun’s rays struggle to penetrate the smog. Thankfully, Black Golden Tanning Studio is on hand to give you that golden glow with its quick, safe and effective technology. With a membership card, enjoy a 50-minute session for RMB400 and come away with natural, healthy-looking color.

2 locations in Beijing: the best Yoga for Beginners! No previous experience necessary - and if your body is a bit stiff – that’s okay! Yihe knows it can be a little intimidating to begin your journey into Yoga, so they are available to answer any questions you may have. It’s a great workout for the body and calming for the mind. Call them today on (5905 6067, 8599 7395)

SPA & MASSAGE

> Daily, 10am-8.30pm, Rm301, Building B,Sunshine100 International Apartment, Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华东路2号阳光100国际公寓B座301室 (5100 0556 / 0557, www.daisysbeautysalon.com)

Overseen by Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), ZELL cosmetic clinic provides state-of-art comprehensive minimal invasive procedures, including, Botox, dermal filler, fractionated laser skin resurfacing, Ulthera skin tightening and lifting, professional skin care treatment (acne, pigmentation, aging), and plastic surgery (including double eyelid, rhynoplasty, among others). > Unit 2002, 1/F, Vantone Center, 6A Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门外大街甲6号万通中心AB座一层2002 (5907 3390,186 1248 3390, www. zellbeauty.com)

Sport Broadwell International Tennis Academy Located inside Chaoyang Park’s Tennis Center, this indoor club boasts a complete state-of-the-art air-supported structure for all-weather year-round indoor tennis, with an advanced lighting system and controlled climate. Ideal for peeps looking to perfect their service and batting a few balls. > Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区农南路1号朝阳公园网球中心(400 6406 800/ 6595 8885, www. broadwell.cn1)

Orchid Spa Purify your mind, body and soul at Orchid Spa, an authentic Thai spa in the heart of Sanlitun. Orchid’s Thai massage therapists use quality hand-made oils to deliver an extraordinary experience. Services include wifi, complimentary tea and dessert, and on-site underground parking.

> Daily noon-midnight, Sanlitun SOHO Tower 5, B1532, 8 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育北路 8号三里屯SOHO五号商场B1-532 (Reservation only: 5785 3123, service@orchidspa.cn)

Oriental Taipan Massage & Spa Since 2002, Oriental Taipan has been pampering Beijing’s finest in their small chain of contemporary spas. Calming flower aromas, Zen music, and trickling feng shui fountains create a soothing atmosphere in each of their locations, while a long list of treatments from around the world cater to all pampering needs.

> Daily, 12am-midnight. Sunjoy Mansion, 6 Ritan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区日坛路6号 (400 001 0202, www. taipan.com.cn)

Angel Hands Massage Center

>12 Jingshan East Street, Dongcheng 东城区景山东街 12号 (6402 5653 ,139 1188 6524)

>3.3 Flagship store: Daily 11am-11pm, Shop 5009, 5/F, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3大厦5层5009号(5136 5919); 3.3 Star store: Daily 11am-11pm, Shop 2049, 2/F, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3大厦2层2049 号(5136 5829); Yashow shopping mall: Daily 10am10pm, Shop 22, 4/F, Yashow shopping Mall, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯雅秀购物中心4层22号(6416 6441); Shimao store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop E301, 3/F, ShiMao shopping center, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯工体北路世茂购物中心3层E-301号(8590 0569 ); Ginza store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop B1-11H, Ginza Mall, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门东

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California Fitness Beijing Club California Fitness Beijing’s Group X program is among the best in the region, and with membership you have access to over 150 weekly Group X classes and a team of professional personal trainers in Asia. Your membership also includes free towel usage and a fitness assessment. >South Tower, L4, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang (4008 100-988,www,californiafitness.com)

Heyrobics “Sweat like a Swede!” they say with annoyingly smug grin and toned abs. The only fitness craze worth following in Beijing, Heyrobics is all about a punish-

Catherine de France Awarded best expat salon in 2014/ 2015, with a trained team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians, this salon welcomes all ages and budgets in a modern and relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, include manicure, pedicure and waxing. Wella, SP, INOA, TIGI Language: French, English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian.

> East Avenue BLD Ground Floor, No.10 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路10号逸盛阁首层(8442 5120, 135 2147 3492, eastavenue@catherinedefrance.com, Wechat: CDFSalon, www.catherinedefrance.com)

HEALTH SERVICES Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital With a zero waiting-time policy, top-quality inpatient facilities, home visits, night services and transportation assistance, Amcare provides a trustworthy experience. Englishspeaking services include pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics. > 9 Fangyuan XiLu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区芳园西路9号 (6434 2399, 24hr hotline 800 610 6200, www. amcare.com.cn)

American-Sino OB/GYN/Pediatrics Services 北京美华妇儿医院

> 18 anyuan road,chaoyang district,Beijing 北京市朝阳区安苑路18号 (8443 9666, bj.americanobgyn.com)

Beijing International Medical Center (IMC) Established in 1993, the International Medical Center-Beijing counts on an expert team of foreign doctors, offering a wide range of medical services, including family medicine, psychological services, dental, ob/gyn, pediatrics and TCM. Drop-in services for travelers; x-rays and ultrasounds are also available. English, Farsi, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Russian spoken. > 24hours. Room S106/111 Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S106 (6465 1561/2/3, 6465 1384/28, www.imclinics.com)

Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic

> Shunyi, K-01, Building No.19, Harmony Business Centre, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Town 天竺镇丽苑街荣和商业中心19号楼K-01 (6456 2599; harmonypeds@ ncich.com.cn, www.ncich.com.cn)

Beijing Passion International Medical Center This full-service international clinic provides 24-hr general medical care and a patient-centered attitude. Beijing Passion International Medical Center is equipped with the latest in medical technology and is designed to support the comfort, safety and privacy of patients.

> 24hours, B1/F, Borui Building, 26 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路26号博瑞大厦B1层 (6517 7667, www.passion-medical.com)

Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics 北京和睦家医院

Cycle China Inc. 北京非常之旅 Cycle China provides organized cycling and hiking tours in and aroundBeijing as well as longer tours throughout China. Some of their more popular tours take cyclists through the Olympic Green, Tian’anmen Square, and Beijing’s traditional hutongs.

A long-time favorite among locals and expats alike, Lily Nails is much more than a nail spa; they eyelash services, of pampering treatments and waxing too.

HAIR SALONS Laurent Falcon The salon is a cut above, thanks to skills of experienced French stylist Laurent Falcon. Guys/girls. Blow-dry, up-dos, highlights, coloring available. L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, KeraSraight, Inoa. RMB165-980 women, RMB115-468 men.

Let us release your stress and make you smile wherever you go... Aroma Soothes Therapy Massage, Rose Oil (RMB 280/min); Aroma Relaxation Massage; Aroma Lomi Lomi; Deep Relaxation Massage; Happy Hour at weekend, all services are 20% off. Our masseuses will know how to pamper you and attend to your every need.

> Room 301, Building 5, JianwaiSOHO, CBDGuomao, Chaoyang 朝阳区国贸建外SOHO, 5号楼301 (138 1182 1008)

> Wi-fi internet. Lido, Emergency Room is open 24/7/365, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm; 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区将台路2号. (5927 7000 / 5927 7120 Emergency Hotline);United Family CBD Clinic和睦家朝外诊所 Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm, Suite 3017, Building AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street, Chaoyang, 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号万通中心 AB座2层3017室(5907 1266); Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center和睦家建国门保健中心, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sun 8:30am-5pm, 21 Jianguomen Dajie, B1, The St. Regis Residence, St. Regis Hotel朝阳区建国门外大街21号北京国际俱乐部饭店 ( 8532 1221 / 8532 1678 Immigration Clinic ); Shunyi Clinic和睦家顺义诊所, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat and Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm.Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 806, Tian Zhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场806号(8046 5432); Shunyi Dental Clinic顺义牙科诊所, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sat, 9.30am7.30pm, Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 818, Tian Zhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818号 (8046 1102) ; Liangma Clinic亮马诊所 , Wi-fi internet, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm, 2nd Floor Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang East Road朝阳区东方东路19号 1号楼会所27号外交人员公寓B区官舍16号 (5927 7005 www.ufh.com.cn, patientservices@ufh.com.cn)

Hongkong International Medical Clinic, Beijing 北京港澳国际医务诊所

> Dongsishitiao: 9/F, Office Tower, Hongkong Macau

LISTINGS Center-Swiss Hotel, 2 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie 朝阳门北大街2号港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层 (6553 9752, 6553 2288/2345/6/7; service@hkclinic.com; www. hkclinic.com)

whitening and veneers. Credit cards accepted.

International SOS Since 1989, International SOS has been run by globally trained medical professionals and provides medical, security and travel advice, as well as emergency help 24/7. Its alarm centers operate house calls, ambulance and evacuation services, and standard health treatments. Languages spoken include English, German, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Cantonese.

>Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. NB210, 2/F, CBD, Guomao, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie建外大街1号国贸商城地下2层 (6505 9439/31/93, www. sdmdental.com); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.Olympic Area,F0186B, Sunshine Plaza, 68 Anli Lu(east of Sunshine Plaza)亚运村安立路68号阳光广场东侧 (6497 2173,6498 2173) ; Mon-Sun 10am-19pm.LB07-08, Euro Plaza, No.99 YuXiang Road,Shunyi 北京顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场LB07-08号 (8046 6084); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. FC222, 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liang Maqiao Lu,Sanyuanqiao 亮马桥40号21世纪饭店2层 (6466 4814, 6461 2745); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. 4076B, 4/F, New Yansha Mall, Yuanda Lu,Haidian 远大路金源燕莎购物中心Mall4层4076B (8859 6912/13); Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm, Rm 5, 3/F, North Tower, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli 北京朝阳区光华东里8号中海广场北楼3层05号(5977 2488)

Parkway Health Clinic

Joinway Dental

> Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, No.16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源里16号琨莎中心1座 105室(6462 9112/ 6462 9100, www.internationalsos. com) > Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm; CBD, 1-2/F, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street 朝阳门外大街甲六号万通中心AB 座一二层 (4000 662 -882, 24hrs; enquiry@parkwayhealth.cn; www.parkwayhealth.cn); No.101-201, Beijing link, block2, No.6 Yuan, Jing Shun Dong Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区京顺东街6号院2号楼北京 Link101-201室

Beijing HarMoniCare Women and Children’s Hospital 北京和美妇儿医院

As one of Beijing’s most reputable and trusted dental practices, Joinway Dental provides the perfect combination of cutting edge technology and comfortable treatment, while maintaining the strictest sanitary and sterilization processes. The clinic uses imported materials of the highest quality and its professional, US-trained staff offers a personalized and private service. > Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm; 11D, Building D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza (Ginza Mall), 48 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街48号东方银座D座 11D (8447 6092/93, mobile:1326 181 6708, joinway@dentalcn.com, www.dentalcn.com)

EDUCATION Mandarin Schools

> Wi-Fi available. Chaoyang: 2 Xiaoguan Beili, Beiyuan Lu 北苑路小关北里甲2号 (6499 0000. contact@hmcare.org, en.hmcare.net)

DENTAL Arrail Dental Affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, Arrail Dental has access to top-class equipment. Its well-trained staff, multiple locations across town and excellent facilities make it one of the best dental providers in Beijing. English-speaking staff. Dental services including examinations, whitening, root-canal treatment, orthodontics and implants.

>Rm 201, the Exchange-Beijing, 118B Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路乙118号国贸桥东南角京汇大厦201室 (6567 5670); Rm 208, Tower A, CITIC Building, 19 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街19号国际大厦A座208室 (6500 6473); Rm 308, Tower A, Raycom Info Tech Park 2 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Haidian 海淀区中关村科学院南路2号融科资讯中心A座308室 (8286 1956); Rm 101, Bldg 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路89号华贸中心公寓16号楼101室 (8588 8550/60/70); 1/F, Somerset Fortune Garden, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路46号燕莎东侧盛捷福景苑 1层 (8440 1926)

United Family Shunyi Dental Clinic The Beijing United Family Dental Clinic in Shunyi is a satellite of the main hospital in Lido (which has its own dental clinic onsite). A comprehensive range of services are at hand, including restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call ahead for all appointments.

> 818 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi 北京和睦家医院牙科诊所, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818 (8046 1102)

SDM Dental 固瑞齿科 The full spectrum of dentistry. Services include teeth cleaning, root-canal treatment, porcelain crowns, dental implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, fillings, pediatric dentistry, extraction, teeth-

> Building 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili Chaoyang 朝阳区安贞西里4区17楼 (6443 3151 www.biss.com.cn)

The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校 The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, has campuses in Shunyi (primary & secondary) and Sanlitun (primary). BSB offers an enhanced English National Curriculum to 1,500 expatriate students, aged 1 to 18, beginning with Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, IGCSE exams in Year 10 and 11 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in Year 12 and 13. Admission & Fees: RMB102,993246,057. Contact our Admissions team to arrange a school tour.

Canadian International School of Beijing 北京加拿大国际学校 Located in the Third Embassy Quarter of downtown Beijing, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) opened its doors in September 2006. This world-class facility offers an internationally recognized Canadian & IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP education. The Canadian International School of Beijing develops the whole child in an environmentally sensitive school within a kind, caring community to become a citizen of the world.

> 24hours. Wi-Fi internet. 3/F Kerry Center. 1 Guanghua Lu 光华路1号嘉里中心商场3层 (8529 6618, vista@vista-china.net, www.vista-china.net)

> Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 8.30am12.30pm; 24 Hour Emergency Bldg C1, 9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号C1栋 (400 876 2747, 5985 0333, www.oasishealth.cn)

Beijing BISS International School 北京BISS国际学校

> Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm, South Side, 9 An Hua Street, Shunyi 顺义区安华街9号南侧 (8047 3558, www.britishschool.org.cn, admissions@britishschool.org.cn)

Vista Medical Center 维世达诊所

OASIS International Hospital OASIS International Hospital specializes in serving the expatriate community with the latest world-class technology and a broad range of services, all in a pristine facility designed to provide patients with the utmost comfort, care and privacy.

International Schools

Beijing Mandarin Language School Established in 1998, Beijing Mandarin School is the city’s top institute for teaching spoken and written Mandarin as a second language. More than 5,000 students from over 66 countries and more than 80 companies and embassies have successfully learned with us each year. > Guangming Hotel School: Room 0709, 7/F Guangming Hotel (near the U.S Embassy) 朝阳区光明饭店7层0709 (8441 8391; info@beijingmandarinschool.com; www.beijingmandarinschool.com; Skype: beijingmandarinschool1998)

The Frontiers School

> 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路38 号 (6465 7788,www.cisb.com.cn)

International School of Beijing 北京顺义国际学校

> 10 Anhua Lu, Shunyi 顺义区安华路10号 (8149 2345, www.isb.bj.edu.cn)

Springboard International Bilingual School 君诚国际双语学校 Springboard International Bilingual School is a place where children, staff and parents work in partnership to enable all their students to realize their full potential. They are offering a stimulating and full international curriculum as well as an exciting after school program, which will include Kung Fu, calligraphy, health and fitness and football. > 15 Gucheng Duan, Huosha Lu, Houshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙路古城段15号 (8049 2450; www.sibs.com.cn, office@sibs.com.cn)

Western Academy of Beijing 京西国际学校 The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a creative and innovative IB World School built upon a solid foundation of core values and our mission to Connect, Inspire, Challenge; Make a Difference. Our students exemplify these values through their awareness of the world around them, service to others, can-do spirit and commitment to excellence. WAB graduates are accepted into world-class colleges and universities across the globe. > 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Chao Yang 朝阳区来广营东路10号(5986 5588)

Beijing City International School 北京乐成国际学校 Located in Beijing’s Central Business District, Beijing City International School (BCIS) lives by its motto: “Empowering and Inspiring through Challenge and Compassion.” This non-profit, independent co-educational day school offers an international curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and is authorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme). Join the friendly and professional team at Frontiers, who’ve been teaching Mandarin for 11 years. > 3/F, Bldg 30, Dongzhongjie, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外东中街30号三层 (6413 1547, www.frontiers.com.cn, frontiers@frontiers. com.cn)

Beijing Juncheng Language School 北京君诚语言学校 > Room 208, 1 Panjiapo Hutong, Chaoyangmenwai, Dongcheng 东城区朝阳门外潘家坡胡同1号东城区职工大学208办室 (6525 9932/6526 7539) ; Gucheng Village, 15 Huosha Lu, Houshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙路古城段15号 (8049 0307)

The Bridge School 北京桥汉语言学校 >The Bridge School Head office, Room 503, 5/F, Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室(153 2179 3321 Grettchin)

> 77 Baiziwan Nan’er Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区百子湾南二路77号 (8771 7171, www.bcis.cn)

The International Montessori School of Beijing 北京蒙台梭利国际学校 Founded in 1990, MSB is Beijing’s first fully registered international Montessori school. The school also boasts an unsurpassed dual Mandarin/English program geared towards helping students achieve fluency in either language from an early age. Curriculum aside, MSB boasts spacious classrooms, a high teacher-student ratio and impressive staff longevity. Tuition: RMB98,000 - RMB177,000/year. > Bldg 8, 2A, Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区香江北路甲2号院8号楼 (6432 8228 ext. 800, www.msb. edu.cn, admissions@msb.edu.cn)

Beijing World Youth Academy 北京世青国际学校 Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) is an international school for students of all nationalities ages 6 to 18, offering programs

second language, more than 5,000 students from over 66 countries and more than 80 companies and embassies have successfully learned with us each year. Also recognized and recommended by BBC News as one of the most professional Chinese language school.

> E-tower School(Guomao Area): Room 904-905, 9/F E-tower Building E数码世界9层904-905(6508 1026/1126); Guangming Hotel School (Embassy Area): Room 0709, 7/F Guangming Hotel(near U.S Embassy) 光明饭店7层0709室美国大使馆附近 (84418391, info@beijingmandarinschool.com, www. beijingmandarinschool.com, Skype ID: beijingmandarinschool1998)

Kindergartens EtonKids International Kindergarten 伊顿国际幼儿园 > LidoRoom C103 Lido Country Club, Lido Place Jichang Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区蒋台路机场路丽都广场 (6436 7368 www.etonkids.com) ;3/F, Block D Global Trade Mansion Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路世贸国际公寓D座3层 ( 6506 4805) ; Southwest corner of Beichen Xilu and Kehui Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区北辰西路与科荟路交汇处西南角(8437 1006); Kehui Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing 朝阳区科荟路大屯里社区(8480 5538) ;Bldg 19, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际19号楼 (6533 6995); Palm Springs International Apartments 8 Chaoyang Park Nanlu Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓 (6539 8967); Bldg 21, Guangqu Jiayuan, Guangqumen- wai, Dongcheng东城区广渠门外广渠家园21号楼 (6749 5008); Baoxing International Phase 2, Wangjing Chaoyang朝阳区望京宝星园国际社区2期 (8478 0578); Block 1, Arcadia Villas, Houshayu Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪罗马环岛北侧天北路阿凯笛亚庄园1座(8047 2983); 20A Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区西大望路甲20号首府社区内 (5870 6779)

Beanstalk International Bilingual School 青苗国际双语学校 > Kindergarten: 1/F, Tower B, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路40号B座一层 (6466 9255); Primary School: Block 2, Upper East Side, 6 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东四环北路6 号阳光上东二区 (5130 7951);Middle & High School : 38 Nan Shiliju, Chaoyang朝阳区南十里居38号 (8456 6019)

House of Knowledge International Kinde garten (HOK) House of Knowledge International kindergarten (HOK) has locations in both Shunyi and Chaoyang. Both locations offer a Kindergarten program for children aged 10 months to 6 years (Pre-school). Students are treated as competent learners and the school emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration skills, in an environment where children “Lean to Learn”. In additional, the Shunyi location also has a elementary school starting from grade 1 in September 2014. > Quanfa Gardens Campus: North gate of Quanfa compound, 15 Maquanying, Chaoyang District 朝阳区马泉营15号泉发花园北门(6431 8452, www. hokschools.com);Victoria Gardens Campus: 15 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳公园西路15号维多利亚花园公寓(6538 2624, www.hokschools.com)

Ivy Schools 艾毅幼儿园

> www.ivyschools.com ; East Lake Campus C-101, East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Main Street, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街35号东湖别墅C座 101室(8451 1380/1) ; Ivy Bilingual School 艾毅双语幼儿园 Ocean Express Campus: Building E, Ocean Express, 2 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路2号远洋新干线E座 (8446 7286/7) ;Orchid Garden Campus: Orchid Garden, 18 Xinjin Lu, Cuige Xiang, Chaoyang 朝阳区崔各乡新锦路18号卓锦万代(8439 7080); Wangjing Campus: Kylin Zone, Bldg 11, Fuan Xilu, Wangjing, Chaoyang 朝阳区望京阜安西路11号楼合生麒麟社内 (5738 9166/1332 110 6167) ; Rm106, warehouse4, 653 Waima Lu, by Wangjia Matou Lu 外马路653号4库106室, 近王家码头路 (3376 8308)

3e International 北京3e国际学校

>9-1 Jiangtai Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路9-1号(四德公园旁) (6437 3344 , www.3eik.com)

Bookstores The Bookworm * This glass cube looks over Sanlitun Village, providing a cozy atmosphere for browsing bibliophiles. The Western bookstore, library, film house, bar, bistro-cafe and event space always has a cultured evening on its shelves for both adults and kids. > Daily 9am-2am. Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 三里屯南街4号楼 (6586 9507, www.beijingbookworm.com)

GALLERY Galleria Continua * In the often-insular 798, Galleria Continua is the international gallery. Their warehouse space is a forum for high-caliber artists from nearly every continent, including several of China’s artistic nobility. > Free. Tues-Sun 11am-6pm. 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路2 号798大山子艺术区 (5978 9505, www.galleriacontinua.com)

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CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION Ascott Raffles City Beijing Located in Dongzhimen, one of the most vibrant areas, Ascott Raffles City is near the second embassy district, which is rich in cultural heritage and is only a 15 minute drive to The Forbidden City. Other nearby leisure attractions include Food Street (Gui Jie) and Sanlitun nightlife district. > No.1-2 Dongzhimen South Street Dongcheng District Tel: 8405 3888 Ascott Raffles City Chengdu > No. 3, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China Post code: 610041 Telephone:(86-28) 6268 2888 Facsimile:(86-28) 6268 2889 GDS Code: AZ Reservations Telephone:400 820 1028 (China toll-free) ;(86-512) 6763 1021 Email:enquiry.china@the-ascott.com Lusongyuan Hotel A traditional compound of quadrangle composing of 5 courtyards which lies in the "hutong" area of Beijing. The hotel building is famous for its imperial living taste of the Qing Dynasty with a history of nearly 170 years. The original owner of this large private house was the Grand General SenggeRinchen, who lived here while he carried out top official duties, such as defense minister. > Tel: (86 10) 6404 0436 Fax: (86 10) 6403 0418 Address: No.22 Banchang Lane , Kuanjie, Dongcheng District 东城区宽街板厂胡同22号 www.the-silk-road.com E-mail: webmaster@the-silk-road.com Lee Garden Service Apartments A newly renovated high-end premier living residence in a central location next to the shopping and cultural sites of Beijing’s Wangfujing, suites range from studios to 4-bedroom apartments (60-610sqm in size) and are tastefully furnished with specially selected materials. > 18 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng (100m East of Sun Dong An Plaza) 东城区王府井金鱼胡同18号 (新东安东侧100米); 24hr front desk: 6525 8855, Fax: 6525 8080, general.manager@lgapartment.com, www. lgapartment.com) FraserResidence CBD East Beijing Our location on the Fringe of the CBD with excellent connections to the subway line 1 (Sihui station), BRT Lines (Ciyunsi) and public bus system mean that wherever your intern needs to be in the city, getting there is relatively fuss free! One bedroom deluxe: RMB16,000 /month Two bedroom Executive: RMB26,000 / month Three bedroom Deluxe: RMB33,000 /month Email: sales.frbeijing@frasershospitality. com > Website: http:>beijing-east frasershospitality.com Tel: 010-58709188 / 400-881-6988 FraserSuite CBD Beijing The ultimate luxury in apartment living, Fraser Suites CBD Beijing epitomizes style and comfort, that surpasses the service level of many Beijing hotels. The 357 Gold-Standard Beijing apartment features contemporary concepts designed for luxury living. > 12 Jintong Xilu Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 5908 6000 GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC Residence is located beside the third ring road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line 5 , 10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is

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also within easily reach of CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban commercial,shopping and recreation areas. Fully equipped apartments with impeccable quality offer you a cozy living system and will meet all of your requirements for room decoration, furniture, electric appliances etc.. Unique sky garden with golf practice field and barbecue area is another symbol of GTC Residence. > E-mail: sales@gtcresidence.com website: www.gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666 Lanson Place Lanson Place Central Park Serviced Residences, located in the Central Business District of Chaoyang, offers spacious apartments in two, three and four bedroom configurations as well as penthouses overlooking a charming landscaped garden. The interiors are contemporary and restful while marble-clad bathrooms and kitchens are fully equipped. > Website: www.lansonplace.com Lanson Place Central Park Residences Tower 23, Central Park, No.6 Chaoyangmenwai Avenue,Chaoyang District, Beijing Tel: 8588 9588 Fax: 8588 9549 Marriott Executive Apartments Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing area where the prestigious business, commercial, entertainment, and shopping center of Beijing. The Imperial Mansion, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments reflects an exceptional level of luxury. > Gate, No. 1 Xiagongfu Street, Dongcheng District Tel: 6564 9999 The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza is located in the heart of the Beijing CBD which bears the most momentously potential of development and value elevation. While 25 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport, the Millennium Residences is walking distance from nearly all Embassies. > 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu Chaoyang District. Tel: 8588 2888 Oakwood Residence Beijing Oakwood Residence Beijing offers 406 fully equipped luxury apartments ranging from studios to four bedroom penthouse and terrace apartments, all exquisitely furnished in elegant and stylish decor. Each apartment is fitted with a state-of-the-art air purification and air conditioning system which ensures 99.9% pure, triple filtered air, so you can trust in Oakwood and breathe easy. > No. 8 Dongzhimenwai Xiejie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, China reschaoyang@oakwoodasia.com Website: www.oakwoodasia.com/resbeijing Tel: 5995 2888 Fax: 5995 2999 THE WESTIN EXECUTIVE RESIDENCES The Westin Executive Residences at The Beijing Financial Street offer an array of world-class cuisine options and Westin’s signature amenities designed to elicit personal renewal. Just 40 minutes from the airport, the Westin Executive Residences provides direct access to Beijing’s business, entertainment and shopping district and close proximity to cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Each apartment is also fitted with contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, home entertainment system and LCD flat screen televisions. > Email: reservation.beijing@westin.com Website: www.westin.com/beijingfinancial Tel: 6606 8866

BUSINESS CENTER Regus Serviced Office 雷格斯服务式办公室 •Flexible office leases from 1 day to 1 year •Quick and easy to set up for 1-200 people •Prices from RMB180 per month •Find more on Regus.cn •Tel: 400 120 1207 >> BEIJING (20 LOCATIONS) << Lei Shing Hong Plaza [New] 北京利星行广场 5/F, Tower C, Lei Shing Hong Plaza, No.8 Wangjing Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区望京街8号利星行广场C座5层 Sun Dong An Plaza [New] 北京新东安广场 7/F, Office Tower 2, Sun Dong An Plaza, No.138 Wangfujing, Avenue, Dongcheng District 北京市东城区王府井大街138号新东安广场写字楼2座7层 Zhongyu Mansion [New] 北京中宇大厦 6/F, Zhongyu Mansion, No.6 North Workers Stadium Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦6层 Diplomatic [New] 北京亮马桥外交办公大楼 17/F, Tower E, Liangmaqiao, Diplomatic Office Building, 3rd Embassy District, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区第三使馆区亮马桥外交办公大楼E座17层 Kerry Centre - South Tower [New] 北京嘉里中心-南楼 10/F, South Tower, Kerry Centre, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心南楼10层 Landgent Building [Coming Soon] 北京乐成中心 5/F, Block A, Landgent Center, No.20 East Middle 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东三环中路20号乐成中心A座5 层 China World Tower 3 北京国贸三期 15/F, China World Tower 3, No.1 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸中心3座 15层 Lufthansa Centre 北京燕莎中心 C203, Lufthansa Centre, No.50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心C203 Kerry Centre 北京嘉里中心 11/F, North Tower, Kerry Centre, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心北楼11层 Pacific Century Place 北京盈科中心 14/F, IBM Tower, No.2A North Workers Stadium Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区工体北路甲2号IBM大厦14层 China Central Place 北京华贸中心 9/F, Tower 2, China Central Place, No.79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国路79号华贸中心2号楼9层 Parkview Green 北京侨福芳草地中心 15/F, Office Building A Parkview, Green, No.9 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东大桥路8号芳草地办公楼A座 15层 China Life Tower 北京中国人寿大厦中心 5/F, China Life Tower, No.16 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大厦5层

China Life – West 北京中国人寿大厦-西 West, 5/F, China Life Tower, No.16 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大厦5层西区 IFC 北京财源国际中心 10/F, IFC East Tower, No.8 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街甲8号财源国际中心东座10层 Prosper Center 北京世纪财富中心 6/F, Tower 2, Prosper Center, No.5 Guang Hua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路5号世纪财富中心2号楼6 层 Financial St. Excel Centre 北京金融街卓著中心 12/F, Financial Street Excel, Centre, No.6 Wudinghou Street, Xicheng District 北京市西城区武定侯街6号卓著国际金融中心 12层 NCI Centre 北京新华保险大厦中心 15/F, NCI Tower, No.12A Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街甲12号新华保险大厦15层 Taikang Financial Tower 北京泰康金融大厦 23/F, Taikang Financial Tower, No.38 East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东三环北路38号泰康金融大厦 23层 Zhongguancun Metropolis Tower 北京中关村欧美汇大厦 7/F, Metropolis Tower, No.2 Dongsan Street, Zhongguancun Xi Zone, Haidian District 北京市海淀区中关村西区东三街2号欧美汇大厦7层 Servcorp Smart businesses understand that flexibility is the future of the workplace. They choose the world's finest Serviced Offices to grow their businesses, run critical projects and give their people flexibility. Level 26 Fortune Financial Center, 5 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路5号财富金融中心26层 (Servcorp. com.cn; tel: 5775 0310; fax: 5775 0350) Need flexible and affordable ready workspace to enhance your business or register a representative office for your temporary projects in Beijing? We have the perfect solution. Located within a Grade-A building in the popular Lufthansa Business Area, our work-spaces provide you, or your company, with the ideal business identity, and most importantly, come with the most competitive rates to minimize your cost and risks. Please contact: > Gateway Plaza, Tower A, Suite 16D , NE 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座16D T:01084400606 M:15910782518 Cynthia LU CSO (Singapore) Beijing Business Center We have 10 years experience in managing serviced offices in the Asia and Pacific region, and our headquarters is in Singapore. CSO Beijing is our first business center in China . We are mainly providing fully renovated and equipped offices to clients for immediate use, and all the serviced offices can be used as incorporation purpose, and we offer maximum flexibility and complete smart office system to help our clients save cost. We also provide virtual offices, meeting room and conference room, video conferencing, incorporation services and many other services. Add.: Level 6, Sun Palace Building, Taiyanggong, Beijing Ms. Stephanie Yan, Mobile: 18210080591

LISTINGS Email: sales.beijing@corporateso.com Website: www.csochina.cn Tel: 86 10 64697000

BEAUTY SERVICES Black Golden Tanning Salon Sanlitun Branch Grand Opening Black Golden Tanning Salon is the only fivestar China flagship store by Ergoline. As the 2011 model of Ergoline Esprit 770’s, to bring a continuous tanning effect 25% above standard machines with unique aquacool and aroma functions, we provide customers with the safest and most comfortable tanning space. > Open time:11:00-21:00 Sanlitun SOHO Branch Add: 2rd Floor Building 3, Sanlitun SOHO,Chaoyang District Tel: 57853711 Wangjing Branch Add: Room T5 3rd Floor, BOTAI International Building, No. 36 North Guangshun Street, Wangjing, Chaoyang District Website: www.bjtanning.com Tel: 84722855 LA BELLEZA La Belleza means Beauty and Aesthetics in Spanish. Professional hair-designers from Hong Kong ,Korea and China gather here. LA BELLEZA is the hairdressing salon for you with its pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, and finest products. New haircut! Good mood! Excellent life! Add: F4 No.408, Jinbao Place .Jinbao Street No88,Dongcheng District, Beijing, china. Website: www.labelleza.com.cn Tel: 010 8522 1626 MegaSun Tanning Salon As the only flagship store for this popular German tanning salon, megaSun Tanning will provide for each client the finest sun tanning experience. Our center has prepared the newest functional 7900 alpha and pureEnergy chamber systems, combined with easyCare optical testers. At megaSun, enjoy our professional UV and tanning services. > 8 Dongdaqiao Road, sShangdu SOHO North Tower, Rm. 2302 Chaoyang District, Beijing Website: www.imegasun.com e-mail: 1019771453@qq.com Sina Weibo: @麦肤堂 Tel: 5900-2236/2238

CAR RENTAL SERVICE Beijing First Choice Car Rental Service Co., Ltd We offer short and long term vehicle leasing services for both business and sightseeing. Our commpany could provide the latest elite, high-end vehicles such as Mercedes Benz S300, BMW S5 and more! Contact our friendly representatives for more information. Tel: 138 1015 6525/6434 0778 www.fccars.cn fccars@live.cn Beijing TOP-A Vehicle Service Co., Ltd Beijing Top-A Vehicle Service provides: *English -speaking driver *Long-short term leasing *Airport-Pick up/Drop off *Sedan, Van and Bus We, ES-PATS Life Group, also serves with Mandarin, housemaid, Visa, driver, driving license, vehicle registration service. Tel: 6438 1634, 1350 123 7292, service@ expatslife.com www.expatslife.com Beijing Top Rate Car Rental Service Co., Ltd *Long/Short term leasing *Daily car service *Sifht-seeing car service, Tailor-made car service *Airport-Pick up/Drop off *Sedan (Audi A6, Audi A6L, VWPassat, Accord, Lacross 2.4, Benz MB100, Benz Vito, Hyundai) and Buses *Native drivers with good English *More information please contact Tel:6504 7266/6504 7256 FAx:6504 7256 www.sxsdcar.com Email:car-rental@live.com

CONSULTING SERVICE

Harris Corporate Services Ltd Beijing | Shanghai | Guangzhou | Hong Kong Established since 1972 WFOE & Rep. Office Set Up Accounting & Tax Compliance Payroll, HR & Visa Solutions Hong Kong & Offshore Company Registration Hong Kong & China Bank Account Opening Serving all your business needs for investing in China. Call us for a free consultation.

Beijing EX-PATS Service Healty, reliable, experienced, Englishspeaking housemaid/ nanny. Free agency and 24- hour English service. Medical and Accident insurrance covered. EXPATS Life Group also serves with Mandarin, car leasing, English-speaking driver, Chinese driving license, vehicle registration. service@expatslife.com Website: www.expatslife.com Tel: 64381634 Mobile: 13501237292

MOVING AND SHIPPING

Tel: (86)10-6591 8087 Mobile: 186-019-43718 Email: info.bj@harrissec.com.cn Beijing: Room 2302, E-Tower, No.12 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC. 北京市朝阳区光华路12号数码01大厦2302 室 Shanghai: Suite 904, OOCL Plaza, 841 Yan An Zhong Road, Jing-An District, Shanghai, PRC. 上海市静安区延安中路841号东方海外大厦 904室 Guangzhou: Room D-E, 11/F., Yueyun Building, 3 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, PRC. 广州市中山二路3号(东山口)粤运大厦11楼 D-E室 Hong Kong: 7/F., Hong Kong Trade Centre, 161-167 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong. 香港德辅道中161-167号香港贸易中心7楼 MHI China LTD 凯特威（北京）咨询有限公司 Room 971, 9/F，Poly Plaza，No.14， Dogzhimen Nan Dajie，Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街14号保利大厦写字楼9层971室 (6551 0663) Beijing Office-TMF Group In order to enable clients benefit from the increasing globalization of the worlds economy, TMF Group offers a comprehensive range of corporate administrative outsourcing services in 67 counties across the globe. With a genuine global network and qualified staff, TMF group provides an array of accounting, corporate secretarial and HR administrative outsourcing services. > Colin.Zhang@TMF-group.com Website: www.tmf-group.com CCTV Tower and Kerry Centre Suite 3107, Tower A Beijing Fortune Plaza,7 Dongsanhuan Zhong Road, Chaoyang District Tel: 65330533-860

FURNITURE Crossover Crossover Center Flagship Store, is mainly marketing international super home furnishing brand products. Our agent brands include Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Moroso, Cappellini, Timothy Oulton, Tom Dixon etc, over 20 international super home furnishing brands. Our products are covered with all of fields in daily-life home furnishing, including furniture, furnishing, lighting, dinning, and office supplies etc. Website: www.crossovercenter.com NO.81 North Road San-Li-Tun Bar St. ChaoYang District.Beijing.100027,P.R.C. Tel: 5208 6112/6113 Fax: 8610-5208 6123

HOUSEKEEPING JNY Home Service JNY Home Service was established in 2007, supplying foreign families with English speaking/non-English Speaking nannies(maids), either daily or live-in. As a part of our service,we make sure all references and ID cards are thoroughly checked to guarantee the safety and health of your family. Email : jieniyou@hotmail.com Mobile: 13426362833(24h)

Asian Tigers Mobility Is an international relocation specialist started in 1988 handling visa and immigration, orientation, home finding, international, domestic and local moves and settling in services in China. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the OMNI and FIDI which gives us the global representation. Contact us: Tel: (8610) 6415 1188 E-mail:general.pek@asiantigers-china.com Website: www.asiantigers-mobility.com

STORAGE China Self Storage Co. Ltd As a member of SSA and SSAUK, China Self Storage Co. Ltd. introduces an international industry standard to professionally developed Self Storage for private, family and business. Safe, clean, air-conditioned, 24h access, flexible size. To learn more, visit www.selfstorageinchina.com. To make a reservation, contact 400-600-6378 info@ selfstorageinchina.com. Jin’an Building, Tianzhu Garden West Rd., Shunyi District, Beijing. Koala Ministorage Koala Ministorage is the first professional self-storage provider in Beijing. To learn more, visit our website www.koalaministorage.com. To make a reservation, call us toll free at 400-017-8889, email us at questions@koalaministorage.com, or visit one of our stores.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS JOANNA REAL ESTATE RELOCATION SERVICE We are one of China’s leading real estate agencies boasting an extensive database of high-end properties for rent. We have helped thousands of expatriates find their homes as well as hundreds of companies re-locate their employees. Once we have found you your ideal home we will be on hand to deal with any post move issues and our dedicated after sales team will be contactable 7 days a week to help you with any queries you have throughout your stay in our country. > For more information please contact us: Email: paulquin@joannarealestate.com.cn Website: http:>beijing.joannarealestate. com.cn/ (Tel: 84585667 ; 13501358971) Replus-Benchmark “Replus-Benchmark” is one of the leading real estate agencies and relocation service provider for expatriates in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen. • Residential Home Search Service • Visa Application • Commercial Office Space Search Service • Buying and Selling Property Service E-mail: marketing@replus-benchmark.com Website: www.replus-benchmark.com

> A-1509,Xiaoyun Center, No.15 of Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 84467119 Fax: 84467577 Silk Road Travel Management Ltd. Silk Road Travel is a pioneer in organizing Silk Road tours and other classic routes in China. Founded in 1997, we are specialized in tailor making travel packages that allow travellers to truly experience the local cultures and explore the amazing heritages. Whether you are a small group of 2-9 persons or a corporate group, our professional staff will tailor make the tour programme based on your needs. Email: travel@the-silk-road.com www.the-silk-road.com TUI China An affiliate of World of TUI, the world’s leading tourism group, TUI China was established in late 2003 as the first joint venture with foreign majority share in the Chinese tourism industry. Its headquarters are in Beijing whilst its operations reach deep into the far corners of China. World of TUI generated approx.50,000 predominantly western tourists to China yearly and provides M.I.C.E services for renowned companies worldwide. > Add: Bright China Chang An Building, Tower 2, Unit 921-926, 7 Jianguomen Nei Avenue (Fax: +86 (0)10 6517 1371; Email: sales@tui. cn; Website: www.tui.cn; Tel: 8519 8800

CATERING SERVICES Aurora Catering An 100% authentic Italian experience whether tasting a mouthful Lasagna or a juicy Carpaccio. Our international team brings to you the authentic freshness and tidbit of an Italian Espresso or a homemade tastiness of a Mozzarella. We offer a full range of catering and event planning services for all types of business and personal functions that are tailored for you. The best service, at your service. Contact Jacopo Tomé at 137 1794 0458 jacopo.tome@gptinternational.com Zone de Comfort With our professional service, you can focus 100% on your event at Zone de Comfort, every single assignment is unique for us. Our experience helps us understand your objectives with thorough planning, and of course, exquisite food with elegant presentation. In the past 5 years, we have handled numerous catering projects covering diplomatic/business functions for embassies, high-end cocktail receptions for luxuries brands, automobiles and monthlong hospitality center services. Find out more from our Website: www.zdc-catering. com

HEALTH FOODS E & L Healthy E & L Healthy provides safe and fresh vegetables of your choice up to twice a week (Monday/Thursday) together with fresh, handmade tofu, sesame oil, peanut oil or free-range eggs direct to your home. Call Ellen to try our free trial box at 189 1178 0063, or email: customer@ ailinhesheng.com

TRAVEL SERVICES Beijing Trans-World Air Service Co.Ltd. Established in February 2005 and approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, we are an aggregator of international and domestic air, global hotel reservations and big business travel. With sales rankings in the top ten and having earned the title of major proxies of worldwide airlines, we are well-known for our top-notch service. We offer online booking, hotel inquiry and reservations and a varity of travel-related services. > G8, First Floor, China Resources Building, 8 Jianguomenbei Avenue, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门北大街8号华润大厦一层G8 tel: 8519 2468/2469/2470/2471/2472; fax: 6518 2589; renwoxing26@viptkt.com; www.viptkt.com; WeChat: twas08314854

W W W.T H AT S M A G S . C O M | A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | 7 9

Yes

You’re a Peking Duck

You’re xiaolongbao

Fragile

Are you team Beijing or team Shanghai?

Are you high maintenance?

Nah

You’re chuan'r

Somewhat

CLASSY

How dependable?

You’re a hair y crab

Tough

>2,000

You’re gong bao ji ding

FEISTY

How popular are you?

Eh, I have friends

by No e l l e Ma t e e r

WHAT CHINESE DISH ARE YOU BASED ON YOUR PERSONALITY?

Start Here

You’re a spicy Sichuan rabbit head

You’re stinky tofu

You’re a durian pastry puff

Last year

Yesterday

When was the last time you showered?

I smell

Why doesn’t ever yone like you?

I scare people

I’m an acquired taste

Uhh, no?

You’re mapo doufu

Tofu’s the worst, right?

Yes

You’re hot and sour soup

Describe yourself in one word

DEPENDABLE

Sooo popular

How many friends do you have on WeChat?

<2,000

You’re Gui Jie crayfish

I’m there whenever you need me

Even at the break of dawn?

Yes

You’re a jianbing

You are hot pot

Are you fragile, or do you have a tough shell?

Go out

Home

Do you like to stay at home or go out?

You’re a steaming bowl of noodles

You’re stir-fried eggs and tomatoes

COMING SOON…

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