That's Shenzhen - June 2016

P ea rl R iv er D el ta

THE WRITING BUNCH

城市漫步珠三角 英文版 6 月份 国内统一刊号: CN 11-5234/GO China Intercontinental Press

june 2016

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《城市漫步》珠江三角洲 英文月刊 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 : 北京西城月坛北街 26 号恒华国际商务中心南楼 11 层文化交流中心 11th Floor South Building, HengHua linternational Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing http://www.cicc.org.cn 社长 President of China Intercontinental Press: 李红杰 Li Hongjie 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department: 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 : 刘扬 发行 / 市场 : 黄静 李若琳 广告 : 林煜宸 Editor in Chief Tom Lee Deputy Editor Jocelyn Richards Shenzhen Editor Natallia Slimani Web Editor Matthew Bossons Editorial Assistants Ziyi Yuan, Tristin Zhang National Arts Editor Andrew Chin Contributors Courtney Breckman, Stacy Bruce, Alfred Chambers, Daniel MH Chun, Terence Collins, Aelred Doyle, Sky Gidge, Lena Gidwani, Steven Grunthal, Jon Hanlon, Matt Horn, Mike Jordan, Ariana Lombardi, Tabitha Miles, Senzeni Mpofu, Dominic Ngai, Tre Tennyson, Tom Thorogood, Kara Wutzke, Zoey Zha, Tongfei Zhang

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Distribution across the Pearl River Delta: 63,000 copies

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The wrap 38 COVER STORY

48 Community

Voices of the city

Winners of the That's PRD Writing Contest 2016.

underdogs with a bite p48

Three to See

art

p31

exhibitions

QUOTE of the issue

“There is love and 'love.' The former is what people actually experience, while the latter is what they say they experience.”

Lynn Pan in her novel When True Love Came

to China , reviewed on p37

68 EVENTS HK

MO

JUNE 14

June 19

June 9

Until June 11

Brazzaville

Stand-Up Comedy Workshop

Stanley Dragon Boat Races

La Vie en Macau Exhibition

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10 CITY 12 bright lights, bright ideas Crowdfunding in China's Silicon Valley.

14 Race the dragon A Dragon Boat Festival Feature.

20 LIFESTYLE 24 of mice and friends For Superhero Fashion, We've Got You Covered.

26 DalI: Home of temples, mountains and cheese China's Answer to Banff.

30 ARTS 34 a decade in the making English Post-Rock Stalwarts Yndi Halda Are Finally Back.

35 Man Vs Machine Beijing's Alpine Decline Embrace the Synthesizer.

58 EAT & DRINK 60 munchin' on brunch Where to Refuel on the Weekends.

64 3D coffice Technology and Caffeine.

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Editor's Note

June

Long, sweltering days are upon us and with them, a tendency to want to check out early.

We here at That’s PRD decided to take a breather and let all of you do the writing this month. Of course, we never expected so many would take up the offer.

The response to our first writing contest in years was encouraging, to say the least. For one, we now know PRD residents are not only capable of expressing complex emotions via WeChat stickers – you can also use words – and damn good ones at that. You also showed little to no fear at the prospect of taking center stage to share those personal narratives aloud, which, to us (who get to hide in an office after these pages hit the stands), sounds downright terrifying.

This month’s cover story is devoted to the bold souls who inspire our community with their voices. Pages 36 (GZ) and 38 (SZ) hold a few of their incredible stories.

In our city section this month, tech-savvy Shenzhen editor Natallia Slimani exposes a fascinating phenomenon of fraud start-ups in southern China, which are actually wellestablished companies posing on crowdfunding platforms for a bit of publicity (p12).

We’ve also prepared a special three-page feature in honor of Duanwu Festival on June 9 this year (p14). It turns out Panyu is one of the oldest dragon boat manufacturing hubs in the world, and the history of racing dates back 2,000 years to the time of the first ancient Olympic games!

Now is the season to travel and Guangdong offers so many unexplored possibilities. If you’re planning a weekend getaway (or like playing with monkeys), be sure to read about Liuxihe National Forest Park in our daytripper column (p21). Prefer to venture outside the province? Our web editor Matthew Bossons has you covered on p26 with a feature story about his recent trip to Dali, Yunan – one of the only places with locally produced cheese, wine and coffee on the mainland.

Music fans will appreciate our arts section this month (p30), where we chat with English post-rock stalwarts Yndi Halda and Beijing’s Alpine Decline, both of which will hold concerts this June.

Finally, summer days mean long nights and, naturally, hung-over brunches. On p58 (GZ) and p60 (SZ), we’ve rounded up our favorite breakfast platters, from the light and nutritious to the 2,000-calorie heaps of greasy goodness. There’s something for everyone, as, we hope, there is in our June issue.

Cheers!

Jocelyn Richards Deputy Editor

We're Hiring! That's PRD Shenzhen Editor

WIN WIN WIN

In Guangzhou, a pair of tickets to Brazzaville (p68), a pair of tickets to Charles Baptiste (p68), a pair of tickets to Ballet on the Left, Tango on the Right (p68), a pair of tickets to Hand in Hand with Mykhailo Tkachov (p68), a pair of tickets to Alone by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre (p70) and a pair of tickets to Hamlet by Beijing Dance Theater (p70).

In Shenzhen, four tickets to Alpine Decline (p35), a pair of tickets to Wang Wen (p68), a pair of tickets to Yndi Halda (p68), five vouchers (each for two free gym passes) to Dream Fitness (p75) and two RMB100 gift cards to Alexander's Ice Cream (p75).

To enter for one of our WeChat giveaways, simply message our official WeChat (Thats_PRD) with the name of the prize you would like and why you should win.

Bonus points for original submissions.

We’re in the market for a new full-time Shenzhen Editor for That's PRD, the region’s premier English language magazine. Working alongside a dedicated and dynamic team, candidates should have: ◎ Strong editorial and management experience ◎ Be digitally savvy ◎ Have a passion for writing ◎ Keen eye for design ◎ Broad range of interests ◎ Good knowledge of all things China and China-related ◎ Commercial sense ◎ The ability to spot a good story ◎ Mandarin and Cantonese a definite plus

If interested, please send your CV, cover letter and two writing samples to tomlee@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'Shenzhen Editor.’

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Hourly updates on news, current affairs and general weirdness from around PRD and China.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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TOP STORIES

INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT

PRD • Scantily Clad Man Takes Shenzhen by Storm He's loud, he's proud and he is making a statement.

• PHOTOS: Heavy Rains Flood Guangzhou Torrential rains in May left parts of Guangzhou flooded by knee-deep water.

• Exploring The Bystander Effect In China Is the phenomenon unique to China or does it happen everywhere?

• Future Hong Kong Flights May Land in Zhuhai or Shenzhen Passengers would take a 20-minute helicopter ride from Zhuhai to Hong Kong.

• PHOTOS: That's PRD Live Read-

the month on

Thats mags. com

Thanks to @warcry83 for tagging #thatsprd. Tag your picture on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH WATCH: Ostriches Wreak Havoc on Foshan Street

ing Party Recap

When the city experienced a rather

Finalists of the writing contest gathered on May 14 to share their stories.

unique morning traffic delay.

NATIONAL • Chinese Tourists Cover Everest Base Camp with Graffiti Authorities will now name and shame tourists who scribble messages on the mountain’s monuments.

• New Five-Year Plan Aims to Reduce Beijing's Population According to the plan, the capital's population will be capped at 23 million by 2020.

• A Huge Piece of Glass Just Fell Off Shanghai Tower The newly unveiled landmark is certainly off to a rocky start.

• KFC Opens Fancy Robot-Run Restaurant in Shanghai May we take your *beep* order?

• Beijing Officer Sets New Planking Record at Eight Hours Mao Weidong held the position for over eight hours at the 2016 Plank World Cup .

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COMMENT OF THE MONTh

Among Western countries, Britain is one of those that gets caught with its pants down and exposes itself most often.

- The Chinese tabloid Global Times in response to Queen Elizabeth’s comment “Chinese officials are rude.”

Follow T hat’s PR D on WeChat

CITY the buzz

DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

quote of the month

Radical Corn-Eating Gone Wrong The latest of many trends, fads and memes of the Chinese Internet is the corn-eating challenge. Liu Jiaojiao achieved Internet fame last month when her hair got caught in the drill during her attempt and a patch of it was torn off.

Some say it was all a marketing stunt for the video-hosting app she uses, but she denies these claims. Kids: don't try this at home.

RANDOM NUMBER

15,000,000 Tourists Expected for Shanghai Disney’s First Year

After much anticipation and hype, Shanghai Disney Resort is set to open on June 16. Tickets sold out in a few hours before the website crashed a few months ago, and the few (read: thousands) who have been granted advance access have been called out for their uncouth behavior. We can only imagine what the real thing will be like. Costing USD5.5 billion to build, it is the largest theme park in Asia, and the location was partly chosen due to population density – some 330 million live within a few hours of Shanghai.

Tickets for the first two weeks and every peak day thereafter cost RMB499, while weekday tickets are RMB370.

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Our values have been squeezed and changed After his company came under fire for indirectly leading to a young cancer patient's death, Baidu CEO Robin Li tried to rouse his employees with a dramatic internal memo that went viral. Just prior to his death, 21-yearold Wei Zexi accused the company of "misleading him to a fradulent cancer treatment" after its search engine suggested a less legitimate hospital in its top results.

(The search result was a paid for promotional post.) Read the full memo by scanning the AR code.

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Bright Lights, Bright Ideas

Crowdfunding: the practice of funding a project or venture by raising money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet, in the form of a pre-order.

Pre-order: ordering a product from a crowdfunding site before it has been manufactured.

Startup incubator: a company that helps new start-ups develop by providing a set of services, from working spaces to marketbudding start-ups by connecting and sponsorship.

Crowdfunding in China’s Silicon Valley

by Natallia Slimani

The World’s Manufacturing Base As China’s leading electronics manufacturing hub, Shenzhen has used its favorable location and influx of creative spirit from other provinces to take its reputation a step further.

The city, which prides itself on humble beginnings as a small fishing village, has grown into a hardware hub for millions of international start-ups. These ambitious, often inexperienced companies flock to South China in search of affordable ways to turn their designs into reality.

With an abundance of manufacturing facilities and makerspaces, Shenzhen has more than earned its nickname as China’s ‘Silicon Valley for hardware makers.’ In fact, the city recently ranked among the top five emerging start-up hubs in the world, as published in US magazine Inc. But just as visionaries flock to southern China to take advantage of the region’s manufacturing clout, so are local factories turning their eyes outward – towards progressive cities like San Francisco, California – to open branches overseas and supply clients with hardware directly.

Seeed Studio, a company that works with makers and hardware start-ups, opened an office in San Francisco in 2015, as did Blue Clover Devices – the former supplier of electronic parts for Audi and Volkswagen.

Empowering Start-Ups

What is it that makes Shenzhen stand out to seasoned entrepreneurs and young techies? Christophe Branchu, the visionary behind start-up consultant Emie Labs, settled in Shanghai before moving to South China after a fruitless search for creative ventures.

In Shenzhen, he found it all: entrepreneurial spirit, a strong manufacturing base and unending ambition.

Today, Emie Labs helps

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ing them with spacious office facilities and guiding them through the confusion and pitafalls of the Chinese marketing world.

Emie Labs’ acceleration program consults young companies in the essential stages of investment success, including proof of concept (the move from a prototype to a manufactured model), proof of opportunity (performance on crowdfunding platforms) and the search for big sponsors.

The company serves both local and foreign clients, but in Branchu’s experience, it’s the local start-ups that generally require the most help.

“Chinese startups have good tech, but no design or marketing skills,” he says.

According to Branchu, crowdfunding allows one to create a substantial marketing campaign with little investment. The catch? You need to play by the rules. The key ingredients to crowdfunding stardom are a good story, sol-

H

ow much are you willing to invest to bring a really cool idea to life? What if it was a personal underwater explora-

tion device? How about a hologram tablet? A robotic butler?

These are the questions frequently asked on the world’s two most popular crowdfunding websites, Kickstarter (KS) and Indiegogo (IGG). The platforms have captivated public interest by confirming what we’ve always hoped: that an idea can change the world.

By returning to the source of ideas

id marketing team, passionate introduction video and close relationship with backers.

Branchu sees young companies burning the midnight oil at Emie Labs to present their products in the best way possible when it comes to design, functionality and, most importantly, story. The storyline is an essential part of any start-up campaign, as people fall in love with it long before they test how well a product actually works.

Not all young teams turn to professional consultants like Emie Labs for help. Some take on the challenge single-handedly.

Zhichongjia is a young company with a firm belief in its product: pet – people – these online forums collect GPS trackers. The IP67 smart waopinions about new inventions from end terproof tracker would provide consumers. If a project is well received, peace of mind for countless dog one may be fully funded within a matter of owners, according to Baymax weeks and can trade in financial woes for Liu, the company’s chief marketthe (enjoyable) hassle of processing preing officer.

Instead of orders. showing off their project on KS or Crowdfunding platforms have given rise IGG, however, Zhichongjia has to some of today’s most prominent tech decided to choose a local crowdplayers: the companies behind Oculus funding platform: Jingdong (JD).

Rift, Smart Things, Pebble and more. These Though based on many overwhelmingly positive results have inof the same principles as their spired others to take to the ‘web crowd’ for Western counterparts, Chinese support. crowdfunding platforms like Baidu, Taobao, Zhongchou, Jingdong and Tencent Succor (many of which also function as e-commerce sites) take a unique approach, which many local companies find easier to work with.

The vivacious crowdfunding scene has transformed Shenzhen into an epicenter for tech events, from local meet-ups to international conferences, all of which aim to steer fledgling companies in the right direction.

Gatherings like Big Salad, Startup Grind and Mega Startup Weekend bring together creative minds, offering a stage for new products and inventions.

The Gray Area

Shenzhen’s blossoming start-up culture is crushing its previous reputation as a soulless manufacturing base. The excitement surrounding

this new era has enticed countless entrepreneurs, and everyone wants to be part of it.

Unfortunately, not everyone can. Roughly 60 percent of all crowdfunding campaigns fall short of their monetary goals and an even higher percentage fail to deliver even after receiving funding.

But with so much commotion surrounding campaigns, it’s easy to see why larger, more established companies would want a shot at attracting the same kind of attention. The desire to utilize trendy, online platforms as a marketing scheme has led to a niche subset of crowdfunders: those who don’t really need it.

“I have been approached multiple times to pose for a video, as a company founder, product inventor or engineer…” reminisces Gary Brown, who asked to be mentioned under a pseudonym.

“The very first time, a factory hired me and a bunch of other foreigners to act as the team that developed this new camera accessory,” he says.

Brown recalls his experience of being “the face” of a crowdfunding campaign, which, in reality, was a project sponsored by a large and well-established factory.

“They clearly had the money to make this all happen.

But they thought a start-up story on a crowdfunding site would get them more attention. And they were right. As far as I know, the project was a success,” says Brown.

Some local factories have been known to go as far as self-funding – i.e. using their own money to sponsor an online campaign to get people talking about the ‘start-up that is getting tons of crowdfunding love.’

Media agencies are quick to follow the heat and pretty soon, the fraud ‘start-up’ campaign snowballs into a viral success story, with the original factory soaking up thousands of new requests for pre-orders.

A remote control DIY plane factory in Shenzhen is one example of a company that has taken such a path to glory.

“We thought it would be easier to get noticed if we had an expat team to represent us,” said one employee of the company, who asked not to be named. “We didn’t need any money, actually – our mini planes were practically ready to ship. But we took the time to rethink out story and chose a small team to represent us on a popular crowdfunding site.”

The effort paid off and the campaign was completely funded within a few days of the launch. It went on to raise more than USD500,000.

Where We Stand

For young creative types, crowdfunding is still an excellent way to bring ideas to fruition with very few initial resources. The hard stuff comes later. More often than not, young companies are too enthusiastic to spot the logistical problems awaiting them in manufacturing and are unable to revive imperfect products.

For the posers – companies with ready-made technology looking for the spotlight – the process of crowdfunding is easy to exploit. Sure, it may be in their best interest to abuse the system, but with time, duped supporters may grow jaded and lose faith in the entire concept.

Perhaps we have gone too far in our fascination with the start-up. Merely a decade ago, a small company would go out of its way to seem big, and now we are witnessing the exact opposite phenomenon.

Maybe it’s time to step back and start judging companies based on what they create, rather than their dimensions. After all, if you can 3D print your childhood superhero, does size really matter?

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Race the dragon

A Dragon Boat Festival Feature

by Tristin Zhang

S

awdust clings to every surface in the room. The air is thick with suspended particles, making it difficult to inhale.

Carpenters toil side by side, shaping long planks and miniature pegs from slabs of timber. Craftsmen kneel on mounds of soft shavings, measuring the hull’s bottom.

In a shabby workshop at the end of a remote country road in Shangjiao village, Panyu, new boats are handcrafted while old ones are repaired and polished. A few weeks from now, the Chen Hanghui Dragon Boat Base – one of the oldest manufacturers in the region – must deliver the boats to nearby villages, which will compete against each other during the annual Duanwu Festival. Workers are too busy to talk, eyes silently pleading us to return another season.

A dozen workshops, or rather shacks supported by wooden beams, occupy the shore of a narrow stream branching off from the river. When completed, the dragon boats can be delivered to each village by water.

Watching the process, it’s clear the mechanics of dragon boat assembly haven’t evolved much over the past century – probably because they don’t need to.

As the center of Guangdong's dragon boat artistry for more than 140 years, Shangjiao village has raised generations of skilled boat craftsman. “[Chen Hanghui base] contributes around 1 4 | J u n e 2 0 1 6 | S Z | w w w.t h at s m a g s . c o m

90 percent of all dragon boats produced in Guangdong province,” boasts Chen Weijie, publicity manager of Shangjiao village’s governing committee.

The trademark ‘made in Panyu’ was once revered throughout China and the world as a sign of quality. In the mid 20th century, handcrafted boats were in high demand and sold to Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and even South Africa.

To make a 40-meter-long dragon boat out of a pile of timber, 13 steps are followed precisely as they were 100 years ago. Six craftsmen work for 20 days, hammering more than 50 kilograms of nails into the vessel, according to Lu Haoying, a dragon boat craftsman who's been in the trade more than 50 years.

But Lu shut down his workshop two years ago, opting to make miniature dragon boats for decoration instead.

“Most workshops are now owned by private contractors,” says Li Xiang, another veteran dragon boat shifu. Even with 30 years of experience, Li only receives RMB250 for a physically taxing seven-hour workday, with a bonus of RMB125 per day during busy months. He tells us the village used to house more than 20 workshops, but more than half of them have

DRAGON HEAD A typical Chinese dragon has the head of an ox, the antlers of a deer, the mane of a horse, the body and scales of a snake, the claws of an eagle and the tail of a fish. The dragon head (and tail) is made of camphor wood. An 'eye-dotting' ceremony is held prior to races, which is believed to bring life to the dragon.

DRAGON BOAT RACING PADDLE

THE CREW

Between 1.03 meters and 1.31 meters

RECREATIONAL CANOE PADDLE

According to international guidelines, a crew is made up of 20 paddlers, one drummer facing the paddlers and one sweep (steerer) at the rear of the boat.

SWEEP

LEAD STROKES The boat’s first pair of paddlers who set the pace for the team.

About 0.6 meters

The sweep or steerer uses an oar as a rudder to direct the boat from the rear. The sweep is the only crew member who is able to control the boat looking forward and is therefore obligated to warn against impending collision or obstructions.

0.2 meters

0.17 meters

TRADITIONAL

DRUMMER The drum beats are considered the 'heartbeat' of the dragon. The drummer leads the paddlers using rhythmic beats to give indication of frequency and synchronize the paddlers’ strokes.

Typically made of wood, a traditional Chinese dragon boat can seat up to 30 people. Size may vary.

1.1 meters About 15.5 meters

INTERNATIONAL RACING (STANDARD) Made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or other light materials, these boats can seat 20 paddlers and are commonly used in races.

1.06 meters About 12.4 meters

To make a full-size dragon boat out of a pile of timber, six craftsmen work for 20 days, hammering more than 50 kilograms of nails into the vessel

HONG KONG STANDARD Made of teak wood, they are slightly smaller than those of international standard.

1.06 meters About 11.6 meters

INTERNATIONAL RACING (SMALL) Similar to international standard but seats only 10 paddlers.

0.8 meters

About 9 meters (Data via IDBF)

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closed in recent years due to dwindling demand.

Traditionally, dragon boats were crafted from teak wood (which is now priced at RMB14,500 per cubic meter) and giam, a type of timber imported from Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. Teak wood boats can be used for more than 50 years, provided they receive regular maintenance.

“A 40-meter-long boat made of teak wood costs about RMB270,000,” Li shouts over a symphony of shrieking electric saws behind him. He says the factory has received 10 orders so far this year, most of which come from outside of the PRD, in places like Yangjiang, Taishan, Haifeng and Lufeng.

In 1976, the first international dragon boat competition in Hong Kong raised the curtain of modernization and standardization on this once regional sport. Dragon boat racing, traditionally held during Duanwu Festival, was previously observed in waterbound regions of China (mainly Guangdong), Vietnam, Indonesia and the then Ryukyu Kingdom.

Nowadays, boats used in professional competitions are made of carbon fiber, fiberglass and other lightweight materials. The market for traditional wooden boats, therefore, has shrunk significantly.

When asked whether they are worried about the future of traditional boat craftsmanship, both Lu and Li sound optimistic.

“There are always people like us who appreciate [the boat’s] beauty,” Lu declares. “As long as the tradition of the Duanwu Festival remains, the techniques of handcrafting dragon boats will be passed on.”

The history of dragon boat racing is believed to stretch back over two millennia to the time of the original Olympic games. Yet modern racing didn’t take shape until the late 1970s, when the Hong Kong Tourism

UPCOMING RACES IN THE PRD Macau International Dragon Boat Races June 4, 5 and 9, Nam Van Lake Nautical Center

Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships June 9, Stanley Main Beach Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races June 9, Tai Pak Beach

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival 2016 June 10-12, Victoria Harbour

Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Races June 15, Sun Yat-sen University Wharf (North Gate) 2016 China Dragon Boat Races Huizhou June 18, Bingjiang Park, Huizhou City Guangdong Dragon Boat Races June 26, Xing Lake, Zhaoqing City

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A 40-meter-long boat made of teak wood costs about RMB270,000

Board used the sport to promote the country’s image abroad.

Following the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races of 1976, dragon boats were gifted to each competing team, paving the way for the creation of new racing associations.

Today, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), as well as the European (EDBF) and Asian (ADBF) divisions are the three main bodies that organize international events.

The Pearl River Delta has played a significant role in the development of the sport, both by manufacturing vessels for export and by cultivating a competitive spirit among paddlers in the region.

When David Butler of the UK joined the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Team in 2010 through its former general manager Kalok Li, it was a small group comprised of mostly locals. After Li left the club last year, Butler took over as general manager and worked with its president, Vega Hui, to recruit more expat members. Today, the team has expanded to include a committed international crew. The rowers, half of which are female, hail from China, Australia, France, Britain, Jordan, Malaysia and Thailand, to name a few.

Butler and his crew are regularly invited to races in Guangdong every year around the time of the Duanwu Festival. Lesser-known cities like Huizhou, Shaoguan, Zhanjiang and Zhaoqin have all seen the team’s zest on the water, not to mention Guangzhou and Foshan.

As the team gains acclaim in South China, they’re also beginning to receive invitations to international competitions in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea.

“When competing overseas, we’re often

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TRADITIONS For more than 2,000 years, dragon boat racing has been a significant tradition of China's Duanwu Festival – so much so that the holiday's English name is derived from the sport.

Apart from racing, zongzi, a traditional snack made of sticky rice and wrapped in bamboo leaves, is consumed before and after the festival. Flavors vary by region; traditional Cantonese zongzi are stuffed with either a sweet bean paste or xianrou (salty pork), mung bean and an egg yolk.

In the countryside of eastern Guangdong, people bathe in well water on the holiday, which is believed to heal the body. In Korea, some host wrestling competitions, while Japanese hang up carp-shaped wind socks known as koinobori, which are also flown during Children's Day.

the only team flying the flag of China, even though we’re a mixed bunch of international paddlers,” says Butler. He feels honored to represent China, where dragon boat racing originated, in competitions abroad.

Four members of the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Team recently competed in the 2016 Club Crew World Championships, held by IDBF in Adelaide, Australia. They hope to one day bring their entire Guangzhou team to compete in the world cup.

“The social side of dragon boat racing is important,” explains Butler. “After the races, we usually have a banquet or celebration and hold a performance, like a dance or short skit. Months before the competition, we’re on the water regularly to perfect our technique. And then, a few days before the race, we get together again to rehearse our dance routine as well."

For Butler and his teammates, dragon boat racing is a comprehensive exercise that develops one’s strength, stamina and fitness.

It also allows expat members to explore the Pearl River and surrounding region, which has inspired them to raise awareness about the river’s pollution.

Recently, the crew invited a number of Chinese companies and schools to send staff members for training in order to help estab-

lish new recreational dragon boat teams.

This October, the Guangzhou squad will venture all the way to Egypt to compete in a race along the Nile. Organized by the Egyptian Friendship Association Hong Kong to mark the 60th anniversary of SinoEgyptian relations, it will be the first dragon boat race held on the world’s longest river.

On June 12, the team will journey down to Hong Kong for a 'fun' competition at Victoria Harbour, in which they'll sport skin-

tight cheongsams during one section of the race, as per competition requirements.

If you'd rather see the team in formal uniform, head to the Pearl River on Wednesday, June 15, to see the group battle it out in the province’s largest annual competition in Guangzhou.

> want to learn more about the guangzhou international Dragon boat team? visit www.gzdragons.com or contact David butler via wechat (iD: DavidDub) or mobile (139 2609 1989).

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cit y | man on the street

Made to Measure Street Tailor

by Ziyi Yuan, photo by Daniel MH Chun

H

uang Xingzhou is so absorbed in his work he doesn’t hear our footsteps approach. Holding up a piece of chalk, he makes a mark on a pair of trousers and pushes down the pedal of his sewing machine. Only when our shadow creeps over the fabric does he lift his head to see what’s causing the disturbance.

“Can I help you?” he asks.

Huang has a small work post in a residential park of Futian District. He labors under the open sky, ducking into his home only when it grows too hot or starts to pour.

Just as we begin spurting out a list of prepared questions, Huang’s wife stops by with lunch. We learn the couple hails from Shangrao, in Jiangxi province.

Huang is a tailor. He makes everything from clothing to bed and sofa covers for customers who live in neighborhoods nearby.

Much of his time is allotted to fixing broken zippers and tailoring clothing for a better fit.

It’s hard to believe the man tending to such delicate work is almost 70 years old, but Huang is adamant about keeping his position.

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“I don't want to retire; I love this job,” he affirms, sensing our incredulity. “I know people need me, and I’m happy with that.” He pauses.

“Well, I am afraid my eyes are getting worse.”

Having started his career as a tailor at the age of 14, Huang is proud of his decades of experience and the praise he reaps from customers, both locals and foreigners. He speaks particularly fondly of a French client who often turns to him for tailored clothing, elated at the ability to meet the needs of his more stylish patrons.

Despite Huang’s impeccable sewing quality and long list of loyal customers, however, his price table is humble. Mending a shirt is roughly RMB50 and fixing a zipper is only RMB7-10.

Huang has been navigating Shenzhen streets as a tailor since 2011, taking only one break when his grandson was born. At the time, trading in his sewing kit for an opportunity to look after his only grandchild was more than worth it, he says, though he’s happy to be back threading needles – that is, as long as the chengguan aren’t around. While most of the

officers treat him well, Huang still prefers to avoid abrupt encounters and sometimes stays indoors during peak hours of patrol.

As the sun tumbles behind a darkening horizon, we see office workers shuffle into the residential area, eager to return to warm abodes and steaming dinners. Huang inches forward on his seat, getting comfortable for the hours of work that await him.

Walking back to the subway, Huang’s sewing machine hums steadily behind us, murmuring a tune of routine, permanence and, in some sense, home.

THE DIRTY DETAILS

Monthly salary: RMB2,200 Days per week: usually 7 Hours per day: 9

> man on the Street is a monthly feature where we talk to someone doing an everyday job, in order to get an insight into the lives of normal chinese people.

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LIFE & STYLE style radar

TCM

Electroacupuncture Acupuncture is a great treatment for pain and other health issues, but sometimes it needs an extra boost to give you the best result. By ‘boost,’ I mean adding electric stimulation.

The combination of acupuncture and electric stimulation is called electroacupuncture or e-stim. It is an indispensable technique that I use every single day in my clinic.

The main reason I use e-stim is for pain relief. It softens muscle tension, releases trigger points, inhibits pain receptors in the nervous system and increases blood flow to the stimulated area. All of these can have a beneficial effect on muscle and joint pain.

Another reason to use electroacupuncture is for fertility treatment. Research has found that stimulating abdominal points increases blood flow to the ovaries and testicles, which has a positive effect on pregnancy rates.

Finally, electric stimulation is often combined with acupuncture to help people regain function after strokes. This can be done on scalp points or on the limbs on the affected side of the body.

Like most things in Chinese medicine, it sounds worse than it is. Basically, after I get your acupuncture needles in place, I connect two needles with a lead that then goes into a battery-powered stimulator. Then, I slowly turn up the intensity until you feel a mild or moderate tingling or tapping feeling. The muscles in the area will sometimes alternately contract and relax, which can feel odd but is not painful. Occasionally, I throw in a maniacal laugh and twirl my imaginary moustache for

Fitness

Fighting Your Inner Critic Imagine having a friend who never stops talking to you about your health and your body.

Sometimes he or she uses your mom’s words, telling you being overweight runs in the family and you’ll never be fit. Or the friend says you’ll never find a partner with that body and you need to hit the gym to adhere to society’s standard of stick-thin beauty. And then, sometimes, the friend soothes you with the comforting voice of a trusted grandparent, telling you everything will be okay: “Just have a piece of cake to feel better.”

I really hope you don’t have a friend like that. If you do, please oust them from your life immediately! The thing is, many of us carry around a voice similar to that friend – our inner critic – which constantly feeds us lies about our bodies and capacity for selfimprovement. This voice comes from years of input, some of it innocuous and some of it downright devious. Our subconscious minds absorb all of these messages and repeat them back to us as truth. Then, in turn, we start to feel unable to break out of any negative habits we have.

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The voice of the inner critic is strong, but not invincible. You can fight against it and reject the negative messages swirling around in your mind. Be aware of when the voice speaks up and how it tricks you against meeting your goals. For example, it might try to rationalize skipping a workout by saying, “You worked hard today! You deserve to relax at home.” On the other extreme, it might berate and punish you for giving anything less than 100 percent: “I can’t believe you’re quitting after just 30 minutes! You’ll have to make up for it by just having salad for dinner.”

The inner voice can talk you into and out

added impact. That’s all there is to it. See? It’s not as bad as you thought. I never use strong stimulation, and I don’t recommend letting your acupuncturist go beyond your personal comfort level. Strong stimulation can cause muscle tension and pain – the opposite effect you are looking for.

With acupuncture being more than 2,000 years old, electric stimulation is obviously a relatively new addition. This newness is quite exciting in itself because as a traditional healing technique, little has changed over the past few centuries. Before e-stim, a doctor – or more likely his assistant – would manually stimulate needles to increase the treatment effect. They would lift and thrust, rotate, flick and glare menacingly at the needles. We’re lucky that the infinitely more comfortable e-stim has largely replaced these strong techniques. > jon hanlon is a chinese medical practitioner, raised in the uS, trained in australia, now healing the sick in guangzhou.

You can contact him for a booking on 185 0202 5594 or jon@ guangzhouacupuncture.com

of all kinds of situations; it preys on your logic, your emotions, your fears and your dreams to keep you from trusting yourself. When it comes to health and fitness, it often feeds off of your sense of inadequacy. It might push you to diet religiously so you can look more like a model, or it might keep you on the couch because it’s convinced you’ll never change. Both of these approaches punish you and provide no benefits whatsoever to your well-being.

Remember, that inner critic isn’t you and it isn’t true. You are absolutely capable of loving yourself and accepting your body, while also changing for the better and smashing through your goals! The next time you notice that little voice, tell it to shut up or pack up. Stay focused and stay positive. Recruit your inner cheerleader to remind yourself that you are worth investing time and energy in! > Kara wutzke is a fitness trainer who offers boot camps and individual classes in guangzhou, as well as running the K2Fit challenge, a 10-week guided fitness competition for those who want to tone up or slim down. She can be contacted by emailing k2fit.gz@gmail.com or through wechat iD: KaraK2Fit

Daytripper

Liuxihe National Forest Park To the north of Guangzhou is Conghua District, famous for its blossoming lychee trees and natural hot springs. Running through the 14 square kilometers of lush, rolling hills is Liuxi He, the eponymous lake of our destination this month.

Open to the public in 1986, the recreational Liuxihe National Forest Park in northern Conghua can be reached in two hours from downtown Guangzhou. The sheer variety of vegetation bred in the park bestows upon it phenomenal scenery, which changes with the seasons. Southeast Asia’s largest plum tree orchard is tucked away here, turning white with cotton-like blossoms come winter.

The forest park extends from the southern shore of Liuxi He, with small islands dotting the lake, one of which is dedicated to breeding macaque monkeys. Co-founded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ‘monkey island’ is home to hundreds of macaques, most of which are fed and trained by humans. They greet visitors who ap-

proach the shore with wide eyes, eager to be fed. Watch them perform and feel free to take photos, just don’t wave your hands at them – macaques consider it aggressive.

Another area worth exploring is ‘peafowl island,’ a secluded expanse featuring over 300 peafowls of different breeds, including the green, Indian and albino varieties.

Makeshift huts and cottages dot the grassy setting, each adorned with flowers and cradled by the sweet melodies of morning birds. The ferry to this enchanted section of the park will only take large numbers of visitors across, so you may need to wait a good half hour until it fills up with likeminded tourists.

Surrounded by mountains, the highest of which rises 1,147 meters above sea level as the second tallest peak in Guangzhou, Liuxihe National Forest Park suits aspiring hikers. A 2-kilometer gallery road and 7-kilometer bike lane offer easy views of the park.

Strolling around the lake’s perimeter, scorching rays of sun are thinned by a canopy of

trees that line the road.

Be sure to pack fishing gear – casting lines into the lake is permitted, and restaurants outside the park will be happy to cook up your catch.

As you step through the placid scenery, try not to follow in others’ footsteps. Make your own trip, your own experience. There’s so much to see, do and relish within Liuxihe National Forest Park – it’s better to explore without a plan. TZ

How to Get There

Take the Conghua express bus in any major coach station (Guangzhou Passenger Transport Station, Tianhe Coach Terminal or Guangzhou East Coach Terminal) to Conghua Coach Terminal. Then take a taxi to Liuxihe National Forest Park (plan to spend RMB130 on transportation and RMB40 on a ticket to enter the park). > Daytripper is a monthly column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.

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l i f e & s t y le | s a l o n

An Eye For Beauty

SO’O LK Hair Salon

by Jocelyn Richards

L

iving on the mainland shouldn’t mean losing your style. If the thought of venturing into an unknown salon conjures up nightmares of blue hair or uneven bobs, it’s probably because you haven’t found a trustworthy stylist that speaks your mother tongue.

“A good hairdresser should know what you want better than you do,” says Wong Kin Fung, co-founder of SO’O LK, a Sino-French salon company established in 2004 in Guangzhou.

The key, Fung says, is having an eye for timeless, natural beauty. To help them discover what's 'trending' abroad, Fung invites all SO’O LK stylists to Paris once a year, where they meet with the Luis Kraemer team, view live demonstrations and tour traditional European architecture. Last year, the group stayed in an old castle in Reims, which felt like “a fairy tale” to those who had never left the mainland.

“Aesthetic standards in China are much different than in the West,” Fung continues. “We

want our stylists to travel abroad to see classic art and landmarks, which are hard to find in China nowadays."

A fusion between SO’O and Luis Kraemer, SO’O LK is a new brand in China with 35 branches in Guangzhou and a team of more than 300 experienced stylists.

The salons boast a classic interior with edgy light fixtures thrown in to jazz things up. Top-ofthe-line hair products and colors are available and English-speaking stylists will help you select the best option for your hair.

“About 80 percent of my clients are foreigners,” says Michael Tang, a stylist born in Canada who's now based at the World Trade Center location in Yuexiu District.

“Right now, I think we’re the only salon in Guangzhou offering the Brazilian blowout and keratin treatment. Foreigners absolutely love it.”

A smoothing treatment used to straighten hair without causing damage to the follicles, Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments let

Recommended Locations For Expats: World Trade Center (ask for Michael)

> Shop 103a, 1/F, world trade center, 371 huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District, guangzhou 广州市越秀区环市东路371 号世界贸易中心裙楼1楼103a铺 (020-8760 6299)

La Perle Shopping Plaza (ask for Gary/ Andy/Jackson)

> Shop 502, 5/F, La Perle Shopping Plaza, 367 huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District, guangzhou 广州市越秀区环市 东路371号丽怕广场5楼502铺 (020-8331 3466)

Tianhe Bei Voka Street (ask for Ryan)

> wokai jie (near tianhe Dong metro Station), 460 tianhe bei Lu, tianhe District, guangzhou 广州市天河区天河北 路460号沃凯街内 (近天河东路) (020-3881 0898)

you kill frizz while also improving the overall health of your locks. It’s a win-win strategy for taming wild tresses before the summer.

Whether you're in the market for a moisturizing boost or a few natural highlights, SO’O LK has the right products – and people – for the job.

> For more information, please visit www.groupekraemer.com or www.so-olk.com. to make an appointment via wechat, contact fung5093 or so-olk2013.

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One Bedroom Deluxe RMB16,000/Month Two Bedroom Superior RMB20,000/Month

For reservations or enquiries visit www.savillsresidence.com or call: (86 755) 8785 2399 Savills Residence Daxin Shenzhen Bay: 1168 Houhaibin Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

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Everyone in China seems to be talking about Shanghai's new Disney Resort.

Clothing brands are cashing in on the hype, so Mickey, Minnie and their friends will be filling out stores across the country. Here’s our pick of the best Disney-inspired attire and, if it’s all a little too saccharine for you, we threw in some Star Wars and Marvel clothing for good measure.

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10 Uniqlo RMB79 www.uniqlo.cn

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L i f e & s t y le | t r a v e l

Dali: Home of Temples, Mountains and Cheese China’s Answer to Banff

By Matthew Bossons

N

estled along the picturesque shoreline of Erhai Lake and in the shadow of the imposing Changshan range, Dali exemplifies the backpacker vibes that have faded into oblivion in so many of China’s larger cities.

With stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage and some of the country’s most delicious culinary creations, exploring China without touring Dali is like visiting Canada and not stopping off in Banff.

As the central hub of Dali Autonomous Prefecture, the city is split between Dali New City and Dali Old Town – the latter of which is

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often hailed as one of Yunnan province’s most popular tourist destinations.

The area is populated predominantly by the Bai ethnic minority, who earn their name from an adoration of the color white, which decorates many traditional homes, particularly in the old town. Around 80 percent of the Bai ethnic minority’s population live in settlements within the Dali prefecture. The rest are distributed between Xichang and Bijie in neighboring Sichuan and Guizhou provinces.

Dali is a prime location to dive into Yunnan’s distinctive and varied cuisine, which, to our surprise, utilizes plenty of flowers,

ferns and algae, as well as local insects.

The markets and small shopping streets of Dali Old Town are the best places to explore the area’s edibles, and pack in hundreds of shops and street food vendors offering everything from fermented pu’er tea to the Bai people’s renowned cheeses and yogurts. That’s right: cheese exists in Chinese cuisine.

Perhaps the tastiest of Dali’s cheesy offerings is the ru shan or ‘fan cheese,’ which, as its name suggests, is presented in the shape of a fan, generally on a small bamboo stick. Plain and unsalted, it tastes a bit like thickened milk cooked on a grill.

Yunnan’s mixian, or thin noodles, are also worthy of gastronomic investigation and can be enjoyed in a broth or stir-fried. Condiments like diced chili peppers, garlic, salt, vinegar, Sichuan spices and oils and soy sauce for the noodles are presented on the side, allowing diners to spin the dish’s flavor as desired.

From ancient temples and alleyways to mountain trails and boating trips, Dali boasts an impressive array of outdoor excursions.

The culture-hungry traveler would be wise to spend at least a day wandering the city’s old

town, which is home to a seemingly endless array of coffee shops, restaurants, expat pubs and souvenir shops.

Though Dali’s old town is undoubtedly its most popular (and therefore most crowded) tourist attraction, there are also ample opportunities to slip down discreet back alleys in search of silver jewelry, a Burmese jade trinket or traditional tie-dye cloth.

Buddhist temples are also a popular sight in Dali. A place to relish beautiful architecture, cultural heritage and, of course, spirituality, Dali’s temples have long played an important role in China’s dance with Buddhism as one of the major transit points for the religion’s dissemination on the mainland. The most notable of these religious sites is the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, located just over a kilometer north of Dali, at the base of the Changshan range.

For those more interested in natureoriented activities, we recommend a leisurely bike ride around Erhai Lake’s scenic shoreline. Numerous bicycle rental companies operate in town and the wheels they lease appear well-serviced and relatively new. A lakeside cycle is a truly captivating experience, offering adventurers a humbling glance at mountain vistas while weaving along narrow waterfront lanes.

A backpacker’s paradise, Dali is bordered by rocky highlands and offers numerous tours for hardcore hikers looking to ascend the 4,122-meter Malong – the highest peak in the Changshan range. Zhao Zhi Qiang, a Bai tour guide in Dali, estimates a hike to Malong’s summit is at least a two-day endeavor.

Wherever your adventures lead you in Dali, the land will instill you with a greater appreciation for the diversity, both culturally and geographically, that resides within the borders of the Middle Kingdom.

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L i f e & s t y le | t r a v e l

Classy Traveler’s Pick Hilton Dali Resort and Spa

While there are plenty of budget accommodations dotting the tranquil expanse of Dali, travelers looking for a more luxurious and relaxing stay are left with only one option: Hilton Dali Resort and Spa. Located at the base of the mighty Changshan range, the hotel offers guests a commanding view of Erhai Lake and the surrounding countryside, as well as convenient transportation into Dali Old Town.

Hilton Dali Resort and Spa sets itself apart from other luxury hotels in Yunnan with a host of intriguing amenities, including a miniature golf course, 2,000-square-meter children’s play area, outdoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness club and tranquil spa.

As Dali’s first five-star hotel, Hilton Dali Resort also offers guests a number of elite dining options, namely three signature restaurants and the elegant Brew Bar, which is perfect for an evening cocktail after a long day of exploration.

For those unwilling to leave the hotel for a taste of Yunnan cuisine, we suggest a visit to Yu Xi Restaurant, where elite chefs whip up local edibles prepared with fresh indigenous plants, spices and meats.

With staff trained in the finer points of Dali’s Bai culture, the Hilton Dali Resort and Spa experience offers guests an authentic stay with unparalleled service. > hilton Dali Resort and Spa, qili bridge, gantong temple, Dali, Yunnan 云南省大理市七里 桥感通路以南，大理实力希尔顿酒店 (872-668 8888)

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ARTS coll ag e

Coming to a theater near you

X-Men: Apocalypse

june 10

Another month, another Marvel cinematic spectacle. Weeks after the record-setting success of Captain America, the ninth installment in the X-Men series opens in China.

James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence return as Professor X and Mystique, who must lead a young group of mutants against Oscar Isaac’s Apocalypse – a powerful ancient mutant that awakens with plans to take over the world with four allies, including Michael Fassbender’s Magneto. The star-studded cast also includes Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner and The Daily Show’s Olivia Munn, with a cameo by Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine promised.

What’s New Holding it down for Shanghai’s bass scene for years, UK producer Conrank’s notoriety is starting to spread around the globe. On Hemispheres, he links with iconic producer DJ Shadow, who released the EP on his Liquid Amber imprint. As usual, Conrank pushes the boundaries of hard-hitting bass, collaborating with local upstarts (Zean) and international favorites (Blak Twang).

Available at conrank.bandcamp.com.

Guangzhou lo-fi staples yourboyfriendsucks have never sounded more charming on their latest EP. While they’re billing it as “some retarded pop songs with too much reverb,” episode 01 opens confidently with a cover of genre touchstone ‘Just Like Honey.’ Other highlights touch on 80s indie trends from dreampop (‘Stay/Stayaway’) to jangly C86 ragers (‘diu x3’). Available at qiiisnacksrecords.bandcamp.com.

Live sports are the newest battleground in China’s streaming wars and QQ has the coveted rights to the NBA Finals. Streamable at v.qq. com starting June 5. Meanwhile, fans of ladies' tennis will want to tune into sports.iqiyi.com for this month’s Wimbledon. The Baidubacked company signed a 10-year deal with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to be its mainland digital partner. hao bu hao

Warcraft

Hao

Riding high on the USD96.6 million record-setting weekend of their Captain America: Civil War, directors Joe and Anthony Russo have partnered with a Beijingbased production company to create a Chinese superhero franchise. Tentatively titled A Hero’s Awakening, the siblings will serve as producers for the film fans have excitedly dubbed ‘Captain China.’

june 10

The massively popular video game series gets the cinematic treatment in what its producers are hoping will be the next great fantasy franchise. A decade in the making, Warcraft explores the conflict between orcs and humans. Toby Kebbell (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) stars as the honorable orc Durotan, who leads his people from their dying world of Draenor to Azeroth. Travis Fimmel (Vikings) stars as Anduin Lothar, a hero who brings the humans to safety and away from the sudden arrival of orc invaders. Paula Patton (Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol) plays the half-human and half-orc Garona Halforcen who must decide where her loyalty lies.

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Bu Hao

Months after their launch, Apple’s iMovie and iBooks services have gone dark amid government pressure. Officials from the Californian company are optimistic that services will resume but China’s digital space is becoming increasingly regulated. Last month, Alibaba and Disney had to suspend their over-the-top service, DisneyLife, for similar reasons.

Three to See

Wifredo Lam > tue-Sun june 28-aug 7, 9am-5pm; free entry. guangdong museum of art, 38 Yanyu Lu, ersha island, Yuexiu District, guangzhou 广州市越秀区二沙岛烟雨 路38号 (020-8735 1468)

Rogue Planet > tue-Sun until jul 5, 10am-10pm; free entry. Kui Yuan gallery, 9 xuguyuan Lu, Yuexiu District, guangzhou 广州市越秀区恤孤院路9号 (020-8765 9746)

No Favorite Color > Daily until jun 19, 10am-10pm; free entry. mixc, 1881 bao’an nan Lu, Luohu District, Shenzhen 深圳市罗湖 区宝安南路1881号 (0755-8266 8266)

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arts | music

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D Force Maybe Mars Modern Sky Established: 1997 Follow: www.modernsky.com

With a vast empire that includes music festivals, clothing lines and the Modernsky Lab in Beijing’s Galaxy SOHO, it’s hard to fathom that Modern Sky simply started as a way for Shen Lihui to release his band Sober’s debut album, as well as releases by his university mates, New Pants and Supermarket.

While those bands remain pillars of the label’s impressive roster, Shen has since traded the guitar for the boardroom, where he’s been dubbed 'China’s Richard Branson.'

He recalls surviving the lean years where Internet piracy ran rampant, rebounding with the resounding success of the Strawberry Music Festival.

He admits, “The biggest challenge now is that we have no reference for doing what we want to do because we are exploring a lot of uncharted areas.”

They’ve already established a national touring circuit and held sold-out music festivals in New York’s Central Park. With over 100 album releases spanning abrasive noise to ear-pleasing urban folk, Shen promises there will “be a lot of music festivals, more than 100 concerts and about 30 records to be released” this year, including the third album by Queen Sea Big Shark.

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Established: 2007 Follow: downloads.maybemars.org

Inching closer to a decade in the game, Maybe Mars enjoys the most hallowed international reputation of any Chinese label.

Founded and financed by economic analyst Michael Pettis with P.K. 14 frontman Yang Haisong serving as CEO, the label has more than lived up to Yang’s early goal of “showing the world that Beijing has really good rock bands.”

Unlike other labels venturing into festivals, Maybe Mars remains resolutely artist-driven, often going into the red to “make high quality recordings that sound good a decade later.”

The artistic accolades make it all worth it. With a roster handpicked by Pettis and mentored by Yang, Maybe Mars has crafted their hallowed vision of Chinese art-rock.

Their acts work with international icons like Sonic Youth, Steve Albini and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. The label’s reputation is so esteemed that young acts like Hiperson make it an early goal to sign with them.

Although new releases by Dear Eloise, Skip Skip Ben Ben and The Fuzz have all come out in the past three months, there’s no rest for the label. Tentatively scheduled for release this year are new albums by Alpine Decline, Demerit, Birdstriking and SMZB, as well as debut discs by Run Run Run, Gate to Otherside and The Eat.

Established: 2015 Follow: site.douban.com/dforcerecords.com, DForceRecords [WeChat]

Founded by the people behind Douban Music/Douban Artists, D Force had an impressive first year with releases spanning dark new wave (Stolen) and hip hop (J-Fever & Soulspeak).

While the label’s publicity director Zhao Yue admits “it might look weird in this Internet-everything era that we are a website that has gone retro to become a more traditional-looking record label,” D Force boasts numerous advantages that make them a heavyweight contender.

Established as a vital platform for Chinese indie bands, Douban has already established a paid-per-stream structure for indie musicians. Their Pianbei Music publishing service is “designed to help as many musicians as possible with digital distribution domestically and globally.”

“Since last year, online streaming has been much better regulated and we’ve seen more and more successful cases of earning money with online streaming,” Zhao adds.

Still beaming after January’s anniversary Shanghai showcase “where a line formed around the street corner,” according to the label, D Force has a jam-packed 2016. April saw new releases by Shanghai techno star MHP and Tianjin electro duo Wanderlust.

The summer brings Duck Fight Goose’s scifi concept album and the debut by Dalian’s DOC (formerly Doc Talk Shock).

P.K. 14 guitarist Xu Bo and Snapline singer Chen Xi’s electro supergroup L.O.B.I. will record an album, as will new folk rock signings Uncle Hu.

Co:Motion

Rankadan k

Establish ed: Follow: ra 2010 nka Records [W dank.bandcamp.c om, Rank eChat] adank_ Originally started as an avenue UK bass p for Shang roducer C ha onrank to iTunes, Sp release his i-based, otify and music on Juno, Ran its focus to kadank ha “new artis s switche ts in Chin that we fe d a with qu el fits the ality musi la b el.”

Past relea c ses inclu 3asic, wh o has since de debut by Nanjin g’s started his Records.

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SuSuSu,

Established: 2015 Follow: commotion.bandcamp.com

Conrank

Started last year by Shanghai underground staples MIIA, Mau Mau, Raz and Raphael Valensi, Co:Motion is part label, part party throwers.

They’ve crafted a system “where our artists make stuff that we could play in our DJ sets, as it’s important that the label transposes into parties, tours and back.”

With an eye towards high quality house, techno and disco, Co:Motion has releases by Deep 19, Valensi and MIIA on deck this year. International acts like Magic Touch and Rodion have already contributed remixes fulfilling the label’s goal to get international attention.

“A lot of producers and labels here are keeping things local because they feel MIIIA no one is listening to them outside of China,” Valensi sighs.

“The biggest challenge is to go above that and give China its own voice on an international level.”

SVBKVLT Established: 2013 Follow: svbkvlt.bandcamp.com, SubCulture [WeChat]

As cofounder of The Shelter, Gaz Williams has brought some of the world’s leading underground artists to China. Through his SVBKVLT imprint, he’s attempting to make it a reciprocal exchange.

“The quality of some of the music coming out of China has really stepped up and there is a lot more attention from international artists and media on Chinese artists,” he l Swimfu says. “It’s finally time to really push the music out there.”

Artists like SLV have made the front page of XL8R, and Williams chuckles that Damacha and other label tracks were used at New York Fashion Week. This year has already included Shanghaibased producer Swimful’s debut EP release and the stylish label will present a different side of Beijing-based hip hop producer Soulspeak with April’s KaiLuen release.

“There’s also a remix version of Swimful’s PM2.5 that already has Air Max 97 and Laura Ingalls remixes,” Williams boasts. “We’ll be releasing an EP by Prettybwoy from Tokyo, which will be huge. There will be a Downstate EP and an Osheyack EP in the summer, so it's a pretty tight schedule.”

JZ Music Established: 2003 Follow: www.jzmg.net

Nobody has done more to restore Shanghai’s reputation as China’s jazz capital than Ren Yuqing.

The former Cui Jian bassist notes, “I’m originally a musician, so I founded JZ Music to share live jazz and for people to gather around new music.”

With a growing empire of clubs that opened new venues in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuhan last year, Ren is excited about jazz’s current popularity in China. “Other cities are welcoming jazz music through our festivals and clubs,” he notes.

Although JZ Music has released past records like last year’s Jazz Speaks Cantonese compilation, Ren promises there will be much more this year. He says, “I can’t tell you every detail right now, but we will present great jazz albums by local artists and bring some big cats to China this year.”

Thankfully, our intel tells us that soulful Guangzhou singer Jonas Seetoh is in the studio, while colorful singer Coco Zhao is recording China’s first big band album and the multi-cultural pop jazz group RTM are also wrapping up sessions.

Jonas Seetoh

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arts | music

A Decade in the Making

English Post-Rock Stalwarts Yndi Halda Are Finally Back

by Andrew Chin

F

or most bands, taking a decade to follow up a debut album is career suicide. But for Yndi Halda, it seems to have worked. Since the March release of Under Summer – their first album since 2006 – the returning British group have been greeted with a hero’s welcome.

Having established themselves as one of England’s leading post-rock groups with their violin-driven debut Enjoy Eternal Bliss, Yndi Halda’s new album was applauded by critics for eschewing the genre’s cliches (although, true to post-rock tradition, its four songs clock in at almost an hour).

“It means a great deal to us that after such a long time away, folks are still interested to share our music with us,” says guitarist and singer James Vella, before explaining the significance behind the album title.

“It’s a reference to both summertime – its joy and its beauty – and also what’s ‘under’ the summer [and] what happens beneath: sadness and longing,” he explains. “If we were to pick emotional descriptions of our music, we would use both ‘joy’ and ‘sadness’ equally.”

While Vella admits that “in some respects, the first record sounds very similar all the way through,” Under Summer captures a band more comfortable using their voices.

Literally. It features their first songs with lyrics.

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“It came naturally,” Vella offers. “We’re having a great time performing it live. We have four singers so we can really dig into the harmonies and the choral lines.”

Despite only having two releases to their name, Yndi Halda’s musical history stretches back to high school. Vella still has the group’s first cassette, recorded as 15-year-olds in his bedroom (“we graduated from playing covers of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins to Radiohead and Jeff Buckley”).

By the time they were finishing high school, Yndi Halda were regularly performing live. Vella laughs about an early gig in France attended by precisely nobody. “The venue eventually invited in a homeless couple and their dog, and they danced to our live show,” he chuckles.

Now the group plays somewhat more prestigious stages like London’s Barbican (“incredible, but I remember feeling very nervous”). They make their long-awaited return to China with their most extensive tour of the mainland to date.

“We had a fantastic time, met some lovely people and ate some beautiful food,” Vella recalls of their 2007 shows, before expressing his excitement at returning to Shenzhen, which he visited as a teenager.

Vella admits that since their last China tour, Yndi Halda have become limited by the newfound responsibilities of its members.

With the band spread out across England and all holding down full-time jobs, Vella admits: “We knew we always wanted to give the band time, since it was so important to us, but where we would find the time was a more difficult question.”

Their respective schedules mean that they can only meet on occasional weekends, but Vella notes: “Even when the band was not fully active, we spent a great deal of time crafting the music, arranging the vocal lines and harmonies, and fixing the production.

“Some of it very naturally flowed together, but I remember worrying on a few occasions that the record would not happen.”

Energized by Under Summer’s success, Vella is hopeful that Yndi Halda fans won’t have to wait another decade for the group’s next release.

“We still have the remainder of the tour for Under Summer to fulfill, but we’ve started playing with some new ideas together,” he says. “The plan is certainly to dedicate real time to songwriting.” > gZ: tue jun 21, 8.30pm; Rmb80 presale, Rmb100 at the door.

Fei Livehouse, b4-01/02, Redtory, 128 Yuancun Si henglu, tianhe District 天河区员村四横路128号红专厂创意园飞 Livehouse (189 0227 6904); SZ: wed jun 22, 8.30pm; Rmb80 presale, Rmb100 at the door. b10 Live, north side of bldg c2, north District, oct Loft, nanshan District 南山区华侨城创意文 化园北区c2栋北侧b10现场 (8633 7602)

MAN

VS

MACHINE

Beijing’s Alpine Decline Embrace the Synthesizer

by Andrew Chin

R

einvention is nothing new for Alpine Decline. Rising from the ashes of Los Angeles quartet Mezzanine Owls, the married duo of guitarist Jonathan Zeitlin and drummer Pauline Mu released three striking discs within a year before disappearing to Beijing five years ago.

Now firmly established within the capital city’s indie scene, the band have gained a member and completely changed tack on their seventh album, Life’s A Gasp!

Describing the record as a “love-hate letter to Beijing,” Zeitlin admits that “as strangers, we’re already seeing everything as metaphors or symbols, already imagining things as caricatures of reality.”

While he’s reluctant to delve specifically into the disc’s lyrical tropes, Zeitlin praises Beijing’s music scene as “warm and welcoming.” He recalls discovering kindred spirits at the experimental Zoomin’ Nights events, once held at the late livehouses D-22 and XP. Through those connections, the band has formed a tight bond with P.K. 14 frontman Yang Haisong. While Yang was only on production duty for the four albums Alpine Decline has previously recorded in China, he now joins the group on Life’s A Gasp! as their bassist.

The disc ditches the tape-machine experimentation and psychedelic blues of 2014’s Go Big Shadow City in favor of a more live energy, synth-led sound, and the band fully embrace their Eurorack modular synth system (for music tech enthusiasts, this is a type of synthesizer that creates different sounds by physically connecting patch chords to its separate specialized modules).

While synthesizers have always been part of the group’s musical DNA, Zeitlin admits that “the process of overdubbing layer

Modular synths let us do all the layers on an album in one live studio take. It’s a setup that is more like a performance on an instrument than some esoteric recording art

after layer of synthesizers in the studio is decidedly unmagical.”

“Modular synths let us do all the layers on an album in one live studio take,” he explains. “It’s a setup that is more like a performance on an instrument than some esoteric recording art.

“We wanted to record all the ‘rock instruments’ live before adding the surrounding modular superstructure. That combination gave us a unique opportunity to use a live approach to recording while still giving the album an intensely textured landscape. It’s the sound of three very live, warm human bodies beset by very alien, mechanical forces.”

To show off both sides of the album, Alpine Decline will be touring the nation as a trio, stopping in the PRD in mid June. In select cities (including Guangzhou on June 17) they will also perform a special modular synth show, before heading to North America in October.

“It’s almost impossible to perfectly recreate sounds on the modular, which makes it more exciting to play live,” Zeitlin says.

“When you see people playing guitar and drums while singing songs, you are able to contextualize what they are doing. When we play modular shows, it may take people longer to classify what we are doing and put it in a box. They may even begin to question the experience itself and whether we are making music or doing something else all together.” gZ: (modular show) Fri jun 17, 8.30pm; Rmb40. 191 Space, 191 guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District 越秀区广州大道中 191号 (8737 9375); (live show) Sat jun 18, 8pm; Rmb60 presale, Rmb80 at the door (also at 191 Space); SZ: (live show) Sun jun 19, 8.30pm; Rmb60 presale, Rmb80 at the door. b10 Live, north side of bldg c2, north District, oct Loft, nanshan District 南山 区华侨城创意文化园北区c2栋北侧b10现场 (8633 7602) Life’s a gasp! is available at downloads.maybemars.org.

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a r Tt S AR s | MU f m euaS stIC iu cre

OLD DOGS,

D a l i a n P o s t- R o c k e r s W a n g W e n A r e n ’ t D o n e Y e t

NEW TRICKS

Having spent over 16 years at the heart of China’s post-rock scene, Wang Wen could be excused for resting on their laurels. But the Dalian group have turned over a dark new leaf on their upcoming ninth album.

“Trying new things creatively is the most important way to keep excited,” explains guitarist Xie Yugang. “If we keep going down the same roads, we’ll get bored and feel like we’re rotting.”

Recorded at Dalian Grand Theater and produced by brothers Wouter and Lode Vlaeminck (of the Belgian indie group Toman), Sweet Home, Go! represents a new chapter for Wang Wen. “Eight Horses [released last year] was simpler and a little clearer. With this new album we’ve woven in more emotions and have gotten more ideas from a lot of atmospheric music,” Xie says, citing disparate influences from Brian Eno to Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

“There’s more of an emphasis on atmosphere. It’s pretty dark, although there is some light. Since the studio was in a theater, we used that space to create a lot of interesting reverb effects. We also added violin and cello to the mix, which has created some interesting sounds.”

The album will be accompanied by a 19-city tour that stops off at B10 Live in Shenzhen on June 10. Plans are underway to add more dates later in the year, after a summer break for the birth of drummer Zhou Lianjiang’s child.

“We want to play every province in China,” Xie says. “There are many cities that we haven’t performed in like Qingdao, Jinan and Zhuhai. What’s really interesting is that the tour begins with our first live gig in Shijiazhuang. We recorded our first album in Shijiazhuang 14 years ago, so it feels like a return home.”

It’s been an impressively enduring career for the group, which initially formed in 1999 around Xie and fellow guitarist Geng Xin’s shared love of the Smashing Pumpkins. Over the years, Wang Wen evolved from alternative rock wannabes to mainland indie institutions. Standout discs like 2007’s RE: RE: RE: showcase the group’s unique take on post-rock, which incorporates traditional melodies and sounds. As one of the first indie groups to tour China, they’ve since shared the stage with genre giants like Mogwai and Mono.

Their notoriety is spreading outside China. Last summer, the band completed their second European tour – an 11-city trip that included a main stage performance at the Dunk Festival in Zottegem, Belgium.

“We were very happy,” Xie says. “Since we’re an instrumental band, there’s no language barrier. The audiences were really supportive and by the end of the tour, we had sold out of T-shirts and records.”

Formerly a shipyard worker, Xie now runs the popular Echo Book Store, which serves as a cultural hot spot in Dalian.

Resolutely committed to their hometown, Wang Wen have organized three editions of the Dansheng Music Festival, showcasing homegrown bands.

“As far as I can tell, it hasn’t really affected the local music scene, which is frustrating,” he sighs. “But it’s not easy to change things. As long as we have the energy and ability to organize these festivals, we’ll keep doing them.”

He giddily plugs upcoming discs from Dalian groups DOC, ERG and Park Which but seems abashed at the fact that younger acts like Hiperson and Stolen have cited Wang Wen as a model to follow.

“Young bands now are more professional and developed musically so they don’t need much advice,” he says. “As long as they live in accordance with their ideas, then they will be good. We’re particularly fond of Hiperson and Stolen, who strongly live up to that principle of being true to themselves.” > gZ: thu jun 9, 9-10.30pm; Rmb100 presale, Rmb150 at the door. Fei Livehouse, b4-01/02, Redtory, 128 Yuancun Si henglu, tianhe District 天河区员村四横路128号红专厂创意园飞 Livehouse (189 0227 6904); SZ: Fri jun 10, 9pm; Rmb100 presale, Rmb150 at the door. b10 Live, north side of bldg c2, north District, oct Loft, nanshan District 南山区华侨城创意文化园北区c2栋北侧b10现场 (8633 7602)

by A n d r e w C h i n

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book | arts

When True Love Came to China

A Modern History of Romance

BY Aelred Doyle

W

hat do the Chinese talk about when they talk about love?

That’s the ambitious question the great cultural explainer Lynn Pan addresses in this fascinating study, whose lightness of touch belies impressive research.

There was a clear moment in 20th century China when impatience for reform coalesced – the May Fourth Movement, springing from fury that, after greatly contributing to victory in the First World War, the nation was humiliated by the Treaty of Versailles, with German concessions in Shandong handed over to Japan rather than returned to China.

On May 4, 1919, in Beijing, students and intellectuals rose up in protest at the government’s weak response. The movement became in part a push for more liberal values, to revive China and make it strong again by learning from Western ideas. And one of these ideas was love.

“What were they talking about when they talked about love? They were thinking and talking about a liberation from the dark tyranny of ‘feudal’ matchmaking, about free will and individualism and self-determination.

“They were condemning inequality and sexual double standards, how unfair it was to demand chastity and constancy of women while tolerating male philandering and polygamy.

They were talking about the New Woman and clamoring for a release from Confucian prudery. They were rejecting sanctimoniousness and hypocrisy and calling for a new and superior morality based on love.”

Of course, this is more about clarifying what love should not be. Vigorous debate on what it actually meant ensued in periodicals and letters, while Western films and books circulated freely. For a while, China had among the most liberal divorce laws in the world, with no-fault divorce available when countries like France still didn’t have it.

Classical literature about love was judged harshly “as being either pornographic or formulaic. The first kind has lovers giving in readily to consuming passion and clandestine sex; while the second, the so-called ‘scholarbeauty’ romance, pairs a talented scholar with a chaste and clever maiden... love is often at first sight and unmarried lovers frequently fall

Eileen Chang, the most modern of Chinese prose stylists, wrote with ironic detachment from matters of the heart, but professed herself helpless when she fell for a notorious traitor who worked for the puppet regime in Nanjing during Japanese occupation.

Even the word used for love had to be decided. “When airplanes, corporations, highrise buildings and other modern things were introduced to China from the West, Chinese names had to be coined for them. The same goes for peculiarly Western notions.”

Language had to move from the classical si – ‘longing’ – and hao se – roughly, ‘lust’ – through qing – closer to ‘sentiment’ or ‘feeling’ – until the classical word ai, compounded as lianai, was repurposed to take on the meaning of love in the modern sense.

This kind of questioning of basic concepts was new and intoxicating, though Pan is not sure that a successful synthesis of this Western concept with Chinese culture has been achieved, even now.

“Westerners are quick to say what love is and what it is not... they are quick to analyze it too; there is hardly a book on the subject that does not speak of kinds of love. Such concerns became a new frame in which the Chinese learned to place their feelings. Today the Chinese who try to make sense of their feelings in terms of it do so with little grasp that it is a cultural construct, not objective reality but merely one way... of carving up the semantic domain of ‘love.’”

Modern China can seem determined to import the worst of Western culture while carefully filtering out the valuable aspects. Love in the Western tradition evokes a duality of body and soul – then an unknown concept in China – and a separation of love and sex, as well as the idea that the purity of true love brought one closer to god.

It seems a pity to put away outmoded and often cruel concepts of obedience and entrenched sexism, only to adapt new superstitions around sex and love, and this debate has yet to resolve itself.

This is a superb work of scholarship, and fascinating throughout. We lovingly recommend it.

They were condemning inequality and sexual double standards, how unfair it was to demand chastity and constancy of women while tolerating male philandering and polygamy ill from unassuaged longing.”

Pan looks at writers of the decades to follow, the people who influenced ideas about love the most. Their romantic experiences, and the way they inspired or bled into the work, is what she finds telling.

“There is love and ‘love.’ The former is what people actually experience (which it is impossible for another person to know), while the latter is what they say they experience.” And this demands people with the skill to express it.

The great Lu Xun, full of modern ideas but tricked into marrying an illiterate woman with bound feet, treated his wife with a level of disdain that is hard to read about even now.

Lynn Pan: when true Love came to china (hong Kong university Press) is available on amazon.

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cover story 38

Winners of the That’s PRD Writing Contest 2016

B

rea is thin o ap ing ne o g lif e s as age vi in f th int an it en is so vid s this e m o a b o d, ul rich met tory wor st c lank tes Th tima es ou hing sim ld. T halle she eth t in is Ma tely, r liv to b ply b he a ngin et o Riv nici year y, Th shap es, b e val y ar bilit g un f pap Th er D ties s, we at’s es o road ued rang y to dert er of e res elta and lcom PRD ur fu ens and ing w direc akwi qual pon to s occu ing held ture our celeb ord t a th ity se ub pa pa pe rsp rate s on tio rt its . re w m s ec d, PR Aft ader ubm as in it wr ns l icipa first tiv e Pa D he er se s on issio cred itten iving nts writ ste ddy ld a lect a m ns, a ible wo in t of al ing c i r F l of ppe ield live ng a ore p llow – w ks o he P age one ne a sup d on in G read han ers ing rec f an earl s, u o y nt i e d s jou port tage uang ng e ful o nal l s to ived gen to zho ven f fi eve con do re. wo He rna ive t ne zen pie rks re, w lists audi read u, w on nalis l. ct s en he Ma ts, t h tea ces from e’re . c r y e T e e i m. tha th thr an r w 17 14 hat t w at ’s d p or il b a We on nig led t an k a rave t The lou el un ht, o p ho so of iqu as pe re thr d in uls yo e p wel sen f e r ue t e rai l as th pr ont njo se e om yt fro four win ihe n a m ir ou ddit ing sto r i ed ona rie ito l s! ria l

Thank you to everyone who participated in our writing contest as well as the talented finalists who joined in our reading event (whose work is not featured here), including: Sean Bolster, Leon Durupt, Robyn Hemington, Rae Johnstone, Steven Lee, Marie Maxime, Liam Moriarty, David Salazar, Rose Spicher, Sonia Su and Nikki Wouters.

cover story

it was the mosquitoes that irritated her most, winning their supper from her old skin and empty blood

THINGS GO BY

painting by tre tennyson

I

n the morning the man would come to take her away.

Now, as the sun melted past the trees, her feeble eyes read the quiet room and found their bounty – the butternut bureau, stately but weatherworn, beneath a singular window. She gathered what remained within her and pulled her body from the bed, her withered muscles scraping the bone, her calloused feet feeling the cold, dusty wood on their bare skin, unassisted by caretakers or daughters, fighting to stand on their own for the first time in weeks. And then the coughs tore through her body, reminding her of the man coming in the morning, and filled her footsteps with disappointment.

The sweet odor of calamine lotion, rubbed first on her wrists and then her back after a morning of thirsty mosquitoes, stung her nostrils with irony.

With tumors having claimed her bones and her brain and the lining of her lungs, it was the mosquitoes that irritated her most, whining and winning their supper from her old skin and empty blood. She thought of them now as little emissaries, carrying the cancer from her body and out into the world, out above the ceiling fan, bit by bit, announcing to the empty air that even they have now claimed some part of who she was.

Yet when her daughters came with their fly swatters and traps, she sent them away, harboring a secret fear that if the mosquitoes, who were now possessed with little bits of her, were killed then she too would die completely. So she tolerated them but found herself irritated by the mosquitoes’ seeming indifference to their unique relationship.

After her daughters said the man would be coming, she planned her journey from the bed only when she knew they would be away, downstairs in

one of their secret rooms having hushed conversations about what to do with her.

She pushed her feet across the floor with pains twisting her knees, shaking her chest, dampening her face with tears, finding new discomforts in familiar steps. But pain would not dissuade her. “You’ve spent a lifetime not listening to your body,” her oldest daughter would tell her, and this moment, she reasoned, should be no different.

She had earned her years with a quiet confidence in her own decisions, decisions which had granted her more good than ill. It was the desperate act of living, after all, the confrontation every man must make against time, that drove her choices, that pressured her to identify things with which to fill her hours.

And she found many things, chief among them the gray taste of time itself, burned at the end and diminishing in a trail of smoke, taking with it her hours, her afternoons and her years. And when there was no more time to give, she gave her organs and her bones to that gray taste, until even they were no longer solvent.

With dusk coloring the room, she stumbled at last to the butternut bureau, fumbling her fingers to open the drawer, and rescued a yellowed pack of Parliaments from the forgotten dark. She tried moving again but tumbled to the floor, bogged in effort and sweat, and when the coughs shook her body, she turned them into laughs, shaking a single wilted cigarette from the pack, twisting it between her fingers, and holding it up, beyond the window, against the flame of the setting sun.

And she held it there for as long as she could, forgetting the man coming in the morning, and listening as the mosquitoes carried her into the air.

39

cover story 40

time, who gave you control of us?

TALKING IN OUR SLEEP

T

he whispers of Time keep echoing in my ears. Has too much Time passed me by?

Will the future ever look as endless as it once did? These whispers keep echoing, like a baby’s cry that cannot be satisfied or a lover’s heart that will not be mended in… Time.

When I think about all the faces I’ve seen, all the tears that have been wiped away, all the laughs that will be imitated on the street corners, bar stools, dance floors and bedrooms… these echoes someone turn to screams.

How can you not hear it begging for forward motion? Always forward. Finish it now, the deadline was yesterday, where’s the ring, when’s the baby coming, when will you retire? I know you hear this agonizing repercussion from day to day, month to month, year to year, decade to decade… generation to generation.

Time, who gave you control of us? All the keys to locked doors, all the revelations revealed only a little too late, even all the joy appreciated after the moment has passed. Who told you what our limitations were, Time?

The millions – rather billions – that have gone before us all snared by Time and yet we still don’t know why. We’re no closer to understanding how to stop it, slow it down or even reverse it. It is the master and we are the slaves; it is the director, the audience, the puppeteer and we are simply on stage. It has the upper hand and we are forced to

put all our chips in.

Rather, as we are forced to think again, could it be all so simple. As Time moves on dragging us with it, could we now finally see the moments?

After all, we’re only human, what are we to Time?

Not even a blink of an eye in all of the eternity Time has seen or has yet to see. But for a moment, as small as we all are to Time, we can stand eye-toeye, toe-to-toe, breath-to-breath…

It feels as though it stops around us. The forward motion cannot be kept moving if we refuse, just for an instant, to recognize its power.

When your child cries at 3am and you drag yourself out of the bed, don’t rush forward in anger with Time – pause, see and be. For Time will steal these moments from you and you will wish they would come again.

When your heart breaks after you’ve loved more than you ever thought possible and the pain burns your soul, don’t stop yourself from crying.

Pause, see and be.

When you’re in love, don’t rush into that kiss for Time will never take you back. Pause, see and be.

In that instant where Time has no power, we are the masters with the keys watching and changing the script to the play. For you are a human BE-ing, so be.

But what do I know. I’m just talking in my sleep.

cover story 41

MY LOT, MY LORD S

he sat on the subway, menstruating and wondering when she would finally get to her destination. Her destination was now three stops away, and the next stop would make it four. She had knowingly missed her stop, immobilized to her seat by the blood that had soaked up her tampon, flooded past her panty liner and cotton underwear and leaked onto her dress.

Paranoia gripped her, as she imagined the blood seeping onto the seat and leaving a red indelible mark should she – God forbid – stand up and leave her seat.

She could not stand up, paralyzed by the shame of allowing something as personal as menstrual blood come into contact with a public transportation surface. She wallowed in guilt, feeling irresponsible for not having the foresight to know that she had to change her tampon more than four times today. Today was Day Two, which usually did not warrant more than three tampon changes, and yet here she was, on Day Two with a bloodstained dress.

She should not have sat down, she concluded after some thought. If she had braved both the backache and swollen feet that came with her period, and had chosen to stand instead of sitting down, she would not be in this predicament. But sit she had and now sit on she did, silently praying that she would bleed to death in her seat. Death by menstrual hemorrhage would be more honorable than experiencing the humiliation of strangers witnessing the huge map of Arkansas that had sketched itself over the back of her skirt in red ink.

Now past its seating capacity, the cabin had several standing passengers. An old woman leaned against a pole, inciting pangs of sympathy riddled

with embarrassment. On an ordinary day, she would have offered her her seat. But today was far from ordinary. Today was Day Two gone wrong, and even China’s elderly were being affected by the ripples of the initial shock.

She thought back to how empowered she usually felt on her period. She took exceptional pride in the fact that she could wear a bandage-tight dress, walk in heels and be a productive member of society, all while bleeding through the most sensitive part of her body. She loved the fact that her body could bleed without being hurt. And that bleeding was a sign that she was well and alive.

No man could do that. Period. And she derived an unmistakable feminist kick from it, because she secretly believed that menstruation was a mark of female invincibility and super- humanity. Her period always came on time, and like a good guest, it amiably checked out three days later. It did not bring undue drama with it – just the usual bloating here, swollen feet there, as well as the backache, pimples and inexplicable fatigue.

But now, here she sat, pensively gaining miles in the opposite direction of home, feeling smaller and smaller as the distance between her and home became larger. The period, which usually made her feel invincible, had humbled her, and had leveled her to a timid, self-conscious woman who associated shame with menstruation.

The thunderstorm in her womb raged on, colored by brief lightning pangs of menstrual cramps and the heavy showers of blood noiselessly hitting her underwear.

“This is my lot, my Lord,” she whispered to nobody in particular.

Tomorrow, she would do better.

here she sat, pensively gaining miles in the opposite direction of home

cover story 42

no one really looks at anyone except they all look at you

THE SWELL

Photo by christian saavedrau

I

t’s 6pm. Metro Line 3. The orange one. You are packed in with the rest of them. Faces look similar, though not identical, and they look at you, baffled. It's 90 degrees and there’s air conditioning, but with all the people pouring down the stairs your sweat has its own sweat. You are saturated with this place, these people, these smells, copulating violently.

There are clearly marked areas for people to line up, but lines don’t exist here. It’s all queues and crowding. This ebb and flow, ebb and shove.

It’s like being in the Atlantic in August. Your skin is wrinkled, but you’re still sweating and you’re jumping waves, being towed, pulled, dragged, carried with the current and the rip tide is strong.

Then you see it has formed – the mass, the wave – and there’s no time to navigate.

The metro arrives, the doors open. People push shoulder first, elbows bent, heads down. There’s no break, just one mass gathering. It crashes on the precipice of those sliding doors. You are pushed in several directions. Your feet don’t touch the ground; tip toes skimming, feet on top and underneath your soles as you are thrust into the car like clothing into an overstuffed suitcase.

You are the tallest person on the metro and everyone continues to push – slowly, steadily.

This madness. No one else can fit, but they all keep moving – collectivist culture – and they smile innocuously like toddlers taking toys from each other. Not a word is spoken. It is quiet, mostly, other than small children babbling or the fullness

of still bodies pressed together. The doors close, the train goes.

All the heads sway, bodies leaning and tilting, zigzagging cars and cars in a tunnel you will never see the inside of except for its blur from the inside of the metro car, and you can trace the slinking shape of the line as you look down. This is a long train.

A small woman, with gray-rooted hair and a pink shirt is standing in front of you. You realize she is standing on you. The face of your hips cradle her rear. You are spooning her. Not a word is spoken. It is quiet, mostly, other than small children babbling or the fullness of still bodies pressed together. The train stops, one or two people get off; another wave crashes. The mass swells. The doors close. The train goes.

No one really looks at anyone except they all look at you. Your brain wants you to think the looks are awful, wants you to scowl, but you know they are in awe of you and you are in awe of this life, this place, your feet on this ground.

You look up. Breathe. Pupils flash like cameras.

How many flashes can you collect? You smile at the insanity of it all because you are amazed by the mass, the collection in this car, moving at light speed. What’s crazy is that each day, every time you get on the metro, it becomes less and less strange and you think about the time to come and you can’t fathom it. That thought doesn’t even stick in your brain because time moves differently here. It’s not the same and you are not the same.

cover story 43

BROWNIE TOWNIE

Brownie townie catch up drowning China’s masses head to town in Droves of people, clouds of smoke And Buddha grins at Heaven’s joke A city sinks An ocean rises Malthus’ burdened boat capsizes Selfish shellfish fight for scraps That rain like blood when heaven claps A harlot swimming through the surf Hides treasure underneath her skirt But no one noticed, no one paid her Homely lonely no one laid her Conflicts solved With no one left The cause absolved Ideas bereft The last tree falls and no one hears it Rocket launches, no one fears it Flags upon the lunar surface Rue mankind his final forfeits Laws are followed or ignored But either way the only Lord Looks bored and tired, nothing on.

The show is off, the actors gone.

He sighs. He scratches, almost coughs And finally turns the TV off A bit of time was spent and wasted Life was seen but wasn’t tasted So it passes, so it turns The clock keeps ticking, candle burns And finally when the boredom stifles So His spirit spirals, rifles Once again His essence moves Across the surface and approves The quick division Dark from Light Sky from Ocean Day from Night So it starts, the watch in motion Builds momentum, locomotion.

Back He sits to watch another Naked, apple Murdered brother Then quietly, a little bored: I think I’ve seen this one before.

Steven Grunthal Editor’s Choice Winner Shenzhen

conflicts solved with no one left the cause absolved ideas bereft

cover story

Stacy Bruce Editor’s Choice Winner Shenzhen

A

a symphony of smells enveloped her nostrils with each turn

s she stepped into the medina on that scorching hot day, she was greeted by a never-ending cloud of sawdust. She coughed and spluttered, and reluctantly ventured forth behind her driver as he roared with laughter.

There were eyes watching her every step, and she quickened her pace to keep up whilst trying to avoid the divots and excrement that coated the winding streets.

She stopped sporadically to allow donkeys or men with fruit carts to pass, and each time fell further and further behind her driver, who was carelessly swinging her bag to and fro and whistling a tune she did not recognize.

Tiny shops lined the narrow alley ways, barely large enough for three people yet filled to the brim with strips of leather, wood chips or colorful silk bags and scarves. Their work spilled out onto the street, with women donning headscarves selling hair accessories or jewelry, and men in robes selling dried fruits and nuts.

A symphony of smells enveloped her nostrils with each turn – smells of mint, of fresh fruit, of excrement and sawdust. Smells of herbs and spices, then leather tanneries and sweat; smells she had never experienced all at once.

She was stopped suddenly as a man emerged from a side alley with his donkey carrying a load of wood. He looked her up and down, licked his lips and muttered something under his breath. She pulled her scarf tighter around her shoulders, and told him to carry on.

It was cool in the medina – they were sheltered from the sun by tarp that had been tied from shop

MINT AND SAWDUST

Photo by Daniel newcomer

44

front to shop front, or wooden beams that had been scantily erected. Her driver’s whistling was becoming harder and harder to hear, as music blared from each shop front.

Suddenly a loud voice filled the entire city – a voice singing a strange tune, almost like a prayer. It was so loud that Athena had to hold her hands over her ears. She noticed the busy alleys had suddenly gone quiet so that there were only a few people left out on the road. People had pulled out small carpets or rugs, and were bowing up and down, and going from a standing position to kneeling and then back up again. She watched with curiosity, until she felt a hand seize her arm and pull her along the road. “It’s the call to prayer,” said the driver and he rushed her along the now quiet road.

They turned down a lane even narrower than she thought possible, and she tread carefully behind the driver to avoid the urine and excrement that the donkeys had generously left in their wake.

Her feet would catch the uneven paving now and then, and with each stumble she came closer and closer to falling in something sinister.

Finally, they came to a halt in front of a large mahogany door with stained glass down the middle, which looked very out of place down the dark and dirty lane. A young girl with wide, round eyes swung open the door and beckoned them inside.

They climbed up four flights of a narrow staircase and emerged into the bright daylight of the rooftop.

“This is where you will live, Miss Athena,” said the girl brightly. “Welcome to Morocco”.

She took a deep breath in and scanned the colorful, broken rooftops of Fes. She had never seen a sky so blue. This was home, at last.

cover story 45

mixed media piece by keven brennan

CHARIOT

Tom Thorogood Editor’s Choice Winner Guangzhou

B

alanced stately on the thread-worn polyester armchair, provincial drug star Nazi was massaging the lump of squidgy black hash into the shape of a fuselage. It was a delicate, meditative task. His focus was now and then broken by the grammar school boys who shuffled in politely through the doorless frame (tenderly brushing aside the hanging Shiva throw that Evil Dave had taped there after his monthlong tour of Goa’s psytrance scene) and awkwardly greeted him as ‘Nartzi.’

He would break off part of the nose or swept wing, baggy up, take their twenty-pound notes and then begin repairs. The squat was quiet, the other residents lost to the autumn night (Cherry had spiked Acid Bob for his birthday and he’d last been seen filling empty Red Stripe tins with canal water), and Nazi was able to shape his aircraft in peace.

It was a Hawker Hunter T7. He’d first seen one fly at the airshow in Farnborough that his grandfather had taken him to. Grandad, one of those working class heroes of the Battle of Britain so willfully misrepresented by cinema, had hoisted him up onto his shoulders as the jet swooped low and buzzed the heads of the awestruck crowd and little Nazi.

The Hunters were all grounded now after one had smashed into the A27 and taken 11 souls with it, but the elegant spirit was alive in the warmth of Nazi’s hands as he molded the yielding black clay into a sleek tailfin.

Two classics students, Graham and Piers, perched on the chaise longue and nervously sifted through their pocket money while Nazi prepared their order. Piers stared at the wall behind him and absently wondered what the ‘Operation Pigeonfuck’ graffiti was in reference to. In truth, it was Nazi and Bob’s own effort towards the anarchist revolution, the Midlands’ answer to Project Mayhem. Bob’s interest seemed to have petered out since Cherry had moved in, but Nazi still carried the torch. Every night, before bedding down in his military sleeping bag, he would spray himself in the face with the CS gas he had bought from Amazon; his end goal was to one day be able to ‘spit it back at the cops.’ He would squint into the mirror, and a wheezing, mucous Che would stare back.

A marker pen pigeon, complete with breasts, a spliff and clipped wings, surveyed the ruined living room from high on the wallpaper. Piers studied it as he smoked a tribute joint with his dealer, concluding that through the haze of blue smoke, it looked a little like the goddess Nike. Her chariot soared through his mind.

Nazi looked down at his plane, remembered his grandfather, and imagined how he must have felt on VE Day. There was a quiet, English sense of triumph in the squat that remained long after the boys returned to their family homes, a spell of satisfaction only broken by the return of Acid Bob, pupils dilated wildly, swigging from a tin of Red Stripe.

through the haze of blue smoke, it looked like the goddess Nike

cover story 46

E

hissing, the snake lifted its head inches from my face and fanned out its hood

veryone has experienced it. Adrenalin hits your system like dynamite, shattering your perception of time. As I watched the king cobra sprawl 10 feet in the air, time seemed to stop altogether. A mere second stretched into a frenzied inner dialogue. Where do I run? Do they have a venom kit? Am I going to die? Coiling in slow motion, the cobra made its gradual decent towards me.

Like every other backpacker in Vietnam, I flew half the world away to escape the mundane – to dance with danger and hurl myself into the unknown. Bypassing the hordes of organized tours, I arrived in Vietnam with dreams of snake blood and severed hearts. I had heard whispers of drinking snake blood through the traveler’s grapevine and today was my day.

There is a small, little-known village outside Hanoi that has an eatery serving only snake. The establishment is a handful of open bungalows, which hover over a marshy bayou. Each bungalow hosts a different gruesome dinner party. It's the perfect mixture of creepy and charming.

I suspected this was just another tourist trap.

However, all suspicions drained away as I realized the only others around us were local men from the village. All of them highly intoxicated on snake wine, which is more like whiskey, and taking turns shooting blood. Their cozy bungalow was a wash of smoke and laughter billowing out onto the bayou. It was strangely comforting.

When you arrive, you choose a snake. They ranged everywhere from common grass snake to the ‘King.’ Now, the king cobra is a little pricey, but hey, you're half a world away looking to experience something different. Are you really going to gear down and choose the grass snake?

DINNER WITH THE KING

Courtney Breckman Editor’s Choice Winner Guangzhou

Hell no.

We chose the baddest cobra we could find, which brings us back to our airborne serpent.

Our ‘snake handler,’ who, in reality, was a somewhat deranged country boy, helped us choose our snake. He took one from its enclosure and motioned me to grab it by the tail end. Now I'm no expert, but I’m savvy enough to know if you hold a 5-foot snake by its tail, you're bound to get some fang. I figured it must have been safe though, why would our handler deliberately put me in danger? After a moment’s hesitation, I grabbed the snake by the tail end. That's when our snake handler, i.e. Satan’s Disciple, decided to harass it with a stick. Hissing, the snake lifted its head inches from my face and fanned out its hood. It. Was. A. Cobra.

Panicked, I flung the hissing mess 10 feet into the air, contemplating imminent death. Meanwhile, by some miracle, Satan's Disciple caught the cobra with ease, secured its jaws and was walking to our table before I could even think to move. He was bellowing with laughter and I wasn't even mad. It was my own fault for trusting an overzealous bayou boy.

When I reached our bungalow, Satan's Disciple was hard at work gutting my cobra and emptying blood into our shot glasses. He then severed the cobra’s heart and put it on an elegant plate in the middle of our table. It looked sickly ironic, beating away on such elaborate dinnerware.

Time passed and the heart was still stubbornly beating away as if unaware it had been detached. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I swallowed it whole.

What an incredible rush.

Satan's Disciple then whisked our cobra away to be cooked into a plethora of exotic dishes. All of it was delicious, and before you ask, yes – it tasted just like chicken.

cover story

47

LIVE READING PARTY

C ommu n i t y | F e a t u r e

UNDERDOGS WITH A BITE

Hopeful Fans Gear Up For Euro 2016 by matt horn

ALBANIA

The 5000-1 success of English Premier League champions Leicester City last month made headlines around the world. The message was: if Leicester can, anyone can.

So there is an added sense of excitement among football fans in the PRD this June as we prepare for the late nights and early mornings spent following the action from France in the Euro 2016 Championship.

When now disgraced UEFA president Michel Platini decided to expand the finals from 16 to 24 countries, he was widely condemned for distilling the quality of the competition. But after an exciting group stage campaign, we now have six groups of four, including two newcomers at this level, as well as a number who have been absent for a while.

It was 24 years ago that Denmark’s players left the beach to replace war-torn Yugoslavia and be crowned champions. And 12 years later, Greece bored their way to a shock victory over host nation Portugal. So what are the odds of another ‘minnow’ nation turning the formbook on its head another 12 years on?

That’s PRD has scoured the region and unearthed six fans dreaming of popping Champagne corks and stunning the football world next month.

Albano Dusha, 29, has lived in China for 10 years. He’s been a fan ever since beating the then-Euro champions, Greece, in 2004.

“I was shocked when we beat Portugal 1-0 in qualifying but that made me think we could make it. I’m particularly excited about our first match because it is with Switzerland and six of their main players are Albanians. I also hope we can beat hosts France again!

“Our main man is captain Cana, who gives lots of confidence to the players and they all respect him. I just hope we can get out of the group as it is our first finals.”

AUSTRIA

HUNGARY

Sean Maj, of Rebel Rebel and Hooley’s fame, has been here for 18 years. He has always supported Hungary through his family connections – unless they were playing Canada or Ireland, his other loves.

“It’s been 30 years since we qualified for any major tournament, so even though we have a decent side, it is still somewhat surprising. I’m looking forward to meeting my partners in Rebel Rebel to watch England lose. Don't tell them I said that!

“I am also looking for great things from star player and skipper Balazs Dzsudzsak. Another man to watch out for is Laszlo Kleinheisler.”

4 8 | J u n e 2 0 1 6 | S Z | w w w.t h at s m a g s . c o m

David Nebehay, 32, has been working at the China Hotel, A Marriot Hotel, for nearly five years and is dreaming of another ‘wonder of Cordoba 78.’

“I was certainly surprised how well we qualified, but the more points we gained the more certain I became of planning a trip to France to support the team. Sadly, I could not get tickets for the group stage. I am going to have to cope with less sleep for my country – I can't sleep knowing they are playing.

“The coach has created a good team and they've played together for a long time. We have solid players like Alaba Bayern, Fuchs Leicester, Dragovic Kiev, Arnautovic Stoke and Wimmer Tottenham and are now FIFA ranked number 10. If Greece could win in 2004, why not Austria this year?”

WALES

ICELAND

Viking beer supplier Ben Omarsson, 41, has spent the last seven years in the PRD. He has supported his homeland since birth except for a “15-year break when we were absolutely horrible.

“I was very surprised to qualify from a group with Holland, Czech and Turkey.

We were one match away from making Brazil 2014, but this is the first time we have reached a major tournament.

“That is why every throw-in, every free kick and every corner will be celebrated.

I don't care about the results. This month football is my priority, watching my team while drinking Icelandic Viking beer.

“Gylfi Sigurdsson is the star man, a great attacking midfielder and free kick expert.

Arnor Ingvi Traustason could be our surprise packet. We can pull a Leicester on this!”

NORTHERN IRELAND

Gareth Jones, 32, will be watching in Shenzhen, his current home after seven years in the PRD. “Ever since I was old enough to kick a football, I have supported Wales. I am not surprised we qualified as this is probably the best squad we've had since I've been alive, including the Giggs and Rush era. It is great to be able to actually support my team, as opposed to picking a random country and listening to the ridiculous hype surrounding England's overinflated chances.

“Gareth Bale is an undisputed global star but I expect solid performances from the spine of the team in Wayne Hennesey, Ashley Williams and Joe Allen if we are to progress.

“If we get out of the group and into the quarterfinals I'd be satisfied – especially if we dump England out in the group stages!

Belfast-born Paul Corr works at the British School Guangzhou, and has been here six years.

“I’ve been a fan since 1982, when a 4-1 defeat by Platini’s France stopped us from progressing to the World Cup semi-finals in the year we beat hosts Spain 1-0 with Gerry Armstrong’s goal. Everyone ran out of their houses to celebrate. Brilliant!

“I knew we had a decent team and good spirit but was surprised we won our group. Our population is less than 1.5 million so any sporting success on a large stage causes a double take.

“Keep an eye on midfielder Steven Davis. We will be taking one Goliath at a time and you never know what we can achieve.”

WHERE TO WATCH THE PADDY FIELD

The Paddy Field first screened the Euros the year it opened, catching Greece’s triumph in 2004. The Huale Lu original remains a popular venue and Darren and Michelle urge you to forget about Brexit and cheer on your favorite teams while enjoying late-night menu promotions and giveaways.

Seek refuge in the wide selection of draft beers and gather round the big screens. Fans in Foshan can head to the branch there.

REBEL REBEL

June 16. The 3am games will be screened on a need-to-watch basis. With enough interest, it will be game on.

HOOLEY’S IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT

If you like your football with a side order of great music, head to Xingsheng Lu where the good people of Hooley’s will fill the gaps between games with live jams.

With Irish owner Sean Bolster in charge, get ready to enjoy the craic during The Emerald Isle’s games.

Part English-owned, a new TV has already been installed for kick-off and coTHE TAVERN owner James O’Dowd is good to go. Punters Take your pick of venues in Panyu, are geared up for the ‘Battle of Britain,’ when Shenzhen and Zhujiang for the chance to England takes on Wales at 9pm on Thursday, brush up your pool skills in-between the big

match action. With an extensive menu and a wide range of drinks, you can’t go wrong.

ONE FOR THE ROAD

Dongguan’s stand-out sports bar is ready to welcome football fans and can offer President Xi’s favorite pint: Greene King.

Visitors to British Day can vouch for the quality of the beer, and games here will be shown on demand.

McCAWLEY'S IRISH PUB

Be it Shenzhen or Guangzhou, the big screens, tasty food and lively atmosphere of McCawley's offer a winning combination.

You might catch ‘neutral’ Aussie fans here, no doubt cheering on ABE – anyone but England! w w w.t h at s m a g s . c o m | S Z | J u n e 2 0 1 6 | 4 9

C ommu n i t y | Ed u c a t i o n

Hocus Locus

Why We’re Hooked on Horoscopes

by Lena Gidwani

W

henever I pick up a newspaper, I’m drawn to the horoscopes page. It’s just a bit of fun, I tell myself, justifying this harmless pastime while I read how the sun is bursting through Taurus and my fifth house of lust and self-expression. How spookily accurate!

Deep down, my intellectual, sophisticated and sometimes even logical side tells me there is no such thing as fate, that my destiny is completely in my hands, and that my future is as likely to be written in the stars as it is to appear on a banner attached to the tail of an airplane. Simply put, it’s all a pile of nonsensical, grown-up fairy tales that apparently applies to the millions of people born on the same day or period of time.

Yet why am I, like so many others, so seduced by my horoscope? Why do I feel an entirely irrational surge of optimism when I read that Saturn is back in my sign, which should make me gutsier and more successful in the third quarter of 2016? Is it because I’m female, as we are statistically proven to believe more in this junk?

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There is, seasoned psychologists tell us, a reason for this. This temptation (and human tendency) to apply vague, general and favorable statements as representative of ourselves or of our personal situations is called the Barnum effect. The term was coined after American circus performer, businessman and infamous hoaxer P.T Barnum’s famous line: “We’ve got something for everyone.”

For example, your daily prediction may say, “If you are going through some changes in your life right now, surround yourself with people and things that make you feel happy.”

If you read that and instinctively breathed a sigh of relief because you’re in desperate need for a boozy dinner with friends after a very long month of late nights and a nagging boss at work, then you'll probably WeChat them immediately and make reservations, but only because your horoscope confirmed your bias.

Simply put, the vagueness of these predictions amplify subconscious desires and encourage you to consider them without questioning, which makes them great for discovering what you actually want and calming

your anxieties. Genius, isn’t it?

Even more genius is what is connected to the Barnum effect: our locus of control.

This term is a common one psychologists use for people that are dealing with challenges or issues in their daily lives. If you believe you can control the outcome and influence your situation, you have an internal locus of control. If you think you have no control over the situation and that your fate is entirely out of your hands, you have an external locus of control.

Let’s illustrate this in layman terms.

You know you are up for a promotion and to clinch it, all you need to do for the next month is put in 70-hour weeks and schmooze till your eyeballs fall out – that is, you have an internal locus of control. But if you’re looking for love or marriage… well, you get the point. It’s all in the stars.

I am completely aware that I should probably close the window on my horoscope addiction forever. After all, we all know it’s a complete racket. But it’s hard to break a habit. Especially when astrology.com says I’m a cautious, button-down stiff who doesn’t like change.

h e a l t h | C ommu n i t y

Is ‘Yellow Fever’ Racist?

Exploring the Forces of Cross-Cultural Attraction

by Dr. Al Chambers

I

t is no secret that more foreign men are in relationships with Asian women, both in China and in other countries, than the other way around. This phenomenon of men being attracted to Asian women has been, for better or worse, dubbed ‘yellow fever’ for the past many decades.

The intricacies of ‘yellow fever’ are easy to search for online, where many articles, mostly written by Asian women, disparage such an idea as objectifying and racist. I will argue here that yes, it is objectifying (in a good way) and no, it is not racist – although we don’t know what goes on in everybody’s mind.

If we can first overcome reactions to the idea of assigning a color to people then we can talk about this attraction for what it is, where it comes from, what it means, and why it has such an admittedly objectifying label.

Yellow fever, brown fever, breast fever, leg fever, leather fever, tie-me-up-and-spankme fever… it’s all the same; just some ideas that turn on some but not others.

Men, gay or straight, it is often cited, have a variety of sexual fetishes on a much different scale and strength than women, who tend to look at the ‘whole person’ rather than a few ‘parts.’ For example, while women may fantasize about some tall, handsome stranger, men may focus on the legs, lips etc. (yes, we are shallow).

The mental lives of humans are consciously experienced in the form of fantasies (stories, daydreams, self-talk) that arise

from deep within the unconscious inner world of our histories, experiences, learning, emotions, fears and whatever else may contribute to who we are. This energy, tied up in various packages, will reveal and express itself in our turn-ons and turn-offs.

This includes ‘excitement’ which arises from an inner tension created by an awareness of future expectations. We can say uncertainty creates excitement; certainty does not. Anticipation of pleasure, or danger, or the unknown, whether real or imagined, is great fuel for human stimulation – especially sexual excitement.

So where does ‘yellow fever’ come in to this equation? Well, for many men there are complicated inner tensions between wanting domination and wanting to be helpless. Many Western men have fantasies or idealizations of Asian women as mysterious, exotic, submissive, insatiable, vulnerable, or dominant, which have probably been the same since colonial times.

All of us can more easily project our fantasies onto someone unknown or mysterious rather than on someone who, for example, looks like our mother! In an attraction to ‘Asian women,’ like all other attractions, there is an objectification of the ‘stranger,’ which creates tension, excitement and desire.

Are stereotypes of other people true? No, probably not. Any man who marries an Asian woman will tell you that. Asian women, just like black, tattooed, muscular men or… (fill in your fantasy here), are ordinary people

and only special in the eye of the beholder.

But the fantasies, although not real, are still powerful.

‘Yellow fever’ is simply another fetish – an idea that can fuel romantic fantasies and sexual excitement. It is not a demeaning process any more than other kinds of sexual attraction. Is it a good term? Maybe not, but perhaps it is an accurate metaphor – at least to the many men I talk to with Asian wives and girlfriends.

The beginnings of relationships are usually exciting and highly charged. That part is easy. To move beyond that stage requires an adult perspective of curiosity and acceptance. We are all able to go past the initial fantasies and romances and learn to be attracted to and appreciate the ‘real person.’

If we have curiosity and acceptance we can learn to pay attention and recognize the other person for who they are (and not for who we wish they are), we can then establish a fulfilling, committed relationship.

Being open to new discoveries about our partners creates a different kind of excitement – the ‘fulfillment’ of knowing another person in all their ordinariness.

Perhaps this conclusion is anticlimactic, but it certainly allows for terms like ‘yellow fever’ or ‘white disorder’ to fade into a more positive notion: I love you for who you are! > Dr. al chambers is a psychologist and director of mental health services at united Family guangzhou clinic, 1/F, annex, Picc bldg, 301 guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District, guangzhou 广州市越秀区广州大道中301号人保大厦南塔副楼首层 (4008919191, emergency: 8620 8710 6060, www.ufh.com.cn)

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CITY SCENES The Sixth Edition of Malbec World Day in Guangzhou (Supported by )

On April 28, the Consulate General of Argentina in Guangzhou organized at the Canton Tower the sixth edition of the Malbec World Day, a worldwide initiative that seeks to position Malbec in the world and celebrate the success of the country’s wine industry. On this fantastic evening by the Pearl River, more than 1,200 attendees indulged themselves in luscious Argentine beef and seafood, as well as some of the most palatable wines that Argentina has to offer.

They were also introduced to the basics of tango in the dance workshop. The Guangzhou edition of the Malbec World Day was a part of hundreds of events held in 70 cities across 54 countries with support of Wines of Argentina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic.

2016 W.I.K Kidz with Heart Mini Olympics (Supported by

+

)

On April 23, Shekou became the stage for fun activities organized by Captivating International, a local charity organization. The Fifth Annual Mini Olympics saw 187 kids aged 5 to 11 compete in multiple Olympic-style events. More than 400 parents, 150 volunteers and local businesses supported the event, which brought hours of fun and excitement for guests.

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Mediterranean Breeze Dinner Party at Shark Sea World (Supported by

)

The guests at Mediterranean Breeze Dinner Party at Shark Sea World were invited to enjoy a 7-course meal including a selection of seafood delicacies, a free flow of drinks and complimentary canapes. Both sessions at 6.30pm and 8.30pm were quickly filled in. The evening concluded with a lucky draw, and winners walked away with cash vouchers and bottles of champagne.

That’s PRD Live Reading Party After weeks of collecting inspiring pieces from local writers, That’s PRD hosted a live reading party featuring finalists from the writing contest. On May 14, more than a dozen writers gathered at The Paddy Field in Guangzhou for a night of live readings, music and prizes, including wine from Summergate and Nogogo vouchers. Many traveled all the way from Shenzhen to spend two hours listening to the stories of fellow expats in the region. The occasion was a hit, with many attendees inquiring when the next That’s PRD interactive contest and reading event will be held. We hope to organize many more, so stay tuned!

The Fifth European Chamber Cup Football Tournament The Third Tomorrow Festival at B10 Live (Supported by

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)

The European Chamber successfully held its Fifth European Chamber Cup football tournament at SoccerWorld, Shekou in Shenzhen on April 23. The tournament culminated with the victory of Dezan Shira and Associates against Valeo in the final. The Top Scorer award went to Alessandro Mereu, No. 4 from the champion team Dezan Shira, for scoring 16 goals, while Long Donghai, No. 6 from the runner-up team Valeo, claimed the MVP award.

(Supported by

)

The Tomorrow Festival attracted a great number of Shenzhen’s music lovers with unique music styles last month. Beginning on May 11, the five-day event brought exciting live shows, exclusive lectures and a documentary screening. OCT-Loft, the organizer of Tomorrow Festival, invited musicians from different countries to Shenzhen, including Phew from Japan, and faUSt from Germany. Audiences enjoyed a fantastic early summer with the heat of Tomorrow Festival.

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PRD FOCUS T

he British School of Guangzhou welcomed Ms. Andrea Lee, celebrated cellist and music curriculum specialist with Juilliard Global Ventures, New York, to the school last month. A devoted teacher and performer, Ms. Lee invited students to participate in workshops tailored to help cultivate the talented young musicians.

O

n May 16, Woobar of the W Guangzhou successfully kicked off its first W Fashion Week. The occasion saw a runway show, live performances and intoxicating music. W Fashion Week is a five-day event that features a variety of local designers and musicians. The event provides insider access to the world of fashionistas.

G

T

he evening of May 27 saw some of Guangzhou’s most influential expatriate businesses, including SingleLifeDS, SO’O LK salons group and Groupe TWL, gather at the La Vie en Rose party, co-hosted by Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. Held in 8, Faubourg’s chic lounge bar, the party featured a fashion show with cutting-edge dresses and hip tuxes. Keep an eye out for the bash in 2017.

O

n May 3, the new visa application center for France, Germany and the Netherlands officially opened its doors in Shenzhen. TLScontact and their local partner CIIC handle over 170,000 visa applications per year for Chinese companies, individual travelers and traders traveling to France, Germany and the Netherlands. With the simplified visa application procedures, the aforementioned countries hope to welcome even more Chinese tourists. Around 40 percent of all visa applications received by the French, German and Dutch consulates last year came from applicants living in or around Shenzhen. The new visa center’s customer-oriented approach will offer a higher level of service to visa candidates in southern China.

NIS participated in its First Annual Sports Day tournament on April 22. Students from the early years all the way through secondary school participated in wacky relays, team handball, football, jianzi and more. An intense tug of war event concluded the memorable day, when Team Yellow emerged victorious with one last tug of the rope. The PTA graciously cooked and delivered a wonderful potluck lunch that saw more than 10 national dishes represented. With over 100 parents in attendance, the inaugural Sports Day was a true community effort and celebration that will undoubtedly continue for years to come. GNIS would like to thank everyone for their continued hard work and dedication.

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C

himelong Hotel won the TTG China Best Themed Hotel on April 7 for the eighth time. Held in Shanghai, the TTG China Travel Awards ceremony is the most prestigious and attractive annual event of the tourism industry in Greater China.

Guangzhou Chimelong Hotel is the first and only establishment to receive the Best Themed Hotel award for eight successive years, from 2009 to 2016.

I

n celebration of Europe Day, the European Chamber, along with the delegation of the European Union to China and the Consulate General of the Netherlands, hosted a seminar on customs enforcement of intellectual property in e-commerce last May. Speakers hailed from the European Union to China and the Legal Affairs Division of Guangzhou Customs.

Shenzhen reviews, events and information

The Great Yoga

Mandopop Star Yoga Lin in Shenzhen See p68

This month 56 58 59 62

What's On in June The Grapevine Home Cooking New Food and Drink

A monthly insert in June 2016

Calendar 69

Sun JunE 12

The Peony Pavilion

Shenzhen Poly Theater

in june

2016

what's on

JunE 18 sAT

68

68

JUNE 22 JunE 11 sat WED

Ali Live Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre

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Like A Bird by Escape Plan

Shenzhen Concert Hall

Yndi Halda B10 Live

68

june 6-19 daily

June 10 fri

A Touch of Vietnamese Cuisine The Langham, Shenzhen

Wang Wen

p70

Extraordinary Love and Romance by Shen Zhoulai Art

Brazzaville

p68

June 19 sun

Inout

p69

until June 19 daily

stand-up comedy workshop The Terrace Restaurant and Bar

p68

Until june 13 daily

june 12 sun

Brown Sugar Jar

B10 Live

No Favorite Color

p70

june 26 sun

MixC

ALL MONTH Daily

The Korea Idols Exit in A Cappella

Weekend Seafood Bazaar

Shenzhen Concert Hall

St. Regis Shenzhen

p68

p69

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grapevine

EAt/drink GOSSIP Can you feel the summer? In-between menacing clouds and flood warnings, we have approached the time of the year where the sun feels confident enough to show itself for the length of a whole day.

The city is ready to welcome the heat with new establishments for leisure and fitness. Two gyms are opening in Shekou: Fusion and a new branch of Total Fitness. Both (located side by side in typical Chinese fashion) promise to get you in shape with encouraging slogans. Or, alternatively,

you can find motivation by running (away) from the mobs of brightly clad girls and boys wielding gym flyers.

You won’t be strapped for postworkout meals, as Shenzhen has a fresh Japanese ramen joint in town, Victory One, as well as Fubar Brewery, which is sure to quench your thirst with a broad range of craft beers.

Doors, a Turkish restaurant, is opening another branch in Sea World this June. We’ll just have to wait and see whether it lives up to the legacy of the

American rock band.

For a high-tech morning pick-me-up, pay a visit to 3D Coffice (p64) for some strong brews and 3D printing.

Looking for a taste of home? Just Once Cereal Bar (p62) will serve you a bowl of your favorite cereal right

by Taoyuan Metro Station. If Lucky Charms suddenly feels more like dessert (now that you’re finally ‘grown up’), head next door for a substantial lunch at Le Poulet, Shenzhen’s very first rotisserie.

SIX OF THE BEST… summer PATIOS

Oggi

Located in one of Shekou’s most scenic spots, Oggi invites patrons on a true vacation with authentic Italian dishes and stunning views of Hong Kong.

> Shop 3, coastal Rose garden III, Jinshiji Lu, Shekou, nanshan district 南山区蛇口金世纪路 南海玫瑰园三期第三商铺 (2689 0118)

Lu Patisserie

Fancy a tea party in a secluded garden with an assortment of French desserts? Head to Lu Patisserie and relish an exquisite afternoon.

> Shop 1d, 5 Xiangshan dong Jie, oct Loft, South district, huaqiaocheng, nanshan district 南山区华侨城创意文化园南区香山东街5号 1d (8633 7123)

The Tavern Sports Bar

Watch a game, hang with friends and enjoy a true sports bar atmosphere on The Tavern’s outdoor terrace. > Shop 306, Sea world, taizi Lu, by wanghai Lu, nanshan district 南 山区太子路海上世界广场一期B区 306铺 (2669 1939)

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Pizzeria Alla Torre

Some restaurants don’t just give you a great dinner experience – they throw in a show as well!

Stop by Alla Torre for a front-row view of the fountain. > Shop B101-201, Sea world, 1128 wanghai Lu, by gongye er Lu, nanshan district 南山区 蛇口望海路1128号海上世界B区101-201商铺 (2685 1322)

Future One

Kick back on the rooftop of one of Shenzhen’s most futuristic bars! Sip on creative cocktails as you take in the breathtaking view. > no. 6 Lanying Fang, 3/F, oct harbour, 8 Baishi dong Lu, nanshan district 南山区 白石路东8号欢乐海岸购物中心3楼蓝楹 坊6号 (400 9939 911)

Idutang

This quaint terrace combines the best of Italian and Thai cuisines in the city’s main creative hub, OCT Loft.

> Bldg F3, oct Loft, engping Lu,

by Xiangshan dong Jie, nanshan district 南山区华侨城恩平路文 化创意园F3栋 (8610 6046)

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Tortilla Soup Hot Southern Adventure

By Natallia Slimani

I

f you think soup is merely an appetizer, this little devil of a dish may force you to reconsider. Made with fried corn tortilla pieces steeped in a flavorful, spicy broth, sopa de tortilla is a traditional Mexican soup that offers a perfect balance of smooth and

crunchy texture. Once mastered, it’s a real treat to serve at parties and dinners. So get your cooking gear ready, stock up on tortillas and hunt down Mexico’s notorious Guajillo chilies. Buen provecho!

Ingredients: 1 can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup and 1 tbsp canola oil 6 corn tortillas (6-inch) cut into 1/4-inch strips 2 dried Guajillo chilies (stems removed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces) 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 2 garlic cloves 6 cups chicken broth 1 cubed avocado 20 ml sour cream 50 grams anejo cheese Lime juice to taste Preparation: 1. In a blender, combine tomatoes and Guajillo chilies. Cover and process until smooth; set

aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat half a cup of oil over medium heat.

Add tortilla strips; cook and stir until golden brown and crisp.

3. Remove from the pan and dry with paper towels.

4. Drain, reserving two tablespoons of oil in skillet. Add Guajillo chilies; cook and stir for one minute or until lightly toasted. With a slotted spoon, remove and place on paper towels to drain.

5. In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Add tomato mixture; cook and stir over medium heat for 10 minutes or until very thick.

6. Add the broth; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in lime juice.

7. Ladle soup into bowls; top with tortilla strips. Sprinkle with Guajillo chilies. Garnish with avocado and lime if desired.

> this recipe is courtesy of chef Fernando Quiroz from tequila coyote's mexican Food & grill, 18 taizi Lu, by wanghai Lu, nanshan district 南山区太子路18号海上世界 (2683 6446)

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MUNCHIN’ ON BRUNCH

Where to Get Your Mid-Morning Fix

By Ziyi Yuan

Brunch: the only meal that sees incoherent, slightly nauseous diners with simultaneously ravenous appetites and a demand for anything from the cheesy and greasy to the light and nutritious.

It’s not easy to cover all the bases, but we’ve done our best here with a spread of the city’s finest brunch options. Enjoy!

Eggs Benedict Seafood Mania

Start your weekend fresh! Chef Mattias of Shark has prepared a delicious treat for lazy mornings. The brunch packs in pan-fried sole fillet, hash browns, eggs, yogurt and hearty rye bread. Pair this sumptuous selection with a glass of juice squeezed from imported oranges.

RMB158.

> Served on the weekends from 11.30am-2.30pm. Shark, Shop 133, Block B, coco Park, Fuhua Lu, Futian district 福田区福华路购物 公园B区133号 (8203 1999)

Enjoy a classic New York breakfast at The Kitchen and sink your teeth into an English muffin topped with poached eggs and ham in hollandaise sauce.

RMB75. > the kitchen Futian, Block B, coco Park, 138 mintian Lu, Futian district 福田区民田路138号购物公园酒吧街 (2531 3860)

Biscuits and Gravy This classic southern American dish combines split, soft-dough biscuits smothered in pork gravy with two fried eggs. It’s a substantial platter of comfort food and great for putting weekday woes behind you.

RMB41. > hh gourmet, Shop 43B, nanhai Rose garden II, gongyuan nan Lu, nanshan district 南山区公 园南路南海玫瑰园二期43B商铺 (2683 9259)

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Vegetarian Scramble

Prefer a meatless option? This veggie scramble is a generous serving of eggs, mushrooms, tomato, avocado and spinach paired with toast and rocket pesto and includes your choice of tea or coffee. RMB78.

> Served on the weekends from 11am to 3pm. mccawley's Irish Pub Futian, 1/F, Block B, coco Park, Fuhua Lu, Futian district 福田区福华三路购物公园B区1楼 (2531 3650)

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Just Once Cereal Bar

A Bowl Of Memories

By Natallia Slimani, Photos by Mike Jordan

W

hich food from home do you miss the most?

For Justin Yl Ong, it’s the bowl of crunchy cereal he used to enjoy every morning back in Singapore. After spending years reminiscing about colorful cereal boxes upon his move to Shenzhen, Justin has finally done the unthinkable: open the first breakfast bar in town.

Cozily nested in Once More Bakery, a 10-minute stroll from Taoyuan Metro Station, Just Once Cereal Bar looks and feels surreal. Entering the snug shop opposite a display of assorted breads and desserts feels like walking straight into Sunday morning.

Wall-to-wall shelves are lined with boxes of beloved childhood crisps, puffs and pebbles – so many in fact that we spend a good 10 minutes savoring the

shout-outs to our personal favorites. From the fun Lucky Charms all the way to exotic Korean and Japanese varieties, Just Once seems to have found a secret gateway to imported goodness – and it’s not all Hong Kong.

Lee says many of the cereals on display are sent to him by friends from all over the world. And before you ask, nope, you can’t buy them by the box here.

Cereal is not the only item Justin goes to great lengths to procure. Since local milk brands fail to meet his high nostalgic standards, he imports cereal’s best companion from one of Hong Kong’s oldest dairies: Kowloon Dairy.

First-time visitors to Just Once Cereal Bar may find themselves overwhelmed with choices, that is, until they discover they don’t need to pick just one. A very affordable RMB28 buys you a bowl of any combination of cereal. That’s right: you can mix and match as many boxes as you like and top your creation with raisins, nuts, sprinkles and any of the other fun embellishments on offer.

With Tom & Jerry cartoons playing nonstop on a tiny corner TV, you can pretty much see your childhood Sundays resurrected in real time. It’s like reliving those carefree mornings snuggled on the couch in footed pajamas, eyes glued to the screen with nothing but toys and box top collections on your mind.

Of course, you might think there’s a flaw in this scheme. After all, how can Justin possibly have enough customers if he only targets the breakfast crowd?

The surprising and equally pleasing answer is that Just Once is open from 7.30am to 11pm. Why? Well, as it turns out, spending the day eating cereal when you’re too lazy to cook (or as a delicious afternoon snack) is a pretty popular ‘secret’ Price: RMB28 for pastime. In fact, every member a bowl of our review team admitted to Who’s going: Lucky doing just that.

Charms fans, cereal lovers Good for: the perfect Sunday morning, breakfast, reminiscing > 1/F, tiansha Feicui mingzhu, 1 Jinji Lu, nanshan district 南山区金 鸡路1号田厦翡翠明珠一楼 (2640 0299)

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Tina’s Italian Restaurant An Ode to Comfort Food

BY Ziyi YuaN, PHOTOS BY DANIEL MH CHUN

L

iving in a big city is tough. As we run around trying to realize our dreams, it’s nice to have a port in the storm. Sure, we all have our own strategies to lighten up, but if books and movies are to be believed, Italian food might just be the universal remedy.

Tina’s Italian Restaurant is a good choice when you’re fighting the blues. Looking quite ordinary from the outside, the restaurant has focused its efforts on interior design.

Almost everything is carved from wood, including the ceiling, and a majestic grand piano awaits patrons in the center of the hall. The owner, Christina Lu, has collected dozens of mosaic art pieces, including an interpretation of 'Starry Night' by Van Gogh, which she’s used to adorn the walls of the restaurant.

Instead of serving typical Italian cuisine found in expat-oriented restaurants, Tina’s has tweaked classic recipes to satisfy locals.

The result is a mix of dishes that allows one to explore the intricacies of traditional Italian cuisine while enjoying a range of other Western specialties.

We kick off with bruschetta (RMB58), topped with mozzarella, tomatoes and tuna, and the Spanish garlic shrimp (RMB98), which is fresh with an abundantly rich taste. Even a few Eastern European dishes make an appearance, and we enjoy a plate of traditional Russian borsch (RMB54) made with juicy beetroot.

One of the main dishes is moqieca (RMB268), a Brazilian saltwater fish stew served with three rice bowls that is large enough for a group. Australian Kobe beef comes at RMB580 and is an expertly tender, substantial main. A variety of breads, like the chewy baguette (RMB12) made fresh

on site, are also popular takeaway items.

We sip on limoncellos and cold brew coffee to clear our palates for dessert. The souffle (RMB38) is smooth and sweet and pairs perfectly with our drinks. Lu tells us her daughter personalized each dessert recipe, ensuring an original flavor that can only be found at Tina’s.

With a slow playlist echoing throughout the immaculate dining room and an opulent, old-world vibe, Tina’s fills Shenzhen’s cultural void with a bit of comfort and tradition.

Price: RMB150-200 per person Who’s going: music and art lovers, comfort food seekers Good for: romantic dinners, Italian fusion, baked goods

> Shop 0108, north Side, yuanxing keji dasha, 1 Songpingshan Lu, nanshan district 南山区松坪山路1号源兴科技大厦南座 0108 (2660 1667)

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3D Coffice Technology and Caffeine

BY Natallia Slimani, Photos by Mike Jordan

C

offee, technology and networking: can it get any better for ambitious Shenzhen residents?

Perhaps, if you could take home a 3D printed figurine of yourself as a memento. Oh wait, 3D Coffice has that too.

Tucked along the polished first-floor corridor of KK Mall, 3D Coffice is hard to miss with its large sign and welcoming bright interior. And once you make your way to the second floor (where full-body 3D scanning and a photo booth await), there’s very little chance you’ll be leaving after one cup of coffee.

The flashy venue is not just an exercise in creative design – it’s a brilliant place to ponder the future of technology and get your caffeine fix while you muse.

Warm staff members will greet you at the front entrance, where there is ample space for a comfortable coffee break. But we recommend you keep on moving and head straight to the upper deck – that’s where the fun starts.

As you climb the winding staircase, an even larger, pearlescent area will open before you, resembling something out of The Fifth Element. Peculiar shapes and fun tech gimmicks sit prominently against the surrounding white abyss.

Eventually, someone will hand over a menu, pleasantly

reorienting you. A cup of cappuccino goes for RMB32 (large) and the rare affogato will set you back RMB29. When it comes to food, there are quite a lot of items to explore, including Italian seafood pasta with mussels and calamari (RMB58), Australian rib-eye steak (RMB168) and cheese-baked rice with seafood and shredded coconut (RMB58).

Then again, we’re clearly not here for the food – there are too many awesome gadgets left in store. We head for the full-body 3D scanner first, which can create digital versions of people and turn them into printed figurines (starting from RMB888 and up).

If you’re not ready to drop the big bucks on a mini statuette of yourself, there’s still a multitude of tech-inspired fun to be had.

Download the 3D Coffice dedicated app, for example, and you can use your uploaded 3D self to play dress up, create a cool dance video and more – all on your smartphone.

On the other side of the room is the 3D photo booth. There, in a matter of minutes, you can get an image of yourself made into a small crystal key chain for only RMB30.

Needless to say, we are now the happy owners of some pretty selfcentered gear.

Somewhere during the time we’re running around trying out all the cool gadgets, our food arrives, and we’re forced to take a break and sit down. This gives us a chance to catch up with Daniel Peng, the manager, who, upon noticing our diminishing attention span, tries to explain the restaurant concept in as few words as he can.

“We want to bring 3D technology to the people. We want them to not only eat and drink, but to look around and start wondering what this technology can do,” he says. “That’s why our venue is some sort of mix of a coffee shop and a cutting-edge exhibition hall.”

We jot down his words while munching on our 3D-printed cookies and give the place another once-over. It’s amazing what startup culture has done to our city.

Tech is everywhere, and now you can even taste it.

Price: RMB50-100 (not including 3D printing) Who’s going: techies, coffee addicts Good for: sharing ideas, 3D printing yourself

> 1/F, Jingji kk mall, Luohu district 罗 湖区京基kkmaLL一层西街 (2296 6645)

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Whisky Life

If You Build It

by Sky Gidge, Photos by Mike Jordan

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hisky Life co-owner Simon Ip stares at the 100 or so backlit bottles of whisky lining the wall, dodging my question: “what does Whisky Life add

to Shenzhen?”

Wearing a fitted white shirt, black pants and shiny shoes, he looks the picture of a professional bar owner, and the establishment is everything you’d expect from a swanky whisky lounge – gleaming wood, low lights and real flowers.

But I’m worried. The interview is going terribly and I haven’t witnessed Ip in action. Other bar owners had been talking up Whisky Life for weeks, calling it the premiere spot for rare whiskey in Shenzhen. Were they wrong?

Ip’s recommended whisky, Balvenie Doublewood,

aged 17 years, is poured over a ball of ice before I take a sip. Okay, I think, thank God. Ip’s taste in whisky far outshines his ability to give interviews. The Doublewood is sweet, and the finish has notes of vanilla and honey. I drink it slowly, eyeing the RMB150 price on the menu.

Likely costing more than Whisky Life’s eight months of renovation, the bar boasts a selection of whisky focused on aged single malts. They range from RMB60 glasses of 12-year-old Glenfiddich to the Laphroaig, which, aged 32 years, is older than the average Shenzhener and is sold by the bottle for

RMB14,800.

The evolving menu lists the usual cocktails – Singapore sling, mojito (both RMB68) and bloody mary (RMB78). The mint julep (RMB68) has a manly kick from a 12-year-old Balvenie whisky.

There are private rooms for high rollers that splash out a minimum RMB3,000 and seat mostly Japanese who make use of the carpeted, cigarfriendly spaces about four times a week.

Whisky Life is worlds better than the RMB40-Budweiser bars a 10-minute walk away, but in a city of drinkers that gulp mystery booze and green tea, it may be hard to understand what the venue offers and why it costs so much.

“We want to bring more knowledge about cocktails and whisky to Guangdong,” says Ip. On that front, he has his work cut out for him.

Price: RMB300 for a quality buzz Who’s going: whisky pros, Japanese businessmen Good for: whisky tasting, important negotiations

> 1 guimu Fang, guiyuan Lu (next to the movie bldg), Luohu district 罗湖区桂园路桂木坊1号电影大厦旁边 (8266 0711)

London Bridge Dining Bar

Back in Soho

by Terence Collins, PHOTOS BY MIKE JORDAN

W

alk a couple blocks down Wanghai Lu, near Sea World in Shekou, and you’ll discover a United Nations-like roster of ethnic restaurant choices. Are you hungry for some Australian tucker, a Middle Eastern kebab or maybe some Sicilian delight? They’re all here.

We nod to each as we stroll past, choosing instead to follow our itch for a bit of London pub life.

The three owners of London Bridge Dining Bar, Jenny, Leafia and Joanne, are longtime friends who have completely remodeled the space, reproducing the feel of an authentic Soho pub.

From the lofty interior and spacious outdoor seating area to the London-like stools, dartboards and upstairs pool table, you’ll feel right at home here.

Drinks? It’s British, so you know the answer. You’re on the pig’s back here, with a wide variety of tap beers and top-shelf bottles of scotch, whisky and vodka, as well as Jose Cuervo Gold (RMB26-RMB330) for special occasions (like, er, any Friday night, when the

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moon’s out or when your goldfish learns to swim).

The girls have gone and hired an expert American chef who serves a killer lineup of hamburgers with fries and pickles. The beef is all Australian Primo, so you can’t go wrong.

Between pints, sample the London Bridge special: a burger topped with bacon, cheddar, sauteed onions, mushrooms and a fried egg (RMB70).

Other specialties include a range of Mexican food and pizza. The Mexican pie (RMB75) is delectably spicy with a thin, homemade crust. Though we came for the drinks, it’s London’s bar food that will keep us coming back.

Open from 10am to 2am with plenty of specials – like buy-one-get-one-free pizzas from 4-8pm on Saturdays, drink promotions and frequent party night prizes – this new tavern is set to be one of the hottest spots in Shekou. Beat the crowds and check it out now.

Price: RMB100 Who’s going: Shekou residents, pub goers, Londoners at heart Good for: late-night dinners, chatting over a pint

> Shop 54, Rose garden II, wanghai Lu, Shekou, nanshan district 南山区蛇口望海路南海玫瑰二期54号铺 (159 8677 7719)

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Greta

Let’s Get Wasted

By Ziyi YuaN, PHOTOS BY DANIEL MH CHUN

G

reta is an after-work haven for expats and locals working or living nearby Coastal City. While most restaurants would cater to only a specific set of interests (craft cocktails, specialty cuisine or music), Greta seems to offer it all at once and in a surprisingly wellbalanced mix. Here, you will find a wide selection of Western dishes, drinks to pair them with, homemade breads to bring home and sweet stuff for dessert.

Greta is open from 9am to 3am, which is sure to accommodate most early or late diners.

Many nearby residents start the day here for a quick breakfast and return to kick back after a grueling slog. If the end of the day leaves you famished (and isn’t that usually the case?), go for one of the mains like the filet mignon (RMB168). Rocky Lin, the manager, recommends pairing it with Louis Jadot 2012 (RMB698) – a great option for those looking to splurge.

Patrons with more modest aspirations are welcome to explore Greta’s extensive selection of beers, including a tower of Stella Artois (RMB298), served with French fries, peanuts and fresh cucumbers in wasabi sauce.

For those with an adventurous streak, go for some of the bar specials. Pettitoes (RMB88) are crispy, salty and are accompa-

nied by pickled veggies and fries. Not a fan of the exotic? Grilled shrimp with cumin (RMB38) and parma pizza (RMB68) are all among regulars’ favorites.

> Shop 202, 2/F, coastal city, 33 wenxin wu Lu, nanshan district 南山区文心五路33号海岸城购物中心2楼202铺 (8696 9665)

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Ali Live Music Festival

Brazzaville Gig

Hear Wang Wen Gig

One of the most prominent instrumental bands in China, Wang Wen will be in Shenzhen this month with an exciting performance. Founded in 1999 in Dalian, the group is rightfully considered one of the country’s most progressive indie bands. Catch them at B10 Live on June 10. > Fri Jun 10, 9pm; RMB100 presale, RMB150 at the door. B10 Live, North side of Bldg C2, North District, OCT Loft, Nanshan District 南山区华侨城创意文化园北 区C2栋北侧B10现场 (8633 7602)

When summer hits town, it’s time to feel the music.

The Ali Live Music Festival will feature Japanese, Korean and Chinese performers in the heart of Nanshan District. > Sat Jun 11, 7.30pm; RMB280-1,680. Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, 3001 Binhai Dadao (by Coastal City), Nanshan District 南山区滨海大道3001号(近海岸城) (8630 8840)

Like A Bird by Escape Plan Concert

Founded by Chuan Zi, a popular contender of China’s Got Talent, Escape Plan emerged in 2004 playing a mix of indie pop, new wave and post punk. In 2013, the group won best album of the year, best song of the year, best band of the year and best leading singer of the year at the Midi Rock Music Award Ceremony in Beijing. See them rock this month at Shenzhen Concert Hall. > Sat Jun 18, 8pm; RMB180-680. Symphony Hall, Shenzhen Concert Hall, 2016 Fuzhong Yi Lu, Futian District 福田区福中一路2016号，深圳音乐厅 (400 003 9992)

The Korea Idols Exit in A Cappella Concert Exit is a five-member band recognized as one of the best a cappella groups in the world. In May 2012, the band released a hit single, ‘Miss Smoke,’ before going on to win the Asian A Cappella Competition in September. See the talented group of singers while they’re live in Shenzhen! > Sun Jun 26, 8pm; RMB80-280. Symphony Hall, Shenzhen Concert Hall, 2016 Fuzhong Yi Lu, Futian District 福田区福中一路2016号，深圳音乐厅 (400 003 9992)

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Founded by its lead singer, American songwriter David Brown, Brazzaville is an indie pop group based in Los Angeles. Brown's travel throughout Asia, South America and Europe has instilled his music with diverse, cosmopolitan elements. > Tue Jun 14, 8.30pm; RMB100 presale, RMB120 at the door. Brown Sugar Jar, G9, Huangguan Technology Park, Tairan Jiu Lu, by Shennan Dadao, Futian District 福田区车公庙泰然九路皇冠科技园2栋G9 (189 3867 9176)

Yndi Halda Gig

New Noise proudly presents Britain’s finest purveyors of modern instrumental rock music: Yndi Halda. This June, the band will reveal their long awaited album Under Summer in six cities across China, including in Shenzhen at OCT Loft. > Wed Jun 22, 8.30pm; RMB80 presale, RMB100 at the door. B10 Live, North side of Bldg C2, North District, OCT Loft, Nanshan District 南山区华侨城创意文化园北区C2 栋北侧B10现场 (8633 7602)

The Great Yoga Concert Yoga Lin is a Taiwanese Mandopop singer who has received wide acclaim on the mainland. Known for his unpredictable musical style, Lin will be in Shenzhen on July 7 entertaining the city with his electrifying personality. > Sat Jul 7, 7.30pm; RMB180-980. Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, 3001 Binhai Dadao (by Coastal City), Nanshan District 南山区滨海大道3001号(近海岸城) (8630 8840)

The Future of Fashion is Now Exhibition

see Extraordinary Love and Romance by Shen Zhoulai Art Exhibition

Explore the future of fashion and don’t forget to dress up! This exhibition brings together the latest generation of fashion designers and takes a critical view of the current apparel industry.

Expect a medley of fresh designs and edgy new looks. > Daily, Mar 26-July 31, 10am-5.30pm; RMB15 on Sunday-Monday, free on Tuesday. OCT Art and Design Gallery, 9009 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District 南山区华侨城深南 大道9009号 (3399 3222)

The Peony Pavilion Drama Shen Zhoulai’s exhibition Extraordinary Love and Romance is all about emotions. Featuring stunning depictions of the sea and sky, the display promises to take visitors on a thrilling journey of scenic sights and sensations. > Daily Mar 25-Jun 13, 11am-10pm; free. Inout, B109-110, Sea World, Nanshan District 南山区海上世界广场 B109-110里外 (8221 1288)

A play written by Tang Xianzu during the Ming Dynasty, The Peony Pavilion was first performed in 1598 at the Pavilion of Prince Teng. The classical Chinese masterpiece has since captivated generation after generation with its powerful love story and traditional Kun opera. > Sun Jun 12, 8pm; RMB280580. Shenzhen Poly Theater, 33 Wenxin Wu Lu, by Haide San Dao, Nanshan District 南山区文 心五路33号保利文化广场 (8637 1698)

No Favorite Color Exhibition

See the colors of summer in David Gerstein’s exhibition, which combines more than 60 diverse works.

The Israeli painter and sculptor began his career as an illustrator of children’s books and has received the Israeli Museum Prize for illustration. > Daily until Jun 19, 10am-10pm; free. MIXC, 1881 Bao’an Nan Lu, Luohu District 罗湖区宝安南路1881号 (8266 8266)

As You Like It Drama One of the most renowned love stories in literature, Shakespeare’s As You Like It follows the main heroine Rosalind on her way to safety and love in the Forest of Arden. Filled with a memorable cast of characters, the play will be shown as part of the National Theater Live series. > Sun Jun 5, 2.30pm; RMB120-160. Shenzhen Grand Theater, 5018 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District 罗湖区深 南东路5018号 (2590 6000)

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Stand-Up Comedy Workshop Class do

Mandarin Open House Language Exchange

Ever wanted to perform stand-up comedy? Looking to give your public speaking skills a boost? Then come to the first comedy workshop in Shenzhen hosted by Dr. Panda Comedy Club and learn about the history of stand-up, the anatomy of a joke, creative writing strategies and performance skills. Braver participants will even have a chance to get on stage to practice their routine at the end of the workshop. There is limited space available, so reserve your spot online today!. > Sun June 19, 2-5pm; RMB100. The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, 2/F, Sea World, 32 Taizi Lu, Nanshan District 南山区太子 路32号海上世界广场2楼 (drpandacomedy. com/learn, WeChat: DrPandaComedy)

Little Thing X Pop-Up Exhibition If you’ve ever been curious about the famous Japanese boutique Bunkaya Zakatan, don't miss this chance to pay your respects! The shop was closed after 40 years of successful operation, but this exhibition will let you rediscover its long history in Shenzhen. > Daily May 21-Jun 30, 10am-6pm; free. Little Thing Shop, 113, A4, North Side, OCT Loft, Nanshan District 南山区华侨城创意园A4 栋113

This is a community gathering held

by Mandarin House. In addition to exchanging information about exciting and enriching aspects that come with living and working in a new city, you can also learn useful Chinese phrases for daily life, and familiarize yourself with popular topics that Chinese people like to talk about, such as food, celebrities, dating, traveling and job hunting. > Sat Jun 4, 1-3pm. 11/F, 171 Mintian Lu, Futian District 福田区新华保险大厦1118 室 (400 633 5538, www.mandarinhouse. com)

Weekend Seafood Bazaar Buffet

Ta s t e

Salmon Delights Buffet

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood bazaar on the 95th floor of The St. Regis Shenzhen. Indulge in exotic dishes from around the world (Western, Japanese, Southeast Asian, Cantonese and Sichuanese) and choose between a wide selection of fresh produce, including shells, clams, fish, shrimp and more! > Fri-Sun, all month; RMB508 plus 15 percent service charge and 6 percent tax. Social, 95/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District 罗湖区深南东路5016号, 瑞吉酒店95楼 (8308 8888)

A Touch of Vietnamese Cuisine Buffet

Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, deep-sea salmon is one of the healthiest seafood options around.

Seasons Restaurant at Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen is showcasing this delicacy in a luxurious buffet with an abundance of variations: salmon cold noodles, sashimi salmon rolls, smoked salmon and cream cheese pancakes and much more. > Daily until Jun 30; 5.30-10pm; RMB328 plus 15 percent service charge. Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen, Haide San Dao, Houhai Bin Lu, Nanshan District 南山区后海滨路海德三 道凯宾斯基酒店 (8888 8888) 7 0 | J u n e 2 0 1 6 | S Z | w w w.t h at s m a g s . c o m

Join The Langham, Shenzhen for a fresh feast of Vietnamese delicacies, carefully crafted by Vietnamese Guest Chef Nhut.

With more than 50 authentic dishes full of seasonal fruits and vegetables, it’s sure to be a flavorful culinary escapade. > Daily Jun 6-19, 5.30-10pm; RMB458 plus 15 percent service charge and 6 precent tax. 2/F, The Langham, Shenzhen, 7888 Shennan Dadao, by Nongyuan Lu, Futian District 福田区深南大道7888 号深圳朗廷酒店2楼 (8828 9888)

hotel news

Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel Wins ‘Best Leisure Hotel of the Year in Hong Kong and Macau’

The Venice Hotel Shenzhen Changes Name to The Venice Raytour Hotel Shenzhen The Venice Raytour Hotel Shenzhen (formerly The Venice Hotel Shenzhen) is the first five-star business hotel in Shenzhen to boast an authentic Venetian theme under the management of OCT International Hotel Management Co. Ltd. In May 2016, the hotel changed its name to The Venice Raytour Hotel Shenzhen as part of a new brand strategy. ‘Ray’ means sunshine and light and ‘tour’ represents tourism and travel. Both words illustrate the hotel’s commitment to providing the best facilities for its guests. The Venice Raytour Hotel Shenzhen emphasizes the core concepts of Overseas Chinese Town: quality life, meticulous service and elegance and style in the hospitality world.

With a total area of 58,000 square meters, the hotel boasts 375 guest rooms and suites, each affording luxury and privacy; eight function rooms, a 685-square-meter pillar-less ballroom, a relaxing outdoor swimming pool and more.

For the second consecutive year, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central was awarded the Best Leisure Hotel of the Year in Hong Kong and Macau at the 2016 China Travel & Meetings Industry Awards hosted

by Travel Weekly China.

“We would like to thank Travel Weekly China for the incredible honor of having Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel named as ‘Best Leisure Hotel of The Year for Hong Kong and Macau’ for a second consecutive year,” said Janet McNab, the managing director of Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central and The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central. “We are deeply privileged and humbled, knowing that there are so many deserving hotels in the same category within the region.”

Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel recently unveiled 80 luxuriously oversized executive deluxe suites on the uppermost levels of the hotel, adding to its already vast selection of guest suite categories. There are now more than 350 suites at Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, creating a ‘hotel within a hotel’ in the 4,001-room property.

Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen Holds 1887 5C Event in Collaboration With 1887 UNICIS On April 20, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, in collaboration with 1887 UNICIS, held an exclusive 1887 5C event, focusing on the concept of 5C: Cocktails, Cognac, Chocolate, Cigar and Coffee.

The event attracted 30 attendees who enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails at the Chairman’s Terrence on the 40th floor, followed by an exclusive dinner in the Chairman’s Room with a stunning view of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The 1887 5C dinner menu was thoughtfully crafted by the hotel’s executive chef Adam Lin. Menu highlights included creamy Australian lobster bisque, pan-fried foie gras, 36-hour slow cooked Australian wagyu beef and 1887 UNICIS chocolate cake.

1887 UNICIS originated in Armenia in 1887; its vineyards are housed at an altitude of 1,000 meters and enjoy uninterrupted sun and extraordinary soil quality and fertility.

Futian Shangri-La Collaborates With Disciples D’Escoffier Asia to Bring Christian Tetedoie to China Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen collaborated with Disciples D’Escoffier Asia to bring Christian Tetedoie, the president of Master Chef of France (Les Maitres Cuisiniers de France), to create a unique gastronomic experience at Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen on May 16.

The culinary event kicked off on a high note at 6pm with cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop, accommodating 100 invitees and media friends.

This was followed by an exclusive dinner in the Guangdong Room at 7pm. The pre-dinner cocktail menu included several hot and cold dishes and Chef Christian Tetedoie, assisted by Adam Lin and Matthew McCool, presented a sumptuous seven-course dinner. Each course arrived with the perfect pairing of Premier Cru from ASC Wines. The event was a prelude to the hotel’s grand epicurean extravaganza in July, when 15 French Michelin-starred chefs will gather at Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen to present their culinary creations.

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INdex Help us stay updated! Let us know if any of this information has changed. Call 0755 8623 3220, fax 0755 8623 3219 or email editor.prd@urbanatomy.com. For more listings please check out www.thatsmags.com

restaurant AMERICAN

Suites & Towers, 1003 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (2513 0999 ext. 33703)

Q咖啡, 罗湖区深南东路1003号丹枫白露酒店首层

Seasons 2/F, Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen, Haide San Dao, Houhaibin Lu, Nanshan District (8888 8888)

四季西餐厅 , 南山区后海滨路海德三道凯宾斯基酒 店2楼

Shenzhen Kitchen JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao'an No 8 Baoxing Lu, Bao'an District (2323 8888) 宝安区宝兴路8号

Silk 2/F, The Langham, Shenzhen, 7888 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8828 9888)

福田区深南大道 7888 号深圳朗廷酒店 2 楼

Element Fresh 1/F, Zone B, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2681 4848) 南山区蛇口海上世界广场B区1层

Social 96/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888 ext.1832)

秀餐厅 深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路 5016 号

BUFFET Café Chinois JW Marriott Hotel, 6005 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (2269 8230)

The Show Kitchen 32/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Baoan Nan Lu, Luohu District (2218 7338)

乐厨 , 罗湖区宝安南路 1881 号 深圳君悦酒店 32 楼

廷韵咖啡厅 , 福田区华强北路 4002 号圣廷苑酒店 1 楼廷韵咖啡厅

Café Zen 1/F, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, 4088 Yitian Lu, Futian District (8828 4088) 鲜 Café 福田区深圳福田香格里拉大酒店一楼

Café Zentro 1/F, The Venice Hotel Shenzhen, 9026 Shennan Dadao, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (2693 6888 ext.

8117, cafezentro@szvenicehotel.com)

南山区华侨城深南大道 9026 号深圳威尼斯酒店 1 楼

Coffee Garden 2/F, Shangri-La Hotel (east of Railway Station), 1002 Jianshe Lu, Luohu District (8233 0888)

香咖啡 , 罗湖区建设路 1002 号香格里拉酒店 ( 火 车站东侧 )2 楼

Coffee Shop 1/F, Grand Mercure Oriental Ginza Hotel, Zhuzilin, Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8350 0888 ext. 88605)

Coffee Shop 西餐厅 , 福田区深南大道竹子林东方 银座美爵酒店 1 楼西餐厅

Flavorz 2/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, 116 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2222 2222) 全日餐厅, 福田区福华三路116号深圳丽思

卡尔顿酒店2楼

Foo 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, 138 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8826 8700)

馥餐厅 , 深圳四季酒店 深圳市福田区福华三路 138 号6楼

Fusion Café 1/F, The Pavilion Century Tower, 4014 Huaqiang Bei Lu, Futian District

菲苑咖啡厅 , 福田区华强北路 4014 号圣廷苑酒店 世纪楼一楼菲苑咖啡厅

Grand Kitchen 3/F Wyndham Grand Shenzhen Hotel, 2009Cartian Road, Futian District Shenzhen, Guandong(8299 8888) 趣味自助餐厅 福田区彩田路2009号3楼

Mercado InterContinental Shenzhen, OCT, 9009 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District

广场咖啡厅 , 深南大道 9009 号华侨城深圳华侨城 洲际大酒店

旧天堂书店 南山区华侨城侨城创意文化园北区 A5 栋 120 铺

Onyx Lounge 1/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, 116 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2222 2222)

Café Marco 1/F, Marco Polo Hotel, Fuhua Yi Lu, Futian District (8298 9888 ext. 8358) 马高 , 福田中心区马哥孛罗酒店 1 楼

南山区蛇口望海路8号海上世界船尾广场B301

Blue 3/F, Venice Hotel Shenzhen, 9026 Shennan Dadao, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (2693 6888). 南山区华侨城

深南大道9026号深圳威尼斯酒店3楼

Eatalicious NB119, Bao’neng All City, 2233 Zhongxin Lu, Nanshan District (3688 0992)

Onyx 大堂酒廊 , 福田区福华三路 116 号深圳丽思 卡尔顿酒店 1 楼

意餐 南山区中心路 2233 号宝能 All City 购物中心 NB119

Palm Court The Langham, Shenzhen, 7888 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8828 9888)

Elba 99/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District.(8308 8888)

福田区深南大道 7888 号深圳朗廷酒店

欧尔巴 , 罗湖区深南东路 5016 号深圳瑞吉酒店 99 层

Seasonal Tastes 1/F, The Westin Shenzhen, 9028-2 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District (8634 8411, www.westin.com/shenzhen)

The Grill & Bar 2/F, Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen, 5 Guihua Lu, Futian Free Trade Zone, Futian District (8358 8662)

知味全日餐厅 , 南山区深南大道 9028-2 号深圳益 田威斯汀酒店 1 楼

Street D Café 101-1, 1/F, Business Street, Huifang Garden, Xuefu Lu, Nanhai Dadao, Nanshan District (2606 6797)

迪街咖啡 , 南山区南海大道学府路荟芳园商业内街 1 楼 101-1

FRENCH

CAFE

万豪西餐厅 , 福田区深南大道 6005 号金茂深圳 JW 万豪酒店

Café Pavilion 1/F, The Pavilion, 4002 Huaqiang Bei Lu, Futian District

Old Heaven Books Shop 120, Bldg A5, Phase II, OCT-Loft, Nanshan District (8614 8090)

Belle-Vue 37/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Bao’an Nan Lu, Luohu District (2218 7338) 悦景餐厅, 罗湖区宝安南路1881号深圳君

扒房·酒吧，福田区保税区桂花路 5 号深圳福朋喜 来登酒店 2 楼

La Terrazza 1/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Baoan Nan Lu, Luohu District (2218 7338) 罗湖区宝安南路 1881 号深圳君悦酒店 1 层

Mezzo 2/F, Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel, Great China International Exchange Square, 1 Fuhua Yi Lu, Futian District (8383 8888)

福田区福华一路 1 号大中华国际交易广场大中华喜 来登大酒店 2 楼

Milano Italian Restaurant Bar & Pizzeria 1/F, Anhui Bldg, 6007 Shennan Dadao, Chegongmiao, Futian District (8358 1661) 米兰意大利餐厅, 福田区车公庙深南大道

悦酒店37层

6007号创展中心（安徽大厦首层)

The Drawing Room 96/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888 ext.1468)

La Maison Shop 108, Rose Garden I, Wanghai Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2685 7030) 南山区蛇口望海路南海玫瑰园一期108号

Paletto Italian Restaurant 2/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, 116 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2222 2222)

Emily's Cafe Shop 1, Phase 2, Peninsula City, Shekou, Nanshan District (2689 3469)

L'epicerie No. 35, Phase 2, Nanhai Rose Garden, Wanghai Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2668 7246)

闲逸廊 深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路5016号96层

南山区蛇口半岛城邦二期 1 号商铺

The Exchange 1/F, Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel, East Wing, Great China International Exchange Square, Fuhua Lu, Futian District (8383 8888) 怡聚轩西餐厅，福田区福华路大中华国际交易广场 大中华喜来登酒店1楼

Fix Deli 1/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, 116 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2222 2222)

南山区蛇口望海路南海玫瑰园二期35号铺

Pipette 1/F, InterContinental Shenzhen, 9009 Shennan Dadao, OCT, Nanshan District (3399 3388 ext. 8581)

GERMAN Baodenburg Brauhaus 1/F, Jinyuelai Hotel, 2 Xieli Lu, Longgang District (2890 7122)

La Piazza 1/F, The Venice Hotel Shenzhan, 9026 Shennan Dadao, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (2693 6888 ext.

8113)

Bierhaus No. 117, Sea World Plaza, Taizi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 9591) 德瑞坊啤酒餐厅, 南山区蛇口太子路海上世

界广场117号

Library 100/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888 ext. 1459/1455)

福田区福华三路购物公园1楼酒吧街

大堂酒廊 , 福田区深圳福田香格里拉大酒店一楼

The Lounge 33/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Bao’an Nan Lu, Luohu District (8266 1234)

旅行者，罗湖区宝安南路 1881 号深圳君悦酒店 33 楼

The Lounge JW Marriott Hotel, 6005 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (2269 8220) 福田区深南大道6005号金茂深圳JW万豪酒店

Q Café Restaurant & Bar G/F, 999 Royal

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3018号深圳富苑皇冠假日套房酒店3楼

Vietnamese

龙岗区中心城协力路2号金悦来酒店1楼

南山区华侨城深南大道9026号威尼斯酒店大堂

Lobby Lounge 1/F, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, 4088 Yitian Lu, Futian District (8828 4088)

Prego 3/F, Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen, 3018 Nanhu Lu, Luohu District (8217 2288) 罗湖区南湖路

深南大道 9009 号华侨城 , 深圳华侨城洲际大酒店

Fix 美食屋 , 福田区福华三路 116 号深圳丽思卡尔 顿酒店 1 楼

藏书阁 , 深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路 5016 号 100 层

福田区福华三路 116 号深圳丽思卡尔顿酒店 2 楼

Brotzeit L1C-055B, 1/F, Coco Park, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8359 2080)

Lowenburg Deck 5-7, Minghua Cruise, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2689 2668) 南山区蛇口太子路明华轮5-7层

Paulaner Brauhaus C-005, Huanchuan Square, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2668 7230) 南山区蛇口海上世界环船 广场C-005

ITALIAN Baia B301, Sea World, 8 Wanghai Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2681 8836)

pho nam Shop B26C, Link City Passage (near Coco Park), Futian District

越品 , 福田区连城新天地 B26C 商铺 (8255 7048)

La vie A2-39, Poly Cultural Plaza, Houhai, Nanshan District

越鼎记 , 南山区后海保利文化广场 A2-39 (8628 7826)

Muine No. 219, 2/F, Garden City, 1086 Nanhai Dadao, Nanshan District (2681 7828); Shop 203, L2/F, Coco Park, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8693 7310)

Celebrate or let loose with Stella Artois! Indulge in a Stella Artois at the following establishments.

Element Fresh 1/F, Zone B, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2681 4848)

Idutang Bldg F3, OCT-Loft, Nanshan District (2691 1826)

Upmarket chain restaurant Element Fresh has finally opened its first Shenzhen branch in Shekou with lifestyle branding already on point. Featuring nutritious and delicious food, the menu includes breakfasts, a variety of salads, sandwiches, pastas, desserts, fresh juices and smoothies. Using only the freshest, in-season ingredients, Element Fresh promises customers a tasty and nutritious meal. Large windows and subdued lighting systems make the restaurant a nice and relaxing place to eat at. With a second-floor outdoor terrace, the Sea World location provides customers an attractive venue with nice view.

Consistently one of the most popular spots in OCT-Loft, Idutang knows how to stand out, even amongst an elite crowd. Known as a restaurant and bar, Idutang is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Surrounded by bushes, the L-shape outdoor terrace is airy yet private, perfect for a casual meal during the weekends. With a foosball table by the door, large bar with attentive bartenders and a spacious indoor seating area, Idutang is the perfect place to order some wines or beers with friends while enjoying live music performances on stage.

南山区蛇口海上世界广场 B 区 1 层

Simplylife Sea World 101-103, Zone B of Sea World Plaza, Shekou (2669 2406) 星美乐海上世界 蛇口海上世界 B 区 101-103

Palm Court The Langham, Shenzhen, 7888 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8828 9888) 福田区深南大道 7888 号深圳朗廷酒店

Afternoon tea has been a Langham Hotel legacy for more than a century. Continuing with the tradition, guests are invited to enjoy the Langham’s signature afternoon tea served in fabulous Wedgwood chinaware at Palm Court, the stylish lobby lounge in the Langham, Shenzhen. The afternoon tea set menu includes scones, cakes, smoked salmon and ham, as well as Earl Grey tea. With professional and friendly services, Palm Court offers a nice venue for gatherings with friends and business networking.

一渡堂 , 南山区华侨城创意文化园内

X-Ta-Sea Sports Bar & Restaurant Inside the Minghua Ship (enter the Cruise Inn Hotel door and turn left), Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2686 7649)

海洋之星 , 南山区蛇口海上世界明华轮船明华轮 酒店大堂左侧

The Tavern Sports Bar No. 306, 3/F, Area B, Sea World, Taizi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 1939)

致盛餐厅 , 南山区蛇口太子路海上世界 B 区 3 楼 306 室铺

罗湖区南湖路3018号深圳富苑皇冠假日套房 酒店3楼

Located on the third floor of a five-star hotel, Prego is not only famous for the quality of its food but also friendly and professional services. The menu includes pastas, pizzas and seafood; to assure customers experience an original taste of Italy, Prego is committed to cooking with only the finest imported ingredients. For drinks, selected wines and mineral water are available upon request. With decor modeled after an Italian bistro and traditional Italian music, Prego is an elegant dining option that aficionados of Italian cuisine should not miss.

Club Viva No. 140, Coco Park, Fuhua Lu, Futian District (2669 7365)

喂哇俱乐部 , 福田区福华路城建购物公园 140 号 地铺

挪威森林酒吧 福田区深南中路 1095 号新城市广 场酒吧街 D 栋

First Meet C101, Sea World Plaza, Shekou, Nanshan District (8827 8696) 初见缘南山区蛇口海上世界广场 C101

George & Dragon British Pub No. 3 (behind Taizi Hotel), Taizi Lu, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 8564)

Samuel Smith's 1/F, Hai Ya Bin Fen City, 99 Jianan Yi Lu, Bao'an Distrcit (2328 7363)

Eagle Bar OCT Bay, 8 Baishi Dong Lu, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (8654 1082)

Sunset Cafe Bar No. 147, Coco Park, Mintian Lu, Futian District

Spicy Shell Seafood Unit 001-002, 3/F, Block 3, Area A, Sea World Plaza, Shekou, Nanshan District (8628 9393)

Bang Bar No. 138, Coco Park, Mintian Lu, Futian District (8860 1818)

圣乔洽西餐厅 , 南山区蛇口海上世界太子路太子 宾馆一楼后排 3 号商铺

老鹰吧 , 南山区白石东路 8 号欢乐海岸

Prego 3/F, Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen, 3018 Nanhu Lu, Luohu District (8217 2288)

Circle Bar Bldg D, Shenzhen International Bar Street, Zhongxin Citic Plaza, 1095 Shennan Zhong Lu (across from Starbucks), Futian District (2598 9998)

加辣比海鲜餐厅 南山区蛇口海上世界船前广场 A 区 2 栋 3 层 001-002 铺

Hana Pizza Bar & Restaurant Bldg G1-2, International Leisure Street East, New City Plaza, Shennan Lu, Futian District (6186 1850)哈拿吧, 福田区深南中路新城市广场国际

休闲街东侧G1-2栋

Coko Bar Shenzhen International Bar Street, Zhongxin Citic Plaza, 1095 Shennan Zhong Lu (across from Starbucks), Futian District (2598-9998)

森美尔啤酒吧， 宝安区 宝安 5 区建安一路 99 号海雅缤纷城一楼 ( 香缤广场对面 )

三色吧 , 福田区民田路购物公园酒吧街 147 号

邦吧 , 福田区民田路购物公园酒吧街 138 号

Banana Leaf L1C-076, Bar Street, Coco Park, 269 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8284 6655)

蕉 叶 南 亚 站， 深 圳 市 福 田 区 福 华 三 路 269 号 COCOPark 国际风情酒吧街 L1C-076 号

Run Bar,Bar Street, Coco Park, 269 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8358 6711)

深圳市福田区福华三路 269 号 COCOPark 国 际风情酒吧街

Miu Bar Bar Street, Coco Park, 269 Fuhua San Road, Futian District (8358 6711)

酷客吧(中信城市广场店) 福田区深南中路1095 号新城市广场酒吧街

Water Front Bldg G1, Shenzhen International Bar Street, Zhongxin Citic Plaza, Shennan Zhong Lu (across from Starbucks), 1095 Futian District (2598 9998)

水岸吧福田区深南中路 1095 号新城市广场酒吧 街 G1 栋

深圳市福田区福华三路 269 号 COCOPark 国 际风情酒吧街

D Cup Bar Street, Coco Park, 269 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8358 6711)

深圳市福田区福华三路 269 号 COCOPark 国 际风情酒吧街

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南山区南海大道 1086 号花园城中心第 2 楼 219 号铺 ( 蛇口沃尔玛对面 ) ; 福田区福华三路 Coco Park L2-203

JUNe 17 FRI

If by Hebe, 8.15pm; HKD300-980. Hong Kong Coliseum (www.pklive.com) Tien Fu-Chen, Taiwanese singer, actress, TV program hostess and, most notably, member of Taiwanese Mandopop girl group S.H.E., will be in Hong Kong this month for her tour ‘If.’ Admired for her high vocal range and showmanship, Hebe is ready to rock Hong Kong.

LATIN AMERICAN Amigos Restaurant and Bar 1) Shop E6, G/F, Carriana Friendship Center, Renmin Nan Lu, Luohu District (6133 9993); 2) 1/F, Honglong Hotel, Sea World, 32 Taizi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2683 5449)

欧蜜戈墨西哥餐厅 1) 罗湖人民南路佳宁娜广场 1 楼 E06 商铺 2) 南山区蛇口 3 号太子 路海上世界 鸿隆公寓首层

Latina 001-C004, Zone C, Sea World Plaza, Shekou, Nanshan District (2667 7697) 南山

区蛇口海上世界广场C区001-C004

SunLife Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, Jun 9 8am-6pm; free. Stanley Main Beach (www.dragonboat.org.hk) Curious about dragon boat races?

Want to see international teams battle it out on the water while enjoying the sun, snacks and plenty of booze?

Head to the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships and enjoy an unforgettable sporting event and even better party.

JUNe 10-12 FRI-SUN

JUNe 17-AUG 14 FRI-sun

Senor Frogs No. 57, Rose Garden Phase 2, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District.

(2667 1155) 南山区蛇口玫瑰园二期57号 Tequila Coyote Cantina Shop 113, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District. (2683 6446); 2) No. 152, Coco Park, 138 Fuhua Lu, Futian District (8295 3332)

仙人掌餐厅 1) 南山区蛇口海上世界商铺 113 号 ; 2) 福田区福华路 138 号购物公园 152 号

OTHER WESTERN 360°Bar, Restaurant & Lounge 31/F, Shangri-La Hotel (east of Railway Station), 1002 Jianshe Lu, Luohu District (8396 1380)

360°西餐酒廊 , 罗湖区建设路 1002 号 ( 火车站 东侧 ) 香格里拉大酒店 31 层

Chinese Opera Festival 2016, Various times and prices. Hong Kong Cultural Centre (www.cof.gov.hk/2016/tc) Discover the magic of Chinese opera in all its splendor at the Chinese Opera Festival! View various traditional opera genres, including Kunqu, Peking and Cantonese opera, the latter of which was named an international-level intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Deli Leisure Shop 5-6, L1/F, Wongtee Plaza, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8252 7135)福田区福华三路皇庭广场L1层5-6号商铺 Doors Chillout Lounge 6-21 Xuefu Lu, Nanshan District (8630 8114) 南山区学府路6-21 号 (近深圳大学西门)

Grange Grill 25/F, The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan, 9028-2 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District (8634 8431)

威斯汀扒房, 南山区深南大道9028号-2深圳益田 威斯汀酒店25层

Grape 1 Yanshan Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2668 7777). 葡逸餐厅 , 南山区蛇口沿山路 1 号

JUNe 24-25 Serenade and More, Jun 10 7.30pm, Jun 11 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Jun 12 2.30pm; HKD140-1,000. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre (www. hkballet.com) Serenade and More will feature George Balanchine’s timeless ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s score by the same name. It is a diverse dance performance by the artistic director of BalletMet and renowned choreographer Edward Liang.

FRI-SAT

Bach and Beyond, 9pm; HKD180-380.

Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre (www.hkphil.org) Renowned conductor Case Scaglione of New York Philharmonic is in Hong Kong this June with an exciting program featuring stately baroque dances and classic compositions.

JUNe 24-26 FRI-SUN

JUNe 11 SAT

Jenergy Shop No. 01 He Zheng Ming Yuan, 16 Xinwen Lu, Futian District (8389 2686) 福田区新闻路16号，合正名园 1号商铺

The Grill 2/F, Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai, 1177 Wanghai Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2162 8888)

南山区望海路 1177 号蛇口希尔顿南海酒店 2 楼

The Grill & Bar 2/F, Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen, 5 Guihua Lu, Futian Free Trade Zone, Futian District (8358 8662)

扒房·酒吧 , 福田区保税区桂花路 5 号深圳福朋喜 来登酒店 2 楼

The Kitchen No. 144, Coco Park, 138 Mintian Lu, Futian District (2531 3860)

现 场 厨 房 , 福 田 区 民 田 路 138 号 城 建 购 物 公 园 144 号

The Lounge 33/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Baoan Nan Lu, Luohu District (2218 7338)

Taste 3/F, Four Points by Sheraton, 5 Guihua Lu, Futian District (8359 9999 ext.

88667)

桂花酒店 , 福田保税区桂花路 5 号福朋喜来登酒店 3楼

Willy's Crab Shack 18 Shiyun Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (8827 8002) 南山区蛇口新街 石云路18号 (www. willyscrabshack.com)

PIZZA Kiwi Pizza 1) B14 Underground Commercial Street, Coco Park, Futian District (8329 2299); 2) No. 8 Outlets Minkang Lu, Longhua District; 3) No. 125, Area A, North Park, Shopping Park, Mintian Lu, Futian District 纽奇比萨 1) 福田区购物公园负一层地铁

商业街B14铺; 2) 龙华新区民康路八号仓奥特莱斯; 3) 福田区民田路购物公园北园A区125

Lou Palacio Pizza 1/F, No. 40, Bldg A, Poly Cultural Center, Nanshan District (8628 7109) 帕拉休，南山区保利文化广场A区40号店铺

NYPD Pizza 1) Shop FL1015, Central Walk, Fuhua Yi Lu, Futian District (8887 6973); 2) No. 26, Haichang Jie, Shekou, Nanshan District (8887 6973)

纽约批萨1) 福田区福华一路中心城FL1015商 铺; 2)南山区蛇口海昌街海尚国际裙楼26号铺 ( 近新一佳)

Pizza Express Shop 568, 5/F, the MixC, 1881 Bao'an Nan Lu, Luohu District (2215 9036) 罗湖区宝安南路1881号万象城5楼

Southeastern Sambal B102, Century Place, Shennan Lu, Futian District (2264 1000) 桑芭桑芭 福田区深南中路世纪汇商场负一层 B102号

Thai up No.108, 1/F, Tianli Mingcheng, Haide Er Dao, Nanshan District (8667 5585) 南山区海德二道天利名城一楼108号

Yes Thai Cuisine 1) 3/F, Shopping Park, 269 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2531 3918) ; 2) 2) No.517, 5/F, Coastal City, Haide Yi Dao, Nanshan District (8635 9929); 3) 3) L410, KK Mall, 5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohuo District (2290 0333); 4) 4) 6A, OCT-Bay, 8 Baishi Dong Lu, Nanshan District (8281 9918); 5) 3/F, B Area, Seaworld, Nanshan (2162 6000); 6) 2/F, Jiufang Shopping Center, Renmin Lu, Longhua District (2949 3311); 7) 4/F, Jiuzhou Vanke Square, Longxiang Dadao, Longgang District (8926 3966)

1) 福田区福华三路 269 号购物公园 3 楼 ; 2) 南山 区海德一道海岸城 5 楼 517 号 ; 3) 罗湖区深南东 路 5016 号京基百纳空间购物中心 L410; 4) 南山 区白石路东 8 号欢乐海岸 6A 号 ; 5) 南山区海上世 界 B 区 3 楼 ; 6) 龙华新区 人民路九方购物中心二 楼 ; 7) 龙岗区 龙翔大道九洲万科广场 4 楼

nightlife LUOHU

罗湖区宝安南路 1881 号深圳君悦酒店 33 层

Mama’s No. 110-111, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District. (2686 2349) 南山区蛇口海上世界 110-111 号商铺

McCawley's Bar & Grill Shop 109, Bldg 7, Phase 3, Rose Garden, Shekou, Nanshan District (2667 4361). 南山区蛇口南海玫瑰园三期 7 号楼 109 号商铺

Song Joong Ki Asia Tour Fanmeeting in Hong Kong, 8pm; HKD780-1,380.

AsiaWorld Expo (www.pklive.com) All the fans of K-Pop have been waiting for this one. Song Joong Ki, one of the most popular stars across Asia, will be touring numerous cites to meet his loyal followers. Don’t miss the chance to catch this stud while he’s in Hong Kong!

国际酒吧街

FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, Jun 24 6.30pm and 8.30pm, Jun 25-26 1.15pm and 3.45pm; HKD70-650. Hong Kong Coliseum (www.vbahk.org.hk) Can’t wait for the Olympic games?

Get ready for the fiercest prelude: exciting volleyball matches between the national teams of China, Germany, Netherlands and the US.

McCawley’s Irish Bar & Restaurant Shop 118, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2668 4496)

麦考利爱尔兰酒吧，南山区蛇口海上世界广场 118号

Burger & Lobster 1) Shop 65, B1/F, Wongtee Plaza, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8252 4694); 2) 2/F, B Block, SCC, 9 Wenxin San Lu, Nanshan District (6190 3010) 1)福田区福华三路皇庭广场B1楼65号铺; 2) 南山 区文心三路9号中洲控股金融中心B座二楼

Shark 1) Shopping Park B, Mintian Lu, Futian District (8203 1999) 2) West of Bar Street, Sea World Squae, Shekou, Nanshan District (2602 9569) 鲨鱼餐吧 1) 福田区民田

路购物公园B区一楼 2) 南山区蛇口海上世界西侧

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Champs Bar & Grill 2/F, Shangri-La Shenzhen, Luohu Dist. (8396 1366) 罗湖区香格里拉大酒店 2 楼

Decanter 100/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, No.5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888-1459/1455) 品酒阁 深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路5016号 100层

Face Club,4/F, MixC Mall Phase II, No.1881 Bao'an Nan Lu, Luohu District(8266 6699).

罗湖区宝安南路 1881 号万象城第二期卡地亚楼上 四楼

Malt 100/F, St. Regis Shenzhen, No.5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888-1459/1455) 天吧，深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区

深南东路5016号100层

The Penthouse 38/F, Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 Baoan Nan Lu, Luohu District (2218 7338) 罗湖区宝安南路1881号深圳君 悦酒店38层

The St. Regis Bar 96/F, St. Regis Shen-

OPEN DOOR

Alexander’s Ice Cream Sweet Cool Down

Alexander’s, the first door-to-door ice cream delivery service in Shenzhen, offers the sweetest way to cool down this scorching summer. With nine rich flavors – vanilla, dark chocolate, Baileys, coconut, Hong Kong milk tea, mango, rose, matcha and durian – you are sure to find your favorite. The products can be purchased through Alexander's website, WeChat service account and Taobao. > Follow alexander’s wechat: yLSdZg to purchase your favorite ice cream.

Grand Mercure Shenzhen Asian Food Buffet

Stop by the Grand Mercure Shenzhen Oriental Ginza in June for a culinary journey across Asia’s signature cuisines. Explore Indian delicacies, spicy Thai dishes, Peranakan fusion, intricate Vietnamese flavors and more!

Lunch Buffet Dinner Buffet

Adult RMB168 RMB258

Child RMB88 RMB128

All prices above are subject to a 10 percent service charge and 6 percent value-added tax. > Beside the Zhuzi Lin metro Station, Shennan dadao, Futian district 福田区深南大道竹子林地 铁站旁 (8350 0888)

win!

We have two gift cards, each valued at RMB100, to give away. For a chance to win, message our WeChat feed: Thats_PRD

Dream Fitness Pump It Up Summer calls for perfection. Work off some of your winter flab at Dream Fitness. The fitness center offers everything you need to get in tip-top shape: muscle building equipment, Les Mills classes, TRX, professional coaches and more. All you need to do is bring along your will power! > 3/F, Zhongxin Shangwu Building, Fuhua yi Lu, Futian district 福田区福华一路中心商务大厦三楼

The Westin Shenzhen Drink Specials on the Terrace

win!

We have 10 vouchers for five people (each equivalent to two free gym passes that need to be redeemed in one week). For a chance to win, message our WeChat feed: Thats_PRD

A new summer promotion featuring Ron Maddero Blanco is here at The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan Grange Grill Terrace. Now through the end of July on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9pm, ladies can enjoy free Ron Maddero rum drinks at the terrace bar, which features an incredible view from the 25th floor. All guests can enjoy a 50 percent discount on London No 1 gin and Ron Maddero cocktails from 6-9pm every day until July 31. Come on Sunday nights to join in a networking party and savor excellent cocktails in a beautiful setting. “Making a good cocktail is equivalent to cooking a really good dish,” says Jose Garcia Torrazza, manager of Grange Grill. "You have to think about where your ingredients come from, the balance, how to present it… it’s all part of the story and experience.” The Grange Grill team uses events as opportunities to interact with guests, explaining the concepts behind their creations and celebrating the special spirits that make them unique. Swing by on your next night out to join in the rad parties and sip the terrace’s scrumptious drinks, including The London martini, negroni, the pinky Collins and pina colada. > 25/F, the westin Shenzhen, 9028-2 Shennan Road, nanshan district 南山区深南大道9028-2 号, 深圳益田威斯汀酒店25层 (2698 8888)

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zhen, No.5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District (8308 8888-1468)

瑞吉吧 深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路 5016 号 96 层深圳瑞吉酒店罗湖区深南东路 5016 号 99 层

fans, you won’t want to miss this!

UNTIL JUNE 11 ALL WEEK

An Evening of French Music, 8pm; MOP120-320. Macao Cultural Centre (www.macauticket.com) Featuring the best works of Paris as a center of art, music, literature and fashion throughout the past 300 years, this concert invites audiences to remember the impact of French music since the days of Louis XIV. Come revel in the romantic harmonies of some of Europe’s greatest composers.

JUNE 9 THU

Final of Macao International Dragon Boat Races, time TBC. Nam Van Lake Nautical Center (www.macaudragonboat.com) The Macao International Dragon Boat Races have grown to become a massive sporting event. Every year, thousands of athletes from all different countries participate in this exciting race. This year’s Macau International Dragon Boat Races will see teams from Hong Kong, Japan, the US, the Philippines, China, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Australia and Europe.

南山区海上世界广场西侧国际酒吧街

FUTIAN Club Viva No. 140, Fuhua Lu, CoCo Park, Futian District (137 9825 6176) 福田区福华路城建购物公园 140 号

Craft Head Nano Tap House West Shop, Bldg 161, Crossing of Huanggang Gongyuan Yi Jie and Shuiwei Ba Jie, Futian District (136 6229 2253) 福田区皇岗公园一街与水围

八街交界处161栋西面商铺

Curv Bar 1/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, 116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District (2222 2222)

福田区福华三路 116 号深圳丽思卡尔顿酒店 1 楼

La Vie en Macau Exhibition, 3-8pm (Mon), noon-8pm (Tue-Sun); free entry.

Albergue SCM, A2 Gallery, 8 Calcada da Igreja de Sao Lazar (853-2852 2550) Known for his street photography, local photographer Antonio Leong has captured some interesting and thought-provoking images over the past few years. He is an active volunteer for charity organizations and a committed participant in cultural projects. Come view his exhibition, which highlights diverse cityscapes in Macau.

Duke’s, The Langham, Shenzhen, No. 7888, Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8828 9888). 福田区深南大道7888号深圳朗廷酒店 Evening Show 4-5/F, Building 2, Huanggang Business Center, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8270 8888; 8278 3999;137 2435 3542). 福田区福华三路卓越世纪中心 2 号楼裙楼 4-5 层

Executive Lounge 25/F, Grand Mercure Oriental Ginza Shenzhen,Shennan Da Dao Xi,Futian District (8350 0888)

福田区深南大道西东方银座美爵酒店 25 楼

Frankie’s No.33-34, Building 3, Gui Huayuan Garden, Fenghuang Dao, Guihua Lu, Futian Free Trade Zone (8271 9220)

福田保税区桂花路凤凰道桂花苑花园 3 栋一层 33-34 号铺

La Casa No.139 Coco Park, Fuhua Lu, Futian District. (8290 3279)

UNTIL JUNE 14

悦坊 福田区福华路城建购物公园 139 号

Artmusing Summer Workshops, time and price TBC. Macao Cultural Centre (www.ccm.gov.mo) Organized by the Macao Cultural Centre, the Artmusing Summer Workshops invite art lovers of all ages to join in a series of creative workshops in June. The workshops include themes like make-up, popup books, dance, theater and more.

There are also a number of classes for families, where loved ones can bond with each other in a musical or theatrical setting.

福田区中心四路一号嘉里建设广场 T3 栋 1M 层 1B 室

ALL WEEK

JUNE 11 SAT JUNE 13-JULY 3

TUE-THU, SAT-SUN

Lavo Bistro & Lounge 1M/F, Room 1B, Tower 3, Kerry Plaza, No 1, Zhongxin Si Lu, Futian District (8899 9676; 8255 7462)

McCawley’s Irish Bar Shop 151-152, Coco Park, Futian District. (2531 3599) 福田区购物公园 151-152

O! Garden No. 138, Mintian Lu, Futian District. (8889 6999) 福田区民田路 138 号购物公园

Pepper Club, 2/F, Shopping Park, Fuhua Lu, Fustian District (8319 9040). 福田区福华路购物公园二楼

Skyline Bar Hui Hotel, Block 401, 3015 Hongli Xi Lu, Futian District (8830 5555)

福田区红荔西路 3015 号 401 栋 ( 红荔路与福华路 交界 ) 回酒店

Sports Bar 7/F, Grand Mercure Oriental Ginza Shenzhen, Zhuzilin, Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8350 0888 ext. 88605) 体育吧 福田区深南大道竹子林东方银座美爵酒店

Vintage Bar 1/F Wyndham Grand Shenzhen Hotel, 2009Cartian Road, Futian District Shenzhen, Guandong(8299 8888) 温吧 福田区彩田路2009号3楼

Xpats Bar & Lounge FL1016 & FL1017 (next to NYPD), East Side Walk, Central Walk Shopping Mall, Fuhua Lu, Futian District (8280 1352) 福田区福华路中心城东面 1016-1017 铺

Yi Bar & Lounge 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, 138 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8826 8900) 逸廊吧 深圳四季酒店6楼, 福 田区福华三路138号

NANSHAN A Mei Utopia 2016 World Tour, 8pm; MOP380-1,580. The Venetian Macao (www.macauticket.com) Taiwanese singer Chang Hui-mei, better known for her stage name A-mei, was the first Taiwanese singer featured by Time magazine and called a diva of the Mandarin pop music scene. Continuing for almost two years, her tour has stunned audiences the world over, with an astounding set, spectacular costumes and her notably amazing vocals. So

Club Viva International Bar Street, West of Seaworld Square, Shekou, Nanshan District. (2669 7365)

Bok Festival, 3pm/8pm; MOP80-170.

For specific programs and their venue, please visit www.bokfestival.com.

Organized by several NGOs and theaters, Bok Festival strives to promote concepts of interconnection, commitment and “fighting with all you’ve got.” It explores new possibilities for the theatrical arts, providing a platform for artists in different circles to showcase their works in experimental theaters and to bring new blood into Macau’s drama scene.

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Volfoni Bar&Grill Shop 32, Coastal Garden II, Wanghai Lu, Shekou (2688 3381)

蛇口望海路南海玫瑰园二期 32 号

Boomerang, A1-39, Poly Cultural Center, Hou Haibin Lu, Nanhai Dadao, Nanshan District (8655 2054).

回旋镖酒吧，南山区后海大道后海滨路保利文化中 心 A1-39 号

Cheers Gan Bei Bar Shop 60, Coastal Rose Garden II, Wanghai Lu, Shekou (2683 2864) 蛇口望海路南海玫瑰园二期 60 号商铺干杯酒吧

CJW OCT BAY No.15 Qushui Bay, OCT BAY, No.8 Baishi Lu. Nanshan District (8639 5266) 欢乐海岸CJW南山区白石路东8号

欢乐海岸曲水湾15栋

The George & Dragon. The quintessential British pub; good draft beers, ales, stout, cider, hearty pub food,w BBQ's, screening non-stop sports, secluded beer garden. Your home away from home.

George & Dragon British Pub Shop No.3, Back of Taizi Hotel, Taizi Lu, Seaworld Plaza, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 8564).

南山区蛇口海上世界太子路太子宾馆一楼后排 3 号 商铺

Eden Garden Rooftop Bar 16/F, Hilton Senzhen Shekou Nanhai, 1177 Wanghai Lu, Nanshan District 伊甸园屋顶酒吧，南山区望海路1177号蛇口希尔 顿南海酒店16楼

Laffa 12pm-2am, G/F, Fuzon Hotel, No.1 Kanle Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2682 7888) 南山区蛇口康乐路 1 号金銮富众酒店地下

McCawley’s Irish Bar Shop 118, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2668 4496) 南山区蛇口海上世界广场118号 Penny Black Jazz Cafe Shop 134, Building A5, OCT Loft Phase II, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (8609 8585).

黑邮票爵士咖啡，南山区华侨城创意文化园北区 A5 栋 134

RMK (Rumaku) No.4 B-10 Shenzhen Software Industry Base, Haitianyi Lu, Nanshan (137 5113 1489) 南山区海天一路深圳市软件产业基地4栋B座裙 楼10号

Snake Pit Shop 20, Phase 2, Rose Garden, Wanghai Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District.

(130 4883 7140) 南山区蛇口望海路南海玫瑰

园二期20号

The Tavern Sports Bar 3/F, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 1939, www.tavernchina.com) 南山区蛇口海上世界广场 B 区 306

The Terrace Above Starbucks, Seaworld Plaza, Shekou, Nanshan District (2682 9105)

南山区蛇口海上世界广场 2 楼星巴克楼上

V Bar 2/F, The Venice Hotel Shenzhan, No.9026 Shennan Daodao, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (2693 6888 ext: 8015) 深圳南山区华侨城深南大道 9026 号

威尼斯酒店 2 楼

X-TA-SEA 1/F, Cruise Inn, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (2686 7649) 南山区蛇口海上世界太子路明华轮酒店 1 楼

health DENTAL

Viva Dental L2/F, Galaxy Center Shopping Mall, No.5, Zhongxin Lu, Futian District (2361 8563;2361 8565) 福田区中心五路星河

发展中心购物广场L2层

Dental Bauhinia 9/F,Block B,Shenzhen International Chamber of Commerce Tower,138 Fuhua Yi Lu,Futian District,(8371 1696, 8371 2696) http://www.dentalbauhinia.com 紫荆齿科 福田区福华一路138号

国际商会大厦B座9层

Victoria Dental Room 1510, Tower 3A, Excellence Century Center, Fu Hua San Lu, Futian District.(8837 3300) 维港齿科, 福田区

URBAN MOMENTS Do you have party pictures to contribute? Send them to us at editor.prd@urbanatomy.com and we’ll run the best.

Jams Zabiela @Pepper May 7

Richie Hawtin @Pepper May 21

Casa Del Padrino @Shark Futian Apr 22

Cinco de mayo @Tequila Coyote’s Shekou may 5

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l i st i n g s

福华三路卓越世纪中心3号楼 A座1510室

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL C-MER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital 1-2/F, Shengtang Bldg, 1 Tairan Jiu Lu, Chegongmiao, Futian District (4001 666 120, 3322 7188) 福田区车公庙泰然九路 一号盛唐大厦1-2层

Distinct Clinc 1) Shenkou Medical Center,Room 5B, 5th Floor, Tower A, Wanrong Building, Gongye Si Lu, Nanshan District (8666 4776) 2) Diwang Medical Center, G4 (N), Office Tower, Diwang Commercial Center, No.5002 Shenzhen Dong Lu, Luohu District (2220 1852) 3) Exhibition Center Clinic, Room 0219-0220,Int’l Chamber of Commerce,168 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8347 9801) 4) Coastal City Clinic, Room 1012, Coastal City West Tower, Haide Sandao, Nanshan District (2167 7955) 5) Well Child Center, Room 5A, 5th Floor, Tower A, Wanrong Building, Gongye Si Lu, Nanshan District (26816760) 6) Specialty & Surgical Center, Room 5C, 5th Floor, Tower A, Wanrong Building, Gongye Si Lu, Nanshan District (2682 8205) 1) 南山区 工业四路万融大厦A座5层5B室 2) 罗湖区深南东路 5002号地王商业中心商业大楼北翼G4层 3) 福田 区福华三路168号国际商会中心裙楼0219 4) 南山 区海德三道海岸城西座写字楼1012室 5) 南山区工 业四路万融大厦A座5层5A室 6) 南山区工业四路万 融大厦A座5层5C室

Shenzhen (Nanshan) Concord College of Sino-Canada 166 Nan’guang Lu, Nanshan District (2656 8886). www.ccsc.com.cn

Dadao, Futian District. (2269 8888) 福田区深南大道 6005 号

boat charters

南山区南光路 166 号

Shenzhen Oriental English College Bao’an Education City, National Highway 107 (Bao’an Airport North) Bao’an District (2751 6669). www.szoec.baoan.net.cn/ 宝安区 107 国道宝安教育城 ( 宝安国际机场北 )

St. Lorraine Chinese-English Kindergarten 1) Tongjing Garden, Shadong Lu, Liantang, Luohu District (2582 4450) 2) Gemdale Haijing Garden, Xinzhou Nan Lu, Futian District (8330 3329). www.st-lorraine.edu. hk/zhenchun 1) 罗湖区莲塘沙东路桐景花园 2)

深圳前海华侨城 JW 万豪酒店 , 宝安区宝兴路 8 号

Sky Sea World 3E-2, Seaview Bldg, 18 Taizi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2680 7666, 2681 2999, www.sswgsz.com) 南山区蛇口太子路18号海景大厦3E－2

Soccer Training

福田区新洲南路金地海景花园

Shangri-La Hotel East of the Luohu Train Station, Jianshe Lu, Luohu District (8233 0888). www.shangri-la.com 罗湖区建设路火车站东侧

UP We maximize infants & toddlers learning abilities. Rm 307 A/B/C, 3/F, East Pacific Square, Hongli Xi Lu, Futian District (8339 0166; 8339 0266) www.upchildren. com 福田区香蜜湖红荔西路东海城市广场三楼

Shenzhenair International Hotel Shenzhen 6035 Shennan Da dao, Futian District (8881 9999). www.szahotel.com 深圳深航国际酒店，福田区深南大道 6035 号 .

307A/B/C

LANGUAGE TRAINING

SoccerRangers™ International youth development football training for kids 4 to 15yrs.

The perfect base to experience the benefits and joys of playing football. Grassroots, learning centred coaching methodology based on fun small sided games. Training sessions delivered by experienced and Football Association FA qualified coaches. 深圳市南山区华侨城创意园美林大厦E4栋 509 Shēnzhèn city, Nánshān district, OCTLOFT, Měi lín Building E4, 5th floor, Room 509 www.soccerrangers. com +8613554859065 tom.oconnor@ soccerrangers.com

Shenzhen Women& the Children’s hospital 12018 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District.

(3391 9122) 南山区深南大道12018号

Real Estate

International SOS Shenzhen Clinic. 6 NanHai Dadao, Industry Mansion (East Annex), Shekou, Nanshan District. (2669 3667)

Executive Real Estate Shenzhen Rm 329, Times Plaza, 1 Taizi Lu, Nanshan District (2667 3013, 135 6071 0609, lexi@shenzhenrent.com.cn)

环宇一家综合门诊部 . 蛇口南海大道 6 号工业大厦 附楼 .

American International School, No. 82,Gongyuan Lu, Shekou,Nanshan District (8619 4750) 南山区蛇口公园路82号青少年活动中心

Green Oasis School No 4030, Shennan Middle Road, Tianmian, Futian District. (8399 6712) admission@ greenoasis.org.cn www.greenoasis.org.cn 福田区田面村深南中路 4030 号

International School of Nanshan Shenzhen A Canadian school accepting application for Pre-Grade 1 through Grade 12. 166 Nanguang Lu, Nanshan District (2666 1000, 2606 6968). admission@isnsz.com www. isnsz.com 南山区南光路166号 Peninsula Montessori Kindergarten the Peninsula one, Jin Shiji Lu, Shekou Nanshan District ( 2685 1266) 半岛城邦国际幼儿 园 南山区蛇口东角头金世纪路1号半岛城邦一期

Quality Schools International 2/F Bitao Center, 8 Taizi Lu, Shekou,Nanshan District (2667 6031). www.shk.qsi.org 南山区蛇口太子路 8 号碧涛中心 2 楼

QSI International School of Shenzhen (Futian) A1, TCL Science Park, No. 1001 Zhongshan Yuan, Nanshan District (8371 7108) 中山园路1001号TCL 科学园区A1栋

Mission Hills Resort No.1 Mission Hills Dadao, Bao’an District.(2802 0888)

路16号 2)福田石夏二路新新家园建鑫苑

号五楼http://en.woman91.com/

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Marco Polo Shenzhen Fuhua Yi Lu, CBD, Futian District (8298 9888). www. cn.marcopolohotels.com 福田中心区福华一路

深圳豪派特华美达广场酒店 . 梅龙路与民旺路交汇 处

The Child-loving Pre-school (Shenzhen) Education Center 1)16 Jingtian Dong Lu, Xiangmi San Cun, Futian District (8391 0751, 8390 5242) 2) Jian Xin Yuan, Xin Xin Garden, Shixia Er Lu, Futian District (8345 1123, 8345 1146) 1) 福田区香蜜三村景田东

Far-east Women &Children Hospital 5/F, No. 2097, Shen Nan Dong Lu, Luo Hu District ( 8261 3384) 深圳市罗湖区深南东路2097

education

南山区后海滨路海德三道

Ramada Plaza Shenzhen Meilong Lu and Minwang Lu Cross, Minzhi Lu, Long gang District (8171 1333). www.ramadasz.com

深圳外国语学校国际部南山区白石三道 29 号

福田区福华路金中环国际商务大厦 13 楼 A1311

楼4层

Kempinski Hotel Hai De San Dao, Hou Hai Bin Lu, Nanshan District (8888 8888) http://www.kempinski.com/cn/

观澜湖酒店集团 宝安区观澜湖高尔夫大道 1 号

Shen Wai International School 29 Baishi San Lu, Nanshan (8654 1200, www.swis.cn)

Dayabindu International Counseling & Psychology Services A1311, 13/F, Golden Central Tower, Fuhua Lu, Futian District (8280 2248). Individual & marriage counseling, psychotherapy, and trainings in English, Spanish & Putonghua(with interpreter). www.dayabindu.com

Vista-SK International Medical Center Lvl 4, Bldg 4C, Shenzhen Software Industry Base,Xuefu Lu, Nanshan District (3689 9833) 南山区学府路软件产业基地4栋C座裙

JW Marriott Shenzhen Bao’an 8 Baoxing Lu, Baoan District (2323 8888)

Mandarin House International quality accredited Chinese language programs.

Whether at your office, home, or our conveniently-located schools; learn practical and modern Chinese with experienced teachers.

Call us or visit our school and see why more than 30000 people have chosen Mandarin House for learning Chinese!

Futian 11F, 171 Mintian Road, Futian 深圳市福田区新华保险大厦 1118 室 Tel: 400 633 5538 E-mail:info@mandarinhouse.com Web:www.mandarinhouse.com

Cotalk Chinese 1) A1912, Reith Center, Exit C1 of Window of the World metro station, Nanshan District (159 1974 6086); 2) No. 5C-508, Seascape Square, Exit D of Sea World metro station, Shekou, Nanshan District. (139 2746 5084) 1) 南山区沙河世纪 广场瑞思中心A1912; 2) 南山区蛇口海上世界D出 口海景广场5C-508

I Mandarin Chinese School 1) 1F, West Wing, Xincheng Building, 1027 Shennan Dadao, Futian District. (2598 7982) 2) Rm 8, 2/F,Youran Ju,Liuzhou Zhiye Center,Nanhai Dadao,Shekou,Nanshan District. (2682 8811) 3)Rm1706, Main building of Golden Central Tower, No.3037,Jintian Lu,Futian District.

(15811815474) 爱玛德 1)福田区深南中路 1027号新城大厦西座1F 2) 南山区蛇口南海大道和 工业八路交汇处六洲置业中心悠然居2楼 3)福田区 金田路3037号金中环商务大厦主楼1706

Jiahua Language School 1) Unit3106B The Modern International Fuhua Lu,Futian District (2396 0365 / 2396 0363) 2)12/F, Block B, New Energy Building, No.2239 Nanhai Dadao, Nanshan District (400 6089 228) 1) 福田区福华路现代国际大厦31层3106B

2) 南山区南海大道2239号新能源大厦B座12楼

www.jiahuaschool.com

TLI (Taipei Language Institute) 1209A, Building C, Ming Wah International Convention Center, Seaworld, Shekou, Nanshan District (2161 8221) 南山区蛇口海上世界明华 国际会议中心C栋1209A

Shekou International School Jingshan Villas, Gongye Er Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District (2669 3669). www.sis.org.cn 南山区蛇口工业二路鲸山别墅内

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Life & Style

深圳源合森哲房地产投资管理有限公司 南山区蛇 口太子路1号新时代广场329

hOTEL Hotels with the sign of a golden key are members of the Golden Key Alliance. ★★★★★ Crowne Plaza Shenzhen Longgang City Centre 9009 Longxiang Avenue, Longgang city centre, Longgang District. (3318 1888)

深圳龙岗珠江皇冠假日酒店 龙岗区龙岗中心城龙 翔大道 9009 号

Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen 3018 Nanhu Lu,Luohu District (8217 2288) 罗湖区南湖路 3018 号

Futian Shangri-La Hotel Shenzhen No.4088 Yitian Lu, Futian District (8828 4088). 福田区益田路 4088 号福田香格里拉大酒店

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen 138 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (8826 8888) 深圳市福田区福华三路 138 号

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen No.1881 Baoan Nan Lu, Luohu District (8266 1234) www.shenzhen.grand.hyatt.com 罗湖区宝安南路1881号 Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai 1177, Wanghai Lu, Nanshan District

深圳蛇口希尔顿南海酒店 南山区望海路 1177 号 (2162 8888)

Hilton Shenzhen Futian Town B, Great China International Finance Centre, 1003 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (2130 8888) 福田区深南大道1003号大中华国际金融

中心B座

InterContinental Shenzhen 9009 Shennan Dong Lu, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (Exit C at the Huaqiaocheng metro station) (3399 3388).www.intercontinental.com 南山区华侨城深南东路9009号（地 铁华侨城站C出口）

JW Marriott Shenzhen No.6005 Shennan

Shangri-La Futian Hotel No. 4088 Yitian Lu, Futian District. (8828 4088 )

福田香格里拉大酒店，福区益田路 4088 号

Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel Inside the Great China International Exchange Square, Fuhua Lu, Futian District (8383 8888) 福田区大中华国际交易广场内

Sheraton Dameisha Resort 9 Yankui Lu, Dameisha, Yantian District (8888 6688) 盐田大梅沙盐葵路 ( 大梅沙段 )9 号

St. Regis Shenzhen No.5016 Shennan Dong Lu, Luohu District.(8308 8888) 深圳瑞吉酒店 罗湖区深南东路 5016 号

The Interlaken OCT Hotel Shenzhen East Overseas Chinese Town, Dameisha, Yantian District (8888 3333). www.interlakenocthotel.com 盐田区大梅沙东部华侨城 The Langham, Shenzhen, No. 7888, Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8828 9888). 深圳朗廷酒店，福田区深南大道 7888 号

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen 116 Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (2222 2222)

福田区福华三路 116 号

The Westin Shenzhen 9028-2 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District (2698 8888) www. westin.com/shenzhen 南山区深南大道 9028 号 -2

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Wongtee V Hotel No.2028 Jintian Lu, Huanggang Business Center, Futian District.

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Wyndham Grand Shenzhen 2009 Caitian Lu, Futian District (8299 8888)

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Somerset Grandview Shenzhen No.5 Xinsha Road, Futian District, Shenzhen (400 820 1028)

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Reits Service Apartment Yan shan Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District. (2667 3667) Email:info@reits-service.com 瑞特兹服务公寓 南山区蛇口沿山路 11 号

Chicago Suites International 9 Yannan Lu (next to Hualian Building), Futian District (8281 0888). 福田区燕南路 9 号（华联旁） Fraser Place shekou Shehzhen 1033 Nanhai Lu, Nanshan District (2688

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Mobile Game company business development position.

A NASDAQ listed Shenzhen based mobile game company iDreamSky is looking for an expat for one business development position, native English speaker and fluent in Mandarin a must, well versed with mobile games or business negotiation experience a plus.

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3333) 南山区南海大道 1033 号 Fietser International 6012 Shennan Dadao, Futian District (8292 8666). 福田区深南大道6012号

French Chamber of Commerce in South China (CCIFC) Room 318, 3/F Chinese Overseas Scholars Venture Building,South section of Hi-tech Industry Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 8632 9602; fax: 8632 9736) www.ccifc.org 南山区科技园南区留学生创业大

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business BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS 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 1) Futian Anlian, 26/F, Anlian CentreNo.4018 Jintian Road, Futian District; 2) A8 Building, 15/F, A8 Building, No.1002 Keyuan Road Tech Zone, Nanshan District; 3) Futian NEO, 44/F, NEO Tower A, No.6011 Shennan Avenue Futian District; 4) SCC, 7/F, Tower A, SCC Financial Centre, Junction of Houhai Avenue & First Haide Avenue Nanshan District; 5) New World Centre, 23/F, New World Centre, No.6009 Yitian Road Futian District; 6) Times Financial Centre, 14/F Times Financial Centre, No. 4001 Shennan Avenue Futian District; 7) New Times Plaza, 3/F, New Times Plaza,No.1 Taizi Road Shekou District; 8) Panglin Plaza, 35/F, Panglin Plaza, No.2002 Jiabin Road Luohu District; 1)深圳安联中心, 深圳市福田区

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wChina-Italy Chamber of Commerce Rm220, 2/F, International Chamber Of Commerce, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (Tel: 8632 9518; Fax: 8632 9528). www. cameraitacina.com 福田区福华三路国际商会中心 2 楼 220 室

Egypt-China Business Council (South China) Rm 201, 2/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of High-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 8635 0900; fax: 8635 0901). 南山高新科技园南区留学生创业大厦 2 楼 201 室

European Union Chamber of Commerce Rm 308, 3/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of HighTech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 8635 0920; fax: 8632 9785). 南山高新科技园南区留学生创业大厦 3 楼 308 室

German Chamber of Commerce 217 Chinese Overseas Scholars Venture Building, Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District. (8635 0487) www.china.ahk.de 南山区高新科技园南区留学生创业大厦 217

IFE Business service Limited 15/F, Tower 2, Kerry Plaza, Zhongxin Si Lu, Futian District (3304 3438) 福田区中心四路嘉里建设广场 2 座 15 楼

Israel’s Trade mission to China Shenzhen Liaison Office Rm 306,Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of High-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 2671 2226; Fax: 2671 2223). www.israeltrade.org.cn

Recruitment HOME Women's and Children's Hospital currently is looking for international physicians and paramedics to work in our hospital.

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南山区高新科技园南区留学生创业大厦 306 室 南 山区

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Shenzhen office Room535, 5/F, Podium Building Cafu Square, 5 Guihua Lu, Futian Free Trade Zone (3391 1656) 福田保税区桂花路 5 号加福广场裙楼 535 号

The American Chamber of Commerce in South China Rm 208, 2/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of High-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 0755-2658 8342; fax: 0755-2658 8341). www.amcham-southchina.org The British Chamber of Commerce, Shenzhen Sub-Chamber Rm 314, 3/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of High-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 2658 8350). 深圳市南山区 高新科技园南区留学生创业大厦3楼314室

The Brussels Enterprise Agency Rm 222, 2/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of HighTech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 8632 9700; fax: 8632 9705). www.investinbrussels.com 深圳市南山区高新科技园南区留学

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The Korea Chamber of C&I Shenzhen Rm 312, 3/F Overseas Chinese Scholars Venture Building, southern section of HighTech Industrial Park, Nanshan District (Tel: 8635 0985; fax: 8635 0907). sz.korcham. net.cn 深圳市南山区高新科技园南区留学生创业 大厦3楼312

SOCIAL ASSOCIATIONS Shekou Women’s International Club A social club opens to membership for all expatriate ladies living in Shekou and surrounding areas. www.swiconline.com Shenzhen Asian Culture Society A non-profit networking organization in Shenzhen (134 2372 0417, Mary Ann MacCartney). www.shenzhenacs.com

w w w . t h a t s m a g s . c o m | S Z | J UNE 2 0 1 6 | 7 9

B a c k o f th e n e t

Grand Finale For GZIFL

Local League Combines Football, Friendship and International Flavor

by Matt Horn

W

ith the eyes of the global football family firmly fixed on France this month, the local scene is gearing up for a thrilling end to the latest campaign in the popular Guangzhou International Football League (GZIFL).

The league has been a permanent fixture on the Guangzhou sporting calendar since it launched in 2005 and has brought a huge amount of joy to many hundreds of wouldbe football stars in the city. I know because for nine years I was one, proudly wearing the green of the Paddy Field. Winning the title in 2007 remains one of the greatest memories of 13 years living here.

James O’Dowd, joint owner of Rebel Rebel bar, has been the man responsible for successfully running the league for more than a decade, although he admits to selfish reasons for setting it up.

“We used to play for the Elephant and Castle and would have games every Saturday,” he recalls. “But it was very disorganised, playing on some field, against some team.

We wanted to make it easier, with a regular venue against regular opponents – and so the league was born.”

Having initially been based south of the river in Baogang, the Tianhe pitches at the corner of Tiyu Donglu and Tianhe Beilu have been the permanent home for almost a decade.

The fields are perfect for the 8-a-side games and all varieties of human life that comprise the teams. Diplomats, students, teachers, and 8 0 | J u n e 2 0 1 6 | S Z | w w w.t h at s m a g s . c o m

national community in Guangzhou together.

“It is friendly football with different people from different places,” he observes. “I have seen it grow in popularity and I recommend anyone get involved.”

Frankie has travelled around China and rates the GZIFL as the league that has the best organization and highest standard of football So if you fancy getting involved in the league, head down to Tianhe this month to watch the climax of the season and check out possible options for playing when it kicks off again after the summer break in September.

Alternatively, pop down to see O’Dowd at Rebel Rebel on Tiyu Donglu or check out the website at www.gzifl.org.

Trust a man who knows – YOU WILL LOVE IT! businessmen of all shapes, sizes and ability have sweated buckets under the gaze of the city’s most prominent skyscrapers.

“One season we actually had teams in two divisions,” O’Dowd explains. “But teams come and go and this year we have a competitive group of ten battling it out.”

O’Dowd, like his beloved Aston Villa, recently gave up playing football regularly but remains actively involved in the league, now with a whistle between his lips. Getting a “man in black” has always been crucial and the increasingly competitive nature of the league means it is not always easy keeping order.

Two of the most famous names from the early years of the league have now gone, the E&C and my old team, the Paddy Field – the former replaced by Taksim Allstars and Jon Smith, once a Paddy stalwart, now running Colliers. Taksim, with a strong African presence, has been battling it out at the top with the Spanish and French based lads from Revolucion and the Brazilian samba boys from Latin Grill House. It’s a truly international tussle, when you add in the ever-present Japanese side, Pearl River United with a Middle Eastern base and the Brits from McCawley’s.

Sponsorship has always been a key part of the league, as Nigerian Frankie Iwobi from Taksim explains: “We used to play for Elephant and then became Allstars before Taksim came in to buy our kit, pay the league fees and money for the training pitch.”

A former teammate of O’Dowd, Iwobi loves the way the league can bring the inter-

As the action heats up in the GZIFL, the last few months have seen success for both of Guangzhou’s CSL teams. Evergrande has shrugged off the disappointment of elimination from the Asian Champions’ League to set the pace at the top of the table with an impressive run of victories.

Across the city, the Fuligans have also had more to cheer for as the Guangzhou R&F has recovered from a slow start to the campaign, although a 5-1 drubbing by Shanghai Shenhua did halt their upward progress.

At the end of the month, Fuli welcome back former boss Sven Goran Eriksson as Shanghai SIPG are the opponents in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

AT-HOME FIXTURES Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao June 11: Guangzhou Evergrande v Shijiazhuang Ever Bright June 25: Guangzhou Evergrande v Jiangsu Suning

Guangzhou R&F June 19: Guangzhou R&F v Beijing Guoan July 2: Guangzhou R&F v Shijiazhuang Ever Bright