That's Guangzhou - January 2018 by That's - Pulse of The City

2017

China's Year in Review

China Intercontinental Press

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国内统一刊号: CN 11-5234/GO

JANUARY 2018

城市漫步珠三角英文版 01月份

that’s PRD 《城市漫步》珠江三角洲英文月刊

主管单位 : 中华人民共和国国务院新闻办公室 Supervised by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China 主办单位 : 五洲传播出版社地址 : 北京西城月坛北街 26 号恒华国际商务中心南楼 11 层文化交流中心 11th Floor South Building, Henghua lnternational Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing http://www.cicc.org.cn 社长 President: 陈陆军 Chen Lujun 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department: 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 Editor: 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili

发行 Circulation: 李若琳 Li Ruolin

Senior Digital Editor Matthew Bossons Shenzhen Editor Adam Robbins Guangzhou Editor Daniel Plafker Shenzhen Digital Editor Bailey Hu Senior Staff Writer Tristin Zhang Digital Editor Katrina Shi National Arts Editor Erica Martin Contributors Ned Kelly, Betty Richardson, Lena Gidwani, Dr. Adam Koh, Mia Li, Katrina Shi, Dominic Ngai, Erica Martin, Dominique Wong, Bryan Grogan, Kheng Swe Lim, Paul Barresi, Sky Gidge

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Distribution across the Pearl River Delta: 63,000 copies

Editor's Note

JANUARY 2018

WIN

China made global headlines on seemingly endless occasions over the past 12 months: a high-profile visit from the ‘Tweeter-in-Chief,’ the boom of shared bikes, China’s inaugural Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a lackluster performance by Apple’s iPhone 8, a seventh consecutive Chinese Super League title for South China’s powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande, the list goes on. Simply put: 2017 was a doozy of a year, both in China and beyond.

As such, we’ve decided to start 2018 off with an in-depth look at the year that was.

On pages 36-45 we recap social media, arts, sports, fashion and food in China in ’17.

In our City section, That’s Shanghai Editor-in-Chief Dominic Ngai explores drone

photography and the folks documenting China’s ever-changing rural and urban landscapes from the sky.

Elsewhere in the mag, Jewelz & Sparks, the handsome German DJ duo that col-

laborated with Quilla on ‘Unless We Forget,’ tell us about their upcoming debut show in Canton. And, on page 29, American college dropout turned Chinese social media sensation Jonny Long fills us in on his past successes, present projects and future goals.

While many of you may be in the initial thrust of a soon-to-be fruitless New Year’s

We're giving away tickets to some of the very best events in the Pearl River Delta, alongside a host of free meals and other goodies. Follow our official WeChat feeds and sign up for our weekly newsletter for your chance to win major prizes! To stay up to date, visit www.thatsmags. com or scan the QR codes below and follow our WeChat accounts.

resolution (perhaps one involving food and/or booze…), we nonetheless have a spread of mouth-watering and intoxicating new F&B establishments to introduce. Turn to our city-specific food and drink section in the second half of the magazine to indulge your foodie fascinations.

This issue marks a new page for the That’s PRD team, as we welcome two new

members to our editorial department: Guangzhou Editor Daniel Plafker and Shenzhen

ThatsGuangzhou

Editor Adam Robbins. Our entire operation looks forward to bringing you more breaking news, informative features, event info and foodie-focused goodness in the year to come!

Until next month,

ThatsShenzhen

Matthew Bossons

Hourly updates on news, current affairs and general weirdness from around the PRD and China. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/ThatsPRD twitter.com/ThatsPRD youtube.com/thatsonline #THATSPRD

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WINTER WONDERLAND IN THE PARK

ooking for some family-friendly fun to see you and your loved ones through the winter season? Despite the days getting shorter and the weather colder, there's no reason that wholesome outdoor activities should come to an end. The Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou has you covered, with the welcome return of their ‘Winter Wonderland in the Park’, running until February 25, sure to bring big smiles to rosy cheeks across the city. The hotel’s 5,800 square-meter outdoor garden is once again playing host to the popular fun-fair concept, complete with games and activities for young and old alike; a perfect destination for young families seeking a stress-free break from the daily hustle, right here in the heart of the city. This year, 19 well staffed and meticulously designed activities have transformed the beautifully landscaped space into an engaging carnival of exploration and family bonding. Activities include giant bowling, a hotly anticipated augmented reality puzzle solving game, a trampoline station and pedal boat mini games that will take place on the Shangri-La’s

spacious outdoor swimming pool. Winter Wonderland in the Park is priced at RMB50 including two game tokens. Admission tickets are available at the hotel’s outdoor garden. For a more immersive experience, treat yourself with the Winter Wonderland Room Package (available until February 24). Starting from RMB1,080, the package offers a one night stay in a Deluxe Room, a generous RMB400 daily dining credit applicable at all hotel restaurants, plus three admission tickets (each with two game tokens) to ‘Winter Wonderland in the Park’. High-speed internet access is included and kids under 12 enjoy an extra bed (subject to availability).

Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou 1, Huizhan Dong Lu, Haizhu District (8620 8917 8888, www.shangri-la.com)

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36 COVER STORY

8 CITY

CHINA'S YEAR THAT WAS

9 REPRODUCTION PAINTER

A look at the dizzying highs and spectacular fails that made 2017.

Master of his craft.

12 ABOVE AND BEYOND Drone photography takes off in China.

19 KEY CHOW & JARNO LEPPANEN

46 COMMUNITY

THE WRAP

18 LIFE & STYLE

Designers of KA WA KEY.

21 DAYTRIPPER

Night hiking in Shenzhen.

28 ARTS

68 EVENTS

29 JONNY LONG From cultural cosmonaut to live-streaming sensation.

JAN 13

Glory of Heroes

32 JUST FOR KICKS Getting acquainted with Foster the People.

56 EAT & DRINK

JAN 25-28 Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic

57 A CULTURED BEVERAGE... Rio's bizarre new yogurtvodka drink.

60 SIN CITY DINING

A look at Dongguan's most enticing eateries. 6 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

JAN 13-22 Macao City Fringe Festival

CITY Fly Over China

Drones give Chinese photographers an eye in the sky, p12

Shenzhen's Walled City P10 8 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Chinese Urban Dictionary P11

MAN ON THE STREET

REPRODUCTION PAINTER Master of His Craft By Adam Robbins

estled near the Guanlan River in the northern reaches of Shenzhen, past the bustle and din of construction and traffic, the urban explorer can rest a moment with the ‘Master of Eternal Happiness Studio.’ That’s the oh-so-modest pseudonym of Chen Shengxian, who opened shop in Guanlan Village nearly 20 years ago. A Hakka from eastern Guandong, he married a pragmatic Cantonese wife and settled into the artist’s life. “That’s guohua” (native style), he explains, gesturing to the wide canvasses of horses and rolling mountains detailed with calligraphic flourish. They dominate the small studio’s walls, hung vertically or horizontally as space allows. Closer to the entrance hang the faces of Zhou Enlai, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. “That’s tanjinfen” (charcoal). Colored charcoal dust gives a soft-focus depiction of the faces of the old leaders, their black eyes and the blues of the old Zhongshan suits. “That’s for a customer whose father passed away.” The face on the easel with the Mona Lisa smile is nearly complete, nearly identical to the photo it was created from, as are all the portraits in the studio. “This paper is for couplets on the side of

the door. What do you call that in English?” We have to explain that we don’t have a name for that. He looks at us with pity in his eyes. From his little refuge, Chen has watched Guanlan Village change through the years, invaded by the encroaching city. And when Beijing named its new leader, he dutifully added the man’s portrait to the mix. But though we saw it unobtrusively stationed outside the shop last month, now we spy him tucked high on the wall behind the door. ‘Why’s that?’ we inquire. Chen’s wife now joins us, with a tiny boy in tow. He sits behind the wide table like his grandpa, kicks off his Mickey Mouse sandals and starts to play with a tape measure. Chen Taitai just laughs. “There’s no room to put all the paintings!” She gives us the low down on the market for the portraits, who’s in and who’s out. “Mao, of course, [is the most popular] and Deng. Both of those are really good. Nobody wants Zhou Enlai.” There’s a pause to reflect. “People do want Xi, too.” At RMB600 for an 8x10 of Zhou, we can’t really blame them. His caption lists him as a diplomat, stateman and “respected member of the proletariat.” Elsewhere in China Mao’s longtime premier might be remem-

bered fondly for protecting relics during the Cultural Revolution. But not here. “They’re different prices, based on size. Of course the larger ones are more expensive,” she explains. “Come on.” But it’s only the rare neighbor or tourist who stops in for an icon of the Great Helmsman. “We mostly sell to businesses and rich people,” she confides, looking up at the huge canvasses that support the family. Countless reproductions of photos and famous paintings might not be the most creative output, but Master of Eternal Happiness Studio is clearly proud of his work. Yet when he considers his meticulous, photorealistic portrait of Qi Baishi, with wrinkles curving in soulful depth around the eyes, he’s all modesty. “I’m nothing like this guy – his paintings sell for millions!”

THE DIRTY DETAILS

Monthly salary: approx. RMB12,000 Days per week: 6 Hours per day: 8

Man on the Street is a monthly feature where we talk to someone doing an everyday job to gain insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 9

THE BUZZ RANDOM NUMBERS

… is the number of stations on Guangzhou’s newly opened Metro Line 9, which connects the city center with the peripheral district of Huadu. Line 9 has six-carriage trains and shares a transfer station with Line 3 at Gaozeng Station. Line 9 also stops at Guangzhou North Railway Station, which runs trains from Guangzhou to Qingyuan, Wuhan and Beijing, among other cities. Construction began in 2011 and the line covers a distance of 20.1 kilometers.

1,965

… feet. The imperial height of Shenzhen’s Ping An Finance Center, which hosts 115 floors and is now the fourth tallest building in the world. The building was crowned the tallest building to finish construction in 2017, as per the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s annual report.

CITY SNAPSHOT

Fade to Black American expat Yoel Taomas is an English teacher who has been living in China for six months. The photo we’ve chosen to feature this month was captured by Taomas in Guangzhou’s vanishing Xiancun area, which is located between Tiyu Xilu, Shipaiqiao and Liede. Taomas says: “[The urban village, Xiancun] has fascinated the urbanist in me since my first visit to Guangzhou.” Tag #thatsprd on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed and in the magazine.

BEHIND THE CONCRETE

Shenzhen’s Historic Walled City Legend says that Shenzhen grew from fishing village to megalopolis in just a few decades. While pithy, it’s false: the area that Shenzhen encompasses was once home to multiple towns and hamlets, not to mention an ancient walled city dating back to 331 CE. Over the last couple millennia, it’s held several names, hosted hundreds of imperial troops and administrators and even served as the site where Hong Kong was signed off to the British following the first Opium War. Nowadays Nantou Ancient City is an urban village filled with densely-clustered ‘handshake buildings,’ although detritus of a grander past still lie scattered around. The South Gate constructed in 1394, for instance, still stands, although it’s seen multiple renovations during both Ming and Qing dynasties. Another part of the city’s wall is preserved in Zhongshan Park, just north of the modern-day Nantou neighborhood. The former stronghold also sports the odd temple and restored historical building, while the free-to-enter Nantou Museum offers a crash course on local history for those fluent in Chinese. To cap it off, Nantou also serves as the main Shenzhen venue for the ongoing Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture 2017, playing host to various exhibits and activities. It’s yet another reason to set foot in this ancient gem and see how it’s changed with the times. 25 Zhongshan Dong Jie, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 深圳市中山东街25号南头古城

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E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

Xidi/ xǐ dì / 洗地 verb. to defend someone who is most likely guilty, to defend something inexcusable. I'm only saying that if I was a Wall Street banker, I’d totally grab the opportunity to make millions, too. Look at you xidi for the bankers who caused the recession! How much did they pay you? Would you have left money on the table, if it had been you?

You disgust me.

f you are having your carpets cleaned and your floor washed at a time that's not spring cleaning, something bad has probably happened in your house, and now you are trying to cover it up. It could be anything from adultery to murder. No one orders a full car detailing for fun. Such is the logic of xidi. Literally meaning “to wash the floor,” xidi refers to the act of cleaning up to cover up a crime. But in Chinese slang, it has come to mean the act of defending or excusing someone of a crime that he or she probably has committed. Xidi can be trying to find excuses for people’s bad behaviors, like when people say “she probably came on to him,” when a public figure is accused of sexual harassment. Or it can be excusing bad things by trivializing them, like saying, “it’s just a lack of wind” when AQI is above 500 again. In public life, xidi often happens when a spokesperson of an organization is defensive after a public scandal, such as when United Airlines said they were

“re-assigning seats” when a passenger was forcefully beaten and dragged off a flight. Since the person or organization’s bad behavior is already out of the bag, they have lost all credibility. Those who xidi for them instantly lose their credibility too. In fact, the act of xidi implies that the latter is an accomplice of the former, getting paid to wash the floor for the offenders. This is clear in the origin of the word: xidi comes from Stephen Chow's 2004 film Kung Fu Hustle, in which policemen are paid off by gang members. Every time the gang kills someone, they yell “officer, come xidi” and the police cleans up the scene. That's why ‘xidi’ is such an emotionally charged word— sometimes it seems like you can be called ‘xidi’ no matter who defend. Or, when you’re angry, any defense can sound like xidi to you. It makes ‘xidi’ one of the most used words in online arguments – and probably the most abused one as well. Mia Li

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

erial photography has revolutionized the way we see the world. Now with much easier access to drone cameras, photographers everywhere are reaching new heights with their lenses, capturing breathtaking images of places we know so well from higher vantage points than ever before. China, a country where colorful spreads of natural landscape and futuristic cityscape are readily available in close proximity to one another, is home to large and growing numbers of drone photographers. They are discovering the genreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equal potency to showcase the intriguing rhythms that flow between the multifaceted topography in the heartland of the Middle Kingdom and its rapidly growing metropolitan areas. Naturally, the country is also a breeding ground for innovation, with DJI, the world leader in the civilian-drone and aerial imaging technology industry, establishing its headquarters in Shenzhen in 2006. But is the sky the only limit for growth for drone photography in China and beyond?

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F E AT URE | CIT Y

‘秋收旋律 (THE HARVEST MELODY)’ BY 1385230… (SKYPIXEL)

s e k a T y ne raph o r D tog ina Pho in Ch Off by os t o 7 , Ph gai , @nk o N c t i ot ex in o m o c o a n xe l P h D y i s b g , @ c S ky P d r Wo C h e n f r o m o s Tu g n t r i e e and est t Con

‘DRYING CLOTHES IN AUTUMN’ BY 菜鸟视觉 (SKYPIXEL)

hen Gaspard-Félix Tournachon produced the world’s first ever aerial photograph from a hot air balloon over Paris in 1858, never could he have guessed how his actions would change the course of history over the next century-and-ahalf. First popularized during World War I as a form of reconnaissance by military forces, aerial photography has since allowed industry leaders across multiple business sectors to find new ways to further their technological development efforts. From infrastructure, agriculture and transport to security and filmmaking, drones – or camera-equipped UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) – have become essential tools to accomplish various tasks with greater efficiency and effectiveness than ever before. According to a July 2017 report by BI Intelligence, Business Insider’s research service, the global sales of drones (consumer, commercial and government drones combined) reached USD8.5 billion in 2016, and the number is expected to increase to USD12 billion by 2021. Headquartered in Shenzhen and now with hundreds of thousands of employees in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond, DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations) owns about 70 percent of the market share of the consumer and commercial drone market. Since Frank Wang

founded the company in 2006, DJI has been at the forefront of aerial imaging technology innovation, and one of the most obvious beneficiaries is the world of TV and movie production. “Almost everything that we watch today includes some aerial footage. Some that have reportedly used DJI drones include Transformers, Spiderman and Game of Thrones. Our aerial systems are also being used by media outlets such as the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel,” says Kevin On, DJI’s Director of Communication. Last year, the Chinese tech company was awarded an Emmy for Technology and Engineering by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the US, which recognized DJI for providing cinematographers with “an affordable and accessible platform to create low-altitude aerial images, opening up creative possibilities and facilitating the distinct looks of some TV shows.” According to an article by the South China Morning Post, the privately-held firm’s sales topped RMB10 billion (USD1.4 billion) in 2016, with overseas markets contributing to three quarters of its revenue. On credits the location of DJI’s headquarters to be one of the main reasons for its rapid growth and dominant position in the consumer drone industry. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 13

CIT Y | F E AT URE

YOU CAN NEVER BE BORED WITH IMAGES CAPTURED IN SHANGHAI @cocoanext

‘PARADISE’ BY @COCOANEXT AND @ROOFERCYRIL

“Many have referred to Shenzhen as the Silicon Valley of the East, and the city offers a huge pool of engineering talent, as well as easy access to manufacturing. This allows us to innovate faster than anyone else,” he explains. “We’re also seeing tremendous growth across the board, and a growing interest from emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America.” In addition to the fostering innovation in the commercial world through their aerial imaging technology, DJI is also committed to cultivating a community of both amateur and professional aerial photographers. The company is a major driving force behind SkyPixel, one of the largest online platforms dedicated to aerial photography with six million users worldwide. Its popular annual photo contest attracts tens of thousands of entries each year and the winners of the 2017 edition will be announced on January 31. One of the entrants this year is a Henan-born photographer who goes by his Instagram handle, @cocoanext (‘Co’ for short). Having bought his first drone in December 2016, the 25-year-old says camera-equipped UAVs have become an essential weapon in the professional photographer’s arsenal. Co, who has been based in Shanghai for four years, says his current home is hands down his favorite city to shoot with a drone. “You can never be bored with the images you can capture in this city,” he says. “Even if you’re shooting from the same place, altitude and angle, you can get very different shots depending on the time or weather. The buildings create all these wacky shapes of shadows in every shot.” ‘SHANGHAI VIEW’ BY @COCOANEXT AND @ROOFERCYRIL

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F E AT URE | CIT Y

Similar to Co, @nk7’s Instagram feed is peppered with bird’s eye view cityscapes from Shanghai, Guangzhou and other metropolises in and around China. With more than 206,000 followers on his account, the Guangdong native says the releases of DJI’s Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro models in mid- to late2016 were game changing events that caused the popularity and demand for drones to skyrocket in China and beyond. “The quality of the camera and the stability of these drones improved dramatically from previous models,” says NK on why he started shooting with drones a little over a year ago. While both photographers admit that Google Maps’ satellite function is great for scouting out locations and angles before flying their drones, NK, who recently relocated from Guangzhou to Shanghai, says it was especially helpful for shooting in his former home. “In Guangzhou, the sheer density of the buildings and highways throughout the city center and the suburban area, and the way these structures produce all these interesting points of symmetry, is what I like to explore with a drone camera,” says NK. “In Shanghai, on the other hand, I like to build the shot around the iconic skyscrapers in Lujiazui, so it’s all about finding an interesting foreground, which you can pretty much do from any angle on both sides of the Huangpu.”

In Guangzhou, the sheer density of the buildings throughout the city center and the suburban area, and the way these structures produce all these interesting points of symmetry, is what I like to explore with a drone camera @nk7 ‘HIGHLAND CITY’ BY @NK7

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

‘CITY PATTERNS: FREEDOM’ BY TUGO CHENG

THE AESTHETIC PURSUIT IN THE FIELDS OF ARCHITECTURE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE STRONGLY RELATED TUGO CHENG

NK and Co have covered a lot of ground with their drones in various cities, but one thing they both hope to do more of is document the vast rural areas of China from the sky. These expeditions, however, are something that Hong Kong-based photographer Tugo Cheng goes on quite often. Over the past few years, he’s already been to Daocheng Yading, Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, Fujian and parts of rural Guangdong to produce visually impactful images with his drone, winning multiple awards and recognition from National Geographic, Sony World Photography Awards and the International Photographer of the Year competition along the way. An architect by trade, Cheng credits his professional training for giving him the foundation for developing a good eye as a photographer. “The aesthetic pursuit in the fields of both architecture and photography are strongly related,” Cheng explains, referring to the relationships between light and shadow, as well as lines and geometry in both disciplines. “Many people can produce good images,” he adds. “But I think the ones that truly stand out must be thought-provoking, and have some sort of surprising element to the composition or the angle. Most importantly, they must also create an emotional connection with the audience.” In his acclaimed photo series ‘City Patterns,’ Cheng chose to fly his drone at a low altitude and tilt the camera 90 degrees downward to capture the everyday lives of Hong Kongers on the street level. “I wanted to shy away from the ‘typical drone shot,’” says the photographer of the concept. “In the photo titled ‘Freedom,’ for instance, there’s the sharp contrast between the people in the swimming pool and the lone swimmer in Victoria Harbour... that’s more interesting to me than just a panoramic view of the city.”

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While it’s now much easier for aspiring photographers to acquire drones, the importance of obeying basic government regulations must be underscored. In spring 2017, three separate incidents involving drones near Chengdu’s Shuangliu International Airport caused dozens of flight delays, affecting tens of thousands of travelers. On the Chinese mainland, all drones are subject to the country’s No Fly Zones, which include areas around airports, military facilities and specific cities like Beijing, as well as politically sensitive areas like certain parts of Xinjiang. Real name registrations are required for UAVs that weigh more than 250 grams, while drones that are over 7 kilograms must be licensed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). In addition, rules for maximum altitude and distance are also outlined. “When I’m asked to offer advice for aspiring aerial photographers, the first thing I say is to read the instruction manual of their drones carefully,” Cheng comments. “It’s important to understand your equipment and how to properly control it before unleashing your creativity.” While the rising popularity of drone photography is a good sign, the Hong Kong-based photographer thinks the community might be growing a little too fast. “A lot of inexperienced flyers treat drones like toys. In a densely populated city like Hong Kong, there are a lot of hazardous obstacles in the city center… I think there should be some sort of mandatory training courses for operating drones before people are allowed to fly them.” “New users need to realize how dangerous an accident caused by drones can be,” adds Co, who recalls an incident in which the sudden change in direction of wind during the typhoon season almost caused him to lose his UAV in downtown Shanghai, before he was able to land

it safely. “If something major happens, it would be much harder for everyone to fly.” NK concurs, and points to DJI’s BBS as a good source of information for amateur photographers to do some homework on the best places to fly drones, tips on operating different models, as well as the basic regulations before investing in one. “Compared to some Western countries, there’s a lack of clarity and a central source for drone users in China to get all the information they need,” NK comments, referring to the fact that the community in China usually hears about the newest regulations from various media outlets. “There’s no doubt that the regulations in China will only get stricter as the number of drone users increases,” he concludes. “Before that happens, fly more, and fly responsibly.”

‘THE BOTTLE OPENER’ BY @NK7

LIFE

P HO T O E S S AY | CI T Y

CI T Y | P HO T O E S S AY

STYLE What's Your Type?

Understanding the seven universal style types, p22

Streetwear Chic P20

SPOTLIGHT

KEY CHOW & JARNO LEPPANEN

Designers of KA WA KEY Interview by Dominic Ngai

Founded in 2015 by Royal College of Art graduate Key Chow, menswear label KA WA KEY’s design concept is all about showcasing soft masculinity and Asian male identity through the interplays of Eastern and Western aesthetics and traditional textile crafts and the latest fashion technology. In 2017, the Hong Kong-born designer teamed up with Finnish artist Jarno Leppanen to enrich the label’s design language through various artistic media. Here, the London-based duo tells us more about the their brand and the concept behind their SS2018 collection, ‘Fried Rice in the Closet.’ How did the two of you meet and start working together? JL: We met while working on a project, which eventually led us to collaborate on the KA WA KEY SS17 presentation during London Fashion Week Men’s. Our aesthetic and ideas matched, so it felt quite natural to start working together. For Key, how different is it to design by yourself versus doing so with Jarno?

KC: When I was working alone, sometimes it was quite difficult to find a solution to certain challenges by myself. Now, Jarno and I discuss most of the designs and bounce ideas off each other and solve problems together. I much prefer this collective design process. Do you each have specific roles or responsibilities? JL: Key’s main area is more on the technical aspects of design, while I focus more on PR, but everything is kind of done together. During the design process, we talk about inspirations, themes and things like that. Even though our aesthetics are very similar, there are always some differences in opinions and taste, which allows us to think about our ideas from a different perspective. Where do you draw your inspirations?

KC: Our inspirations come from art exhibi-

“Designing is an inner conversation, but at the same time, it’s also a collective process for us” tions, live performances, music, movies, books, magazines, and things that we see, taste and smell on the streets of London, as well as during our travels. Designing is an inner conversation, but at the same time, it’s also a collective process for us. It’s like a living organism that never stops moving and evolving.

Tell us about the concept and inspiration behind your SS18 collection, ‘Fried Rice in the Closet.’ What does the title mean? ‘Fried rice’ is a Chinese slang for sex. The story behind this collection is about a young man who tries to hide his sexuality by dressing in sportswear to blend in, and the collection is a reflection of his dreams. The concept, however, goes beyond his sexuality; it’s about being true to oneself. This is all translated with our interpretation on streetwear and sportswear with a strong focus on the choices of material. With fabric development and treatment being an essential part of our label’s DNA, we added our own twists to create a see-through and layering effect with our own house-made fabrics. The material is practical but light, and we used lots of soft colors as well. The

silhouettes are based on classic sportswear and streetwear pieces like hoodies and jogging pants, and we also incorporated some traditional sportswear fabrics like nylon in our windbreakers. What has the feedback been like for the brand in China?

The feedback has been great. China is a great country to visit, seek inspiration and create as there are so many up-and-coming talents who are very experimental and fashion-forward, yet they still very much respect certain traditions. What are you guys working on in the new year?

We are currently developing our AW18 collection, and we are going to be a part of the Men’s Fashion Weeks in Paris and London, as well as New York Fashion Week. We are also really hoping to show our AW18 collection at Shanghai Fashion Week’s Labelhood again in April. www.kawakey.com

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 19

STYLE RADAR TAP THAT APP

Untappd Beer lovers of the world rejoice. The social app that you’ve been waiting for is here! Untappd is an app with similar features to our ubiquitous social media sites, but unlike Facebook and Twitter, Untappd is entirely centered around the consumption and ‘collection’ of your favorite suds. Untappd’s user interface is incredibly easy to use and allows you to update your profile by checking in with your most recent brew, the location of the bar and, perhaps most importantly, your rating of the drink with a score out of five. We presume this is intended to keep bars and venues honest, but more importantly, it serves as a reminder of where to avoid ordering a dreadfully watery Guinness. One feature we were particularly impressed with was the app’s ‘Wish List’ which allows users to keep track of sought after craft beers and flavors, or even popular venues and breweries you are keen to visit. The creators of Untappd appreciate the commitment of seasoned drinkers who chase after rare beers and give users the opportunity to level up and earn new badges with every beer style tried. Best of all, people on either side of the bar can enjoy the app together, as venues can also add their menus to the Untappd app to attract nearby hopheads. We came across Bravo in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District during our exploration of Untappd, but it seems like the rest of the city’s bar scene has yet to catch on. For more listings you can explore Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai, where the app is more prevalent.

Untappd is available on iOS and Android devices. Visit untappd.com for more info.

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INSPECT-A-GADGET

Color Changing Bulbs Oh, smart home: your promises grand, and only – as always – ‘a few years’ away. There’s the milk-ordering fridge, the self-adjusting thermostat and ‘smart’ lights. Despite corporate commercials, that’s not the home we live in – though some tech has made inroads on the domestic abode, namely color-changing lighting in the form of remotely controlled bulbs. Of the dozen or so prominent options, the features are similar: dimmable bulbs packing 16 million colors and controlled via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee. After getting hands on with a few colorchanging competitors, the Heelight didn’t impress us with what it did, but what it didn’t: no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth. Like the telephone systems of the ’60s, the standard-sized bulb is controlled via sound played at specific frequencies – a chirp emitted by your smartphone. While controllable via mobile-friendly website (scan a QR code and a controller loads in your phone), the app offers more options, ranging from the normal to the naughty: ‘nightlight mode’ brightens with the sounds

of your stirring, while ‘sex mode’ sets the bulb at a red glow, adding color to your … louder moments. Yes, the Heelight reacts almost instantly to audio, but being sound-centric comes at a price: commands from your phone might go unheard in a loud room, forcing you to turn off the music to adjust the bulb. Overall, the Heelight is fun, and at times legitimately useful – though it won’t have a place next to the robo-butler, if he ever gets here. RMB48 on Taobao. Search Heelight.

COVET

Says Edison Chen at a speaking engagement in front of a group of NYU students in the Big Apple last month. During his 32-minutelong talk, the singer, actor and co-founder of streetwear label CLOT shared his insight and experience of developing a brand in China. The Chinese-Canadian star stresses the importance of never sacrificing on quality just because one is operating in a developing market like China: “If China is going to be the next super power…

“Everything that I’ve been doing [at CLOT is branded as] made in China, and creatively designed in China from a Chinese perspective” then we cannot be operating at a barometer of saying, ‘this is good for China.’ Everything has to be good on an international level, and only then will we be able to stand proud and say, ‘this is Chinese made.’” Watch Chen’s full-length speech by scanning the QR code. https://v.qq.com/x/page/i0511snw40t.html

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DAYTRIPPER

Night Hiking in Shenzhen In need of a moderate challenge to spice up your routine? Try night hiking in the city. In a way, the less daunting peaks in Shenzhen almost seem designed for it: wellpaved paths reduce safety concerns, and light pollution helps illuminate the trail. Plus, you can beat the worst of the subtropical heat during Shenzhen’s long summer. Convenience aside, urban night hikes have the benefit of feeling adventurous: under the cover of semi-darkness, familiar scenery and cityscapes are rendered fresh and exciting. For a change of pace, we decide to tackle Tanglang Mountain in Nanshan District, a climb that typically takes one to two hours in the daytime. We come equipped with flashlights, cell phones and even a headlamp (available at Walmart and online) but soon find they aren’t necessary, at least for the first part of the trail. As we walk along the paved road, the sky above

us is a murky brown, making the outlines of trees, pavilions and other hikers faintly visible even at 9pm. From the park entrance near the Taoyuancun subway station the path slopes up gently. Besides the occasional hiker blasting EDM, it’s a serene, leisurely climb. In some ways, the dimness even works in Tanglang’s favor. For one, it helps mask the areas above the trail still shrouded in green netting, where concrete appears to have recently been laid. It also helps the more appealing scenery to pop out. Every once in a while, we round a bend and catch a glimpse of glimmering highways and skyscrapers framed by branches. The occasional pavilion makes a dramatic silhouette against the sky. It gets darker and less scenic as we begin our ascent to one of the peaks, however, with trees surrounding the path and blotting out the light. For safety’s sake, we break out the flashlights as we begin the first of several unforgiving flights of stairs. At a viewpoint, a middleaged park employee in a windowed booth points us towards the peak and yet more stairs. Not long afterwards, we emerge to find a large paved space with a tall pavilion, satellite equipment and a terrace overlooking a broad slice of the city. Below us lamp-lined roads sprawl in all directions and miniature cars flit between toysized buildings. Framing the vista is proof of how far we’ve come: dark slopes roll into the

distance on either side, with a single pavilion visible atop a faraway-looking peak. It’s a beautiful view, and for the half hour or so that we linger there, we have it all to ourselves – another benefit of hiking at nighttime. Finally, we begin our descent. It’s less strenuous, if more careful; a slip in the dark could be inconvenient, not to mention painful. Luckily, we conclude the roughly threehour night hike without mishap. It may not have been much of a getaway from the city but it makes for a nice diversion, and an alternative way to spend a weekend night. BH Northwest gate, Tanglang Mountain Park, Longzhu Liu Lu, Nanshan District 南山区龙珠六路塘朗山公园西北门

How to get there:

Take Shenzhen Metro Line 7 to Taoyuancun station, Exit D. Turn right onto Longzhu Liu Lu and walk approximately 13 minutes to reach the park’s northwest gate. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 21

LIFE & ST YLE | F E AT URE

Casual, comfortable, friendly, reliable, youthful

W HAT TO WEAR:

Energetic colors (navy, red, green), stripes, subtle patterns

CELEBRITY: EDDIE PENG

M DRA

Known for his good looks and well-toned body, the Taipei-born, Vancouver-raised star is a highly sought-after commodity in the commercial world and film industry. Besides acting as the face of high-profile brands like adidas, L’Oreal and Longines, Peng is also known for his well-received and physically demanding roles in a number of sportsthemed films.

TRADIT

SP OR TY

SPORTY

T RAITS:

C ATI

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

The Colors, Prints and Celebs That Best Represent the Seven Universal Style Types

CRE ATI VE

By Annie Atienza and Dominic Ngai

The ‘Seven Dominant Style Types’ is an important principle of image consulting that stylists often use to build looks for clients in order to achieve the desired image they want to project. The three classic style types (Traditional, Sporty and Elegant) and four non-classic style types (Feminine, Alluring, Dramatic and Creative) all have dominant colors and themes associated with them. When mixed and matched in proper proportion, the chosen style types can tailor the non-verbal message one projects by accentuating certain qualities. Most people generally belong to two or three style types, with at least one of the classic style types represented. Your preferences are influenced by your upbringing, personality and occupation. Together with international stylist Annie Atienza, we analyze the images and bodies of work of several Chinese celebrities who best represent each style type, and offer a quick guide to the colors, patterns and fabrics you should wear based on your type.

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F E AT URE | LIFE & ST YLE

Conservative, business-oriented, knowledgeable, educated, formal, serious

W HAT TO WEAR:

Neutral colors (black, grey, beige), solid colors or minimal prints, woven fabrics

TIONAL

CELEBRITY: ANDY LAU

RO MA

NG I R U ALL

T RAITS:

Subtle, sophisticated, worldly, rich, timeless

ELEGANT

NT IC

T AN EG EL

Active in the entertainment world since the 1980s, Andy Lau is one of the highest grossing Chinese actors of all time. In recent years, Lau has often been cast as an authoritative figure in movies – characters that require him to wear a tailored suit or a full uniform.

TRADITIONAL

T RAITS:

W HAT TO WEAR:

Understated colors (off-white, powder blue, burgundy, forest green), very few accessories, top-quality fabrics, richly textured jacquard, monochromatic

CELEBRITY: CARINA LAU

The always glamorous Suzhou-born actress is known for starring in strong female lead roles, the most memorable being her portrayal of Wu Zetian (China’s only female emperor in history) in the Detective Dee film series. In addition, Lau also makes frequent appearances at various luxury brand events throughout the Greater China Area.

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 23

LIFE & ST YLE | F E AT URE

Gentle, sweet, caring, girly, non-authoritative

W HAT TO WEAR:

Soft pastel colors (pink, lavender, buttercup yellow), floral prints, flowing silhouettes, fluid fabrics

CELEBRITY: FAN BINGBING

Perhaps one of the best-known faces in Chinese showbiz, the Qingdao native rose to fame during the early 2000s. Often cast to play the traditional ‘girlfriend’ or ‘wife’ role in male-dominated films or TV series (especially in her early years), Fan’s soft, feminine image has won her numerous endorsement deals from FMCG, cosmetics to high-end fashion labels throughout her career.

Artistic, exciting, confident, spontaneous

W HAT TO WEAR:

Bright happy colors (orange, yellow, purple), print and color mixing, bold statement accessories

CELEBRITY: CHRIS LEE

T RAITS:

Bold, mysterious, eye-catching, fashion-forward

CREATIVE

T RAITS:

DRAMATIC

ROMANTIC

T RAITS:

Back when Lee won the Super Girl singing contest on national TV in 2005, she was often criticized for her boyish looks. Thirteen years later, the now accomplished singer-songwriter from Chengdu has managed to use these unique androgynous qualities in her music and image to her advantage, attracting brands like Chanel, Givenchy, Gucci, Alexander Wang and Diesel to cast her in various ad campaigns over the past few years.

ALLURING 24 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

T RAITS:

Sexy, provocative, instinctual, powerful

W HAT TO WEAR:

Bold colors (emerald green, sapphire blue, magenta, black), structured lines, standout details, monochromatic or high contrast colors

CELEBRITY: ZHANG ZIYI

Dubbed one of the most versatile Chinese actresses of modern times, the Central Academy of Drama alumnus has won numerous awards and nominations internationally for her performances. Zhang is most recently featured as a judge and instructor on the popular acting workshopinspired reality TV series, The Making of an Actor. She is much more selective in her commercial endorsements, and works almost exclusively with world-class brands (i.e. Omega and Maybelline).

Seductive colors (black, red, deep purple), hourglass silhouette prioritized, leather, animal prints

CELEBRITY: SHU QI

Though Shu Qi started off her acting career as the star of a soft porn movie, she has since proven herself as a serious actress over the years, winning several awards and recognitions. Known for her iconic full lips and curvy figure, Shu Qi has appeared on various ads for lipstick brands, as well as fashion labels like Emporio Armani, Bulgari and Kenzo.

LIFE & STYLE | FASHION

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Gap, RMB3 gap.cn

B3,5 00 Be am s, RM be am s.c o. jp

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FOR HIM

Zara , RMB2 zara .cn

H& M, RMB2 hm .c om

B9 50 Be am s, RM be am s.c o. jp

26 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

ARTS Jewelz & Sparks

We chat with the German duo about their Guangzhou debut, p33

Pumped Up Kicks P32 28 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Sounds from Guangdong P36

DRUMROLL

JONNY LONG

From Cultural Cosmonaut to Live-Streaming Sensation By Matthew Bossons

When he arrived nine years ago, Jonny Long had no idea where his China adventure would take him. Originally from an area north of Detroit, Long was still a junior studying IT at Central Michigan University when he was approached by friends asking if he wanted to join a year-long cultural exchange in Guangzhou. Soon, ‘one year’ in China had turned into two as Long decided to stay and take a crack at entertainment. Starting as a performer at Guangzhou’s China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, Long went on to win the city’s prestigious Battle of the Bands and eventually to shine in his current gig as a Chinese Internet and television personality. Now, with over 140,000 subscribers on popular live-streaming site YY Live, Long has a heap of TV and film appearances to his name, including Guangzhou Running Man, Big Bang and 2017 rom-com Love Contractually. We caught up with Long to chat about his time in China and, as always, ask some silly questions. Tell us a bit about your first real job in China, post cultural exchange days. I ended up working at the China Hotel, at the martini bar by the pool, but I was singing and playing guitar, not bartending. It was tough, it was a lot of work, time-wise. I had to do four 45-minute sets, six nights a week. I was singing 50 or so songs a night. What’s your current live-streaming gig with YY Live like?

So, mostly I’m just chatting with people online, singing and playing drums. I have a pretty cool setup now that allows me to switch cameras – I’ve definitely put my IT skills to good use. Anyone that wants to visit YY Live can watch my live-stream. I don’t know exactly how many people are there watching, but it’s a decent amount of people and I can chat with them and they can send me gifts, and they can ask me to sing songs, or I can just sing songs if I want to. How many hours a day are you livestreaming?

I do about four or five hours a day, roughly two to three hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. I usually start in the

ies and the company that I am with is helping me to find more film roles. If I can get on the Spring Festival show in Beijing, that would be amazing. Obviously that is ‘pie in the sky,’ but it’s a goal and it’s not impossible. So yah, movies are the goal right now – as well as releasing an album in the next few years. Tell us more about this album, what genre of music are you looking to tackle?

Upbeat pop music, you know, like Bruno Mars and Maroon 5. Ideally, half the songs would be sung in Chinese and the other half in English. I’ve been wanting to do this for years, so I’d like to actually make it happen. If you had to offer one piece of advice to aspiring live-streamers, what would it be?

morning at about 8am and go till 11am, and in the evening 4-6pm.

Consistency in your live-stream time: choose a time that you can consistently do and stick to it. Try to put the time in, because for the first little bit you might not have a lot of people [watching], but over time you will connect with people.

Tell us a bit more about these ‘gifts’ your online viewers give you?

And now for some fun questions. If you had to ‘bro out’ with one Chinese celebrity, who would it be?

It’s all virtual gifts. For example, if someone gives you a ‘piece of candy,’ that is worth RMB0.1. But the [monetary] value varies depending on the gift.

Wang Leehom, because he is awesome. He was actually born in New York state and is famous in China. He is super talented and I love his music.

Have you had anyone recognize you from your media appearances while you’ve been out on the town?

Yes, actually, I have quite a few times. We used to have a lot of billboards around the city advertising for Guangzhou Running Man, so people recognized me from that. A few days ago when I was in the train station, someone came up to me and was like, “Aren’t you Long Ze, you’re from America and have been in China nine years?” Any plans to leave Guangzhou for Beijing or Shanghai?

I have no plans to leave for the time being. I will hopefully be traveling more, but for now I am happy where I am at and have no plans to leave. Career-wise, Beijing would be the best place for me to be and if I have to move to Beijing then so be it, but no plans for that as of now. What’s next for your career?

My big focus now is trying to get in more mov-

Are you a bigger fan of Xu Zheng’s Lost in Thailand or Lost in Hong Kong? I am going to go with Lost in Thailand, that was a great movie. I loved both of them, but Lost in Thailand was my favorite. Favorite place to visit in China?

I spent a month in Haikou before and I really liked it. Sanya is a little bit hot, but Haikou is on the northern part of Hainan and it’s a little breezy, I really liked it. Least favorite Chinese dish?

There is a ton of stuff I love, but for dislikes I would have to say bitter melon, because I encounter it a decent amount and I just can’t do it. See, I don’t particularly like chicken feet, but I can handle those. Bitter melon I just can’t get down. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Watch Jonny live on yy.com (search ‘Jonny龙泽’).

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018| GZ | 29

COLL AGE

SINO CELEB

Liu Ye There was a time when those in mainland China had little understanding of homosexuality. Liu Ye, who daringly played a male prostitute in Lan Yu (2001), helped change that. In the film, Liu portrayed a man who sells his body for a living, eventually falling in love with a client. The role earned him the Best Actor Award at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards in 2001, the year after he graduated. Born in the northern city of Changchun, both of Liu’s parents worked in the city’s film industry – which was once considered the ‘cradle of film’ in the PRC. Formally trained at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing (the most prominent institute of its kind in China), Liu has acted in 55 Chinese productions. Most recently, he has transitioned to ‘tough guy’ roles, with plots predominantly set in 1920s to ’40s China. In 2009’s City of Life And Death, he depicted a military officer who was killed defending Nanjing during China's War of Resistence Against Japanese Aggression. While domestically famous, he has also starred alongside Oscar winner Meryl Streep in 2007’s Dark Matter. During Liu’s busy shooting schedule for The Founding of an Army (2017), in which he plays Founder of the People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong, he visited France on four occasions to visit his expectant wife, French national and former Beijing-based journalist Anais Martane. The couple’s relationship turned highprofile in 2015, when they appeared in a Chinese reality TV show. Currently, Liu serves as a judge slash tutor on the controversial TV program The Birth of Performers. Kind of like: Tom Hanks Famous for: portraying Mao Zedong See him in: Lan Yu (2001)

30 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

CANVASSED

New Floating City Episodes Now Online Floating City, a comedy web series that satirizes Shanghai expat living by American writer and actress Leah Churchill, returns after a hiatus with two new episodes. In Episode Four, protagonist Jenny learns just how seriously expats take their brunch, yoga and pumpkin spice lattes while doing research for a lifestyle article along with jaded freelance photographer Amir. The fifth episode, arguably the best so far in the season, was filmed at essential Shanghai nightclub The Shelter just a few weeks before it shut down. Jenny heads there alone after her roommate bails on her to watch movies with her new boyfriend and meets a colorful cast of characters who will make anyone familiar with the club feel nostalgic. Watch both episodes on Bilibili or YouTube.

HAO BU HAO

Hao Several Chinese drama series are going to be getting international attention in a big way this year, thanks to deals that Netflix made with both Youku and iQiyi. Youku’s massively popular police procedural Day and Night will be the first Chinese series to be officially released overseas via the American-owned entertainment subscription service. It will be joined shortly after by iQiyi’s series Burning Ice (pictured), in which a dishonored policeman tries to catch a serial killer in Harbin, and Tientsin Mystic, a whodunit with a supernatural twist. The shows will be available in all 190 countries that Netflix serves.

Bu Hao Though it was once China’s most promising video streaming platform, le.com and its founder and CEO Jia Yueting have been blacklisted by the nation’s top court because of exorbitant unpaid loans and bills. Financial analysts believe that Jia dug himself and the company into debt as a result of overexpansion and over-spending on broadcasting rights for its various streaming sites, especially its sports platform LeSports. Blacklisted individuals are not allowed to visit hotels, nightclubs or golf courses and cannot purchase properties, cars, or any kind of luxury products.

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

WHAT’S NEW

Liu Yifei to Star as Mulan

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

JANUARY 5

Picking up where 2016’s The Force Awakens left off, this anticipated second installment of the Star Wars ‘sequel trilogy’ continues to explore the mystery behind Rey’s (Daisey Ridley) true identity. The star-studded cast includes the return of Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac, plus newcomers Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro. Critics have raved about the film, comparing the strength of its storytelling to that of the original ’80s trilogy. The Last Jedi also features Carrie Fisher’s last performance before her passing in 2016, and producers dedicated the film to her.

After a fraught search process and many delays, Disney has finally settled upon an actress to play the titular character in their hotly anticipated live-action remake of Mulan. Actress Liu Yifei has gained a massive domestic following over the past few years thanks to roles in high-profile domestic films like Chinese Paladin, Return of the Condor Heroes and 2017’s Once Upon a Time, as well as international productions such as The Forbidden Kingdom with Jackie Chan and Jet Li and Outcast with Nicholas Cage. Liu is considered one of China’s “new Four Dan actresses,” and is a notable celebrity with over 53 million fans on Weibo plus a high-profile relationship with Korean actor Song Seung-heon. The casting decision puts to rest fans’ fears about Disney’s tendency to whitewash its characters, and the Wuhan-born actress seems especially able to do justice to the iconic heroine thanks to her past experience with both action films and Chinese period pieces.

From Teresa Teng’s classic love ballads to Wu Bai’s old-school rock, here are tunes from 10 notable artists playing in the PRD this month.

Cheng Bi - 我想和你虚度时光 Li Yuchun - 下个，路口，见

Jackie

JANUARY 19

In this acclaimed biopic centered on the immediate aftermath of JFK’s assassination, Natalie Portman gives a riveting performance as Jackie Kennedy. The film is loosely based on a LIFE magazine interview Kennedy gave in 1963 about her husband’s death, and Portman was a powerful Oscar contender thanks to her nuanced and emotionally rich performance. The film is also notable for casting Danish actor Caspar Phillipson as JFK – though he’s onscreen for less than 10 minutes, his portrayal shocked viewers thanks to his uncanny physical resemblance to the former US president.

Pakho - 够钟 Teresa Teng - The Moon Represents My Heart Wu Bai - 挪威的森林 Angela Zhang - 淋雨一直走顽童MJ116 - Just Believe Zhang Jie - 情深深雨蒙蒙 Mika Nakashima - 僕が死のうと思ったのは [I Thought of Dying] Waa Wei - 一起去旅游 WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018| GZ | 31

ARTS | MUSIC

JUST FOR KICKS Getting Acquainted with Foster the People By Erica Martin & Dominique Wong

American band Foster the People embark on their first-ever China tour this month to promote their third album, Sacred Hearts Club. The album’s hiphop and electronic influences mark a departure from the band’s previous

PLAYLIST Though ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ remains their most viral hit, here are five other Foster the People songs worth a listen.

‘Next to Me’

The single from Foster the People’s new album, Sacred Hearts, is an effervescent electropop track about instant chemistry upon a first meeting.

‘Houdini’

indie pop records, Torches and Supermodels. Although best known for the

This bassy, quirky song about wanting to disappear like the famous magician became the second hit on Torches after ‘Pumped Up Kicks.’

viral hit ‘Pumped Up Kicks,’ there’s more to the band than sinister lyrics

‘Lotus Eater’

juxtaposed with sunny beats. Like the following.

FACTS The band’s original name was ‘Foster & the People,’ referring to frontman Mark Foster and his touring band members, but was constantly misheard as ‘Foster the People.’ The name struck a chord due to its inference of ‘taking care’ of people and stuck. Mark Foster’s one-time roommate was Brad Renfro, the former child star of The Client, who subsequently died from a heroin overdose at the age of 25. ‘Pumped up Kicks’ was written during Foster’s stint as a commercial jingle writer at Mophonics. The lyrics of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ describe the homicidal thoughts of a troubled teen. Foster has told music outlets he wanted to “get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid” and “bring awareness” to the issue of gun violence among youth. 32 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Like ‘Pumped Up Kicks,’ this peppy guitar track has deceptively dark lyrics. It chronicles being on a bad date, including the relatable refrain: ‘I’m sorry I was late, I didn’t want to come.’

‘Best Friend’

The most popular track from Foster the People’s sophomore album, 2012’s Supermodel, is a jazzy, horn-based song about the perils of partying with friends.

‘Pay the Man’

The opening track of Sacred Hearts kicks off the tone of the album with a catchy, electronic beat paired with surreal, sinister lyrics. GZ: Jan 20, 8pm; RMB380 presale, RMB580 at the door. Central Station, Bldg No. 2-8, Yangcheng Creative Industrial Park, 315 Huangpu Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区黄埔大道中315号羊城创意产业园2-8栋中央车站. SZ: Jan 21, 7pm; RMB380 presale, RMB580 at the door. A8 Live, 2/F, 1002 Keyuan Lu, Nanshan District 南山区科园路1002号2层

MUSIC| ARTS

JEWELZ & SPARKS We Chat with the German Duo About Their Guangzhou Debut By Matthew Bossons

his month we caught up with Julius Voigtländer and Gregor Brechmann, more commonly known as Jewelz & Sparks, to chat about their January 12 debut Guangzhou performance. The German DJ duo formed in 2011 and have since seen success both in the studio and on the global EDM festival circuit, performing at Ultra Europe and Tomorrowland, among numerous others. Below we talk about working as a two-man DJ team, collaborations and, of course, China! It’s your first time coming to Guangzhou. What can fans expect? A high-energy show with a lot of exclusive music and some exciting new mashups and remixes. Also, we will be premiering our collabs with Hardwell and Afrojack in Guangzhou.

Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland, Parookaville and TomorrowWorld – you both have played some major, major gigs. Which one stands out? One of our all time favorites was TomorrowWorld in the USA. The atmosphere was just great, the crowd was amazing and we were really lucky with the weather. But we feel blessed to play so many amazing festivals. A lot of people think DJs are a one-man show. How does it work with two of you behind the decks?

By now we are very experienced with the live set so we share the tasks and we know each other very well. A lot of preparation goes into getting the mashups and remixes ready for our live performances. If one of us is playing a new track the other might be on a microphone, or vice versa. It’s all about entertaining the fans. What makes a two-man DJ show better than a one-man gig?

You can share every experience. Not only on stage which, of course, is great fun but also offstage as a traveling person and a tourist. It’s just way more fun to share the good times with a good friend. You two have managed to log a No. 1 song on Beatport’s overall charts. Any recipe for such success? How does it feel?

It feels amazing. It’s been a long road. We both put in many years to our electronic music career without achieving international success. To be patient is rule number one. But if you keep doing your own style, it always pays off in the end. You have some upcoming collaborations with both Hardwell and Afrojack. Anything you can share about the songs or music?

Not yet, but our collab with Hardwell will be premiered via Hardwell On Air very soon, while the debut live performance will take place in Guangzhou! We also have more ex-

citing collabs coming up in 2018.

Have either of you been to China previously? If so, where and what stood out? Yes, we have been here a few times and we have always loved it. The crowd in Shenzhen was outstanding but, then again, it’s always a big party with a Chinese crowd. China is great! Planning to see any sights around Guangzhou while you are here?

Of course. We hope we can take some time to see some culture. We always enjoy that.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Jan 12, 9pm-late; RMB100. Fei, 3/F, W Guangzhou, 26 Xiancun Lu, Tianhe District天河区珠江新城冼村路26 号3楼 (020-6680 7825)

ARTS | MUSIC

SOUTH CHINA MUSIC CORNER

Three New Homegrown Albums on Our Radar this Month

By Bryan Grogan

Obliviate by Butterbeer Whilst attending different universities in Zhongshan and Zhuhai, this duo would meet somewhere in the middle – Shunde, Foshan to be exact – to record songs for what would eventually become Obliviate. The album has been in the making for about three years, but Butterbeer have finally gotten around to adding the finishing touches to this, their debut release. Band members Jovi and Rye are possibly better known for other projects, like Atta Girl and Chestnut Bakery, as well as the Bandcamp label Boring Productions, but they create something thoroughly unique here on Obliviate. Their songs crackle with the sound of Sunday morning romance, shared and not shared alike. ‘Distance’ is a softly sung, glittering piece of indie pop, while ‘Listening to Another Sunny Day Makes Me Forget You’ sees Butterbeer pick up the pace and create a gorgeous lovelorn break-up track, before ending on ‘Retrospective,’ which buzzes with ambient, and very tangible, emotion.

Setbacks by Wellsaid Hong Kong band Wellsaid’s new five-tracker is a sublime exercise in combining the precise chaos of math rock and post-hardcore. The album has been released in Taiwan and Hong Kong through Petit Alp Records and Sweaty and Cramped, respectively. In Guangdong, the band enlisted Guangzhou label Qiii Snacks Records to help distribute the cassette version of Setbacks through Bandcamp. Opening the EP on a high note, ‘Narrow Pass’ is a classic slow burner, as guitars seduce the listener into a relaxed state, until the chorus arrives and vocalist Sung signals a rhythm collapse with aggressive shouted vocals. Much of the album is like this, a back and forth between seemingly opposing styles, creating a perfectly pleasurable album of fun tracks.

Inspire by She’s Punk (Xuebeng) She’s Punk are a group of four recent graduates of Guangzhou University of Foreign Studies currently carving out quite a successful run in the city’s underground scene. With three digital releases this year alone, the all-girl group hit the ground running in 2017. Their most recent release, Inspire, was cause for celebration this autumn, being their first available physical album. She’s Punk show their musical versatility on Inspire as they regularly veer back and forth between genres and styles. They have designated themselves as a pop-punk outfit, but their growing tendency to experiment has led the all girl group to shift the balance in their music further towards pop, funk and hip hop, rewarding listeners with a great glut of variety. They hook up with another local act, rapper Felice, on electrofunk number ‘Yuzhou Manyou’ (which roughly translates as ‘cosmic ramble’). ‘21 o’clock’ connects like a powerful pop ballad, while ‘Phoenix’ is more traditionally crunchy pop-punk track.

34 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

2017 CHINA'S YEAR IN REVIEW BY BETTY RICHARDSON, DOMINIC NGAI, ERICA MARTIN AND NED KELLY

Those of us living in China might have been spared the tumultuous drama that our US counterparts have experienced in 2017, but like always, the Middle Kingdom has had its own fair share of attention-grabbing headlines. From the boom of shared bikes to a presidential visit from The Donald, our team has put together a list of 2017’s most unforgettable viral stories, recounting major events that defined the worlds of sports, tech, arts, fashion and food. Here’s to another year of eclectic, weird and wonderful life in China, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Scan the QR code for full coverage of our Year in Review series.

COVER STORY

FOOD & DRINK 公为下天

gone but not forgotten 2017 Guangzhou F&B Closures

Guangzhou saw no shortage of notable locations ‘bite the crust’ this year and, as 2017 draws to a closure, it feels prudent to give these now defunct locations a nod of remembrance… Tomatoes Pizzeria

Too cheesy to survive. Pandan Indonesian

The city’s Southeast Asian food circuit now laksa certain something.

Prism From fine munchies to foot massages. Alberto’s Italian Restaurant

We love Italian food. But get bored of it pasta point.

Knightship

Sailed into the night…

Somewhere Else

Pasta way. And now there is ‘nowhere else.’

People’s Café (Jianshe Wu Malu)

Clearly not the people’s favorite…

Noodle Bar

Noo more noodles for you!

COVER STORY

SOCIAL MED 9 Topics banned from group chats While it’s no surprise that the Chinese government is monitoring our social media activities, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued new regulations in September to “better develop China’s online environment, protect the legal rights of Chinese netizens, online organizations and safeguard national security and public interest,” according to China Daily. Along with these new regulations comes the Public Security Bureau’s list of nine topics banned on online group chats. Effective October 8, sharing things like politically sensitive information, violent or pornographic content may lead to fines or police detention. Think twice before you send off that racy WeChat sticker…

7 Most Popular Stories of 2017 on Thatsmags.com

Living in China can take 4 years off your life China’s poor air quality has been an ongoing problem for all of us who live here, but just how bad is it? According to a recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, pollution can take an average of 3.5 years off people’s lives. If you live in Tianjin, where the smog problem is the worst in the nation, according to the study, it can shave 7.1 years off.

China’s bike share craze First came the orange Mobike, and then the yellow Ofo. Now there’s a bunch of providers to make up China’s rainbow-colored bike share craze. The two-wheeled bubble, however, began to show signs of bursting in mid-November when China’s third largest bike-sharing startup Bluegogo ceased operations.

Donald Trump visits China Last month, all eyes were on Beijing when President Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump during the latter’s three-day visit to the Chinese capital. It was all pretty standard stuff – an exclusive tour of the Forbidden City with the wives, Peking opera performances, meetings and plenty of photo ops in between. @realDonaldTrump somehow managed to tweet about the trip, too!

DIA Imported soft cheeses got banned, then unbanned McDonald’s changes its Chinese name In China, McDonald’s is no longer called Mai Dang Lao. Since October 12, the official Chinese name has been changed Jin Gong Men (金拱门), which literally means ‘golden arches.’ Chinese customers are apparently not lovin’ the change, some say it sounds like the name of a Peking duck restaurant.

China-based cheese lovers saw a tumultuous couple of months this fall. First, it was the rumors that imported soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, blue cheese and goat cheese would be temporarily banned from the Middle Kingdom. A few weeks later, however, the ban was reportedly lifted and cheese lovers could go on with their lives again.

No lines at the iPhone 8 release New iPhone releases used to be big deal in China, where flocks of legit fans and scalpers would line up for hours outside the Apple Store to get their hands on the hottest new device. This, however, didn’t happen for the iPhone 8 release on September 22. According to photos on social media, there were more barricades and security guards than actual shoppers at Apple Stores around the country.

COVER STORY

Ethiopian Marathon Runners The 2017 Wuxi Marathon took a strange turn due to a... strange turn. Two Ethiopian runners, Chala Lelisa Debele in yellow and Gardisa Birhanu Shumie in red, were comfortably leading when they failed to spot a 90-degree left turn 100 meters from the finish line. They continued going straight, leaving Khalid Kamal Yaseen of Bahrain, who was initially in third place, to steal in for a cheeky win.

UCLA Basketballers

Nick Kyrgios

Three bad ballers were caught shoplifting from a Louis Vuitton store next to their Hangzhou hotel. One of them, LiAngelo Ball, is the younger brother of Los Angeles Lakers star Lonzo Ball and son of outspoken basketball sneaker entrepreneur LaVar Ball. Together, the family is the subject of reality show Ball in the Family. Now listen Ball boy, you’ve let UCLA down, you’ve let Donald Trump down, but most of all … you’ve got some great material for your show.

China Football Team

SPORTS

D N W O

A big fat flop is what the Argentine star has been at Shanghai Shenhua. Literally. Shenhua boss Wu Jingui declared in September that he would not pick the former Manchester United and City forward because he was overweight. Tevez, who is on a contract worth a reported GBP32 million a year, managed just four goals all season. So eight million pounds per goal. Money well spent …

Carlos Tevez

y e a

Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013. It was not to be, a 1-0 defeat to Iran meant no Russia next summer for Team China.

b a

Victory against South Korea in March, after Marcello Lippi had been brought in as head coach, had Chinese fans daring to dream they could make the World Cup. After all, the Italian had not only won the World Cup itself in 2006, but also brought glory on China when he won the AFC Champions League with

The 22-year-old Aussie man-baby walked off court at the Shanghai Rolex Masters after losing the first set of his match to American Steve Johnson on a tiebreaker, having a tantrum at the umpire in the process. This coming after last year throwing a match against German Mischa Sverev, while asking an umpire, “Can you call time so I can finish this match and go home?” You go home Nick. Go home and never come back, you hear?

U G

o o

y e a

Guangzhou Evergrande Evergrande won their seventh consecutive Chinese Super League title with two games to spare. Ironically, it was the team’s bitter city rivals Guangzhou R&F who secured them the title with a 2-1 win over second placed Shanghai SIPG. Congratulations to Evergrande and their fans. But seven years, seriously?! Give someone else a chance, would ya …

Roger Federer

Sure, there was the small matter of winning the Shanghai Rolex Masters, his second Shanghai crown and sixth title of 2017. But Federer also made the most of the city - riding on the Shanghai Metro, meeting up with Yao Ming, and doing an impromptu danceoff with Mickey Mouse on court. Dad dancing with the Disney icon. Living. The. Dream.

Lewis Hamilton The Brit recorded his fifth victory in the Chinese Grand Prix, to set him on his way to his fourth Drivers’ Championship. And he managed to avoid the temptation of spraying his prize bottle of bubbly directly onto the face of one of the F1 grid girls, as he had done in 2015. Which was nice.

Tianjin Quanjian The Chinese Super League newcomers clinched a place in the 2018 AFC Champions League with a dramatic 2-1 win at champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the very last game of the season. The bad news for Tianjin is that Evergrande were so impressed by what they saw, they decided they wanted Quanjian’s CSL Manager of the Year Fabio Cannavaro back. And back to Guangzhou he went.

China Table Tennis The World Table Tennis Championships were held in Düsseldorf, Germany over the summer. Guess who won four of the five gold medals? Bet you can’t. Have a stab at it anyway though. Give up? Okay, it was China! China, winning at table tennis?! We know, we couldn’t believe it either. Unprecedented. A real turn up for the books …

COVER STORY

2017 Calendar

Hip-hop

Quote of the year:

“Can you even

freestyle?”

May

June A loose translation of “你有 freestyle吗?” as coined by The Rap of China judge Kris Wu while he grilled a contestant after a performance early in the season. The internet just about exploded in response, with an outpouring of memes mocking the pop star, including several compilation videos of Wu proving that in fact, he himself cannot even freestyle. Despite the fact that hip-hop fans around China and beyond poked fun at the show for being too hokey and commercial to embody the values of hip-hop, The Rap of China was essential to catapulting hip-hop to mainstream popularity in the country, pulling several underground artists (including Chongqing rapper GAI, who won first place on the show) out of obscurity and clearing the way for them to become superstars.

ARTS

Asian-American music label 88rising debuts a reaction video on YouTube in which Western rappers like Migos comment on the Higher Brothers’ song ‘Made in China.’ The video tops a million views in a less than a week. Reality TV show The Rap of China debuts on iQiyi.

August

Chengdu rapper MC Fat Shady, another Rap of China contestant, drops the music video for his track ‘Gua Laowai’ (Stupid Foreigner), which causes an uproar and immediately goes viral.

November

Pharrell becomes the reluctant face of Singles’ Day by performing the ‘hip-hop’ song ‘Double 11’ onstage with none other than Kris Wu for the Singles’ Day Gala at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Higher Brothers’ 88rising tour, featuring fellow superstar Rich Chigga, sells out all dates throughout China within hours.

Chengdu rap group Higher Brothers drops their debut album, Black Cab.

July Popular Shanghai rapper Al Rocco is dismissed from The Rap of China in the first round for rapping in English. He proceeds to pen a diss track against the TV show.

September

The season finale of The Rap of China airs. Chongqing rapper GAI is announced as the winner along with PG One, and is immediately signed to a major label.

October

A crescendo of fawning media coverage throughout the year on hip-hop in China generally – and Higher Brothers specifically – culminates in a feature story in the New York Times, complete with the predictably corny headline: ‘With Dreadlocks, Rhythm and Flow, China Embraces Hip-Hop.’

Arts 2017 Approval Matrix Our Version of New York Magazine’s Famous Hierarchy of Good and Bad Taste Celebrated filmmaker Jia Zhangke debuts Pingyao Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Festival, China’s answer to Sundance.

Netflix green-lights its first Chinese language series, Bardo (摆渡身), a jailbreak thriller with a supernatural twist.

Feminist Indian film Dangal becomes a major box office success in China Zhang Ziyi announces that she’ll be joining the Godzilla franchise in a starring role

A futuristic, otherworldly library opens in Tianjin and instantly becomes an Internet sensation.

Despite rave reviews from critics, Blade Runner 2049 becomes a major box office flop in China.

The live-action remake of Disney’s Mulan gets delayed until at least 2019.

Though it did decently in China, The Great Wall flopped overseas and lost USD75 million, putting future US-China co-productions in jeopardy. After becoming China’s highest grossing film of all time, Wolf Warrior II sparks controversy by being named the nation’s official Oscar contender.

Bu Hao

Hao

Marvel Comics teams up with NetEase to create the first Marvel series centered around Chinese superheroes

Highbrow

Shenzhen-based drag queen Sister Tomato becomes a viral hit after an impromptu photoshoot in a grocery store Weibo user and Photoshop wizard 青红造了个白 creates epic images of Game of Thrones characters as street vendors and shop owners

Xiamen Foreign Language School’s flawless re-enactment of La La Land’s opening scene

At long last, the Unicode Consortium releases dumpling and chopsticks emojis.

Lowbrow

A troupe of minions went rafting at a park in Hunan province as part of a Despicable Me 3 publicity stunt, totally creeping out local park-goers.

Justin Bieber gets banned from China for ‘bad behavior.’

At his much-anticipated China debut at a festival in Shanghai, A$AP Rocky drops his mike and storms offstage when the police turn off the power during his show.

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Fashion

Icon Since 2014, fashion photographer Zhou Wengang has been documenting the styles of Chinese modernites on the streets of the nation’s major cities. Frequently seen outside of Fashion Week events in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen sporting his red beanie and shooting some of the most welldressed passersby with his DSLR camera, Zhou’s work has been featured in the Fashion Week coverage of news outlets like Sohu. Here, he tells That’s about the trends he noticed while attending this year’s fashion events, as well as his favorite city to shoot in. How do you usually decide which person to photograph?

It’s sometimes about the overall look, or it could also be one piece or item that catches my eye. Basically, he or she has to stand out from the crowd. What was your most memorable experience while covering Fashion Weeks?

When I was covering Shanghai Fashion Week a few seasons ago, a car hit me while I was chasing down someone for a shot. Luckily, I walked away unscathed.

What do you like most about street fashion photography?

I see it as a way to document the different styles seen on the streets of China. Many people who have never been here have a misunderstanding that the Chinese don’t really know how to dress. I want my photographs to prove them wrong. What are some of the most noticeable trends this year?

There are a lot of oversized silhou-

LIFE & Zhou Wengang Photographer

ette dresses, coats, shirts and trousers on the streets these days.

Have you noticed any differences between how people dress in different cities?

In general, I think Shanghainese are more daring and high-energy in the way they dress, while Shenzhen is simpler, less flashy. Beijing, on the other hand, is slightly more mature and conservative, but I actually get the best photos here. I think it’s because there are many leading art institutions in and around the city, so the people here have an inborn sense of fashion, as well as an understated charm that’s quite unique. Lastly, is there a special meaning to the iconic red beanie that you wear?

Red is my favorite color; it’s the color of the Chinese flag and it’s also very festive. I’ve become very attached to my red beanie, and I’ve been wearing it everyday for the last two years!

Follow Zhou Wengang’s work on his official WeChat ID: wengangstreetsnap

4 … because it looks like a satellite dish.

… because you probably don’t work for FedEx.

Weird Hats f Year’s Fash That You Wo Actually We

STYLE

Style Events of the Year

Singles’ Day, Double Digit Growth Who has time to find a new boyfriend or girlfriend on Singles’ Day? November 11 is now all about buying a new iPhone, handbag or even a refrigerator! For e-commerce giant Alibaba, the annual shopping extravaganza generated a whopping RMB168.2 billion in sales – a 39 percent increase from 2016. Rock on, Jack Ma! China’s First Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Shanghai played host to this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and dozens of models descended upon the city to walk the runway at the star-studded event in November (those who got a travel visa did, anyway). Jane Zhang, Harry Styles and Miguel provided the entertainment, but it was Shanghainese model Ming Xi, who stole the show when she took a tumble during her walk. (Ouch!) Taylor Swift and Katy Perry were previously rumored to be part of the performance lineup as well, but couldn’t make it in the end … because there would be too much ‘bad blood’ on stage, right?

… because it looks like you’re one of the dwarfs on an off-off Broadway production of Snow White.

from This hion Shows ould Not ear… … because paper mache items should stay in third grade art class.

Luxury and Streetwear Crossovers

The fashion world has seen many crossovers between luxury and street fashion labels in recent years, but Louis Vuitton and Supreme’s collaboration, which debuted at the Paris Fashion Week in January, took things to another level. After Luhan was seen wearing a limited edition red hoodie with the LV monogram and Supreme box logo, the asking price for the item on eBay went up to USD25,000 (about RMB165,000), or nearly 30 times its retail price. Thanks, Luhan … KOLs (Continue to) Strike Gold

An increasing share of the marketing budget of brands in China has gone to hiring KOLs (key opinion leaders), who have millions of followers across different social media platforms, as their spokespeople. High profile brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre and New Balance, for instance, have tapped internet sensation Papi Jiang to head up their advertising campaigns this year. Expect more to come in 2018.

COMM UNITY Making the Grade

Tips for finding the right school for your child, p51

Cheesy Chatter P49 46 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Work Visa Woes P48

FEATURE

SANTA SUCCESS

Finding out Why 2017’s Santa Pub Crawl Was the Best Yet By Matthew Bossons, photos by Hong Ly

The 14th annual Santa Pub Crawl went off without a hitch this past November, drawing a sell-out 250-person crowd of joyously boozy Christmas revelers. Since its inception in 2003, the occasion has evolved into one of Guangzhou’s most notable nonprofit events and was even featured in the Wall Street Journal a few years back. This month, we talked with longtime organizer Kent Highet to find out why many are hailing the 2017 Santa Pub Crawl (SPC) as the best yet. The 2017 pub crawl was a resounding success. What do you think made it better than previous years? The Santas involved always make it special and they were definitely filled with Christmas spirit this year. I think this year was the best ever, with new venues – each special in their own way – and an awesome atmosphere. It really was a special night. How much money was raised?

It looks like we have RMB20,000 to donate this year, which is great. ‘Team Santa,’ the organizing committee, are throwing around ideas [for which charity to support] and we have already donated RMB1,000 to the Jingle Bells Project, which supports Guangzhou’s homeless.

the moment I realize the event is running smoothly and can relax and enjoy myself; and the involvement of Chinese people, both those on the SPC and those looking on, especially the young children.

How is the event different now from when it first started? Well, since there were only eight Santas (the gents from the Whisky Appreciation Society) on the very first Santa Pub Crawl and there are now over 250, with live music, wine, bubbles, beer and food, each year the pub crawl keeps getting bigger and better. Watch out 2018! Rumor has it you only have another year or two left at the helm as organizer of the SPC?

Don’t remind me, I love living in Guangzhou and I plan to be here longer if China will have me. However, if I have to go, the SPC will be in good hands. I have been inviting new members to the Team Santa organizing committee over the past couple of years, so it's learning by doing and there is nothing like training on the job!

Have you ever thought about organizing a charity pub crawl to be held at another time during the year? Yes, I have. There is definitely room in the calendar for another charity pub crawl. People love a fun event that causes no trouble and is supported by the community and raises money for charity. Leave it to me and I’ll see what Team Santa can come up with. Maybe I better start calling the organizing committee ‘Team Pub Crawl.’ What's your best memory from Santa Pub Crawls gone by?

I have one special photo of Santa Jody (an important SPC organizer) and myself with a Chinese woman from a few years back and the look on her face stays with me, she was so excited. Then there are the children, who are blown away to see so many Santas at one time. Satisfaction also comes with the feedback from all the participants, who rave about what a truly special event the SPC has become and the fact that they are giving back to the community while having a great time.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

What is the best part of organizing the SPC?

There are four things: the passion of the Santas, who hail from around the world, to get involved; the smiles on peoples’ faces when they are letting loose at the venues;

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 47

COMM UNITY

AROUND TOWN

DEAR JAMIE

Work Visa Woes Dear Jamie, I recently relocated from Italy to Zhuhai for a job I applied for through an online English teaching agency. When I was first contacted by the training center I’m now working at, they assured me that I’d be given accommodations, a full time job with a reasonable salary and a work visa. While they’ve delivered on the first two promises, they have been unable to get me a work visa because I’m “not a native English speaker.” China has rules regarding how and to whom work visas are issued, and I understand that. But I can’t help but feel mislead by my employer, who has simply told me to continue working on a tourist visa. I love living in Zhuhai, but after three months in ‘visa limbo’ I’m beginning to think it’s best to head back to Europe and pursue a career with my degree. -Visaless in Zhuhai Dear Confused, The situation you currently find yourself in is an all too common one. And while we could waste time pondering who’s to blame, it’s probably most important to focus on the fact that you’re currently employed without the appropriate paperwork and thus breaking the law. Unscrupulous options aside, you essentially have two choices: throw in the towel and hit as many of China’s fantastic ‘AAAAA’ tourist attractions as possible before heading home, or, if you really love living in Zhuhai (and want to continue living in ‘the city of a hundred islands’), find a new job that provides you with that oh-so-coveted work visa. While the latter option will undoubtedly require some leg work and comes with no guarantees, you may find yourself surprised with the number of interesting job opportunities (that include a work visa) that are available in the PRD. And heck, if you’re already considering retreating with your tail between your legs back to Italy, you really have nothing to lose by hitting the pavement and handing out a few resumes. -Jamie Stuck in a jam (sandwich)? Email Jamie for some peanut butter at Jamieinchina@outlook.com. 48 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

SOCIAL SKILLS

Animal Action Guangzhou Furry friends from Foshan to Fangcun are finding shelter and comfort in the tender care of Animal Action Guangzhou (AAGZ). The dedicated group of animal lovers, which recently celebrated their six-month anniversary, underwent something of a baptism-byfire over the summer when the group’s members staged a dramatic rescue of hundreds of pooches from a truck bound for the slaughterhouses of Yulin’s controversial annual Dog Meat Festival. What began as an ad hoc effort to tend to the rescued animals’ immediate needs has since blossomed into a permanent home for pooches in distress, and in turn a tight-knit community for the people who love and care for them. The group of roughly a dozen core members, with an infusion of help from a rotating stable of sporadic volunteers, has made impressive strides in the short months since its founding. With charitable donations and proceeds from frequent fundraising events, these friends of the four-legged have man-

aged to rent a large house with two full floors dedicated to meeting the rescued animals’ needs. Many of the dogs from the initial meat truck rescue have since been rehabilitated and adopted, while new animals continue to cycle in all the time. AAGZ offers many opportunities for compassionate Cantoners to get their hands dirty. Whether it’s coming by to take the dogs on a walk or pitching in to help muck out the kennels. Donations, of course, are always welcome, while folks looking for a little companionship are encouraged to foster or even adopt the animals outright. Meanwhile, weekly events include fun social gatherings for people and pets alike to get together and build community, offering chances for newcomers to plug in. “We are all here to help each other,” says group cofounder Cathy O’ Sullivan. “Our main focus is making these animals better and giving them a life unlike the ones they had on the street.” To get involved, add WeChat ID ‘AnimalActionGZ’

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

TAKE FIVE

ally have any of the stronger smelling ones; however, due to the fact that most Chinese are used only to processed cheese, which is basically gelatin with a taste of cheese, they get surprised when they see real cheese. Fresh mozzarella has liquid with it so they find it really weird that it’s not a dry block and we’ve had clients saying that it was spoiled because liquid was coming out of it. Generally, the reactions are quite positive especially because it reminds them of tofu.

Alessandro Nicolau This month we talk to Alessandro Nicolau, an expat of Lebanese, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish heritage and the man behind La Vaca Feliz. A decade in China has seen him trading jewelry overseas and helping his sister set up shop selling snacks from their native Brazil. But his current claim to fame – and what’s earned him the love of many homesick expats – is his business of crafting soft, fresh cheeses for the hungry masses of the PRD.

Pack a basket with a good bread, a bottle of wine, and one of your cheeses: Where’s your perfect Shenzhen picnic destination? That’s the toughest question but I’d say two places: Shenzhen Bay Park (if you don’t want to travel far) or Dongchong Beach (if you’re okay driving for a while).

What’s the best thing about doing business in southern China?

It’s the way all cities in the region are connected and the fact that setting up an export company in Hong Kong makes doing business here very convenient and hassle free. The area also has a great foreign community which is our main clientele for the cheese business at the moment. Also, the beaches! What’s been your biggest disappointment since you moved here?

The fact that you can’t just walk into any place and order a proper cheese sandwich is my

What’s a craving you just can’t satisfy in China? only disappointment. But it also became the biggest drive to start producing it.

China just saw a (temporary) ban on some soft cheeses and China generally seems wary of the pungent stuff. What was the worst reaction to your cheeses? As we work with fresh cheeses we don’t re-

I grew up surrounded by grandparents who had to adapt their taste in order to satisfy their cravings, even if it meant doing it by themselves. I prefer to look at life through that perspective instead of the usual expat mindset of “I can’t believe they don’t have this here!” So I pretty much am able to get plenty of satisfaction in China, be it food or things to do.

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COMMUNITY | HE ALT H

‘MEATING’ YOUR DESTINY

Removing Red Meat from Your Diet May Save Your Life By Dr. Adam Koh

eing of Chinese descent, I can totally understand about how sensitive this topic is. In fact, I will probably lose all my friends on Facebook and WeChat, provided I make it through the week alive first. But, here it goes anyway. Red meat is bad for you and processed meat kills you! More Food, More Fortune

Asian cultures tend to view food as a celebration of life and fortune. They are inextricably intertwined, like Mickey and Minnie. Both entities need to exist to determine harmony and balance in life. In fact, one is not considered living, if we do not consume good food. Hence, in Asian culture, more food equals a better life and, by some warped ‘karmavoodoo’ magic, is supposed to lead to more good fortune. ‘Over-Ordering Leads To Overeating’

If you’ve attended a Chinese wedding you’ll have probably noticed that there’s enough food to feed a small Sudanese village, and probably half of Liberia. This age-old tradition, rooted in eons of human evolution survives till this day. Giving food is regarded as a ‘godly’ trait in the human realm, and ‘eating more’ is not only polite, but a necessary and fundamental reciprocation of the giver’s love. Meat, being a highly revered food group, becomes the centerpiece of any banquet, usually in the form of a roasted young pig or fowl. Why Meat Is Bad

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) 50 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

report not only raised many eyebrows but also severely inflamed Italian food aficionados and experts. Apparently, persecuting prosciuttos is not to be taken lightly. According to the research report, bacon, ham and sausages rank alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer, placing cured and processed meats in the same category as asbestos, alcohol, arsenic and tobacco. Here are the exciting findings from WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) report: • There was enough evidence to rank processed meat as group 1 carcinogens because of a causal link with bowel cancer. • The IARC’s experts concluded that each 50-gram (1.8-ounce) portion of processed meat eaten daily increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent. • It places red meat in group 2A, as probably carcinogenic to humans. Eating red meat is also linked to pancreatic and prostate cancer. How Does It Cause Cancer?

Processed meat contains preservatives, mainly nitrites, which get converted to nitrous oxide. Under high heat, it releases acrylamide, a carcinogen. Good Habits, Balance Holds the Key

So with this knowledge etched into the deep recesses of your mind, make sure you give that makeshift roadside barbeque stall a miss, despite the tempting charred smell of the lamb kebabs over charcoal roasters. A balanced diet comprising of healthier

cuts of meat in smaller portions however, is still reasonable. Opting for healthier methods of cooking such as grilling or steaming will also make a big difference. In a nutshell, 1. Ham, sausages, bacon, beef patties should be avoided if possible. 2. Pork is considered red meat too. If necessary, buying the lean cuts of meat would reduce long term risks. The word ‘loin’ in the meat would probably be healthier e.g. pork loin, sirloin etc. 3. Trim any overlying fats that you see before cooking. 4. Try to balance your protein intake by consuming chicken, fish, beans or lentils. 5. A bigger overall risk factor is still obesity and lack of exercise. Eating some meat with plenty of vegetables and fruits, coupled with four hours of exercise a week will lower the risk of cancer and heart disease significantly. Dr. Adam Koh has over 20 years of clinical experience and is currently working as a family physician at Sing Health Medical. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm; 2 Xiancun Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 广州市天河区冼村路2号 (020-3739 2500, 020-3739 2566, www.singhealth.asia)

EDUCAT ION | COMMUNIT Y

WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL TRULY INTERNATIONAL? Four Tips for Finding the Best Place for Your Child to Learn By Lena Gidwani

lanning on having a kid in China? Want to send them to a private international school? Well, here’s a reality check for you. Anecdotal research indicates that expat parents living in mainland China can spend as much as half a million USD in fees alone if they send their children to a solid, reputable international curriculum school from early years to 18. Add in bus services, uniforms, vacations, insurance/medical care, after-school classes and just general expenses (iPads, anyone?), and the total cost of sending your third-culture kid to such schools is close to USD1 million. And that doesn’t even include what you’ll spend when they go off to university. How’s that for a hole in your pocket, folks? Though many educational experts generally believe that TCK’s do not necessarily have to attend international schools, most expat families still follow this trend. After all, who doesn't want the best (and a sense of familiarity) for their child when away from home? This begs a couple of very valid questions – what is an international school, and what, exactly, makes it international so as to command such high price tags? And how does one choose an international school, especially in China? Here's what we’ve gathered from speaking to fellow parents.

Budget International schools are a lifelong commitment. You cannot simply enroll your child in a school and then drag them out a year later because you can’t afford it. Sure, financial issues do occur unexpectedly, but unless you have spare cash around, don’t do it. It’s not fair on either you or your child. You should have at least three years’ worth of annual fees lying around per child. Don’t do it otherwise; you’ll only be disadvantaging them. Transferability of Students’ Education

As an expat family, your school is your community, and you must be sure that the program of study is right for you for when you go back home. It is very easy to get taken in by beautiful buildings, good marketing and persuasive promises of guaranteed admission to Harvard and Cambridge, but one needs to look beyond that and ask yourself these important questions: is this curriculum accepted back in my home country or my next destination(s)? Does this curriculum allow my child to seamlessly transition? Am I equipping my child with transdisciplinary skills that can be used regardless of where they are?

The 3 M’s: Multinational, Multilingual, Multicultural We live in a world that transcends boundaries, so it’s worth ensuring that a school can instill the ‘3 M’s’ in them. In fact, one can sum it up as international mindedness, and it is what the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) claims sets them apart from other educational programs. According to the IBO, “It is a philosophy that students will carry with them through the rest of their lives.” Now that is some deep stuff. Gut Instinct

Yes, indeed. The most important criteria of all is what you feel when you enter a school. It’s an innate knowing, one that cannot be explained, but only felt. And at the end of the day, what people say about a school or what the school is named means nothing – it’s what you feel and what is behind the name that really matters. After all, you know your child best, so trust yourself to make the right decision when it comes to choosing an international school.

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CITY SCENES ‘Leap Forward 2018’ at Canton Tower

Shenzhen White Collar Fight Night

(Supported by

)

The ongoing event series hosted at Canton Tower, ‘Leap Forward 2018,’ kicked off on December 16 with a Christmas lighting ceremony. Two concerts were open to the public – one featuring classical music and the other traditional Chinese music. An exhibition, First Ray of Sunshine in 2018, started on January 1 and will end at the end of the month.

December 9 saw White Collar Fight Night (WCFN) host its third event in Shenzhen, with nine bouts, a charity auction and almost 700 people in attendance. With cans of Wolf Beer in hand, spectators were on their feet and cheering for the eagerly anticipated fight between Michelle Yu and Lillian which ended, like most, in a TKO. The successful event raised RMB60,000 for One Foundation, which works to provide children’s healthcare and disaster relief management.

Bravo Craft Beer Bar Crawl Guangzhou

SWIS Winter Celebration (Supported by

(Supported by

)

Bravo to the beer wizards at Bravo Brewing Co. for organising the highly-anticipated ‘Bravo Craft Beer Bar Crawl Guangzhou,’ which was held on December 16. Sponsored by That's PRD, the pub crawl took Canton's beer lovers to five local craft beer bars to sample the best of the city’s small batch suds.

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)

On a beautiful sunny day in December, Shen Wai International School (SWIS) PTA hosted its 2017 Winter Celebration, attended by many parents, students, teachers, and guests from the Shenzhen community. Visitors enjoyed a Winter Market with beauty products and fluffy toys, while visits with Santa and fun activities kept the children entertained. The bouncy castle, of course, was a huge hit. With so many tasty foods, a delightful range of performers and a raffle draw that saw many guests take home prizes, it was a wonderful way to welcome winter in Shenzhen.

AmCham South China Winter Ball (Supported by

and

)

AmCham South China hosted its annual winter ball on the evening of December 2, 2017 at LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. Themed ‘wonderland,’ the party took place amid fairy tales, whimsical romance and glamorous costumes. The lucky draw was one of the event’s numerous highlights, offering prizes valued at over USD200,000, including round-trip flights, hotel presidential suites, luxury watches and fine wines, among others.

European Chamber Cup Football Tournament (Supported by and )

Shenzhen British Day (Supported by and

For the first time in their five-year history, the European Chamber Cup Football Tournament was held for the benefit of three charities: The Starlight Exceptional Child Rehabilitation Centre, Shenzhen Dogs Protection Association and Cat Talker. With 16 teams competing passionately for the trophy cup, it came down to a hard-fought victory for Five Star Sports, with teams from Lenovo and FC Baohu winning second and third place.

More than 2,500 guests and 60 vendors gathered at Mission Hills Sport and Eco Park on November 25 to enjoy a day of amazing performances, fun games and delicious, traditional British foods. There were reproductions of the London Eye and the River Thames, with a father-son bagpipe duo to set the mood. The British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong brought out their best for this annual day of heritage fun and we look forward to next year’s festivities!

)

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PRD FOCUS T

he choir of the British School of Guangzhou had one of their most successful Christmas seasons to date, seeing over 240 students perform at some of Guangzhou’s top venues, including five-star hotels and a grand finale at Taikoo Hui Shopping Mall.

akwood Gold Arch Residence held an appreciation party last month that saw around 200 residents enjoy a fun-filled evening. Family and friends gathered together to dine and participate in festive games and activities prepared by the team at Oakwood.

rganized by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, co-organized by the Florentia Village, supported by the Italian Consulate in Guangzhou and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the first edition of ‘Natale, Christmas like in Italy!’ was successfully held in Florentia Village Foshan from December 8-10, with many Chinese and international participants.

ecember 14 saw a great number of participants enjoying themselves at Trinity’s Christmas party. The bash also saw various vendors supported by Trinity’s partners, as well as singing performances presented by Trinity’s students, Nansha International School and the Japanese Women’s Choir. 54 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

TLAS opened its third workplace at GTland Plaza on December 15, on which occasion a total of 300 guests were invited. The workplace is located on the 41st floor of the building, Overseeing Huacheng Square and Guangzhou’s CBD.

he International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) successfully marked its 15-year milestone as one of the leading international schools in China this past month. In commemoration of the occasion, ISNS held a formal ceremony on December 13, 2017 welcoming founding family members Dr. Francis Pang and Ms. Joyce Pang, Chinese government officials, VIP guests and families of the school.

he Christmas bazaar hosted by Bubble Kingdom International Kindergarten saw both students and their families taking part in a meaningful event. Parents from each class organized their own booths that sold a variety of objects ranging from handicrafts and Christmas decorations to secondhand children’s book and tasty edibles.

he film Country Far Away, directed by Gan Xiao’er from South China Normal University, was nominated for Best Picture, Best Script, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Score at the Marianas International Film Festival hosted in Saipan on December 6-8. Country Far Away's leading actor, Ma Yue, won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the film festival.

FOOD, DRINK

& EVENTS IN GUANGZHOU

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Sin City Dining P60

FEATURE

A CULTURED BEVERAGE… Rio’s Bizarre New Yogurt-Vodka Drink By Matthew Bossons

Rio alcopops are commonplace in South China, their bright, colorful cans as readily available in your local 7-11 or C-Store as Tsingtao and Heineken. And while most Rio coolers offer drinkers a sweet, fruity flavor, the popular boozy-pop brand recently launched an eclectic new taste: ‘Rio Light, Yogurt Drink + Vodka.’

If you think mixing ‘strong drink’ with bacterially fermented milk is a tad strange, you’re certainly not alone: we too found the idea repulsive – until we sampled a can for ourselves. We have to tip our hats to whoever is stirring the cauldron at Rio’s headquarters, as they have somehow managed to create the ‘White Russian’ of cheap convenience store coolers. While few can say for certain, we’d bet that Jeff Bridges’ ‘The Dude,’ among others, would approve of this beverage. Here’s why: 1. It tastes good.

The way this particular drink strikes the palate is difficult to describe. It’s creamy, yes, but not too creamy. There’s sweetness, but it’s much more subtle than your standard Rio, Smirnoff Ice, or any other cooler. To sum up the flavor in one sentence: it’s like the milk candies you’ll find at the reception desk of just about any seniors’ home in North America. 2. You will feel cultured.

Ha! Get it? Besides the microbiological culture that makes yogurt, you may also feel a tiny bit classier just holding the can: it’s more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional bright pink, green and orange Rio bottles. Yo-Rio (as we’ve affectionately dubbed the bevvy) has a container that is largely white, with baby blue trim around the top and bottom. You probably won’t feel very cultured taking it to a party, but it’s at least easy on the eyes, just as its boozy innards go easy on the palate. 3. It pairs well with breakfast.

Hefeweizens go with goat cheese and seafood, stout goes with foie gras, smoked goose and cheddar cheese, while malbecs work wonders with lamb. But which alcoholic drink is best paired with yogurt and oats, scrambled eggs and a fruit salad? The answer (unless you’re Canadian, #theCaesar): Rio Light, Yogurt Drink + Vodka. Naturally, the drink goes well with yogurt. Plus, with a creamy, sweet taste and 3 percent alcohol, the drink makes for easy morning boozing. The Dude (probably) approves of the Yo-Rio, do you?

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GRAPE VINE THE SCANDALOUS SCOOP

OLDIE BUT GOODIE

We’re digging:

Tap House

The soon-to-be-open Guu’s Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, a hangout worthy of Ron Burgundy and company; convenience store staple Rio stepping it up with a weird yet tasty yogurt-vodka blend; the arrival of Michelin reviewers in Guangzhou to craft the city’s first Michelin Guide; the debut of Ginstar’s delicious and affordable sandwiches, burgers and pizzas in the CBD (page 65).

We’re done with:

The flop of Mickey D’s latest themed burgers – holy Batman, they’re bad; the closure of second floor dining areas in many of Zhujiang New Town’s most notable establishments (farewell for now, 13 Factories); the closure of The Brew Bar & Bistro’s Jianshe Liu Malu location, RIP.

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Sure, Nansha District may be a bit of a haul for Guangzhou residents living in the city’s more central areas (like Zhujiang New Town, for example), but there is a lot of really cool shit out there. Take Nansha Tin Hau Palace, for example, which is an impressive complex dedicated to the goddess Mazu, a deity often referred to as ‘Goddess of the Sea.’ There is also Nansha Wetland Park: a man-made eco-destination that sees up to 100,000 migratory birds visit each winter. Both are top-notch day trips and well worth the hour-plus metro commute from the CBD. If you do decide to venture to Guangzhou’s southernmost district, we also have a recommended watering hole (because who doesn’t want to catch a buzz after bird watching): Tap House. Located on Yuexiu Binhai Yuecheng Bar Street (think watered-down and slightly depressing version of Party Pier), Tap House is the best and perhaps only Western-style, craft beer-serving pub in Nanshan. A popular hangout for expats in the district (likely due to the fact Tap House is the only place that serves nachos in the far-flung area), Tap House offers over 20 draft beers, a decent selection of cocktails and mixed bevvies. In the edibles department, the bar successfully executes flavorful, ‘finger lickin’ good’ pork ribs (RMB168), coated in a tangy BBQ sauce that transports you to – er – somewhere that isn’t Nansha. Tap’s ‘special’ house burger (RMB88), on the other hand, is nothing to write home about. In all honesty, the pub’s burger is fine,

but it lacks the creative twist we have come to expect of Guangzhou hanbaobao after trying BB Bao’s fantastic Korean-style minced pork and kimchi burg and M’eat’s black bun burger. Tap House’s red brick, tobacco smokescented interior hosts a free-to-play pool table, two electronic dart boards and a small stage for live music (which, we are told, happens two or three times per month) – for those of our readers that require something more than booze and good banter for entertainment. We firmly believe Tap House is a cool hangout and it definitely fills a void in Nansha’s almost-non-existent pub scene, although it is fair to note that Guangzhouers who spend their weekends getting inebriated at Code Red will likely find the experience underwhelming. Open 4pm-2am; 44 Yuexiu Binhai Yuecheng Bar Street, Nansha District 南沙区越秀滨海悦城酒吧街44 号 (3466 9470)

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Brewer’s Banter This month we chat with Rocky, a notable Guangzhou brewer and craft sud aficionado. On requests … “I still remember a group of customers asking for hot pot at our brewpub. We do not serve hot pot at all.”

On bizarre drinks … “One of our loyal customers always asks for raw eggs to mix into his stout. He believes it is the perfect way to have dark beers.”

On forgotten belongings … “Lots of cell phones have been forgotten, especially new models just launched to the public.”

WHAT’S ON WAIMAI

Har Gow Sister Dim Sum House Craving dim sum but can’t find a colleague that doesn’t already have lunch plans? You can’t go yum cha yourself. You can, however, have dim sum delivered to your desk. Har Gow Sister, named after one of dim sum’s most renowned dishes, sees to it that your craving is satisfied with an assortment of tidbits dispatched from its seven branch restaurants across Guangzhou. From leek dumplings to egg tarts to roast squab and beef balls, Har Gow Sister’s offerings are abundant. The menu, as shown on Meituan, first lists some of the eateries most popular orders, including har gow (RMB24, four pieces) and leek dumplings (RMB3.5). A ‘single-person meal’ category then follows, displaying the famous cha siu bao (RMB4.5) and lo mai gai, or, as literally translated, steamed

sticky rice with chicken in lotus leaf wrap (RMB9), among others. Other popular goodies like turnip cake (RMB18) and chicken feet (RMB24), as well as different congee varieties, are also availabe. Price: RMB60 Good for: refreshing dim sum Search: 虾饺妹 Available on: Meituan, Baidu, Dianping

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E A T & D R I N K | FNEE AWT UR RE SE T A U R A N T

SIN CITY DINING

A Look at Dongguan’s Most Enticing Eateries Text and photos by Tristin Zhang

‘Manufacturing boomtown,’ ‘sin city’ and ‘sex capital’ were once bywords for China’s southern city of Dongguan, and that’s still how many see it today. Nestled right between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, it’s considered a ‘backyard’ for grownups in the Pearl River Delta. The 2014 anti-vice crackdown on its roaring sex industry has not only curbed the sex trade, but also hit local businesses hard, causing collateral damage to the food and beverage scene. Dongguan’s ‘Virgin Hotel’ and the like may have been shut down, but its jiuba jie (bar street) and Western restaurants have survived nonetheless. This past month, we visited our neighboring city to explore its resilient dining scene. Here’s what we have to report:

Hollywood Baby Too

“Pole dancers starts 11:00pm …” announced a fluorescent board. This neon-lit bar has been entertaining its clientele for more or less 15 years. Open from 6pm till late into the night, Hollywood Baby Too, adjoined by its sister restaurant Hollywood Tapas, claims the wild years of Dongguan’s bar scene started with it. By 9pm on a Friday night, it’s still very empty, and the pole behind us awaits company. Above us is a glass floor which apparently isn’t designed for girls in skirts to walk on. Or is it? Some might say this is where dreams go to to die and beer bellies come to grow. But, if you’re in Dongguan on a weekend and looking for a party, pop into Hollywood Baby Too. Shop A1001, New World Garden, Dongcheng Zhi Lu, Dongcheng District, Dongguan 东莞市东城区东城支路新世界花园A1001

One for the Road The only traditional English pub in Dongguan – One for the Road – prides itself on being a “safe, family-friendly environment.” Between the playground next to its patio and the kid’s corner, it’s obvious why this establishment is a go-to hangout for expat families. Housed in a spacious, two-story establishment, One for the Road, which is a minute’s walk from Martin’s Bakery, hosts a quiz night on Mondays and darts tournament Tuesdays, while live music livens up the space on Friday evenings. The pub offers ten beers on tap, most of which are English craft beers such as Greene King’s IPA, Abbot Ale and East Coast IPA. Cocktail drinkers? Give the Alien Urine Sample (RMB35) a try. The taste of this green cocktail is unworldly: What do you want from a drink that’s called Alien Urine Sample? The menu, besides telling the story behind the pub’s name and featuring Xi Jinping having a Greene King IPA with David Cameron, boasts some local dishes and includes traditional English fare, such as pies and stews, as well as some Asian-flavor selections. Served by friendly waiters, the stout pie (RMB90), cooked namely in stout beer, is stuffed with cubed beef, onion, mushroom and herbs. Dinner and drinks at One for the Road costs about RMB200. 1/F, Bldg 2, IEO Dynatown, Dongcheng Dong Lu, Dongcheng District, Dongguan 东莞市东城区东城东路星河传说新天地2号楼首层 (0769-2203 0001) 60 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

F E AT UR E | E AT & DR INK

Martin’s Bakery Since its inception four years ago, Martin’s, recommended to us by a veteran Dongguan expat, has established itself as the one of the most reputed Western restaurants in town. The German eatery slash bakery, situated inside a vast residential complex that houses a medley of restaurants and bars, is not readily accessible. It took us a good ten minutes in the complex’s garden, and the aid of a mildly helpful security guard, to find Martin’s. We thoroughly enjoyed the chef’s sandwich (RMB85) – a foot-long hoagie packed with chicken, lettuce, onion, cucumber, cheddar and tomato – but the beef dumpling soup (RMB50), small and overpriced, was a big disappointment. For a German restaurant, Martin’s menu is diverse: on top of your regular pork knuckle, schnitzel and sausages, it also includes pasta, burgers and even some Chinese edibles. Lunch for two costs roughly RMB200.

1/F, Bldg 20, IEO Dynatown, Dongcheng Dong Lu, Dongcheng District, Dongguan 东莞市东城区东城东路星河传说新天地2号楼首层 (0769-2276 5885)

Xiabafang (下坝坊) A warren of alleys located by a canal, the neighborhood of Xiabafang is dotted with Tibetan-decor bars, live music pubs, coffee shops in wood houses and recently-renovated red-brick restaurants. This is where Dongguan’s Chinese bar-goers flock to on weekends, usually after 9pm as we are told. The Tree House here throws some intoxicating parties, while Qinghua Zuiyue (清花醉月) earns its name for hosting some groovy Chinese bands. Businesses in Xiabafang aim to attract more visitors through the use of a tried-and-true concept: offering them a taste of the exotic in Dongguan. Walking the alleys, you might see a Himalayan bar, Guns ’n Roses cafe or a Monroe-themed bar. The only thing authentic at Xiabafang may be the food stands set up as night falls hawking local snacks and the chanting from a nearby monastery. Xiabafang, Wanjiang District, Dongguan 东莞市万江区下坝坊

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E AT & DR INK | NE W CA F E

LOST IN LA More Is Less By Tristin Zhang

VOLVO OCEAN RACE Legendary Sailing Race Comes to Guangzhou Jan 31-Feb 5, 2018

For the first time ever, the legendary Volvo Ocean Race is set to visit Guangzhou – the only mainland China stop during the 2017-18 circuit. Guangzhou Stopover Race Village at Nansha Marina will officially open its doors to the public on January 31, while the seven participating sailing teams are expected to arrive at the marina on February 1.

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There’s no shortage of small, minimally decorated cafes in downtown Guangzhou, uniformly glazed over in pure white paint. It has become a stereotype. Nonetheless, each time a new establishment following this model opens its doors, it never fails to draw the inevitable flow of dedicated female selfie connoisseurs incapable of resisting the perfect backdrop. Even for a place like Lost in LA, which is located in distant Panyu, business is essentially guaranteed. In the spread-out town of Dashi in Panyu, things tend towards big: big roads, tall trees, immense seafood restaurants, the list goes on. Cafes are no exception. Lost in LA is a spacious establishment with two annexes flanking the main dining area, and a nice outdoor patio to boot. It even contains a vintage Ford automobile: a gimmicky prop for portraits. Edibles are prepared in a detached kitchen across the street in the locally renowned Fisher’s Village restaurant. The refreshing smoked salmon salad (RMB48), sitting atop a big bowl of dry ice, comes smoking from the kitchen to our table. For snacks, there is the run-of-the-mill assortment of potato wedges, chips, chicken wings and nachos – all hovering around the RMB30 mark. More filling nom noms include croissant sandwiches with either tuna, bacon, scrambled eggs (RMB38) or smoked salmon (RMB48), as well as a few pasta selections. Listed on the drink menu are your regular Now on its 13th edition, the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is the event’s longest-ever, with the 45,000-nautical-mile route covering “three times more southern ocean than previous editions,” according to an event media release. The eight-month race began in Alicante, Spain on October 22, 2017 and will visit Lisbon, Cape Town, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland, Itajaí, Newport, Cardiff and Gothenburg, before concluding in The Hague. All seven teams are racing identical vessels, the Volvo Ocean 65, meaning victory will ultimately be determined by the skill and professionalism of the teams. So, what can Guangzhouers expect during the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race’s Nansha Marina stopover? A whole lot, actually. A welcome ceremony is currently planned for February 1 and interested individuals can check out a number of fascinating exhibits at Guangzhou Stopover Race Village before the fleet leaves on February 5. The ‘Dome’ is a globe-shaped movie theater that will offer race enthusiasts a 360-degree Volvo Ocean Race sensory experience, while a cross-section display of a Volvo Ocean 65 racing yacht will give the public an understanding of the conditions Volvo Ocean Race participants live in during the global oceanic marathon. Other highlights from Guangzhou’s raceaccompanying five-day public program include sailing experiences, performances and live entertainment, interactive displays and an in-port race,

espresso-based drinks, along with an interesting mix of specialty coffees, a few teas, smoothies and fresh juice. Avoid the black tea latte (RMB38) however: a milky wash of a drink that we found insipid. There’s no doubt that it’s cozy sitting on the patio sipping hot tea on a warm afternoon, though the easily-disturbed type might find it hard to relax at Lost in LA with the selfie-brigade posing in every corner.

Price: RMB70 Who’s going: photo-addicted couples, welldressed poodles Good for: a leisurely afternoon Nearest metro: Dashi (Exit C) 20-25 minutes Tue-Sun, 11.30-2am; 39 Qiaoyi Yi Jie, Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河北路侨怡一街39号 (186-2071 9898)

which will be held on February 3. This all sound good? We haven’t even told you the best part yet: the event is free to attend. Volvo Ocean Race is about to arrive on Guangzhou’s doorstep – do yourself a favor and witness this history making race with your own eyes!

Race Village, Nansha Marina, South Gangqian Road 5, Nansha, Guangzhou 广州市南沙区港前大道5号南沙游艇会 ( 3907 8888 )

NE W CA F E | E AT & DR INK

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E AT & DR INK | NE W R E S TAUR A N T

FEITUN CHARCOAL GRILL (肥豚·炭烧)

A Singaporean Kick to the Palate Text and photos by Tristin Zhang

The Place Feitun offers a palatable composite of Singaporean and Malaysian cuisines, with Thai and Indonesian dishes thrown in for good measure. In other words, this new res-

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taurant delivers a Southeast Asian smack to the palate. The restaurant, which is housed on the ground floor of Royal Hotel Guangzhou, hosts dozens of charcoal grill laden tables. Marshmallows adorn each table, ready to be barbecued. While the establishment does have traditional printed menus, it also trendily offers patrons a digital, WeChat-hosted menu, which is the recommended method of browsing Feitun’s edible offerings and placing your order.

The Food

The bill of fare here includes the national dishes of Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a range of charcoal satay. The much lauded, time-tested bak kut teh (Hokkien dialect for ‘meat bone tea’, RMB38), introduced to Singapore and Malaysia in the 19th century by Chinese coolies, is a signature and must-try dish. It’s a piquant broth boiled with meaty pork ribs, bones, garlic and a complex selection of herbs. The tea portion of the dish’s name refers to oolong tea usually served with the meal. Here the light-colored, flavorful bak kut teh comes served with youtiao (a type of Chinese cruller) and a sweet soy bean sauce

instead of tea. A fair amount of white pepper is used in the dish, a clear indication of Teochew influence. Another standout menu item is the Kampar curry chicken bread (RMB55), which is prepared on site. Preparation takes about 30 minutes and, when the dish arrives at your table, a waitress will cut it open in the same manner one opens a pomelo. On our visit the chicken was tender and the bread perfect for sopping up curry. The famous seafood laksa here allows diners to choose between noodles and rice vermicelli. Unfortunately, its taste is less impressive than its well-reputed counterpart at the perished Pandan. Also worth a try are the Sumbal mussels (RMB36), fresh mussels smothered in an intoxicating hot sauce. Other notable dishes include Hainanese chicken rice (RMB36), one of several contenders for the title of Singapore’s national dish; crab bee hoon (RMB158), a vermicelli dish served with a whole crab; and the popular, normally out-of-stock charcoaled durian (RMB50).

The Vibe

Feitun harbors an all-white décor and trendy minimalist design that, on our visit anyway, seems to attract mostly female visitors. Dining here on a sunny afternoon is relaxing, in part because there aren’t rowdy tables typical of Chinese restaurants. Price: RMB100 Who’s going: lady groups, lonely men Good for: food porn, zesty flavors Nearest metro: Tiyu Xi Lu (Exit A) 5 minutes All week, 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-11pm (MonFri); 11.30am-11pm (Sat-Sun). 1/F, Royal Hotel Guangzhou, 89 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路89号广州皇家国际饭店首层 (3833 0562)

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GINSTAR

Casual Dining on the Cheapap Text and photos by Matthew Bossons

The Place Regulars at Ginstar’s Meilin Hai’an Garden location love the establishment for its reasonable prices and lounge-like interior. The same folks will undoubtedly be impressed by the chain’s newest shop in Zhujiang New Town, which boasts striking decor and offers city denizens yet another comfortable place to enjoy reasonably priced burgers, pizzas and subs. Gorgeous wood paneling and stone tiles line the interior, soon to be joined by pop art portraits of various celebrities, proprietor Kevin Kuang informs us on our visit. We had previously heard various murmurings around town that the new Ginstar rips off the interior of a certain social hot spot on Huajiu

Lu, but in all honesty, we don’t see it. But enough about interior design and pop art – let’s get down to what really matters.

The Food

Many have come to expect hearty, delicious meals from Ginstar at a fraction of the cost of comparable establishments. Those people won't be disappointed with this newest incarnation, although the prices are slightly higher than in Meilin. Steak house quesadillas (RMB48) come stuffed with mozzarella cheese, succulent beef, jalapenos, peppers and onions. The dish makes a fantastic snack and works wonders with a frothy pint of craft beer. Our only complaint is that this Mexican-inspired grub does not come with sour cream or salsa. Find yourself California dreamin’ during an unrelenting evening shift at the training center? Then you, dear reader, are in need of a California cheesesteak sandwich (basically a Philly cheesesteak with fresh vegetables). Composed of Australian Angus beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and onions set on an allegedly homemade bun, this submarine will cost you RMB48. Brimming with potential but slightly missing the mark is the Southwest chicken pizza (RMB68), which comes topped with crispy

chicken, onions, jalapenos, mushrooms, bacon, mozza and cheddar cheeses. While tasty, it lacks the bite we expect from something with the term ‘Southwest’ in its name. Kuang does mention that ranch dressing may soon come drizzled over the cheesy dough disc, which would be a welcome addition.

The Vibe

With a vibe reminiscent of Vancouver-based casual dining chain Cactus Club Café, the interior design is both relaxing and inviting. It’s the kind of establishment you could bring a date, your boozing buddies (for the RMB25 pints of Tiger, naturally), or your younger brother – welcoming, eclectic and just classy enough for us casual folks. Price: RMB75 Who’s going: budget conscious English teachers Good for: strong cocktails, filling pub grub Nearest metro: Zhujiang New Town (Exit A1) 10 minutes

Open daily, 11.30am-2am; Shop 103, 1/F, Mingyue Building, 2 Huacheng Lu, Tianhe District天河区华成路2 号名悦大厦1楼103铺 (186-6559 0011)

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E AT & DR INK | NE W CL UB

CAT LOUNGE Late Night Supurrstars By Lena Gidwani

hese days, if you want to make something popular, just put a cat in it. Apparently, cats make up some of the most viewed content on the web. And felines, as it turns out, have also made Tianhe Bei Lu meow once again. Say hello to Cat Lounge, clawing its way into the hearts of late-night partygoers who, on the night we visit, appear to be running amok in a playground that can only be safely described as somewhat sweaty, crowded and just plain old entertaining. When the weather is cold and the vibes are hot, Cat Lounge is here to promise some warm encounters and funky moves.

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The bar is its centerpiece, and those milling around it appear to have one of two things in mind: getting sloshed, or getting sloshed. Really, it’s not hard to achieve given that Cat Lounge opens late and closes early in the morning that is. The décor falls into the more traditional category, with plush leather sofas, mahogany tables and a wall of bottles lined up for ogling at. What makes the drinks at Cat Lounge stand out? Quite frankly, very little. The menu is run of the mill, and prices are the norm. You’ll pay RMB68 for a shot of Black Label with Coke or a gin and tonic. Bottles like Jagermeister start at RMB680, while premium tipples like Grey Goose will set you back RMB980. Upon entering, you will be greeted by party people speaking a multitude of languages: French, Arabic, Russian, Angolan Portuguese, Spanish and more. Through the flashing strobe lights, you’ll catch a glimpse of those on the dance floor letting loose to the sounds of Hip Hop, Afro beats, Latin and Deep House, and just before you can figure

out your bearings, you’re pushed into the center of the fray. Lights rain down like candy from a piñata. Your senses are overwhelmed and as you’re about to flee the scene for a breather, a strange thing happens. A familiar song comes over the Void acoustics sound system and your soul begins to let itself free. Slowly but surely, the LEDs come alive, and then there’s no turning back. All in all, Cat Lounge offers up a good time if you’re looking for a late night club to hit up and dance the night away.

Price: RMB200 Who’s going: night owls, dance-a-thon competitors Good for: post-party mayhem Opening Hours: Till 5.30am Address: 163 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Nearest Metro: Linhe Xi (Exit D) 6 minutes

Wed, Fri, Sat and holidays, 10pm-5.30am; 163 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 天河区天河北路 163号

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SKEWERZ Abra-Kebab-Ra

Text and photos by Kheng Swe Lim

The Place It should be pretty easy to guess what Skewerz sells: meat on a stick, roasted over a heat source. You may think that this is nothing new in China. After all, who hasn’t had a cumin-encrusted yangrou chuanr by a roadside stall on a winter’s day, inhaling vehicle fumes while gnawing away? Skewerz, though, does a bit more than that. Here, you can find Lebanese-inspired wraps, salads, and familiar Western comforts like fries. Its location in Zhujiang New Town (next to the Brew Bar and Bistro) makes it a convenient place for nearby office workers looking to grab a slightly more indulgent bite over lunch.

The Food

Note that we mentioned ‘Lebanese-inspired,’ not ‘Lebanese’ food. Although the form may

look familiar, the flavors are tweaked from their Levantine originals. Those looking for an authentic shawarma or baba ghanoush may be somewhat disappointed. The end product tastes like a cross between Middle Eastern and Western. The lamb skewers board (RMB95), consisting of lamb, mushrooms and peppers stuck on a sharp metal spike, had a decidedly British twist, being sprinkled with rosemary and paired with a mint dip. The grilled beef wrap (RMB58) lacked a distinctively Mediterranean flavor, with more vegetables than meat, while the falafel plate (68 RMB) came out somewhat dry. The steakhouse fries (RMB46) were perfectly done; fried to a golden color, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. We cannot fault the quality of the meat or the vegetables, and the portion sizes were substantial. No item ordered was dripping with grease, a common affliction of kebab stalls in the West. The general flavor profile comes across as somewhat ‘lighter,’ perhaps as a concession to the Cantonese palete, and appropriate for those unwilling to tax their digestive systems after overindulging at last night’s Sichuan hotpot. The menu also contained a selection of Western breakfast options, although we did not sample them. Overall, you will walk away satiated, though still craving something that ‘hits the spot’ like the kebab joints you may have frequented during

your carefree student days.

The Vibe

The restaurant has a casual feel, with the standard ‘industrial minimalist’ look (AKA exposed overhead pipes) that pervades many eateries in big-city China. The downstairs has a fast-food style counter, with menu items and prices displayed on backlit boards, and there is seating upstairs. On a cool day, you may opt to sit outdoors and enjoy the breeze while chomping away on your wrap. In a small, but nice, touch, the sauces came in tiny gongfu teacups: a subtle nod to the local culture. These may not be the most authentic kebabs and wraps in town. However, if you are in the area, are tired of Chinese cuisine and/or want an undramatic meal, this place will suit you. Price: RMB 70 Who’s going: hungry Zhujiang New Towners Good for: meat-covered sticks, grab-and-go dining Nearest metro: Wuyangcun (Exit B), 10 minutes; Zhujiang New Town (Exit B1), 10 minutes Open daily, 9am-11.30pm; 2 Huaxun Street, 107, Shop 2 (Next to the Brew Bar and Bistro), Tianhe District 天河区华讯街2号107铺之二

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Glory of Heroes Kickboxing

SEE The Borderless Wall Installation

The wall on display at The Borderless Wall by Chinese artist Song Dong is very much material: made of recycled window frames and glass. Through it, audiences are shown objects of daily life. But, the ‘walls’ that separate us as social individuals – be it our pride or prejudice – are intangible, binding us to a certain living space or social class. Through the wall, Song expects to see stories be told and exchanges be made. Ongoing until Mar 5 (closed Tuesdays), 9am-7pm; free. Fei Gallery, G/F, Estate Plaza, 5 Nonglin Xia Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区农林下路5号亿达大厦负一层扉艺廊

China’s best-known kickboxing tournament, Glory of Heroes has staged a number of adrenaline-pumping bouts in the past. Having been hosted in six countries, it has seen some of the world’s most skilled fighters compete for gold and glory. Three matches will be staged at the tournament’s upcoming Guangzhou edition this month. Sat Jan 13, 7pm; RMB159-1,5889. Guangzhou University Town Sports Center, 218 Neihuan Dong Lu, Guangzhou University Town, Panyu District 番禺区大学城内环东路218号广州大学城体育中心 (www.damai.cn)

Future Life Handbook Exhibition Intuition: Sino-German Contemporary Art Exhibition

A total of eight artists will exhibit their work during this two-month-long exhibition, jointly organized by the Consulate of Germany in Guangzhou and Art23 Gallery. Exhibits vary from installation and video to sculpture and painting, all with a focus on contemporary art. Seminars and workshops will also be held alongside. Dec 12-Feb 28, 2-6.30pm; RMB20 (Free on Wed). Art23 Contemporary Art Gallery, 23 Qiming San Malu, Yuexiu District 越秀区启明三马路23号Art23当代艺术馆 (2813 0144)

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Living in this era of information, we are often too busy with the here and now to look to the future. Future Life Handbook, curated by German artist Rachel Rits-Volloch, does exactly that. As the struggle between preserving history and rewriting it to fit a new script continues, how can we go about determining the real from the facsimile? And, if both our past and our present are continuously reimagined, how are we to forecast our futures? Universal to all of us living in these mediated times, the ubiquity of questions is much of what brings us together. In this first exhibition of Redtory Museum’s young artists program these problems are probed and pondered. Tue-Sun until May 27, 11am-7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 9.30am-7.30pm (Sat-Sun); free. Redtory museum of Contemporary Art, 128 Yuancun Si Henglu, Tianhe District 天河区员村四横路128号红专厂当代艺术馆 (8557 4417)

Images from Red Nations Photography

Taking as its subject the 17 socialist countries that dotted the globe during the Cold War, as well as the ‘red’ traces left behind in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse, this sweeping photography exhibition seeks to capture the ‘socialist form’ that has become a part of history. Travelling through Albania, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Poland and beyond, Chinese photographer Liu Yuan tries to restore the historic image of these former socialist state through his inquiring lens. Daily until Feb 1, 9am-5pm; free. Xiaozhou Art Zone No.1 Exhibition Hall, 138 Xiaozhou Dong Lu, Haizhu District 海珠区小洲东路138号小洲艺术区No. 1展馆

The Producers Musical

Setting the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor, The Producers, a musical adaptation of American comedian and producer Mel Brooks’s namesake film, has garnered a record 12 Tony Awards, and attracted the attendance of a capacity audience night after night. Come to the Guangzhou Opera House and laugh a hearty laugh at this comical show where a scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway. Thu-Sat Jan 4-16, 2.30p/8pm; RMB380-980. Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe District 天河区珠江西路1号广州大剧院 (www.gzdjy.org, 3839 2888)

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) before Jan 3 with the subject ‘Producer’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

Riverdance Tap Dance Swan Lake Ballet

A theatrical show of traditional Irish dance and music, the renowned Riverdance has been a global sensation for 21 years. Winning a Grammy and selling more than ten million copies, Riverdance has attracted celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams, as well as 114 heads of state. Buy your tickets now to see the “face of Irish dancing” while there’s still a small number left. Fri-Sat Feb 3-4, 7.30pm; RMB180-980. Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城珠江西路1号广州大剧院 (www.gzdjy.org, 3839 2888)

Over the last 20 years, the Russian State Ballet Theater has remained one of the leading ballet companies in Russia, enjoying international acclaim. Its repertoire includes masterpieces of classical ballet as well as world-class specimens of modern dance choreography. With elaborate costumes, a vivid set and breathtaking stunts, the outfit will grace audiences with a new edition of Swan Lake, promising a world-class experience. Sat Jan 27, 8pm; RMB180-800. Guangdong Performing Arts Center Theater, 1229 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区广州大道中1229号广东演艺中心剧院 (www. damai.cn)

The Nutcracker by Guangzhou Ballet Ballet

One of the world’s most popular ballet acts, The Nutcracker by legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, boasts magnificent stage scenes, amusing storytelling and emotional music, attracting audiences of all ages to go to the theater, year after year. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the legend come to life. Fri-Sat Jan 19-20, 7.30pm; RMB80-480. Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe District 天河区珠江西路1号广州大剧院 (www.gzdjy.org, 3839 2888)

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Bastian Baker Folk Music

HEAR Youth Music Culture Guangdong Music Festival

This year’s Youth Music Culture Guangdong will be held at Xinghai Concert Hall and feature internationally renowned musicians and conductors, like Yoyo Ma and Michael Stern, who will host public workshops, lectures, rehearsals and concerts. Ma will collaborate with young musicians for the opening concert of the festival, a performance that is a must-see for classical music lovers. Thu Jan 11, 8pm; RMB100. Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Ersha Island, Yuexiu Distrit 越秀区二沙岛晴波路33号星海音乐厅 (www.concerthall.com.cn, 400 108 8808)

Music flows through the veins of Swiss singer and songwriter Bastian Baker. Armed with his guitar and a collection of folk songs, the musician saw notable success in 2011 with the release of his first album Tomorrow May Not Be Better. Since then, Baker has earned himself many an accolade, including five Swiss Music Awards, two platinum albums, a Swiss Award, MTV Europe Music Award and World Music Award. His China tour will see the singer visit Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen this month. Thu Jan 11, 9-11pm; RMB80 presale, RMB100 at the door. T:union, 361-365 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District 越秀区广州大道中361-365号东方花苑 1层凸空间

Kotaro Oshio Fingerstyle Guitar

The Last of the Mohicans Concert

Alexandro Querevalú, who originally hails from Peru, will bring his rendition of 'The Last of the Mohicans' to Guangzhou this month. As an 18-year-old man he immigrated to Poland, where he began performing with native American instruments in traditional garments. A brilliant performer, Querevalú performs in a way that conveys emotions shared by all man, that transcends skin color and social classes. His Canton performance will include 16 programs. Wed Jan 17, 8pm; RMB100-330. Zhengjia Theatre, F/7, Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路228号正佳广场7楼正佳演艺剧院 (www. damai.cn)

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Japan’s Kotaro Oshio is Asia’s premier fingerstyle guitarist. Before his rise, no one in Japan (or Asia at large, for that matter) played guitar with such a unique array of techniques – like Oshio’s ‘nail attak’ style. His compositions blend graceful melody with an intense sense of rhythm. The prolific guitarist has released a total of 17 albums and seven DVDs. See Oshio live in Guangzhou this month. Wed Jan 24, 7-9.30pm; RMB350-880. No. 2- 8, Yangcheng Creative Industrial Park, 309-315 Huangpu Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区黄埔大道中309-315 号羊城创意产业园2-8号

Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra Classical Music

Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra’s history spans over two centuries. Today, it’s one of the top orchestras in Hungary and boasts an extensive repertoire that it has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious music halls. Their Guangzhou concert will feature 11 classic pieces, including some of Johann Strauss’s renowned compositions, such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz.’ Wed Jan 10, 8pm; RMB180-980. Guangdong Performing Arts Center Theater, 1229 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区广州大道中1229号广东演艺中心剧院 (3720 6282)

Foster the People Concert

Wutiaoren Chinese Folk

Hailing from Haifeng city in eastern Guangdong, Wutiaoren sings in Teochew dialect, with lyrics that describe rural living. Having struggled to make a living in Guangzhou’s urban villages, the band present vivid and catchy tunes, such as ‘Canton Girl,’ about local life. The folk group is staging a performance this month at Mao Livehouse. Don’t miss out! Sat Jan 13, 8.30pm; RMB100 presale, RMB120 at the door, RMB450 VIP. Mao Livehouse, 1/F, Zhongzhou Trading Center, Huizhan Nan Wu Lu, Haizhu District 海珠区会展南五路中州交易中心1楼Mao Livehouse

American indie-pop quartet Foster the People came into being in the City of Angels in 2009. Since that time, they have risen to become one of the most popular bands in the world today. Foster the People grabbed global attention in 2010 with their smash hit ‘Pumped Up Kicks.’ The group’s musical style can be described as a unique blend of ‘80s synth-pop and ‘60s psychedelic pop and their lyrics often reflect societal problems. Sat Jan 20, 8pm; RMB380 presale, RMB580 at the door. Central Station, Bldg No. 2-8, Yangcheng Creative Industrial Park, 315 Huangpu Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区黄埔大道中315号羊城创意产业园2-8栋中央车站 (228.com.cn)

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LeanIn Guangzhou

Conference

Pellegrino Artusi and the Unit of Italy in the Kitchen Exhibition

DO Nega Digital Program Exhibition

With the steady onward march of technological advancement, digital and electronic devices are making an increasingly deep impact on artistic creation. In recent years, there has been a tendency of new media to stand firmly at the vanguard of contemporary art. The Nega Digital Program exhibition creates a four-dimensional experience that is a treat to both the eyes and ears alike. Featuring no less than 11 digital art programs and installations, it’s a perfect opportunity to experience the significant role that new media is playing in the art world of today. Daily until Feb 4, 10am; RMB80-138. 289 Creative Park, 289 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District 越秀区广州大道中289号289艺术创意园

TEDxZhujiang New Town TED Conference

LeanIn, founded by Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg, is a NGO focused on offering women the ongoing inspiration and support needed to help them achieve their goals. This month, LeanIn Guangzhou will be hosting their third yearly conference, where 13 speakers from diverse professional backgrounds will deliver speeches on the theme ‘No Limit.’ Sat Jan 6, 9am-6pm; RMB119-336. Conrad Guangzhou, 222 Xingmin Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴民路222号广州康莱德酒店 (www.huodongxing.com)

In the wake of World Week of Italian Cuisine, this photo exhibition will display images of ‘father of Italian cuisine’ Pellegrino Marcello Artus’s culinary masterpieces. The Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou and Guangzhou Library are responsible for bringing this mouthwatering exhibit to town! Daily until Jan 16, 9am-9pm; free. Guangzhou Library, 4 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Tianhe District 天河区珠江东路4 号广州图书馆

E D U C AT I O N Business and Economics Conference

This year’s edition of TEDxZhujiang New Town, on the theme of ‘City Future, City Now’, will be kicking off January 14 at the Grand Hyatt Guangzhou. It asks eight speakers from different fields, ranging from manufacturing and commerce to sports and entertainment, to share their stories, viewpoints and observations of life in Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta at large. Simultaneous translation from Chinese to English (or English to Chinese) will be provided. Sun Jan 14, 1-6.30pm; RMB288-688. Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, 12 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城珠江西路12号广州富力君悦大酒店 (www.huodongxing.com) 72 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

On April 16 and 17, the British School of Guangzhou will host a business and economics conference for teachers and students, run by world-renowned business author and chief examiner, Ian Marcouse. Having supervised the grading of over one million exam scripts, Marcouse will provide essential advice on improving skills in application, analysis and evaluation. Early bird tickets end on Jan 12; RMB300 for students, RMB175 for teachers. British School of Guangzhou, 983-3 Tonghe Lu, Baiyun District 白云区南湖同和路983-3 (francine.hearn@bsg.org.cn)

HONG KONG & MACAU CALENDAR HK

JAN 4 THU

brilliant song and dance spectacular, you won’t believe your eyes.

UNTIL JAN 7 WED-MON

JAN 13 SAT

Electric Wonderland 2018, 10pm3am; HKD288-488. Lan Kwai Fong (www.electricwonderlandhk.eventbrite.com) MusicFest.Asia and Xin Wang | Prestige team up to bring the PRD some of the best musicians and DJs in the world. Start the year off right with Jewelz & Sparks, smash hit producers who collaborate with some of the biggest names and bring fans to their feet at shows like Tomorrowland, Parookaville and Main Stage Ultra Europe.

JAN 5 FRI

Underground Series feat. Superstar DJ Nic Fanciulli, 9pm-4.30am; HKD412-624. Yojimbo (www.yojimbo.com.hk) One of the most influential artists to come out of the international dance music scene in several years, Nic has performed regularly to sold out crowds across the sunny isles of Ibiza (Pacha, Ushuaia, DC10, Space / Hï Ibiza) as well as headlining Ultra Music Festival in the US, Europe and Asia. Presented by MusicFest.Asia and Xin Wang | Prestige.

FROM JAN 6 DAILY

Cats, 7.45pm; HKD330-1,045. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu) Following its triumphant season in London’s West End, the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical is set to have audiences purring with pleasure when it comes to Hong Kong this month. If you haven’t yet seen this

Imagine Dragons: Evolve World Tour, 8pm; HKD388-888; AsiaWorldExpo (www.asiaworld-expo.com) Kings of anthemic yet moody alt-rock, Grammy Award-winning Imagine Dragons shift perspective on their third album and take on a brighter but more layered emotional outlook. Turning selfdoubt into a soaring, shimmering epic driven by heavy beats and Reynolds’s rapid-fire flow, or bringing waves of majestic harmonies and warped vocal effects to his recounting of life’s journey, Imagine Dragons delve past illusions to something true and real.

JAN 16-17 SAT-SUN

Studiodanz 15th Anniversary Showcase, 8pm; HKD180-220; Southorn Stadium (www.studiodanz. com) Celebrate 15 years of success with one of Hong Kong's leading dance establishments. On this special anniversary, choreography from SDZ tutors, performed by SDZmates, will be followed by extraordinary professionals dancing in the styles of Hip Hop, Urban, Girls Hip Hop, Heels, Jazz Funk, Jazz, Contemporary Jazz and Contemporary. Come out on a cold night and watch the stadium heat up!

JAN 25-28 DAILY

MO venetianmacao.com) Taiwanese band Mayday have enjoyed a loyal and enthusiastic following since their inception in the late 1990s. Called “the Chinese Beatles” by CNN, they have harvested almost every music award there is in China. Mayday are to greet fans with their most popular songs in Macau this January.

FEB 2-4 The Sound of Music the Musical, 2pm/7.30pm; MOP288-888. The Venetian Theatre (www.venetianmacao.com) The highly-acclaimed namesake musical of The Sound of Music tells a true story set during World War II in Austria. Its notable score includes ‘My Favorite Things,’ ‘DoRe-Mi,’ ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain,’ ‘The Lonely Goatherd,’ ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ and, of course, ‘The Sound of Music.’

FRI-SUN

JAN 13-22 DAILY

17th Macao City Fringe Festival, various times; MOP80/120. For more information, visit www.macaucityfringe.gov.mo. Featuring a wide range of artistic performances and pieces, the annual Macao City Fringe Festival allows artists to submit and share their works with the public. The public can also join in a number of activities and workshops to better nurture their interest in arts from different fields.

Legends in Concert, 2pm/6pm/8pm; MOP180-480. The Parisian Theatre (www.parisianmacao.com) Voted the number one tribute show in Las Vegas, Legends in Concert comes to Macao for a limited engagement. Featuring acts paying tribute to Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston and Freddie Mercury, the show consists of brilliant performers who not only physically, but vocally resemble the star they portray.

ONGOING DAILY

JAN 26-28 FRI-SUN Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic,11am, 3pm, 7.30pm; HKD300780. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (www.disneyonice. com.hk) Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Kids of all ages will be captivated by exciting moments from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more, with over 30 songs for the whole family to sing along.

Mayday Concert, 7pm/8pm; MOP355-1,155. Cotai Arena (www.

Batman Dark Flight, various times; MOP200-280. Studio City Macau (www.studiocity-macau.com) The first 4D flight stimulation of its kind, Batman Dark Flight is a thrilling, multi-sensory and action-packed experience allowing you to engage in combat against Batman's Gotham City super villains. Supported by state-of-the-art flight stimulation technology, audio design and visual graphics, it’s guaranteed to be a pulse-racing blast.

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HOTEL NEWS NEWS Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort Appreciation Party

Chimelong Panda Hotel to be Launched in 2018

On the afternoon of December 2, Sheraton Qingyuan Lion Lake Resort invited over 20 media companies to enjoy a unique Turkish afternoon tea, in a collaboration with Mado, a famous, 300-year-old ice cream brand that has earned a reputation all over the world with its unique flavor. Later on, the party continued with a cocktail reception, dinner and a boat ride.

Guangzhou Chimelong Group is to introduce another tour de force – Guangzhou Chimelong Panda Hotel. As part of Chimelong Tourist Resort’s upgrade program, the Chimelong Panda Hotel, along with Chimelong Hotel and Panyu Xiangjiang Hotel, will constitute the resort’s hotel cluster, offering guests a range of choices.

‘Hearing the World’ Tree Lighting Ceremony Blue Energy of Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun held its ‘Melody Wishes Hearing the World’ Christmas tree lighting ceremony on November 25 in the hotel lobby. A total of 200 guests participated. The hotel has raised over RMB330,000 for Fragrance Deaf Children of Hearing and Speech Training Center.

A Taste of Pure Dairy from California at Dairy Food Festival Held at Asia International Hotel Extravagant Catering by LN Garden Hotel at 2017 Fortune Global Forum The evening of December 7 marked a new milestone in LN Garden Hotel’s outside catering service, as the hotel successfully hosted a gala dinner for the 2017 Fortune Global Forum. The dinner was attended by more than 1,000 distinguished guests.

Grand Hyatt Guangzhou Christmas Lighting Ceremony Together with TEDxZhujiang New Town, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou hosted its Christmas Lighting Ceremony, which saw a total of over 1,000 attendees, including the team of TEDxZhujiang New Town. On the occasion, students from the British School of Guangzhou staged choir and orchestra performances.

Hilton Huizhou Longmen Resort Appoints Leslie Teo as General Manager Leslie Teo was appointed General Manager of Hilton Huizhou Longmen Resort. In his new capacity, he would oversee all daily operations of Hilton's first-ever hot spring resort in China. Teo, originally from Singapore, is no stranger to Hilton. He joined Hilton Huizhou Longmen Resort with a broad background in hospitality management, including over 20 years of working experience in food and beverage and hotel management.

California Dairy Food Festival was held from November 23 to December 8 by Sky Café revolving restaurant at Guangdong Asia International Hotel which collaborated with the California Milk Advisory Board.

Courtyard by Marriott Shunde Longjiang Launched in Foshan Courtyard by Marriott Shunde Longjiang occupies a prime location in the heart of Longjiang's commercial center. It's a 15-minute drive to Guangdong International Furniture Exhibition Center, 44 kilometers to Guangzhou South Railway Station and 75 kilometers to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou Presents Winter Getaway Package

Oriental Club Delight at Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou offers a cozy room package for a memorable holiday celebration with your family this winter. Guests who book at the best available rate of RMB400 (plus service charge) can enjoy an abundant buffet dinner and breakfast at Foods restaurant for two persons. Advance reservation is required, and offer is subject to availability.

Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou offers a fantastic package this winter. Book Club Delight package to enjoy special rates from RMB2,000 and accommodation in a Club Room, use of the exclusive Oriental Club Lounge, transfer by Mercedes Benz E-Class limousine between airport or East or South railway station and hotel, discreet and efficient check-in and check-out by dedicated Club personnel, dining and spa credit and more. Call 3808 8880 or visit mandarinoriental.com.cn for more information.

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing’an Lu, Tianhe District 天河区兴安路3号广州富力丽思卡尔顿酒店 (3813 6989)

Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路 389号广州文华东方酒店 (3808 8880)

Spa Getaway at LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou Angsana Spa is an internationally renowned spa brand that draws inspiration from the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. At LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, treat yourself and your loved ones at the Angsana spa by booking any of the suites between January 1 to December 31, prices starting from RMB1,588. With the package you get 60-minute body massage and 30-minute relaxation time at Angsana Spa (one person per room per night). For more information, call 8333 8989 ext. 366 or email to rsvn@thegardenhotel.com.cn. LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区环市东路368号广州花园酒店 (8333 8989 ext. 366)

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The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou welcomed the holidays in style where guests entered a wondrous world with themed decorative pieces. The festive fantasy debuted on November 25 and ran until the New Year, featuring a selection of sweet and savory specialties in each of the dining outlets of the hotel.

PROMOTIONS

Sofitel’s Christmas Melody Spreads Joy Around the World Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich resounds with festive music. Records and musical instruments of all kinds adorned the Christmas tree in the Lobby. And more records have been used to create two ‘music trees’ and a gingerbread house as backdrop for souvenir photos. The hotel’s talented patissier has created a special yule log with five layers of different flavored chocolate representing AccorHotels’ 50-year milestone.

2017 Christmas Festivities at The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou

Atlantis Sanya Now Open for Bookings Unique entertainment destination resort in Sanya, Atlantis Sanya, launched their first guest bookings through a series of experiential events in Chengdu and Guangzhou introducing their most exceptional room categories. The public is able to make direct bookings through the website: www.atlantissanya.cn.

TRAVEL DEALS Celebrate New Year with You and Your Loved One at Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel Spend a warm holiday with your beloveds at Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel. Delight yourselves on the beach, bask in the sunshine, experience the constant-temperature Hengqin Bay Water World, explore the fun-filled theme zones of Ocean Kingdom and immerse yourself in spectacular theatre show. For more information, call 0756-299 8888 or visit www.chimelong.com. Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel, Fuxiang Bay, Hengqin New District, Zhuhai 珠海市横琴新区富翔湾长隆横琴湾酒店 (0756-299 8888, www.chimelong. com)

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FEATURED LISTINGS Scan here for complete Guangzhou listings

Want to see all restaurants, hotels and more in Guangzhou? Check out www.thatsmags.com or download our app by scanning the QR code here

FOOD & DRINK 1920 Restaurant 1) 4/F, 1 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District; 2) Shops 67, 69, 72 & 76, The Canton Place, Qingfeng Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (8388 1142); Shop MW01-03, 05, Central Zone, Mall of the World, 89 Huacheng Dadao, Tianhe District (8709 6033) 1920 咖啡厅 1) 建设六马路一号前幢 4 楼 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城清风街 48 号广粤天地 67, 69, 72, 76 号铺 ; 3) 天河区花城大道 89 号花城汇 MW01-03, 05 商铺 Aroma Bistro Shop 117, 1/F, Voka Street, 460 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District (185 0200 1416) 天河区天河北路460号沃凯街首层 117铺

dishes for this winter. Shop 401, 4/F, GTLand Winter Plaza, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城高德置地冬广场4楼401室 (8398 0860)

trict, Guangzhou, China (Across the street from IKEA) (3809 6330) 天河区林和中路 63 号东方宝泰购物广场首层（宜家家居对面）

Buongiorno 1) 3/F, Yi An Plaza, 33 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District (8363 3587); 2) A7, Xinshijie Haoyuan Diyi Ju, 168 Dongcheng Nan Lu, Dongguan (0769 2339 6499) 邦奴意大利餐厅 1) 越秀区建设六马路宜安广场 3 楼 ; 2) 东莞市东城南路 168 号新世界豪圆第一居 A7 号

Slow Life An organic, health-conscious Western restaurant that excels in Spanish cuisine, Slow Life aims to be a place where guests can take a break from their busy schedules to visit with friends and family over a feast of delicious fusion dishes. Shop 107, 1/F, Gaozhi Dasha, 120 Huangpu Dadao Xi, Tianhe District 天河区黄埔大道西120号高志大厦首层107铺 (3788 7173, 3788 7172)

Element Fresh 1) Shop L302, TaiKoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3808 8506); 2) G/F, 42 Qingfeng Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3828 8482) 新元素 , 1) 天河区天河路 383 号太古汇广场 L302 店 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城清风街 42 号首层 Happy Monk 1) Back of Yi’an Plaza, Jianshe Wu Malu, Yuexiu District (8376 5597) ; 2) No. 109, 7Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3877 8679); 3) Outdoor Plaza, Happy Valley Mall, 36 Machang Lu, Tianhe District (3832 5317) 1) 越秀区建设五马路宜安广场后门 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城兴盛路 7 号 109 号铺 ; 3) 天河区珠江新城马场路 36 号太阳新天地户外广场

Shami House 2/F, Zhao Qing Da Sha, 304 Huanshi Zhong Lu, Yuexiu District (8355 3012 / 8355 3091) 莎米屋 , 越秀区环市中路 304 号肇庆大厦 2 楼

The Brew Sports Bar & Grill 1) Unit 9-11, Huanan Country Garden, Panyu Dadao (across the road from Chimelong Theme Park), Panyu District (3482 0401); 2) West Section, Bao Lin Yuan, Huaxun Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3408 9549); 3) Shop 11-13, Yuhai Food Street, 1 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District (8382 8299) 1) 番禺区番禺大道华南碧桂园碧华商业2街9-11 号; 2) 天河区珠江新城华讯街保林苑西区加拿大布鲁咖啡馆, 近发展中心; 3) 越秀区建设六马路誉海食街11-13号铺 The Eating Table With seats for more than 200 diners to explore gastronomy at a less frenetic pace, The Eating Table's warm, alluring design enlivens the senses. The owner, who spent years in Melbourne, has ensured that the food delivers to both local and foreign palates. Enjoy a gratifying meal, with a menu that boasts a wide range of appetizers, soups, pastas and both meaty and marine-filled mains. On the occasion of The Eating Table's 2-year anniversary this past October, Michelin-starred chef Michel Portos has crafted a series of appetizing

In·Side·Out By Threedrops 3/F, 10 Xietianli, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan (0757-8203 1400, 189 885 25470) 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里10号3楼T

M9 Restaurant Lounge Shop 112, 9 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3802 0171) McCawley’s Bar & Grill Shop 101, 16 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3801 7000) 天河区珠江新城花城大道 16 号 101 铺

Oggi Pizzeria 1) Shop 119, 8 Xingsheng Lu, Tianhe District (3805 1282); 4) 1 Tianlun Garden, Jianshe 4 Lu,Yuexiu District (8356 1196) www.oggirestaurant.com 卡布里西餐厅 1) 天河区兴盛路 8 号 119 铺 ; 2) 越秀区建设四马路天伦花园首层

Paulaner Bräuhaus L307, 3/F, TaiKoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (2808 6333) 宝莱纳 , 天河区天河路 383 号太古汇广场 L307 Rebel Rebel 42 Tiyu Dong Lu, Tianhe District (8520 1579) 天河区体育东路42号

Ricci Creative Eats Shop 015B, G/F, Popark Mall, No.63 Linhe Zhong Road, Tianhe Dis-

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All Smile - Dr. Lu Int'l Dental Clinic Rm 603-604, 6/F, Metro Plaza, 183 Tianhe Bei Lu (24-hour hotline: 8755 3380). Mon-Sat 9am6pm (other times by appointment) 大都会牙科，天河北路183号大都会广场六楼 603-604 Bellaire Medical Center 1)Rm 2202-2203, Qiaoxin Kingold Century, 62 Jinsui Lu, Tianhe District ( 3736 2020/ 24-hr 3736 2110) 2) Rm 302D, Fuli Park, 28 Machang Lu (3891 0511/ 24-hr 152 1881 8990), Bellaireclinic.com 贝利尔诊所，天河区珠江新城马场路富力公园28 商业区302D Deron Dental 11/F, Ice Flower Hotel, 2 Tianhe Bei Lu (3886 4821,www.kaiyiyk.com) 德隆齿科诊所，天河北路 2 号冰花酒店 11 层 Dr. Sherily Xiao Master of Medicine. 20 years TCM & Acupuncture & Massage & Physiotherapy Experience.Only for appointment. Fu Lai Garden Shui Yin Zhi Jie Shui Yin Road Yue Xiu District Guang Zhou. （Tel: 137 1052 6617. E-mail: xiaoshuilan@ hotmail.com. L5, Zoo station, C exit) 广州市越秀区水阴路水阴直街福莱花园

Hooley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 1)101, 8 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3886 2675); 2)Section 2, Yijia Yuan, 7 Xingzhongdao, Zhongshan 1)爱尔兰西餐酒吧, 天河区珠江新城兴盛路8号101; 2) 中山市兴中道7号颐嘉苑2卡

Bravo Shop 114-115, 6 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城华就路6号114-115铺

HEALTH

Summer House Directly behind the Marriage House, Xietian Li, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan (133 9223 6374, www.summerhouse.com.cn) 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里（嫁娶屋正后面）粤天地112-116号铺

Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ 1) 1-3/F, 367 Huanshi Dong Lu, between Baiyun Hotel and Friendship Store, Yuexiu District (8349 4170, 8349 4171); 2) Shop 102 & 114, Zhonghai Jinghui Huating, 31 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, TianHe District(3801 5002) 1)苏坦土耳其烧烤餐厅, 越秀区环市东路367号1-3楼(白云宾馆与友谊商店夹位处); 2)广州市天河区珠江新城兴盛路31号中海璟晖华庭二期商铺102 & 114 The Tavern Sports Bar Traditional English style bar that fosters a cosy intimate atmosphere. Both Taverns offer an extensive menu of Western favorites and different theme nights throughout the whole week. 1) Poly 108, 6 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (8550 3038); 2) On the right side of the Huanan Country Garden, Yingbin Lu, Panyu District (3482 4882, www.tavernchina.com) 致盛 1) 天河区珠江新城华就路 6 号保利 108 公馆 ; 2) 番禺区迎宾路华南碧桂园大门右侧

Eur Am Medical & Dental Center 1/F, North Tower, Ocean Pearl Bldg, 19 Huali Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng (3758 5328, 24hr urgent care: 137 1041 3347, www. eurammedicalcenter.com) 广州康辰医疗 , 珠江新城华利路 19 号远洋明珠大厦北座首层 Guangzhou I Born Women’s Hospital No.6 Longkou Dong Lu, Tianhe District (2811 6375/185 2018 8335) 广州爱博恩妇产医院 , 天河区龙口东路 6 号 H&H Dental Center 1/F, Mingmen Building, 4 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3808 0700, 3808 0729; 24-hour hotline: 139 2516 2826; E-mail: hnhdental@163.com) H&H 牙科中心（嘉茜医疗门诊 ), 天河区珠江新城花城大道 4 号名门大厦正门首层

Sing Health Medical 2 Xian Cun Rd, Zhu Jiang New City, Tian He District, Guangzhou, Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, SatSun 9am-3pm, Tel:3739 2500 Open Every Day 广州新宁门诊，天河区珠江新城冼村路 2 号 United Family Guangzhou Clinic 1/F, Annex Bldg, PICC Bldg, 301 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong (4008 919 191, 24-hr urgent care: 8710 6060) 广州越秀和睦家门诊部, 广州大道中 301 号人保大厦南塔副楼首层

LIFESTYLE SO’ O LK (Hair Salon) 1) G/F, 545 Binjiang Dong Lu, Haizhu District (3425 7429); 2) Shop 103A, World Trade Centre, 371-375 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District (8760 6299); 3) Shop101, 712 Binjiang Dong Lu, Haizhu District (8419 1022); 4) Shop101, Fuli Edinburgh Apartment, 2 Huali Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District(3826 3718); 5) Shop 15 2/F, Chateau Star River Hotel, Yingbin Lu, Panyu District(3479 0641); 6) Shop81-82, G/F, New City Plaza, Olympic Garden, Luoxi New Town, Panyu District(3452 1826); 7) Shop 21, Agile Phase II, Fenghuang Bei Lu, Huadu District(3692 8686) 苏豪路易士，嘉玛发廊，1) 天河区天河北路 366 号都市华庭 13 铺 ; 2) 越秀区环市东路 371-375 号世界贸易中心首层 103A; 3) 海珠区滨江东路 712 号 101 铺 ; 4) 天河区珠江新城华利路 2 号富力爱丁堡公寓 101 铺 ; 5) 番禺区迎宾路星河湾酒店 2 楼 15 号铺 ; 6) 番禺区洛溪新城奥园城市花园首层 81-82 号铺 ; 7) 花都区凤凰北路雅居乐二期 21 号铺 True Pilates China Studio provides Pilates & Gyrotonic lessons for everyone. Add: 503-12 Huajiu Road, Zhujiang New Town （South of GZ American Consulate) www.truepilateschina.com 18620076022 珠江新城华就路 12 号 503

EDUCATION American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) 1) 3 Yanyu Nan Lu, Ersha Island (8735 3393); 2) 19,Kexiang Road Luogang District,Science Park, Guangzhou (3213 5555) 1) 广州美国人，二沙岛烟雨南路 3 号 ; 2) 广州罗岗区科翔路 19 号 Canadian Foreign Language School Cambridgshire Garden, Panyu District (39191868 ext. 0) 广州市番禺区剑桥郡加拿达外国语学校，广州市番禺区剑桥郡花园 Canadian International School of Guangzhou Cambridgeshire Garden, Nancun Town, Panyu District (3925 5321) www.cisgz.com 广州加拿大人国际学校，番禺区南村镇雅居乐剑桥郡花园内 Canadian Internatioanal Kindergarten Agile Garden, Yinbin Lu, Panyu District (8456 6551). 加拿大国际幼儿园，番禺区迎宾路雅居乐花园 Canton Global Academy 4 Chuangjia Road, Jinshazhou, Baiyun District, Guagnzhou (180 2401 1757) 广州寰宇外籍人员子女学校 , 广州市白云区金沙洲创佳路 4 号 Clifford School International International Building, Clifford School, Clifford Estates, Shiguang Lu, Panyu District (8471 8273; 8471 1441; 8471 1694) 祈福英语实验学校，番禺区市广路 Eclipse English Education 18D, No.368, Tianhe Bei Road, GZ (Tel:38780382,18922769713) 爱誉英语, 天河北路, 368号, 18D Guangzhou Nanfang International School No.1 South Industrial Park, Yinglong Lu, Longdong, Tianhe District (3886 6952, 3886 3606, Fax: 3886 3680). www.gnischina. com 广州南方国际学校，天河区龙洞迎龙路龙山工业园南1号 ISA International School Guangzhou Block

C2-2, 128 Yuancun Siheng Lu, Tianhe District (8890 0909, info@isaschool.com) 广州爱莎国际学校, 天河区员村四横路128号红专厂创意园C2-2 The British School of Guangzhou 983-3 Tonghe Lu, Baiyun District (8709 4788) 广州英国学校, 白云区同和路983-3 Trinity International Kindergarten 663 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (8558 3287) 圣心国际幼稚园, 天河区珠江新城花城大道663号

CONSULATES Argentina 2405, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3888 0328, cguan@ mrecic.gov.ar) 阿根廷共和国领事馆 , 天河区天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 2405 单元

Utahloy Int’l School www.utahloy.com 1) 800 Shatai Bei Lu, Baiyun District (8720 2019, fax 8704 4296); 2) Sanjiang Town, Zeng Cheng (8291 4691 fax: 8291 3303) 广州誉德莱国际学校，1) 白云区沙太北路 800 号；2) 增城三江镇

Christian Fellowship Hilton Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe , 215 Lin He Xi Heng Lu, Tianhe District (6683 9999) (Foreigners only. Please bring ID) Worship Hours: 10am11:30am.every Sunday. 广州天河新天希尔顿酒店 , 广州天河区林和西横路 215 号

HOTEL

Guangdong Int’l Volunteer Expatriate Service (GIVES) Contact Rosaline Yam (8778 2778; givescn@ yahoo.com) www.gives.cn

Indonesia Rm 1201-1223, 2/F, West Building, Dong Fang Hotel, 120 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8601 8772; fax 8601 8773; kjrigz@public.guangzhou. gd.cn) 印度尼西亚领事馆，流花路 120 号东方宾馆西座 2 楼 1201-1223 室 Israel 19/F, Development Center, 3 Linjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (8513 0509) 以色列领事馆，天河区珠江新城临江大道 3 号发展中心 19 楼 . Guangzhou.mfa.gov.il Italy Rm 1403, International Finance Place (IFP), 8, Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3839 6225; Fax: 8550 6370) 意大利领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 8 号合景国际金融广场 14 楼 1403 室 Japan 1/F, East Tower, The Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8334 3009; Fax: 8333 8972) www.guangzhou.cn.emb-japan. go.jp 日本领事馆，环市东路 368 号花园酒店东塔 1 楼

Chimelong Hotel Panyu Dadao, Panyu District (8478 6838, gz.chimelong.com) 长隆酒店 , 番禺区番禺大道

Guangzhou Women’s Int’l Club (GWIC) For contact information, visit www.gwic.org

Korea (Republic) 18 Youlin Lu, Chigang Consulate Area, Haizhu District (Tel: 2919 2999; fax 2919 2980; Guangzhou@mofat.go.kr) 韩国领事馆，海珠区赤岗领事馆区友邻路 18 号

Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 8888, www. chimelong.com) 长隆横琴湾酒店 , 珠海市横琴新区

Brazil Rm 1403, 10 Huaxia Lu, R&F Center, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (02083652236; cg. cantao.itamaraty.gov.br) 巴西驻广州总领事馆, 珠江新城华夏路10号富力中心1403室

Kuwait 10A-10D, Nanyazhonghe Plaza, 57 Lingjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3807 8070; Fax: 3807 8007). 科威特国总领事馆，珠江新城临江大道 57 号南雅中和广场 10A-10D

Australia 12/F, Zhujiang New City, Development Centre, 3 Linjiang Lu (Tel: 3814 0111; Fax: 3814 0112) www.guangzhou.china. embassy.gov.au 澳大利亚领事馆，临江路 3 号珠江新城发展中心 12 楼

Malaysia Rm 1915-1918, 19/F, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu ((Tel: 3877 0765; Fax: 3877 2320) 马来西亚领事馆，天河北路 233 号中信广场 19 楼 1915-1918 室

Chimelong Penguin Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 3366, www.chimelong.com) 长隆企鹅酒店, 珠海市横琴新区 Chimelong Circus Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 3399, www.chimelong.com) 长隆马戏酒店, 珠海市横琴新区 China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel 122, Liuhua Lu (8666 6888) www.MarriottChinahotel.com 中国大酒店 , 流花路 122 号 Conrad Guangzhou 222 Xingmin Lu, Tianhe District (3739 2222) 广州康莱德酒店，天河区兴民路222号 DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou 391 Dongfeng Lu, Yuexiu District (2833 7215; 2833 2888) 广州希尔顿逸林酒店 , 越秀区东风路 391 号 Grand Hyatt Guangzhou 12, Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (8396 1234 www.guangzhou.grand.hyatt.com) 广州富力君悦大酒店 , 天河区珠江新城珠江西路 12 号 Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (6108 8888) 广州正佳广场万豪酒店，天河区天河路 228 号 Langham Place Guangzhou 638 Xingang Dong Lu, Haizhu District(8916 3388) 广州南丰朗豪酒店 , 海珠区新港东路 638 号 LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou 368, Huanshi Dong Lu (8333 8989, www.thegardenhotel. com.cn) LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 广州花园酒店 , 越秀区环市东路 368 号花园酒店 (8333 8989) LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou 277 Yanjiang Zhong Lu, Yuexiu District （8931 0505）广州岭南五号酒店，越秀区沿江中路 277 号 Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou 389 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3808 8888) 广州文华东方酒店 , 天河区天河路 389 号 Park Hyatt Guangzhou 16 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (3769 1234) 广州柏悦酒店天河区珠江新城华夏路 16 号 Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou 1, Huizhan Dong Lu, Haizhu District (8917 8888, www. shangri-la.com) 广州香格里拉大酒店 , 海珠区会展东路 1 号 Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich 988 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District (3883 8888) 广州圣丰索菲特大酒店 , 天河区广州大道中 988 号 . www.sofitel.com The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou 3, Xing’an Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (3813 6688, www.ritzcarlton.com) 广州富力丽思卡尔顿酒店, 天河区珠江新城兴安路3号

Belgium Room 0702, 7/F, R & F Center, Unit 2, 10 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (Tel: 3877 2351; Fax: 3877 2353) 天河区珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 7 楼 0702 室 Cambodia Rm 802, The Garden Hotel (Tower), Huangshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8333 8999 - 805; Fax: 8365 2361) 柬埔寨领事馆，环市东路花园酒店大楼 808 室 Canada 26/F, Tower 1, Taikoo Hui, 385 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 8611 6100, Fax: 8667 2401) www.guangzhou.gc.ca 加拿大领事馆，天河区天河路 385 号太古汇一座 26 楼 Colombia Unit 12, 36/F No 5, Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou (8883 4826, cguangzhou@cancilleria.gov.co) 哥伦比亚驻广州总领事馆，珠江西路 5 号广州国际金融中心主塔写字楼 36 层 12 单元 Cuba Rm 2411, West Tower, Huapu Plaza, 13 Huaming Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 2238 2603 / 2238 2604; Fax: 2238 2605) 珠江新城华明路 13 号华普广场西塔 2411 Denmark Rm 1578, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8666 0795; Fax: 8667 0315) 丹麦领事馆，流花路 122 号中国大酒店写字楼 1578 室  Ecuador Room 1801, R&F Building, 10 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3892 7650; Fax: 3892 7550) 厄瓜多尔共和国驻广州领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 1801 室 France Rm 1901-1907, Central Tower (Kaihua International Center), 5 Xiancun Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (www. consulfrance-canton.org; Tel: 2829 2000; Fax: 2829 2001) 法国驻广州总领事馆，天河区珠江新城冼村路 5 号凯华国际中心 1901-1907 室 Germany 14/F Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 8313 0000; Fax: 8516 8133) www.kanton.diplo.de 德国领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 14 楼 Greece Rm 2105, HNA Building, 8 Linhe Zhong Lu (Tel: 8550 1114; Fax: 8550 1450; grgencon.guan@mfa.gr) 希腊领事馆 , 林和中路 8 号海航大厦 2105 室

W Guangzhou 26 Xiancun Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (6628 6628) 广州 W 酒店 , 天河区珠江新城冼村路 26 号

Guangzhou Narcotics Anonymous Meetings: Monday 6.30pm and Friday 7pm. (For help: 188 9857 0042 (French, Chinese & English), 133 3287 0750 (Persian), 185 8876 4470 (English), www.nachina.com)

White Swan Hotel 1 Shamian Nan Jie, Liwan District (8188 6968) 白天鹅宾馆 , 荔湾区沙面南街 1 号

India 14/F, Haichuan Dasha, 8 Linhe Zhong Lu, Tianhe District (8550 1501-05) 印度领事馆，天河区林和中路 8 号海船大厦 14 楼

Mexico Rm2001, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 2208 1540; Fax: 2208 1539) 墨西哥领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 20 楼 01 单元 Netherlands 34/F, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 3813 2200; Fax: 3813 2299) www.hollandinchina.org 荷兰领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 34 楼 New Zealand Rm C1055, Office Tower, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8667 0253; Fax: 8666 6420; Guangzhou@ nzte.govt.nz) www.nzte.govt.nz 新西兰领事馆，流花路 122 号中国大酒店商业大厦 1055 室 Norway Suite 1802, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu (3811 3188 Fax: 3811 3199) 挪威领事馆，天河北路 233 号中信广场 180 室 Peru Unit 01 on 32/F 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe (Tel: 6184 6244; Fax: 6631 1804) 秘鲁驻广州总领事馆，珠江西路5号广州国际金融中心主塔写字楼32层01单元 Philippines Rm 706-712 Guangdong Int’l Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8331 1461; Fax: 8333 0573) www.guangzhoupcg.org 菲律宾领事馆，环市东路 339 号广东国际大酒店主楼 706-712 室 Poland 63 Shamian Da Jie (Tel: 8121 9993; Fax: 8121 9995) 波兰领事馆，沙面大街 63 号 Singapore Unit 2418, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 3891 2345; Fax: 3891 2933) 新加坡领事馆，天河北路 233 中信广场 2418 室 Spain Rm 501/507/508 5/F, R&F Center, 10 Huaxia Lu, Pearl River New City (Tel: 3892 7185 / 3892 8909; Fax: 3892 7197). www. maec.es/consulados/canton 西班牙驻广州总领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 5 楼 501/507/508 室 Switzerland 27/F, Kingold Century, 62 Jinsui Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (Tel: 3833 0450; Fax: 3833 0453) 瑞士领事馆，天河区珠江新城金穗路 62 号侨鑫国际金融中心 27 层 Thailand Rm M07, 2/F, Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8385 8988; Fax: 8388 9567) 泰国领事馆，环市东路 368 号花园酒店 2 楼 M07 室 The Russian Federation 26/A, Development Centre, 3 Linjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town (8518 5001 Fax: 8518 5099 (office)/ 8518 5088(visa section)) 俄罗斯联邦驻广州总领事馆 , 珠江新城临江大道 3 号发展中心 26/A Turkey Rm. 23A, Development Center Building, 3 Linjiang Dadao, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3785 3466, bkesmen@mfa.

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LISTINGS gov.tr) 天河区珠江新城临江大道 3 号发展中心 23A United States 43 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (Tel: 3814 5000) http://guangzhou-ch.usembassy-china. org.cn/   美国领事馆，天河区珠江新城华就路 43 号 Vietnam 2/F, Hua Xia Hotel, Haizhou Square, Qiaoguang Lu (Tel: 8330 5911; Fax: 8330 5915) 越南领事馆，侨光路华沙大酒店 B 座 2 楼北部

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Center, 8 Pazhou Dadao Dong, Haizhu District (Tel: 8335 1476; Fax: 8332 1642; amcham@amcham-sunthchina.org) www. amcham-southchina.org 美国商会，海珠区琶洲大道东 8 号广州国际采购中心 1801 室

2201B, International Financial Center, 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe District ( Tel: 8331 5013; Fax: 8331 5016; events@britchamgd. com) 英国商会，天河区珠江西路 5 号国际金融中心 2201B

Italian Chamber of Commerce Rm 948, Office Tower, the Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu ( Tel: 8365 2682; Fax: 8365 2983) 意大利商会，环市东路 368 号花园大厦 948 房 www.cameraitacina.com

Australian Chamber of Commerce Rm1714 -15, Main Tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 2237 2866; Fax: 8319 0765; mail@austcham-southchina.org). www. austcham-southchina.org 澳洲商会，环市东路 339 号广东国际大厦主楼 1714 – 15 室

European Union Chamber of Commerce Rm 2817, Tower A, Shine Plaza, 9 Linhe Xi Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 3801 0269; Fax: 3801 0275) 中国欧盟商会，天河区林和西路9号耀中广场A塔2817室

China-Philippines Chamber of Commerce Rm 1613, Main Tower, Guangdong International Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (8331 1888-71613; Fax: 8331 1983; E-mail: cpcc2005@21cn.com) 中国菲律宾商会，环市东路 339 号广东国际大酒店主楼 1613 室

BenCham, Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) Chamber of Commerce in China, Pearl River Delta, Floor 34, 208 Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu (155 2118 2708 ). 荷比卢商会 , 天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 34 楼 www.bencham.org

American Chamber of Commerce Suite 1801, Guangzhou International Sourcing

British Chamber of Commerce Unit

French Chamber of Commerce in South China (CCIFC) Room 802, 8/F, Leatop Plaza, 32 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (2916 5535) 天河区珠江新城珠江东路 32 号利通广场 8 层 02 单元 German Chamber of Commerce 1903 Leatop Plaza, 32 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 8755 2353; Fax: 8755 1889; chamber@gz.china.ahk.de) china.ahk.de 天河区珠江东路 32 号利通广场 1903 室

Spanish Chamber of Commerce Rm. 1305, 13/F, Main Tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District (Tel: 3892 7531; Fax: 3892 7127; www. spanishchamber-ch.com) 越秀区环市东路 339 号广东国际大厦主楼 1305 室

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS SERVICES Asiabs & B.string Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai 1) Setting-up HK, BVI and other offshore company 2) Setting-up WFOE, JV, Representative Office in China mainland 3) Accounting, Taxation, HR, Visa & Trading service Tel: 852 8102 2592 /  86 21 58362605       86 10 65637970 Website: www.AsiaBS.com www.Stringbc.com E-mail: info@stringbc.com CENTURY, a Comprehensive Office Services Company 1. Office Relocation, Personal Relocation 2. Second-hand Office Furniture Resell 3. Office Cleaning Services 4. Landscaping/Indoor Plant 5. Carpet Cleaning 6. Pest Control Tel: (86 20) 2816 5345 Email: guangzhou@centuryrelo.com

Harris Corporate Solutions Ltd Guangzhou | Shanghai | Beijing | Hong Kong Established since 1972 • WFOE & Rep. Office Set Up • Accounting & Tax Compliance • Payroll, HR & Visa Solutions • Hong Kong & Offshore Company Registration • Hong Kong & China Bank Account Opening Serving all your business needs for investing in China. Call us for a free consultation. Tel: (86)20-8762 0508 Mobile: 135-703-48815 Email: info.gz@harriscorps.com.cn Romeo Lau & Co. work visa, WFOE, JV, RO, HK company, auditing, car rental,driver license. www.romeolawoffice.com Mobile: 13570993252, 020-38865269, dmc_ canto@yahoo.com

CHURCH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Expatriates welcome! Large group multinational, non-denominational expatriate Christians hold English services Sundays 10.00am to 11.30am. Need foreign citizenship proof. Website: www.gicf.net Tel: 177 2768 5019.

JOBS OFFERED

HiTouch Consulting Leading business and legal solution provider • Company Registration • Tax & Accounting • Intellectual Property • China Visa Tel: (8620) 8355 5515 Website: www.hitouch.com Guangzhou丨Shanghai 丨Yiwu

ACCOUNTING FIRMS

South China HR English Website (English.job168.com) China's most famous & professional job hunting website 8/F, Nanfang Jingdian Building, No. 198 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 1/F,Huapu Building, No.104 Tianhe Road,Guangzhou (Tel: 85584676) 南方人才网英文站(english.job168.com) 广州市天河路198号南方精典大厦八楼广州市天河路104号华普大厦西座一楼 Eclipse English Education Native English teachers wanted. Competitive pay with flexible scheduling. Free Chinese classes for employees.Tianhe location. 13902273359 or (020) 38780382 Mrs.Wong

78 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

The Australian Chamber of Commerce South China is hiring an Events and Communications Manager to facilitate Australia-China business relations through industry event management and China-ready marketing. The Events Coordinator is responsible for the Chamber's events program and related communications. The events program is one of the Chamber's main streams of revenue. For more information, please call the AustCham office at +86 020 22372866 and to apply, please email a 1-2 page CV and 1-page cover letter to asha.forsyth@ austcham-southchina.org.

AGS Four Winds is leading international moving company offers a full range relocation, moving, and storage services. Our global network of over 300 offices worldwide plus 40 years experience in the moving industry, we know your concerns and have the ability to serve you anywhere in the world. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the FAIM and FIDI. Contact us for FREE survey and quotation: Tel: +86 20 8363 3735 Email: manager.guangzhou@agsfourwinds. com Website: www.agsfourwinds.com

REAL ESTATE Life Partner provides house leasing, housekeeping and other personalized services to expatriates from Multi Corporations and foreign institutes as well as to individuals. Guangzhou/Foshan/Zhaoqing/Zhengzhou/Wuhan Since 2004 Contact Person: Ellen Pan, Tel: 020-3881 3137, Mobile: 159 1878 3607 Email: panhj@lifepartner.cn Web: www.lifepartner.cn

TRAVEL Free N Easy Travel An International Travel Agency in GZ, offers you the most competitive airfares, best discounted hotels worldwide and great getaway packages. Call our Toll free no.800-830-2353 or Tel 3877 2345 or email us at Guangzhou@ fnetravel.com or visit us at our travel center at 218 Sky Galleria, CITIC PALAZA, 233 Tianhe North Road or check for more details at our website---www .fnetravel .com Turkish Airlines Rm. 6107, Citic Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District (3877 1690, 3877 1691, www.turkishairlines.com)天河区天河北路233号中信广场6107室

MOVING & SHIPPING

Asian Tigers Mobility Is an international relocation specialist started in 1988 handling visa and immigration, orientation, home finding, international, domestic and local moves and settling in services in China. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the OMNI and FIDI which gives us the global representation. Contact us: Tel:(8620) 8326 6758 / 8666 2655 E-mail: general.can@asiantigers-china. com Website: www.asiantigers-mobility.com Rayca Moving & Transportation Services With 10 years experience, Rayca provides international, domestic, local moving services & pet relocation service. We can effectively move you anywhere with competitive price! You move, you save! Service hotline: 400-048-9099 Email: info@raycatrans.com Website:www.raycatrans.com

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JANUARY

ho uangz G s ’ t ha

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in Guangzhou. BY DOMINIQUE WONG

Aquarius 1.21~2.19

2.20~3.20

3.21~4.20

The planets have aligned to spell: ‘YOLO.’ Whenever somebody q u e s t i o n s y o u , u t t e r Y O L O o r, alternatively, say yes to everything. Suns Club on a Monday night? YOLO. A black taxi charges you 100 kuai from Taojin to Dongshankou? Yes.

It’s not a good month to sign any contracts or make any commitments other than the one to your new ayi. Communicate only via cat stickers and emojis, and always alternate between the two with each reply.

You will drop another iPhone into the Pearl River – the second in two months. But who’s counting, amirite Pisces? Hot tip: zip your pockets up for once and maybe buy a Samsung.

The random you made out with on NYE will turn out to be either the love of your life – or your worst enemy. If the party you attended on December 31 was in Party Pier, the latter is more likely.

12.22~1.20

Taurus

Gemini

Pisces

Aries

Capricorn

Cancer

Leo

4.21~5.21

5.22~6.21

6.22~7.22

7.23~8.23

Beware of unwanted visitors from your past. To avoid detection, wear an elaborate wig during daylight hours and affect a heavy Canto drawl. Livestream your antics under the name ‘Wiggy,’ but quit after nobody sends you any virtual gifts.

Your chatty nature is usually a hit with taxi drivers who want to practice their English, but dial it back this month. Nobody cares you went to Bali over the break and ‘found yourself.’

That new bike you bought is one of those recycled stolen ones. Keep it. Buy an expensive bike lock off Taobao and feel anxious every time you hear the song ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around’ by Justin Timberlake.

Your star, the sun, is not out, so put those guns away and put on a goddamn jacket for once. There are plenty of attention-grabbing coats for sale at Sanyuanli. Beware of buttons and mirrors.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Start the New Year off with a bang. But, like, don’t light fireworks within Zhujiang New Town, because you will get arrested. It’s illegal. RSVP to all invites, get invited to party’s WeChat group, and then cancel one day in advance.

The reason you can’t find a new job is because you keep getting embarrassingly drunk while “networking” at InterNations events. Sign up to a job site instead. Overstate your Chinese-speaking abilities when asked.

Virgo

8.24~9.23 That perfect-looking person on Tinder actually lives in a Xiancun squat full of mushrooms (not that kind). Swipe left – you’ll know who it is. During the full moon, eat only round-shaped foods, like roujiamo or pizza.

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Libra

9.24~10.23 You can’t decide on a New Year resolution, so let the stars make one for you: Spend three-quarters of your salary on organic produce from your local farmer’s market that will eventually rot in your fridge.

10.24~11.22

11.23~12.21