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4 0 0 8 2 0 8428 城市漫步北京 英文版 8 月份 国 内 统 一 刊 号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press
ISSN 1672-8025
AUGUST 2017
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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 : 北京西城月坛北街 26 号恒华国际商务中心南楼 11 层文化交流中心 邮编 100045 Published by China Intercontinental Press Address: 11th Floor South Building, HengHua linternational Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, 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 李靥 Li Ye 发行 / 市场 Distribution / Marketing 黄静，李若琳 Huang Jing, Li Ruolin
Editor-in-Chief Noelle Mateer Deputy Editor Dominique Wong National Arts Editor Erica Martin Digital Content Editor Justine Lopez Designer Iris Wang Contributors Dominic Ngai, Sky Thomas Gidge, Jocelyn Richards, Mia Li, Vivian Liu, Nick Mateer, Hawk Lincoln, Jimmy Mi, Zaruf Ezhan, Jesse Pottinger, Allison Bew, Matt Bossons, Christian Gahl, Flynn Murphy
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Editor’s Note
AUGUST 2017
An Editor’s Note, I am told, is meant to give readers insights into the editorial process of a publication. Well, reader, here’s ours: You know how many puns we tested for this month’s cover story title? A stupid, embarrassing amount. ‘It’s Game Time’ was too hokey. ‘Not All Fun and Games’ sounded too dire. My personal favorite, Dominique’s suggestion ‘Get Rich or Game Trying,’ didn’t exactly go with the rest of our piece. Then our designer Iris made a beautiful cover with the words ‘Game On,’ and it was game over for our decision-making process. When we set out on our gaming journey, we expected to find an esports industry that was growing, but small. How wrong we were. Esports is massive, and has been for years now – it’s just that hardly any of us are paying attention. For her fascinating piece on page 40, Dominique Wong interviews everyone from professional gamers to esports academics (and yes, that’s a real thing – you can even get a degree). Elsewhere in the magazine, Chinese winners of the iPhone Photography Awards share their incredible images (p. 10); Dominic Ngai takes us on a tour of Huawei’s stunning new campus (p. 20); Erica Martin gives the low-down on Ariana Grande (p. 33); and I get very excited about a new Hunanese restaurant near Baitasi (p. 56). Finally, I’d like to extend a special thanks to everyone who made our 2017 Lifestyle Awards a memorable evening. Hundreds of you came to Unico to join us in celebrating the best this city has to offer. Check out our photos from the night on page 22. Until next month,
Noelle Mateer Editor-in-Chief
Our That's Beijing team, exhausted and happy, after a successful Lifestyle Awards
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6 CITY Happy Hour 18:00--20:00 Everyday Craft Beer Buy 1 Get 1 Free
8 DRESS TO IMPRESS Opinions on fashion from young and old
14 EGGSCELLENT? Pedestrians and architects tell us NCPA looks like an egg
15 CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY Location: 11-15 Podium Floor W3 Building Oriental Plaza, Wangfujing
TEL :010-56075290
The word for someone who’s... gotten around
7
16 LIFE & STYLE
18 HANG UP THE PHONE Huawei makes a phone for fried chicken lovers
22 PARTY PEOPLE The winners of our That’s Beijing Lifestyle Awards
26
26 FLOWER POWER Hot floral prints for summer
28 ARTS 29 ELYSIA CRAMPTON Getting deep with the composer and activist
33 GRANDE ENTRANCE
Lock up your donuts: Ariana’s coming to town
34 SWEET STREAMS Our pick of Chinese films to watch online
33
50 EAT & DRINK 54 I WILL SURVIVE Who’s reopened after the brickings?
56 SOUTHERN FISH OUT OF WATER The new location of an old favorite
58 TOP OF THE POPS 63 4 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
Shuangjing’s vegan restaurant Rootpop kills it
40 PLAYING IN THE BIG LEAGUES How China rose to dominance in the pro-gaming industry
10 CAMERA READY The Chinese winners of the 2017 iPhone Photography Awards
P37
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CITY
UNDER THE DOME
The consensus is in: NCPA looks likes a giant duck egg, p14
Generation Gap p8
iPhone Photography Awards p10
Chinese Urban Dictionary p17
TALES OF THE CITY
BEIJING RICKSHAW DRIVERS PERSEVERE IN FACE OF GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN by Justine Lopez, additional reporting by Vivian Liu
With the rise of shared bikes and more rigorous enforcement of traffic laws, many rickshaw drivers are struggling to get by. Although traffic laws pertaining specifically to rickshaws have long existed in the capital, they are now being enforced in ways never before seen. In a citywide effort to curb illegal business – the same drive that's resulted in thousands of closings in the hutongs this year – police are cracking down on drivers for all sorts of infractions, from operating without licenses to driving in restricted areas. The law states that rickshaws can only conduct business in places designated by the government – mainly around touristy lakes like Houhai. However, it’s not uncommon for unlicensed rickshaw drivers to break the rules and risk hefty fines in order to make a living. According to a rickshaw driver surnamed Li, the recent crackdown on illegal businesses, rickshaws included, is making life in the capital increasingly challenging. “It’s devastating and inconsiderate. The government says they’re cracking down on illegitimate businesses, but China has always been full of them. China has always had people selling on the streets and China has always had rickshaw drivers. Always,”
the 40-year-old Beijing local says. “It’s the livelihood of so many people, and it’s part of our culture. They’re taking it away without compensation or arrangements [for other job opportunities]. There’s nothing we can do, though.” However, the strict enforcement of traffic laws and the clamping down on illegal businesses aren’t the only things posing a threat to Beijing’s rickshaw culture. The rise of easy-to-use transportation options like Didi, electric scooters and shared bikes means that customers were already dwindling. Despite the challenges, it’s still common to see rickshaw drivers pedaling down Beijing’s streets, carting tourists around and drumming up business. It’s a sight not far removed from the time rickshaws first appeared in the city. Rickshaws have a long history in Beijing and in China as a whole. They first appeared in China in 1873. Back then they were simple, two-wheeled carts that were literally pulled by “drivers” on foot. They became such a popular mode of public transport that the number of rickshaws in China ballooned to 10,000 in less than a year. It wasn’t until the introduction of cars and motorbikes in the 20th century, that rick-
shaws began to be edged out of the market. But Beijing’s rickshaw culture has managed to endure. Despite the newest set of challenges facing rickshaws, drivers like Li are still finding ways to scrape together a living. “I have to be more cautious now, but work hasn’t been harder or easier,” he said. “Beijing’s very big, and if I can’t go to one area, I go to another. People are more or less willing to take a [rickshaw] if there are places they need to go to.” On a good day, some drivers manage to make up to RMB500, according to Shanghai Daily. But rickshaw drivers who are operating outside of the law still risk being slapped with fines or having their vehicles – worth roughly RMB2,000 – confiscated by authorities. Drivers like Li still believe the risk is worth the reward. “It makes money. I’ve been doing it a long time, so I’ve gotten used to it and good at it. I’ll just have to be more careful,” he said. And for many drivers who have spent their lives pedaling rickshaws around China’s capital, there’s no choice but to persevere.
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THE BUZZ GENERATION GAP
Do you prioritize fashion in your everyday life? SUN, 20s
MONKEYING AROUND An animal at Beijing Zoo cools down with a slice of watermelon during last month’s heatwave.
For me, it varies across seasons. I like to keep it simple. I’m not picky about what I wear during the springtime, but during summer I like to focus on keeping cool by wearing casual, comfortable garments and colors like white, green and blue. I keep my outfit refreshing and stay cool because I wear lighter colors. During the fall I’ll dress in whatever and even experiment – my sense of fashion isn’t at all restricted during this time. In winter I like to wear black and white, and long, warm coats.
YANG, 70s
Up in the Air
I wear what I like and what I think is comfortable. Usually I’ll wear something very casual, though sometimes I’ll dress nicer if I’m in a good mood. What I wear also depends on the occasion. If I’m going out to meet friends, as opposed to going grocery shopping, I’ll want to look nicer. As told to Vivian Liu 8 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
The much-anticipated, flashy Beijing Daxing International Airport will be the largest aviation hub by volume in the world when it opens next year. With flights in and out of Beijing Capital International Airport reaching saturation point, its opening is eagerly awaited. “There are demands to add hundreds of flights in Beijing every day that get refused because we’re running out of resources,” says Liu Xuesong, the general manager of Capital Airports Holding Co. The behemoth will aim to serve not only the capital, but Hebei and Tianjin as well.
E DI T E D B Y D OMINIQ UE W ONG / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m
“I have to put on for the city no matter the team. It's a different mission and vision over here in the Jing” Stephon Marbury announces his plans to stay in China on Instagram. Marbury has signed with the Beijing Fly Dragons, the Beijing Ducks’ crosstown rivals. While a minority of hardcore Ducks fans are upset with the former NBA star’s turncoat transfer, Marbury’s main fanbase is thrilled. As he writes in his post: “The fans said stay so I’m staying. They said ‘we will love you no matter where you go.’ It’s hard to leave that type of love.” So get ready for the year of Stephon Marbury, the Flying Dragon.
200~300 …is the number of pocket-sized ‘flame-throwers’ sold last month on Taobao, marketed as the latest in ‘anti-pervert technology.’ Gone are the days of low-voltage tasers and pepper spray; women can now carry mini blowtorches with them to ward off predators. Ranging from RMB90-300, they’re cheaper than you’d expect for humanity’s first ever commercial lightsaber. The flame-throwers occupy a legal gray area at the moment, and are definitely not allowed on the subway. But the device only causes burns and permanent scars, not the rad slicing plasma from Star Wars. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 9
CIT Y | F E AT URE
This year’s international iPhone Photography Awards were dominated by photographers from Greater China. Here, some of the best.
Kuanglong Zhang
3rd Place – Photographer of the Year Photo location: Udaipur, India
Paddy Chao
1st Place – Architecture Photo location: Chand Baori, India
Shuo Li
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3rd Place – Animals Photo location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
F E AT URE | CIT Y
Dan Liu
2nd Place – Portrait Photo location: Tashkurghan, Xinjiang
Chung Hung
3rd Place – Lifestyle Photo location: Taipei
Naian Feng
2nd Place – Architecture Photo location: Forbidden City, Beijing
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CIT Y | F E AT URE
Jiabing He
2nd Place – People Photo location: unspecified
Xirui Huang
3rd Place – News/Events Photo location: Sur, Diyarbakir, Turkey
YuMing Guan
2nd Place – Lifestyle Photo location: Oia, Santorini, Greece 12 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
F E AT URE | CIT Y
Kaiyuan Teng
3rd Place – Trees Photo location: Osaka, Japan
Lee Jones
3rd Place – Abstract Photo location: unspecified
Li Jinquan
3rd Place – Travel Photo location: Taj Mahal, India
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 13
CITY | ON THE BLOCK
NCPA, XI CHANG’AN JIE
Urban planning guidelines forbid the construction of “bizarre” and “odd-shaped” buildings that are devoid of character or cultural heritage. Here, we gather opinions on some of the unusual architecture that remains, from both a designer’s and layman’s viewpoint.
The Building The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), designed by French architect Paul Andreu, is a great dome surrounded by a lake. The titanium and glass-shell structure comprises an opera house and three halls that stretch across almost 12,000-sqm. Completed in 2007, it stands out from its environment and neighboring landmarks, such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Although designed to resemble a rising sun or a pearl, the structure is more colloquially known as The Giant Egg.
The Residents’ View The word on the street is that NCPA looks like – an egg. Pedestrian Liang says: “Well it’s colloquially known as the Duck Egg, so I guess it looks like a duck egg.” An elder gentleman surnamed Bi acknowledges that it looks like a duck egg but, “it could also look like the cover of a wok.” Chen has a slightly different interpretation, telling us: “It looks like a duck egg. But if you’re pessimistic, like an anthill.”
The Architect’s View JSPA architect Florent Buis isn’t a fan. “The architect’s [Paul Andreu’s] intention was to create an ‘island on a lake.’ At first sight, he seems to have succeeded: the building clearly looks like an independent object floating on the water. It’s very photogenic,” he says. “But when you examine the interior organization of the project and its place in the city, it seems that the building’s functions and spaces are somehow trying to deal with the constraints of that radical idea. For example, the continuous water surface meant that an underground base was necessary for entering building. But the effect is that it broke the connection between the building and the city. “Despite the architect’s discourse about creating an ‘urban public building for all,’ the underground base, where shops and restaurants were supposed to develop, didn't work out, and his formal concept created an isolated structure – mono-functional and reserved for the elite.” DW&VL
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CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY | CITY
Laosiji / lǎosījī / 老司机 n."an old driver", someone with a lot of experience, especially when it comes to dating; someone who's been doing something for a very long time, knows everything there is to know about it and is willing to teach newcomers. I have been struggling with this PowerPoint presentation for weeks, and Lao Wang did it for me in minutes! Wow Lao Wang is a Laosiji. It's so nice of him to teach you.
I know. I will be able to do it myself next time. Thank god for Laosiji.
We often say that a relationship is like a ride – two people set off on a journey, discovering themselves and each other along the way. It’s not about the destination, and it always has ups and downs. They may fight and go their separate ways, or make up and travel to faraway places. Laosiji is built on that metaphor. Literally meaning “an old driver,” a Laosiji is the one who has been dating for a very, very long time. He knows all the ups and downs, every pitfall and rocky patch along the ride, because he has been down this road countless times. When he takes you for a ride, he can show you the best scenery and how to deal with situations when they arise. When you are young, an experienced lover may be a shortcut to the best things a relationship can offer. The term originated from a raunchy music video of a Yunnan folk song titled “Laosiji, take me with you,” where young girls trade their company for a ride into town (mad respect to Yunnan for setting the trend). Laosiji came to
mean experienced men who can show young girls a good time. Later it came to mean those who are experienced in finding pirated content online (the No. 1 thing that the Internet is built for) and are willing to share such resources. Such Laosiji are treated with the utmost respect for their skills and generosity. Today, Laosiji can be anyone who is knowledgeable about any subject and willing to share the knowledge. For the younger generation who lack experience and don't know how to get to their destination, Laosiji will get you there by giving you a ride. Love, life or even the Internet can sometimes seem like a jungle without a trail. And we all need a Laosiji to show us the way. Next time you see one, jump onboard and enjoy the trip. Also don't forget to pay it back when you become a Laosiji one day. Mia Li
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LIFE &
STYLE
HUAWEI, NI HAO
Photo by Christian Gahl
A design tour of Huawei's new ultra-modern Beijing campus, p20
Shop Openings p19
Lifestyle Awards p22
Summer Prints p26
SPOTLIGHT
HUNG HUANG Media Mogul and Editor-in-Chief of Open Page interview by Dominique Wong
Hung Huang is a publisher, author and businesswoman. The Ningbo native is the editor-in-chief of fashion magazine Open Page (formerly known as iLook) and the founder of Taikoo Li North’s Brand New China (BNC), a boutique showcasing young Chinese fashion designers. Named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time in 2011, Hung has more than 11 million followers on Weibo and will feature as a guest speaker at NEU ’17 festival (see p. 65 for details). How has China’s fashion industry evolved since you took over as editor-in-chief at Open Page?
When I joined in 1998, fashion was not ‘fashionable’ then. People just wanted a good business suit. And how has the magazine adapted over the years to stay relevant?
The biggest adaption we made was in 2006, when we decided to focus on local Chinese designers. And the second big change was 2015. We changed our name to Open Page, and [decreased the publishing] frequency to four times a year. Describe the average millennial Chinese fashion consumer.
Brand-conscious yet brand-free; choosy but
not stingy; global with a local focus; lots of lip service to environmental protection; always curious about [what’s] new. What projects are you working on at the moment?
I am working on a project I call ‘MADE IN CHINA 2.0.’ I want to find Chinese manufacturers who are leading the world in the way they make things: high quality with high morality, focusing on protection of the environment and offering the best and safest products to consumers. The first book will be out in September this year. You seem super busy. How do you like to spend your downtime?
I am not that busy – I think I have mastered the art of looking very busy. In reality, I juggle a lot of things, but downtime is my favorite time. I actually just like to stay home and hang around the house. How do you feel about being called “China’s answer to Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour”?
Wow! It is way, way, way exaggerated. I am neither. I am an editor who once had my own TV talk show. I respect both Oprah and Anna, but I don’t want to be them, and certainly not both of them at the same time. Rich and famous – it’s not my thing.
You’ve worn a lot of hats throughout your career (publisher, author, actress, TV host) – is there one in particular you felt fit the best? Author, so ask me to write a column for you. [Smiles.]
Describe your own sense of style and ideal outfit. I am overweight, so I am difficult to dress. I find Chinese-style clothing to be kinder to my body-type. I have a lot of Chinese bias-cut tops I bought from Norlha, a Tibetan yak wool manufacturer. I also like the long robe, which Chinese men used to wear. I wear them like a dress with leggings. I believe in dressing for the occasion, so on an average day I am all cotton or linen. For events I wear silk and brocade. But style-wise, I try to stay ‘Chinese.’ Downtime is sweat pants and yoga outfits. What will you be talking about as a guest speaker at NEU ’17?
I think I will be talking about ‘MADE IN CHINA 2.0’ – or I hope to be able to talk about it. It’s very exciting to see Chinese leading the way to better practices in manufacturing. Who’d have thought that would happen, right? Follow Hung’s Weibo via www.weibo.com/honghuang
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STYLE RADAR TAP THAT APP
COVET
Designer... Baijiu? Known for timeless jewelry pieces, Swarovski has shown its creativity lately in a series of collaborations with global brands like Starbucks and Victoria’s Secret. But last month, the Austrian crystal producer announced a surprising crossover: with Sichuan-based premium baijiu label, Wuliangye. The two have collaborated on a new collection called yuanding jingsheng. The design features a bottle within a bottle, and two crystal swans inside are adorned with delicate pieces of crystal and form the shape of a heart. No word yet on pricing, but does that even matter? Your most tuhao friend will love this. www.swarovski.com
FINGER LICKIN’ PHONE KFC and Huawei have partnered up to release what must surely be the first-ever fried chicken-themed phone: the Huawei 7 Plus – KFC edition. That’s right, K-Fry fanatics can now own a sleek red phone adorned with the face of Colonel Sanders himself. The new phone will be limited to a release of 5,000 units, CNBC reports. The phones went on sale last month for RMB1,099 a piece on Tmall and come preinstalled with the KFC app, along with 'K-music,' a new jukebox feature that allows customers to personally select the tunes that play while eating in any KFC restaurant throughout the country. The joint venture comes as KFC and Huawei both celebrate 30 years of business in China, where KFC has consistently been the undisputed champion of fast food. They were the first brand from the West to set up shop in the country, and they hold a larger share of the market than McDonalds. JP
OVERHEARD
“I'll just get a fake one on Taobao for 20kuai, thanks” So commented one Weibo user on the release of Prada’s new money clip, designed in the shape of a paperclip. Available for USD185 (roughly RMB1,250) in the US only, it’s made entirely of silver, and hey – it’s got a Prada logo on the side too. Since its launch, netizens have made fun of its outrageous price tag. Meanwhile, some savvy consumers have done the math for us; with the same amount of money, you could buy more than 34,000 regular paperclips at an office supplies store. www.prada.com
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E DI T E D B Y D OMINIC NG A I / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m
COVET
Hand-Pulled Shoe-dles For the past decade, US-based Chef David Chang’s Momofuku has expanded from a small Noodle Bar in New York’s East Village to an empire of successful Asian-American comfort food stores with outlets throughout the US, Canada and Australia. Already extremely popular with the hipster crowd, Chang’s street cred reaches the next level with the release of his limited-edition SB Dunk High Pro “Momofuku” in June. The design is inspired by the Momofuku dark denim apron (the body) and its peach logo (on the heels). A small number of these dope kicks have made their way to China’s Nike stores. Dig in before ‘last order.’ RMB969, nike.com
SCENE&HEARD
PRINCIPLE M
HOME YOGA BEIJING
Principle M is a bespoke menswear boutique that offers everything a style-savvy man could want: fully-canvassed suits, shirts, suspenders, pocket squares and even umbrellas (for a cool RMB900). The team at Principle M imports quality fabrics from around the world and consider themselves ‘image consultants,’ assisting shoppers with the development of a personal style. If you’re looking to take your suit game to the next level, stop by Principle M’s new location in Shang (just above Qmex and Bottega, see our feature p. 57 for more details) and expect to hear the word ‘bespoke,’ like, a lot. HL
We know: with yoga studios a dime a dozen these days, it’s hard to pick just one. Can the teacher speak English? Will I be able to keep up? Will there be food? These are all questions you may have asked yourself. Enter Home Yoga Beijing. Held at yoga instructor Yiyang’s house, HYB offers personal (there is only enough room for four mats) and professional teaching in a warm atmosphere. With a range of classes – from pre- and post-natal to meditation and relaxation – there’s plenty to like, including Yiyang’s house itself (it’s pretty damn cool). Oh, and for the record, yes to all of the above questions. DW
www.principlem.com
Home Yoga Beijing, book a class via either of the following WeChat ID: 18610049568
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 19
LIFE & STYLE | DESIGN
BUILDING INNOVATION Huawei’s Expansive Beijing R&D Center words by Dominic Ngai, images by gmp Architects / Christian Gahl
Project name: Huawei Technological Factory Buildings Location: Zhongguancun Environmental Protection Park, Beijing Area: 139,355sqm
Design company: gmp Architects
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The brief: After previous projects in Shenzhen and Chengdu, Huawei has teamed up with German architectural design firm gmp to design another Research and Development Center – this time here in Beijing. Similar to a university campus, the layout sees three R&D buildings surrounding a canteen at the center, complete with courtyards and gardens around each structure. Most of the workspaces have a view of the greenery outside, while the silhouette of the nearby Xishan (Western Mountains) serves as the background of the massive complex.
DESIGNN | LIFE & STYLE
Four-story R&D buildings are comprised of two intersecting squares forming the shape of the number ‘8,’ with courtyards in the middle. The exterior of the first floor is made with light-colored natural stone , creating a visual contrast with the dark metal panels of the upper floors.
Crisscrossing pathways link all the different buildings together alongside with ample green space throughout the property.
The lobby follows a similar understated design to the rest of the complex, with the addition of thin strips of warm wood decorating the back wall and ceiling.
With plenty of natural light streaming in through the glass ceiling, the central stairways continue the blackand-white theme of the exterior.
At the center of the complex is the canteen, seamlessly integrated with the park's landscaping.
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More than 500 of you turned out to celebrate the best of what the city has to offer at the third annual That’s Beijing Lifestyle Awards, held on July 11. At the incredible Unico Gastropub, we handed out 37 awards in categories ranging from health to nightlife to style. It was a glamorous night packed with great food, drinks and company. A huge thanks to our guests, nominees and winners, and to Unico for allowing us to hold our ceremony in their beautiful venue. And thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors who helped make the night so memorable: Turkish Airlines, Stella Artois, Laurent Falcon, Nyonya Kitchen, Lily Nails, Blow+Bar, SpaceCycle, Nailzone, AWA Health, BaseFit, Satavado, Catherine de France, Home Grounds, Bodhi and Wake Yoga. For the full list of winners, visit thatsmags.com.
Cocktails and New Bar of the Year (Readers’ Choice) Red Dog
Outstanding Serviced Apartment - Hospitality Beijing Kerry Residence
Beauty Salon of the Year (Readers’ Choice) Blow+Bar
Yoga Studio of the Year (Editors’ Choice) Wake Yoga
Health Club of the Year (Editors’ Choice) SpaceCycle
Health Service Provider of the Year (Editors’ Choice) International Medical Center-Beijing (IMC-Beijing)
Bookstore of the Year (Readers’ Choice) The Bookworm
Boutique Hotel of the Year (Editors’ Choice) Red Wall Garden Hotel
Outstanding Serviced Apartment - Most Welcoming Marriott Executive Apartments, The Imperial Mansion - Beijing
Live Music Venue of the Year (Editors’ Choice) Blue Note Beijing
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Al Fresco Drinks of the Year (Readers’ Choice) O’Bar (NUO Hotel Beijing)
Rooftop/Terrace of the Year (Editors’ Choice) The Roof
Atmosphere of the Year (Readers’ Choice) Atmosphere - China World Summit Wing, Beijing
Cocktails of the Year (Editors’ Choice) The Black Moth
New Bar of the Year and Bar of the Year (Editors’ Choice) La Social
Bar of the Year (Readers’ Choice) The Tiki Bungalow
Health Club of the Year (Readers’ Choice) BaseFit
Boutique Store of the Year (Readers’ Choice) Pop-Up Beijing
Mandarin School of the Year (Editors’ Choice) Beijing Mandarin School
Outstanding Serviced Apartment - Family Friendly Millennium Residences @ Beijing Fortune Plaza
Outstanding Serviced Apartment - Business Friendly Oak Chateau Beijing
Outstanding Serviced Apartment - New Opening Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 23
24 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
Sponsors
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 25
LIFE & STYLE | FASHION
H&M RMB379, hm.com
45rpm RMB5470, rby45rpm.com Gap RMB379, gap.cn
Beams
HOT VIBES RMB1600, beams.co.jp
FOR HER
Embrace the Summer with Floral Prints and Bold Colors compiled by Dominic Ngai
No plans for a Hawaiian vacation this summer? Fret not – here are are some shirts and dresses that will make you feel like you’re there.
FOR H IM
Zara
Gap
RMB199, zara.cn
26 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
RMB149, gap.cn
45rpm
Beams Plus
RMB4270, rby45rpm.com
RMB990, beams.co.jp
ADVERTORIAL | LIFE & STYLE
AN OASIS IN THE CITY CENTER Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel Welcomes New General Manager Michael Lunn Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel is a beautiful property on the quieter end of Beijing’s Wangfujing Street. And that’s exactly its strength, according to new General Manager Michael Lunn. “If you’re looking to experience the city’s amazing sights and culture, this could be your oasis,” he tells That’s Beijing. “Even though it’s in your city, you can still get away and relax here.” What makes a great hotel?
Our philosophy is to take care of both our associates and our guests, so they keep coming back. It’s my responsibility to make sure our guests walk away with great memories of their time here. As the new General Manager, what do you hope to bring to the Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing?
A BIT OF A STRETCH
I’m going to try to elevate our hotel’s services, as well as experiences
for guests. We also want to elevate the lifestyle side of the hotel – we have a wonderful bar that I’d like to host more evening events with. You have many years’ experience in the hotel industry. What sort of traveling do you like?
I like my comfort, and I also believe that a holiday should be somewhere to relax and experience culture. My wife, however, likes to be near a shopping mall, so sometimes there are some disputes there [laughs]. What do you like about Beijing?
Beijing’s culture is so special and historical, and the people here are great. I also love the Beijing accent!
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing, 57 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng; 东城区王府 井大街57号 (visit renaissance-hotels.marriott. com for more info, or call 6520 8888)
Feel Wide Awake with Wake Yoga
Is Wake Yoga the wokest yoga brand in Beijing? To be sure, there is no shortage of yoga studios in the city. Yet Wake Yoga is more than just a physical location. It also has its own app complete with yoga tips, video classes and even live-streaming that allows users to chat with each other and with instructors. The online and offline products are part of Wake Yoga’s ambitious goal to become the “most influential yoga brand in the world.” With two locations currently in Beijing, the brand has a multi-city China expansion plan in the works. Wake Yoga is bound to be everywhere soon. But for now, we try out a session at the Dawanglu branch. The room is decorated with lush (faux) greenery and neutral colors. There’s only one other member in the class – unsurprising considering it’s a Sunday
morning – guaranteeing more of a personal experience. Our instructor guides us through the poses and helps correct any mistakes. Plank position assumed, our eyes face downwards and we take note of the hand- and foot-markings etched out on the Wake Yogabranded mats. The hour passes by fairly quickly and not too strenuously (our teacher later tells us that she adjusted the class level to suit our ability). After a quick shower we rehydrate with a few cups of complimentary tea in the common area.
We like Wake Yoga studio a lot. It’s a slick operation – workout and changing rooms are extremely clean and attractive, as is the lounge space. And if you don’t happen to live near the CBD (where its branches are located), just download the app. That’s what most woke people do these days, anyway.
Wake Yoga, Dawanglu: 1/F, Bldg A, Heqiao Mansion, 8 Guanghua Lu Jia, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华 路甲8号和乔大厦A座1层 (6582 7887); Wake Yoga, Baiziwan: 406-2, 1/F, Baiziwan Dongli Jia, Chaoyang 朝阳区百子湾东里甲406-2一层 (5610 6037, www. wakeyoga.com)
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 27
ARTS
EAT YOUR ART OUT
Our guide to this month’s best exhibitions, p37
Summer Flicks p32
Birdstriking p34
New Music p36
DRUMROLL
A composer of lush, uncompromising electronic music and an exhilarating live performer, Elysia Crampton tackles progressive issues with a combination of musical poetry and electrifying beats. We caught up with Crampton to learn about her commitment to her Aymara heritage (an indigenous people of South America), cosmic love stories and how words can get complicated. You’ve described your music as “a project of Aymara survival and resistance.” How have you incorporated Aymara culture into your music over time?
Practicing writing and composing music has allowed me to deepen and articulate the language I use to attest my Aymara heritage and my Aymara ‘being-ness,’ which is to say Aymara ‘becoming-ness.’ Having the language to detail one’s position is a difficult thing that comes with trial and error. Utilizing music as a form of communication is helpful for me to go beyond the boundaries that are set with writing in a textual form. We come from a history of people that did not rely on the written word – “the lettered city” – but used our own flesh, our appearance, our textiles and our sound, as a way to carry history. Tell us a bit about your new album, Spots y Escupitajo.
The album as a whole is speaking to an encounter with this deity named Ccoa or Chuqui Chinchay – that I call my god. Each song highlights different Aymara spiritual concepts as textures that make up the larger body of work, and loosely cover the month before my grandpa passed away.
ELYSIA CRAMPTON
The Composer and Activist on Cosmic Love and Club Culture by Erica Martin
Can you also tell us about your live shows and the visuals you use to accompany them?
How does your music occupy both an intellectual space and a nightclub environment?
The performance I’ve been touring with this year is based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion” as well as [Peruvian writer] Churata’s El Pez De Oro. The show’s story is loosely about a comet that falls in love with planet Earth. My brother helped me design the visuals that are projected behind me at some of the shows.
It’s true, as Native American, as Latinx, my references and history are woven together with what we call club culture, but I honestly don’t find my BPMs that danceable in a standard context. I’d like to work on that [laughs], but I’m a slow person. Sometimes I think words complicate things and can keep others from acknowledging growth. If there’s any truth in what I say, it’s in the fractured inconsistencies or contradictions between the texts I produce, the growth between two fixed points.
You've spent much of your life in rural Virginia. How has that influenced your music, especially considering how electronic music culture in the US is centered around cities?
I’m no longer based in Virginia, but I still live a rural life. You make an interesting point regarding location and electronic music. People often have a set notion of what music should sound like, coming out of a rural area. It’s good to complicate those preconceived notions of spatial or land-body relations, especially as they define us as people, and define our so-called cultures. I think as Native Americans, we’re only validated if we look or sound a certain way, which relates to how the settler state has defined and policed us and our ways of life.
Thu Aug 10, 10pm; ticket price TBD; Dada (see Listings for details)
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 29
COLLAGE ‘Wu Kong’ Set to Smash the Summer Box Office
COMING SOON
Baby Driver
AUGUST 25
This stylish heist film has garnered much buzz since its July debut in the US. Written, produced and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), the film follows Baby (Ansel Elgort), a young and talented getaway driver in Atlanta who falls in love with a waitress (Lily James) and tries to extricate himself from his bad-guy bosses (a starstudded crew featuring Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm) in order to be with her. Though the plot may sound similar to Drive, Baby stands out with a tragic backstory: a head injury that he copes with by listening to music all the time. This in turn acts as a vehicle for the film’s excellent soundtrack.
Cars 3
AUGUST 25
Lightning McQueen, played by Owen Wilson, returns as a now-aging racer in the third installment of Pixar’s Cars franchise. Conflicts arise when a bro-y young racecar named Jackson Storm beats McQueen in several races because he’s a newermodel car with fancier parts. After McQueen gets into a major crash, he trains with race technician Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), and the two return to the races in order to take back his title and win one for her. Critics have deemed the film surprisingly poignant.
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China’s domestic cinema disappointed in the first half of 2017 with box office success claimed by foreign films like The Fate of the Furious and Dangal. However Wu Kong, which debuted in theaters around China on July 13, bucked the trend when it became the first domestically produced film of 2017 to break RMB100 million on its opening day. Directed by Derek Kwok and starring Eddie Peng, it’s the latest interpretation of the much-loved and often-adapted story of the Monkey King, though filmmakers have given the classic tale a modern twist by basing it on a popular internet novel from the early 2000s. Wu Kong should get a further boost at the box office throughout the month of August due to a temporary summer lag on foreign films released in Chinese theaters.
Hao Marvel has teamed up with the Chinese tech company NetEase to create its first comic series centered on Chinese superheroes. Artists Keng and Zhou Liefen, along with playwright Shui Zhu, have been tasked with creating the new characters, and production is underway. For now, these characters will be limited to the pages of comic books, but considering Marvel’s massive popularity in China, they could also play a role in upcoming Marvel films.
Bu Hao
Fans anticipating the live-action remake of Mulan will be disappointed to learn that the film’s premiere has been delayed more than a year. Experts believe that pressure on Disney is mounting due to the success of the live-action remakes of Beauty and the Beast and Wonder Woman. And rumors that Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo will play the title character – instead of an actress from China – have been a source of controversy that could delay production.
E DI T E D B Y E R IC A M A R T IN / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m
‘Snow Blind’ (2017) Sinjin Hawke
‘Dangerous Woman’(2016)
‘Spittle (Safeway Parking Lot)’ (2017)
‘Snow Blind’ shows more dualism than your average dubstep cut, with an absurdly dramatic, dreamy and corny build up to a harsh flurry of noise in the drop.
Grande sings about independence and self-assurance, all the while attributing these traits to someone else as she swoons: ‘There’s something ‘bout you.’
While completely different to the electronic artist’s usual bangin’ tracks, ‘Spittle’ has a quiet beauty and, at nine-and-a-half minutes long, belongs on a soundtrack.
‘Chinatown’ (2017)
‘Me and You’ (2017)
‘Millennia’(2017)
A track from Gallagher’s upcoming solo album, ‘Chinatown’ is classic Gallagher: reflective lyrics, acoustic guitar and an uplifting chorus.
A stripped-down, incessantly metered RnB track from new boy Quan. The instrumental is colorful, while the vocals are basic, yet earnest. A strong start.
The drop on this dubstep-EDM genre-mash has sharp synth swells that give the bass wubs a structure to shake around.
Liam Gallagher
Ariana Grande
Quan
Elysia Crampton
Champagne Drip
Our favorite tracks from artists playing in Beijing this month. For full nightlife and gig listings, visit www.thatsmags.com
GIG POSTER OF THE MONTH The folks at Modernsky Lab are throwing a twonight birthday extravaganza this month to celebrate their second anniversary – and it’s going to be epic. Titled ‘Dynamic Equilibrium,’ the festival features a host of musical legends and up-andcomers including DaBang, Birdstriking, Bloodz Boi and Heebie-Jeebies. Will their third anniversary next year span three evenings? We can only hope. Fri Aug 25-Sat Aug 26, 8.30pm; RMB150 (door), RMB100 (advance); Modernsky Lab, 5-108, B1, Bldg D, Galaxy SOHO, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门银河SOHO D座B1层5-108室
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ARTS | FILM
Revered filmmaker Jia Zhangke movingly depicts a building in Chengdu and the characters who frequent it over the course of 50 years. Originally a state-owned factory, the building is eventually demolished to become a luxury high-rise in a story that mirrors China’s urban development as a whole. 24 City is a real apartment complex in Chengdu, and parts of the film are shot in documentary style.
Drama 24 City 二十四城记 (Jia Zhangke, 2008)
Too hot to leave the house, or even drag yourself out of bed? Hole up next to the A/C and spend a day getting better acquainted with Chinese film. Heralded classics, art house flicks, camp horror – here are some of our favorites.
Romance House of Flying Daggers 十面埋伏 (Zhang Yimou, 2004)
The obligatory martial arts offering on our list, this Academy Award-nominated film is as much a romance as an actionpacked epic, with breathtaking cinematography and a groundbreaking performance by Zhang Ziyi, who plays a blind dancer in one of her early starring roles. 32 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
FILM | ARTS
Despite a somewhat meandering plot, this blockbuster is one of China’s most successful animated films of all time, thanks to its gorgeous, innovative visuals. Based on a classic Daoist story, it follows a mythical girl named Chun who visits the human world disguised as a red dolphin.
Animation Comedy
Big Fish & Begonia 大鱼海棠 (Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun, 2016) Fan Bingbing shines in a satirical comedy that cleaned up at the box office while earning praise from critics at home and abroad. The movie follows Fan as protagonist Li Xuelian, who must navigate bureaucracy and societal pressures on women as she tries to outsmart her exhusband, who is attempting to slander her good name.
I Am Not Madame Bovary 我不是潘金莲 (Feng Xiaogang, 2016)
One of the few Chinese horror films to find box office success, The House That Never Dies is about a real Beijing mansion that’s believed to be haunted. It’s a bit thin on actual scares, but the film features sumptuous art direction and – best of all – feminist undertones, thanks to Ruby Lin’s incredible performance as both the house’s belabored new occupant and a ghostly sex worker from the 1910s.
Horror The House That Never Dies 京城81号 (Raymond Yip, 2014)
Art House Kaili Blues 路边野餐 (Bi Gan, 2016) Set in Guizhou, Bi Gan’s acclaimed directorial debut follows a former gangster as he travels around his home region trying to rescue his nephew. Its haunting imagery and innovative camerawork (including a 41-minute unbroken shot that takes up a third of the movie) have garnered major critical acclaim. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 33
ARTS | MUSIC
OPEN MINDS
Beijing Noise Rockers Birdstriking Turn to New Ideas on Their Anticipated Second Album by Zaruf Ezhan
A half-decade gap between albums may be the norm for veteran rock stars holding on to what’s left of their musical careers. But for a young band with massive potential and a solid fanbase, it’s rare. “We’ve been through a lot, both in and out of music,” say Wang Xinjiu and He Fan, the founding members of Beijing noise rock outfit Birdstriking. They aren’t kidding. Not long after the band first formed, Birdstriking had risen through the ranks of the Chinese capital’s rock clubs. In 2012, the college-aged trio released their selftitled debut album, which was recorded by local hero Yang Haisong from P.K.14 via Maybe Mars. The problem? Lyrics like “You can control the media, but you can’t control my mind” didn’t sit well with authorities, and because of a track called ‘Monkey Snake,’ Birdstriking weren't able to distribute their album in the PRC. This rebellious punk exuberance convinced Anton Newcombe, the frontman of San Francisco psych-rock band The Brian Jonestown Massacre, to re-release Birdstriking’s album under his UK label ‘A’ Recordings three years later. That same year, Birdstriking went on a 25-date US tour under the management of Ricky Maymi, The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s guitarist. It was Maymi who proposed a follow-up record by the Beijing-based band. The result was Holey Brain, which is slated for an August 2017 release under Maybe Mars once again. When asked if they’ve consciously chosen to avoid potentially controversial topics this time around, the band say they're unconcerned with things like sales distribution or the lack thereof.
“We think people should open up their brains and let in new things”
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“It wasn’t a big problem for our debut, as the genuine fans will buy our music no matter what,” says the band. “We didn’t pay too much attention to the content either. The writing was a pretty fluid and natural process.” Fans anticipating a new brand of Birdstriking social commentary need not look further than the album’s unusual title. “We think people should open up their brain and let in new things,” they say. “People, including us, are too lazy to leave their comfort zone sometimes.” The band is urging their fans to have ‘holey brains’ and open up to their new musical direction, a more developed sound, albeit without the first album’s active courting of controversy. While the Velvet Underground-meets-Sonic Youth controlled chaos of the first album remains, the lyrical content of Holey Brain is as clean and wholesome as it gets. Instead of rallying cries against brainwashing, the band sings about the struggles of being 25, distant relatives and favorite sports teams. It’s easy to argue that an artist’s freedom of expression is being stifled yet again. But in reality, it’s been five years since the song ‘Monkey Snake.’ The boys have left school and traveled the world, and the trio are now a five-piece, with Xinjiu stepping up from behind the drum kit to play guitar. He Fan is now a proud husband, too. All this growth is reflected in the new album’s themes and preoccupations. “We believe that real rock music reflects who you are,” says Birdstriking. “We wrote the first album at the age of 20 and we did the second in our mid-20s. It’s less punk, but more melodic, and the songs are deep thoughts about ourselves rather than us telling people what they should or should not do.”
Holey Brain drops mid-August via www.maybemars.com; Birdstriking perform at Modernsky Lab’s second anniversary party (see p. 31 for details)
MUSIC | ARTS
She became an honorary citizen of Manchester, UK after her One Love Manchester concert, which raised money for the victims of the bombing that took place at her concert in May.
She’s a vegan.
Her hair is naturally dark and curly – despite being famous for her sleek auburn ponytail.
She has 13 tattoos – including a worker bee, the official symbol of the city of Manchester – but only 11 have ever been publicly desribed.
10 THINGS
YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
ARIANA GRANDE As the pop princess makes her China debut, That’s scours the darkest recesses of the Internet for some little-known Ariana Grande trivia. Read on to prepare yourself for her Dangerous Woman world tour.
Her mother was worried she would grow up to be a serial killer because of her childhood fascination with horror movies.
Gloria Estefan saw her singing on a cruise ship when she was eight years old, approached her and said, “You were meant to do this.”
Her parents named her after the heroine Princess Oriana from Felix the Cat: The Movie. She’s also allergic to cats.
She hates dubstep.
She lives in a historic LA mansion that was once owned by American director Francis Ford Coppola.
Before finding mainstream fame as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon show Victorious, she made her Broadway debut in 2008 as a cheerleader in the musical 13. She was 14 years old.
Sat Aug 26, 7pm; RMB480-1,680; Wukesong Arena, 69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian 海淀区复兴路69号 (tickets via en.damai.cn)
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ARTS | MUSIC
FOR THE RECORD
Three New Homegrown Albums on Our Radar This Month by Erica Martin
Hearts of Desire by FAZI Sometime between their 2016 sophomore release The Root of Innocence and this third album from Maybe Mars, Xi’an post-punk foursome The Fuzz changed their name to Fazi, though the dreamy, brooding aesthetic they explored on their first two albums stayed the same. Fazi composed and recorded Hearts of Desire while on an expansive 43-city tour for their previous record, stopping to record it everywhere from Taipei to Wuhan. Musicians from five other bands throughout China collaborated with Fazi on the eight-track album, but it actually sounds more cohesive than their previous release; all the songs are shot through with melodic post-punk, nostalgia and the occasional surf-rock riff, especially on the album’s title track, which opens with the sound of crashing waves. More lyrics-heavy songs are broken up by shoegaze interludes, especially on the aptly named ‘Beautiful Noise.’ The record is overlaid with a feeling of movement and rootlessness – fitting for an album recorded on the road. Listen at https://site.douban.com/FAZI/
SPLIT by DIE!CHIWAWADIE! AND STRUGGLE SESSION A 21-track collaboration between two punk bands, this slickly produced vinyl record splattered with blue paint jars somewhat with the crusty songs within. Guangzhou punk-rockers Die!ChiwawaDie! open the record with a crackly 30-second funk sample, then launch into aggressively uptempo tracks, moving at a dizzying speed, with few breaking the two-minute mark. A variety of equally raw male and female vocals plus a few evocative song titles (like ‘Classmate Chiu the Shoegazer’) make for an intriguing listen. Beijing’s Struggle Session, who just completed a tour of Spain and Morocco, and whose roaring, plaintive fast-core songs were recorded for the album by P.K.14’s Yang Haisong, scream their way through the album’s B-side. Their final track ‘Trail of Glass’ is the clearest narrative of the Beijing underground angst that they are going for throughout the album. Listen at https://genjingrecords.bandcamp.com/album/split-12
Saboteurs by DEER PARK A project conceived by Shanghai-based vocalist Nick Walsh and his New Zealand-based cousin Shannon Walsh, Deer Park's Saboteurs is an impressive and nuanced album. The band describe themselves as having “a healthy dose of 21st-century paranoia” explored through eerie, atmospheric pop songs that blend ambient electronic music with the seamless use of a trumpet and saxophone. Walsh’s soaring vocals are reminiscent of Seattle folk rockers Fleet Foxes at times, but with completely different preoccupations. Standout tracks include ‘Re-Up’ and the poignantly unsettling ‘Birthdays.’ The band performed an unofficial release show last month in Shanghai while both core members were in town, which displayed vocalist Walsh’s onstage charisma and that unlikely horn section; here’s hoping they continue making music despite the geographical setbacks. Listen at https://deerpark.bandcamp.com/
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ARTS | PICK OF SIX
Group, ‘Bird. Space. Deep Blue’ C-Space; through Aug 31
Lam Tung-pang, ‘Fragmentation’ Chambers Fine Art; through Aug 20
For gallery information visit www.thatsmags.com/beijing
Aspartime, ‘Brancusi·T’s Model Shop’ Ying Space; through Aug 27
Double Fly Art Center, ‘The Bro Generation’
de Sarthe Gallery; through Sep 10
Huang Zhoutuo, ‘Tangible’ Mocube; through Sep 3
Group Exhibition, ‘Stranger Objects’
Tabula Rasa Gallery; through Aug 22
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 37
Kang Haitao, ‘Kang Haitao’
PIFO Gallery; through Jul 17
The future of sports is digital. It’ s also Chinese.
ome on, China!” Spectators holler as China battles Norway, erupting into applause whenever a player makes a killer move. State-ofthe-art cameras record the action, then blast it onto massive screens throughout the stadium. Fangirls wear electronic headbands flashing the names of their favorite players, giggling and covering their faces whenever the cameras zoom in on them. Throngs of teens line up to buy official Team China jerseys; others are already wearing them. It’s the second day of Shanghai’s Overwatch World Cup qualifier. Developed and released by American video game company Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch is a teambased shooter game that boasts 30 million players worldwide, a base it has grown in barely a year. The tournament draws a cast of characters from around the world – both onscreen and off. Aside from the players and teams, there are coaches, presenters, broadcasters, sponsors and viewers (millions of whom are watching online via live-streaming platforms like Amazon’s Twitch). Both American and Chinese commentators narrate the action. It’s an enormous operation. The players look like typical teenagers – except they wear serious facial expressions, which we see close up on a secondary set of screens projecting as they play. But the biggest screens hang above them, showing the players as their virtual selves – Overwatch game characters battling each another in fantastical settings. Team China and Team France top the day’s competitions and qualify for the next stage of the World Cup. But every team that places in Shanghai this weekend receives USD9,000. Do the math, and that’s over RMB10,000 per player. Not bad for a weekend of gaming. Welcome to the world of esports, where professional gamers compete in multiplayer videogames in front of a live audience. Esports has transformed a onetime slacker pursuit into an industry worth millions of dollars. The idea of ‘professional video gaming’ may have seemed laughable a decade ago. But today, the esports industry is booming. Global revenue reached USD493 million in 2016 and is expected to reach a staggering USD1.5 billion by 2020, according to a market report by gaming researcher Newzoo. Players compete in tournaments around the world, join clubs and train daily. But nowhere is taking esports more seriously than China, the largest market in the world for video games. China has more than 70 million esports enthusiasts (viewers who watch esports multiple times a month) – more than triple the US’s 20 million, according to Newzoo. Meanwhile, the words by Dominique Wong additional reporting by Noelle Mateer, Vivian Liu, Jocelyn Richards , Sky Thomas Gidge and Jimmy Mi graphics by Iris Wang
COVER STORY / 41
number of esports players (both recreational and professional) in China is a colossal 117 million, according to consultancy group iResearch. In 2016, half of the 10 highest-earning esports players in the world were Chinese. And while the US and South Korea once ruled the esports scene – both were at the top of the tournament winnings table until 2011, and, in the case of South Korea, until 2014 – China now currently dominates the board. The country’s esports supremacy is no coincidence. According to Beijing-based game developer Chris Pfeiffer, the reason is twofold: accessibility and big business. Games in China are generally free to play, meaning that instead of paying upfront to buy a game like in the West, users can download it for nothing. And then, there’s Tencent. “Tencent is massive,” says Pfeiffer, who has worked in the gaming industry professionally since 1995 (and “not-professionally since the mid-80s”). The Internet giant owns WeChat, game distributor WeGame and game-streaming service Douyu. It also owns Riot Games, which developed League of Legends – currently the most-played esport in the world. “If [your company] is big in China, that instantly gives you one-fifth of the world. You’re big in Korea? Meh, that’s like being big in Chongqing,” Pfeiffer laughs. But big companies aren’t the only ones making
42 / COVER STORY
money off esports in China – the players themselves are, too. One way to game a paycheck? Tournaments. Shenzhen Bay Sports Center is a 33,000-seat stadium used mostly for swimming and football. But on one day in June, it hosts the National Electronic Sports Open (NESO) warm-up competition. It’s here we meet 23-year-old Theeban Siva, who’s been competing professionally for the past seven years. Better known by his on-screen names 1437 and Rose, Siva is part of TNC Pro Team, an esports team sponsored by a Philippine Internet cafe chain. Siva spent a year in China playing for a team called LGD Gaming back in 2012, but says he “[felt] out of place constantly. You get burned out really quickly.” The Canadian native has been recruited by so many teams throughout his career, he’s finding it hard to keep track (he joined TNC Pro Team earlier this year, his seventh team in just two years). When asked where he is based in the Philippines, he shouts across the room to his manager: “Hey, we live in Manila, right?” (Yes, they live in Manila.) “Well,” Siva says apologetically, “I’ve only been with the team for three weeks.” Siva’s indifference to geography belies his position on the team: captain. Eight teams participate in the NESO warm up: three from China, two each from the Philippines and North America, and one from Europe (Greece).
Previous page: An esports tournament held in Shenzhen (photo by Jocelyn Richards) Top: Team merchandise for sale at an esports tournament (photo by Jimmy Mi) Right: Esports spectators watch a live game (photo by Jimmy Mi)
If you’ re big in China, that
instantly gives you one-fifth re big in Korea? of the world. You’ s like being big in Meh, that’
Chongqing
Spectators are mostly young men in their 20s and 30s – with the occasional girlfriend checking her phone – and a few hardcore female gamers. The stands seem a little empty, though our tour guide ensures us that “it’ll fill up later on – Chinese people don’t like to arrive early.” A glittering trophy sits between the two teams during play. The atmosphere is tense, but Chinese team Newbee, who are about to enter their third game, seem pretty relaxed. One team member is even yawning. The team goes on to win three-nil, and later ends up blitzing the entire tournament. After fending off Newbee’s rabid fans – one asks for a signature from the MVP – we catch up with team member Damian “kpii” Chok. “It’s amazing,” he says. “Our team is known for getting second place all the time, and now finally we’ve [won] something.” Originally from Australia, Chok moved to China to play Dota 2 (the country is one of the best in the world at the game, and as Siva tells That’s: “Dota has the most prize money”). Esports in China is like a professional sport, Chok says. “In Australia it’s just a game.” Chok’s daily ‘professional life’ is strenuous, though it may sound like leisure to some. “We’re pretty much in a house every day and just play games. We practice six to eight hours a day, seven days a week,” he says, adding that the team “occasionally have a day off and go for food and a movie, or whatever, but usually, it’s just staying in the house.” Chok say’s he’s “living the dream.” Not all talented esports players follow the professional road. Semi-pro Li “zipninja” Jun plays esports on the live-streaming site
COVER STORY / 43
We practice six to eight hours a day,
seven days a week. But Of course I’ m s like living the dream happy, it’
Huomao. “I play attacking games like Street Fighter,” the 33-year-old tells us over coffee in Beijing. “These kinds of games haven’t reached maturity in China. I want to help increase their popularity here, so I signed a contract [with Huomao].” Live-streaming is a popular way for esports players to earn money, as the last couple of years have seen a proliferation of live-streaming sites in China. People game in real time for real audiences and in exchange for real cash, and streaming platforms offer lucrative contracts when they believe a player will draw traffic to their site. Li says his Huomao contract forbids hims him from revealing his salary, but he says it is “stable” and that he’s content with his status as a semi-pro. “If you’re a pro player, many things influence whether you succeed or not. The nature of gaming is cruel. One or two minutes can determine the result of a tournament, which could determine your whole career.” Li travels regularly to compete. At last year’s Evolution tournament in Las Vegas he placed 256 out of 5,000, he tells That’s Beijing. “I like the attention and satisfaction of competing in tournaments.” Fame and fortune also drew gamer Xiao Zhao to the industry. She regularly attends tournaments both here and elsewhere in China, telling us: “I love having a lot of fans.” Zhao worked in a bank for four years before being approached to work as a producer at Panda TV, an esports live-streaming service founded by Wang Sicong, the son of one of China’s richest men, Dalian Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin. “It’s rare to see a girl at this level,” Zhao says. “The guy gamers feel protective towards me. Even though I see more pro female esports players in the future, I don’t think people’s attitudes will change. People will probably always view girls who game as exceptionally cool, badass people.”
44 / COVER STORY
Zhao describes a competition in her home city of Nanning. “It was a big deal – from locals to regionals and nationals. I became the first female player ever to get into the finals,” she says proudly. “This gave me a lot of attention and helped build up my fanbase. It [also] increased awareness of female gamers in the professional industry.” The esports industry is overwhelmingly male-dominated. Of the few female esports players who do compete, the ones abroad generally perform better than their Chinese counterparts (no Chinese player made last year’s female top 10 esports earnings list). Yet according to a 2017 report by Newzoo, across the 13 countries surveyed, 46 percent of gamers are women. So it’s not that women aren’t playing games; they just aren’t competing on the same professional level. Zhao attributes this discrepancy to players’ objectives. “There are a lot of female gamers in the industry – especially League of Legends – but instead of trying to become a serious pro gamer, they’re just in the business for live-streaming. They may be beautiful or sing really well. Rich guys give them [monetary] ‘gifts’ [on streaming websites]. They’re not necessarily gaming because they like it.”
Below: Team China competes at the Overwatch World Cup qualifier in China (photo by Jimmy Mi) Right (top to bottom): Team Newbee prepares to enter the stage; Team Newbee battles it out in a game of Dota 2; the esports stage from below (photos by Jocelyn Richards)
COVER STORY / 45
Another reason may be societal expectations. “Parents don’t think girls should play. Girls are expected to be docile. “Older people think that playing games negatively impacts studies or sleep and health. When I was little I’d go into the electronics store and my dad would say, ‘If you come in here again, I’ll break your leg!’" she chuckles. For many parents of young gamers, China’s obsession with esports is no laughing matter. The nation is infamous for its Internet addiction camps, where worried parents send their kids, sometimes for months on end, in the hopes of “rehabilitation.” Known for their harsh environment,
Clockwise from top: Game developer Chris Pfeiffer at his office in Beijing; World Cyber Arena deputy general manager Li Yanfei (photos by Dominique Wong); a fan girl wears the name of her favorite player on her headband at Shanghai's Overwatch World Cup qualifier (photo by Jimmy Mi); inside a live esports broadcasting room at WCA (photo by Dominique Wong)
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military-style discipline and even electric shock therapy, the camps are less retreat, more bootcamp. The consequences can be deadly. Last year, a 16-year-old Chinese girl killed her mother after being sent to an Internet addiction bootcamp, claiming she had been beaten and abused at the center. Earlier this year, the Chinese government drafted a cyberprotection law that hopes to protect camp attendees from such abuse. Due to fear of their negative effect on children, video game consoles were officially banned in China between 2000 and 2015. Firms such as Microsoft and Sony were prohibited from making and selling their gaming consoles anywhere in the country (though a
gray market existed in many Chinese cities). Despite lifting the console ban, the State General Administration of Press and Publication still occasionally prohibits games from the mainland, including shooter game Battlefield 4 for “endangering national security” and World War II-themed Hearts of Iron for “distorting history.” In July, the staterun People’s Daily lambasted Tencent’s mega-popular mobile game Honor of Kings, for its “negative energy.” Following this criticism, Tencent’s share price plunged and the company began limiting the amount of time children could play the game. But Chinese views towards gaming are changing. Zhao’s own parents eventually
came to accept her passion: “[My parents were unsure] because I am a girl, and gaming was seen as financially unstable. But they became especially supportive after I hosted a competition in Guangdong. They realized that gaming could be very serious and professional.” Semi-pro Li tells us his family also changed their attitudes – after he proved that he was doing well. “They only accept it if you are playing to get some tangible benefit and not wasting time,” he says. Authorities may be softening their antiesports stance as well. The Communication University of China (CUC), a public university that is administered by the Ministry of
Education, is the first university in China to introduce an undergraduate esports major, which will be offered to students from the beginning of this school year. “It’s actually called ‘Digital Entertainment,’” a CUC staff member tells us during a visit to the campus in east Beijing. The staff member, who asks to remain anonymous, teaches in the same department as the new major. “The name ‘esports’ is too broad – [CUC’s] major covers esports organization, broadcasting, esports event management and the fan economy.” “We expect the program to contribute to the [esports] industry through our students’ expertise in the planning, management and
design of games,” she says. Though China’s Ministry of Education approved the major, the professor says it’s an industry-led effort. Of the 20 students that will graduate from CUC’s ‘Digital Entertainment’ program each year, 10 will have the opportunity to work at Hero Entertainment, the program’s official partner. “The company has had some difficulties in esports media – no one knows what to do. They have a lot of people from elsewhere in TV or media but no one [has specialized in esports].” Local governments show more direct support for the esports industry. Take Yinchuan, a prefecture-level city located
COVER STORY / 47
People will probably always view girls who game as exceptionally cool, badass people
in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in central China, for example. Each year the city hosts the grand finals of World Cyber Arena (WCA), the world’s biggest “third-party” (unrelated to the game developer) esports tournament. Based in China since 2014, WCA live-streams matches that take place around the world to screens in equally diverse places. On a visit to the company’s Beijing office, it’s two minutes until show time. In the production room, we meet a handful of producers lounging in chairs in front of a wall of monitors. The sceens display scenes from a live Dota 2 game and two hosts (who happen to be sitting in front of a green screen in the room next door). “We’re on in one, two, three,…” a producer says. The hosts begin chatting animatedly and we are quickly shuffled out of the room. Inside the office of WCA’s deputy general manager Li Yanfei (no relation to Li Jun), we’re told that WCA’s Yinchuan tournament is sponsored by the local government. “They fund our activities partly because of policies, such as ‘One Belt, One Road,’ that are aimed at attracting industry to the region,” Li Yanfei explains. “As Yinchuan is out west, rather than east, the local government is keen to at-
48 / COVER STORY
tract people to the area. Aside from that, esports attracts social media platforms and big tech companies. [The local government] hopes these industries will gravitate to the area.” WCA is also focused on educating young people about esports, and have partnered up with an education group to provide esports-related materials and exams for students wanting to work in the industry. Opportunities in China’s esports industry may seem limitless. But, while the industry insiders we talk to are adamant it will supplant traditional sports in the future, they express trepidation about the path they’re taking to get there. Question marks over the industry’s infrastructure, or lack thereof, remain. Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Blizzard Entertainment, is hoping to address this. The company recently announced plans to create a professional Overwatch league based on intercity rivalries. Many in the industry are calling it a potential game-changer, and the company has already sold franchise teams to owners in Seoul, Los Angeles and New York. Buyers include powerful sporting identities such as Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, an American football team, and Jeff Wilpon, the
Opposite page: Team Newbee player Song Chun is awarded MVP of the NESO tournament (photo by Jocelyn Richards) This page, top to bottom: Esports players in action; game developer Blizzard Entertainment’s logo is displayed prominently on stage (photo by Jimmy Mi)
chief operating officer of the New York Mets baseball team. The franchise model is similar to that of traditional sports, and as senior director of esports Lawrence Chi says Blizzard hopes to blur the distinction between the two even further. As he tells That’s Beijing: “A lot of [our model] will be taking a page from other sports: recap shows, debate shows, [and] if there’s some drama, let’s roll with it. Let’s get the fans involved and tell these stories.” Meanwhile, despite lacking the same resources as companies like Activision Blizzard, grassroots esports communities are gaining momentum. In Beijing, esports group BiB Community hosts a monthly amateur Street Fighter tournament at Paddy O’Sheas. The Irish pub, one of the most popular sports bars in the city, has broadened its programming to include esports alongside a traditional roster of rugby and football. The tournament attracts a diverse bunch of people from both local and afar. Huddled around monitors underneath a big-screen projector, players compete amid a whirlwind of flashy digital animation. Behind the main group, curious bar patrons turn into accidental esports spectators. “LJ, you’re a legend!” someone says, halfexasperatedly, half-admirably, as Li Jun eviscerates his opponent. Co-organizer of the event Rick Liu hopes to turn BiB Community into a proper company. Things are looking good: they’re already in talks with sponsors and a live-streaming site. But, in the esports industry, one can never be sure. Companies take off, making millions – or they implode. Whatever happens, Liu and co. will keep at it. “Playing games gets you a lot of friends,” Liu says. “It’ll never make you feel lonely. A sense of belonging is very important. That’s why we run this.”
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EAT &
DRINK
AVENUE Q
Q Mex opens a new concept next to Bottega's second location, p57
Rotisserie Chicken p53
Brunch in Sanlitun p59
Grilled Sandwiches p60
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
GETTING MODERATELY DEEP WITH... The Owner of a Donkey Meat Restaurant image and interview by Vivian Liu
This month we meet Ms. Liu, owner of a restaurant that specializes in donkey meat. How are you feeling today?
I’m feeling pretty good. Today isn’t particularly busy. What's the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning? I thought, ‘Damn it, I got up late.’
What is your idea of the perfect day? A day when I’m happy. It doesn’t matter why, but a happy day is a perfect day. Who is your best customer?
The regulars, of course. But more specifically, people who are polite, who take the time to give out compliments and who don’t make a fuss about things. Who is your worst customer?
There are no ‘worst’ customers. Sure, people who are mean and make a big deal out of small things are annoying, but there’s no ‘worst’ type of customer. Customers are our livelihood.
Which living person do you most admire? Two living people, actually: my parents, for raising me in a peaceful, stable household. There weren’t ever any fights or fusses, and I admire that.
When and where were you happiest? When I was in the haven of my parents’ protection, back in Hebei. A child living with parents like mine is carefree, and very happy. Which talent would you most like to have?
I want to be good at languages so that I can express myself better. I like being understood, and I admire people on TV who speak well and are persuasive. It seems like a powerful thing to have. Of course, I don’t have the time to learn how to be like that, but I wish I did. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I don’t know. I suppose it would be having a good, loving family – but it hasn’t happened yet. I don’t have any children.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? I guess there isn’t anything I want to change. I’m an indifferent person, and I don’t spend too much time scrutinizing the things in life I’m unhappy about. I just take it, and I’m pretty happy because of it. What is your most treasured possession? My body and my health. Without a healthy body, you don’t have anything.
What trait do you most value in a person? Peacefulness. People who are peaceful are
good to themselves and good to people around them. What is it that you most dislike?
People who make a big fuss over small things, especially people who get drunk and start messing around. What is your motto?
To become a better and better person, and that way, life will get better. What always makes you laugh?
Lots of things. The TV, for example [laughs]. Lots of things make me laugh. Anything that’s funny, I guess! What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you?
I don’t know. It hasn’t happened yet – I don’t have children. Which era of Beijing's history would you most like to have lived in?
Ancient times, like in the Tang dynasty. I see it on TV a lot, but that’s not the only reason why. They valued tradition a lot more back then. Society and people seemed a lot simpler back then, too. Visit Liu's shop at 17 Guanghuili, Chaoyang 朝阳区 光辉里17号
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 51
GRAPE VINE SNACKS IN THE CITY
Everyone wants a slice of China’s cake. Not mooncakes – honestly, most laowai find those kinda gross. I’m talking about the money – those sweet, sweet RMBs. Which is why last month, I was invited to test out Little Creatures, the latest craft beer brand making its way into the Mainland. Originally from the Western Australian port city of Fremantle, Little Creatures make ultra-sessionable craft brews that are tasty enough for a seasoned beer fan and not too hoppy for a beginner. Expect to see them everywhere, starting this month. In other news, new menus keep a comin’! And me, ya girl, keeps on eatin’. Last month, I padded my expanding waistline with an out-of-this-world new menu at Sureño, by absolute genius Chef Talib Hudda. Get the monkfish if you go (but also get everything else). Meanwhile my colleague, who, like, works out and stuff, tried TRIBE’s new menu – she recommends their matcha pancakes. Moka Bros also recently unveiled a slew of new dishes, most importantly, poke bowls, the hottest thing to burst onto the scene since chefs realized they could make big ol’ bowls of uncooked food popular. (Seriously though, they're good.) Finally, we're excited to break an exclusive bar news scoop – The Distillery is on its way back. Having closed in spring due to hutong ‘renovations,’ the team behind The D have been hard at work on a bigger, bolder space just down the lane. Details thus far are scant – but we’ve been told to expect outdoor seating and exciting new changes to the bar’s offerings. NM
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Kentucky Fried... Kale? Health food is here to stay, and here’s proof: KFC just opened K Pro, a healthy cafe in Hangzhou. Instead of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, customers are offered salads, paninis and fresh juice. Uniforms and packaging still sport the KFC logo, but instead of the Colonel’s red-and-white theme, the new store is all decked out in green. This isn't the first time Yum Brands, KFC’s parent company, has tried out new dining concepts in China. Last year, the chain opened its first robot restaurant in Shanghai – where, that’s right, robots serve you meals. And in December, a Beijing branch of the fast food restaurant introduced facial recognition ordering machines. Ah, KFC – the great innovators of our time. AB
OFF THE BEATEN PLATE
Just when we thought gimmicky fast food items in China couldn’t get any worse, McDonald’s has made its most outrageous food item to date: the Minion Burger. Ours might as well have been assembled by a stubby-armed, one-eyed minion – stuffed inside its fried chicken patty was a sad, small glob of cheese (minion blood?), and its bun had a disconcerting, if on-brand, yellow hue. With brownish chicken (maybe an indication that McDonald’s doesn't use the 100-percent chicken breast they claim to have in their nuggets), an egg (the only good part) and soggy lettuce saturated in mystery sauce, the minion hanbao is something no sane person orders twice. MB
E D I T E D B Y NOE L L E M AT E E R / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m
MIFAN/MAFAN
April and Café
We Tell You if the Rice is Worth the Hassle
Why is there an ‘and’ in the middle of April and Café’s name? Shouldn’t it just be ‘April Café’? You may never know the answers to these questions, but you can, if you wish, August-andcafe this month at April and Café on Andingmen Nei Dajie. The space is kitted out like a Parisian coffee shop, minus the booze. Choose your beans (single origin, obvs) from their selection of Beijing and international roasters.
Daily, 10am-10pm; 64 Andingmen Nei Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区安定门内大街 64号 (158 0146 4750)
Bird on a Wire A Kiwi friend of ours describes Bird on a Wire as ‘fancy KFC.’ Now, Beijingers can enjoy their very own fancy KFC at Hatchery, which is hosting the Auckland-based chicken chain in its Dongsi location. The pop-up serves rotisserie free-range chicken in many forms – chicken burgers, chicken wraps and, our favorite, chicken roasts. Chicken this good is rare in China, so come hungry. Daily, 10am-late; 88 Dongsi Jiutiao, Dongcheng 东城区东城区东四九条88号 (6594 0188)
Cocoro This takeaway spot in Jianwai SOHO keeps things simple with coffee (RMB16-25) and cookies (three for RMB20). The cookies are more like cookie bites, though delicious nonetheless. Flavors on offer include matcha-and-white-chocolate chunk and straight-up chocolate chunk. Both varieties have an oaty texture, making the bites seem healthier than the typical cookie. Our only gripe is the price seems a little steep for their size.
Daily, 8am-8pm; 0832D, Bldg 8, Jianwai SOHO East, Chaoyang 朝阳区建外SOHO东区 8号楼0832D (153 1316 7909)
Bun and Noodle Lanzhou noodle shops are typically fluorescent-lighting and laminated-menu affairs. Not this one. At Bun and Noodle, affordably priced home-style noodle dishes are paired with pleasant, minimalist design and plenty of natural light. But there’s more to this spot than la mian: we love the wuhua rou (RMB20) – especially the part when we sop up its juices with a bun afterwards. Tue-Sun, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-9pm; 8 East Cheniandian Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区车辇点胡同8号
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E AT & DR INK | T HE L I S T
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E AT & DR INK | R E S TAUR A N T S
THE SOUTHERN FISH Xicheng’s Pepper Upper words and images by Noelle Mateer
Xicheng district is a centuries-old concrete jungle, but there are mighty trend-setting restaurants hidden among it still. Restaurants worth the 50-minute Mobike ride from Sanlitun in blistering heat. Restaurants worth convincing your friends to do the bike ride with you. And restaurants worth, in the case of one of our friends, severe gastrointestinal distress the following day.* “No, really, don’t worry about me,” she tells us. “It was totally worth it. I loved that egg thing.” Ah, yes, the Egg Thing. The Southern Fish serves a variety of fiery Hunanese dishes in its slick new Baitasi location – but the best, hands down, is the Egg Thing (RMB39), whose actual name, ‘mashed peppers and preserved egg,’ hardly sounds appetizing. Nor does it look especially appetizing – the Egg Thing is a neon green goop, a slobbery mush with the occasional black, preserved egg poking through. And yet it is the most mind-blowing, transformative and, frankly, tasty goop we’ve ever had. This is no small statement, mind you, because green goop is having a moment. Millennials across the globe are putting mushy avocados on everything, to the extent that That’s Beijing’s very own millennial restaurant reviewers took one look at The Southern Fish’s dining room and asked, “Is everyone having guacamole?” No, it is something infinitely better than guacamole; it is spicy peppers and fermented egg. It’s from Hunan province, as was Chairman Mao, who was once quoted as saying, “If you're afraid of eating peppers, how can you be brave enough to fight the enemy?”
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Take that, hipsters – try spreading proletarian revolution on your organic whole-grain toast. In case we haven’t convinced you to travel to Baitasi yet, allow us to happily report that everything else on The Southern Fish’s menu is just as inspiring and satisfying and mind-boggling and soulaffirmingly good. Even the unassuming baby bok choy (RMB37) is cooked in spices that lend it surprising notes of complexity. But the star dish is the dujiao yutou (RMB108) – an iconic Hunanese fish head drenched in peppers and pickles. Sure, foreigners love Sichuan food – the spice is tingly! how fun! – but The Southern Fish will have you believing that the acidic, dry-heat Hunan peppers are truly where it’s at. OK, fine, we hear you, Southern Fish truthers: The Southern Fish isn’t technically new. They opened a boutique in Dashilar two years ago. But their new location – a streamlined, ultra-modern reinterpretation of a hutong courtyard, is not only worthy of a mention in our New Restaurants section – it’d also be a solid candidate for our Interiors pages. More importantly, The Southern Fish is the sh*t. And if that doesn’t convince you to bike 50 minutes from Sanlitun, well, we don’t know what will. *The Southern Fish is squeaky clean – we conclude that our friend’s discomfort is a result of visiting from the US and not being used to spicy dishes. Daily, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5-9pm; 49 Gongmenkou Toutiao, Xicheng 西城区宫门口头条49号 (8306 3022)
R E S TAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK
SHANG, HI
Restaurants in the New Mall Go Head to Head by Noelle Mateer
New complex Shang can best be described as ‘hot right now.’ In a slick compound just north of the Liangma River, the building will have you philosophizing as to the geographical bounds of Sanlitun. It features a co-working space, a new Café Flatwhite, a Principle M (see p. 19) and quotes by fancy white men stenciled in cursive on the walls outside the toilets. But the hottest openings? The second location of Bottega and Q Mex’s new Taqueria. Here, a rundown.
Q X ME IA ER QU TA
A EG TT BO What You’re Eating
What You’re Eating
All your favorites from the original Bottega – wood-fired pizzas (‘La Bottega,’ RMB120), pastas and our favorite, ravioli vegitariana, which is tasty even to non-vegetarianas.
A big-ass plate of taco fixin’s, alongside warm tortillas (think fajitas, but upgraded). Ceviche if you feel like showing off that you know what ceviche is.
An Aperol Spritz if you’re traditional, an Italian craft beer if you’re not – either way, you’re drinking on the patio outside.
Margs – massive, frozen and slushy, as God intended. The guava flavor (RMB55) is our favorite. Beers if you must.
The bars – one around taps and prosecco bottles for drinking, the other around Bottega’s colossal pizza oven for dining. (Seriously, you will never want to leave.)
The atmosphere. The vibes at this ‘taqueria’ are bright and colorful, and will come as a pleasant surprise to anyone who’s knocked back tequila shots while watching a game at Q Mex Sanlitun.
Italian-style pizza is the best (fact), but we will grant that American-style is cheaper.
The taco salad, and the inevitable indigestion that occurs post-taco salad.
What You’re Drinking
The Highlight
The Downside
What You’re Drinking
The Highlight
The Downside
Both restaurants: 1/F Jinshang Shouceng, 20 Xinyuanli Xili, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源里西里20号楼金尚首层1/F
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E AT & DR INK | R E S TAUR A N T S
ROOTPOP
Vegan Food That Doesn’t Conform words and images by Vivian Liu
Being vegetarian in Beijing is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills in apologetic speaking. “Is there meat in this?” “Can you leave the chicken out?” “No, it’s fine, I’ll just have rice then.” Much to vegetarians’ frustration, our lifestyle is severely underrepresented in this city. Even more irritating is that most restaurants that offer substitutes for meat are keen to make it painfully clear that we are ingesting tasteless tofu and missing out on their signature juicy, hearty beef patty. I’ve had my share of overpriced underwhelming meat substitutes in Beijing. I really wanted to try Rootpop, a new all-vegan joint in Shuangjing, but my six years of vegetarianism led me to expect disappointment. Which is why Rootpop is a pleasant surprise. In the artsy Baiziwan area, Rootpop’s trendy space features modern furnishings and a clean, light color scheme. It’s the sort of effortlessly elegant atmosphere where you’d expect to see ladies in sundresses and red lipstick. But the menu – all vegan – is diner-style, with burgers, hot dogs, wraps and fries. Our food comes served on paper boats, like at a fast food restaurant. It’s clear Rootpop has a sense a humor. The food is delightful. The vegan burger patties hold together nicely, and the cheese is so cheesy (but not actually cheese – again, vegan!). The beets, pineapple,
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and barbecue sauce in the Australian-style burger (RMB45) make for an unexpectedly punchy combination. The Greek salad (RMB40) is another winner, combining toasted coconut, toasted pecans, pineapple, mint leaves and beets. Balancing savory and sweet, the Greek salad is one of those love-it-or-hate-it dishes – and we love it. The highlight, though, is the tempura hot dog, which is more of a corn dog if you ask us. With sweet chili mayonnaise, teriyaki sauce and pickled red ginger ribbons, the tempura dog was rich, meaty, spicy, sweet and sour. We’re skeptical of any corn dog that costs more than 10 kuai – but this one is worth the price. Admittedly, some of the menu descriptions are off. The ‘Sandwiches’ are more like burgers, and the ‘Hot Dogs’ are sausages on a stick. The durian and mushroom ‘sandwich,’ however, tastes delicious (i.e. nothing like durian). Rootpop is for anyone, with or without sundresses, vegan or meat lover, who wants to be pleasantly surprised. Rootpop does everything differently, and we have faith that it will soon rise as the new indie nonconformist in the neighborhood. Daily, 11am-10pm; 3-22 International Art Plaza, Pingod, Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区百子湾路苹果社区北区B座3号楼22号
R E S TAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK
RESTAURANT Y
There’s No Place Like (a Rich Person’s) Home by Noelle Mateer
Is there anything more prestigious than a monosyllabic name? (We’re not counting the ‘Restaurant’ part of Restaurant Y’s name in this instance, although something trendy like ‘Gastrolounge’ or ‘Kitchen’ wouldn’t hurt.) The name ‘Y’ is chic because it’s simple, and high-end dining in 2017 is all about giving off the appearance of simplicity. ‘Home style!’ crow restaurant PRs across the globe, when talking about their megawatt-high-budget eateries. ‘We want you to feel at home!’ And yeah – sometimes we do. At Restaurant Y, there are couches, not chairs. Dishes come on shiny cooking pans, not plates. The space feels like a Martha Stewart-approved kitchen and lounge – bronze fixtures, simple white tiling. Restaurant Y is the new brunch set for the jet set, and its gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows allow patrons to gaze approvingly over their kingdom (Taikoo Li) from high up in a building (in Taikoo Li) – all while sipping coffee and eating Mediterraneanleaning ‘home style’ sharing plates. It is just like home. A rich person’s home. But this is Sanlitun North, what do you expect?
China has long eschewed this minimalist dining approach. Moneyed diners here tend to go out with a “I’m rich so I want foie gras and caviar, damn it!” kinda attitude. But given the recent popularity of Restaurant Y, maybe this era is over. Maybe rich people want to drink wine and eat paella on a couch. Like at home, but with table service. Dishes at Restaurant Y aren’t half bad. Salads are lackluster, but the chicken plate – with roasted vegetables and a lightly spiced, Sriracha-like gravy, is a winner, perfect for sharing. Our favorite is the Icelandic squid (RMB109), served in a pan because #homestyle. A bevy of wine options accompany – we’d recommend treating Restaurant Y like a lounge (Lounge Y?) – drinking wine with friends and picking a couple plates to share. Otherwise, a full-on dining experience will run you several pink bills – pink bills that, we like to think, are better spent elsewhere. But with a view this good, and atmosphere so homelike, it just may be worth it. Simplicity never felt so... fancy. Daily, 10am-midnight; 2/F, N8 Taikoo Li North, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里 屯太古里北区N8楼2/F (8405 9938)
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E AT & DR INK | R E S TAUR A N T S & B A R S
CONSTELLATION
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread words by Noelle Mateer, image by Iris Wang
SHIQUE XIAO WU CAFÉ They Put What in Their Coffee? by Noelle Mateer
There are so many new cafes in the hutongs that it can be hard to keep track of them all. Every month, we stare down a list of all the new ones, our eyes glazing over. Why even bother? Aren’t they all the same? Well, Shique Xiao Wu Café does things a little differently. “Have you ever had soda water in your coffee?” asks one of the owners when we ask for a recommendation. No, no we have not. The recipe is simple (and at first glance, stomachturning): a freshly-made americano, with soda water to top it off. It’s delightful. The added fizz generates a Guinness-like head atop the coffee, and the taste is surprisingly flavorful. We feel like we’re being hydrated and caffeinated at the same time. If experimental coffee isn’t your thing, though – no worries. Shique Xiao Wu provides the third-wave coffee Beijingers have come to love (RMB25-37). (And if you really dig it, you can stay in the AirBnb upstairs.) Daily, 10am-7.30pm; 27 Shique Hutong, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng 东城区北新桥石雀胡同27号 (6401 1070)
Constellation’s sandwiches are good, very good. Gawd, that’s an understatement. Constellation’s sandwiches are the Mona Lisa of sandwiches. You know how Subway HQ refers to its employees as ‘sandwich artists’? (If you didn’t, that’s a fun fact for you – you’re welcome.) To hell with Subway – their soggy-ass buns aren’t art, and how dare they claim them to be so? Art is made by artists, like whoever it is working at Constellation. Lord, may I never eat another Starbucks turd-wich again. Speaking of our Lord, oh my god. Jesus Christ! These are good sandwiches! Have I conveyed that point? I don’t think you really get it yet: Constellation cooks aren’t sandwich artists; they are artistes de sandwichs (French for ‘sandwich artists’). I’ll try to describe the sandwiches, but it’s tough – words don’t read as good as sandwiches taste. There’s a bacon one with a bunch of melty cheese; a beef one with a bunch of melty cheese; a meatball one with a bunch of melty cheese (all RMB45, suck it Element Fresh). They are grilled, crispy on the outside, chewy and gooey on the inside. What is Constellation, though? We’re not sure we can say. We’re not sure Constellation can even say. For the time being, it appears to be some ladies working out of the kitchen at InVino, a wine bar North of Gongti. They’ve got the space for lunch and dinner, but are chill with people bringing their laptops and sipping on their coffee in between the two. They’re chill with everything, it would appear. I mean, it’s barely a real restaurant, just the magical daily sandwich popup of my wildest fantasies, so why wouldn’t they be? OK, some bad news: There are salads, and they’re not very good. But people who go to Constellation and order a salad are dumb, a lesson I quickly learned about myself after I saw (and later ate most of) my friends’ sandwiches. I feel horrible writing this, because of the aforementioned high quality of sandwiches, but maybe the non-sandwich offerings aren’t that great. Maybe they’re just ‘good,’ and ‘good’ tastes more like ‘ugh’ when sitting next to orgasm-inducing sandwiches. Bottom line: go get a sandwich. Have you heard me yet? Are you making lunch plans yet? Go get a damn sandwich.
Tue-Sun, 11am-3pm and 6-10pm; Xingfuyicun Qixiang, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福一村七巷 (136 8107 9980)
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ADVERTORIAL
IN THIS DYSTOPIAN SCI-FI FILM FROM BUDWEISER, BEER CAN SET YOU FREE In the U.S., Budweiser has been plugging its Made-inAmerica message with U.S.A.-themed ads and labels. But in China, the internationally known brand has a different tactic. Here, Budweiser's music campaign features a sci-film set to thumping EDM, and takes place in a dystopian future where a bottle of Bud can set you free. The four-and-a-half-minute ad, by CAA Marketing, features pop superstar Eason Chan as a bartender who helps actress Fish Liew escape from a gray, monotonous world, finding refuge in a dance club where she can let loose and be herself. AB InBev's Budweiser markets itself as a premium beer brand in China, where its market share has grown from 1.4% to 3.6% in the five years leading up to 2016, according to Euromonitor International. (Budweiser is the No. 5 player; the category leader is Snow, with over 23 percent of the market last year.) The brand's campaigns often have a different feel in China, which was the first market where Budweiser tapped into electronic dance music, or EDM. The brand took a risk with its EDM-themed promotions, as the genre was little-known in China when Budweiser began pushing it. The risk paid off, and now, in China, Bud and EDM go hand-in-hand. Since 2013, the brand has hosted Budweiser Storm, a massive EDM festival that's invited talent from across the globe to perform in nine cities. "A brand shouldn't always just see what consumers
like," says Matt Che, Budweiser's North Asia-Pacific market VP. "We should be taking them with us, beyond expectations." Cantopop singer Chan, paired with DJ Alok, made his first EDM track for the campaign. Budweiser had worked with CAA Marketing, part of Creative Artists Agency, on a Halloween campaign for China, and it tapped the agency again for this project. This video features an exciting product Budweiser is planning: wristbands that light up in time to music. Budweiser is distributing a few different versions of the wristbands this summer; their pulsing red lights are a note of color in the film, set in a world where everything is gray and nobody smiles. "It's a metaphor for people living in modern society in Shanghai, New York or Paris – people are going about their routines, living up to other people's standards or expectations," Che said. The name of the film, and of the EDM track that goes with it, is "Fang," which means "unleash." Budweiser has been experimenting with storytelling lately in China, where long branded videos can take off on social media platforms. Budweiser had a previous hit with its Chinese New Year tale from Anomaly Shanghai, an emotional story about a father and daughter. Nothing compares to the buzz around this new sci-fi film, however – a huge hit when it was first livestreamed earlier this month.
Cigarettes After Sex / Gig
Gnash Gig
HEAR
TOKiMONSTA Gig A highly acclaimed electronic artist from Los Angeles, TOKiMONSTA explores moods and emotions on the dance floor. She performed at Sonar Barcelona, DEMF, WMC, Electric Zoo, SXSW and, well… a gazillion other places. Now her groovy tour stops off in Beijing. 10pm, Sat Aug 5, 10pm; RMB100 (advance), RMB120 (door); Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)
In the 40s, 50s and even into the 60s, an era some would call a 'golden-age' for American cinema, movies in the US seldom, if ever, contained any explicit sexual content. It became a theme, and later a running joke, that directors would write a scene of two lovers smoking cigarettes and wearing undergarments instead. This is why the band ‘Cigarettes after Sex’ has a legacy to uphold. These Cigs after Sex write drowsy, noir-ish dream pop, which the band’s label has described as ‘smoky’ and ‘eyes-closed’. You’re not getting passionate, sexy music; you’re getting the carefree and deeply relaxed aftermath of an intimate night. Mon, Aug 21, 8pm; RMB180-220; Tango (see Listings for details, yoopay.cn for tickets)
Liam Gallagher / Gig
Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones Gig
Jam Metal Music Festival Festival
Those with the (acquired) taste for metal can look forward to a loud, aggressive and angsty evening to enjoy themselves (or do whatever it is that Metalheads do). Modernsky’s Jam Metal Music Festival will span the spectrum of dark, loud music from death metal and nu-thrash to thrash metal plain-old heavy metal. The lineup of Empty Eyes, Purgatory, Skyfire, Ancestor and Death Penalty. Sun Aug 6, 8pm; RMB100 (advance), RMB120 (door); Modernsky Lab (see Listings for details)
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Branded by Vogue as “This year’s most unlikely sensation in the music industry, accruing the type of digital currency that could easily rival a Katy Perry or Lady Gaga”, international music knockout Gnash will be in Beijing to perform his cloyingly catchy hit ‘I hate u, I love u.’ A chance to catch the eclectic DJ, singer and rapper before he blows up. Sun Aug 6, 9pm; RMB180 (advance), RMB220 (door); Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)
Throwing it back to you, former frontman of Oasis Liam Gallagher is coming to China so we can all relive the 90s. His first stop? Beijing’s Olympic Sports Center, where he will perform a few new tracks from his solo album and hopefully some classics as well. If his history is any indication, audience members just might be treated to one of his foul-mouthed rants. Thu Aug 10, 8pm; RMB480-1480; Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, 1 Anding Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区安定路1号 (tickets via 228.com.cn)
THUVDR & The Drop join forces to bring in this dynamic duo. The critically acclaimed Sinjin Hawke has collaborated with Just Blaze, DJ Rashad and MikeQ and produced for Kanye West and Frank Ocean (!). And then there’s Zora Jones (pictured), a masterful technician of sound whose style is described by Pitchfork as “spellbinding” and “fascinating.” Expect experimental sounds you won’t hear anywhere else. Sat Aug 26; tickets TBA; Dada (see Listings for details)
Rumble in the Jungle: Birthday Party / Market
The Kingdom of Women Book talk
DO
East Meets West Tour Beijing Experience combines architecture and photography in its ‘East Meets West’ tour. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city’s historical areas and discover some of Beijing’s most striking western-style buildings, such as the Rong family building in Ju’er Hutong. Don’t expect a history lesson, though – the tour is more geared toward practicing photography. Sun Aug 6, 4pm; RMB190; Beijing Cafe, 81 Beiheyan, Dongcheng 东城区北河沿 81号 (for more info add the WeChat ID: cesarcasellas)
One year ago, Rumble in the Jumble was born “out of a love for British jumble sales and American thrift stalls.” Since then, the monthly market has taken on its own magnificent form featuring a mix of haberdashery and homemade goodies. From baking, clothing, jewelry, books and more, the bazaar is a one-stop shop for all things vintage and craft. This month is an extra special one as the rumble celebrates its first anniversary with a birthday party featuring the usual stalls and more, plus a party afterwards with music from Rebel5. Applications for stalls will be open from Aug 1, so if you’re more of a maker rather than buyer, be sure to sign up quick. Sat Aug 26, 12pm-late; Modernista (see Listings for details; for more info add the WeChat ID: RumbleBJ)
Vertical Run / Exercise
Join author Choo Waihong for a talk about her new book, The Kingdom of Women. The corporate lawyer-turnedwriter spent six years living in Yunnan with the Mosuo tribe, the last surviving matrilineal and matriarchal society in the world. Choo’s book is a fascinating insider’s account of the Mosuo community and their traditions. The cultural and societal issues raised, such as traditional gender roles and feminism, ensure this is a must-see event (and must-read book). Thu Aug 3, 7.30pm; RMB50; The Bookworm, 4 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区南三里屯路4号 (6503 2050, tickets via https://yoopay.cn/ event/14138063)
Midnight in Peking Walking Tour History
Home Plate Pub Quiz Trivia
Head on down to Home Plate BBQ Sanlitun for its weekly Thursday pub quiz. Billed as a “social” event with questions based on “many topics” and open to people from all over, it sounds like a damn good time. The best part is the free entry plus tasty prizes including RMB300 worth of cocktail vouchers (first prize) and a RMB100 bucket of beer. Thursdays, 9pm; free entry; Home Plate BBQ Sanlitun (see Listings for details)
Bored of your usual running route? Have you considered introducing a few stairs? Yeah, how about 82 floors of stairs? Well, China World Summit Wing is giving you a chance to do just that with its annual ‘Vertical Run.’ Taking place on the staircase of China World Summit Wing, the race ends at the top of the building. Climbing a height of 330 meters may sound intense – but runners can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city at the finish. That’s 2,041 steps for one of the best views of the city and is definitely something to write home about – or post on Instagram. The ‘team challenge’ and ‘fun climb’ have already sold out, but participants are still open to sign up as an ‘individual.’ Note: participants must be 18 years old and over. Sat Aug 26, 2.30pm; RMB150 (individual); China World Summit Wing (see Listings for details; deadline for online registration is Aug 11: http://beijingverticalrun.com/register)
Check out the official Midnight in Peking walking tour (in conjunction with Penguin Books no less), courtesy of Bespoke. Based on Paul French’s international bestselling murder mystery of the same name, ‘Midnight in Peking’ runs on the last Saturday of every month in Beijing. Examining the death of Pamela Werner, the tour starts at the scene of the crime before winding through the hutongs. Walk along Beijing’s old city walls and find out the truth about what really happened that night. Sat Aug 26; RMB388 (for more info email info@bespoke-beijing. com; tickets via https://yoopay.cn/ pay/89813932)
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New Menu at Sureno Dining
New Menu at 8 Qi Nian / Dining
TA S T E
Children’s Cooking Class Workshop You can enjoy a meal with your children, but it’s a different story when it comes to enjoying a meal from your children. This summer, Lunar 8 just might surprise you: by providing a culinary education for them at Fairmont Beijing. Sign your kids up so that Lunar 8 can replace their kitchen “experiments” with basic cooking techniques and teach them how to make nutritious, delicious food. Saturdays through Aug, 11.30am2pm; Fairmont Beijing (see Listings for details; for more information call
Chef Talib Hudda has created a masterful new menu with the dog days of summer in mind. With the best seasonal ingredients, Hudda has created a wonderland of tastes and textures, with an emphasis on high-quality seafood (the monkfish, OMG, the monkfish). Also on offer is a selection oysters and other raw bites – and, of course, mind-blowing desserts. Daily; Sureño, The Opposite House (see Listings for details)
Gin Garden Drinking
Guest Chef Karel Van Oyen Dining
Whenever TRB has a visiting chef, you go. That’s just what you do. This month, don’t miss out on Karel Van Oyen of Vinto, a highly acclaimed restaurant in Belgium’s Flemish countryside, as he creates a one-time-only menu (accompanied with wine pairings) for TRB Forbidden City. Thu Aug 10-Sun Aug 13; RMB588 for four-course lunch, RMB888 for five-course dinner; TRB Forbidden City (see Listings for details or call 6401 6676)
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Yuan Tea House and Garden’s elegant environment is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind over cups of tea. This summer, in addition to cha, visitors can throw back a G&T or two, as the tea house plays host to a special ‘Gin Garden.’ With signature flavor combinations, as well as a mix-yourown option, there is something for everyone. Craving something sweet and rich? We recommend the passion fruit, rose and chocolate. For a lighter tipple try the celery, mint and elderflower – and don’t forget to top it off with one of the menu’s dozens of premium gins. Yuan Tea House, NUO Hotel (see Listings for details)
New World Beijing Hotel’s Chef Yuen has created a summer menu inspired by culinary trends ‘in Beijing and beyond.’ Chef Yuan has taken old, and by old we mean ancient, Chinese recipes and presented them using modern techniques and flavor combinations. Spearheading the project is 8 Qi Nian’s new mei cai kou rou, a dish credited to famous Song Dynasty poet and doctor Su Shi. It’s essentially a slow-cooked pork with stuffed bean curd, underneath a very, very secret sauce – said to carry strengthening, TCM-like properties. But there’s more to the menu than its star dish. The summer menu also features two prominent beef dishes. The first is a Barbecue-Roasted Australian Black Angus Rib - more conventional, sure, but don’t take that to mean it lacks sophistication. The cut is marinated in a ‘secret blend’ (why so clandestine? We may never know) of herbs and spices, then steamed to release the beautiful marbled beef. Then, slowroasted. The resulting steak carries tremendous depth of flavor. The latter is 8 Qi Nian’s new Roasted Wagyu Beef Rib in black-pepper sauce. No ‘secret sauces’ here, and the origin of the cut is also publicly disclosed: Japan. Ah, we can never get enough Wagyu. 8 Qi Nian, New World Beijing Hotel (see Listings for details)
NEU ’17 / Festival
Sister Act Musical
SEE
Movie Nights Film We’re calling it: Camera Stylo hosts the best film evenings in town. Not just once a week, but every damn night (with the occasional stand-up comedy show thrown in instead). From art house and horror to Oscar-bait and animation, the cozy film house-slashbar-and-restaurant shows it all. Recent screenings include the South Korean sci-fi flick Okja and Chinese coming-ofage story And the Spring Comes. Daily, 8pm; free entry; CameraStylo, 64 Dongsi Shi Yitiao, Dongcheng 东 城区东四十一条64号 (188 1171 5156)
Rembrandt and His Time Exhibition
With support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, The Leiden Collection presents the largest collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings ever to visit China with its exhibition at The National Museum of China. It includes 11 paintings by Rembrandt as well as Vermeer’s ‘Young Woman Seated at a Virginal.’ Through Sun Sep 3, Tue-Sun, 9am5pm; RMB50; National Museum of China, 16 Dong Chang’An Jie, Dongcheng 东城区东长安街16号 (6511 6400)
NEU ’17 is billed as China’s “first international future festival.” The inaugural NEU was held in Berlin in 2016 and featuring over 5,000 attendees, was a rad tech and music conference highlighting artists from China and Berlin. Expect the same at NEU ’17. But what exactly is a ‘future’ festival? According to its organizers, the festival will see experts from different industries, such as tech, science, music, the visual arts, film and media, explore questions about a host of topical issues (like global warming, investments, changes in energy and culture, AI and VR). The festival will be held across venues including Chao Hotel, 798 Art District and Fashion Technology Institute, and 30 speakers, performers and hosts from eight different countries are expected to grace the stages. International live music and DJ sets complete the weekend’s activities. The line-up of speakers includes media mogul Hung Huang (see our exclusive That’s interview on p.17), co-founder of Mobike Hu Weiwei, Alesca Life’s Stu Oda, ex-VICE Creative Director Santiago Shelley and AP correspondent Gerry Shih. Musical guests include Nova Heart, SHAO and Duck Fight Goose. Sat Aug 26-Sun Aug 27; tickets TBD; various venues (for more up-to-date info visit www.neutechina.com)
You may have seen the posters around town or even seen the film that it’s based on (Whoopi Goldberg FTW) – and now you can see it on stage. Yes, Sister Act has arrived and it’s “ridiculously fun,” says the New York Post. Hot off Broadway, the show is a musical comedy about a wannabe diva that, after witnessing a crime, is placed in a convent by the police. Fun times ensue. Fri Aug 18-Sun Sep 3, 7.30pm (Sat-Sun 2.30pm); RMB180-1280; Century Theater, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路40号 (tickets via sales@theatrebeijing.com)
Uncle Vanya Theater
Part of the 2017 NCPA International Theatre Festival (Aug 24-27), Uncle Vanya is a theater production directed by famous Chinese contemporary director Li Liuyi. The stage director and screenwriter of Beijing People's Art Theatre, Li is known for his particular style of ‘method’ (described as “pure drama”). Wed Aug 23-Sun Aug 27; RMB100580; Drama Theatre of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长 安街2号 (tickets via sales@theatrebeijing.com)
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CITY SCENES
In an effort to boost their international image, members of the NYPD go to great lengths to prove they're just like us, by wearing their baseball caps backwards and drinking Jing-A beer.
Group tries really hard not to poke their tongues out while viewing the Andy Warhol exhibition at Riverside Art Museum.
Parents and children wisely take group photo before their mid-July outdoor yoga session begins, with YIHE 42 Yoga.
Man pauses his tasting as he remembers a haunting passage from Sartre about the meaninglessness of our existence, at Park Hyatt Beijing.
Ariel of The Little Mermaid leaves Prince Charming and and begins a successful career as a singer at Centro.
66 | JUNE 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
TOP STORIES BEIJING • Beijing Police on Manhunt Fol-
lowing Stabbing Spree and Fatal Hit and Run
INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHT
THE MONTH
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ON
The man stabbed five people with scissors and plowed through nine with his van.
• Beijing Subway Cards Can Now be Recharged via Alipay and WeChat Pay Now your phone can cover public transportation (along with everything else).
• These Translations of Beijing's
Subway Stops are Fascinating (and Kinda Bizarre)
Our favorites include “Puddle of Accumulated Water” and “Smooth Justice District.”
• Bear Tries to Climb into Car
Window at Beijing Wildlife Park How is this still happening?
COMMENTS OF THE MONTH
“Did it even really go down [eyeroll emoji]” - user Blessed on ‘WhatsApp is Back to Normal in China’
• PHOTOS: Cristiano Ronaldo
NATIONAL • Bed-Sharing Is Now a Thing in
Beijing and Shanghai
...and then it wasn't, when it got shut down one week later due to 'safety concerns.'
• Student Tricks Google Maps into
Naming a Street After Him
WATCH: Workers Put Their Lives at Risk to Repair the Great Wall Repair workers rely on a single rope tied
Visits Shanghai and Beijing
The football superstar got the temperatures rising in China.
VIDEO OF THE MONTH
around their waist as they hang off the wall.
“Looks as if he's walking through the entrance to a Gongti nightclub” - user Steve on ‘PHOTOS: Cristiano Ronaldo Visits Shanghai and Beijing’
Chinese students truly are the best in the world.
• Are Rumors of a VPN Ban Real? The government may take censorship to the next level.
• WhatsApp is Back to Normal in China The brief WhatsApp ban scare is thankfully over.
• High-Speed Trains Now Have
Food Delivery: Here’s How to Order Food delivery services on trains prove they are truly ubiquitous in China.
“Okay, goodbye [to] the world.” - user Wang on ‘China Denies It’s Blocking VPNs by February 2018’
Sc an the QR c ode to v isit that s ma g s.com
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JUNE 2017 | 67
EVENTS
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Happy hours Meal deals Brunch
Food and Drink
Ladies' nights
Georgian Wine by Satavado Satavado is a Georgian Wine importer, and if there was ever any doubt as to their passions, just take it from them: Their website expounds in detail upon the relationship between winemaking and Georgia, opening with the sensational line: ‘A great wine is the most sincere expression of the land and people that give it life.’ Big words, Satavado. After just one sip of their quality wines, you’ll understand. This is authentic wine – straight from the fascinating, wine-loving nation of Georgia. Satavado’s wine repertoire consists mostly of dry reds, with a few sweeter and semidry reds, but also, of course, whites included. Several of their supply are vintage reds, wine varieties that have remained untouched for millennia. Satavado traces its own history back to the epoch of Georgian Queen Tamar (of the early 13th century), when the so-called Hall, or parliament of the Lords of that time, would strengthen their own decisions before ratifications of royal orders with a glass of wine made specially for royals – thus, it was said, the toast of wine was as strong as the law. This influenced everyday Georgian life down to the dinner table. Savatado’s name is derived from a form of ancient Georgian winemaking called Gravitational principle of Winemaking, a product of the Renaissance. So why not sip a little history alongside your dinner? See www.satavado.com for more info
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. 68 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
> 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)
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 杯胡同7号 (6401 7797) 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)
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) Tiago 5.30-8.30pm, RMB100 for free flow on selected alcoholic beverages. > Shop L173, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港 购物中心L173商铺 6438 8772
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) 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) 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) 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) Tiago Buy one, get from free refill during happy hour, 4-8pm. > Shop L173, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港 购物中心L173商铺 6438 8772
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 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) 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) 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)
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) 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 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) Tiago Weekend brunch from noon-4pm. > Shop L173, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港 购物中心L173商铺 6438 8772
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 69
LISTINGS OPEN DOOR
Expensive...................................¥ Expense Account ....................¥¥ Highly Recommended ..............* Top Ten ....................................**
RESTAURANTS 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)
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. > 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
Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 (Chinese, Peking Duck) Resembling something between a nightclub and a theater, the Opposite House’s basement restaurant proves to be more than just style over substance with their range of expertly prepared classic dishes.
> Daily 12-10:30pm, B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号 楼瑜舍酒B1楼 (6410 5230)
Peking Duck 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)
Honglu 红炉
AWFULLY CHOCOLATE Nothing Awful About It Awfully Chocolate makes almost anything to do with chocolate, but there is a clear premium put on chocolate cake. The bakery sells large cakes, alongside a solid roster of smaller, more personal dessert cakes. We take a trip to the branch underneath Raffles – for science, of course – and yeah, the chocolate cakes are delicious. What separates these coco bites from their admittedly dense pack of competitors is a sort of richness you simply won’t find anywhere else in Beijing. The circular praline cake has a layer of slick, almost mousse-like glaze with deep flavor. The rectangular ‘snack’ cake features five distinct types of chocolate, each with its own texture. We also chow down on a butterscotch brownie, which is so unbelievably rich that we almost can’t finish it (but then, of course, we do). Come hungry – these are serious cakes. Even the comparatively light-weight praline tart is much, much more weighty than your typical mousse, and that’s before you factor in the viscous dark chocolate frosting and actual chocolate cake underneath. Value for money much? Forget your diet for a day – you’re worth it. >Awfully Chocolate (see Listings for details) 70 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
>Daily 11am-9.30pm, 5/F Beijing Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门 南大街1号北京来福士购物中心05层01号(8409 8199 / 84094310); Daily 11am-10pm, 6 Sanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang朝阳区三里屯南6号楼南侧60米(6595 9872 / 6593 8970)
Country Kitchen The name ‘Country Kitchen’ may sound like a diner, but a diner this is not. Rosewood Beijing’s resplendent Northern Chinese restaurant serves elegant Hebei fare unlike you’ve ever had. 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)
Xihe Village Restaurant and Bar > 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 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
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 hot climate. While the latter isn’t able to be replicated, 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 highend 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
LISTINGS Xiaojingchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大 街小经厂胡同67号 (8404 1430)
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 8 Restaurant 中8楼 *
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.
OPEN DOOR
> 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)
Xinjiang Red Rose (Xinjiang) * One of Beijing’s most famous Xinjiang restaurant, Red Rose serves some of the tenderest lamb skewers around, matched by enormous servings of classics like dapanji (a chicken, potato and pepper stew), latiaozi (noodles with a spicy tomato sauce) and nang (baked flatbrea). > Daily 10.30am-11pm; Inside 7 Xingfuyicun, opposite Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区 工人体育场北门对面幸福一村7巷内 (6415 5741)
An oasis at the top of Taikoo Li, Middle 8 is the go-to destination for fresh authentic Yunnan cuisine. The restaurant, stylish yet understated, has plenty of flavorsome wellpriced dishes and a killer view to boot.
> Sanlitun: Daily 11am-10pm, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South South Area F4, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古 里南区4层(6415 8858); Indigo: Daily 11am-10pm, Jiuxianqiao Road No.20 Indigo F2 , Chaoyang 朝阳区 酒仙桥路20号颐堤港2层(8420 0883); Zhongguancun: Daily 11am-10pm, Zhongguancun Plaza Pedestrian Street, No.R17, Haidian海淀区中关村广场步行街R17 号(5172 1728); Fenglan: Daily 11am-10pm, Xizhimen North Street No.32 Maples International Center Blok B, 1 Floor, Haidian海淀区西直门大街32号枫蓝国际中 心B座1层(6223 5583)
Youyun
> Daily, 10am-11pm, 63 Babaokeng Hutong, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng 东城区北新桥八宝坑胡同63 号 6407 2050 / 185 1092 0709
Yun’er Small Town 云洱小镇 Folksy and affordable Yunnanese fare on Beiluoguxiang. Fragrant dishes including the jasmine bulbs with scrambled eggs, lemongrass shrimp and banana leaf wrapped bolete mushrooms will keep us crawling back. > Daily 10am-11pm, 84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷84号 (8404 2407)
Dumplings Baoyuan Jiaoziwu 宝源饺子屋 Famous for their rainbow of dyed dumplings, Baoyuan have their jiaozi (six, under RMB10) wrapped in a larger yuanbao silver-ingot shape, with creative vegetarian options and authentic Sichuan food. > Daily 11am-10pm; north of 6 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967)
Mr Shi’s Dumplings 老石饺子馆 Since recieving a Lonely Planet recommendation the prices have risen and the walls are covered in backpackers’ scribbles, but the fantastic dumplings – boiled and fried – are still fantastic. > 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同74号 (8405 0399, 131 6100 3826)
Regional Crescent Moon (Xinjiang) * Roast mutton enthusiasts go over the moon at this reputable Xinjiang Muslim restaurant. Eastern European and Central Asian influences are evident throughout, with peppery and cumin-spiced dishes livening up traditional Chinese favorites. > Daily 10am-11:30pm; 16 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东四六条16号 (6400 5281)
Jia Chinese Restaurant禾家中餐厅 (Cantonese) Featuring modern Ming elements with inspired paintings from Xu Wei, a painter, calligrapher and food and wine connoisseur, the quintessentially authentic house of agriculture produces, Jia Chinese restaurant serves exquisite traditional Cantonese specialties in their purest form with chefs hailing from Hong Kong. Using the freshest ingredients from NUO’s very own green farms, NUO Hotel Beijing provides an alternative green gourmet option in town. >Mon-Fri: 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; Sat-Sun: 11am2.30pm, 5.30-10pm; 1/F, NUO Hotel Beijing, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路甲2号北京诺金酒 店一层（5926 8281）
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)
Maison 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 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) ¥¥ ** 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)
Grange Grill ** Located in the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Grange Grill serves up some of the city’s best steak, seafood and grill offerings. The
THE ENGLISH TEAROOM Just Our Cup of Tea As its red telephone box, Cath Kidston-print tablecloths and English-style teapots can attest: The English Tearoom is as close to Britain as you’ll get in Beijing. Cozy and family-friendly with pastel hues and soft music, this restaurant is the ideal destination for Shunyi families on a Sunday morning. A Children’s Tearoom next to the Main Tearoom provides a play area for tots while adults are free to chat away with friends and family, over a pot of tea. At the English Teahouse, the day starts with a generous, hearty English breakfast. Then a light(er) lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads and specials like sausage rolls or fish and chips. Of course, there is afternoon tea – pick your favorite flavor – alongside fresh-baked British cakes, scones and biscuits. No need to worry about how kid-safe the food is, because this restaurant prides itself in producing hearty English comfort food from organic, local and freerange produce whenever possible. >Daily 7am-9.30pm; 101-10, North Complex, Shine Hills, Yard 9, Antai Dajie, Shunyi 顺义安泰大街9号院中粮祥云小镇北区10号楼101号(8047 9661) WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 71
LISTINGS
OPEN DOOR
restaurant’s welcoming decor provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of 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)
Contemporary Western 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)
Lin’s Dinning
> Daily 11am-10pm, 2/F, New Grand Dynasty Hotel, 58 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街58号新大 宗饭店二层(6500 6766)
C Pearl (Oysters, Seafood) ¥ * This slick oyster restaurant imports fresh shells from Canada, South Africa, France, USA and more – and they are well worth the price. The fries are the best we’ve had in Beijing, beer and wine selection also excellent. > Tue-Sun 5.30pm-2am; 14-2, Bldg 14, Shunyuanli, Xinyuan Jie, Yansha Qiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥新 源街顺源里14号楼14-2号 (5724 5886)
Feast (Food by East) Bustling café with a philosophy of ‘Simple things, done well’. International favorites, using freshest ingredients , cooked on the spot.
>Daily 6am-10.30pm, 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒 店2层 8414 9820
Alfie’s ¥ (British) What’s all this about, then? British gastropub classics, (like pukker fish and chips, RMB188), a swanky gentleman’s club interior, and located in a chic modern art gallery-cum-mall. That’s what, mate. > Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm, brunch served on weekends; Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号芳草地L1-22 (5662 8777)
Bistrot B Rosewood Beijing’s exquisite French restaurant is the sort of place chefs like to eat. Expect lavish luxury.
THE MISSION They’re, Well... On a Mission Playing to Beijing’s love of wrapped food, The Mission is a crowd pleaser, and stands out even among the eight-floor tower of restaurants that is China World Mall. But the Mexican cuisine is not the only factor in its success. The Mission is on a mission to serve fresh, casual Mexican food and show that food served fast doesn’t have to be “fast-food.” Though a restaurant with convenience heavily in mind, The Mission does not sacrifice experience or quality of food for timeliness. Located on the fourth floor in the Guomao’s fashionable new complex, The Mission offers healthy lunches to those working in downtown Beijing in a space of modern, simplistic furnishings. Whether you’re in a rush and looking for a quick meal, or if you’re laid back and looking for something to eat with your hands, The Mission is an ideal destination. With a simple, customizable menu of burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and salads, ordering at The Mission is a simple, streamlined process where each individual customer’s need is the focus. Fresh food is restocked everyday, so fear neither limp lettuce nor soft chips. Mission accomplished. >Daily, 10am-10pm; NL402 North Building, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区4楼NL402 72 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
> 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 (6536 0066)
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)
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.
> 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)
JF Royal Teahouse
>Daily 10am-9:30pm;B215 China World Trade Center Tower 3, Jintong East Road,Chaoyang Beijing 北京市朝阳区国贸商城区域3 地下二层B215(8535 1625)
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)
Mosto (European, South American) ¥ * A perpetually busy lunch and evening spot, thanks to chef Daniel Urdaneta’s skill for modernising South American-style dishes like ceviche and risotto in his open kitchen. > Sun-Thu noon-2.30pm, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat noon2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6030)
Sizzler Sizzler invented ‘casual dining’ in Australia when it introduced the first soup, salad, pasta and fresh fruit concept. Since those pioneering days, it has expanded its ‘classic grill’ to include, not only steak and seafood, but also delicious chicken dishes, BBQ ribs, combination meals and burgers. ‘Variety’ and ‘freedom to choose’ set Sizzler apart from other dining experiences. At Sizzler customers are free to control the volume, nutritional balance and variety of each meal by ordering from the grill and helping themselves to our famous soup, salad, pasta and fruits. >All stores open daily, 10am-10pm ;Wangfujing Oriental Plaza Store 王府井东方广场店 (8518 6315); Chongwenmen Glory Mall Store 崇文门国瑞购物中 心店 (6714 0399); Wangjing Capital Mall 望京凯德购 物中心店 (6471 3876); Wanliu BHG 万柳华联商场店 (8258 9405) Wan Shoulu Crystal Capital Mall 万寿路 凯德晶品店 (6826 086); Xizhimen Capital Mall 西直 门凯德购物中心店Mall (5830 2199); Sanlitun Shimao Gongsan 三里屯世茂工三店 (8400 4014); Changying Paradise Walk 常营龙湖天街店 (8539 0438); Tianjin Joy City 天津大悦城店 (8728 1620)
The English Tearoom英国茶房
>Daily 10am-9.30pm; 101, Bldg 10, North area of Xiangyun Town, 9 Antai Dajie, Shunyi 顺义区安泰 大街9号院中粮祥云小镇北区10号楼101(8047 9661 / 8047 9661); Daliy 10am-7pm Creativity Garden,1 Shunhuang Lu，Sunhe xiang,Chaoyang 朝阳区孙河 乡顺黄路甲1号创意园内(8459 4407)
Tomacado Tomacado is indeed a mash-up of ‘tomato’ and ‘avocado’ – and while you’ll certainly find these ingredients on the menu, you can also expect pleasant drinks, light soups and heartier main courses from this charming cafe. Fowers are also available for sale.
> Daily 10am-10pm (Lunch start from 11am, Only afternoon tea served on Mon-Fri 2.30-5pm), No. 19/20, B1/F, Jia Ming Center, 27 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路27号嘉铭中心地下一层 19/20号(6500 3354)
VIC Not to be confused with the notorious nightclub of the same name, this VIC is the Sofitel Beijing’s casual dining restaurant. All the major world cuisines are in attendance here – make sure 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)
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.
> Wed-Mon, 11:30am-2:45pm, 6-10pm, 9 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区箭厂胡同9号 (6407 6308)
Café/Deli/Sandwich 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)
Domain 域 A blend of café, business center and lounge, it has a gentle buzz all of its own. For privacy, Domain also provides workstations equipped with computers and ipads.
LISTINGS >Daily 7am-8pm, 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒店2层 (8414 9830)
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; 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); Jianguomenwai Media Center Store: No.13 Bldg, Jianguomenwai DRC, 1 Xiushui Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水街1号建国门外外交公寓13 号楼1层东北角 8532 2633 ；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); FFCStore:-107,B1/F,Fortune Financial Center,5 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu,Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环中路5号楼财富金融中心1层107 (6596 9108); China Central Mall Store:L315,China Central Mall,Chaoyang District朝阳区华贸中心写字楼三层 L315单元 (8588 7978)www.cafeflatwhite.com, cafeflatwhite@hotmail.com, WeChat username: CafeFlatwhite
Awfully Chocolate
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)
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.
完美巧克力蛋糕的首选新加坡品牌，Born
in Singapore, made by hand, using the finest ingredients.
>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)
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)
Maan Coffee漫咖啡文化体验馆
>Daily 9am-20:00pm;The south gate of Jiangfu Park,Half tower road,Chaoyang 朝阳区半截塔路将府 公园南门西侧(5949 8336)
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)
OPEN DOOR
> 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 cocktails also make NOLA a popular watering hole.
DU HSIAO YUEH Cool for the Summer At this point you’re over it: The searing hot afternoons and the nights that offer no cool respite. In August, summer needs a novelty kick to be fun again. It would seem Du Hsiao Yueh understands this, given the timing of their new seasonal menu. Their delightful summer dishes have been revealed to us just as we’ve begun to wish for the sedative winds of autumn. So, what’s in this new summer menu? Fresh vegetables are brought in from Taipei – try the delectable Cherry Radish with Stir-Fried Mustard for a taste. Also new is the Salty-Crisp Shrimp and the Spicy-Sour Octopus, both high in protein and low in fat – perfect for your summer health goals. All this comes without compromising the restaurant’s already robust spread of seafood and tasty Taiwan-style noodles. Best of all: Du Hsiao Yueh wants you to ‘feel the breeze from the sea’ with the help of a selection of Taiwan beers brought in for the Summer. Cool down. > Daily, 10am-10pm; B2/F, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 东大桥路9号 侨福芳草地 地下2层,近芳草地西巷 (8563 1105)
> Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水南街11号 (8563 6215)
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)
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)
Mexican/Tex Mex 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. >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)
YOUYUN All For Yunnan A Yunnanese restaurant tucked away in a hutong, Youyun offers traditional style with contemporary class, featuring both blue-porcelain decorations and minimalist plating, and both old-style wooden windows and abstract artwork. Rooftop patios and courtyard dining rooms are also available in this refreshingly quiet neighborhood of Beijing. But dinner is only part of the experience at Youyun. With their gorgeous space on hand, the team at Youyun is adept at hosting any event you have planned. Party? Check. Meeting? Check. Baby shower? Check. They’re even available to host weddings. We can hardly imagine a more Beijing way to say your vows than in a hutong. Whatever you have planned, Youyun can make it happened, whether your plans are for a quiet dinner or a high-profile event. A hidden gem in the labyrinthine hutongs of Beijing, Youyun is a underrated restaurant that has been kept secret for too long. > Daily 10am-10pm; 63 Babaokeng Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区北新桥八宝坑胡 同63号
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LISTINGS Q Mex Bar & Grill
> Sanlitun Courtyard (across from Salsa Caribe, nearby Bookworm), Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 机电研究院餐饮街内 6585 3828
Burgers Blue Frog Blue Frog is pleased to introduce a creative new Drinks Menu. As the new year begins, this new menu will wake up everyone’s taste buds with a bevy of specialty and original cocktails, mocktails, shots, beer, wine and healthy drinks inspired by popular ingredients.
> All open Daily 10am-late; S2-30, Level 3, S2 Tower, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三 里屯太古里南区三楼S2-30 (6417 4030) ; No.167, 1/F, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号1层167号 (8426 0017) ; No.125, 1/F, Bldg 1, Sanfeng(North), Chaoyang 朝阳区三丰北里1号楼1层 125号 (8561 2665) ; Unit 15-16, 1/F, Bldg AB, Ocean International Center, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座一层15 16单 元 (8590 3168)
Steak 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) > 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)
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 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)
Italian Annie’s ¥ * Now a certified Beijing institution, Annie’s serves up the city’s most reliable Italian fare. Delivery is free anywhere between Line 5 and the the Fifth Ring Road (call for delivery prices outside this area), and can be ordered in English between 10.30am and 10.30pm from www.annies.com.cn. Alternatively, drop in to your local branch.
> All open Daily,10.30am-11pm; Beijing Riviera: opposite west gate of Lane Bridge Villa, Shunyi 朝 阳区来广营东路5号长岛澜桥别墅西门对面尚古城一 楼 (8470 4768); Lido: Jiangtai Lu, opposite United Family Hospital 朝阳区将台商业街4号楼2楼和睦家 医院对面 (6436 3735); Wangjing: 2F, beside the Daimler Tower, LSH Plaza, 8 Wangjing Jie 朝阳区利星 行广场A座戴勒姆大厦裙楼2层近望京商业中心 (8476 0398); Chaoyang Park: West Gate of Chaoyang Park 朝阳区朝阳公园老西门南侧 (6591 1931); Sanlitun: China View Building, opposite East Gate of Workers’Stadium 朝阳区工体东门对面中国红街一楼 (8587 1469); Ritan Park: Ritan High Life, 3F, north of Ritan Park 朝阳区神路街39号日坛上街3-108号 (8569 3031); The Place: East of the Place, south of Central Park 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座1 层 (8590 6428); Guomao: Ruisai Business Building (southest of Guomao subway) 朝阳区东三环南路2 号瑞赛大厦商务楼1层 (6568 5890); Sunshine 100: 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)
Assaggi ¥ * This fine Italian spot in the leafy embassy district has one of Beijing’s best terraces for summer dining. The tagliata steak is worth a return visit.
> Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号 (8454 4508)
Bene ¥ * Chef Ricci will have you singing like a soprano with his pork ravioli and prize-winning tiramisu. Excellent set menus (RMB588) and extensive wine selection. > 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)
BOCCA DELLA VERITA¥ Good-value homestyle Italian is the order of the day at this little-known spot in Beixinqiao. 74 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
> Dinner: 5-10pm; Lunch: 10am-3pm; 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)
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)
Florentina 翡冷翠意大利餐厅 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)
Mercante ¥ * Old World family charm in an intimate hutong setting. Time (and, occasionally, service) slows with a rustic menu from Bologna offering an assortment of homemade pastas and seasonal mains. > Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方砖厂胡同4号 (8402 5098)
Tiago Home Kitchen Even the most exacting palettes are delighted by TIAGO, whose team prepares globally sourced ingredients and sustainably grown produce. TIAGO’s dining experience is distinctly Italian, but its menu also offers such classics as Australian steaks and Boston lobster - plus a wide selection of salads, pizza, pasta and desserts. >Indigo: Daily 11.30am-10pm, Shop L173, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号颐堤港购物中心L173商铺(6438 8772); Chaoyang Joy City: Daily 11am-10pm, 5F50/6F, Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳北路 101号朝阳大悦城5F50/6F(8558 3892)
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)
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)
German Beer Purity Law – the brews here are some of the finest in Beijing. Prost!
> Room 3, Building 3, No 12 ,Xindonglu Chaoyang 朝阳区 新东路12号院3号楼3门(5323 3399)
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)
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)
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)
Casa Talia by Tiago
>Daily 11.30am-9pm, 01B, 4/F, Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街1 号来福士购物中心4层01B 8409 4009
Niajo ¥ * With homely Mediterranean influences and a charming management, Niajo is prime Sanlitun smart-casual dining. Order the paella (their star dish) together with some tapas and be automatically transported to Spain (minus the constant sunshine). > Daily noon-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6052)
Migas ¥ * The boys at Migas have turned a concept bar into a thriving Mediterranean restaurant, bar and party venue, and one of summer’s rooftop destinations.
> Daily 10am-3pm, 5pm- late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 6层 (5208 6061)
Asian Indian Raj Tucked away in musty old building just underneath the drum tower, this curryhouse may look Chinese but everything on the menu is authentic Indian, espcially the rather fine naan. > Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, 31 Gulou Xidajie Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼西大街31号 (6401 1675)
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. > 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.
Indian Kitchen
> 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)
Japanese HAGAKI 叶书 * Serves up a selection of signature maki rolls, as well as classics like tonkatsu, tempura and udon, Hagaki specializes in Californian-inspired Japanese cuisine and has a lively sushi bar.
>Daily 11am-2.30pm, 1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒 店1层 8414 9815
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
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)
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)
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)
Korean
German
Ai Jiang Shan This upscale seafood restaurant proves that chargrill and composure can go together. Their RMB58 bibimbap lunch is an absolute bargain.
Drei Kronen 1308 * Authentic (truly – when they say 1308 they mean it) displays of armour and brewing kits draw regular evening crowds for the superb pork knuckle and heavy-duty helles (pale lager), wheat and dark beer (brewed on-site).
> Daily 11am-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)
> 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)
Hacker-Pschorr Brauhaus If you’re looking for authentic German fare and, most importantly, German-style beer, then you can’t go wrong with HackerPschorr Brauhaus. Made from centuries-old recipes – and in accordance with the 1516
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.
South-East Asian The go to curry house among Beijing’s homesick Indian community, this ever popular no-nonsense restaurant has built
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
LISTINGS zesty, fresh rolls, as well as a great bar, with frequent live indie performances. > Tue-Sun 11am-2am, 27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng 西城区大石碑胡 同27号烟袋斜街西口附近) (6401 7797)
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)
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)
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)
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)(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)
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)
Singapore Seafood
> China World Shopping Mall Branch: Daily 11am10pm, NL4010, North Area of China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国 门外大街1号国贸商城北区NL4010 (8595 0251/8595 0361); Parview Green Branch: Daily 11am-10.30pm, 1/F, Tower C, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地购物中心C 座1层(东大桥地铁站) ( 8518 8811)
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)
Vegetarian Lotus 莲花空间
> China World Shopping Mall Branch: NL4006, North Area of China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商 城北区NL4006 (8527 4868); Financial Street Branch: Daily 11am-9pm, L220, 2/F, Seasons Place Mall, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊街2号金融街 购物中心2层东侧L220 (6622 0515)
Tianchu Maoxiang (Asian) Like many arrivals to Beijing, this place
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)
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)
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.
40) 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
> Daily, 4pm-late, Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳 区三里屯北小街 (6413 0587, first.floorbeijing.com)
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.
Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒 ¥ * The bar that began the whole Beijing microbrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes in idiosyncratic, local-style brews (RMB25-
The Brick A Cheers-style atmosphere ensures you’ll
> Daily, 12pm-late, west of Yashow, Gongti Bei Lu, 朝 阳区工体北路雅秀市场西侧 (6415 8776)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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LISTINGS > Tue-Sun 1pm-2am; 14 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号 (6407 8969)
> 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)
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.
MIX A bit like a trip to the Forbidden City, Mix is one of those places in Beijing you have to experience before you leave. Not much is forbidden in this underground hip-hop disco palace and if you don’t leave with hook-up in tow then you’re doing something very wrong.
> Daily 10am-late, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng 东城区方家胡同46号 (6400 7868)
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 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.
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> 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)
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)
Vics Separated at birth from its identical twin brother, Mix, this is the definition of Gongti sweatbox meat-market chic at its very finest. The Chinese love it – as do moody Russians and jailbait students – helping Vics to become one of the most infamous clubs in the capital.
> Daily 8.30pm late, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (5293 0333)
Hotel Bars Atmosphere ¥¥ Beijing’s highest bar, on the 80th floor of the 1,082-ft China World Tower, offers 300+ swanky cocktails from RMB65 with 360-degree views of the 700AQI PM2.5. > Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat and Sun noon-4am. 80/F, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号北京国贸大酒店80 (6505 2299 ext. 6433)
Centro ¥ Although it’s no longer quite the go-to place for beautiful people it once was, Centro still draws a cute crowd with its nightly jazz performaces, spacious and recently renovated lounge areas and classic drinks like the blue-cheese martini. > Open 24 hours. 1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里大饭店1层 (6561 8833)
MEI One of the livelier hotel bars in town, MEI has a nightly band, serves creatively delicious cocktails and overlooks the CCTV ‘trousers.’ Don’t leave without trying the frightfully delicious Panjiayuan Bramble. Mon-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 5pmmidnight; 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中 心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)
O’Bar With both a fantastic cocktail menu and one of the finest terraces in the city, NUO Hotel’s O’Bar is a sure bet for classy evening drinks in the city.
offers classes designed to tone and whip you into shape fast. It also provides a personalized experience for all its students, regardless of fitness, strength and flexibility levels. > Daily, 7.30, late. 5/F at Heavenly Spa by Westin, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀 酒店五层 ( 139 1029 0260, www.alonapilates.com)
One of a kind! A 600 m2 brand-new concept of beauty salon——Narcisse, encompassed with professional brands on skincare, manicure and hair removal. Not only can we guarantee to give you the highest quality of products and treatments, but also an impressive one-stop beauty experience. Brands inside Narcisse： Youngfo: Facial Cleansing Center Clean Out What’s Deeply Buried In Your Skin 10+10: Minimal-Design Nail Chic Workaholic’s Luv! Edelweiss: Laser Hair Removal Latest Technology, Safe&Permanent Deep Facial Cleaning- 880rmb/once
> 10.30am-10.30pm, Bldg. 1,No.6 West Fangyuan rd, Chaoyang (inside Narcisse Beauty Brands Encompassed)朝阳区芳园西路6号院1号楼水仙美容品 牌集合店内(5365 9418)
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)
Beijing Hikers Want to experience the wild, unrestored Great Wall, away from the tourist masses? Or do you just want to get out of the city for some exercise? Beijing Hikers offers hikes in the countryside of Beijing every week all year round. Hikes for all fitness levels! Regular hikes are priced from RMB380, with discounts for members. Cost includes hiking guide, transportation, tickets, food and water. We’ve also got adventures all over China. > For more information, visit www.beijinghikers.com
Shang Xia
>L118 & 119, L1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center 1, Jianguomen Waidajie, 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 (6505 3446)
Lily Nails
>Daily 5pm-2am, 1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒店1层 (8414 9810)
> 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)
Alona Pilates Studio Pairing up traditional Pilates with an innovative, full-body workout, Alona Pilates
As China’s first REAL French hair salon we promise each and every one of our customers that we’ll treat your hair like it’s our own. We use only the finest imported products to guarantee that your experience with us is as relaxing and professional as possible. Come in and meet our specialist stylist and visit our facilities. Your hair deserves a true touch of French sophistication. Man cut 115RMB up; Women cut 165RMB up; Color 500RMB up; Highlight 610RMB up. > SanLiTun salon: No.43 Building, SanLiTun Beijie South, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北街南43号楼 (6409 4243, 1350 137 2971); GuoMao Salon: 209, 2/F, Phase 3 China World Shopping Mall, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北 区3L209(8535 1002, 1314 667 9913)Catherine de France
Catherine de France Awarded best expat salon in 2014/ 2015, with a trained team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians, this salon welcomes all ages and budgets in a modern and relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, include manicure, pedicure and waxing. Wella, SP, INOA, TIGI Language: French, English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian.
> East Avenue BLD Ground Floor, No.10 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路10号逸盛阁首层(8442 5120, 135 2147 3492, eastavenue@catherinedefrance.com, Wechat: CDFSalon, www.catherinedefrance.com)
Xian 仙 Bold multi – element bar Xian on the ground floor mixes a pub, whiskey bar, live music venue and games room into one vibrant entertainment hotspot.
Black Golden Tanning Studio 古铜日晒中心 Beijing is hardly the best place to pick up a natural tan. When it finally reaches the warm summer, the sun’s rays struggle to penetrate the smog. Thankfully, Black Golden Tanning Studio is on hand to give you that golden glow with its quick, safe and effective technology. With a membership card, enjoy a 50-minute session for RMB400 and come away with natural, healthy-looking color.
HAIR SALONS Laurent Falcon
Narcisse Beauty Brands Encompassed
>Sun-Thr:6pm-1am;Fri-Sat:6pm-2am;2 Jiangtai Lu,Chaoyang朝阳区将台路甲2号(5926 8888)
BEAUTY & FITNESS
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)
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 10am-10pm, 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 B111H, 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) ;
Blow+Bar This salon is equipped with more than shampoo – the team here provides haircuts, dye, updos, hair treatments and more. With prices for almost everything listed under RMB1,000, Blow+ is a haven of reasonably priced good taste in Sanlitun’s 3.3 Mall. They have champagne and a wellstocked bar, so bring your friends and make a night of it. >3/F 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang朝 阳区三里屯路33号3.3服3/F (for appointments, call 5136 5432)
Sport 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)
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
LISTINGS of their more popular tours take cyclists through the Olympic Green, Tian’anmen Square, and Beijing’s traditional hutongs.
>12 Jingshan East Street, Dongcheng 东城区景山东街 12号 (6402 5653 ,139 1188 6524)
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 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)
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)
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)
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 medical 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.
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)
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)
> 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)
Vista Medical Center 维世达诊所
Beijing HarMoniCare Women and Children’s Hospital 北京和美妇儿医院
Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic
> 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)
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)
PrettySmile Dental If you are looking for professional and comfortable dental care, PrettySmile Dental ishighly recommended by many patients. The clinic is standing out because of the professional team, all doctors are from the dental hospital of Peking University and most of them got professional training in USA. The strictest sterilization processes and high-end imported equipment and materials all help guarantee the highest quality of all dental services.
> 24hours. Wi-Fi internet. 3/F Kerry Center. 1 Guanghua Lu 光华路1号嘉里中心商场3层 (8529 6618, vista@vista-china.net, www.vista-china.net)
> Shunyi, K-01, Building No.19, Harmony Business Centre, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Town 天竺镇丽苑街荣 和商业中心19号楼K-01 (6456 2599; harmonypeds@ ncich.com.cn, www.ncich.com.cn)
Beijing Passion International Medical Center This full-service international clinic provides 24-hr general medical care and a patient-centered attitude. Beijing Passion International Medical Center is equipped with the latest in medical technology and is designed to support the comfort, safety and privacy of patients.
> 24hours, B1/F, Borui Building, 26 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路26号博瑞大厦B1层 (6517 7667, www.passion-medical.com)
Parkway Health Clinic
> Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm; CBD, 1-2/F, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street 朝阳门外大街甲六号万通中心AB 座一二层 (4000 662 -882, 24hrs; enquiry@parkwayhealth.cn; www.parkwayhealth.cn); No.101-201, Beijing link, block2, No.6 Yuan, Jing Shun Dong Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区京顺东街6号院2号楼北京 Link101-201室
IDC Dental
>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)
EDUCATION Mandarin Schools Gloria Chinese School Focusing on teaching Chinese, making sure your improvements, organizing taskbased. practical activities and providing 180-day student visa.
>R202 East Building, No.78 Maizidian Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街78号一幢二层202室(6500 8201. WeChat:1381 186 4656,www.gloriachinese.com)
The Frontiers School
>Mon-Fri, 9.30am-6pm (closed Thu); 5-105-1, Building 5, Sanlitun SOHO Chaoyang 朝阳区三里 屯SOHO 5号商场1层5-105 (5785 3689/5785 3898, www.prettysmiledental.cn, psd3898@163.com)
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.
> 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)
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
阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室(186 1244 1282 Grettchin)
Beijing Mandarin 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. Also recognized and recommended by BBC News as one of the most professional Chinese language school. > E-tower School(Guomao Area): Room 904-905, 9/F E-tower Building E数码世界9层904-905(6508 1026/1126); Guangming Hotel School (Embassy Area): Room 0709, 7/F Guangming Hotel(near U.S Embassy) 光明饭店7层0709室 美国大使馆附近 (84418391, info@beijingmandarinschool.com, www. beijingmandarinschool.com, Skype ID: beijingmandarinschool1998)
International Schools 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)
The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校 The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, has campuses in Shunyi (primary & secondary) and Sanlitun (primary). BSB offers an enhanced English National Curriculum to 1,500 expatriate students, aged 1 to 18, beginning with Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, IGCSE exams in Year 10 and 11 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in Year 12 and 13. Admission & Fees: RMB102,993246,057. Contact our Admissions team to arrange a school tour.
> 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)
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)
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)
Hutong School Learn Mandarin with Beijing’s best Mandarin school, Hutong School. Our experienced teachers will customize your classes and help you learn in a fun environment. >Room 1501, 15/F, Zhongyu Plaza, A6 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦1501室
The Bridge School 北京桥汉语言学校
>The Bridge School Head office, Room 503, 5/F, Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝
Beijing City International School 北京乐成国际学校 Located in Beijing’s Central Business District, Beijing City International School (BCIS) lives by its motto: “Empowering and Inspiring through Challenge and Compassion.” This non-profit, independent co-educational day school offers an international curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and is authorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme). > 77 Baiziwan Nan’er Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区百子湾南 二路77号 (8771 7171, www.bcis.cn)
Beijing BISS International School 北京BISS国际学校
> Building 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili Chaoyang 朝阳区 安贞西里4区17楼 (6443 3151 www.biss.com.cn)
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)
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CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION
Ascott Beijing >No.108B Jianguo Road,Chaoyang District,Beijing 北京市朝阳区建国路乙108号 (6587 0888) 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 Beijing Kerry Residence Whether you’re a single business executive or a busy family, Beijing Kerry’s fullyfurnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments will feel just like home. As well as enjoying all the comforts of modern living – including a well-equipped kitchen, entertainment systems, high-speed broadband and much more – residents are just moments away from the Kerry Centre’s shopping mall and sports facilities. The rest of the CBD is on your doorstep too. >1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1 号 (8535 6888, www.beijingkerryresidence. 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) 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 also within easily reach of CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban commercial,shopping and recreation areas.
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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. > sales@gtcresidence.com, website: www. gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666 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 Oak Chateau Beijing Oak Chateau Beijing has 236 stylish and contemporary fully serviced apartments from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four bedroom suites available, measuring 64 to 260 square meters. There is a 24-hours guest reception, and housekeeping is offered twice a week. Nestled within the landscaped gardens of the Ocean Express commercial and residential complex, Oak Chateau Beijing is very close to the third Embassy Area and shopping and dinning services at the Beijing Lufthansa Center. There are only 19 kilometers to the Beijing Capital Airport. >北京市朝阳区东三环霞光里66号远洋新干线 D座 邮编 100027 Block D, Ocean Express, 66 Xiaguang Li, Third East Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, P.R.C Tel: (86-10) 84465888 Fax: (86-10) 84465999 Email oak.chateau@oakchateau.com Website: www.oakchateau.com 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 Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing The only serviced apartment in the city that has its own in-house supply of natural hot spring water supply. Expansive city views are available from floor to ceiling windows with the apartments situated from level 23 to 35 in the building complex. The 171 stylish contemporary serviced residences range from studios to threebedroom apartments and offer an elegant range of amenities and facilities to ensure each resident’s stay is comfortable and well taken care of. Building No.1 Damei Center, 7 Qingnian Road, Chaoyang District Beijing北京市朝阳 区青年路7号达美中心1号楼 Tel: 86-10 8585 2211 (8:30am-5:30pm) 86-10 8585 2888 (5:30pm-8:30am) Fax: (86-10) 8585 2666 website OakwoodAsia.com
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 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 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 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. > 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
CLASSIFIEDS 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. Level 6, Sun Palace Building, Taiyanggong, Beijing Ms. Stephanie Yan, Mobile: 18210080591, 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 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
*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
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
Established since 1972
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
Tel: (86)10-6591 8087 Mobile: 186-019-43718 Email: info.bj@harrissec.com.cn
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.
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:
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: 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) 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 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/ 15010058549 E-mail: sales1@rexmovers.com; ew@ rexmovers.com Website: www.rexrelo.com
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 month-long hospitality center services. Find out more from our Website: www.zdc-catering.com
TRAVEL SERVICES Beijing Trans-World Air Service Co.Ltd. Established in February 2005 and approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, we are an aggregator of international and domestic air, global hotel reservations and big business travel. With sales rankings in the top ten and having earned the title of major proxies of worldwide airlines, we are well-known for our top-notch service. We offer online booking, hotel inquiry and reservations and a varity of travel-related services. > G8, First Floor, China Resources Building, 8 Jianguomenbei Avenue, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门北大街8号华润大厦一层G8 tel: 8519 2468/2469/2470/2471/2472; fax: 6518 2589; renwoxing26@viptkt.com; www.viptkt.com; WeChat: twas08314854
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
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | AUGUST 2017 | 79
AUGUST
ing ’s Beij
That
Horoscopes
Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in Beijing. by N o e l l e M a t e e r
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
7.23~8.23
8.24~9.23
9.24~10.23
There is no such thing as a tame lion, but you can certainly keep one in a cage. We’re sorry you lost your key – search your WeChat group histories for ‘does anyone know a locksmith?’ and you will find at least seven answers.
Immerse yourself in something you hate, like waking up early. Or immerse yourself in something that you maybe don’t hate but everyone else loves and you don’t understand why. Like the NBA, or Shanghai.
Stop doing yoga. Stop getting massages. Instead, let your anger flow, and actively repress any thoughts and feelings that make you uncomfortable. Yell more. With a bitterer outlook, and an unquenchable spite for others, you’re correctly positioning yourself to get that raise this month.
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius 1.21~2.19
2.20~3.20
Your office keeps copies of That’s Beijing in its bathroom, which is where you are right now. You didn’t even need to go. You’re just avoiding work again. Sort of like how we’re avoiding real work by writing these garbage horoscopes. No effort at all. Squad.
Be tolerant of all beliefs. Some believe Tiger is better than Tsingtao, and while that is repulsive, keep an open mind. Our differences are what make us beautiful.
Your favorite bar, restaurant or chuan’r closed and is gone. How hard it is, having to find another place to eat in Beijing, where every other tiny storefront has a binder-sized food menu and brick walls with diners behind them. Rough times for you.
Whatever day it is that you’re reading this, Pisces, you will remember forever. For after you finish reading this magazine and use it as a mat for your dog to poop on, a terrible calamity shall befall you. That's karma. That's Beijing karma.
Aries
Taurus 4.21~5.21
5.22~6.21
6.22~7.22
Why are you still wearing your fake Beats every day? Do you think it’s 2011? The part of Yashow you bought them from isn’t even open anymore. Upgrade to a pair of those Bose noise-canceling headphones or just get earbuds already.
Leave Beijing.
Life is a roller coaster – one of the terrifying ones at Happy Valley. Use this knowledge to come to terms with your own urgent, panicky lifestyle. It’s not you, Gemini, it’s the coaster inside you.
Your wardrobe needs an upgrade. The Beijing Bikini will only last you another month, and then you’ll need to find a shirt capable of covering your belly. Try out a Guo'an jersey, or just go to Uniqlo. Wear green on the 13th for good fortune.
11.23~12.21
3.21~4.20
80 | AUGUST 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
12.22~1.20
Gemini
10.24~11.22 In order to keep the gods of misfortune at bay, avoid Fangjia Hutong for the duration of August. Avoid men in three-piece suits. And do not eat from the spicy half of that two-flavored hot pot broth at Haidilao.
Pisces
Cancer