That's Beijing - July 2016

: ide n sue Ins ji Is an ust Tyi/Aug l Ju

N O N R U T TUNE IN

PAY U P

Behind the Webcam with China's Self-Made Stars

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4 00 8 2 0 8428 城市漫步北京 英文版 7 月份 国 内 统 一 刊 号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press

ISSN 1672-8025

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J U LY 2 0 1 6

SWIM

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

Editor-in-Chief Oscar Holland Food & Drink Editor Noelle Mateer Staff Reporter Dominique Wong National Arts Editor Andrew Chin Digital Content Editor Justine Lopez Designers Li Xiaoran, Iris Wang Staff Photographer Holly Li Contributors Mia Li, Virginia Werner, Emma Huang, Dominic Ngai, Tongfei Zhang, Xinyu Li, Nick Mateer, Karoline Kan, Liu Laoshi, Earl Robertson

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EDITOR’S NOTE

DEALS

We're giving away tickets to some of

JULY

the very best Beijing

MY LAST TELEVISED BROADCAST WAS ON A SEGMENT FOR NICKELODEON NEWS UK IN

which I talked to camera about a current affairs story before popping a balloon. It made sense at the time.

In the 15 years since, I’ve managed to keep my face off screen. That was, however, until my colleague Noelle fired up the live-streaming service YY in the office. We soon found ourselves with an audience of 500 app users who asked about our Mandarin proficiency, sent heart emojis and made offensively inaccurate guesses about my age via real-time comments.

The live-streaming phenomenon has gripped China. For this month’s cover story (page 42), Noelle spends time with some of the apps’ stars who broadcast to thousands of people every day. For us, playing to the webcam was just a bit of fun (or in Noelle’s case, gonzo journalism). But for some in the live-streaming world, it’s a valuable source of income – or at least has the potential to be so.

Elsewhere in the magazine: Dominique Wong meets Beijing’s coolest granddad as he documents the city’s graffiti scene (page 10); Karoline Kan finds out whether China’s vintage stores are just selling any old crap at a mark-up (page 22); Andrew Chin interviews Floridian indie rockers Surfer Blood and previews other upcoming shows in our bumper arts section (from page 28); and, with Noelle on cover story duty, I step up to review some of the latest openings in the food and drink world (though she still wrote a sizable chunk of the Eat & Drink section, from page 52).

parties, openings, shows and talks all month, alongside free meals, drinks, discounts and giveaways. All you have to do is scan the QR code below, follow us on WeChat and keep an eye out for your chance to win. You'll get some other great stuff on your phone too.

Oscar Holland Editor-in-Chief

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Noelle and I try to elicit emojis and other gifts from our 500-stong audience on the live-streaming app YY

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

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QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“I take photos of men as well, but fewer” Sanlitun street photographer Zhou on the subjects he photographs, page 8

6 CIT Y

7 WISDOM OF THE AGES We ask a Laobeijing: Are Beijing’s university admissions fair?

Daily Happy Hour Come for your special drink

8 FINDERS CREEPERS We talk to the men behind the long camera lenses in Taikoo Li 9 ORDER OF THE PHOENIX Phoenix International Media Center is architecturally… interesting

8

16 LIFE & ST YLE

18 SHADY BUSINESS Our picks for chic summer sunglasses, and where to buy them

20 IN THE BAG The Cambridge Satchel Company is aiming high in China 26 SCENE & HE ARD Attention Beijing: Ed Hardy has arrived

20

28 ARTS

30 PRINCE OF GRIME Producer and DJ Royal-T is ready for UK rap to go global 34 NO BAD BLOOD Surfer Blood are ready to hang ten in Beijing

36 DON’T STOP STOMPING Broadway show Stomp is starting with a bang

36

5 2 E AT & D R I N K 56 MIFA N OR M A FA N Is the rice worth the hassle at these new openings?

58 POPPIN’ OFF Chinese ice pops to help cool down hot days 61 THE DA VINCI CODE Beijing’s Renaissance-themed bar in an apartment complex 4 | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

58

THE WRAP 42 CAMGIRLS AND BOYS

China’s rising live-streaming stars on the apps bringing them money and fame 1 0 TA G G I N G A L O N G The local grandpa documenting the capital’s graffiti scene

2 2 A F I N E V I N TA G E ?

At Beijing’s retro clothes stores, all is not as it seems

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CITY TH E B U Z Z

GETTING LIT A lightning bolt flashes across the Beijing sky during last month’s freak thunderstorm.

L I C E N S E TO D R E S S

A new law effective from July 1 states that couples must dress appropriately when obtaining a Beijing marriage license. Those wearing shorts, T-shirts, sandals and other casual attire will be turned away, according to a statement by the Civil Affairs Bureau.

The law aims to promote marriage and curb the city’s divorce rate by forcing prospective newlyweds to take the process more seriously. Divorce rates in China have been on the rise for the past 10 years. In 2014, 3.6 million marriages ended in divorce. Beijing was the worst offender, reporting 55,000 divorces in one year.

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RANDOM NUMBER

… is the total value, in millions of RMB, of fines collected from those caught smoking in public places since the ban, according to the Beijing Municipal Patriotic Health Campaign Committee Office. The anti-smoking law, which came into force in June 2015, prohibits lighting up in all indoor public places, workplaces and public transportation. Individuals violating the ban can be fined up to RMB200, while businesses that allow smoking on their premises can face fines of up to RMB10,000. A spokesperson from the committee, Gao Xiaojun, said that Beijing’s year-on-year tobacco sales fell 2.71 percent in 2015.

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

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

“I’m sure in 2022 our Chinese friends will be able to meet, even exceed, the high benchmarks that they have set in 2008” …is the hope set out by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach at the official opening of the Olympic Tower in Beijing last month. Located north of the Olympic Park, the tower is topped with the Olympic rings and sends a strong message about China’s commitment to Olympic values ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, says Bach. In addition to sightseeing, the tower will also be used as a meteorological observation center. The IOC’s permission is required to use the Olympic rings on any building not built directly for use in the Games.

G E N D E R M A?

Beijing is leading the charge to promote all-gender toilets, with around 30 venues in the city offering unisex facilities. The initiative is the first of its kind in China, and has been taken up by offices, bars and coffee shops across the city. Gender-neutral toilets are marked with a sign featuring traditional male and female symbols, as well as a third symbol that appears to be wearing both pants and a skirt. Premises that have adopted the initiative include Café Zarah, the Double City Coffee Bar, the Pool Bar and Adam’s. The Beijing Gender Health Education Institute plans to issue a city map showing the public venues with all-gender toilets.

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

AS K A L AO B E I J I N G We met Li, 56, during her break at Peking University

What do you think about it being easier for Beijing students to get into top universities like PKU? “Many young people come from other areas to study in Beijing. I’m around students all the time, and I feel that those from Beijing are more well-rounded. Kids in small towns grow up in an enclosed environment where studying is virtually the only thing to do. They are smart. Several years ago some of the students here were unable to even use a computer – they had to be taught when they first started at university. However, they are less accomplished in certain areas, like socializing and respecting others.

Students from less developed areas often find it hard to adjust to a new environment where everyone is as good as – or better than – they are. It’s difficult for them to compete with local students, who have varied hobbies and skills. So overall, I think it’s reasonable that students from Beijing are more likely to get into top universities.

Beijing has to set an example, which is exactly what local students can do at university. A country has to have role models. If students from other areas are allowed in too easily, the standard of the city’s education will be compromised.

Underlying this is the issue of educational inequality in China. People come to Beijing because they feel it’s better than other places. Although the government is making efforts towards a more balanced system, inadequate conditions are the root cause of poor education in less developed places. After graduation, students from small towns don’t want to go back, because even if they could earn a good salary, there are fewer opportunities for them to spend it. It’s only when economic development reaches more places, that educational equality is possible.

I have a child myself – she is a sophomore. We’ve both seen the differences between students from Beijing and those from other places. Even students from Beijing suburbs cannot compete with students, say, from Haidian. The gaokao mainly focuses on students’ ability to study. Other qualities are underrated or even totally excluded from the screening process. But the content of the gaokao is changing, and things are already getting better.”

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CI T Y | TA LES

TALES OF THE CITY WHO ARE THE SANLITUN STREET PHOTOGRAPHERS? words by Dominique Wong, image by Holly Li

You’ve probably seen them outside Taikoo Li. Or they’ve seen you – and maybe even taken a sneaky photo.

The infamous Sanlitun street photographers have been around for years but are particularly noticeable in summer.

They often snap in packs and, sometimes, without their subject’s permission.

So, who are these guys and what are they doing with their photos?

First impressions tell us that they are usually older dudes – and pretty amateurlooking ones, at that. But we have also heard that they are photographers from the Chinese tech company P1, a digital magazine and social network that specializes in analyzing trends.

On a typically sweltering summer afternoon, we take a trip to Taikoo Li to find out more. We spot ostentatious outfits, families, objectively beautiful men and women, couples fighting – a cross-section of Beijing’s 21 million people. Well the wealthier ones, at least.

Capturing them are a rash of photographers. Our own photojournalist Holly joins them, taking photos of them taking photos (so meta). We approach one.

“Ask somebody else, ask somebody else,” he says, motioning toward the front of the 8 | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

Apple store before backing away.

OK. We spot a trio of photographers a few feet away and zero in. Two of them disappear while the third, Zhou, offers to take a photo of us (which we politely decline).

Originally from Zhejiang, retiree-turnedphotographer Zhou has lived in Beijing for over 50 years. “I live nearby and come here whenever I feel like it,” he explains. So far, so casual.

“I don’t do anything with the photos, they are only for my personal use,” he continues.

“Maybe some of the photographers here do put them online. Everyone [here] is different.

It’s just a fun hobby for me.”

Zhou claims that he captures “interesting people” rather than those who are solely “beautiful.” He shows us a few of his snaps from today. Apart from his subjects being mostly women, there appears to be little other pattern.

“I take photos of men as well, but fewer,” he admits. “I really like taking photos of older foreigners. They’re interesting because they are often quite elegant-looking with good taste.

“There are two types of photos I like to take. One is where I communicate with the person – a posed shot. The other is more focused on the overall environment, rather than the person. For this type of photo, I

don’t ask for the person’s permission, it’s more of a shot in motion.”

But, isn’t it a bit, well, invasive?

“Photographers come to Taikoo Li because it’s such a popular area for people in general,” Zhou counters, before adding: “There are street photographers all over the world – it just looks like there are so many in Beijing because our population is bigger.”

Taking a break on the steps next to the Apple store, we find a middle-aged man and woman holding cameras. They are part of an online Beijing photography club. The woman, Qiu, shares: “There are 970 people in our group. Every weeknight from 8pm to 9pm we have a class on QQ where we can upload photos we’ve taken and get feedback from others. It’s a great club!”

Qiu recently became interested in photography after admiring other photographers’ work and deciding to give it a try. She has three cameras and enjoys shooting amateur models in parks.

“I usually show the models their pictures afterwards and if they like them, they can take them,” she explains. “I don’t sell them.

It’s just a hobby.”

NB: P1 representatives did not respond to our query, nor did we encounter any of them on our visit.

ON THE BLOCK | CIT Y

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CENTER, CHAOYANG PARK The Building Designed by architect Shao Weiping of the state-owned Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), Phoenix International Media Center is a ballooning torus (i.e. a doughnut-like tube) of latticed steel next to Chaoyang Park. The torus acts as a shell, housing two conventionally structured buildings inside.

Alternatively described as a “DNA-like double helix” the center accommodates television production studios, offices and businesses. While initial media reports praised the building for its “openness” to the public, our visit to the center suggests otherwise.

New guidelines on urban planning will forbid the construction of “bizarre” and “odd-shaped” buildings that are devoid of character or cultural heritage. In our new feature, we

The Residents’ View Security guard Xu allows us inside the gate before telling us: “You can’t go inside,” and then, “the center is very beautiful.” We flag down Liu, who has just exited the building. “It’s a nice, clean environment,” he says. We find a group of visitors from Guangzhou who appear to be on an unofficial tour of Phoenix TV. Leader Wan asks: “Are you from Guangzhou too? It’s like Phoenix Satellite in Hong Kong, isn’t it?” (Note: physically, no.) Also barred from entering, the visitors excitedly take photos outside the building instead.

gather opinions on some of the unusual architecture that remains, from both an architectural and civilian viewpoint.

The Architect’s View Architect at BMW China, Wang Shaonan, works near Phoenix Center. He confesses: “I don’t like this building, actually. I think the original idea was great. There was a lot of thought put into how to develop a better communicative space for people who live in Beijing – functional buildings connected in an open and interesting space. But after development and implementation, a security fence blocked the possibility of interaction between public and building.

“The eventual open space is not as exciting as the original design drawings, and it fails to relate well to its surrounding park environment,” Wang says, before concluding: “The biggest challenge facing architects is how to perfectly execute idea and design.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

建外 SOHO 店 JIANWAI SOHO STORE

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

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CI T Y | FE AT URE

Y DOMINIQ WORDS B

UE WONG

, IMAGES

BY LLYS

i t y ’s C e h t g n m e nt i u c o D g n i ime T beij o a a t L a e o t h t Me e t ne Pho O , t r A t e St re

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angs, aliases, curses, authority figures and middle-of-the-night dalliances – if this sounds like the premise of a salacious book, that’s probably because it is. Beijing Graffiti is an unpublished book by the mysterious photographer LLYS, aka Liu. Known on the streets as ‘Liu laoshi,’ the 62-year-old Beijinger has spent the best part of 12 years documenting the city’s graffiti. He has taken countless images – his book alone features 700 – and, in the process, has developed something of a cult following.

A former designer and reporter for a government magazine, Liu’s interest in graffiti was sparked after he noticed the transient nature of street art. He tells us: “I used to take photos of ‘nice’ things like flower shops. But once, after taking a photo of graffiti, I noticed that it had been cleaned away a few days later. From that point on, I realized I needed to focus on documenting street art.”

This was back in 2004 – before the ubiquitous rabbit head appeared on walls and doors from Dongcheng to Chaoyang, before graffiti was used in trendy restaurant design, and way before legal, organized graffiti events, like the one we meet Liu at.

By all appearances, Liu is an unlikely bastion of Beijing street art. Wearing a waterproof jacket and walking shoes, with a head of thick gray hair and a camera around his neck, he looks more like a tourist than hardcore graffiti archivist. But the proof is in his book.

Beijing Graffiti is a 400-page, 10-year record of the capital’s street art. Many of its images can be found on Liu’s microblog, a platform that has cemented his status in the local graffiti scene as the ‘teacher.’

“I used to finish work around 4pm, which would give me time to go out and take a look at what was happening on the streets,” he explains.

Moving around on foot rather than bicycle (“too limiting”), Liu discovered new scenes and – eventually – friends, he says.

“The first time I saw [graffiti group]

1. Photo graph er Liu (aka LLYS) takes focus at ABS Crew ’s graffi ti event , photo

by Holly Li 2. By Cook ies, Beijin g Instit ute of Fashi on Techn ology (Aug 17, 2010; works disap peare d) 3. By CAME L617, Sidao kou

(Aug 5, 2010; works disap peare d) 4. By Rogu e Boy, 798 Art Distri ct (Nov 10, 2008; works disap peare d) 5. By 0528 et al, 3.3 mall unde rgrou nd parki ng, Sanli tun (Sep 21, 2006)

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6. By Xu Ruotao, Baliqiao Batong subway station (Nov 4, 2005; works disappeared) 7. By unknown, Jingmi Lu (Nov 24, 2014; works disappeared) 8. By BJPZcrew, Anzhen Qiao (Apr 22, 2012; works disappeared) 9. Liu takes a photo of a graffiti-sprayed wall at a graffiti event, photo by Holly Li 10. By SHUO, Guloudajie subway station (Mar 10, 2014; works disappeared)

Guanyin spraying, I was too shy to introduce myself because I look a bit older. But after they saw photos of their graffiti on my blog, they realized I was the man taking pictures and left a nice message.”

It’s difficult to reconcile this version of Liu with the one we witness at the graffiti event. Liu is in his element here. When not taking photos of graffiti like a pro, he’s chatting with the artists as if they’re old friends. ANDC, co-organizer of the event and member of professional graffiti group ABS Crew, is a busy man, but stops nonetheless for a catch-up with the ‘teacher.’ “I met Liu laoshi when I was first doing graffiti in Beijing back in 2007,” he shares.

Other artists we meet reminisce about Liu helping them out when the bao’an (security) would drop by and ask questions. It seems everyone has a story

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about Liu laoshi – or is it the other way round?

“There are rival teams who each have their own ‘designated’ area,” Liu explains. “Sometimes teams will go into their rival’s area and cover up their graffiti.

“Philip, an Italian artist, was spraying in a graveyard one night. He stepped on a grave unknowingly and afterwards came down with a fever. An old man told him to go back and burn paper money at the spot, so he did, and was cured. Many graffiti artists have similar stories.”

Liu’s connections mean he has an insider’s perspective on Beijing’s graffiti world. “The community here is pretty small, compared to other countries.

There are only about one or two hundred [artists in Beijing]. But every year it’s different. It was most

th ei r riv al ’s So m et im es te am s wi ll go into i area an d co ve r up th ei r graf fit

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bo ok so th at pe op le y m h is bl pu to is al go ly on My wa s on th e wa lls ca n se e th e be au tif ul ar t th at 11

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active around 2008 to 2009 and least active in 2015.”

This is due in part to the quick-moving nature of Beijing, according to Liu. “People leave or just pass by. Many are from overseas or Hong Kong.

I also notice there are a lot of people who’ve just graduated and started working.”

While the scene has grown a lot in the past decade, it’s still nowhere near as large as in places like Brazil or New York. The difference comes down to culture, Liu surmises: “I feel that it’s about personality – Chinese people are less used to expressing themselves. Graffiti goes against their character. Although there are many Chinese people who like painting and fine arts; graffiti, less so.”

Graffiti in China may be less entrenched but it is distinct, argues Liu, who has also photographed street art in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan.

“The art form originated from overseas but artists employ Chinese culture to express themselves,” he says, pointing to the use of calligraphy as an example.

“There are two types of graffiti: calligraphy and text, or painting [images]. I prefer painting.” Does he have a favorite artist? “Zato!” Liu says, smiling.

“I pay attention to his work because it’s very distinctive. He sprays Chinese words, whereas most artists spray in English.” Zato is from the US, Liu says, but is “very shy and wary of the media.”

Nonetheless, the characteristic ‘Zato’ signature can be still be seen all around Beijing. Liu explains: “He likes dangerous, difficult-to-spray areas. Graffiti artists are attracted to risky places

and there is sometimes competition between the artists. They try to spray at the highest points.”

When talking graffiti, Liu exudes an infectious energy. The graffiti game is always changing, he stresses, and so are its players.

“Since moving to Shunyi and retiring, there are fewer chances for me to go out and take photos.

I’m a family guy – now that I have more free time, I feel I should spend it with my wife and our dog.

We like to travel.

“But I do really miss [graffiti],” he adds. “I usually just come in now for special events like this one.

“As it’s raining today my wife prefers to stay inside, so it’s a good opportunity for me to go out,” he laughs. Liu’s wife and dog have joined him at events, but as their dog grows older, this has become less practical.

Retirement has also given Liu time to put his book together. Categorized by year, Beijing Graffiti is a sprawling account of the city’s street art scene. Filled with rare snaps and secret stories, it’s a gem of a document. Yet it remains without a publisher.

“People like the book but they don’t believe it will sell. Another reason is that publishers are afraid – they’re wary of possible political ramifications,” he explains.

Liu’s graffiti escapades may have quietened down these days but his passion remains. “It’s not about me. I don’t care about anything else. My only goal is to publish my book so that people can see the beautiful art that was on the walls.” █ To see more of Liu’s photos, visit blog.sina.com/ppttyy

11. By unknown, Gulou Dongdajie (Mar 21, 2013; works disappeared) 12. By SOOS, Sihui (Nov 27, 2008; works disappeared) 13. By JEKA, Baihua Shenqu Hutong, Xinjiekou (Aug 29, 2004; works disappeared) 14. By Liu Yuchen, et al, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (Jul 24, 2009; works disappeared) 15. By unknown, Gulou Dongdajie (Aug 14, 2013; works disappeared) 16. By GUNScrew, 798 Art District (Apr 28, 2013; works disappeared)

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CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY | CIT Y

Zhanan / Zhānán / 渣男 n. a player, an unfaithful man, a cheater, scum This guy I’m seeing shows up every other week to spend time with me, then just goes incommunicado. It’s been months.

What is wrong with him?

Either he’s a spy or a zhanan.

But I like him. I can’t live without his sweet words on WeChat.

Wake up. You are such an enabler.

In the Chinese language, ‘zha’ is probably the lowest appraisal you can give to anything. It’s the worst name you can call anyone, lower than ‘asshole’ or ‘garbage’ which can be a used or recycled respectively.

Roughly translated as ‘dregs’ or ‘dross,’ zha is no use to anyone and should be eliminated. A zhanan is such a man.

A zhanan excels at nothing, yet feels very good about himself because none of his failures are his fault. It’s always someone else’s fault: his boss was against him, his coworkers were idiots, he was deprived of opportunities. In the mirror, he sees a shining diamond that the world is just too dumb to recognize.

On top of that, zhanan are good with women. He knows how to sweet talk and shower you with compliments. He compares you to different kinds of flowers. He says whatever you want to hear, but he means none of it.

The most important characteristic of a zhanan is that he cheats whenever he gets a chance. A zhanan plays the numbers game. He casts a wide net. Even if 99 percent of women reject him, he will still end up with the 1 percent whose judgment is clouded by his compliments. And then he cheats on them.

The science of identifying a zhanan is advancing rapidly. According to the latest findings, typical signs include: constantly asking girls out, having multiple WeChat conversations with girls throughout the day, and never taking dates to group activities.

Leading experts in the field think the root cause of zhanan-ism is low self-esteem, which leads men to assume that they are not worthy of a real relationship. They therefore settle for grabbing whatever they can get, because we only accept the kind of love we think we deserve.

By day, Mia Li is a news reporter in Beijing; at night, she tries to turn that news into standup comedy.

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LIFE & STYLE S T Y L E RADAR

COV E T

Olympic Rings (and Things)

To celebrate the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this August, Hefang Jewelry is rolling out its brand new ‘Fitness Collection’ with a series of sports-inspired jewelry pieces. Taking cues from the games, the Chinese label’s founder and designer Sun Hefang has crafted a fun collection incorporating badminton shuttlecocks in earrings (RMB2,200), tennis racquets in necklaces (RMB2,560) and dumbbells in the form of rings or bangles (RMB1,180 and RMB1,590 respectively). Sun also does a loose interpretation of the Rio 2016 logo – three people embracing the letter ‘R’ as well as the shape of Sugarloaf Mountain – in her Rio Palm Cuff (pictured, RMB3,880), which is available in both gold and silver (but not bronze, sadly).

WeChat Store: Hefangjewelery

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S P OT L I G H T

Chen Yu, New York-Based Model

— Tell us how you became a model.

Back in 2011, a model friend took me to a fashion show casting during Shanghai Fashion Week. Surprisingly, I booked the show [for an English fashion label], and because of that, many agencies started approaching me. I eventually signed with one of them in 2012 and was sent to Hong Kong for a few months to build up my portfolio.

From there, I became a full-time model.

— What was your first big break?

When I’d just started modeling, I had the opportunity to shoot for Elle, a magazine that I read regularly and had always wanted to feature in. It was my first fashion editorial and they gave me a fullpage. Can you imagine how I felt back then?

— So why did you end up moving to New York?

I first came to New York in 2013.

Back then, I just wanted to travel to different cities and experience different cultures, but an agency there wanted to meet me, and eventually signed me. For the next two years, I traveled back and forth between Shanghai and New York for different jobs. But my agent always said that if a model wants to do well in New York, she should be in the city as much as possible. So at the beginning of this year, I finally decided to move there.

— How is working in NYC different from working in China?

The people in New York are more ‘crazy’ – in a good way, of course. The ways that they understand beauty are different.

It’s difficult to put in words. It’s

something that you need to feel and experience yourself.

— Is being of Chinese descent proving to be an advantage or disadvantage?

I think no matter your ethnicity, you all get the same chances [of booking a job]. Castings are very competitive here because New York is one of the fashion capitals and many models are based here. At the end of the day, it’s all about whether you’re a good model or not.

— What are some upcoming projects that you’re working on?

The Resort 2017 shows are happening now, and I’ll be in few of them. As always, we won’t know our schedules until the very last minute. But I’m excited to know what I am going to do next.

You can follow Chen Yu on Instagram @ yu_chen (www.thechenyu.com)

Ed i t e d by D o m i n i c Ng a i /

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

OV E R H E A R D

“IAN MCKELLEN IS STILL SO CHARMING AND HANDSOME. I SAW HIM IN LONDON A WHILE BACK AND IT FEELS LIKE A DREAM TO SEE HIM AGAIN IN SHANGHAI. THE RED SCARF LOOKS GREAT ON HIM – THE BEST LOOKING TONIGHT! OH WAIT, I HEARD HE JUST CAME FROM PEOPLE’S SQUARE?” An excited fan of Gandalf commenting on Weibo after taking several pictures of Sir Ian McKellen walking the red carpet during the opening ceremony of Shanghai International Film Festival. Invited by the SIFF committee to pay tribute to the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, McKellen appeared on the red carpet in a straight-cut black suit

with a black tie, matched with a striking red scarf. Prior to the event, the legendary Academy Award-nominated British actor was spotted at the People's Square Marriage Market, holding a sign showing off his credentials: “77 years old, graduated from Cambridge University, House in London, Still active.” What’s not to love about the guy?

MADE IN CHINA

Wear Your Art on Your Sleeve Think art only belongs in galleries? Up-and-coming fashion designer Han Lulu would argue that it belongs in your closet as well. Known for incorporating elements of art into her designs, the Istituto Marangoni Milan graduate has been making noise in the fashion world since founding her brand in 2008.

In recent years, becoming a mother has influenced Han’s work. Her latest collection, ‘Little World,’ was inspired by her daughter’s love for her birthday present – a painting by Jiang Yu. Featuring hobby horses, flowers, animals and other fun artwork, the collection brings back memories of a carefree childhood. Using 3D cutting, her dresses are also decorated with shattered hand-sewn flowers on their edges. Han says the pieces represent a sense of innocence, and are dedicated to her daughter and girls who “dreamed of being little princesses” when they were young. hanlulufashion.taobao.com

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LIFE & S T Y LE | FASHION

This Summer’s Essential Eyewear

by To n g fe i Z h a n g & D o m i n i c Ng a i

FOR HIM

Kate Wood RMB688 www.katewoodoriginals.com

Pull&Bear RMB299 www.pullandbear.cn

Kate Wood RMB688 www.katewoodoriginals.com

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Kate Wood RMB788 www.katewoodoriginals.com

Zara RMB199 www.zara.cn

Bershka RMB129 www.bershka.cn Bershka RMB99 www.bershka.cn Kate Wood RMB788 www.katewoodoriginals.com

La Perla RMB2,750 www.laperla.com/cn

Pull&Bear RMB99 www.pullandbear.cn

FOR HER

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LIFE & S T Y LE | FE AT URE

As the Cambridge Satchel Company launches its new range on Tmall before anywhere else, Oscar Holland meets with founder Julie Deane OBE to discuss the company's expansion and the appeal of British brands in China.

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There is something distinctly British about the way Julie Deane apologizes for arriving late to our interview after a Beijing taxi ordeal. Yet there is something even more British about the solution to her fluster: she orders us a bottle of wine.

It is this very Britishness – both of Deane and her Cambridge Satchel Company – that has brought her to Beijing. Her brand’s charming leather bags, openly modeled on those Harry Potter might carry at Hogwarts, have been explosively popular in the UK. And now, they’re proving hugely popular in China as well. In a move that looks to capitalize on the UK’s cultural cachet here (as demonstrated by the success of shows like Sherlock and Downton Abbey), the company is preparing to launch its new range on Tmall before anywhere else in the world.

“China’s a really, really important market for us,” Deane explains. “When I first came in 2013 I was amazed that people had already heard of the brand and I thought: ‘I’ve got to get on Tmall.’ We sold 8,000 bags On our first Singles’ Day. Amazing.”

This surge in orders was nothing new. In fact, it has become a relatively regular occurrence over the past eight years, in which time Deane has gone from making satchels in her kitchen with just GBP600 (RMB5,780) in the bank to turning over GBP7.5 million (RMB72 million).

Upscaling could carry some risk, especially given the brand’s focus on handmade quality, but Deane appears confident in her ability to expand into China.

“We could double our production pretty quickly,” she says. “We were [in China] four times last year. We’re poised and ready, which is why we’re making these trips.”

Yet the challenge for The Cambridge Satchel Company is not simply one of opening up new markets. Like many fashion brands that exploded into public consciousness with a single iconic product – such as Uggs and Crocs – diversification will be essential for its longevity. With the company making losses of GBP5.4 million (RMB52 million) last year, compared to profits of GBP1.4 million (RMB13.5 million) the year before, keeping the brand relevant in the fickle fashion world poses the greatest long-term test.

“I wouldn’t do clothes,” Deane says firmly.

“I’m not a designer and there are other people who can do that way better than me. But we can diversify our product range with a real authenticity without looking like I need to make shower curtains just because I want some extra top line.

“I think [the original satchel] has a very iconic shape and look. It will always be our backbone. But there’s a lot you can do when you have such a recognizable shape. You’ve got prints, like our Vivienne Westwood one, and you’ve got the different colors. You can take it in a few different directions.”

The company’s latest range, named ‘Poppy'

FE AT URE | LIFE & S T Y LE

“ WE SOLD 8,000 BAGS ON OUR FIRST SINGLES' DAY. AMAZING” (pictured right), aims to tow this line. While still recognizable from the original satchel, the new products are distinct enough to offer wearers a very different use for the bags. (“It’s sort of like a doctor’s bag but also a handbag – it’s very elegant and a bit more feminine,” Deane explains.) It seems well-suited to the Chinese market, and Deane is aware that she won’t break into China by replicating the approach used in Western markets.

“I think a lot of men in China wear edgier bags than in a lot of other places. In Britain, men tend to go for the dark brown, navy, black.

And red is of course really popular here,” she says, before listing magnetic closures and matching couples’ bags as other localized trends she’s taken into account.

“The bags are already doing well in firsttier [Chinese] cities because that’s where the awareness is. As awareness grows elsewhere, I think our customer base will too. We deliver anywhere in China. Give us a challenge – back of beyond – and we’ll do it.”

With this challenge, Deane shows flashes of the ambition that earned her an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to entrepreneurship. For all the ways in which she is eminently likable, there is certainly something hard-nosed and business-like about our interview (despite the wine), in which she is direct and unerringly on-message.

Deane’s achievements have seen her accompanying the British government on a high-profile trade delegation to China, and being invited by Jack Ma to give talks on entrepreneurship. She is lauded in the UK press as a role-model for businesswomen. But does she mind being held up as an inspiration for female entrepreneurs rather than small businesses in general?

“As long as they don’t call me a mumpreneur,” she despairs with a laugh. “That has happened, but never twice by the same person. That’s really demeaning. People don’t make allowances [for parents] in business – you’ve just got to be good enough.” cambridgesatchel.tmall.hk

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LIFE & S T Y LE | FE AT URE

Are China’s Vintage Stores Just Marking Up Second-Hand Tat? wo rd s by Ka ro l i n e Ka n i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

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FE AT URE | LIFE & S T Y LE

C

hen Xiao, 25, had always wanted a vintage bag by a luxury brand.

But as she browsed Taobao stores she was struck by a strange sense of familiarity. The styles of the vintage clothes were just like the ones she had seen growing up in Jieshi, Guangdong, where many families are in the second-hand clothes business.

“The clothes were smuggled in these smelly containers,” she recalls.

“Those pictures of ‘vintage clothes’ immediately reminded me of that smell in front of storage units in the village. If those ‘vintage’ clothes really are the same as those in my village, then those Taobao shop owners must be making a real fortune. I know that people in the village used to sell a single blouse for just a few yuan, but now [on Taobao] they sell for a few hundred or more.”

Chen describes the business in her hometown as “turning rubbish into gold,” because few people could tell how much they’re worth aside from those people selling the items. The line between second-hand, trash and socalled vintage clothes depends on the value placed on them by the customer – and this can be unreliable if they are shopping online and are unable to touch or smell the products.

In recent years, vintage fashion has become popular in China. Mirroring a movement seen in the West, young people are turning to the past for style inspiration. In Beijing, there are countless vintage shops nestled between the trendy cafes and gift stores of Gulou. Whether you’re looking for a polkadot dress from the 50s, Bohemian clothes from the 60s, or a pair of 70s bellbottoms, Gulou’s vintage stores will probably have you covered. Prices range from a few hundred yuan to tens of thousands, and most of the shop owners there say that their clothes and accessories are imported from Japan or the US. Online, ‘vintage’ has become a hot search term on Taobao.

The landing page of one typical four-starred store – RetroVintage-High-End – features a classic black-and-white portrait of Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast from Tiffany’s. Beneath it, a navigation bar gives shoppers various options including: ‘classic style,’ retro look,’ and ‘party vintage dress.’ There is even a category marked ‘Downton

“Some clothes were even stained with blood. But after cleaning, ironing and polishing the fabric surface, they became as good as new”

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LIFE & S T Y LE | FE AT URE

Abbey’ where, for just RMB368, you can buy a dress similar to that worn by Lady Mary in the popular UK show. Most user comments below the item are positive, though one buyer complains: “When I got the dress, I found that it was smelly. Why is it smelly?”

“I know how dirty those clothes can be,” says Chen, who believes her childhood experiences in Jieshi help her ascertain the quality of second-hand clothes. “Some were even stained with blood. But after cleaning, ironing and polishing the fabric surface, the clothes became as good as new, and were sold to customers all around the country.”

Some of those customers don’t seem to mind, like 26-year-old Lin Yu, an editor at a TV station and a fan of vintage fashion.

“I think it’s hard to tell if the clothes are old or new,” she admits. “I had a friend who said: ‘It’s disgusting to wear other people’s clothes – especially if you don’t know them.’ But I think if you really like the style, then you don’t need to think about it too much.

“It’s culture – a way of living. It’s very exciting to find something that touches you immediately. If a necklace or hat has previously been used by others, it only makes it full of stories and history. Why would anyone mind?”

Chinese culture once considered it inauspicious to wear other people’s clothes. Wearing the clothes of the deceased is especially taboo because, traditionally, once someone died, their possessions would be burned to prevent their owners returning as ghosts to find them. Attitudes are changing,

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especially in big cities, and buying second-hand clothes at flea markets is no longer frowned upon.

Nonetheless, sellers regularly claim that their wares are “never worn,” or “only worn once or twice.”

The owner of Gulou’s Miss Eliza Vintage, Eliza Zhao, says that 90 percent of the clothes and accessories in her shop have never been worn. This may explain why her store doesn’t carry the musty odor that one might associate with second-hand clothes stores.

“Some people come in and ask me: ‘Why does your shop not smell like a vintage shop?’” she explains. “But what sort of smell should it have? The smell of rubbish?”

The clothes in Zhao’s store are mostly priced from a few hundred to a few thousand yuan, depending on the designer, the item’s scarcity and the year it was produced. Asked if any customers challenge the fact that a faded, old-looking dress is more expensive than a new one, Zhao responds: “If a skirt on Taobao is 20 kuai – think about how horrible it must be. Do you dare buy it? Twenty kuai is barely enough for the fabric.

“An organic cucumber at a farmer’s market can be ten times higher than a normal

FE AT URE | LIFE & S T Y LE

cucumber. They are both cucumbers, so why do some people buy the the expensive ones?” she asks. “I don’t think the clothes here are over-priced. One dress that I sell for around 500 yuan was originally selling for over 1,000 yuan in Japan. So it’s cheaper than the price when it was first produced, even though I don’t think its value has dropped.”

As well as importing from Japan, Zhao’s stock also comes from Europe and the US. Every month, she brings in three to seven boxes of clothes and accessories, often from shopping malls’ inventories or closed-down factories. She also has a friend in Japan who sends her stock and photos of new trends.

For now, most vintage clothes have to be imported from abroad. In China, there was little market for style or fashion before the reforms of the 1970s – and even afterwards, in the 1980s, there were few clothes being made that would be considered of value today.

As China opened to the outside world, second-hand items proved popular, despite laws banning their import. At the Foreign Goods Market in Tianjin’s Tanggu district, people could get hold of cheap items that had been smuggled into China, mostly from Japan and the US. But fashionable clothing was hard to come by, recalls 45-year-old Tanggu resident Wang Jianhua.

“It was really cheap and good quality, but there wasn’t much style or fashion,” he says.

Nonetheless, foreign clothing continued to find its way into China. Chen Xiao says that in her Guangdong hometown of Jieshi, second-hand clothes sellers would deal with a man from Hong Kong who imported goods from Japan. In the night, containers full of abandoned clothes would turn up in the village. Rumors spread that he was making money from both sides: The Japanese Government would pay him for dealing with trash, and the villagers would pay him for the goods.

Chinese authorities have now launched a crackdown on smuggling what it labels “foreign trash.” Jieshi recently made headlines when police investigated a smuggling ring through which people were reportedly selling old clothes from overseas, some of which may have been taken from dead bodies. The town is considered to be one of China’s largest markets for used clothes.

“It was true and it’s not a recent thing,” says Chen.

“Everyone in Guangdong knew about it, but people just turned a blind eye. After the crackdown, the local economy was blasted. You can’t imagine how important the trash business was to Jieshi.”

Eliza Zhao, however, thinks the ‘trash’ label is unfair to real vintage shops like hers.

“Many people in China still regard these clothes as ‘foreign trash,’ which is damaging to the development of vintage culture,” she says.

As Zhao sips tea in a small yard outside her shop, a group of migrant workers buy vegetables at a market across the street.

“I just like the contrast,” she reflects, adjusting her long 1950s-style blue dress. “It can’t be understood by everybody. People just have different lifestyles.” █

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

SCENE & HEARD 3

1

MANTRA

2

Call it the Toms Shoes of Chinese sunglasses: For every pair of Mantra sunglasses you buy, a pair of prescription eyeglasses will be donated to a student in rural Yunnan. But we’d probably buy them even if they didn’t help kids. Featuring modern shapes, bold colors and fun patterns, these are the hip sunnies to wear in Beijing this summer. (In fact, you’ve probably already seen the team selling – and selling out – at Beijing markets and parties.) Mantra is the cool offshoot of Education In Sight, a non-profit run by two Americans who noticed a shortage of eyewear and vision tests while teaching in rural China. The sunglasses are inspired by the bright colors of Yunnan, where Education In Sight operates. Honestly, these colors are so popping, they kinda make us want to travel to Yunnan (where we’ll probably need some UV-protected lenses, just like these).

RMB360 per pair.

For more information or to buy, add findyourmantra on WeChat

E D H A R DY

3

“My bedroom's like an Ed Hardy factory,” proclaimed British grime MC, Skepta, on his track ‘Ed Hardy Party.’ He continued: “I've got so much Ed Hardy clothes (sic) I could open my own Ed Hardy shop.” But while a rapper’s endorsement could be a positive sign for a clothing range, let’s not forget that the song was released in 2009. The tattooinspired brand has had its moment in the sun. Time for a last roll of the dice in China.

With a premium two-part store (dividing casual and active wear) in Taikoo Li, Ed Hardy is banking on Sanlitun’s penchant for bold, in-your-face fashion. Often grotesque and always sledgehammer-like in subtlety, the designs feature skulls, snakes and other imagery inspired by founder and renowned Californian tattoo artist, Don Ed Hardy. They can be found across T-shirts, tracksuits and, rather unsettlingly, sports bras. Not one for us, but maybe there’ll be enough b-boys and b-girls in Beijing to give Ed a chance of reviving his fortunes in Asia.

Taikoo Li South, Bldg 6, unit S6-17, Chaoyang 朝阳区三 里屯太古里南区 S6-17

TO P M A N

Topping off a great year of British imports, which saw Marks & Spencer open up late last year, the capital now welcomes modish high-street men’s fashion brand Topman (the counterpart to women’s label Topshop).

Finally – a place to pick up quality yet not outrageously priced (think RMB399 for a collared shirt) swag such as loud printed shirts, cigarette-style trousers, Oxford shoes and narrow blazers. Like its sister brand, Topman skews towards a younger crowd, but with more of an indie tilt. The brand’s first China location in Galeries Lafayette is on the small side, though it’s still packed with racks of covetable items. The SS16 collection is all about cropped pants, pale tailoring and going green (the color that is – we can't comment on their ethical practices).

Definitely worth a trip to Xidan to pick up a classic or trendy – hello Ibiza-style shirts! – piece or two. We can already hear Beijing’s UK men or stylish chaps whistling a pretty tune as they head west. Don’t forget to bring your lady friend, as there’s a Topshop at Galeries too.

Daily, 10am-10pm; 2/F, Galeries Lafayette, 110 Xidan

Beidajie, Xicheng 西城区西单北大街 110 号老佛爷百货 2层 1

2

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ADVERTORIAL | LIFE & ST YLE

Twilight Bamboo Marquetry Incense Holder 16,800 RMB

Twilight Bamboo Marquetry Storage Box 15,000 RMB

Twilight Bamboo Marquetry Storage Box 18,000 RMB

Twilight Bamboo Marquetry Storage Box 9,800 RMB

F

SHANG XIA Bridge Woven Bamboo Bracelets 1,900 RMB (thick); 1,600 RMB (thin)

Staying Cool with Bamboo

or centuries, bamboo has been known as a symbol for traditional Chinese values like moral integrity, honor, loyalty and modesty. Together with plum, orchid and chrysanthemum, the four plants are collectively referred to as the “Four Gentlemen,” each signifying one of the four seasons – with bamboo representing summer.

The use of bamboo among Chinese people dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where the material was widely used in products such as chairs, beds, sleeping mats, clothing, writing material and other daily necessities.

Honoring this longtime tradition, Shang Xia has created a collection of accessories and home décor products made with the humble bamboo to showcase the brand’s contemporary style and its masterful craftsmanship with a cooling effect for the hot days to come.

In the Bridge Bamboo Woven Porcelain Teaware collection, for instance, they creatively combine the intricate arts of porcelain making and bamboo weaving – a process they call ‘bamboo over porcelain,’ where thin bamboo strips are softly woven around the smooth ceramic body of the teaware. The bamboo sheath covering the porcelain handle of the teapot and the body of the teacups isn’t just an aesthetic highlight but it also acts as a heat insulation device to protect the drinker’s fingers – offering the perfect excuse to enjoy a cup of tea at home away from the heat.

The perfect vessel to showcase a plethora of flowers blooming in the summer, the Man Yi Bamboo Weaving Vases are another fine example featuring Shang Xia’s dedication to this art form. The vase’s curvy body is the most appropriate vehicle to highlight the harmonious marriage between bamboo and porcelain.

Shang Xia applies the same technique and materials in personal accessories as well. Enter the Bridge Woven Bamboo Bracelets. Here, the color pairing and contrast of the porcelain’s pristine white and natural earthy brown tones of fine bamboo strands embodies the brand’s aspiration for delivering simple elegance that would pair well with a simple summer dress.

Besides weaving, Shang Xia’s master craftsmen are also skilled at the art bamboo marquetry – a multistep process of splitting, cutting and dividing ultrathin slices of bamboo to form decorative patterns and designs. You’ll find the Shang Xia logo interwoven with traditional sayagata pattern on items from the Twilight collection. Most perfect for the season is the Incense Holder, where you can store your favorite scents to ward off the damp smell after the summer rain.

If you’re thinking of redecorating your home this season, bamboo products Shang Xia’s collection are the best ways to show off your sophisticated taste and appreciation for traditional Chinese values associated with bamboo – along with the centuries-old artisanal craftsmanship and skillful techniques that go into making them.

SHANG XIA Bridge Bamboo Woven Porcelain Teaware 29,800 RMB

L118 & 119, L1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国国际贸易中心国贸商城1楼 L118 & 119 86-10-6505 3446

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Fin

ARTS CO LLAG E

W H AT ' S N E W

DRUMROLL

A.FRUIT

Chinese arthouse king Jia Zhangke is launching Jiascreen, an online platform for short films. Every week, the free service will introduce two short films by first- or secondtime directors from around the world. Jia has expressed hope that the service – which will be accessed primarily through WeChat – will reach one million registered users. To be launched at www.jiascreen.com.

Just 17 years old, Beijing’s A-Bu takes a major leap on his sophomore disc, Butterflies Fly in Paris. Having covered Coltrane on his debut, the pianist flexes his post-bop chops on this new disc, recorded in New York City.

Saxophonist Antonio Hart and bassist Tom Kennedy have both offered recent praise for A-Bu. Released by Sennheiser Music and available on Xiami.

Simon & Schuster has released a slew of Kindle-only English translations of contemporary Chinese literature. One highlight is the heartbreaking story, This Love Could Not Be Delivered, set against the backdrop of the 1980s Strike Hard crackdown on youth crime. Nanjing-based Lu Min is a celebrated author with a Lu Xun Literary Award to her name. Available on Amazon.

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Producer and DJ A.Fruit is one of the most exciting names to emerge from Russia’s underground electronic scene. She’s responsible for creating 808 Juke Street, Moscow’s first club night dedicated to footwork music, and this month she plays The Drop at Dada.

— You probably get asked this a lot, but what’s your favorite fruit and why?

All fruit tastes good to me, but I'd like to give an honorable mention to berries.

Cherries and blueberries are just amazing.

— Have you tried durian? It’s popular here.

I have never been to China before, so I can't imagine the taste of this fruit. But I'll definitely try it when I’m there! I'm always happy to try something new. This gives a spicy taste to life itself.

— Indeed, it does. So onto music: What’s the Moscow Footwork scene like right now?

There’s not much of a real footwork scene in Moscow – it’s dominated by various types of bass music. Only myself and maybe one or two other DJs play footwork here. This is why I’m using my events to spread the genre.

— Your Machinedrum remix got a lot of love on Soundcloud. Which other artists would you like to remix?

It would be a pleasure to work with tracks on [the labels] Ninja Tune or Brainfeeder.

Hyperdub’s artists and UK-based d‘n’b producers are some of my idols, but I don’t think I’m famous enough to get a reply from them about new projects.

— How’s your full-length debut coming on?

Maybe it will take months, maybe years.

But one day I will finish the album for sure.

It will be deep and full of experiments.

— We’ve seen some of your footwork dancing on YouTube. It’s quite rare to find someone who dances, produces and DJs footwork.

I am the worst footwork dancer in the world. I only know a few people in Russia who can dance footwork, but you can tell from the young people that interest in it is rising here. I have to say that the music I produce is not strictly footwork, but the genre inspired me and had a big impact on my creativity.

— What kind of set can Beijing expect from you?

Either I'll play the full set of only my productions, or it will be a mix of 160- and 170-bpm bass music tracks of different genres. Nothing is set yet. OH Sat Jul 23; RMB50; Dada (see Listings for details); support from DJ Low, Dokedo and Oshi

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

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

C A N VAS S E D

Liu Xinyi, Hundred Thousand Miles Away

Comprising Liu Xinyi’s most recent installation works and sculptures, Hundred Thousand Miles Away explores the theme of dispersed contexts causing skewed meanings. Inspired by the adage, “they are hundred thousand miles away from each other,” Liu examines what happens when the appearance of a

matter changes from its essence, and how people must then relate to the differences or abolish their preconceptions.

Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, through Jul 31; free; White Space Beijing, 255 Caochangdi, Airport Service Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区机场辅路草 场地 255 号 (8456 2054)

H AO B U H AO

Hao

Bu Hao

Good news for game nerds: While the film adaptation of Warcraft may have been a box office flop in North America (earning USD29.9 million), globally it still managed to bring in over USD180 million in under 10 days. Streaming video rights in China were purchased by PPTV for a whopping USD18 million – double the previous record for such a sale.

Bad news for sci-fi nerds: The much-hyped cinematic adaptation of Liu Cixin’s The Three Body Problem has had its summertime release date delayed.

Rumors are running rampant online that the production has gone significantly over budget.

Liu has refused to comment, but director Kong Ergou promises the film will hit big screens by June 2017 at the latest.

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ARTS | MUSIC

If This is Grime’s Moment, Royal-T Wants to Grab it

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

For the first time since emerging from East London in the early 2000s, grime is threatening to break out Stateside. In the past year, British rappers have toured the US, Kanye West has appeared on stage with a cohort of grime MCs, and Drake even got a ‘BBK’ tattoo in admiration of UK record label and collective Boy Better Know.

But the prospect of going global is making some in the scene uncomfortable. Perhaps the memories are too fresh of America’s embrace of dubstep, which gave rise to the thoughtlessly abrasive ‘brostep’ (epitomized by Skrillex) and effectively destroyed the UK’s interest in a genre it had created.

Drawing musically from 90s jungle and garage – and lyrically from inner-city life in Britain – grime’s re-interpretation overseas may threaten its founding essence. But for one of the scene’s most respected DJs and producers, Royal-T (real name Mark Taylor), it presents an exciting opportunity for UK music.

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“If [American interest] was to kill grime it would be our own fault, because we have the attention of the world right now,” he says. “It is definitely a dream for me. I was just happy when ‘Wearing my Rolex’ [by ‘Godfather of Grime’ Wiley] got to No. 2 in the UK charts back in 2008. But I thought that was going to be the peak – I never expected this.

“Having said that, when it comes to America, I don’t necessarily think it’s the music that is blowing up – it’s grime culture that has become popular. It might sound like I’m bitter or hating, but it’s the complete opposite. It’s a dream come true that we have all this attention.”

Taylor speaks as a long-time fan of grime as well as part of its scene, having followed the genre since his teenage years. Although he grew up a little over 100 kilometers from London (less than the distance between the farthest points of Beijing), Taylor’s interaction with the capital’s music scene was largely limited to record stores and the Internet.

MMUUSSI ICC | A R T S

“You could get to London in about two hours in a car, which doesn’t seem that much. But in England, it is. Also, there’s a massive difference in the music scenes. In Southampton, we like to think we’re close to Londoners, but we’re not.

“Instead, I’d go and buy as much grime as I could in shops. I was obsessed with the whole genre. It was like my little secret thing I that I’d found and no-one knew about. This was pre-social media, so I’d go to school with a menu of mixtapes to show people. That’s how I knew I wanted to DJ. I had this obsession with finding and spreading music.”

The opportunity to do so professionally arose when, as a 17-year-old, he was first noticed by DJ duo Elijah and Skilliam, founders of the influential grime label Butterz. Soon he had a regular show on Rinse FM, the UK’s most influential underground music station.

If, as Taylor suggests, the recent popularity of grime stems from its culture, then Rinse must take a huge amount of credit. Operating as a pirate station between 1994 and 2010 (when it finally obtained a broadcast license), it has championed the genre since its inception.

“I felt quite cheeky that I was part of the whole Rinse thing,” Taylor explains. “I hadn’t been DJing for a such long time, and there were lots of DJs who

had been with the station in the early days, when it wasn’t legal. I felt I had to prove myself, ‘cos I was just this random guy from a random city. I wasn’t there when people were climbing tower blocks and putting up [illegal transmitters], so I felt I had to earn my spot.”

It was through the station’s label that Taylor released his first full-length album, simply named Rinse Presents: Royal-T. In addition to instrumental grime and a collaboration with South London rapper P Money, the 2012 record displayed a range of influences from across the grittier side of British electronic music.

Four years later, Taylor is still exploring music beyond the confines of grime. His new side project, TQD (alongside DJ Q and Flava D, who played at Beijing’s Dada back in January) sees him making – and playing – more club-centric bassline house.

But as the Royal-T sound broadens, Taylor still feels part of grime’s imminent global reckoning.

“Grime’s always going to be here – it’s resilient,” he says. “We just need to be careful about how we approach the next couple of years or so. It’s time for the musicians to take a stand and really bring the sound forward. It’s a massive opportunity for us.”

Thu Jul 7; RMB60; Dada (see Listings for details)

“If American interest was to kill grime it would be our own fault, because we have the attention of the world right now”

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ARTS | MUSIC

HALLÉ TO THE BARD

Renowned British Orchestra Pays Tribute to Shakespeare

by A n d re w C h i n

A year of celebration for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death comes to China with two Bard-centric concerts by the UK’s Hallé Orchestra. And musical director Sir Mark Elder wants the performances to be as diverse as the great playwright's output.

“The concert covers four of Shakespeare’s extraordinarily wideranging plays,” he says. “King Lear is a superbly dramatic overture by Berlioz. Othello is one of Dvorak’s triptych of concert overtures on the theme of ‘Nature, Life and Love.’ The Merry Wives of Windsor is a charming overture by the German composer Otto Nicolai, founder of the famous Vienna Philharmonic. And of course, there’s Walton’s brilliant score of Henry V.” Indeed, William Walton’s Academy Award-winning score to Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film interpretation is a certified classic. The score is still frequently performed by orchestras around the world and Elder notes that Olivier often attributed the film’s success to its score. “[The score’s] success lies in the way it draws on centuries of the English and French music cultures, at the same time providing so much of the dramatic impetus of the story,” he says. “It is intensely graphic and descriptive – no one can forget the image, or the sound, of the English archers’ arrows fizzing skywards as they sped towards the enemy. Everything is completely relevant to the story; there isn’t a wasted note in it.”

Actors Malcolm Sinclair and Tom McKay will make cameos at the concert, as part of the Hallé Orchestra’s partnership with the Manchester School of Theatre. It is this type of innovation that has helped Elder steer the group from near closure to being one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras.

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In addition to starting a Hallé record label in 2003 (which has since won five Gramophone Awards), the orchestra has added youth ensembles “to sow the seeds of musical enthusiasm in the next generation.”

“We try to honor our long legacy by performing at the highest possible standard,” Elder says. “We play to around 70,000 children each year with programs specially devised to engage young minds new to classical music – some of whom play along with the orchestra.

“Many of our players are involved in work outside the concert hall – with young people, in homes for the elderly and in prisons.

Manchester is fortunate in having a conservatoire of worldwide reputation, the Royal Northern College of Music, and we work closely with them. Their leading students often play with, and even conduct the Orchestra.”

Excited to return to China for the fifth time, Elder makes sure to praise past collaborator Hong Xu as “a wonderful pianist who has been making a worldwide career whilst based in Wuhan.” Hallé Orchestra will also play with Xi’an-born, London-based cellist Jian Wang in the first of its two Beijing performances.

“My colleagues and I have been very excited about Jian’s artistry since he first appeared with the orchestra,” Elder says. “Elgar’s Cello Concerto is not only one of the greatest concertos for this eloquent instrument, but it captures the essence of a certain typically English character: wistfulness, regret, longing and determination in the face of extreme sadness.”

Jul 16-17, 7.30pm, RMB180-1,080; National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), 2 Xi Chang ’ an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街 2 号 (5456 2471, 247tickets.cn)

FE AT URE | A R T S

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ARTS | MUSIC

BLOOD, BLOOD, BLOOD, SWEAT SWEAT SWEAT AND AND AND TEARS TEARS TEARS After being dropped by Warner Bros and losing their guitarist to cancer, Surfer Blood have gone from being Florida’s most exciting new band to indie rock’s survivors. But now they’re ready for act two, as frontman John Paul Pitts tells Andrew Chin.

Over the course of three albums, Florida’s Surfer Blood have lived through the extreme highs and lows of the music industry.

They’ve gone from being celebrated by the New York Times and touring with their idols, Pixies, to being abruptly let go by their label for disappointing sales.

But as they embark on their first tour of China, the quartet seem at peace; comfortable returning to the indie rock world they once looked set to rule. Last year’s 1000 Psalms – their first album since being dropped by Warner Bros – was praised as a welcome return to the noisy hooks of their celebrated debut, Astro Coast.

“We weirdly got a clean start,” explains frontman John Paul Pitts from his home in east LA. “It was nice to have no-one really listening or knowing what we were doing. We locked ourselves in the basement, and it was so fun not having to think about anything else except music.”

“I think it’s a grower,” Pitts says of the disc. “It may have been jarring for people at first, but we’re now getting a lot of requests at shows for [the record’s] deep cuts. That is always a good sign that people have digested an album in its entirety.”

Finally able to use songs deemed too odd by a major label, 1000 Psalms is an eclectic declaration of independence.

“When you’re 22 years old, you think you can handle anything that comes,” Pitts reflects. “But having to think about whether 3 4 | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

songs were good for radio, and having A&R guys coming into the studio and making notes in front of you while you’re recording – that pressure was much more than I ever expected it to be.”

Nonetheless, the band’s early success allowed them to record their sophomore album Pythons with Pixies producer Gil Norton (using guitars lent to them by Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago) in the very studio where The Beach Boys created Pet Sounds. “I wouldn’t trade that crazy experience for anything,” Pitts says, without a hint of bitterness. “[But] the label dumped a ton of money into making Pythons, which we never ask them to do.” he admits. “It was pretty clear that we were self-sufficient and self-reliant.”

This DIY attitude has been Surfer Blood’s trademark since they first emerged from a Florida music scene better known for its hardcore and metal (“People kind of scratched their heads when they came to our shows”). Pitts credits the group’s original guitarist Thomas Fekete for encouraging him to dream beyond the Florida scene.

“I’ve been writing original music since I was 15. Early on, it was very, very derivative of the Pixies and Fugazi – and still is,” he deadpans. “I was very content recording songs in my bedroom, putting them on the internet and playing the bar down the street a couple times a month. If Thom hadn’t given me that push, I don’t know if I would’ve ever tried to get out of town.”

MUSIC | ARTS

Although Fekete passed away in May after an elongated battle with cancer, Pitts is glad “to have seen so much of the world with him and learned so many lessons.” Among his fond memories is the wild week in 2009 when the group became the talk of New York after impressing an audience filled with major label reps at the CMJ Festival.

“We had played New York City a bunch before, usually to 10-15 people,” Pitts laughs. “But we played a bunch of times that week and suddenly, more and more people were coming to each show.”

Now embarking on the second act of Surfer Blood’s story, Pitts reveals the band have nearly finished writing their next record with an eye toward an early 2017 release (he references “the stranger darker psychedelic stuff” from Cream’s Disraeli Gears as an inspiration). When asked if any of the new songs might make an appearance on the upcoming six-city China tour, Pitts wrestles with the idea.

“It might be a good place to try stuff out on totally fresh ears,” he admits. “That’s a solid ‘maybe.’”

“Before they dropped us, our label dumped a ton of money into making the album, which we never asked them to do. It was pretty clear that we were self-sufficient and self-reliant”

Thu Jul 14, 9pm; RMB120 (presale), RMB180 (at the door); Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

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A R T S | TF H E EA TA U T ER RE

“We hope to become a part of the Beijing cultural scene rather than being transient visitors”

OLD STOMPING GROUND

Hit Percussion Show Stomp Returns to Beijing

by A n d re w C h i n

Over the course of the last 25 years, more than 12 million people have seen Stomp. But while co-creator Steve McNicholas is now responsible for over 20,000 performances in 53 countries (and with upcoming projects in film and VR on the way), he hasn’t forgotten the show’s leaner early days.

“We actually wanted to make films based on our percussive ideas, but no one was interested,” he recalls. “So we decided to try to make them work on stage, but there was nothing else like it at the time. It was such a mix of dance, music, theatre and comedy that newspapers didn’t know which critic to send.

“Reaction was slow at the very beginning since it was difficult to sell a show you couldn’t describe. Fortunately, other performers started coming to see the show for free and they got it straight away. We can thank word-of-mouth from a troupe of circus performers for our first success.”

From humble beginnings, the British show has graced some of the great world stages, such as the London 2012 Olympics and the Oscars.

Stomp has also turned up on TV, from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to an armed kidnapping scene on soap opera As the World Turns.

McNicholas credits the show’s enduring appeal to its emphasis on rhythm (“It’s a part of everyone’s everyday life, so it’s something that everyone understands”) and its use of non-verbal physical comedy.

“The show has two independent languages that are understood by everyone around the world, no matter what age or background they 3 6 | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

are from,” McNicholas adds.

Rather than following a narrative, Stomp presents a series of rhythmic routines that explore the musical potential of unconventional objects – from trash cans to cigarette lighters.

“It’s also an environment where eight very different, sometimes idiosyncratic characters, interact by using rhythm as a language and expressing rivalry through physical comedy,” McNicholas adds.

“The performers bring different disciplines to bear in the show from drumming to hand percussion to dance and martial arts.”

As part of a new world tour that includes the show’s first foray into India, Stomp returns to Beijing a decade after the last run here. The show will perform an extended run at the PLA Theater until July 17, similar to past productions on the West End and offBroadway.

“This [longer run] is much more exciting for us because it gives us a chance to really settle in,” says McNicholas. “We had a great time performing at the Beijing Film Festival and even shot a video in a Beijing supermarket. We hope to become a part of the Beijing cultural scene rather than being transient visitors. If the run goes well, we hope to return next year and tour across other cities.”

Until Jul 17 (Tues-Sun), 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee shows on weekends;

RMB180-1,280; PLA Theater, 60 Deshengmen Nei Dajie, Xicheng 西城区德胜门内大街 60 号解放军歌剧院 (400 610 3721, en.damai.cn)

FE AT URE | A R T S

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ARTS | PERFORMANCE

CIRCUS IN A SUITCASE Canada’s Cirque Éloize Unpacks in Beijing

by A n d re w C h i n

Jeannot Painchaud, co-founder of the contemporary circus group Cirque Éloize, is in the midst of a publicity blitz. He is plotting a high-profile expansion into the Chinese mainland and has already undertaken a stream of interviews before taking a seat with us in a picturesque Shanghai courtyard. One suspects he has seen this all before.

Over the past 23 years, Painchaud has brought shows to theaters in more than 500 cities across 55 countries. At the time of interviewing, his “circus in a suitcase” (to use the New York Times’ description) is still weeks away from opening its award-winning show Cirkopolis in China. Yet the Canadian is already looking to the future.

“We’ve opened many markets with 20 cities and the idea is to do one China tour every year,” he explains. “Eventually, we’d like to install [permanent] shows in larger cities like Shanghai.”

With a name that nods to Franz Lang’s 1927 groundbreaking film Metropolis, Cirque Éloize’s Cirkopolis follows a worker “who wants to contaminate the sad environment with poetry.” The show blends choreography with eye-popping circus arts that incorporate a variety of wheels, poles and other acrobatic equipment.

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“I needed to oppose this cold environment and square, straight choreography with a character that is looking for more civility – to put a flower in the machine,” Painchaud explains, referencing the flying dream sequences in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. “We want to communicate the emotion that comes when your imagination gets working and you have the feeling that anything is possible – where you can change people around you.”

The show has already been widely praised in other cities, winning the 2014 Drama Desk Award for ‘Unique Theatrical Experience.’ Painchaud recalls collecting the award in front of an audience of “all people from New York,” which seems a world away from his upbringing on the tiny Magdalen Islands in Quebec, where he dreamed of traveling the world on a sailboat.

Yet it was at a ship meeting in Gaspé, one of the islands’ cities, where he stumbled across the inaugural show of Quebec’s world-famous Cirque du Soleil. The year was 1984, and Painchaud would soon enroll in the National Circus School in Montreal before spending years touring the globe as a circus artist and busker. Hoping to bring a show to his hometown, he linked up with six other friends to create Cirque Éloize.

PERFORMANCE | ARTS

“That little show became a company,” he smiles, noting that Cirque Éloize now employs 125 people, has three touring companies, a studio in Montreal to show premieres and a circus festival that has been running for seven years. He credits the company’s success to its early decision to be the first contemporary circus company to specifically focus on theaters, sagely noting: “There are theaters everywhere.”

“I like it when the audience can look into the eyes of the artists and can recognize them after the show,” he adds. “And I’ve always wanted to create an on-stage community of about 10-15 people.

All of our shows are different, but they share that intimate characteristic.”

With global demand for Cirque Éloize’s shows growing, Painchaud admits that the company is reaching a tipping point.

Its two most popular shows, ID and Cirkopolis, will be cloned in multiple locations this summer with simultaneous tours. Once again, Painchaud is looking to the future and planning next year’s tour of ID, a show inspired by hip-hop and street culture.

“While Cirkopolis is inspired by movies and books, the idea for ID came when I was in Korea on a business trip,” he explains. “I was in my hotel room looking at buildings across the street when I suddenly had this image of artists dancing on the building.

That’s where I got the idea of mixing hip hop and the circus with a wall, with people going through windows. It’s since toured the world, and we’re about to do 1,000 performances for over a million people.”

“Our works are not fantasies of a new world but are more rooted in the real world with real characters.”

Jul 27-30, 7.30pm; RMB180-880; Beijing Poly Theatre, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街 14 号保利剧院 (en.damai.cn)

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

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CITY SCENES At The W Beijing’s #WBBF Celebrity Night, The W stands for multiple things, such as: What is that man holding, and, Why is he here?

Yihe 42° Hot Yoga members turn the temperature up a notch at the 2016 Yihe Fourth Competition.

The foul ball turns out to be something rather different when it lands at Mac Kids Bookstore.

Actor perfectly demonstrates TFW you type ‘Bing’ into the Bing search bar, at Charity Readers Theatre’s performance of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Aaaand here’s a random picture of a shop. (Kidding, it’s not random. It’s Suitsupply’s store opening.)

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o you think I’m like a beggar?” asks Wilber Jiang as we sit down for coffee. “Sometimes I feel like I’m a beggar.”

Jiang, 23, is not a beggar. In fact, he’s enjoying an overpriced latte at an upscale mall right now. He has a comfortable apartment. He has a day job as a public relations assistant. He has a degree from a prestigious drama school, and his WeChat moments are full of photos of him partying at flashy nightclubs. Of his shoes, he tells me: “These are Zara, but I wish they were Armani!”

Yet there is one thing he has in common with some beggars: he performs in front of strangers for money.

Jiang is a home-made star. Or perhaps we should say app-made star. He is one of a growing number of performers using live-streaming apps to entertain online viewers. Every night, he broadcasts himself to thousands, and they comment and send money in real time.

In recent months, live-streaming apps like the one Jiang uses have exploded in popularity. Douyu TV, YY and Ingkee have 200 million registered users between them, but these are just three out of hundreds of platforms. These apps have spawned ‘streaming stars’ who perform for hundreds of thousands of people every day. Some sing and dance. Some tell jokes.

Some play video games. Some teach classes. The result is a new online world that is being subjected to criticism and censorship – but also one that has given entertainers a wide-reaching platform never before seen in China.

Jiang’s platform, GuoJiang TV, is a little different.

“The app I use only allows men to stream, so you end up with an audience that is mostly gay men, but also some straight girls,” he says.

After finishing his drink, Jiang walks to the twobedroom apartment he shares with his cousins, where he sleeps on a bed in a reading nook in the spacious living room. He sits down on the couch and uses an water bottle to prop up an iPad, then flicks on the front-facing camera to see how he looks (he’s a parttime model; he looks good). After this, he presses the start button in GuoJiang’s ‘room 1236.’ It’s show time.

“Ni hao!” he greets his followers. As he launches into his own renditions of Lady Gaga songs, the bottomleft corner of his stream becomes bombarded with user comments. These are known in live-streaming lingo as danmu, or ‘bullet’ comments, because they shoot across the screen.

“Thank you!” he says as emojis begin to appear.

These are ‘gifts’ – cute emoticons of flowers or la tiao (spicy snacks) that pop up indicating the sender has spent money. This money will later be split between Jiang and GuoJiang TV, then added to Jiang’s monthly salary as a contracted performer on the app. Then

it’s back to singing ‘Bad Romance.’

His act is highly entertaining – tongue-in-cheek, funny even – until Jiang decides he wants a cigarette break. But the show must go on, so he says: “Let me introduce… Noelle!”

Sigh.

In the course of reporting this story, I’ve been on a lot of webcasts. And the more I interview their hosts, the more they invite me to join them. I find myself playing the role of laowai trick monkey, which, oddly enough, gains them more followers and – best yet – tips. At some point, I realize that in order to truly understand live-streaming apps, I need to be on them.

“I know it’s maybe a lot to ask,” says Katherine, a webhost who uses Ingkee to stream English lessons.

“But maybe you could appear on my show. Maybe you could be my special guest.”

By this point, I’ve already been on five live streams.

I’ve put in nearly 10 hours of streaming time. I know that appearing on a webcam show isn’t just fun – it’s a lot of work. Or, as Jiang tells me: “You must keep talking. Don’t let it be silent.”

I am not naturally good at this. (“Ni hao! Oh, uh… Ni hao! And ni hao to you, too! Hey! Ni hao ma? Hao. Ni hao.”) Later, at Jiang’s behest, I join him in a karaoke session (to an Adele song, for God’s sake – as if singing for over 1,000 viewers isn’t hard enough). My voice cracks so hard during my rendition of ‘Rolling in the Deep’ that I actually start coughing.

Then Jiang has us dance, much to my chagrin. He bumps and grinds like a clubbing pro while I bounce awkwardly behind him. “I’m bad at dancing,” I tell our viewers.

“No, you’re really bad at talking,” he says, laughing at his own joke.

Appearing in an online English class with Katherine would be much better suited to my skillset, but she’s based in Shenzhen. Instead, I tune in on Ingkee to watch her teach students across the country. Today’s class is being broadcast from a restaurant, and the sound of clinking glasses and

My viewer count actually varies whether I write ‘gay’or‘straight’in the name. I've had the best luck labeling it ‘bisexual’aaaaa

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This page and opposite page: Alessa Zhang plays video games in front of thousands of online viewers

48

clattering plates can be heard in the background.

The lesson focuses on the differences between ‘can,’ ‘may,’ ‘might,’ and ‘could.’ As the stream stops buffering and Katherine first comes into focus, she’s repeating “ould, ould, ould, ould, ould, ould!”

Her viewers number in the thousands, many of whom have paid a fee to join her online course.

Students can discuss English lessons over WeChat, then watch Katherine on Ingkee to hear her pronunciation – or to send gifts, of course. As Katherine chants English syllables, her followers send gifts faster than she can say “thank you.”

“Thank you for all the beer!” she says with a broad smile, as viewers send over five RMB2 ‘beers.’

Instead of buying gifts, I type “hello” into the comments section, and suddenly the rattling of “ould, ould, ould” stops as Katherine looks at the camera, seemingly straight out at me.

“Hello Noelle,” she says. “Welcome.”

The moment of connection makes me start. On an app that allows you to casually flick between web shows with a single swipe, it’s easy to forget that there are real people behind the webcams.

Real people like Katherine.

Recent headlines on China’s boom in livestreaming have ranged from the baffled to the damning (“Self-harmers win celebrity on web app that amuses millions”). Last month, Hebei livestreamer ‘Sister Feng who eats everything’ went viral for eating lightbulbs, cacti and mealworms on camera.

But the headlines give a narrow view of these apps’ diversity. Chinese streaming platforms have most in common with Twitch, the American app used by gamers to stream video games. Many trace the recent fervor for live-streaming to Amazon’s takeover of Twitch in 2014.

E-sports are serious business in China. Case in point: billionaire Wang Jianlin’s son recently invested millions of renminbi to start Panda TV, a live-streaming app dedicated exclusively to gaming. At the Beijing Comic Con, crowds swarm

game that comes out because games are expensive. So what do they do? They watch other people play. They want to learn new moves, and they want to watch games with commentary.”

Alessa Zhang is one of the professional gamers who uses Panda TV to stream to fans. She says she “only” broadcasts for three to four hours on weekdays and six hours on weekends. She’d do it more, but she has a day job.

As she streams her game play, Zhang talks it through with her fans. She rattles off examples of what she says: “What do you guys think about the plot of the game?

How is your combat experience in the game? Gosh, I am lost, you guys! Where should I go?” Danmu responses flood in.

She’s hesitant to say how much money she makes from the gig, but Zhang is among Panda’s top streamers and will say that “at least the money to buy new games is covered.” She attributes some of her success to her (attractive) appearance.

“Big score if the streamer is a woman and pretty,” she says. “That’s why female game

a flashy Panda TV exhibition, where E-sports athletes stream Street Fighter V onto a massive screen as two women commentate. Panda TV users from around the country tune in online.

As industry-watcher and former video-game journalist Eric Jou explains: “You have to realize that a lot of gamers are unable to play every

streamers can get more viewers than men over the same amount of time.”

Despite higher viewer counts, she admits there are drawbacks to being a female presenter.

“Female streamers are under more pressure when live-streaming because of

Big score if the streamer is a woman and pretty. That’s why female game streamers can get more viewers than men

49

impolite and sexist comments. In extreme cases, they even have to deal with sexual harassment,” she says.

Indeed, attractive women rule the live-streaming universe. Over three-quarters of viewers are male, and nearly two-thirds are aged under 23. This led to a surge and, later, crackdown, in webcam pornography taking place on live-streaming apps. While on-camera nudity is illegal in China, sexually suggestive content thrived to the extent that in April the Ministry of Culture banned “suggestive” banana-eating on camera.

“They like it if you say some dirty things,” Jiang says, coaching me on how to talk on camera. For example, when one of his viewers logs back on after a few minutes offline and asks what he missed, he points at my chest and shouts: “She showed her boobs!”

“No, I didn’t!” I protest.

“Well maybe you should,” he says with a laugh.

Jiang is joking. Regulations against explicit content are stricter than ever. Currently, the Ministry of Culture requires all streaming apps to save recordings from its

50

users’ feeds, so that censors are able to check them later for illicit activity.

Jiang’s coy demeanor, flirtatious without being lewd, works well with his audience. He talks discouragingly about his time on Blued, another streaming app geared towards gay men that was simply too suggestive for his tastes.

“It’s just on the border of being illegal, but it isn’t,” he says of the app. “A lot of the streamers will dance in revealing clothes or talk dirty. I don’t want to be like that in my streams, I want to be sweeter and not as overt.

That’s what GuoJiang is better for.”

Still, Jiang insists that sex and money go hand in hand, even on GuoJiang. “My viewer count actually varies whether I write ‘gay’ or ‘straight’ in the name. I’ve had the best luck labeling it ‘bisexual,’” he says, adding: “If a rich person likes what they see, they will send gifts.

If a really rich person likes what they see, they’ll send a sports car.”

Sports cars – gifts worth RMB3,000 – are the ultimate prize. While Jiang certainly appreciates the 10- and 15kuai gifts that viewers throw at him, relying on them is impractical. To make streaming financially viable, he needs to attract big spenders.

GuoJiang is designed to help him with this – after all, the app takes a major cut. When a high-spender enters his live stream, a tiny crown emoji appears. Other viewers can’t see this, but Jiang makes sure to welcome his high-spending guests by name.

Jiang says with certainty that the men who buy him sports cars want to sleep with him – or, at the very least, want his WeChat, so they can flirt without thousands of danmu comments getting in the way. Jiang doesn’t mind handing out his WeChat if a sports car is the result of it.

Ultimately, he says, these apps represent the traditional view of sex and relationships as being tied to money:

“In China, when two people go on a date, it is usually the guy who pays, and I think that translates into [this app]. Even in the gay community, men still want to take the lead and pay for you.”

For many streamers, this is simply how the game is played. Apart from attracting wealthy viewers, many hope to attract the attention of the app developers and get a paid contract – like Jiang has with GuoJiang TV. The company pays him a couple thousand yuan a month, and in exchange, Jiang is obliged to stream for two hours every day.

Streaming from home isn’t as easy as it sounds.

I try broadcasting myself on YY to see what it is like, and also to ask those watching, rather than streaming, some questions. Namely, What the hell are you doing here?

The danmu comments roll in. User Yunxunyan says: “To learn certain skills: English, cooking.” (He also comments “Chinese people are stupid and bored,” but I’m pretty sure that’s not true.) User Dashu is on it to “make more friends,” and user Shanlingyang wants to learn from gamers and get better himself.

User Yichuanryingwen simply wants “to relax.”

Streaming apps are, ultimately, a place to relax, a place to find companionship, and most of all, a place to waste time. Perhaps it’s understandable, given China’s male-leaning gender imbalance, that beautiful women like Zhang and Xu are able to

“You always hear ‘Do you want love, or bread?’ If you have no bread, you shouldn’t waste time loving someone.

command so much attention. But it takes more than a pretty face to succeed. It takes skills. And back

at his apartment, Jiang is strutting his.

“You’re so beautiful today!” he tells me as I enter his living room. Then: “Last time you came here you were so ugly!”

It’s this subversive humor, along with his model good looks, that make Jiang perfect for live-streaming. But live streaming isn’t perfect for him. Two weeks after my first visit to his home, he’s complaining. He hasn’t received a sports car in over a month now, and his morale is suffering for it.

It’s not for a lack of ideas. Jiang has grand plans to turn his humble stream into a food and travel show, where he’ll take viewers to the bars, restaurants and cities he loves. He just needs funding; and for that, he needs sports cars, or at least more viewers. He’s

hoping his diligence, creativity and a feature story in a certain Beijing-based English-language magazine will help.

At the end of the night’s broadcast, Jiang flashes a wide smile and waves cheerfully as he bids his viewers goodnight. The second he closes the app, though, his smile droops, and he slouches back onto his couch. He puts his hands over his eyes and lets out a frustrated groan. And with that, the show is over.

Tonight, he made RMB200 in gifts.

GuoJiang will take 55 percent. When I ask how he handles the exhaustion of nightly live-streaming, though, he’s more hopeful than I expect him to be.

“When I see my fans, I’m not so tired,” he says. “I feel happy.” █ To watch Jiang’s show, go to GuoJiang TV, room 1236; to watch Xu, follow Katherine凯瑟琳 on Ingkee; to

watch Zhang, visit www. panda.tv/95588

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51

EAT & DRINK G RAPEV IN E

S N AC KS A N D T H E C I T Y With news of the Donghuamen Night Market closing, we mark the end of an era (see “News Bite,” adjacent page). Some Beijingers have bemoaned the loss of the once-iconic snack street for its stalls full of deep-fried creepy crawlies; while others celebrated its removal, likely for its stalls full of deep-fried creepy crawlies.

Personally, I have no feelings either way, except to say that I’m fresh out of ironic photo ops to send xenophobic relatives when they ask if China is “crazy.”

So goes Beijing’s drinkingand-dining scene. One minute, a place is an institution. The next, its shutting down. Last month saw several shut-downs, the most gossip-inducing being Cheers’ Yashow location.

The newly, shittily renovated Yashow is a dump, for sure – but we thought Cheers was one of only a couple worthwhile spots in the whole place. Maybe it was too fun and interesting for Sanlitun’s most depressingly boring mall? Lord knows. (More specifically, land-lord knows.

Rumors swirled about eviction.)

We’ve heard word that Mado Bar on Baochao Hutong will soon shut its doors too. But there is also, of course, the much more pleasant business of restaurants updating their menus for the summer. Bottega, our favorite spot for traditional Napoli-style pizza, has a new lunch set, about which we can only say: damn, that gnocchi.

Modernista also a new menu, full of seafood for this season that is theoretically beachy, but in practice hellishly hot. Fish helps.

Finally, TRB Bites has launched its afternoon tea, and it’s as indulgent as anything you’d expect from the winning TRB group. With options like these – who needs fried tarantulas? I certainly don’t.

Noelle Mateer 5 2 J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

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

We don’t know about you, but we are over mason jars as vessels – so twee and nauseatingly hipster, so 2015. It seems the folk at Xihe Village agree with us, because their new cocktail menu features a drink in a light bulb. Yes, you read that correctly. More commonly known for serving Peking duck accoutrements on a swiveling serving tray, Xihe is now serving this new drink in a light bulb (or a light bulb-shaped glass, to be more precise). The evocatively named ‘Song of Love’ is a fresh mix of pineapple juice, vodka, melon liqueur and lemon juice. Light and fruity, it tastes (and looks) a bit like the classic Arctic Ocean soda. Perfect for quenching thirst and taking cool photos. Keep an eye out for Xihe Village’s other quirky cocktail inventions (test tube glasses, anyone?) as well. DW Song of Love, RMB26; Xihe Village (see Listings for details)

H E A D -TO - H E A D / S P I C Y N O O D L E S

VER SUS Spicy Chitterling Flavor

Spicy Beef Flavor

光友香辣肥肠粉 RMB4.4

麻辣牛肉味精炖汤粉 RMB4.9

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

When we open the bowl we’re greeted with a noodle spread that looks like a bird's nest and four packets of additives.

These spicy chitterlings appear to be brought to us by a doctor-esque man with a pink tie. Hello, doctor.

INITIAL BITE

When we pour the flavor packets in, orange bubbles float to the top. Maybe they’re full of those nutritious omega-3 fatty acids?

We wish it tasted less like chitterling and more like, well, anything else. This is what we signed up for, though.

OVERALL

Very spicy, and the vermicelli is so see-through you’d think we were just eating thick broth.

Tastes beefy and tangy – combined with the noodles, it feels like we’re having a bowl of soggy roast beef.

VERDICT

Call us high-maintenance, but we do like to know what we’re eating. Still: we have to say mystery vermicelli trumps chitterling any day of the week. NM

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

BA RT I SA N S

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

Ganges (Dongzhimen) Ever wondered what kids these days think of some of Beijing’s long-standing foodand-drink establishments? To give you an idea, we’ve handpicked and translated some comments from popular ratings site dianping.com. This month: Ganges, Beijing’s favorite Indian delivery service

It's nothing to boast about!

I wouldn't go again. It's probably not authentic.

So bad! Even worse than Shenzhen Indian cuisine.

This month, we head to Nord Land in Solana to chat with Han Zhenbo on bringing German drinking culture to Beijing.

I've eaten a lot of Indian food and this is not the best. But it's still pretty good for Beijing. The environment is quite special.

N E WS B I T E

Creepy Crawling Away

One of Beijing’s most popular tourist spots, Donghuamen Night Market, is being shut down amid worries over food hygiene. Best known for its selection of bizarre snacks – including spiders, scorpions and other bugs not traditionally eaten in Beijing – the popular market was deemed unsafe by Dongcheng District Food and Drug Administration and will be closed at the end of the month.

In addition to sanitation concerns, inspectors are also attributing the closure to complaints about noise and traffic around the market. Yet hygiene would appear to be the greatest concern (something most visitors can attest to anecdotally).

Inspectors highlighted problems with the storage and disposal of food, which includes barbecued snake, deep-fried locusts and sea horses.

While the latest news of closure has been accompanied by assurances that a reconstructed street will be built at the same location, there is no indication of whether the infamous snacks will remain. OH

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

I often get it delivered to my home. I can't say it's the best takeaway food, but the flavor's good.

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

— How important is beer to your business?

Beer is the biggest part of our business. We want to promote the culture of drinking that exists in Germany here in China. People in Germany treat their beer with respect and give it space. Here, beer is ubiquitous, and the quality suffers. We want customers to know more about the background of beer and develop more nuanced taste.

—How did you learn so much about German drinking culture?

I founded the place here in Beijing, and I do act as the manager, but I went to school in Germany and loved the idea of bringing some of that flavor here. We’re affiliated with some breweries in Germany, and that allows us to import a lot of our drinks.

—What’s your favorite type of beer?

I actually prefer British beers because they’re wheat beers – I like wheat beers.

—Can you tell me about the beers you have here?

We have six different types of Bear Beer. It’s a German beer, but the factory’s in Denmark.

—What do you recommend eating with these beers?

We recommend some simple German snacks, like pretzels and peanuts.

—Are you going to show the Euro 2016 finals? And who are you rooting for?

Yes! And I like Germany – they’ve been strong for a while now.

Nord Land; L-DS-23, 1/F, Building 1, Solana International Area, 6

Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园路 6 号蓝色港湾国 际商区 1 号楼 1 层 L-DS-23 (5905 6268)

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E AT & DRINK | RESTAUR A N T S

CASA TALIA

Raffles Is No Longer A Gamble

by No e l l e Ma t e e r

We were excited to review a new place in Raffles City. Our office is just across the street in Dongzhimen – and we often pop into the mall for lunch. But we were also not excited to review a new place in Raffles, because when we do lunch near That’s Beijing towers, we do so reluctantly.

The malls around Dongzhimen are depressing to eat in. At Ginza Mall alone, we’ve endured still-frozen sashimi pieces at Sushi Express, 45-minute waits for basic ramen bowls at Ajisen and Yoshinoya-induced la duzi. If Dongzhimen’s dining dearth is indeed disastrous, then we are its damsels in distress.

Raffles City helps. But, like – how many times can three Englishlanguage magazine editors visit Wagas? (Answer: A lot, but… still.)

This is why we’re very, very grateful for Casa Talia.

Casa Talia serves tasty, reasonably priced European bites on Raffles City’s fourth floor. The casual-chic dining space offers hot and cold tapas, creamy risottos and ultra-shareable paellas. And while most of the flavors take their cues from Spain, there are also French and Italian touches. The resulting menu is full of recipes that are new yet taste like comfort food nonetheless.

Casa Talia is the brainchild of Tiago, the popular Italian kitchen you may recognize from Indigo Mall or Joy City. (The brand is a veritable mall-dining connoisseur, we say.) While the Tiago concept is geared towards family dining, Casa Talia has a more sophisticated flair.

Case in point: The Casa team has enlisted the help of Chef Corrado Michelazzo – currently known for his work at the Shanghai’s chic 10 Corso Como, and formerly known for his involvement in Michelinstarred restaurants in Europe. Michelazzo will visit Casa Talia once a month, so look out for future dining events.

But even when he’s not in town, diners can sample recipes he’s created. We enjoy Michelazzo’s creamy take on cod (RMB68, and we mean creamy – the dish looks more like mashed potatoes than fish).

We also tuck into tender beef tongue (RMB68) with cheese foam and 5 4 J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

what the Casa Talia team refers to as Michelazzo’s 'mama’s sauce.'

And the mushroom truffle risotto (RMB78) is rich without sitting too heavily.

Paellas are small, at least by paella standards. But this is intentional, either so that you can have one as a snack or so you’ll have room for dessert (or both). The tiramisu (RMB128), which is made in front of you at the table, is a liquid-nitrogen-fueled spectacle that we dare you not to Instagram.

We enjoy the idea of having tapas in a mall, where sometimes we find ourselves between meals, hungering for a bite or two (or three).

Ultimately, Casa Talia is a great choice for after shopping – or, we suppose, after writing restaurant reviews for a magazine.

10am-10pm 1B, 4/F, Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门 南大街 1 号来福士购物中心 4 层 (8409 4009)

RESTAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK

AMAZE

Yunnanese Without The Wind Chimes wo rd s by O s c a r Ho l l a n d , i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

Beijing’s Yunnanese restaurants are normally desperate to remind us just how Yunnanese they are. More than any of their provincial counterparts, they cling to the long-held orthodoxy that says authentic food is best served in ‘authentic’ surrounds.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with playing the ethnic card. We love patterned cloth drapes as much as the next Beijing-based Englishlanguage food critic. But can fried goat’s cheese be enjoyed away from the photographic gaze of beaming minority elders? Will pineapple rice taste just as sweet without the distant jangle of wind chimes?

The answer to these facetious rhetorical questions is, of course, yes. Yet there is a tried-and-tested formula that few dare stray from: folksy wall paintings, intimate decor or even some hats if you’re lucky. Maybe it’s because restaurateurs are insecure about their food.

Or maybe it’s because – and this is far more likely – diners need wind chimes to feel as if they’re having a ‘genuine’ culinary experience. The market dictates, after all.

But the Shunyi market is a law unto itself. And so it proves, with the opening of a rare beast in Beijing’s dining scene: a contemporary Yunnanese restaurant.

Set around a curved bar (behind which the restaurant’s name is lit up Broadway-style) Amaze is unapologetic in its modernity. The entranceway houses a rotating miscellany of artwork which, at the time of our visit, includes some twisted rabbit paintings. Inside, sleek black tabletops and curiously shaped furniture sit beneath a ceiling of asymmetric wooden beams. The spoons are square.

This may not sound particularly avant garde, but in the world of Yunnanese restaurants, it truly is. There may be flashes of Southwest China – on the hanging light fixtures and in private rooms where we find images of glistening rice paddies. But the decor doesn’t shout about how Yunnanese it is. And when the food is this good, it doesn’t need to.

Vietnamese and Burmese flavors are subtly woven through the well-considered menu. And while the influence of Yunnan’s Dai ethnic

minority is absent from Amaze’s interior design, the culinary heritage shines through. In fact, two of the standout dishes hail from the Dai heartland of Xishuangbanna by the Burmese border: songban pork neck (RMB88) and grilled tilapia, which deftly combines citronella and coriander (RMB68).

Elsewhere, we find plenty of familiar classics. The beef and mint rolls (RMB52) are simple but exquisite, while the boletus mushrooms (a rare variant and priced accordingly at RMB228) burst with an earthy flavor incapable of being overpowered by the accompanying pepper and garlic.

To finish things off – and as a final reminder that Amaze is not your typical cozy Yunnanese affair – we suggest you sample the exhaustive whisky menu. The downstairs bar may be unfinished when we visit, but expect it to remain free of wind chimes – and all the better for it.

Daily, 10am-10pm (restaurant), 2pm-midnight (bar); Room 202, Building 11, Shine

Hills, 6 Antai Dajie, Shunyi 顺义区中粮祥云国际生活区南区安泰大街 6 号院 11 号楼 202 (131 2657 6006)

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WA N T H E D I RT Y D U C K Had The Dirty Duck just opened in London, we might be a little underwhelmed. It lacks the warmth and distinctive charm we'd hope for in an English pub. But then again, this is Beijing and the Duck is certainly the most authentic one we have – so be grateful. A nice rooftop and a great spot for football, too.

Mon-Fri, 5.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun, 11.30am-2am; 19

Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷 19 号 (5848 1819

If you are craving a decent banh mi (RMB48) and are OK paying five times the price you would in Hanoi, check out new Wudaoying Hutong restaurant Wan. The classic Vietnamese sandwich comes in several flavors with a side of crunchy prawn chips.

There are some losers among Wan’s other offerings – the raw beef pho (RMB58) is underwhelming – but the vegetable and nut spring rolls (RMB36 for six) are packed with flavor.

MIZUKI

Daily, 9am-9pm; 10 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng

Another month, another overpriced Japanese restaurant! (Seriously, we wrote that same sentence three issues ago.) This time, it’s Mizuki, the Sanlitun North opening whose delightful design doesn’t make up for its cold service and uninspired dishes. If you’re looking for quality Japanese, there are about a hundred better places in Beijing you could go.

东城区五道营胡同 10 号 (6401 0960)

4908)

Daily, 11am-10pm; Building 5, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路首开铂郡北区8号院5号楼底商 (8400

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

B U E N A O N DA Hatchery’s original concept from last summer, Buena Onda, is back – meaning more ceviche, pisco sours and, of course, ‘good vibes of South America.’ Its location upgrade – from container to incubator – coincides with a menu expansion too.

There are empanitas (delicious tiny pies, RMB30 for three), picarones (sweet potato doughnuts, RMB45), skewers (RMB30RMB40 for two) and more. Great for sharing, and the flavors are poppin’.

Wed-Mon, 5pm-late (kitchen closes at 10.30pm);

Hatchery, 12 Nongzhanguan Nanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区 农展馆南里 12 号 (6594 0188)

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FA N GY E C A F É

Daily, 5pm-4am; Chunxiu Lu and Xingfucun Zhonglu,

Next to its more boisterous neighbors on Jiaodaokou Bei Santiao (ahem, Tiki Bungalow and Knight and Merchants), it’s easy to miss Fangye Café. The small but airy cafe serves single-origin coffee, hot chocolate, tea and milkshakes. With its hip interior design and environmentally-friendly (and wallet-friendly) ‘RMB5 off if you BYO cup’ deal, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and need a quick fix.

Chaoyang 朝阳区春秀路幸福村中路 (6597 9919)

号 (186 0093 1284)

SHOUSI JIA Xingfucun Zhonglu, otherwise known as ‘That Place You Always Grab A Quick Lunch,’ is now home to a sushi joint. Shousi Jia serves an extensive variety of sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, plus rice bowls and udon.

It’s a big menu for such a tiny place, which is probably why the dishes are uniformly mediocre. At least there’s Kirin.

Daily, 1-7pm (cupping classes during the morning); 34 Jiaodaokou Santiao, Dongcheng 东城区交道口三条34

RESTAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK

CHAR

Choose Steak

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

Choose life. Choose a variety of Wagyu beef.

Choose a steak knife. Choose a flavored salt.

Choose a mustard.

Had Trainspotting been set in middleclass dining circles rather than economically depressed 1980s Scotland, the film may have

opened like this. And rather than meeting in a dingy Edinburgh pub, the characters may have convened here in Lido. Because at the Crowne Plaza’s long-awaited new steakhouse Char, choice is everything.

This welcome series of dilemmas begins, as one might expect, with the steak itself. We opt for the Tajima Wagyu (RMB668 for 200g fillet; RMB558 for 250g sirloin), but there is something to suit all budgets: a Blackmore Wagyu for larger ones and some affordable, though still excellent cuts for those more modest.

As our steak arrives, the choices flow more readily. First we are presented with a series of hand-made knives (Antler, Laguiole, et al.). Next, a flight of six flavored salts – including an activated charcoal black lava salt – arrives at the table. Finally, we are brought three pots from which a waiter carefully scoops mustard onto our steak board.

What you choose to do with your steak is your own business. Every combination we

try is a winner, though that may have more to do with the excellently cooked, intensely marbled cuts than with the salts we choose to top them with.

But the choices need not stop there.

Although you’d be foolhardy to leave Char without a dish from the grill, the menu features much else worth sampling. Of the seafood options, we recommend the delightful ceviche (RMB168) that sees refreshing streaks of citrus weave between bites of lobster and salmon. The black cod with confit baby carrot (RMB288) is another standout. It comes with a subtly sweet star anise and lime syrup that you can brush onto the crisp skin at your own pleasure.

The quality of the food hints at why the Shanghai branch of Char has caused such a stir. And the relaxed, rustic environment suggests that the Beijing incarnation can replicate – if not surpass – its success.

Daily, 5pm-10pm; Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido, 6

Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路 6 号丽都皇冠假日 酒店

TRIBE

A New Hunting Ground

It doesn’t seem so long ago that we first dropped into Tribe’s original Gongti location.

There we found a restaurant offering not only wholesome, ethically sourced food, but a chance to buy into an aspirational lifestyle (or opt out of the gluttonous one offered by everyone else in Sanlitun).

“But how do you know if you belong in the tribe?” we asked (That’s Beijing, October 2014).

“And more importantly, how do you go about joining?”

It turned out to be remarkably easy to join – all major credit cards are accepted. It also transpired that plenty of Beijing folk were eager to do so. And while it’s too early to speak of cult status, Tribe has certainly won a loyal following through its combination of neat branding and unashamedly healthy menus.

Fast-forward a year and a half (ish), and the population of this particular tribe has grown substantially – enough for it to spread to new hunting grounds. The territory in question, Lido, is a fertile one (OK, we’re done with the pre-industrial nomadic tribe metaphors).

Visitors to the original Tribe will recognize some of the new branch’s design tropes – splashes of green, natural wood decor and sparingly employed white neon. The pollution-absorbing aloe plants and excellent music selection have also migrated across.

Thankfully the consistency that matters most – food quality – hasn’t suffered in the transition. Salads, grain bowls and other favorites from the original location have made their way across in tact. The new dishes we try are equally on-point.

But there’s one key difference: size.

The L-shaped space – complete with a long bar and outdoor patio – can seat over 100 people. There’s even space for a DJ booth, which may come in handy given that Tribe has geared the space more toward evening activities (though it’s open from 8am, so relax – you can still get your morning smoothie).

PHOTO BY HOLLY LI

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

Daily, 8am-midnight; Lido Place, Unit B-103, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路 6 号 B103 室 (6431 9289)

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E AT & DRINK | T HE SPRE A D

Alright stop, collaborate and listen Ice is back with my brand new invention

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

This summer we’re feeling a little nostalgic: old-school tunes and guilty indulgences – just keepin’ it real, you know? We encourage you to get your fill of ice (-cream) too, just be careful to Lick. It. Up. Word to your mother.

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1 Bingjia 冰＋ mango ice cream Xiayizhi 夏一枝 strawberry ice cream 3 Dehua 德华 papaya ice cream 4 Xiayizhi 夏一枝 blueberry ice cream 5 Mengniu 蒙牛 green bean ice cream (Assorted prices: RMB2-4)

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LA SOCIAL Mo’ Jitos, Mo’ Fun wo rd s by No e l l e Ma t e e r, i m a g e s by Ho l l y L i

In the words of La Social’s Alvaro Rincόn, an arepa is “kind of like a roujiamou.”

The man has a point. Arepas have a lot in common with Shaanxi’s famous ‘Chinese hamburgers.’ First, they make for a hearty snack (or, when multiplied, an entire meal).

And second, they go well with drinks (don’t tell us you’ve never roujiamou-andYanjing’ed).

Nali Patio’s newest resident, La Social, does indeed serve arepas with drinks. And for now, that’s it – a simple concept, made sophisticated. Or, shall we say… sexy? La Social is a beautiful temptress, replete with dimmed lights, vintage lamps and sultry Latin tunes. This is a place where “social” is pronounced “so-see-aaal,” and where, if you sip mojitos late into the evening, you’re likely to wind up stumbling to Migas, just upstairs.

And damn, do we want to sip these mojitos late into the evening.

Lest this seductive description clashes with your notions of Chinese hamburgers, we will now define arepas more formally: Arepas are maize-flour buns from South America, stuffed with fillings ranging from pork to avocado. At La Social, thick, chewy buns overflow with crispy pork, eggs, black beans and Gouda cheese. Choose your preferred combination thereof (RMB42-48).

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Although if you’re into cheese (and please be into cheese), make sure to order an arepa with Gouda, which melts sloppily and goopily into the crevices of the fillings below.

But first and foremost, La Social is a drinking establishment. The drink menu is just as long as the arepa menu (although, reader be warned, we visited during soft opening, so this could change). Those familiar with South American booze might expect to see pisco, but there’s currently only one pisco drink on the menu (the MachuPichu Sour, RMB60).

We’re OK with that. Because while La Social nails the classics, its drink menu primarily serves to innovate. The Totuma Mojito (RMB88) is not just a mojito – the drink is served in a hollowed-out coconut, and a passionfruit floats on top, next to a spoon. The El Viejo Fashion (RMB68), meanwhile, is an old fashioned with a base of Havana 7 rum instead of whisky.

It’d be easy to forget we’re in China once the booze sinks in – if not for La Social’s tongue-in-cheek Beijing-meets-Latin America decor. Lining bar shelves are moutai bottles that are, to our relief, not filled with baijiu (they serve as carafes of water). It’s a thoughtful touch.

An arepa is somewhere between a snack

and a meal, which means not quite either – so take that into consideration. (Although we bet the team behind this place hopes that, if it is a meal you’re after, you’ll pop into their other spot, Mosto, just around the corner.)

Either way, we’d take one over a roujiamou any day.

Soft opening, hours vary; 3/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun

Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 81 号那里花园 3 层 (5208 6030)

BA RS | E AT & DRINK

DA VINCI

Are Apartment Bars, Like, A Thing Now?

by No e l l e Ma t e e r

Two months ago, we profiled Botany, a cocktail bar in Yongli Service Apartments, because we thought its location was quirky and unique.

This month, we’re profiling Da Vinci, a cocktail bar in Yongli Service Apartments.

We’re beginning to think this location isn’t so quirky and unique.

First, some explanation for those who didn’t read our May 2016 issue (you’re forgiven). Yongli Service Apartments are in Gongti, just beside Yongli Plaza – the drab mall whose main redeeming feature is Yunnanese restaurant In & Out. This residential compound is where whiskysoaked speakeasies are apparently finding their new home, and in spring this meant the arrival of Botany, the brainchild of former TRB mixologist Frankie Zhou.

The people behind Da Vinci also have barscene cred. As the team behind the wellloved Parlor and Mai bars, they can craft serious drinks. And when we visit, they do – the Mona Lisa (RMB85) is a beguiling mix of citrus and bourbon, the plumb-infused

whisky sour (RMB80) is standout, and the red jujube old fashioned (RMB85) is the same smoky, syrupy dream we remember from Parlor.

But you’re not here for just the Parlorstyle drinks – otherwise you’d be at Parlor, no? No. You’re here for the location, which, depending on your disposition, is either alluring or silly. We say the latter when considering the decor. Having a theme as ostentatious as 'The Golden Period of the Renaissance' is something that only a handful of places can pull off. Like the Louvre. Said places do not include Gongti’s Yongli Plaza, where mounting a print of ‘The Mona Lisa’ in a golden frame above your brightly lit whisky selection is just a little tuhao tu handle.

There are practical disadvantages to housing a bar in an apartment space. And by this we mean that half the apartment is a fucking bathroom. There are also advantages, however – and by this we mean the living room is a space for VIPs outfitted with plush couches. Bottom line: Houses are cool, but are houses that cool? Will we see pub crawls

climbing up Yongli Service Apartment stairs anytime soon? We’d rather not.

Fortunately, drinks are potent enough to cut through any apartment-related worries. We down them like we're esteemed geniuses who need a break from resurrecting European society from centuries of medieval turmoil. (God, we cannot handle this theme.)

But the bar team is truly excellent. They infuse things. They burn things and let smoke gather in bottles. They present drinks on pretty trays. Most importantly, their drinks taste fantastic – despite the Renaissance print stretched across the ceiling like this is the goddamn Sistine Chapel of Sanlitun.

They are very, very good, and well worth the RMB85 – something that cannot be said for many other drinks in this area.

That is, however, RMB85 more expensive than drinks in most apartments.

Daily, 6pm-2am; 1612-2 Yongli International Service Apartment, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区永利国际 2 单元 1612 (6461 7962)

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TOP STORIES

INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT

BEIJING • Synthetic Running Track Sickens Kids at Beijing School The kids aren’t all right after falling ill from gas poisoning.

• Daring Yoga Fans Perform on Beijing’s Glass-Bottom Deck 150 yoga enthusiasts strike a pose…

1,300 feet above a gorge.

• Beijing Ranks as China’s Least Livable City Beijing, we love you, but you’re bringing us down.

• 600 Flights Delayed, Canceled in Beijing Due to Storms Crazy weather forecasts rain on people’s travel plans.

• Beijing’s ‘Bizarre’ Food Night Market To Close

THE MONTH ON

THATS MAGS. COM

Delivering a blow to tourists and entomophagy enthusiasts.

Thanks to @beijing.betweensummerandwinter for tagging #thatsbeijing. Tag your pictures on for a chance to be featured on our Instagram.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH

NATIONAL

WATCH: John Cena Speaks Mandarin for two Minutes Straight

• Register Your Mobile Number

The wrestler’s language skills are praised as ‘better than Mark Zuckerberg’s.’

Before China Shuts It Down

COMMENT OF THE MONTH

Users have until December 31 to register their real name.

• Sir Ian McKellen Spotted at Shanghai’s Marriage Market The legendary actor is looking for love in all the right places.

• 26 Famous Celebs with Chinese Tattoos Translations include ‘demon bird camphor’ and ‘nauseated.’

• INFOGRAPHIC: The Languages Spoken in China A visual map showing the country’s 298 languages and dialects.

• Factory Work Suspended in Shanghai Ahead of G20 Summit The government is hoping for a Hangzhou ‘G20 Summit Blue.’

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“Why do they

always have to try and stop the cars by holding on?”

-- User Chris on the story of a journalist who tried to stop a US Embassy car that was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident.

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

A DV ER T ORI A L | EDUCAT ION

GUOJI.114STUDY.COM

TEL：400-995-2020

BEIJING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OPEN DAYS The summer term may be coming to an end, but the work has only just begun for those starting at a new school this autumn. Looking around a school is an important part of the decision-making process, so we have compiled a complete guide to upcoming open days at Beijing’s International Schools.

American Michigan Public High School Beijing Campus Date: Every weekend throughout July

Beanstalk International Bilingual School Date: Monday July 4, Monday July 11 Curriculum: SAT/AP/IGCSE/A-LEVEL. From early childhood education to year 13.

Beijing Haidian District Shang Li Foreign Language School Date: Every weekday morning throughout July Curriculum: ACT/AP Beijing International Studies University Date: Every weekend Curriculum: American High School Course / American University Honors Program Beijing Junyi School Date: Every weekend throughout July Curriculum: American High School bridging courses Beijing Lu He International Academy Date: Every weekend throughout July Curriculum: AP/IGCSE/A-level

Beijing New Talent Academy Cambridge International Center Date: At any time, but advance reservation required Curriculum: A-Level

Beijing Shuren-Ribet Private School Date: Every weekend throughout July Curriculum: SAT/AP/American High School Courses. Primary and Secondary (Year 7-13)

Beijing World Youth Academy Date: At any time, but advance reservation required Curriculum: IB

Cambridge International Curriculum Centre of Beijing Normal University Date: Sunday July 3 Curriculum：IGCSE/A-Level Central Conservatory Preparatory School Date: Sunday July 3 International School of Beijing (ISB) Date: Advance reservation required

Limai Chinese American International School Date: Sunday June 26 Curriculum: Sino-American High School Courses Limai International High School Date: Every weekend throughout July Curriculum: Sino-American High School Courses

National Institute Of Technology Date: Every weekend throughout July Curriculum: American International High Schools ASE, WACE, AP, IGCSE, A-Level Peide School Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July Wellington College Bilingual Tianjin Date: Saturday June 25 Curriculum: A-Level

The information here has been collected by Yuanbo Education according to the schools’ official websites. Please check with the schools in advance of attending an open day.

THE 46TH PUBLIC RECRUITMENT SEMINAR OF BEIJING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Date: 9am-midday, Saturday July 2 Location: International News Hall, 2nd floor, Beijing Gehua New Century Hotel Apply: Follow 远播教育 WeChat and reply with BJ+Children’s NAME+Children’s Grades, to make an appointment.

Yuanbo International Education is the first domestic one-stop counseling service platform for international schools. We collect the national well-known international schools together, provide detailed schools’ introduction, students’ information and official trends for all parents, and let them easily find the right entrance to academic institutions for their children at Yuanbo International Education. Free hotline: 400-995-2020. For more information visit guoji.114study.com

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Intergalactic Gary / DJ

Kanye West Tribute Visual Show

HEAR

We’re not entire sure what to expect from this Kanye West ‘Visual Tribute.’ There will be a DJ, projected visuals and, according to the organizer, Beijing’s first chance to “visually experience this social phenomenon and vibe out to the booming bass and sonic sounds of The Life of Pablo.”

Sat Jul 2, 10pm-midnight (closes at 11pm); RMB50; Lantern (see Listings for details)

Giving a Beat Charity Gig Violette & The Hunters (pictured) head the lineup for this special charity gig at Yugong Yishan. The show’s organizers hope to “connect good causes and good music” by giving 70 percent of the ticket sales, and all raffle proceeds to Bethel China, a charity helping blind children.

Fri Jul 22, 8pm; RMB70 (early bird), RMB100 on the door; Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

The Radio Dept. Gig

Retro-Future Music Fair —Beijing has very dry air, which is bad for beards. Can you recommend a

Record stores and labels, including Genjing and Fruity Shop, take over School Bar to sell records and gear at the first Retro-Future Music Fair. On stage, meanwhile, three bands represent the 70s, 80s and 90s (The Peppercorns, The Hotline, and Elenore, pictured, respectively).

Don’t be fooled by the name, this is all about supporting local bands in the present day. Dress code is Future-Retro, and you can interpret that how you like.

Sun Jul 17, 3pm-late (bands start at 8pm); RMB50; School Bar (see Listings for details)

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beard oil to our readers?

A wonder product is Advance Techniques Balancing B2 Complex from Avon, a well known brand in Europe.

—If you were expelled to a remote intergalactic prison, which three discs would you take with you?

I would definitely not miss taking with me: ‘Some Other Place, Some Other Time’ by Rockets, ‘Reasons To Be Dismal’ by Foremost Poets and ‘Les Grands Voyages de L'amour.’

—You still play a lot of older dance music like Italo disco. How do the 90s kids at your shows react to it?

The old school music that I play is mainly 80s style disco, Italo and so on. I think it blends well with the post-90s music that I also play. The younger audiences seem to really respond well to it, which is a nice surprise to see – every time!

—Why was your home city, The Hague, such a hot spot for music in the 1990s?

There was this place called Blauwe Aanslag, which means ‘Blue Attack’ and refers to the blue envelopes you receive from the tax office. It was a squat and there were underground parties with music that you couldn't find in conventional clubs or parties. It was ‘the headquarters,’ where people were able to listen to music from artists such as Unit Moebius and I-F. —I-F called you a “terminator” – is this a fair description of your DJing style?

It's quite an honor to be called the terminator by someone who is a terminator himself! Hasta la vista baby!

Fri Jul 29, 10pm-late; RMB60; Dada (see Listings for details)

Swedish dream-pop outfit The Radio Dept. aren't know for touring often.

In fact, in our recent interview they told us that this month’s show at Yugong Yishan would probably be “one of the only shows we will play this year” (aside from an upcoming gig in Mongolia, of course). So, be grateful Beijing – this is a rare thing.

Expect some fuzz, some floaty synths, and a hearty dose of characteristically soft vocals from frontman Johan Duncanson. As for new songs? The band haven’t released a full-length album for six years, so maybe not. Keep an eye on www. thatsmags.com this month for our exclusive interview.

Sat July 2, 9pm; RMB200 (advance), RMB240 (door); Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

Cuandixia / Day Trip

Evening Chinese Class

DO

Traditions & Transitions in the Hutongs Walk Take a more guided walk than you’re probably used to with ‘Hutongs of Dongcheng,’ a tour about the changing dynamics affecting Beijing’s urban heart. The Hutong’s knowledgeable tour guide will explain why the alleyways grew the way they did and the challenges of a rapidly developing China fitting into these traditional spaces. The tour also hits up the Drum Tower and Houhai area.

Sun Jul 10, 1-4pm; RMB260 (RMB220 for The Hutong members); The Hutong (see Listings for details)

Spend a day in Cuandixia, a picturesque mountain village that has remained largely untouched since the Ming dynasty. The centerpieces here are twin temples, one for a god and one for a goddess, with nice views of the whole village in all its gloriously dated architecture. You’ll get to hear from the village head why most of Cuandixia’s inhabitants have the same surname and how the village avoided destruction through thousands of years of political turnover and war. Overnight trips are also an option, which include a visit to the Wise Water Village the morning after.

Sun Jul 24, 8am; RMB400; China Culture Center, Kent Center, 29 Anjialou, Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路29号安家楼肯特中心院内 (6432 9341, chinaculturecenter.org)

BBQ & Puppy Presidential Election / 4th of July

Are you a ‘busy professional’ who wants to learn Chinese but are just too busy being a goddamn professional to find the time? If so, sign up for some evening Chinese classes at language specialist the Culture Yard.

Its classes offer learning in a small group environment for 2 hours, twice a week in the evening. By the end of the 8-week course you will be speaking Chinese like a pro, or at least will be able to have a chat with your office ayi.

Beginners classes from Jul 11-Aug 29; Culture Yard (see Listings for details) (sign up online cultureyard. net)

Jing-A x Hatchery Beijing Bikini Party

Weiqi/Go Game

The Sinology Institute is giving lessons in Weiqi/Go, the smart person version of checkers. They’ll show you the ropes, but intelligence is usually a prerequisite for actually being good at the game, so no guarantees there. It’s also free.

Sat Jul 23, 1-2pm; free; Sinology Institute, 8 Shuangsi Hutong, Dongcheng 城区双寺胡同8号 (RSVP

by Jul 22, 6pm, via admissions@sinologyinstitute.com or 6400 0905)

American or otherwise, all are welcome at The Local for its Independence Day weekend celebrations. Kenn and the crew are putting on a two-day BBQ, meaning all the good old classics: burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, iced tea and lemonade with a side of “liberty” and “freedom.” Sweet, sweet freedom.

Plus: puppies. Considering it is a (human) presidential year in the US, The Local is holding puppy presidential elections on both Jul 3 and 4. Open to all pups of all ages and origins, the election will be decided by public opinion.

Prizes for the top dogs. Happy 4th of July indeed.

Sun Jul 3, Mon Jul 4, 4-9pm; The Local, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区工体北路4号院 (6591 9525, register for the election via WeChat: localkenn)

Cool off this summer with Jing-A and Hatchery’s joint daytime party.

Appropriately titled, ‘Beijing Bikini,’ the outdoor party will feature a slip ‘n’ slide, live DJ and special beach and watermelon-themed snacks, including Jing-A’s seasonal watermelon beer. There will also be limited free beers for those dressed according to the theme. We are getting thirsty just thinking about it.

Sat Jul 9, 1-6pm; free; Hatchery, 12 Nongzhanguan Nanli, Chaoyang (Tuanjiehu subway exit B, in the same yard as Classic Furniture) 朝阳 区农展馆南里12号 (团结湖地铁B出口 克拉斯家具院里) (6594 0188)

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Sake Carnival 2016 Drinking

Stella Artois Recommend / Casa Talia

TA S T E

Summer Seafood Menu at blue frog Dining This summer, blue frog is changing things up with variety of fresh, tasty seaside dishes. To start, there’s the Soft Shell Crab & Shrimp Salad, which sees a healthy salad topped with crab and juicy shrimp. Next are the Poached Chilean Blue Mussels, smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. And for a hearty main, we love both the Pan-Fried Icelandic Sea Bass and the Seafood Laksa.

Blue frog is burger central, sure – but now there’s something for everyone.

All blue frog locations (see Listings for details)

Beijing may be a beer city, but don’t forget we’ve got other booze, too – and lots of it. This year’s Sake Carnival is shaping up to be huge.

You’ll have the opportunity to sample over 100 varieties of fine sake, brought over from Japan especially for the event, as well as a talk with some of Japan’s more famous sakemakers. Better yet, there will be traditional Japanese performances and finger foods. Who needs to fly to Tokyo?

Sat Jul 9, 1-5pm; 3/F 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路甲40号3/F (for more information or for tickets, visit any Sake Manzo location or call 6582 5967)

Jing-A x Dog House Kitchen Takeover Dining

Annie’s Antipasteria Dining

Annie’s has launched a new concept within its Sunshine 100 location: an antipasteria. The new counter is inspired delis you’d find in Italy, serving cold cuts, cheeses, sandwiches and desserts. You can eat in or take away – just like you would in a small Italian town.

Annie’s, Sunshine 100, Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路东阳 光100对面 (8589 8366)

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What’s more American than hot dogs? Washing down hot dogs with beer. This July 4, the team at Jing-A is doing just that. The craft brewery is inviting craft hot-dog-slingers Dog House for a kitchen takeover, where they’ll serve their off-beat flavors including the Sichuan Dog, Philly Dog, Mexican Dog and Chili Dog for RMB40 each. Jing-A, meanwhile, will provide the suds at happy-hour prices. Follow jingabeer on WeChat for the password that unlocks beer deals.

Mon Jul 4, 5pm-late; Jing-A Taproom (see Listings for details)

Casa Talia is a new European-inspired restaurant located within Dongzhimen’s Raffles City (for our review, see page 54). And while its food is a great postshopping snack any time of month, there’s one time to visit the recent opening that’s better than others – when Chef Michelazzo is in town.

Although he’s based in Shanghai, Chef Corrado Michelazzo’s influence is all over the restaurant. He’s designed major portions of Casa Talia’s tapas-andsharing-plates menu. But once a month, he travels to Beijing – and we can’t wait for his July visit. Originally from Italy, Michelazzo has previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Europe. He’s mastered many European cuisines and worked alongside celebrity chefs.

At Casa Talia, we recommend pairing his tapas will a cold Stella Artois beer for the perfect way to unwind. Exact dates for Chef Michelazzo’s July visit are still to be determined, so keep an eye out on our website and WeChat.

Casa Talia, 1B, 4/F, Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直 门南大街1号来福士购物中心4层 (8409 4009)

The Jungle Book / Theater

Picasso in China Art

SEE

Check out the largest ever exhibition of Picasso in China, with 83 of his paintings alongside 84 photographs by Edward Quinn of Pablo’s life. The range here is extensive, featuring works from 1902 to 1969, and a cameo of Qi Baishi’s art, which is said to have influenced Mr. Picasso. The exhibition also has a ‘360 degree video’ to explain a bit more about the method behind the madness.

Daily through Jul 31, 10-4pm; Riverside Museum, Riverside East B, Hongyan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 弘燕 路山水文园东园B区 (5309 2062)

Waiting for Godot Theater Wait no more for Samuel Beckett’s minimalist stage drama Waiting for Godot, thanks to The Deutsches Theater in Berlin (which is in Beijing, actually). The famous play features four actors, zero props or set, a large hole in the middle of everything and implications for the meaning of life. The Deutsches has been padding its resume for years, winning Theater heute’s Theatre of the Year in 2005 and 2008, and performing at Berlin’s prestigious Theatertreffen festival in 2010 and 2015 Jul 8-9, 7.30pm; RMB200-580; Drama Theatre of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang'an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing. com)

Giselle Ballet

Chen Yu Fan Art

Artist Chen Yu Fan’s paintings and installation works are given room to breathe at the airy Ginkgo Space.

The exhibition is specially laid out, from upper to ground floors, taking the viewer on a cyclical journey of Chen’s creative state. Expect some deep revelations from the selfdescribed Daoist and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist.

Through Jul 13, Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm; free; Ginkgo Space, 40 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng 北京市东城区新中街40号 (call ahead: 6335 3536)

Rudyard Kipling’s tale of Mowgli, a boy raised in the wild by (mostly) lovable animals has been a children’s classic since its release 120 years ago. But if Hollywood’s recent live action film adaptation of The Jungle Book isn’t for you, the Chapterhouse Theatre’s version might still be.

“We wanted to create something that is strong in storytelling and fun,” explains artistic director Richard Main. “The Jungle Book has songs as well as a lovely story about friendship and growing up. This is a family show. It will make adults smile and will also be fun for children.”

Since its premiere three years ago, The Jungle Book has toured the UK and Ireland twice. Ben Darlington returns as Mowgli, a role he starred in during the show’s inaugural run. Other Chapterhouse veterans Bryony Tebbutt, Hannah Douglas, Gareth Cary and Louise Mellor will also feature.

“Occasionally, the right venue and opportunity comes along, and performing in China is part of that,” Main says. “It feels strange to be bringing theater to one of the great cultural capitals of the world. I genuinely hope that our visit is a great success and that our links with China will become stronger in the coming years.” AC Jul 21-24, 7.30pm (2.30pm on Sun); RMB60-570; Nine Theater, Chaoyang District Culture Center, 17 Jintai Xili, Chaoyang 朝阳区小庄金台西里17号9个剧场

The Guangzhou Ballet, led by famous Zhang Dandan himself, is bringing Giselle to the capital.

The company puts on traditional Chinese plays, like Lanhuahua, but they also like to dabble in Western works both modern and classical.

Giselle is an example of the latter, a French oldie reworked for the Chinese audience. The troupe performs frequently across Europe, Asia and the US, so you may want to catch them while they’re here.

Jul 23-24, 7.30pm; RMB60-480; Opera House of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang'an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com)

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EVENTS

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Happy hours Meal deals Brunch

Food and Drink

Ladies' nights

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing There’s a certain romance to watching football in a crowded pub: the cheap drinks, the undulating emotion of the crowd and the groupthink of a mass of footie fans.

Let’s be real for a second though, it’s not always the greatest experience. You usually have to get there pretty early if you want a good view, sitting space is at a monetary premium, and being elbowed in the face by a 2-meter-tall man who threw his arms in the air because Jamie Vardy was totally offside can dampen the mood a little. Consider this your luxury alternative: Euro 2016 at the spacious and significantly more relaxed Ritz-Carlton Beijing.

Games will be shown in an outdoor gazebo the hotel describes as ‘an oasis in the hustling city overlooking a beautiful garden,’ aka not your typical Euros viewing space. Accompanying this is the posh buffet in the connected restaurant terrace and, it’s safe to assume, much faster service than that crowded pub. They won’t run out of your go-to beer and you won’t get any vomit on your nice-ass jersey.

Bottomless beer, tailor-made cocktails, house wines and soft drinks will run you just RMB138 an hour.

Aroma, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing; 83A Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国 路甲83号华贸中心 (for more information or to reserve, call 5908 8955)

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

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

MONDAY TO FRIDAY One East Two-course set lunch: RMB118/ per person, 12:00-2:30pm.

2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dong Fang Road, North Dong Sanhuan Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路东方路一号北京希尔顿 酒店2层 (5865 5030) Great Leap Brewing 11.30am-2pm, free soft drink or juice with any burger or salad or add RMB5 for a Pale Ale #6. > At Xinzhong Lu branch only, (see Listings for details) Hagaki Set lunch, 11.30am-3pm, Bento style lunch set from RMB58 with no service charge.

5-10pm, Daiginjo Sake promotion, RMB550 / 150 Bottle / Carafe. > 1/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区酒仙桥路22号1层 (8414 9815) Agua Agua’s new set lunch menu is RMB118/ person for three courses.

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> RMB118/person, Mon-Fri, 12pm2:30pm, Agua, 4/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那 里花园4楼D308号 (5208 6188 ) Greyhound Café Only RMB28 for a Tsingtao or Bud, and RMB38 for a mojito or dry martini, 5-7pm. > Greyhound Cafe (see listings for details) Village Café Set Lunch, RMB98+15% (3 courses), RMB88+15% (2 courses) > 11.30am-2.30pm, Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区三里屯路11号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5210) MEI All cocktails 50-percent off from 6-9pm. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家 楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

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

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

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY

杯胡同7号 (6401 7797)

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

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

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SIZZLER After 4pm, get 29 percent off your bill. > 3/F Shimao Plaza, 12 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路12号楼世茂广 场3楼 (8400 4773)

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

Mao Mao Chong Cocktails RMB35, 7-11pm. > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街板 厂胡同12号 (6405 5718) MEI ‘Modern 80s’ themed music all night alongside 50-percent off deals on bottles of Belvedere vodka. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家 楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083) Elements Free mojitos, champagne and cosmos, 9pm-1am. > 58 Gongti Xi Men, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 体西门58号 (6551 2373) 4Corners Ladies get 15 percent off red wine. cheap shots and drink deals at 4Corners’ weekly celebration of KTV. > Dashibei Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石

Opus Terrace Ladies enjoy free cocktails; on Fridays, it’s bachelors night, where chaps get 50 percent off beer and burgers at the same times, 5-8pm. > Opus Bar & Terrace, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路48号 (5695 8888) MEI Free martinis for ladies from 9-11pm followed by a midnight lucky draw. > 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家 楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

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

EVENTS

E V ERY DAY Parlor Daily 6-8pm, buy one get one for free. > 39-8 Xingfuercun, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸 福二村39-8 (8444 4135 ) The Big Smoke Daily 4-7pm, 20 percent off all cocktails, house wines and beers. > 57 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区幸福村中路57号楼利世楼 (6416 2683) Blue Frog Daily 4-8pm, buy-one-get-one-free all drinks. > Daily 10.00am-late. Sanlitun: Level 3, S2 Tower, S2-30 Taikoo Li, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路太 古里3层S2-30 (6417 4030) Additional branches in Jiuxianqiao and U-Town (see www.bluefrog.com.cn for details) Centro Daily 5-8pm, two-for-one deals. > Shangri-la’s Kerry Centre Hotel Beijing, 1/F, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光 华路1号香格里拉北京嘉里中心大酒店1层 (6561 8833 ext. 42) Feast (Food by East) Works for dinner, 2 course RMB168+15% with a glass of wine or soft drinks. > 5.30-10.30pm, 2/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号2层 (8414 9820)

Flamme Cocktail, beers and wine by the glass are 50 percent off from 3-7.30pm daily. > S4-33, 3/F, Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯 太古里南区3层S4-33 (6417 8608) Modo Urban Deli 4-7pm cocktails and house wine RMB25 and beer RMB15. > S10-31, 3/F, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Taikooli South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区8号楼S1031 (6415 7207) Mosaic 4-8pm daily happy hour. > Daily 12pm-2am; 32 S. Sanlitun St (Behind/North of Yashow Silk Market), Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南32号楼临街店 (137 1883 7065) Mosto 6-7pm discounts on cocktails, wine and beer. > 3/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花 园3层 (5208 6030) NOLA 3-8pm. Sun-Thu, half price on Pabst Blue Ribbon, Tsingtao and all cocktails including daiquiris. > A-11 Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街秀水

南街A-11 (8563 6215) R Lounge Daily 6-9pm, two-for-one standard drinks and cocktails. > 4/F, Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel, 61 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区东三环中路61号北京富力万丽酒店4 层 (5863 8112) Transit Daily 6pm-7:30pm, two-for-one. > N4-36, Sanlitun Taikooli North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090) Isola 11:30am-3pm. Lunch for RMB138.

3-6pm Fashion high tea 5-8pm Happy hour, two-for-one on selected drinks 6-10:30 Dinner set menu, 2-course RMB238, 3-course RMB258. > N3-47, 3/F, Building 3, Taikoo Li North, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院太古里 北区N3-37和 47商铺 (6416 3499) Bene Restaurant Daily 11.30am-2pm. RMB98 includes antipasto with main course, pizza or pasta. > Sheraton Dongcheng, 36 Beisanhuan Donglu, Dongcheng 东城区北三环东路 36号 (5798 8888) Cafe Sambal Nasi Campur Malaysian set: two meats

and vegetables each, varying daily. With soup, appetizer for RMB78. Curry sets from RMB55-65 > See Listings for details Beijing Marriott Hotel Daily 11.30-2pm, dumplings, noodles and desserts, including juice or tea, RMB118. Sun/Sat 11.30-2pm, dim sum, lobster and unlimited beer, RMB168. > 26A Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区霄 云路甲26号 北京海航大厦万豪酒店(5927 8888) Vivid Daily, 6pm-10pm, two-for-one drinks. > Vivid, Level 5, Conrad Beijing, 29 North Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东 三环北路29号北京康莱德酒店5层 (6584 6310) Transit Daily 12pm-2.30pm. Choice of appetizers, mains, rice or noodles with dessert for RMB88. > N4-36/37 Sanlitun Taikooli North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090) Factory (By Salt) Until Sep 30 order summer BBQ catering, from RMB150pp > Factory A1 North, 797 Middle Street, 798 Art Zone A, Chaoyang 朝阳区 798艺术区A区七九七中街01#商务楼北楼 一层1号 (010 5762-6451)

WEEK EN D SATURDAY Great Leap Brewing All day Tuesday and Sunday, one select beer at RMB25. >At Xinzhong Lu branch, (see listings for details) R Lounge Selection of drinks for free all night. > 61 Dongsanhuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路61号北京富力万丽酒店 4层 (5863 8241)

SUNDAY Great Leap Brewing All day Tuesday and Sunday, one select beer at RMB25. >At Xinzhong Lu branch, (see listings for details) The Village Cafe Sun 3:30pm-sold out. Sunday roast RMB98 (+15%; 50% off for kids under 12) > The Opposite House, Building 1, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 11 号院 1 号楼瑜舍酒店 Qi Sun 11.30am-2pm, all-you-can-eat dim sum including one double-boiled soup for RMB288 per person. Add a bottle of

Dom Perignon for RMB1988 for two. > Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street, Jinchengfang Dong, 1 Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊东金融街1号 (6601 6666) Senses and Prego Sun 11.30am-3pm, Retrolicious Champagne Brunch, international and Asian specialties with free flow champagne, wines, cocktails and juices for RMB 458. Prices subject to 15 percent service. > The Westin Beijing Financial Street, 9B Financial Street, Xicheng 西城区金融大街 乙9号(6629 7810) Seasonal Tastes Sun 11.30am-3pm Unlimited buffet for RMB428-498 per person plus 15 percent surcharge. > Westin Chaoyang, 7 North Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东 三环北路7号(5922 8880) Sureño RMB228 for 2 courses, RMB328 for 3 courses. Supplement RMB150 for free flow cocktails; supplement RMB200 for free flow Champaign (all prices subject to 15% service charge) > Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5240)

Vasco’s Sun 11.30am-3pm, international buffet with free-flow champagne for RMB458 plus 15 percent service charge. > Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng 东城区 王府井东街8号(5812 8888 ext. 8411)

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY

Eudora Station Sat-Sun 10am-3pm, breakfast buffet with one main and free flow juice or coffee for RMB98. > Opposite Lido Palace, 6 Fangyuan Xi Lu. Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园西路6号(6437 8331)

Agua Sat-Sun, Agua’s Infinity Weekend Brunch is RMB298 for infinite food, plus RMB168 for free flow drinks. > 12-2:30pm (free flow until 3pm), Agua, 4/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花 园4楼D308号 (5208 6188)

Migas Migas rocks two different brunch options: Saturday, grilled meat heavy; and Sunday, paella heavy (both RMB210, +RMB138 for 2hrs free flow cava, coffee, tea soft drinks). > Daily 12pm-3pm; Migas 6/F Nali Patio, Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 北街那里花园6层

Aroma Sat-Sun 11.30am-3pm, international buffet starting at RMB518 plus 15 percent service charge. > Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 83A Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang 朝阳区建 国路83甲(5908 8161)

Sui Yuan Sat-Sun and public holidays 10.30am2.30pm, unlimited dim sum for RMB128 plus 15 percent surcharge. > Hilton Double Tree, 168 Guang’anmen Waidajie, Xicheng 西城区广安门外大街 168号 (6338 1999 ext. 1726)

Café Sambal Sat-Sun, RMB98, Café Sambal is rolling out weekend brunch. Three courses plus coffee, tea or fruit punch. > 43 Doufuchi Hutong, Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街豆腐池胡同 43号 (6400 4875)

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LISTINGS OPEN DOOR

RESTAURANT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xihe Village Restaurant and Bar

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

No 16 Courtyard 后海16号 (Beijing) Houhai No. 16 is a courtyard restaurant in Houhai, specializes in dishes once served for the government in the imperial times, with customizable menus. ¥380/person (without drinks)Open: 11.30am-9pm > D4, Dajin Hutong. Xicheng District, 西城区后 海大金丝胡同4号(8322 6461,13716551797,www. houhai16.com)

Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 (Chinese, Peking Duck)

SIZZLER Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot When it comes to steak, Sizzler knows a thing or two. The restaurant chain focuses on using high-temperature cooking techniques to lock in (i.e. sizzle) all the natural juices, ultimately creating cuts of meat that are packed full of flavor.

Then they give eaters the option of choosing from five different sauces to really spice up their steaks.

But now, Sizzler’s got more than steak: Iron prawns have been added to the menu. Cooked to perfection, they are a great choice for those seeking a lighter option. In fact, the restaurant has added several seafood dishes – plus one surfand-turf seafood-and-steak set – just in time for summer.

But if you, like us, hear the word “summer” and think “burgers,” then check out Sizzler’s BBQ Bacon & Cheese Deluxe Burger. Complete with a side order of chunky fries, it’s the perfect combo for any occasion. No matter what you order, you can always depend on Sizzler to serve up hearty and tasty meals. > We ate at the Sanlitun Shimao Gongsan 三里屯世茂工三店 branch (8400 4014). Other outlets of Sizzler can be found at Wangfujing Oriental Plaza Store 王府井东方广场店 (8518 6315); Chongwenmen Glory Mall Store 崇文门国瑞购 物中心店 (6714 0399); Wangjing Capital Mall 望京凯德购物中心店 (6471 3876); Wanliu BHG 万柳华联商场店 (8258 9405) Wan Shoulu Crystal Capital Mall 万 寿路凯德晶品店 (6826 086); Xizhimen Capital Mall 西直门凯德购物中心店Mall (5830 2199); Changying Paradise Walk 常营龙湖天街店 (8539 0438); Tianjin Joy City 天津大悦城店 (8728 1620). All stores open daily, 10am-10pm.

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Resembling something between a nightclub and a theater, the Opposite House’s basement restaurant proves to be more than just style over substance with their range of expertly prepared classic dishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lost Heaven 花马天堂 (Yunnan, SE Asian) An emphasis on Yunnan characterizes this menu’s fresh journey through the SE Asia passage, with a grandiose yet dark teak interior.

> Daily noon-2pm, 5pm-10.30 (bar open till 1am).

Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区前门东大街23号(8516 2698)

Middle 8th Restaurant 中八楼 * Hip and slightly swanky, without being pretentious, this is a celebration of all things ‘south of the clouds’ – so try crisp-fried worms, or “crossing-the-bridge” noodles, beef jerky-style yak meat and fresh, wild herbs galore. > The Place Branch: Daily 11am-11pm, L404A, South Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区光化路9号世贸天阶南楼L404A (6587 1431) > Additional venues in Sanlitun; Taikoo Li Mall; Indigo Mall (see www.middle8th.com for details)

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

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

Dumplings Baoyuan Jiaoziwu 宝源饺子屋 Famous for their rainbow of dyed dumplings, Baoyuan have their jiaozi (six, under RMB10) wrapped in a larger yuanbao

silver-ingot shape, with creative vegetarian options and authentic Sichuan food.

OPEN DOOR

> Daily 11am-10pm; north of 6 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967)

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

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

Da Gui (Guizhou) Guizhou’s famed hot-and-sour cuisine nestled into a charming traditional alleyway.

Munch happily into pickled greens and don’t miss the salty-sweet deep-fried black sesame balls. They’re sensational. > Daily 10am-2pm, 5-10pm; 69 Daxing Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东城区交道口大兴胡同69 号 (6407 1800)

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

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

ShiChengJi Shaobing 实诚吉烧饼 If ever a food were able to alleviate life’s difficulties – however temporarily – then this is surely it. In one bite, these beef shaobing will remind you exactly why you first chose to live in Beijing. They’re that good.

Queues of locals are testament. > Daily 7am-7pm; 43 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东 城区东四六条43号 (186 1029 5038)

Xinjiang Red Rose (Xinjiang) * One of Beijing’s most famous Xinjiang restaurant, Red Rose serves some of the tenderest lamb skewers around, matched by enormous servings of classics like dapanji (a chicken, potato and pepper stew), latiaozi (noodles with a spicy tomato sauce) and nang (baked flatbrea).

TGI FRIDAYS Not Just For Weekends TGI Fridays has always been a one-stop shop for quintessential American dining. But now, several new dishes that are putting a Chinese spin on American classics. The new Dragon Blood Ribs are sourced from actual dragons. Kidding, of course – they’re the popular Fridays ribs everyone in America knows and loves, but glazed over and glazed over with a special ‘dragon blood’ sauce, then slow-cooked.

Meanwhile, preliminary reports on the Kungfu Burger, a local spin on the venerable burger featuring crispy noodles and chili mayo, are nothing but positive. A milder option for burger fans is the Truffle Burger, which has black truffles, truffle aioli and melted Monterey Jack cheese. We have to say though, the biggest party pleaser is the Bucket of Bones, an enamel bucket filled with ribs, onion rings and wings glazed with Jack Daniel’s Sauce. Why wait till Friday? It’s good any night of the week. > All TGI Fridays branches, see www.fridays.com.cn for more info

> Daily 10.30am-11pm; Inside 7 Xingfuyicun, opposite Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区 工人体育场北门对面幸福一村7巷内 (6415 5741)

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

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

Grange Grill ** Located in the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Grange Grill serves up some of the city’s best steak, seafood and grill offerings. The restaurant’s welcoming decor provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a glass of cocktail or a fine vintage from the extensive wine collection. Be sure to try the ‘luxurious oyster feast,’ where you can enjoy the delicacy raw, grilled or with cheese. > Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, Sat and Sun 11.30am-3.pm; Dinner: Daily 5.30-10.30pm; The Westin Beijing Chaoyang 7 North East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang 东三环北路7号 (5922 8888)Bras-

serie Flo ¥¥ (French) * Marble slabs, mosaic floors and brass fittings establish the Parisian bona fides; dishes like snails (RMB78), oysters (RMB48 each) and steak tartare (RMB158) confirm.

The grandeur is matched only by the service, and the prices reflect the authenticity of the experience.

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

The Georg ** This hutong mansion has an elegant restaurant, leather-couched lounge area, sleek bar and sick location near Houhai. But most importantly, it has some of the most thoughtful, innovative cuisine in town. Go

G+ THE URBAN HARVEST Reap What It Sews The decor of hanging vegetables at g+ The Urban Harvest hints at the restaurant’s organic, sustainable approach. And given that Sanlitun’s Taikoo Li has always been short on healthy dining options, this is most welcome. Found on the third floor, the restaurant boasts a smart, high-end interior and expansive roof terrace (where we recommend dining as the spring harvest rapidly becomes a summer one). Use the iPad menu to browse an impressive range of dishes, which spans both Chinese and Western culinary traditions. The latter can be broadly categorized as Mediterranean, which means plenty of fresh vegetables – some of which have been grown in an on-site aeroponic garden – as well as pasta dishes, fresh salads, lean steaks and much else besides. > Daily, 10am-10pm; S2-32, Third Floor, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区3层S2-32 (6460 2296)

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> Tue-Sun 5.30pm-2am; 14-2, Bldg 14, Shunyuanli, Xinyuan Jie, Yansha Qiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥新 源街顺源里14号楼14-2号 (5724 5886)

OPEN DOOR

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

Wood

>Daily 10.30am-11pm, Lakeside Gourmet Street, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾南边湖畔美食街 近南边地面 停车场 5726 8255

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

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

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

Factory Fun, contemporary cuisine that’s as creative as its 798 environs – plus some South American fare from Chef Camilla Betin.

awfullychocolate

Café/Deli/Sandwich

>Factory A1, North Business Building 797 Zhongjie, 798 Art Zone A, Chaoyang 朝阳区798艺术区A区七九 七中街01商务楼北楼一层1号 (5762 6451)

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

FIESTA TEX-MEX It’s Party Time We took a trip to Fiesta Tex-Mex to check out their redesigned dishes and menu, but the first thing we noticed was the atmosphere. The Fiesta team has redone the whole place in anticipation for Euro 2016, and it’s looking more and more likely this will be the place to be not just for soccer, but for the whole summer. Party vibes abound.

We tried the tacos, enjoyed the combination of tender meat topped with fresh, homemade salsa. Simplicity is key in the Fiesta dishes, and continuing the trend of non-gimmicky, tried-and-true cuisine is the ‘redesigned’ (read: folded better) burrito, a similarly invigorating staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. We finished the rounds with a cheeseburger so towering, so excessively Texan that we could safely split it four ways. Innovation be damned when you nail the classics as well as this. > Fiesta Tex-Mex, Daily, 11am-11pm; Building 3, 12 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区新东路12号3号楼(5323 5399)

for a dinner you won’t forget.

>10.30am-midnight (dinner 6-10.30pm), closed Mondays; 45 Dongbuyaqiao Hutong, Dongcheng 东 城区东不压桥胡同45号 (8408 5300)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Western

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

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

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

Sizzler Sizzler invented ‘casual dining’ in Australia when it introduced the first soup, salad, pasta and fresh fruit concept. Since those pioneering days, it has expanded its ‘classic grill’ to include, not only steak and seafood, but also delicious chicken dishes, BBQ ribs, combination meals, and burgers.

‘Variety’ and ‘freedom to choose’ set Sizzler apart from other dining experiences. At Sizzler customers are free to control the volume, nutritional balance and variety of each meal by ordering from the grill and helping themselves to our famous soup, salad, pasta and fruits.

Alfie’s ¥ (British) What’s all this about, then? British gastropub classics, (like pukker fish and chips, RMB188), a swanky gentleman’s club interior, and located in a chic modern art gallery-cum-mall. That’s what, mate.

>All stores open daily, 10am-10pm ;Wangfujing Oriental Plaza Store 王府井东方广场店 (8518 6315); Chongwenmen Glory Mall Store 崇文门国瑞购物中 心店 (6714 0399); Wangjing Capital Mall 望京凯德购 物中心店 (6471 3876); Wanliu BHG 万柳华联商场店 (8258 9405) Wan Shoulu Crystal Capital Mall 万寿路 凯德晶品店 (6826 086); Xizhimen Capital Mall 西直 门凯德购物中心店Mall (5830 2199); Sanlitun Shimao Gongsan 三里屯世茂工三店 (8400 4014); Changying Paradise Walk 常营龙湖天街店 (8539 0438); Tianjin Joy City 天津大悦城店 (8728 1620)

Bistrot B Rosewood Beijing’s exquisite French restaurant is the sort of place chefs like to eat.

Expect lavish luxury.

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

> Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm, brunch served on weekends; Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号芳草地L1-22 (5662 8777)

> Daily, 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10:30pm; 1F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店 3层 (65360066)

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

Chi (Organic, Fusion) Hutong set-menu dining par-excellence, with organic ingredients all locally sourced.

From the owners of neighboring Saffron. > Daily, opens 10:30am, last order 9:30pm, 67 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 67号 (6445 7076)

C Pearl (Oysters, Seafood) ¥ * This slick oyster restaurant imports fresh shells from Canada, South Africa, France, USA and more – and they are well worth the price. The fries are the best we’ve had in Beijing, beer and wine selection also excellent.

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

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

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

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

This place is anything but awful. The cakes, ice creams and pastries are enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

>Daily 9am-10.30pm, 1) Sanlitun: Opposite to BHG, B1/F, Southern area of Taikooli, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里地下一层华联超市对面 (8468 3802); 2) Indigo: B1/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港地下一 层 (8426 0917); 3) Joy City Chaoyang: 5/F Joy City Chaoyang, Qingnian Lu, Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳北路青年路朝阳大悦城5楼悦界区 (8582 2677); 4) Raffles City: B1/F, Raffles City, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门来福士地下一层 (8409 8038)

Beiluo Bread Bar (Café) This local hipster café favorite offers inhouse baked bread and sandwiches but we usually go for the hand-pulled noodles.

Gets cozy at night. > Tue-Sun noon-10pm. 70A Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷甲70号(近南锣鼓巷) (8408 3069)

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

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

Element Fresh (Contemporary Western) Chain of restaurants and one of the longest running with quality ingredients and good service. One of the mainstays in Beijing. > Daily Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 7am-11pm.

833, Building 8, 19 Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区 8号楼833 (6417 1318)

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRIBE * Salads, wraps and sandwiches, and noodle and grain bowls are as tasty as they are holistic, and there are more superfoods in one single dish than we even knew existed.

Come hungry, leave basking in the warm, glow that comes from knowing that you are eating well. Kombucha is the icing on the (organic, locally-sourced) cake. > Daily 8am-10.30pm, 1/F, Building 3, China View Plaza, 2A Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 体东路甲2号中国红街大厦3号楼1层大厅入口南侧 (8587 1899)

Wagas (Contemporary Western) Quality eats with minimal pretension. This stylish, no-fuss Shanghai rival to Element Fresh offers some of the best and most affordable Western lunch options in town.

The zesty carrot-and-zucchini cake is a crowd pleaser.

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

American/BBQ/Grill Eudora Station 亿多瑞站

> (Near Lidu place))No 6,Fangyuanli Chaoyang 朝 阳区 芳园西里6号(丽都广场对面)(6437 8331, 6437 8334)

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

> Daily Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-10pm.

First Floor, Lee World Building (opposite Frost Nails), 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村 中路 57号楼利世楼 (6416 5195, 6416 268, www. uncle-otis.com)

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

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

Union Bar and Grill The definitive US-style diner in Beijing, Union’s extensive menu – from eggs Benedict to baby back ribs – covers all

bases and hours, served by friendly staff.

The warm atmosphere tempts many to stay all day.

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

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

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

面 (8448 8250) ; Central Park: No.o103 building 20, Central Park, No.6 Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang 朝 阳区朝外大街6号新城国际20号楼103 (6533 6599); shunyi: No.11-102 Shine Hills, No.9 Antai Avenue, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪安泰大街9号祥云小镇南门 11号 楼102 (8048 5080)

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

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

Assaggi ¥ * This fine Italian spot in the leafy embassy district has one of Beijing’s best terraces for summer dining. The tagliata steak is worth a return visit.

> Tue-Fri 11am-1pm; Sat-Sun 9.30am-3pm; Tue-Sat 5.30pm-10pm. Opposite the West gate, Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西门 (6591 8676)

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

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

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

Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar * (KoreanMexican fusion) Tucked away near Gulou, this hip little hutong concept is truly one of a kind in Beijing. Quesadillas with kimchi and bibimbaps with melted cheese and hot sauce.

Guess what? It works. Killer range of classic Cali’ cocktails, too. > Daily 11:30am-midnight (closed Mondays); 14 Zhangwang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街 张旺胡同14号 (6405 4352)

> Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号 (8454 4508)

Bene ¥ * Chef Ricci will have you singing like a soprano with his pork ravioli and prize-winning tiramisu. Excellent set menus (RMB588) and extensive wine selection. > Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng, 36 Northeast Third Ring Road, Dongcheng District 东城区北三环东路36号(5798 8995)

Cepe ¥ In a city inundated with Italian offerings, Cepe manages to stand out thanks to its attention to the smallest detail – everything from the vinaigrette to the Parma ham is import quality, and the wine is superb. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. The RitzCarlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街 丽思卡顿酒店大堂 (6601 6666)

Della Bocca Trattoria¥

Steak

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

> Daily midday-midnight, Xingfu: No.55-7 Xingfucun Zhonglu, opposite of April courmet, Chaoyang 朝 阳区幸福村中路55-7杰作大厦底商绿叶子超市斜对

Florentina serves authentic Italian fare in low-key, yet elegant surrounds. Cuisine is high-end, the environment is relaxed. A beautiful outdoor terrace makes this place a godsend for Lido residents.

> Daily 11-late (Kitchen serves until 10pm), 1/F, Bldg 2, No. 6 Yard, Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园 西路6号院2号楼1层(8431 0027)

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

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

Aria ¥¥ * This gold standard of opulence has crafted a new Spanish menu. A fantastic place for paella brunch. In-house sommeliers help tailor your meal perfectly. > Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 6-10pm; 2/F China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Waidajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街 (6505 2266 ext. 36)

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

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

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

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

Florentina 翡冷翠意大利餐厅

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

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

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

> Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方砖厂胡同4号 (8402 5098)

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

Alternatively, drop in to your local branch.

Mexican/Tex Mex

Chef Too ¥ With its crisp white tablecloths and service, this upscale New York diner serves up some of the classiest burgers in town.

Mercante ¥ * Old World family charm in an intimate hutong setting. Time (and, occasionally, service) slows with a rustic menu from Bologna offering an assortment of homemade pastas and seasonal mains.

Italian

>All open Daily,10.30am-11pm; Beijing Riviera: opposite west gate of Lane Bridge Villa, Shunyi 朝 阳区来广营东路5号长岛澜桥别墅西门对面尚古城一 楼 (8470 4768); Lido: Jiangtai Lu, opposite United Family Hospital 朝阳区将台商业街4号楼2楼和睦家 医院对面 (6436 3735); Wangjing: 2F, beside the Daimler Tower, LSH Plaza, 8 Wangjing Jie 朝阳区利星 行广场A座戴勒姆大厦裙楼2层近望京商业中心 (8476 0398); Chaoyang Park: West Gate of Chaoyang Park 朝阳区朝阳公园老西门南侧 (6591 1931); Sanlitun: China View Building, opposite East Gate of Workers’Stadium 朝阳区工体东门对面中国红街一楼 (8587 1469); Ritan Park: Ritan High Life, 3F, north of Ritan Park 朝阳区神路街39号日坛上街3-108号 (8569 3031); The Place: East of the Place, south of Central Park 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座1 层 (8590 6428); Guomao: Ruisai Business Building (southest of Guomao subway) 朝阳区东三环南路2 号瑞赛大厦商务楼1层 (6568 5890); Sunshine 100: Guanghua Lu, opposite Sunshine 100 Building 朝阳 区光华路阳光100公寓对面首经贸南门 (858 98366)

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

区三里屯路11号院太古里北区N3-37和 47商铺 (6416 3499, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/isola-beijing, reservations@isolabeijing.com )

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

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

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

Isola Bar & Grill Isola’s elegant design, even by Taikoo Li North standards, is classic Italian panache – and so is the food. Beef carpaccio, burrata, Strozzapreti (handed twisted pasta) are all fantastic, but just as good is a classic Margherita pizza. > Daily, 11:30am-10:30pm, N3-47, 3/F, Building 3, Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant 博璨德国啤酒餐厅 Brotzeit offers its customers a unique experience with authentic German cuisine and world famous German beers in a casual environment. Coupled with its contemporary setting and unique brand appeal, Brotzeit is distinct from the traditional-style German restaurants still seen in Germany and other parts of the world. > Daily 11am-late; F109, Grand Summit, bldg 5, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东方东路19号 楼(DRC外交办公大楼)一层F109 (8531 5166, www. brotzeit.co)

Drei Kronen 1308 * Authentic (truly – when they say 1308 they mean it) displays of armour and brewing

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kits draw regular evening crowds for the superb pork knuckle and heavy-duty helles (pale lager), wheat and dark beer (brewed on-site). > Daily 11am-2am. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体东路中国红街5号楼1 层(6503 5555)

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

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

Hacker-pschorr Brauhaus

> Room 3, Building 3, No 12 ,Xindonglu Chaoyang 朝阳区 新东路12号院3号楼3门(5323 3399)

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

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

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

African/Middle Eastern Al Safir 阿拉伯餐厅

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

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

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

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

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

Cafe Sambal (Malaysian) When it comes to Malay-style food in a hutong, nowhere does it better. Admittedly, it’s something of a niche category, but then so is the food on offer. The spicy Kapitanstyle chicken is pricey, but worth it. > Daily 11am-midnight. 43 Doufuchi Hutong (just east of Jiugulou Dajie), Xicheng 西城区豆腐池胡同43 号 旧鼓楼大街往东走(6400 4875)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Indian Kitchen

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

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

Japanese Hatsune ¥ * (California Japanese) As much a California roll joint as true Japanese, Hatsune is now an old favorite among the sake-swilling, sushi-swallowing set, though less so among sashimi purists. > Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路甲8号 和乔大厦C座2层 (6581 3939) >Additional locations in Sanlitun Tai Koo Li South; Kerry Centre Mall (see www.online.thatsmags.com for details)

Inagiku * This Beijing branch of one of Tokyo’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants is as near to perfection as you’re likely to find.

Deceptively simple yet finely crafted, the handmade Inaniwa udon (RMB80) is not to be missed.

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

Sake Manzo * The barmen here are serious about their sake. Boasting one of the best stocked drinks cabinets in town with over 60 different sakes on offer, this super-cool little eatery is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s toil.

The sashimi is fresh to the cut, and the beer-marinated chicken is out of this world. One of the very best and least appreciated restaurants in town.

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

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

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

Sushi Yotsuba ** It doesn’t come cheap (tasting menu RMB1,000), but what would you expect from some of the best sushi in town?

Buttery and meaty fatty tuna sashimi is a cut above.

> Dongcheng: Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm. Sanlitun branch: 2 Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区 三里屯北小街2号 (6464 2365); Lido branch: 2F, No.9-3, Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路 9-3号2层 (8420 0998)

Hyoki ¥ (Japanese) Hidden away in the depths of the Sofitel Hotel, this labyrinthine Japanese restaurant of all private dining rooms has some stunning food, and is the only place to sample traditional Japanese paper hot pot in Beijing.

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

South-East Asian

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

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

Korean

Asian

> Tue-Sun 11am-2am, 27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng 西城区大石碑胡 同27号烟袋斜街西口附近) (6401 7797)

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

> 6F Sofitel Wanda Beijing 100022 93 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号索菲特万达 北京酒店6层 (6581 0072)

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

4Corners (Vietnamese, Fusion) The definitive hutong bar/restaurant? Chef Jun Trinh took a break from his celebrity TV work to host this part-Vietnamese venue, serving up steaming bowls of pho with zesty, fresh rolls, as well as a great bar, with frequent live indie performances.

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

The go to curry house among Beijing’s homesick Indian community, this ever popular no-nonsense restaurant has built up a solid reputation thanks to its wide range of quality dishes and particularly friendly service. Looking good after a recent rennovation and very available on JinShiSong online delivery. > Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm, 2/F 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街2号2楼 (6462 7255)

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

Saveurs de Coree This upmarket Korean bistro has undergone several changes in recent years, not least its move away from the hipper-than-thou confines of Nanluoguxiang. Fortunately, the menu remains largely intact. The Shin Ramyun

is among the best in Beijing, while the Wagyu barbecued beef is almost too good to be true.

> Daily noon-11pm; 128-1 Xiang’er Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区香饵胡同128-1号(5741 5753)

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

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

BARS TOP 40 BARS AND CLUBS About This guide represents our editors’ top 40 picks, and includes some That’s Beijing advertisers. Bars rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our experts, and scored according to the cuisine, experience and affordability.

Arrow Factory The newest craft beer taproom on the block, Arrow Factory is a rustic hideaway brimming with good Anglo-Scandinavian vibes (courtesy of the brew-masters) and the brand’s distinctive Chinese brewed ales.

A winning combination > 38 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区箭 厂胡同38号(6407 6308)

8-Bit Drinking alongside multiplayer retro gaming – why didn’t anyone do this sooner?

Megadrive, Super Nintendo, N64... some real gems make up an ever-growing collection. Draft Kirin goes for a reasonable RMB25 a glass.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cu Ju Moroccan-inspired bistro, cocktail destination and sports fan’s manna all rolled into one, Renaissance man Badr Benjelloun’s hutong gem is constantly evolving. Offering North African food with an international cocktails, Beijing’s widest selection of rums and sports broadcasts from basketball to cricket, Cu Ju is truly one of the city’s best

LISTINGS all-around bar-restaurants.

> Sun-Tue, Thu 5-11pm ;Fri-Sat 5pm-late ; closed Wed. 28 Xiguan Hutong (Hutong entrance is 300m north of subway line 5, Zhangzizhong Lu stop), Dongcheng 东 城区细管胡同28号(6407 9782, www.cujubeijing.com)

Daily Routine 日常生活 This cozy bar is a diamond in the rough.

Owner Travis is a cocktail aficionado, and the drinks at this establishment change seasonally according to ingredient availability.

Light cafe fare is available during the day. > Daily 11am-11pm. 34 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同34号 (8400 1159)

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

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

First Floor First Floor is like that friend who’s too popular to properly enjoy their company.

At weekends, it gets aggressively full, with regulars and the passing tourist trade all baying at the bar. A good place to meet new friends, perhaps.

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

Fubar Slightly past its prime, this basement bar is trying to rediscover the speakeasy pretence that made the place its name. Live lounge music and a vast amount of pours are starting to persuade people it’s succeeding. > 6pm-2am Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-4am Friday and Saturday. 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Workers’ Stadium East Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体 北路8号工人体育场东门内 (6593 8227)

Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒 ¥ * The bar that began the whole Beijing microbrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes in idiosyncratic, local-style brews (RMB2540) with intriguing flavors – their Sichuan peppercorn ale was memorably good.

Reservations used to be recommended for their original hutong brewhouse, but the opening of a wildly popular new pub on Xinzhong Lu has shifted most drinkers there instead.

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

Glen ¥ Experiences can vary at Glen (we’ve endured poor service and drinks that are scandalous at the price), which is located in a decidedly downbeat compound. But whisky lovers have been known to swear by its selections and dark, intimate atmosphere.

See for yourself. >Daily 6.30pm-2am. 203, 2/F, Taiyue Suites Hotel Beijing, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区南三里屯 路16号泰悦豪庭2楼203室 (6591 1191)

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

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

Hidden Lounge * Although frustrating to find, Hidden Lounge rewards the intrepid with good artwork and comfortable seating, suggesting

a Kasbah, plus well-made drinks at great prices (wine from RMB100 a bottle, mix drinks from RMB25). You’ll probably have to call them to find it, though.

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

Ichikura ¥ One of the best-known ‘secrets’ in town, this Japanese whisky bar tucked behind a theater also offers terrific cocktails.

Although less expensive than several rivals, you’ll want to indulge. > Daily 7pm-2am. 2/F Chaoyang Theater, 36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路36 号朝阳剧场南侧 (6507 1107)

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

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

Jing-A Taproom ** In just a few years, these guys developed from shady guerrilla brewers to upstanding publicans with their own range of souvenir T-shirts. Their bar is a peach: a bricks-andmortar taproom, which is large, warm and sociable, and has up to 16 different beers on tap. > Building B, 1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院

Mao Mao Chong ** The cocktails at Mao’s – such as their sublime ‘Mala’ Mule, a Sichuan peppercorninfused vodka drink that’s a long way from Moscow – are unique infusions using local ingredients and know-how. Grungey without being grimey, Mao’s eschews flash while still keeping it real. And those pizzas. > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东 城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 (6405 5718, www. maomaochongbeijing.com)

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

Maggie’s ¥ A notorious sausage fest (we refer, of course, to the hot-dog stand outside), Maggie’s has been providing its special comforts for so long, it’s practically a timehonored Beijing brand – although it’s also a bastion of Mongolian culture. > Sun-Thur 8pm-4am, Fri-Sat 8pm-5am, Ritan Park South Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛公园南 门 (8562 8142)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Tree A cozy stalwart of the Beijing bar scene, you’ll find wood-fired comfort pizza, beer aplenty and a hearty, mature atmosphere.

Has two neighborhood offshoots: By the Tree (brickwork, pool, old man’s pub) and Nearby the Tree (live music, two floors).

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

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

Slow Boat Brewery Taproom ** This popular microbrewery has its own pub hidden away in Dongcheng’s hutongs.

Quality ales that change depending on the season, heated floors and a great little kitchen round out the deal. > Mon Closed, Tues-Wed: 5pm-midnight, Thu 5pm1am, Fri 5pm-late, Sat 2pm-late, Sun 2-10pm; 56 Dongsi Batiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四八条56号 (6538 5537)

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

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

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

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

Dusk Dawn Club (DDC) 黄昏黎明俱乐部 Great little livehouse near Meishuguan with a focus on jazz, folk and indie rock.

Craft beer and whisky means you won’t get bored of the drinks list quickly. > Tue-Sun 1pm-2am; 14 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号 (6407 8969)

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

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

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

The Post Mountain 后山 Built into a man-made hill in the center of the MOMA Complex, this new addition to Beijing’s growing livehouse empire is The Hobbit meets Manhattan. With as much

vibe as a sterile modern-art gallery. Its imported sound system and ramped floor makes for decent sound and sightlines.

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

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

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

Sports Bars The Local * Formerly Brussels, this beery bar has come into its own, with large (yet strangely unobtrusive) screenings of sports and political events, a pub quiz, quality fare and a nice selection of draughts and cocktails.

Try the Bourbon Street Ice Tea – you won’t need another. > Daily 11-2am. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 体北路4号院 (6591 9525)

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

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

V Sports Spacious, comfortable, huge screens and no rowdy drunken cretins, V Sports makes a claim for the champion of Beijing sports bars. > Daily 5.30pm-6am, Gongti North Gate East side, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北门内东侧 (5293 0333)

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

Chocolate It’s impossible to discuss Chocolate without mentioning gold leaf, dwarves, cabaret dancers and oddly-friendly Russian women.

Timed right, a visit can be raucous fun, with bottles of spirits from around RMB200, cocktails under RMB50 (including the absinthe-based Flaming Armageddon) and regular floor shows. > Daily 7pm-6am. 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区日 坛北路19号 (8561 3988)

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

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

MIX A bit like a trip to the Forbidden City, Mix W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | 7 5

is one of those places in Beijing you have to experience before you leave. Not much is forbidden in this underground hip-hop disco palace and if you don’t leave with hook-up in tow then you’re doing something very wrong.

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

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

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

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

Golden Tanning Studio is on hand to give you that golden glow with its quick, safe and effective technology. With a membership card, enjoy a 50-minute session for RMB400 and come away with natural, healthy-looking color.

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

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

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

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

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

over China.

> For more information, visit www.beijinghikers.com

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

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

Heyrobics “Sweat like a Swede!” they say with annoyingly smug grin and toned abs.

The only fitness craze worth following in Beijing, Heyrobics is all about a punishing full-body workout set to pumping beats – not forgetting the fluorescent spandex. Differing classes for all abilities, check online for the full schedule. > www.heyrobics.com, info@heyrobics.com

Yihe 42° Hot Yoga

Lily Nails

The salon is a cut above, thanks to skills of experienced French stylist Laurent Falcon.

Guys/girls. Blow-dry, up-dos, highlights, coloring available. L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, KeraSraight, Inoa. RMB165-980 women, RMB115-468 men.

Mon-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 5pmmidnight; 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中 心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

> 209 2/F, zoon3 China World Trade Centre Shopping Mall. 国贸商城区域3二楼209 (8535 1002, 131 4667 9913); 43 Sanlitun Beijie Nan,Chaoyang. 三里屯北街南43号楼 (6409 4243, 135 0137 2971)

BEAUTY & FITNESS

> Daily, 7.30, late. 5/F at Heavenly Spa by Westin, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀 酒店五层 ( 139 1029 0260, www.alonapilates.com)

Daisy’s Beauty Salon

Since 2001, Daisy’s beauty salon has catered to thousands of Beijing expats and locals and is renowned for its premium waxing services and imported wax that smells like hot chocolate. If waxing isn’t your thing, the salon also specializes in an array of other treatments including IPL Facial Rejuvenation and lifting, a 90-minute treatment that uses a laser to stimulate collagen production and soften lines. Laser and IPL permanent hair removal treatment is also proving popular and effective. > Daily, 10am-8.30pm, Rm301, Building B,Sunshine100 International Apartment, Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华东路2号阳光100国际 公寓B座301室 (5100 0556 / 0557, www.daisysbeautysalon.com)

Black Golden Tanning Studio 古铜日晒中心 Beijing is hardly the best place to pick up a natural tan. When it finally reaches the warm summer, the sun’s rays struggle to penetrate the smog. Thankfully, Black

7 6 | J U LY 2 0 1 6 | W W W . T H A T S M A G S . C O M

Laurent Falcon

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

MEI One of the livelier hotel bars in town, MEI has a nightly band, serves creatively delicious cocktails and overlooks the CCTV ‘trousers.’ Don’t leave without trying the frightfully delicious Panjiayuan Bramble.

Alona Pilates Studio Pairing up traditional Pilates with an innovative, full-body workout, Alona Pilates offers classes designed to tone and whip you into shape fast. It also provides a personalized experience for all its students, regardless of fitness, strength and flexibility levels.

Language: French, English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian.

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

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

>3.3 Flagship store: Daily 11am-11pm, Shop 5009, 5/F, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三 里屯3.3大厦5层5009号(5136 5919); 3.3 Star store: Daily 11am-11pm, Shop 2049, 2/F, 3.3 Fashion Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3大厦2层2049 号(5136 5829); Yashow shopping mall: Daily 10am10pm, Shop 22, 4/F, Yashow shopping Mall, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯雅秀购物中心4层22号(6416 6441); Shimao store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop E301, 3/F, ShiMao shopping center, Sanlitun, Chaoyang 朝 阳区三里屯工体北路世茂购物中心3层E-301号(8590 0569 ); Ginza store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop B1-11H, Ginza Mall, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门东 方银座Mall B1-11H号(8447 7178) ; CapitaMall Crystal store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop B1-09,CapitaMall Crystal, Haidian 海淀区复兴路51号凯德晶品购物中心 B1-09号(8819 7078); CapitaMall Wangjing store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop K01, 2/F, CapitaMall Wangjing store, Guangshun Beidajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区广顺北大 街凯德望京购物中心2层02-K1(5602 0736) ; Carrefour Siyuanqiao store: Daily 10am-10pm, Shop 08, 3/F, Carrefour Siyuanqiao store,Yiju Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 四元桥家乐福购物中心3层08号(647 71889)

ZELL BeauCare Clinic 泽尔丽格医疗美容 Overseen by Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), ZELL cosmetic clinic provides state-of-art comprehensive minimal invasive procedures, including, Botox, dermal filler, fractionated laser skin resurfacing, Ulthera skin tightening and lifting, professional skin care treatment (acne, pigmentation, aging), and plastic surgery (including double eyelid, rhynoplasty, among others).

2 locations in Beijing: the best Yoga for Beginners! No previous experience necessary - and if your body is a bit stiff – that’s okay!

Yihe knows it can be a little intimidating to begin your journey into Yoga, so they are available to answer any questions you may have. It’s a great workout for the body and calming for the mind. Call them today on (5905 6067, 8599 7395)

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

> 162-166, F/2, Bldg 1, No. 6 Yard, Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号 蓝色港湾国际商区1号楼Solana商场2楼162-166号 (5905 6227)

Angel Hands Massage Center

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

HAIR SALONS Catherine de France Let us release your stress and make you smile wherever you go... Aroma Soothes Therapy Massage, Rose Oil (RMB 280/min); Aroma Relaxation Massage; Aroma Lomi Lomi; Deep Relaxation Massage; Happy Hour at weekend, all services are 20% off.

Our masseuses will know how to pamper you and attend to your every need.

> Unit 2002, 1/F, Vantone Center, 6A Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门外大街甲6号万通 中心AB座一层2002 (5907 3390,186 1248 3390, www. zellbeauty.com)

Beijing Hikers Want to experience the wild, unrestored Great Wall, away from the tourist masses?

Or do you just want to get out of the city for some exercise? Beijing Hikers offers hikes in the countryside of Beijing every week all year round. Hikes for all fitness levels! Regular hikes are priced from RMB380, with discounts for members. Cost includes hiking guide, transportation, tickets, food and water. We’ve also got adventures all

SPA & MASSAGE Ann Jema Trailblazing French spa institute Ann Jema Spa uses special Arabian oil ingredients for a one-of-a-kind experience. The ‘superior life energy experts’ offer a wide range of luxurious treatments for all ages.

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

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

Awarded best expat salon in 2014/ 2015, with a trained team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians, this salon welcomes all ages and budgets in a modern and relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, include manicure, pedicure and waxing.

Wella, SP, INOA, TIGI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beijing HarMoniCare Women and Children’s Hospital 北京和美妇儿医院 > Wi-Fi available. Chaoyang: 2 Xiaoguan Beili, Beiyuan Lu 北苑路小关北里甲2号 (6499 0000. contact@hmcare.org, en.hmcare.net)

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

> Dongsishitiao: 9/F, Office Tower, Hongkong Macau Center-Swiss Hotel, 2 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie 朝阳门 北大街2号 港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层 (6553 9752, 6553 2288/2345/6/7; service@hkclinic.com; www. hkclinic.com)

Raffles Medical International SOS and Raffles Medical Group have formed a joint venture to enhance and expand the services of its China Clinics. From March 30 the International SOS clinics in China will be branded and operated by Raffles Medical with expanded services to all patients and privileged access for International SOS members. Patients of the clinic will continue to have access to the same doctors, the same facilities and same level of high quality care.

Raffles Medical Group is a leading medi-

cal provider in Singapore and has been operating for 40 years with over 100 clinics and hospitals in Asia. The joint venture is committed to maintain the high standard of quality with a focus on innovative and expanded clinical services and excellent patient care. > Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, No.16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源里16号琨莎中心1座 105室(6462 9112/ 6462 9100, www.internationalsos. com)

OASIS International Hospital OASIS International Hospital specializes in serving the expatriate community with the latest world-class technology and a broad range of services, all in a pristine facility designed to provide patients with the utmost comfort, care and privacy. > Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 8.30am12.30pm; 24 Hour Emergency Bldg C1, 9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号C1栋 (400 876 2747, 5985 0333, www.oasishealth.cn)

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

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

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

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

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

>Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. NB210, 2/F, CBD, Guomao, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie建外 大街1号国贸商城地下2层 (6505 9439/31/93, www. sdmdental.com); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.Olympic Area,F0186B, Sunshine Plaza, 68 Anli Lu(east of Sunshine Plaza)亚运村安立路68号阳光广场东侧 (6497 2173,6498 2173) ; Mon-Sun 10am-19pm.LB07-08, Euro Plaza, No.99 YuXiang Road,Shunyi 北京顺义区 天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场LB07-08号 (8046 6084); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. FC222, 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liang Maqiao Lu,Sanyuanqiao 亮马桥40号21世纪饭 店2层 (6466 4814, 6461 2745); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.

4076B, 4/F, New Yansha Mall, Yuanda Lu,Haidian 远 大路金源燕莎购物中心Mall4层4076B (8859 6912/13); Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm, Rm 5, 3/F, North Tower, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli 北京朝阳区光华 东里8号中海广场北楼3层05号(5977 2488)

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

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

Canadian International School of Beijing 北京加拿大国际学校 Located in the Third Embassy Quarter of downtown Beijing, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) opened its doors in September 2006. This world-class facility offers an internationally recognized Canadian & IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP education. The Canadian International School of Beijing develops the whole child in an environmentally sensitive school within a kind, caring community to become a citizen of the world. > 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路38 号 (6465 7788,www.cisb.com.cn)

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

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

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

The Frontiers School

EDUCATION International Schools The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校

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

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

3e International 北京3e国际学校

>9-1 Jiangtai Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路9-1号(四 德公园旁) (6437 3344 , www.3eik.com)

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

Bookstores The Bookworm * This glass cube looks over Sanlitun Village, providing a cozy atmosphere for browsing bibliophiles. The Western bookstore, library, film house, bar, bistro-cafe and event space always has a cultured evening on its shelves for both adults and kids.

Page One The go-to shop for new releases and special requests. With sister venues in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore, and two locations in Beijing, its network allows for fresh authors whilst upholding an extensive collection of titles.

> Daily 10am-9pm. Shop 3B 201, Zone 3 China World Mall, No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District 朝阳区国贸商城三期地下二层3B201 (8535 1055, www.pageonegroup.com); Page One Indigo.

Shop LG50, INDIGO, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港商业中心B1楼50号 (8426 0408, www.pageonegroup.com)

>Daily: 9am-6pm, Room 209, Bldg 7, Richmond Park Clubhouse, Fangyuan Nanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园 南里丽都水岸会所209 (6538 8111, info@idcdentalbj. com)

> Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm; 11D, Building D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza (Ginza Mall), 48 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街48号东方银座D座 11D (8447 6092/93, mobile:1326 181 6708, joinway@dentalcn.com, www.dentalcn.com)

>The Bridge School Head office, Room 503, 5/F, Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室(153 2179 3321 Grettchin)

> Daily 9am-2am. Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 三里屯南街4号楼 (6586 9507, www.beijingbookworm.com)

IDC Dental

Joinway Dental A reputable and trusted dental practice, Joinway Dental provides the perfect combination of cutting edge technology and comfortable treatment, while maintaining the strictest sanitary and sterilization processes. The clinic uses high-quality imported materials, and its professional, US-trained staff offers a personalized and private service.

The Bridge School 北京桥汉语言学校

Join the friendly and professional team at Frontiers, who’ve been teaching Mandarin for 11 years. > 3/F, Bldg 30, Dongzhongjie, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外东中街30号三层 (6413 1547, www.frontiers.com.cn, frontiers@frontiers. com.cn)

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

GALLERY Pace Beijing With locations in New York, London and Beijing hosting the likes of Zhang Xiaogang, Yue Minjun, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith and Sol LeWitt, Pace inhabits Bauhaus-style buildings 798 is idealized for. Go there! > Free. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm.798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号大山子艺术区 (5978 9781, www.pacegallery.com)

Space Station Not often shown in 789’s sea of elites, Space Station presents a younger generation of domestic artists. Exhibitions tend to have a good curatorial understanding of space and high-quality 2D work.

> Free, Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. 4 Jiuxianqiao Rd798 Art District, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区中一街 (5978 9671)

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CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION Ascott Raffles City Beijing Located in Dongzhimen, one of the most vibrant areas, Ascott Raffles City is near the second embassy district, which is rich in cultural heritage and is only a 15 minute drive to The Forbidden City.

Other nearby leisure attractions include Food Street (Gui Jie) and Sanlitun nightlife district. > No.1-2 Dongzhimen South Street Dongcheng District Tel: 8405 3888 Ascott Raffles City Chengdu > No. 3, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China Post code: 610041 Telephone:(86-28) 6268 2888 Facsimile:(86-28) 6268 2889 GDS Code: AZ Reservations Telephone:400 820 1028 (China toll-free) ;(86-512) 6763 1021 Email:enquiry.china@the-ascott.com Lusongyuan Hotel A traditional compound of quadrangle composing of 5 courtyards which lies in the "hutong" area of Beijing. The hotel building is famous for its imperial living taste of the Qing Dynasty with a history of nearly 170 years. The original owner of this large private house was the Grand General SenggeRinchen, who lived here while he carried out top official duties, such as defense minister. > Tel: (86 10) 6404 0436 Fax: (86 10) 6403 0418 Address: No.22 Banchang Lane , Kuanjie, Dongcheng District 东城区宽街板厂胡同22号 www.the-silk-road.com E-mail: webmaster@the-silk-road.com Lee Garden Service Apartments A newly renovated high-end premier living residence in a central location next to the shopping and cultural sites of Beijing’s Wangfujing, suites range from studios to 4-bedroom apartments (60-610sqm in size) and are tastefully furnished with specially selected materials. > 18 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng (100m East of Sun Dong An Plaza) 东城区 王府井金鱼胡同18号 (新东安东侧100米); 24hr front desk: 6525 8855, Fax: 6525 8080, general.manager@lgapartment.com, www. lgapartment.com) FraserResidence CBD East Beijing Our location on the Fringe of the CBD with excellent connections to the subway line 1 (Sihui station), BRT Lines (Ciyunsi) and public bus system mean that wherever your intern needs to be in the city, getting there is relatively fuss free!

One bedroom deluxe: RMB16,000 /month Two bedroom Executive: RMB26,000 / month Three bedroom Deluxe: RMB33,000 /month Email: sales.frbeijing@frasershospitality. com > Website: http:>beijing-east frasershospitality.com Tel: 010-58709188 / 400-881-6988 FraserSuite CBD Beijing The ultimate luxury in apartment living, Fraser Suites CBD Beijing epitomizes style and comfort, that surpasses the service level of many Beijing hotels. The 357 Gold-Standard Beijing apartment features contemporary concepts designed for luxury living. > 12 Jintong Xilu Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 5908 6000 GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC Residence is located beside the third ring road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line 5 , 10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is

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also within easily reach of CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban commercial,shopping and recreation areas.

Fully equipped apartments with impeccable quality offer you a cozy living system and will meet all of your requirements for room decoration, furniture, electric appliances etc..

Unique sky garden with golf practice field and barbecue area is another symbol of GTC Residence. > E-mail: sales@gtcresidence.com website: www.gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666 Lanson Place Lanson Place Central Park Serviced Residences, located in the Central Business District of Chaoyang, offers spacious apartments in two, three and four bedroom configurations as well as penthouses overlooking a charming landscaped garden.

The interiors are contemporary and restful while marble-clad bathrooms and kitchens are fully equipped. > Website: www.lansonplace.com Lanson Place Central Park Residences Tower 23, Central Park, No.6 Chaoyangmenwai Avenue,Chaoyang District, Beijing Tel: 8588 9588 Fax: 8588 9549 Marriott Executive Apartments Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing area where the prestigious business, commercial, entertainment, and shopping center of Beijing. The Imperial Mansion, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments reflects an exceptional level of luxury. > Gate, No. 1 Xiagongfu Street, Dongcheng District Tel: 6564 9999 The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza is located in the heart of the Beijing CBD which bears the most momentously potential of development and value elevation. While 25 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport, the Millennium Residences is walking distance from nearly all Embassies. > 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu Chaoyang District.

Tel: 8588 2888 Oakwood Residence Beijing Oakwood Residence Beijing offers 406 fully equipped luxury apartments ranging from studios to four bedroom penthouse and terrace apartments, all exquisitely furnished in elegant and stylish decor. Each apartment is fitted with a state-of-the-art air purification and air conditioning system which ensures 99.9% pure, triple filtered air, so you can trust in Oakwood and breathe easy. > No. 8 Dongzhimenwai Xiejie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, China reschaoyang@oakwoodasia.com Website: www.oakwoodasia.com/resbeijing Tel: 5995 2888 Fax: 5995 2999 THE WESTIN EXECUTIVE RESIDENCES The Westin Executive Residences at The Beijing Financial Street offer an array of world-class cuisine options and Westin’s signature amenities designed to elicit personal renewal. Just 40 minutes from the airport, the Westin Executive Residences provides direct access to Beijing’s business, entertainment and shopping district and close proximity to cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Each apartment is also fitted with contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, home entertainment system and LCD flat screen televisions. > Email: reservation.beijing@westin.com Website: www.westin.com/beijingfinancial Tel: 6606 8866

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

China Life – West 北京中国人寿大厦-西 West, 5/F, China Life Tower, No.16 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大 厦5层西区 IFC 北京财源国际中心 10/F, IFC East Tower, No.8 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街甲8号财源国际中 心东座10层 Prosper Center 北京世纪财富中心 6/F, Tower 2, Prosper Center, No.5 Guang Hua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路5号世纪财富中心2号楼6 层 Financial St. Excel Centre 北京金融街卓著中心 12/F, Financial Street Excel, Centre, No.6 Wudinghou Street, Xicheng District 北京市西城区武定侯街6号卓著国际金融中心 12层 NCI Centre 北京新华保险大厦中心 15/F, NCI Tower, No.12A Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街甲12号新华保险 大厦15层 Taikang Financial Tower 北京泰康金融大厦 23/F, Taikang Financial Tower, No.38 East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东三环北路38号泰康金融大厦 23层 Zhongguancun Metropolis Tower 北京中关村欧美汇大厦 7/F, Metropolis Tower, No.2 Dongsan Street, Zhongguancun Xi Zone, Haidian District 北京市海淀区中关村西区东三街2号欧美汇大 厦7层 Servcorp Smart businesses understand that flexibility is the future of the workplace. They choose the world's finest Serviced Offices to grow their businesses, run critical projects and give their people flexibility.

Level 26 Fortune Financial Center, 5 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 东三环中路5号财富金融中心26层 (Servcorp. com.cn; tel: 5775 0310; fax: 5775 0350) Need flexible and affordable ready workspace to enhance your business or register a representative office for your temporary projects in Beijing? We have the perfect solution. Located within a Grade-A building in the popular Lufthansa Business Area, our work-spaces provide you, or your company, with the ideal business identity, and most importantly, come with the most competitive rates to minimize your cost and risks.

Please contact: > Gateway Plaza, Tower A, Suite 16D , NE 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环 北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座16D T:01084400606 M:15910782518 Cynthia LU CSO (Singapore) Beijing Business Center We have 10 years experience in managing serviced offices in the Asia and Pacific region, and our headquarters is in Singapore. CSO Beijing is our first business center in China . We are mainly providing fully renovated and equipped offices to clients for immediate use, and all the serviced offices can be used as incorporation purpose, and we offer maximum flexibility and complete smart office system to help our clients save cost. We also provide virtual offices, meeting room and conference room, video conferencing, incorporation services and many other services.

Add.: Level 6, Sun Palace Building, Taiyanggong, Beijing Ms. Stephanie Yan, Mobile: 18210080591

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

BEAUTY SERVICES Black Golden Tanning Salon Sanlitun Branch Grand Opening Black Golden Tanning Salon is the only fivestar China flagship store by Ergoline. As the 2011 model of Ergoline Esprit 770’s, to bring a continuous tanning effect 25% above standard machines with unique aquacool and aroma functions, we provide customers with the safest and most comfortable tanning space. > Open time:11:00-21:00 Sanlitun SOHO Branch Add: 2rd Floor Building 3, Sanlitun SOHO,Chaoyang District Tel: 57853711 Wangjing Branch Add: Room T5 3rd Floor, BOTAI International Building, No. 36 North Guangshun Street, Wangjing, Chaoyang District Website: www.bjtanning.com Tel: 84722855 LA BELLEZA La Belleza means Beauty and Aesthetics in Spanish. Professional hair-designers from Hong Kong ,Korea and China gather here.

LA BELLEZA is the hairdressing salon for you with its pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, and finest products.

New haircut! Good mood! Excellent life!

Add: F4 No.408, Jinbao Place .Jinbao Street No88,Dongcheng District, Beijing, china.

Website: www.labelleza.com.cn Tel: 010 8522 1626 MegaSun Tanning Salon As the only flagship store for this popular German tanning salon, megaSun Tanning will provide for each client the finest sun tanning experience.

Our center has prepared the newest functional 7900 alpha and pureEnergy chamber systems, combined with easyCare optical testers. At megaSun, enjoy our professional UV and tanning services. > 8 Dongdaqiao Road, sShangdu SOHO North Tower, Rm. 2302 Chaoyang District, Beijing Website: www.imegasun.com e-mail: 1019771453@qq.com Sina Weibo: @麦肤堂 Tel: 5900-2236/2238

CAR RENTAL SERVICE Beijing First Choice Car Rental Service Co., Ltd We offer short and long term vehicle leasing services for both business and sightseeing. Our commpany could provide the latest elite, high-end vehicles such as Mercedes Benz S300, BMW S5 and more!

Contact our friendly representatives for more information.

Tel: 138 1015 6525/6434 0778 www.fccars.cn fccars@live.cn Beijing TOP-A Vehicle Service Co., Ltd Beijing Top-A Vehicle Service provides: *English -speaking driver *Long-short term leasing *Airport-Pick up/Drop off *Sedan, Van and Bus We, ES-PATS Life Group, also serves with Mandarin, housemaid, Visa, driver, driving license, vehicle registration service.

Tel: 6438 1634, 1350 123 7292, service@ expatslife.com www.expatslife.com Beijing Top Rate Car Rental Service Co., Ltd *Long/Short term leasing *Daily car service *Sifht-seeing car service, Tailor-made car service *Airport-Pick up/Drop off *Sedan (Audi A6, Audi A6L, VWPassat, Accord, Lacross 2.4, Benz MB100, Benz Vito, Hyundai) and Buses *Native drivers with good English *More information please contact Tel:6504 7266/6504 7256 FAx:6504 7256 www.sxsdcar.com Email:car-rental@live.com

CONSULTING SERVICE

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

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

MOVING AND SHIPPING

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

FURNITURE Crossover Crossover Center Flagship Store, is mainly marketing international super home furnishing brand products.

Our agent brands include Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Moroso, Cappellini, Timothy Oulton, Tom Dixon etc, over 20 international super home furnishing brands.

Our products are covered with all of fields in daily-life home furnishing, including furniture, furnishing, lighting, dinning, and office supplies etc.

Website: www.crossovercenter.com NO.81 North Road San-Li-Tun Bar St. ChaoYang District.Beijing.100027,P.R.C. Tel: 5208 6112/6113 Fax: 8610-5208 6123

HOUSEKEEPING JNY Home Service JNY Home Service was established in 2007, supplying foreign families with English speaking/non-English Speaking nannies(maids), either daily or live-in.

As a part of our service,we make sure all references and ID cards are thoroughly checked to guarantee the safety and health of your family.

Email : jieniyou@hotmail.com Mobile: 13426362833(24h)

Rex Service Moving and Relocation Is a dedicated and professional removals company based in China, Established in 1995, which operates worldwide.

•Free of Charge Pre-Move Survey •Professional Packing Material •Professional Packing & Loading •Special Crating •Efficient Customs Clearance •Shipment Forwarding •Destination Delivery •Unpacking and Set-up •Transit Insurance for "All-Risks" •Global Network in more than 200 Countries As a respected member of global organisations such as the International Association of Movers (IAM), Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI) and Japan International Movers Association (JIMA), we have sought and established relationships with over 2000 companies from around the world which gives us successfully logistics network worldwide.

Contact us: Hotline: 400 8821 060 Tel: (86) 18222169211 E-mail: sales1@rexmovers.com; ew@ rexmovers.com Website: www.rexrelo.com

STORAGE China Self Storage Co. Ltd As a member of SSA and SSAUK, China Self Storage Co. Ltd. introduces an international industry standard to professionally developed Self Storage for private, family and business. Safe, clean, air-conditioned, 24h access, flexible size. To learn more, visit www.selfstorageinchina.com. To make a reservation, contact 400-600-6378 info@ selfstorageinchina.com.

Jin’an Building, Tianzhu Garden West Rd., Shunyi District, Beijing.

Koala Ministorage Koala Ministorage is the first professional self-storage provider in Beijing. To learn more, visit our website www.koalaministorage.com. To make a reservation, call us toll free at 400-017-8889, email us at questions@koalaministorage.com, or visit one of our stores.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS JOANNA REAL ESTATE RELOCATION SERVICE We are one of China’s leading real estate agencies boasting an extensive database of high-end properties for rent. We have helped thousands of expatriates find their homes as well as hundreds of companies re-locate their employees. Once we have found you your ideal home we will be on hand to deal with any post move issues and our dedicated after sales team will be contactable 7 days a week to help you with any queries you have throughout your stay in our country.

> For more information please contact us: Email: paulquin@joannarealestate.com.cn Website: http:>beijing.joannarealestate. com.cn/ (Tel: 84585667 ; 13501358971) Replus-Benchmark “Replus-Benchmark” is one of the leading real estate agencies and relocation service provider for expatriates in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen.

• Residential Home Search Service • Visa Application • Commercial Office Space Search Service • Buying and Selling Property Service E-mail: marketing@replus-benchmark.com Website: www.replus-benchmark.com > A-1509,Xiaoyun Center, No.15 of Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 84467119 Fax: 84467577 Silk Road Travel Management Ltd. Silk Road Travel is a pioneer in organizing Silk Road tours and other classic routes in China. Founded in 1997, we are specialized in tailor making travel packages that allow travellers to truly experience the local cultures and explore the amazing heritages. Whether you are a small group of 2-9 persons or a corporate group, our professional staff will tailor make the tour programme based on your needs.

Email: travel@the-silk-road.com www.the-silk-road.com TUI China An affiliate of World of TUI, the world’s leading tourism group, TUI China was established in late 2003 as the first joint venture with foreign majority share in the Chinese tourism industry. Its headquarters are in Beijing whilst its operations reach deep into the far corners of China. World of TUI generated approx.50,000 predominantly western tourists to China yearly and provides M.I.C.E services for renowned companies worldwide. > Add: Bright China Chang An Building, Tower 2, Unit 921-926, 7 Jianguomen Nei Avenue (Fax: +86 (0)10 6517 1371; Email: sales@tui. cn; Website: www.tui.cn; Tel: 8519 8800

CATERING SERVICES Aurora Catering An 100% authentic Italian experience whether tasting a mouthful Lasagna or a juicy Carpaccio. Our international team brings to you the authentic freshness and tidbit of an Italian Espresso or a homemade tastiness of a Mozzarella.

We offer a full range of catering and event planning services for all types of business and personal functions that are tailored for you. The best service, at your service.

Contact Jacopo Tomé at 137 1794 0458 jacopo.tome@gptinternational.com Zone de Comfort With our professional service, you can focus 100% on your event at Zone de Comfort, every single assignment is unique for us.

Our experience helps us understand your objectives with thorough planning, and of course, exquisite food with elegant presentation.

In the past 5 years, we have handled numerous catering projects covering diplomatic/business functions for embassies, high-end cocktail receptions for luxuries brands, automobiles and monthlong hospitality center services. Find out more from our Website: www.zdc-catering. com

HEALTH FOODS E & L Healthy E & L Healthy provides safe and fresh vegetables of your choice up to twice a week (Monday/Thursday) together with fresh, handmade tofu, sesame oil, peanut oil or free-range eggs direct to your home.

Call Ellen to try our free trial box at 189 1178 0063, or email: customer@ ailinhesheng.com

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Fancy

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Donghuamen Night Market

Yeah, actually

Describe yourself in one word

Duh

Ver y fancy?

Um, no?

One last question: are you dead?

Somewhat, anyway

Ver y busy?

Busy

Describe your vibe

e re St a r t H

The Temple of Heaven

Well-Rounded

Intimidating

Regal

by Noelle Mateer

798

Artistic

The Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest

The Forbidden City

WHICH BEIJING TOURIST SITE ARE YOU?

Serene

Old

Happy Valley

Adventurous

The Summer Palace

Refined

Young

Water Cube

Sporty

Describe yourself in one word

The Great Wall

Rugged

Are you more refined or rugged?

Are you old or young at heart?