That's Shanghai - February 2020

THE FUTURE SOUND OF CHINA The Conflicting Tides of Digital Streaming and Live Music

城市漫步上海 英文版2月份 国内统一刊号: CN 11-5233/GO

China Intercontinental Press

FEBRUARY 2020

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that’s Shanghai 《城市漫步》上海版 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 : 中国北京 北京西城月坛北街 26 号恒华国际商务中心南楼 11 层文化交流中心 邮编 100045 Published by China Intercontinental Press Address: 11th Floor South Building, HengHua International Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, PRC http://www.cicc.org.cn 社长 President of China Intercontinental Press: 陈陆军 Chen Lujun 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department: 付平 Fu Ping 主编 Executive Editor: 袁保安 Yuan Baoan 编辑 Editor: 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili 发行 Circulation: 李若琳 Li Ruolin Food & Drink Editor Cristina Ng National Arts Editor Bryan Grogan Production Manager Ivy Zhang 张怡然 Designers Joan Dai 戴吉莹 , Xinting Huang 黄欣婷 Contributors Matthew Bossons, Logan R. Brouse, Ryan Gandolfo, Phoebe Kut, Mia Li, Herlina Liu, Justine Lopez, Erica Martin, Valerie Osipov, Aron Solomons, Sophie Steiner, Tristin Zhang Cover Artist Mayura Jain

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Editor's Note R

ats! They get a bad rep.

While the term ‘rat race’ has negative connotations, when it comes to the Chinese Zodiac race they are first past the post (courtesy of a little trickery over the ol’ Ox). People born this year are thought to possess characteristics which are associated with rats, including intelligence, creativity, honesty, ambition and generosity.

Generosity? You may be skeptical, but studies have found that rats take care of injured and sick family and friends. And

despite their reputation being in the gutter, they are also extremely clean animals, spending several hours a day grooming themselves and the others in their group.

Highly social, they sleep and play together, making ‘laughter’ sounds when they play. When referring to a group of rats, the collective noun is a ‘mischief of rats,’ and who doesn’t like a bit of mischief? Speaking of which, happy rats have been observed to chatter or grind their teeth, often accompanied by vibrating

FEBRUARY eyes – we’ve all been there after a few tequilas…

Without companionship, rats tend to become lonely and depressed. All very relatable. So don’t be too quick to judge our furry friends. And with that, all there is left is for me to wish you a very happy (and mischievous) Year of the Rat. Xin nian kuai le!

Ned Kelly

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

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THE WRAP

10

18

6 CITY

14 LIFE & STYLE

7 COIN TOSSER

18 TIME ON YOUR SIDE

Jet engine vandal faces justice

We’ve got a watch for everyone

10 THE BEST MEDICINE

20 SILK ROAD XI’AN

Bringing laughter to migrant children

Exploring 3,000 years of history

30

52

24 ARTS

46 EAT & DRINK

30 SCENE AND HEARD

50 OFF THE BEATEN PATH

China’s cutting edge clubs

Beyond the eight great cuisines

32 GAME ON!

52 NEW RESTAURANTS

Five computer games for 2020

Exploring the latest openings

4 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

36 COVER STORY THE FUTURE SOUND OF CHINA Conflicting tides in the music industry

P62

58 EVENTS

FEB 3

FEB 17

2020 Super Bowl Party

Craig David

FEB 19

MAR 7

MC Hot Dog

That Physics Show WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 5

CITY

Class Clowns

Laughter is the Best Medicine, P10

Slovenian Slapper P8

Chinese Slang P9

TALES OF THE CITY

AVIATION ACCOUNTABILITY Plane Engine Coin Tosser Fined RMB120,000

By Matthew Bossons

R

emember that idiot that threw coins at a jet engine in Anhui province last year for good luck? Yah, so do we – him and the hundreds of the other bozos (a slight exaggeration) that decided that tossing a piece of metal into a highly complex machine that transports people through the air is a good idea.

Anyway, we’ll get to the point: A 28-yearold man identified in legal documents by the alias ‘Liu Qiang’ has been fined a whopping RMB120,000 for tossing coins at an airplane’s jet engine at Anqing Tianzhushan Airport.

The incident occurred on February 17, 2019, when Liu (whose actual surname is Lu) threw two RMB1 coins at the engine of flight 8L9960 to Kunming for good luck.

Prior to takeoff, the flight crew noticed a coin on the ground and asked if anyone had thrown coins into the plane’s engine,

to which Liu answered that he had tossed two coins. The flight was then delayed while maintenance personnel hunted for the currency. One of the coins was then found in the plane’s left engine.

While the flight was originally scheduled to leave Anqing at 3.05pm, the plane was not able to leave the airport until 7.30am the following morning. The whole episode was presumably super annoying for passengers, who had to spend the night in Anqing, and very expensive for the airline, Lucky Air (or, as we’ve dubbed it, Unlucky Air).

In the immediate aftermath of Liu’s misguided attempt to attain good luck, or bless the flight, or whatever it was he thought he was doing, he was detained by police for 10 days. Lucky Air also announced that it would take legal action against Liu seeking damages, estimated to be around RMB140,000.

The airline’s quest for compensation reached its climax last month, when a court in Anhui province issued Liu a fine of RMB120,000 for his coin-throwing antics.

Liu pled guilty in the case, but did take the time to blame the airport for not informing him of the fact that passengers are not allowed to throw items into the plane’s engines (errr – okay, Liu). The defendant also noted that flight 8L9960 was to be his first time traveling by air, and that he was ignorant of how aircraft operate.

As noted at the start of this piece, Liu is far from the first superstitious traveler to toss a coin at – or into – an airplane engine; there were at least 10 instances of people throwing coins at jet engines in the first half of 2019 alone.

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THE BUZZ RANDOM NUMBER

DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

210 MILLION

Memi Becirovic

Shannon Lee is seeking RMB210 million in compensation from Guangzhou-based fast-food chain Real Kung Fu (Zhen Gongfu) for using the likeness of her father – Bruce Lee – without permission or payment. Additionally, she is asking that Real Kung Fu immediately cease using her father’s likeness and make clear that the company has no relation to Bruce Lee. Originally called ‘168 Steamed Fast Food Restaurant’ and ‘Seed Double Food,’ according to China. org.cn, the chain rebranded as Real Kung Fu in 2004 after its founder sought the services of a veteran marketing firm. Since the rebranding, Real Kung Fu has used the image of a man who looks suspiciously like the late Bruce Lee for its logo.

Jiangsu Dragons head coach, Slovenian Memi Becirovic, was ejected from a CBA game against the Liaoning Flying Leopards last month, after he slapped a spectator in the face during the game. The man was standing courtside when the coach approached him and got into an altercation. The two were eventually separated by players and staff. The fan on the receiving end of the hit is believed to have gotten into a verbal spat with the coach’s wife, who was sitting courtside, according to Xinhua. Meanwhile, local media reports claimed that the fan had made an abusive gesture towards Liaoning’s Lance Stephenson. The Dragons went on to lose 111-103 to the Flying Leopards, and Becirovic received an automatic one-match courtside ban, while the fan has been banned from CBA games for life.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“To come across a good boss requires luck – if you don’t have a kind boss, you might work strenuously for a year, and in the end may not get paid for it”

8 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

So wrote one Weibo user after news that a company in Dongguan gave two employees new lake-view apartments as a year-end bonus. The apartments, which are said to be worth around RMB2 million each, were given away as part of a 10-year plan to help out employees going through a tough time, according to Zhong Mingyu, the company’s chairman of the board. Additionally, the company allotted money for furnishings for both of the lucky employees (100-gallon turtle tanks a top priority, we’d imagine).

E D I T E D B Y M A T T H E W B O S S O N S / C I T Y @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY

A yunv wugua / yùnǚ wú guà /雨女无瓜 “none of your business” Why are you always on your phone?

Put it down and go play outside.

I am an influencer. It’s my job.

Playing with your phone all the time will not give you a good life.

Yunv wugua.

s we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us remember how time flies. If you saw the original Lion King at age 8, you are now in your 30s. Those that spent their college years watching Friends are now the wrong side of 40. The post-2000s generation is now in college or entering the workforce. As they gain internships in the glossy offices of global conglomerates, they are already taking over pop culture in China.

This post-2000’s generation, sometimes called Gen Z, has no idea who Marcel the monkey is, nor seen Simba in 2D form.

They have their own pop culture and memes inspired by childhood memories and nostalgia. Yunv wugua is one of them.

Literally meaning “rain girl has no melons,” it can be confusing to see when used in chats – who is rain girl and why doesn’t she have any melons?

The phrase comes from a 2000s kids’ TV show titled Babala the Fairies (芭芭 拉小魔仙), where a group of schoolgirls cast magical spells and turn into powerful warriors to defeat evil creatures (kinda like Sailor Moon with more clan members).

It features an icy and aloof prince whose favorite phrase is “none of your business”

(yunv wuguan). However, the laconic prince wears a clumsy plastic helmet that severely restricts his nasal passages. When he utters his catchphrase, it sounds like yunv wugua, aka “rain girl has no melons.”

The prince, being a highly aspirational character, immediately made yunv wugua the most fashionable way of asking someone to butt out of your affairs. Kids across the nation adopted the phrase and began to confuse their parents with stern statements of rain girls and melons.

In the vein of “ok boomer,” yunv wugua is today’s kids’ phrase of choice when older people tell them what to do. When their parents tell them that the way to a good life is to get a ‘real job,’ get married or have kids, “yunv wugua,” is what they’ll say back. They know those things can no longer guarantee a good life; they are facing a vastly different world than their parents, where social classes have solidified, power and wealth are entrenched and no amount of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps can make up for class differences anymore. So the phrase is their defense against judgment from the older generation. In their world, rain girl has no melons. Mia Li

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

CLOWNING AROUND Bringing Laughter to China’s Migrant Children

By Aron Solomons

Bjorn Dahlman has been clowning in China since 2014. Together with Bian Xiao, they have been performing as the Toad King and Frog Emperor since 2017, using the power of laughter to benefit some of China’s most marginalized children.

Bjorn Dahlman as the Frog King and Bian Xiao as the Toad Emperor

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F E AT URE | CIT Y

C

hina has a long history of comedic performance and clowning. Clowns were present at Imperial Courts as far back as the Zhou Dynasty (founded 1046BC). The story goes that a clown named Yu Sze, who served Great Wall building Emperor Ch’in Shih Huang-ti, managed to convince the Emperor not to paint the massive structure.

By doing so he saved thousands of lives, and became a national hero in the process.

The Frog King and The Toad Emperor are not national heroes. They are two friends who, along with the rest of their clown posse (yes, the collective noun for clowns is ‘posse’), bring clowning to children all over China.

Bian Xiao has been working in Children’s Theater in China since 2008. He came across Bjorn Dahlman’s videos on WeChat, and was immediately attracted to creating a different type of children’s theater: one that was aimed at the kids themselves, rather than the parents.

“Often in children’s theater, the parents expect the theater production to teach their kids something,” says Bian. “We have both experienced wanting to do something because the kids will like it, only to be told by production companies that the parents won’t. Our challenge is always, ‘Who are we performing for? The kids or the parents?’ and they say ‘The parents, because they pay for the ticket!’”

For both Bian and Dahlman, clowning can be an empowering experience for children.

“We want to empower kids,” says Dahlman. “Make them feel like the best in the world for half an hour. We want them to feel that this is their show. Every single scene is designed so that kids feel ‘I can do this.’ We get into problems and the children run on stage to help us. This little five-year-old boy watching knows he is great because he is helping an adult, and that is the core of it.”

That can be seen in the very physicality of a clowning performance. Bian Xiao describes how, “A clown places themselves on either an equal or lower level to children. In theater, actors are normally above the audience. This only enforces a message of ‘I am an adult and you are a child. You must listen

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

to me.’ In a clown performance, the kids are shouting ‘You screwed up!’ ‘You are wrong!’

‘You dropped your hat!’ It’s a very different experience.”

This empowerment is very important in the social outreach of the project. The pair work with Clowns Without Borders, an international organization that seeks to spread joy, laughter and hope to children in crisis. When Dahlman came to China in 2014, he did some work for a Swedish theater company which wanted to arrange some test performances.

“At that time, I had just come from India doing a Clowns Without Borders tour,” Dahlman says. “I thought, if we are doing a rehearsal performance for free, why don’t we find kids who are struggling and do it for them? So we performed at a center for the children of sex workers, and then did a joint workshop with the parents and kids.”

In China, Bian and Dahlman often perform for the children of migrant and sex workers – those unable to get a hukou, and thus access to state services, and always

We want to empower kids, make them feel like the best in the world for half an hour.

12 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

work with local NGOs. As a Swede, Dahlman in particular is very conscious of avoiding a politicized narrative.

“We don’t want to step in and say this is a message we want to spread in your country, we are coming from Sweden to save you.”

He also notes the suspicion that exists towards NGOs in China, especially ones with foreign connections. They work with Stepping Stones, a not-for-profit charitable organization with a mission to improve the education and general welfare of disadvantaged children in China, and YouDao, which runs kindergartens.

Their next big goal is to reach out to leftbehind children in the countryside – those kids who remain in rural regions of China while their parents leave to work in urban areas. They are also always looking for collaborators, and have recently performed with local jugglers and magicians.

“Since 2017, the door is open,” says Dahlman. “Anyone that is willing to get up at 5am and get on a metro can join the show. It is designed in such a way you can just add a person.”

They have also recently started a channel on short video platform Douyin. Fittingly for two clowns, Bian started the Douyin page as a joke, not expecting many people to watch, but one of their first videos racked up an incredible 7.5 million views.

“In China, you have loads of people in offices and their pressure is massive. When you have that much pressure you need a release,” says Bian, who has done many corporate performances. “When your boss isn’t looking, you go on Douyin and have a quick watch and you feel fulfilled.”

“The core is the same,” Dahlman summarizes. “You’re a kid, we make you laugh.

You’re an adult that wants to feel like a kid, we make you laugh too!”

Additional reporting and translation from Alex Gomar. All photos supplied by Bjorn Dahlman.

F E AT URE | CIT Y

More satisfied customers

A little boy reacts to a clown show by the posse

Bjorn Dahlman performing level with a child, which to clowns promotes a sense of equality

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LIFE &

STYLE

You and Whose Army?

Exploring Imperial Capital Xi’an, P20

Big is Beautiful P16

Watch it!

P18

SPOTLIGHT

BENNY DAY FOUNDER OF DAY DESIGN STUDIO

By Phoebe Kut

Day Design Studio is the brainchild of Britishborn Benny Day, who’s been living in Shenzhen for the past six years. His design company focuses mainly on F&B and commercial interiors, in addition to branding and product design. Day speaks with us about starting a business in China, offers advice for budding designers and discusses one of his more intriguing projects, designing vibrators.

How did you get started in interior design, and how did you end up in Shenzhen?

I went to university in London to study interiors, but with a focus on architecture, and had a cool friend whose older sister had a large interior design company, so I started working in the summers with her. After finishing university in London, my lecturer recommended that I try out a job in Shenzhen. I thought I’d do six months here, six months in Japan and Korea, then go back as the Asia expert and finish. But nope, got here and realized I didn’t know anything and stayed!

What was the process like starting your own design company?

I was freelancing for four years, and registered the company two years ago. When I first arrived, I worked for a company and that year we did 41 projects. To put that in perspective, some large UK studios may do 40 projects in their career. Being in China, everything happens very quickly. By the end I realized I understood the process, but was I experienced? Did I have a style? Perhaps not, but I jumped out anyways and flopped quite early. My growth and placement right now is all built on failure. It was definitely a journey. But a year went on with one client and I started to build momentum and have been going since.

Why do you prefer designing for F&B clients in particular?

F&B is quantifiable; it’s data driven. Say, if you’re designing a restaurant, they need a kitchen, a certain amount of seats, an entrance and fire exits. After that, it follows trends, fashion and the project lifecycle is much shorter. In comparison, hotels take on average three to four years to design and create and you’re not really following trends or fashion. That’s what I find more exciting: the fun, fashionable elements and the quantifiable data.

Is starting a business as a foreigner in China hard?

As one of my clients put it, “It’s like you’re growing up in public.” China has such a different market than anywhere else, and you don’t have time to hide; you’ve got to work it out in public and if you fail, you fail. I’ve learned a few good things: relationships are everything,

and don’t rely on one thing. I’ve diversified my company. Instead of just interior design, I’m doing a bit of branding and graphics. It’s about having that balance, and never focusing on just one client. Lastly, you’ve got to be resilient, and you don’t necessarily need a Chinese partner.

Any advice for any designers who are just starting out?

It’s not your project until the money is in the bank. Never guarantee timelines to clients as they may come back and say they don’t have the budget or they’ll delay the timeline. Have other options. If you’re green, try to learn on someone else’s time.

Tell us a bit about designing vibrators?

Yeah, this project is actually for a Singaporean company called Smile Makers and they’re a great company. They’re educating beginners about the vibrator world while also providing education and awareness about sexual health and sexual wellness to a lot of people who may not openly talk about sex. For them we designed two vibrators, condom packaging (which will be in Watsons) and we’re in talks for their lubricant range too. I think I got into this space because it was more about brand strategy, launching and brand identity – each product has its own name (ie. the Romantic, Explorer, Ballerina) and personality. We did a lot of mood boarding, about the personality, shape and product goals.

Check out more of Day Design Studio’s work at @daydesign.studio or contact him on WeChat: bennyday

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STYLE RADAR HOT ON TAOBAO

Diva Ring Light China’s e-commerce live streamingmarket is big business. The practice of reviewing and featuring products on videos designed for consumers has made wavelengths throughout Chinese e-commerce platforms in recent years, with celebrity live-streamers cashing in.

Austin Li, a widely-known male beauty blogger and KOL, reportedly sold 15,000 tubes of lipstick in 15 minutes during one of his live-stream sessions. Even older consumers are buying into the world of live-streaming, as evident by the ayi we sat next to on the bus recently who watched a livestreamer feature two vinegar products.

Vinegar!

Aside from a phone and a product to sell, this growing legion of livestreamers relies on one key component: a diva ring light. Used to enhance your look during video shooting, no livestreamer would dare to feature that new makeup item or clothing product without this essential lamp. So, if you’re thinking about throwing your eggs into the live-streaming basket, consider this must-have equipment. > The diva ring light is available on Taobao by searching 手机直播光灯. Prices range from

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COVET

Style and Structure Ladies, what’s the perfect accessory that can tie a whole outfit together? A staple handbag.

You’ve been searching for it far and wide. Do you pick a trendy bag that will (hopefully) last a season, or opt for an investment piece with craftsmanship? Enter SELECTIV, a Shanghai-based Nordic fashion and lifestyle brand for the design-conscious individual. Their signature mini handbags (RMB2,800) are a chic statement for the modern, design-conscious individual. Lead designer Kashan Sing, an architect by trade, wanted to design a timeless and special piece for his first foray in fashion. Made with genuine leather, the optional crossbody bag can hold all your essentials and is perfect for day or night. SELECTIV’s line also includes tote bags, leather notebooks (which are perfect for journaling) and leather bracelets. > Pictured is the SELECTIV vintage mini handbag, shop their WeChat store by searching SELECTIV

UNDER THE LENS

‘Micro-fat’ Influencers and Industry on the Rise The Chinese plus-size market is a multibillion-dollar opportunity. Four decades ago, 11.3% of Chinese adults were overweight; now that number is closer to 25%. However, there aren’t English equivalents to terms like ‘plus-size’ or ‘curvy’. Vogue Business reports, “the most common words used are the cutesy ‘micro-fat’ (微胖) or the slightly patronizing ‘meaty’ (肉肉).”

A niche group of micro-fat influencers are on the rise, like Deng Deng, who has amassed 2.5 million followers on Douyin since appearing on the scene a year ago. Deng explains, “In 2018, there were almost no influencers like me, fat girls dressed down, not up. This is changing. Big girls are seeing women who look like them wearing beautiful clothes, and they want in.”

RMB48 and up.

TAP THAT APP

Interesting Sports 趣运动 Anyone who enjoys sports and lives in China has likely faced the daunting task of finding a venue at which to play. With millions of residents in your city and – depending on your Chinese skills – a language barrier to overcome, locating a good basketball court or football pitch can be a nightmare.

We came across ‘Interesting Sports’ (趣运动, Qu Yundong in pinyin) while having trouble finding a decent tennis court in Guangzhou. The app proved to be a big help by providing a list of courts around the city with venue phone numbers and a map. Best of all, you can book a reservation through the app (or website) for your next outing.

Interesting Sports serves 80 cities in China, linking users with venues for football, basketball, badminton, tennis, swimming and more. You can book by the hour up to a week in advance. It’s worth noting that the app is only offered in Chinese, but you’ll have an easy time navigating once you know your go-to sport’s name in Chinese. Now that you’ve got the tool to get you back on the field, it’s time to lace up those cleats and go beast mode on Wesley from sales.

> Interesting Sports (趣运动, Qu Yundong) is available on iOS and Android devices. Visit quyundong.com or add their official WeChat account (趣运动) to learn more.

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L IF E & S T Y L E | T R AV E L

XI’AN

F

ew cities in China can lay claim to as rich a culture as Xi’an. Famous for being the home of the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an’s 3,000-year history has played an enormous part in shaping China’s cultural heritage.

Xi’an got its big start as a city during the Zhou Dynasty, for whom Xi’an was the capital, from 1046-256 BCE. Under the rule of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BCE), China became unified for the first time.

Obsessed with longevity, Emperor Qin commissioned the construction of an ‘army’ of terracotta warriors to guard his mausoleum and protect him in the afterlife. Today, the Terracotta Warriors are considered one of China’s must-see attractions.

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Xi’an was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. It was here that merchants, envoys and traveling monks would trade their wares, particularly valuable silk and live horses, and prepare for the long and frequently perilous journey to the West.

Such was the extent of trade and civilization in Xi’an that the city became the largest in the world by the 8th century.

Xi’an’s fortunes changed, however, with the fall of the Tang Dynasty, and it was not until the Ming Dynasty, in the 14th century, that the city would be fully revived. Several lasting emblems of the Ming era are today some of Xi’an’s most prominent sights.

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T R AV E L | L IF E & S T Y L E

Ming-Era City Walls Inner-city Xi’an has plenty of its own charm. Nearly 14 kilometers long, the imposing city walls were built to protect the city during the Ming Dynasty, and are an astonishing 15 meters thick.

One of the best ways to get acquainted is on two wheels. Bike rentals start from RMB40 for 100 minutes (RMB80 if you choose to go tandem), and afford great views of the heart of Xi’an.

The ride itself is fairly leisurely (and entirely flat, for the effort-opposed), and can be accomplished in two hours depending on pace. Be sure to bring hydration, as vendors in the area are few and far between.

If you’re lucky you’ll catch the changing of the guards at the South Gate, which happens three times a day.

Terracotta Army No trip to Xi’an is complete without a visit to its most famous attraction, the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a literal treasure trove of Chinese history that can easily take a day for history buffs to explore.

With thousands of unearthed military figures, the Terracotta Army was designed to guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BCE). Following his death, it was believed they would travel with him to the afterlife to continue their service.

Fascinatingly, no two members of the army are identical – their various parts were made modularly and assembled so that each would be unique.

Hot Springs at Huaqing Palace After you’ve ticked the requisite Terracotta Army visit off your list, it’s time for the next chapter of Xi’an’s history – the Tang Dynasty. At the foot of Mount Lishan are the hot springs at Huaqing Palace, which were the setting for the famous romantic tragedy Song of Eternal Sorrow, written by celebrated Tang poet Bai Juyi (772-846 CE).

A classic imperial tale, the poem describes a tragic love affair between Tang emperor Xuanzong (685-762 CE) and his beloved concubine Yang Guifei (719-756 CE). Visitors can enjoy daily performances of the classic poem during the spring and summer, and soak up imperial vibes at the neighboring hot spring baths.

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L IF E & S T Y L E | T R AV E L

Mount Hua One of the most famous mountains in China, Huashan is a must for active travelers. Stunning vistas and precipitous peaks are a given, and your trip here can easily take up a whole day.

The mountain has five peaks that top 2,155 meters, each with its own charm. Reach the top by gondola, and expect a fairly terrifying hike to the tallest peaks. During the summer months, high numbers of visitors can make the narrow walkways crowded, so do be aware of that when planning your visit.

True daredevils can get their adrenaline fix along the Chang Kong Plank Road – a ramshackle wooden pathway just 50 centimeters wide affixed to the near-vertical rock face. The pathway was first laid out by the Taoist priest He Zhizhen nearly 700 years ago, when monks would journey to the mountain’s remotest peaks in search of prime meditation spots. A RMB30 deposit for safety harnesses is required.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Built during the Tang Dynasty, the 1,300-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda is perhaps Xi’an’s most eye-catching heritage site, standing at seven stories and 64 meters high. The pagoda is dedicated to the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who is credited for aiding the dissemination of Buddhism by bringing back sutras from India and translating them into Chinese. His journey also served as inspiration for one of China’s bestknown works of literature, Journey to the West.

Today, tourists can climb to the top of the pagoda to take in the sights of the city and expansive pagoda square below. Here, locals brush up (literally) on their calligraphy by using calligraphy brushes dipped in water on the flagstones.

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Muslim Quarter Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Quarter is a wonderful place to pick up souvenirs and sample Xi’an’s local delicacies.

Situated in the heart of the old town, the Muslim Quarter encompasses a neighborhood of just 1,800 square meters, but is home to 10 mosques and over 20,000 residents. During the heyday of the Silk Road, this district played host to travelers from the Middle East, India and beyond, who would barter their wares and stock up on supplies for the next leg of their voyage. Some historians have suggested that the notoriously dangerous Silk Road journey gave rise to the establishment of numerous temples of Islamic, Buddhist and Taoist faiths, as merchants would visit to seek blessings for safe passage.

Make sure to arrive with an empty stomach – the Muslim Quarter is teeming with local street food, including grilled meat skewers, hearty fried dumplings, hand-pulled noodles and, of course, roujiamo. The main action starts at 6pm, when the vendors start setting up shop for the evening’s service.

Terracotta Warrior Replicas After seeing the real thing, pick up a vivid replica of the terracotta sculptures for all your friends who have yet to see the famous archeological wonder.

They’re available in a variety of sizes, from small to life-size (you know, if you’re into overthe-top home decor), and each have a different appearance and facial expression. We suggest you don’t buy any replica.

Instead, head to the Xi’an Art Ceramics and Lacquer Factory, where they still cook clay in large outdoor kilns and handpaint and finish every single exemplar.

T R AV E L | L IF E & S T Y L E

Roujiamo and Liangpi Wherever you find roujiamo (sometimes translated as ‘Chinese hamburger’), you’ll also find liangpi (cold noodles). For Xi’an locals, the two go together like horse and carriage. The former consists of a leavened flatbread, typically cooked on a hot iron furnace, stuffed with braised meat that is stewed with 20 different spices. Locals will tell you that the best roujiamo is found in the Muslim Quarter, where the filling is lamb rather than pork. The cold noodles that so often accompany are made from rice flour and topped with a spicy red oil and sliced cucumber.

Biangbiang Mian Yangrou Paomo Arguably the signature dish of Xi’an, this Arab-influenced delicacy might appear unusual to the uninitiated. You’ll be served a bowl of hot, gravy-like mutton soup with vermicelli and a leavened flatbread, but before you tuck in, pull apart the bread into pearl-sized pieces and drop them in the soup.

A time-consuming effort, yes, but for locals of Xi’an the ritual is therapeutic, and besides, the dish tastes better when hand-pulled.

Not only are these deliciously thick noodles unique to Shaanxi province, they are also famous for the notorious 43-stroke character used in their name, one of the most complicated in the Chinese language. As thick and wide as a belt, a single noodle can fill a bowl, and biang is an onomatopoeia for the sound that the noodle dough makes as it hits the counter while being pulled into shape. The chewy noodles are usually cooked with spicy oil and steamed bok choy.

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ARTS

Welcome To The Club

Cutting Edge Nightspots Around China, P30

Karp P25

HKCR P28

New Albums P34

DRUMROLL

KARP

BurgerSuicideClub and Silver Spoon Founder Talks Experimentation

By Bryan Grogan

We caught BurgerSuicideClub at a RADII event in ALL Club in late 2019 and were blown away by the four-person group.

Making a soup of sounds that incorporates industrial music, punk, experimental electronic beats and spoken-word poetry, the music felt transporting and fresh. Musician and artist Karp (who identifies using the pronoun, they) started the project themself, intending to focus it around their solo work, but over time the group expanded and new musical ideas were introduced. A member of psychedelic group Peaking O, Karp also founded a performance art event called Silver Spoon a little over two years ago. Blending together music, poetry, performance, video and more, Karp takes the lead as director-curator of the show. We caught up with them to speak about the influences that drive BurgerSuicideClub and Silver Spoon.

Tell us about BurgerSuicideClub.

It was originally a solo project. Later, the musician Fish joined and we became a duo.

We were originally called Eraser Head, but later renamed ourselves BurgerSuicideClub, mainly due to the influence of a group in Berlin called Pizza Suicide Club. Fish exited at the end of 2018, and the musician Empress CC! joined. She has used an Ableton, drum machine and synthesizer to bring a new musical expression to BurgerSuicideClub.

Later again, guitarist Zongshi and poet Sanky joined one after another to make the current four-man lineup.

The sound of the group is very unique. Can you talk about what inspires the music?

Each of our four members is affected differently by music, so the final sound is very strange. When I was young I became attracted to dark music. Later, I came into contact with experimental music and minimalism.

I also started to make music based around noise and beeps. After a while, I became interested in the Western psychedelic rock of the ’60s and krautrock. Industrial music also had a profound impact on me.

Zongshi is more influenced by traditional rock bands like Sonic Youth, Radiohead, etc.

At the same time, he also produces electronic music, with people like Aphex Twin providing inspiration.

Empress CC! is an electronic music fanatic. Originally inspired to become a musician

by Einstürzende Neubauten and Kraftwerk, she began producing experimental electronic music, and, over the course of a long period

harnessing her skills, is now an adept producer who makes beats with an Ableton and various other hardware.

Sanky was influenced by the early proto punks, such as Patti Smith, and later got into rougher and more provocative industrial music by bands like Throbbing Gristle.

All four of us like industrial music, and this is the basis of the music for the BurgerSuicideClub.

We heard that you are planning to release some music. What form will it take?

Yeah, we plan to do a digital release of an album. We’ll probably also publish a CD, or, if we have enough money, maybe release on vinyl.

As well as BurgerSuicideClub, you organize Silver Spoon. What exactly do you try to show with Silver Spoon?

Silver Spoon is a plan that I started in Xiamen in 2017. At that time, I began a public account called ‘Water Ripple,’ mainly to interview local artists in Xiamen, as well as consulting on art and performance activities. After publishing a few times, I wanted to present my own content.

The first activity was called ‘Eat Sunflower Seeds and Sound Quartet.’ It was inspired by Yan Jun’s exhibition How to Eat Sunflower Seeds. I found four artists to create a fusion of sound, music, performance, video and poetry at a livehouse. Later, I did live shows for Silver Spoon, mainly when I was triggered by a concept, bringing people from different fields together.

How important is it for Silver Spoon to combine various mediums, such as music, performance art and fashion?

At present, a lot of groups and labels that perform in China tend to combine various mediums. Silver Spoon is not the most special.

The only difference with Silver Spoon is that I see the performance as a work of art and take the role of a director. My favorite director is Alejandro Jodorowsky from Chile. His films are very visual and dramatic, using costumes, color and discussions about life and religion.

Films with a large proportion of narrative scenes are for me organized art events and act as inspiration. Although I don’t do much visual creation, I always think that the visuals and the music are equally important in a Silver Spoon event.

Can you talk about your upcoming plans for Silver Spoon?

We will have a performance after Spring Festival related to intimacy/artificial intelligence. We’re currently selecting the venue for that show. We can’t disclose the specific details at the moment, so everyone will have to wait and see.

To hear more from BurgerSuicideClub, scan the QR code:

For more information about Silver Spoon, scan the QR code:

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 25

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COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

“Can anyone judge? If the judges don’t even know the most famous logo in the world, how can they be a judge?”

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Horror Shark Not the most inspiring film title in the world, this horror slash thriller slash adventure movie’s Chinese name translates directly as ‘Blood Shark,’ and sees its main characters attempting to out-maneuver mutated, man-eating sharks.

Simple enough. Building on the continued interest in adventure films, and also the global love for shark-based thrillers, this blockbuster should pique the interest of fans of these genres.

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Troll: The Tale of a Tail Created by Quebec-based company Squeeze, Troll: The Tale of a Tail is an animated adventure telling the story of a troll prince who has three days to save his father, King Grom, who has been turned to stone and had his tail stolen by an evil presence. The perfect flick for a family with young kids.

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That’s what one netizen said after learning the news that the Dalian tourism board had blatantly ripped off the Walt Disney logo (as well as a bunch of other famous logos). The comical news came to light in December and pointed to a general lack of awareness from judges overseeing the competition to design the new logo for the Northern tourism board.

HAO BU HAO

Hao A bunch of excellent Chinese film releases in January, including Lost in Russia, Detective Chinatown 3 and the spiritual successor to Ne Zha, Jiang Ziya • In a similar vein, the news that international films Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit and Little Women have been taken on by Road Pictures for distribution in China • The continued insurgence of clubs that are straddling the borders of fashion and art throughout the country • Awkwafina became the first woman of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe in a lead actress film category, winning for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her role in The Farewell.

Bu Hao Shanghai’s Dada closed the doors on its Xingfu Lu venue after 10 years • Ne Zha missing the cut as a nominee for Best International Film Feature at the 2020 Oscars • While the news that iQiyi is seeking international investment may sound good, it also points toward the slowing market for TV streaming sites in China • The Farewell was not among the nominees at this year’s Oscars, despite Awkwafina’s success at the Golden Globes.

E D I T E D B Y B R Y A N G R O G A N / A R T S @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

SINO CELEB

Eddie Peng Yu-yen

He’s the US military-trained revenger in the 2018 Jiang Wen-directed Hidden Man and he’s the Monkey King in Chinese fantasy-action film Wu Kong. Taiwanborn Canadian actor Eddie Peng Yu-yen stumbled across an opportunity to star in a TV idol drama when returning to the island for a funeral in his sophomore year of college. It turned out to be a stepping stone to his immense popularity in show business. The handsome actor was recognized for his Golden Horsenominated portrayal of a gymnastic athlete in 2011’s Jump Ashin!, for which he trained professionally for eight months. You can catch him on the big screen in Chinese adventure film The Rescue this month. But first, here’s five fast facts about Peng before you grab yourself some popcorn.

Child Gourmand As a child Peng loved to chow down. These days, he has retained his love for snacks, but maintains a muscular figure by exercising on the regular.

Great White North At the age of 13, Peng immigrated to Canada, where he later studied economics at the University of British Columbia.

College Dropout The excitement of studying economics was not enough for Peng and he dropped out of university to pursue a career in acting.

Sea Turtle Savior Peng is the ambassador of global conservation organization WildAid’s mission to save sea turtles, and his journey to help the reptiles was featured in marine conservation documentary Between the Sea and Shore.

Filial Son When not shooting movies Peng travels the world, bringing his mother along while he’s at it.

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ARTS | MUSIC

TURN ON YOUR RADIO

Co-founder of HKCR Gavin Wong Talks About Building Communities

By Bryan Grogan

W

e’ve been covering online radio more and more recently, as a number of new stations crop up around Greater China. One of the first to get off the ground was Hong Kong Community Radio (HKCR), which has been a vital stronghold for underground music in the Fragrant Harbor since 2016. Founded by Gavin Wong, the mind behind essential Hong Kong label Absurd Trax, and Davy Law, who runs another excellent Hong Kong-based label, Neoncity Records, HKCR has become one of the most important music outlets in the Asia Pacific region. We spoke to Wong about the station.

When and why did you start HKCR?

We started out in late 2016. I found radio culture so amazing when I was studying in the UK. Even though pirate radio isn’t something new here, I don’t think there was an online radio that was solely dedicated to music sharing.

I wanted to create a platform that is dedicated to people in music, primarily because 28 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

we really need this kind of tool to convene broader ideas and connect with other people locally and globally.

There’s quite a bit of equipment and other stuff to take care of. How are you funded?

We don’t receive any funding at the moment. Davy Law and I bought everything. We started out with a webcam and a borrowed CDJ in a corner of a friend’s leather jacket shop (shout out to Oldies Leather Jacket). We kept the setup mobile so we could stream in different spaces (we streamed at a bookshop, a clothing shop, my friend’s cha chaan teng and so on).

Eventually we invested in a CDJ (digital music player for DJing) and found all the other pieces by scavenging through secondhand recording gear and leftover furniture.

Of course, from time to time we receive help from the community as well.

We moved into the Foo Tak Building two years ago. The rent is at a remarkably discounted rate, which is amazing considering

the location. We’re very appreciative to ACO who show us massive support in our project.

When it comes to the music side of things, how do you decide on what international acts or China-based acts you like to have on the show?

I try to not dictate who’s going to come in and who’s not. The station is obviously not about a single musical style or idea; most people who came around before were people who got in touch with us to ask if we could host them for an hour on the radio stream.

They may or may not know anyone here, so we facilitate as a connecting hub for travelers and locals. We try to accommodate the best we can, but obviously due to the aforementioned limitations we can’t really take everyone.

The station gives a platform for creatives in Hong Kong to express themselves through music. What kind of feedback do you get from musicians and producers to

MUSIC | ARTS

sets/appearances on talk shows?

To be honest, you can’t really be sure of how feedback is most of the time. I hope we don’t have haters haha. I hope to show people a timeline of something in the making, a community of some sort that is naturally coming together.

I don’t want to micromanage or cultivate an image of mine, but I think in a way there’s still a lot to be desired in terms of the production quality. It’s an interesting time in music now because it’s very visual too, so we need to constantly take care of the visual department.

That being said, I think people appreciate it’s an amateur project that is something to be treasured. We are always reflecting on this aspect and how to get the best of both worlds.

You guys have been recognized at Mixcloud awards for online radio stations.

Have these awards helped you guys to grow the awareness of your platform?

I think so, but that kind of awareness is still within the ‘circle.’ I think our job is to get more people outside the circle to be aware of us.

Can you talk a bit about the underground community in Hong Kong?

I think the underground community is very insulated from everywhere else in a way.

Just talking about music releases, they are so infrequently put out. Everything is very decentralized, so there are many small circles, but there’s no way for them to intersect with

“I proposed to all the community radios to work on a compilation together, there is a limitless amount of things we can all work on. Hopefully in 2020 we can cross paths a bit more”

each other, and that makes the scene into an echo chamber of sorts, with evolution often stalled.

It’s pretty disappointing in 2020 that many people still have the general consensus that independent music means bands playing guitars, or electronic music means people pushing buttons and twisting knobs. People need to radicalize their way of thinking about music before any changes happen, rethinking how we should relate to music; we can’t just think of it as someone who produces a consumable product for another person to buy.

HKCR is connected to Absurd Trax, both of which you help manage. Is there any crossover between the two entities?

To be honest, I try to segregate both as much as possible. But I always welcome my label mates to go on HKCR if they want to use the platform. I don’t want HKCR to reflect my own tastes; I want it to be anything, with me just as a person facilitating that. Of course, in real terms it’s very hard to completely avoid my influences in the station programming.

You have co-operated with Shanghai Community Radio in the past – is that something that you are interested in doing more of?

We definitely want to do more stuff together; I proposed to all the community radios that we work on a compilation together. There is a limitless amount of things we can all work on. Hopefully in 2020 we can cross paths a bit more.

To tune in to Hong Kong Community Radio, scan the QR code below:

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ARTS | MUSIC

Cutting Edge Nightspots Around China Bryan Grogan

S

hanghai is ostensibly the home of experimental electronic music in China. With excellent labels like SVBKVLT, Genome 6.66mbp, Eating Music and more, the city is helping to guide tastes within the country and perceptions of the Chinese music scene around the globe. At the center of the city’s vibrant music scene are clubs like ALL, Elevator and Dada (until last month).

Acting as incubators and meeting points for Chinese kids with strange tastes, these clubs have been integral in growing the city’s music scene, while pointing towards social change and growing acceptance of urban subcultures as a whole. With interest in weird music growing, we take a look at some of the more influential clubs in four major Chinese cities outside of Shanghai.

Shenzhen The papa of the Shenzhen scene is by far and away Oil. The best club in the Southeast of China, by our estimation, Oil has been operating for just over two years out of a side-street in the city’s central Chegongmiao area. In the course of the club’s life, it has received numerous shout-outs – by the likes of Kode9 and, more recently, British drum and bass legend Fabio – for its atmosphere and sound quality.

In neighboring Nanshan district, Vinylhouse offers a space for those more house-inclined, in the form of a cocktail bar slash vinyl record store slash music space. Run by a group of co-founders, including Polish DJ and producer Tomasz Guiddo, the venue provides invaluable space for the growing number of house and techno DJs in the seaside city.

Beijing Predictably, the Beijing club scene is in a constant state of flux, with a number of super interesting venues opening recently. One of the stories of 2019 was the announcement that M. Woods would open its own club, guī (or turtle). Becoming the first gallery to open its own nightclub (in an unused basement beneath their second venue), they are intent on using the space for both nightlife events and performance works, screenings and installations, with an area for mini exhibitions of young artists’ works.

Another newly opened venue, Wigwam, has been putting together stellar line-ups, bringing Andy Stott to the capital in January, while also giving a platform to local producers like Wen Liang and recently relocated GG Lobster. Dada Beijing continues to be an incubator for the drum and bass contingent in the city, while Zhao Dai has catapulted to reign as one of the city’s most respected clubs, while also providing much-needed space for the city’s queer scene to flourish.

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MUSIC | ARTS

Chengdu One of the most turbulent cities on this list, just like Shanghai and Beijing, Chengdu has gone through waves of closures. Yet the city’s underground electronic scene continues to grow. TAG is at the center of it all, taking inspiration from clubs in Berlin and Amsterdam, and acting as a prime landing spot for the best international electronic acts.

More recently, local DJ Postunk opened Cue, which has already hosted friends of That’s such as Eating Music, Bl1nk and Yikii.

Influential in the city’s electronic scene, Postunk was reportedly planning to start a community radio station in Chengdu until he got busy with Cue. That role was filled by Kristen Ng (aka Kaishandao) and Aymen Hajlaoui, along with a group of friends and like-minded contributors, who launched Chengdu Community Radio in November last year. Elsewhere, Funky Town has crafted a diverse range of events and interests, including their first-ever drag night.

Hangzhou Buoyed by the rise of experimental electronic group FunctionLab, as well as the presence of a large contingent of experimentally minded creatives from China Academy of Art, Hangzhou has been building itself as a home of weird, cutting edge sounds. Loopy, based at the end of a deserted corridor of shops, is the center point for a lot of what is good musically in the city.

Right next door to Loopy, video artist and leader of the irreverent art group Martin Goya Business, Cheng Ran, has opened a mini-exhibition space called The fART (we’ll bypass our urge for low-hanging jokes on that one), showing how important the nightlife scene in Hangzhou is for bringing together creative minds. The folks behind that venue have also opened another, more centrally located venue by the name Wulin, which boasts a special sound system, but is still in the early stages of taking shape.

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ARTS | VIDEO GAMES

DIGITAL SPACE INVADERS Five PC Games Set to Make A Splash in 2020

By Bryan Grogan

P

C gaming has been popular in China ever since the government banned video game consoles in 2000, which lasted for 15 years. That love for the PC format has never gone away; Chinese is now the most popular language on major video game platform Steam, according to PC Gamer. Reacting to this, platforms like Steam host games like Chinese Parents and The Scrolls of Taiwu, only heightening the appetite that gamers, and game developers, have for the increasingly lucrative market.

Below, we highlight five games that we think will prove to be smash hits in 2020.

Sense: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story This game, made in 2.5D format (in order to appear to be 3D when it is, in fact, not) takes the player through a terrifying world that mixes cyberpunk and mythology. Developed by Toge Productions, the game’s official Twitter account places the action in Neo-Hong Kong. Players take the role of Mei Lin Mak, a de facto detective, investigating technological glitches that have infected Neo-Hong Kong. She must break a family curse in order to fix the spooky real-world glitches. The game has been receiving a ton of hype for the unique scope of the story and gorgeous visuals, and is set to be released later this year on a variety of platforms and consoles, including Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. To learn more, scan the QR code below:

Luna: The Shadow Dust Set for release in February of this year, this long-awaited release, developed by Lantern Studio and published by Coconut Island Games, has already received awards for its music and artwork.

After gaining global recognition for the excellent Chinese Parents, which was released back in the middle of 2018, but has enjoyed a fabulously long lifespan on Steam, Coconut Island Games is a company to watch. Luna: The Shadow Dust is just one of the games that it has slated for release this year, alongside Rascal Fight, a “fun and exciting fighting game,” and A Perfect Day, which rewinds to 1990s China. The point-and-click game has gorgeous visuals, while gameplay is wordless; a young boy and his companion make their way through an adventure inspired by games of old.

To learn more, scan the QR code below:

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VIDEO GAMES | ARTS

Sands of Salzaar This surprise (read: under-the-radar) hit was released on January 3 through Steam, and quickly climbed to the top of the week’s best sellers on the gaming platform, selling 50,000 copies in under a week. Developed and published by Han-Squirrel Studio, based out of Shenzhen, Sands of Salzaar is an open-world fantasy game that takes place in a desert, with players tasked with recruiting a variety of characters to shape the future of their world. Reviews of the game have been largely positive; gamers and media outlets have been impressed by its ambitious scope, which takes place across an unfolding world, with large battle sequences.

To learn more, scan the QR code below:

Wanba Warriors Now for something a little bit different. This super zany fighting game is based around the idea of calligraphy combat, with fighters using blobby characters holding calligraphy ink brushes to defeat their opponents. Purported to make use of bizarre swing mechanics, and with characters capable of harnessing incredible supernatural abilities, this game sounds like a blast. It also supports local multiplayer mode so you can battle with or against your friends. Developed by game company BigYu, a demo for Wanba Warriors was released in mid-2019, with the full game expected to drop in 2020. Beijing-based Zodiac Interactive, the same folks who brought us the super-weird Candleman, is also behind publishing for this one.

To learn more, scan the QR code below:

The Rewinder Taking China’s reinvigorated mania for mythology and packaging it in game format, indie developer Misty Mountain Studio has made this 2D side-scrolling point-and-click game, The Rewinder.

Artwork for the game has already been called gorgeous by a number of media outlets. Due to come out in 2020 on Steam (though a specific date hasn’t been assigned), The Rewinder should appeal to fans of animation and mythology alike. Taking on the role of a special agent, gamers are tasked with interacting with monsters and deities and helping spirits to achieve a rebirth and to return to the living world.

To learn more, scan the QR code below:

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MUSIC | ARTS

Three New Homegrown Albums on Our Radar This Month

CHINA MUSIC CORNER

By Bryan Grogan

The Sound of Walking: Hexi Corridor by Namu Label Having been recognized by the Chinese Golden Melody Awards as one of 100 recommended 2019 albums to listen to, this album is based around the sounds you might encounter in the Hexi Corridor, an important historical trade route in Gansu province. The Sound of Walking shines a light on the musical stylings of minority cultures living in the area, taking stock of their fascinating intangible cultural qualities. The album opens with the aptly named ‘Intro’ from Beijing-based American producer and multi-instrumentalist thruoutin. Playing and interspersing the sound of birds, wind, percussion and a peculiarly tough, thick stringed instrument with magic editing skills, the track does exactly what it says on the tin, preparing us for what is coming next. The album is diverse, with six different musicians entering the foray throughout its 10-track run. The guttural and sparse Chinese singing style on Wang Yue’s ‘Xian Xiao•Kaipian Ci’ contrasts greatly with the more atmospheric, vast spatial characteristics of Bai Jin Hua. The latter’s contribution is markedly impressive, as the vocals of a 65-year-old woman from the Yugu minority are placed within gorgeously edited ambience to create very forgiving, clean tracks.

Scan the QR code to listen:

Ruyi Lane by White Elephant Nanjing band White Elephant dropped their debut album, Ruyi Lane (named, for the record, after the red light district in the capital of Jiangsu province), on Beijing-based indie label Maybe Mars. While the band began life with a more raucous sound, on Ruyi Lane they open proceedings with a slow, taught piano that plays over the sound of conversation and life. Spoken-word vocals and a spine-tingling, high-pitched and high-paced guitar enters on the second track, ‘Mouth.’ The record continues to be a slow-boiling, atmospheric, almost ambient piece, with Kaliening’s spoken-word vocals acting as a metronome of sorts, narrating the action while keeping the music centered and steady. ‘Mrs Tang, Please Dance for Me Again’ takes the already slow pace and introduces a violin before Kaliening’s vocal becomes faster, more irritated and the guitars begin to swirl around, plucking and strumming unorthodox sounds into the air.

Scan the QR code to listen:

Extinct Melodies From The Canto Club by Fauve Records Having begun life as an online radio station based out of Hong Kong, the Fauve collective managed to raise enough funds to begin their own label. With the station seemingly taking a back seat to releases on the label, Fauve Records have already released a pair of records, the first called Extinct Melodies From The Jungle Zone and the second by the name of Extinct Melodies From The Canto Club. Both are retrospectives of sorts, with the latter focusing on a bygone era of “party people with shoulder pads, big hair, white Rolls-Royces, panama hats” in the Fragrant Harbor. We get off the ground with Romain Fx’s super funky edit of a Cantonese track called ‘Big Ball.’ There’s much to love on this opener, a tight, infectious rhythm with what sounds like cowbells surrounding the female Cantonese vocalist. Midnight Runners’ edit of ‘Do it For Love’ enters next, and it is pianosoaked pop given a house makeover, an excellent tribute to the legacy of disco-infused Cantopop.

Closing out the record with a trio of Romain Fx edits, this album is the ideal party starter: tropical, fun and funky.

Scan the QR code to listen:

34 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

36

THE FUTURE

SOUND OF CHINA

The Conflicting Tides of Digital Streaming and Live Music

By Bryan Grogan

C

onsumption of digital music in China is growing rapidly.

Streaming site Tencent Music claims to have reached 800 million users, while Netease puts its number of users at around the 600 million mark. Both have raised huge sums of funding in the past few years, helping to drive consumption of music in digital spaces. But what does this mean for the live music industry? As more promoters, festivals and live music venues enter the fray, along with increasing investment from the government, it has become more and more obvious that the number of Chinese music fans willing to head to live shows is not rising nearly as fast as investment into the live music market might suppose.

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Swimming with the Stream

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n the past few years, the explosive growth of music streaming investment in China has caused the music industry as a whole to boom. The country’s cultural power brokers have taken notice, investing label and artist time into music and video streaming sites.

With giant Chinese conglomerates like Tencent and Wanda having invested heavily in the global film industry for years, music seems like the next step for the most populous country in the world. It was recently announced that Tencent Holdings will buy a 10% stake in the world’s biggest record label, Universal Music Group (and are reserving the right to buy another 10% by mid-January 2021). This comes after Tencent Holdings’ subsidiary Tencent Music raised USD1.1 billion in its US initial public offering (IPO) at the end of 2018.

“We have seen Chinese investment Im ages c o u rtes y o f S pli t Wor k s

Image courtesy of Fake Music Media

I don't think that we necessarily need to accelerate the growth but rather control it, regulate it and create a healthy music ecosystem where every company plays its part and we don't have one dominant player

going into the film industry for a while now,” says Philipp Grefer, co-founder of Fake Music Media, which represents Chinese rock bands The Hormones and Nova Heart. “I think what is new is that, now, China is not only taking center stage in trade deals or geopolitical maneuvering, but is also taking a more assertive role in the international entertainment industry, and the music business is the newest addition to that.”

The Tencent-Universal Music Group deal is huge news for other reasons too; it points towards a future in which China takes intellectual property (for which it has had a pretty bad reputation on the global stage) more seriously, allowing musicians, producers and labels to harness more money, contributing to the growth of the industry as a whole. Adding increased awareness of the need for strong IP laws, Tencent’s music streaming site is increasingly using paid models, gradually getting audiences used to paying for their music online, in the same way that sites like Spotify have done in the West.

These paid models have allowed the global music industry to continue to grow despite the drastic downturn in album sales, with more and more big-name artists putting their latest releases behind paywalls. The rate for these releases may be as little as RMB10 for an album, but the potential that conditioning audiences to buying music has for the Chinese market is huge.

One of Spotify’s most important features is the playlist portion of the app, while the recommended artists section has been revolutionary. Chinese apps are doing similar things, though they’ve also adopted what you could call a ‘social media method’ of inserting and promulgating the use of articles, charts and banner headlines for new artists, which are proving to act as fantastic promotional tools.

For musicians, the ease of access that mobile apps afford is a great boon, allowing listeners to tune in to a new or recommended album on the subway to and from work, and the exposure from these platforms is proving to be extremely helpful in getting the word out about their music.

“So far, we have had great responses on Netease, Xiami and Apple Music,” say Xu Bo and Zhao Yue, CEO and COO of indie label Merrie Records. “Apple Music has given our artist, Shii, special promo in their Taiwan and Hong Kong stores and this has resulted in her tracks getting on the top 100 iTunes list.”

In terms of the economics of the industry, it is easy to get sucked into the idea of more growth. But those working within music are aware that the market now needs to take stock of itself, take a look at fundamentals and focus on building steadily.

Grefer puts it plainly, “I don’t think that we necessarily need to accelerate the growth but rather control it, regulate it and create a healthy music ecosystem where every company plays its part and we don’t have one dominant player.”

TOP 10 MUSIC MARKETS GLOBALLY 1. USA 2. Japan 3. UK 4. Germany 5. France

6. South Korea 7. China 8. Australia 9. Canada 10. Brazil

Source: IFPI Global Music Report 2019

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40 When we're planning a tour now, if you compare our targets to, say, three years ago, you can do a really shit-hot job. You can really create quite a compelling campaign around a release that, three or four years ago, would have been unfathomable

Finger on the Pulse

I

t is undeniably hard to avoid the topic of money when discussing music labels in China. While smaller local crews like SVBKVLT, Do Hits, Ran Music and Genome 6.66mbp have captured local and global imagination, the larger music labels have been trying hard to keep up with the cool, club kids.

Taihe Music Group – which picked up storied rock label Maybe Mars back in 2017, Mintone Records (Mingtang) in 2018 and operates indie label Ruby Eye Records – launched their own electronic music label and distributor, E-Werk, at the end of 2019, seeking, it seems, to enter the underground club market.

Elsewhere, one of the country’s major labels, Cao Tai, has also dipped its toes into the electronic market with the launch of sublabel Crater Records. While Crater has been largely inactive over the past year, they have signed new artists and are looking at the release of a new compilation

album for 2020.

At the same time as mega-labels seek to corner the markets that various rising genres offer, smaller, independent labels are securing funding for their larger aspirations. One of the most encouraging stories from 2019 was the news that alternative music label Merrie Records, created by the team behind D-Force Records, had found a solid investor to put money into their vision.

The label, which brings together some of the stalwarts of the Chinese music scene, has quickly set out a number of impressive initiatives. On the one hand, they have been quick to open up the label into subcategories or sublabels. That move is based on their experience running D-Force Records, which covered a wide range of music, but was largely seen as being inclined towards indie rock or indietronica.

With Merrie Records, the folks behind the label are aware of the need to establish

I ma ge s cou r te s y of S p li t Wor k s

unique brands and identities early on.

Thus far, they have divided themselves into three different labels. Merrie Records will continue to cover indie pop (with electronic elements) and indie rock.

Little Soul will cover experimental music and is run by Zhu Wenbo, the influential founder of a Beijing institution from a previous era, weekly experimental music performance Zoomin Nights. And new sublabel Captcha will release music coming out of the underground club and electronic scene. Captcha is set to be run by Wang Changchun, who releases music under the name ayrtbh, known widely for creating glitchy, electronic music.

Another of Merrie Records significant moves was the foundation of Pelican Music Academy, which has already released a guidebook for beginners entering the music industry. The aim is for Pelican to act as a business school.

“We think young artists need help with

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CULTURAL INTERCONNECTIVITY

professional skills,” Merrie Records’ CEO Xu Bo and COO Zhao Yue explain. “Things like how to run your own social media, how to work with streaming platforms and with brands, how to book and promote your own shows and more.”

As the number of outlets for musicians to reach new fans grows, with the right advice musicians can earn a living off their music alone, something that, for many young artists, might have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

Ross Miles, booking agent, promoter and manager of Chinese electronic musicians like Howie Lee and Scintii, speaks to the idea that the infrastructure for music in China has grown tremendously, “When we’re planning a tour now, if you compare our targets to, say, three years ago, you can do a really shit-hot job now,” he says.

“You can really create quite a compelling campaign around a release that, three or four years ago, would have been unfathomable.”

One of the major trends in the club music scene in China has seen creatives from a variety of visual industries getting involved, leading to a crossover of mediums, establishing clubs as centers of culture. In Hangzhou, locally-based video artist Cheng Ran has set up The fART, an exhibition space devoted to the work of his collective, Martin Goya Business, right next door to Loopy, the nucleus for underground club music in Hangzhou.

In Beijing, M. Woods became the first museum in the world to open its own dedicated club space, guī.

Tom Mouna, who is taking the lead on guī, speaks about the increasing interconnection of art and music in China over the past decade, “I think it’s something that has been prevalent in China for a while, with clubs like ALL [in Shanghai] and OIL [in Shenzhen], as well as promoters like Asian Dope Boys, and an overall greater emphasis on the originality and progressiveness of club night posters and visuals. It’s definitely not something that is unique to China, and perhaps is connected to an overall

academic-turn of electronic music.”

One of the more impressive artists in this realm is 33EMYBW. A visual artist and fashion designer as well as a musician, her recent works seem to guide the listener through a narrative story, based around ideas of the future and humanity’s role in that. While her music fits within the club, it also feels like a story, an idea or a concept. Labels all over China have been publishing works that tend to fit with what has been labeled as conceptronica by Pitchfork, with Echoloop, SVBKVLT and Genome 6.66mbp all giving space for artists to experiment.

Scan the QR code to listen to 33EMYBW’s album ‘Arthropods’

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Rise of the Talent Show

R

eturning to the mainstream, there are certain aspects of the industry that uphold, but also threaten young artists within the music business. Over the last few months of 2019 and continuing on into 2020, TV talent show The Big Band has been putting on performances at music venues and livehouses around the country, bringing together young bands for a talent concert of sorts in the style of a ‘battle of the bands.’ The winning bands from this group of shows gain the opportunity to take part in the second season of The Big Band, to perform at festivals and have the chance to sign with Taihe Music Group.

The talent show format is not new.

Music shows have been around for years, with artists like Yunggiema and Hanggai getting breaks into the mainstream on shows like Chinese Idol and Sing My Song. Recently, however, more refined and focused shows have been working at breaking scenes open for the general public in China.

A prime example is Rap of China, which brought young rappers and musicians like PG One, Gai, Wang Yitai, Lexie Liu and more to fame. The show has undoubtedly been good for the growth of the rap scene, bringing a huge new fan base to the

genre. It also seems to have provided the impetus for large TV streaming companies to use the same model for different niches of music; iQiyi quickly brought the format to indie music with The Big Band.

RADII’s Culture Editor Josh Feola has been outspoken in his skepticism of how beneficial the talent show format truly is for artists: “My attitude about the most recent developments in the Chinese music industry, and where it will go next, is somewhere between cautious optimism and skepticism. It hasn’t yet crossed into worry, or full-blown cynicism, but let’s see what happens in 2020.

“I still hold out hope that there will be artists who bypass the talent show system and use the older and more traditional methods that have sustained the underground scene from the ’90s to now: independent labels, small venues, grassroots organization, DIY operations.”

One of the downsides of the talent show format is that bands and artists are being white-washed, or having their image toned down in order to appear on the show. Artists who have appeared on The Big Band have complained the show’s producers decide on outfits and band narratives. That proves problematic for

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3 NICHE TALENT SHOWS acts that have been operating with their own identities within the indie scene for decades.

On the other side of that argument, bands that have been active on local scenes for years stand to finally gain a larger audience, leading to commercial opportunities with brands and shows at huge stadiums like the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. It remains to be seen, however, whether this popularity is sustainable, or if it is merely a flash in the pan.

“The more potentially useful function of the platform created by The Big Band and other shows will be to train an audience – this is who ultimately will support young bands in the long run,” says Feola. “But it’s not clear to me that the viewers of these shows will be repeat customers or directly support bands by buying music, merch or concert tickets.”

The expansion of musical tastes on the mainstream has caught the attention of large video streaming companies throughout the country, with a trio of niche talent shows taking China by storm over the latter part of the last decade.

RAP OF CHINA The original ‘niche’ music talent show, Rap of China was a smash hit, and could even be termed revolutionary. Seen as the catalyst for the launch of Kris Wu’s global appeal, the show was, on the one hand, a fantastically effective marketing tool for Wu’s career, but also helped to bring the music of Wang Yitai, Gai, PG One and others to the mainstream.

RAVE NOW With big names like Alan Walker and Lay Zhang involved with this EDM-based show, and with the market seeming to be expanding endlessly for the high-octane musical genre, this show shone a light on upcoming electronic musicians, while also setting the scene for Lay Zhang’s entry into the global music market, via collaborations with Walker and, later, Jason DeRulo.

THE BIG BAND Initially drafting three mega labels, Taihe Music, Modern Sky and Cao Tai – as well as music distributor Street Voice – to provide artists for the show, The Big Band proved to be wildly popular with Chinese audiences, helping to introduce a number of rock bands, who had slogged away playing underground venues for years, to music fans. The likes of Hedgehog, New Pants and Miserable Faith saw a breakthrough, leading to endorsement deals and a boom in audience numbers at live shows.

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Live and Kicking?

T

he general impression around the live music scene going into 2020 is somewhat bleak, with venues continuing to close. One of those is Dada Shanghai, which shut its doors after more than a decade of operation, due to the condemnation of the building in which it was located. While it’s not necessarily a surprise, given that the best of the city’s underground venues – like Elevator and Shelter – have been forced to move or close completely over the past couple of years, it begs the question as to why important cultural venues seem to lack protection in an age of continuous urban redevelopment. The situation up north is similarly bleak, with much dismay at long-running Beijing venue Yugong Yishan officially shutting its doors in early 2019.

At the same time, the Beijing government started the new decade by declaring its intention to become an “international capital of music,” with a music and related industries revenue goal of RMB120 billion by 2025. To realize this, they have pledged to set up a special fund for the industry, build live music establishments, music towns, music industrial parks and encourage original music with subsidies. It will also build a big data platform for online music and protect music copyrights, according to their guidelines.

That announcement has been met with skepticism from music watchers and promoters around the country, who are unsure of how investment in AI, music data banks and music compounds will benefit local music scenes.

Archie Hamilton, co-founder of music company Split Works, was one of the first to put on a music festival in China back in 2007.

“For the first six or seven years, everyone was saying, ‘You’re barking up the wrong fucking tree,’” says Hamilton.

“But we were absolutely convinced that humans are humans. Ultimately, everyone

I ma ge s cou r te s y of S p li t Wor k s

likes getting together and listening to music, everywhere in the world, so it’s going to work here as well.”

Fostering a culture of live music in China, Split Works got to the point where they felt they were going to pull it off.

Then big international festivals with big money began to enter China, increasing competition for space in the market and raising the price tag of headlining acts.

“We fought hard for nearly a decade, and then suddenly EDM came in hard and some of the bigger companies got massive, massive amounts of sponsorship and investment. We did our own deals, managed to secure some investment and decent sponsorship over the years. But, like anything in China, the market just saturated itself,” Hamilton says.

“At a certain point it looked like you could make money out of festivals, but,

whenever anything looks like it could be profitable or interesting, all the dumb money in China piles in. Suddenly, what was a thin emerging marketplace became completely unsustainable for everyone.”

Split Works’ Concrete & Grass Festival had proven to be a favorite among music fans over the past few years. However, they were forced to cancel the festival last year, after what Hamilton describes as a very difficult 2018. His feelings about the industry in China reflect those of Philipp Grefer – viewing this moment in time as the perfect opportunity to take stock and reflect on what the future holds.

Moving forward, Split Works is going back to its roots, putting on more evenkeeled tours and shows, while looking for new and interesting ideas for their events, rather than focusing on big, headlinerbased music festivals.

In terms of the club-based music scene, Ross Miles says that promoters are also taking a step back to reconsider how to get people to go out and party. Miles, who has worked in promotion in China for the better part of the past decade, speaks to the shrinking number of fans at Shanghai clubs on any given weekend.

“When I first moved to Shanghai in 2012, we did our first party at Shelter. Back then, Shelter was going through quite a green patch. A good night at Shelter then would have 350 people,” says Miles. “Now, a good night at ALL is half that, or less than half that. You look at the numbers and notice there’s a drop off. But then, you look at the audience and you see – not just at ALL, but at Elevator now and 44KW as well – a dedicated audience who are really plugged into that particular club or that particular scene.”

This trend again speaks to the power of streaming and listening to favorite artists online, with audiences growing increasingly savvy about underground music; with the ease of access to music growing, tastes have developed.

“It’s that kind of scene building versus running a business, and unfortunately those two things don’t always align very well,” says Miles. “Having a club with 150 predominantly Chinese kids in is great for your legacy creatively or otherwise, but if you’re looking to run a business with relatively high rent and labor costs involved, you’ve got to sell tickets and sell drinks. Often, you’re just about selling tickets and you don’t sell very many drinks.

How do you wed those things together?

That’s what everyone’s trying to figure out right now.”

Taking stock of the Chinese music industry as we enter a new decade, then, all is not necessarily well. On the one hand, we see the market for digital music booming. On the other, the ailing health of an increasingly competitive live music industry has its main players worried about what the future will hold.

Will increased streaming give rise to increased musical knowledge and larger fan bases for a variety of genres?

Or will kids be disinclined to go to a live show when they can just listen to their favorite artist online? Does the increased involvement of government in the development of live music promise sustenance for upcoming artists? Time most certainly will tell, but, as of now, for those who care about the growth of a vibrant musical culture in China, more money means more problems.

40 YEARS YOUNG When it comes to music in China, most of the current trends have had, at most, no more than 40 years to develop.

Looking back, 1978 was a very fruitful time for experimental, alternative forms of music around the world: Brian Eno released the album Ambient 1: Music for Airports, the first to be explicitly created under the label ‘ambient music’; Kraftwerk released their iconic album The Man-Machine, refining their mechanical style; and Talking Heads released More Songs About Buildings and Food, the first in a trio of experimental and critically acclaimed releases.

Things were not so fruitful in China.

Up until that point, styles like Cantopop, Mandopop and Northwest Wind had dominated. Then, in 1979, a group of foreign workers based in Beijing called The Peking All Stars became the first rock band in China.

Fast forward to 1984 and the ‘Father of Chinese Rock,’ Cui Jian, formed his first band, Qi He Ban, influenced by the likes of The Beatles and Talking Heads. Western influences had started to enter the country; Cui was one of a number of music fans who gained access to Western music via the importation of illicit records by acts like Simon and Garfunkel and John Denver. He shot to fame in 1986 after performing at Beijing Worker’s Stadium, and China’s rock music scene began to lift off, In the mid-’90s, music crept further into underground spaces, with bands like Brain Failure introducing punk music to kids, and summing up the boredom felt by the middle class. Around the same time, rap music began to take hold as acts like the group Lazy Mutha Fucka from Hong Kong and MC Hotdog out of Taiwan made waves.

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EAT &

DRINK Italo The Funka Group's Modern Milano Lounge, P54

Chinese Dining Guide P50

Dr. Curry P52

KIN Urban Thai Kitchen P55

ON THE GRILL

FRANKLIN YAO Founder of Z-Rou Meat 株肉 Interview by Cristina Ng

There’s a new plant-based brand on the market called Z-Rou Meat 株肉, a pork alternative that consists of 100% plant-based ingredients such as non-GMO soybeans, shitake mushrooms, konjac and coconut oil. You are going to start seeing the innovative item on menus around town, so we caught up with veteran China-based entrepreneur Franklin Yao to learn more about his motivations.

Let’s begin with your plant-based journey.

How long have you been eating this way?

It began with secular meditation, which helped me to clear my mind and be present in the moment. It also made me more conscious and empathetic. From that starting point, I learned more about Buddhist philosophy and how my decisions affect the world. The teaching is ‘do no harm,’ and I took that as a challenge to ‘do more good.’

I began to question what I ate, while making decisions in line with my values.

That’s where I’m coming from, not the dogma of being vegan and wanting to convert everyone. If I’m with friends and they are proud of the meat they’ve prepared, I won’t exclude that. But, if I’m making a conscious choice and in control, I prefer plant-based options.

How did changing your diet lead to starting this company?

You get to a certain point where you start to think about what you want to do with this life. I have two children, and I want to leave this world in a better place. It is an encouraging trend that the number of vegans globally has grown from 0.25% in 2014 to 1.28% in 2018.

That is a dramatic transformation, but we can also make a huge difference if we get 10% of meat-eaters to halve their consumption. We think that eating plants is good. It’s healthy, sustainable, humane and safe. That’s why we are introducing a delicious and familiar product that gives people another choice.

“You get to a certain point where you start to think about what you want to do with this life” How important was it to make Z-Rou delicious?

Speaking of restaurant partners, where else can we try Z-Rou?

I think that’s the number one priority. You can’t do more good if you don’t bring the customer in. If I can give you a better product that is yummy and doesn’t feel like a sacrifice, that’s where the power comes from. It was also important to create plant-based ground pork rather than a finished product like a burger or lion’s head meatball, so chefs – and ultimately home consumers – can create dishes.

Pie Society has done a great job using it in the ‘Yes, Pecan’ pie, and Canton Table has a tasting set featuring it. It’s been available for a while as a ‘secret menu’ at Cantina Agave, but they are adding it when they reprint their regular menus.

It’s been nice beginning with a small group, so we can get things right ahead of a larger rollout. We are taking things one step at a time, but I think you can expect to see a lot of us over the next few months at leading restaurants and hotels in Shanghai – then throughout China.

Why pork?

A big part of the food experience is eating foods that invoke childhood nostalgia. For me, that’s my mom’s zha jiang mian, and this product works really well in that dish. One of our restaurant partners, Canton Table, does an eggplant dish in a clay pot that resonates with a lot of people.

For more information on Z-Rou Meat, scan QR code below.

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 47

GRAPE VINE We guess the ‘F’ in February stands for fashion, because two luxury brand cafes have landed. Both are in the Xintiandi neighborhood, with Franco-Japanese styled Café Kitsune occupying a spot on Xingye Lu and Tiffany & Co’s The Blue Box Cafe on Huaihai Lu. The latter’s food comes from one of Shanghai’s hardestworking chefs, Anna Bautista, so that should be good.

Barbecue has been on everyone’s lips these days; not only because Garlic’s newest Texas-inspired venture is obsession-worthy (see p53), but also because Bubba’s is making a comeback.

According to owner Ken Walker, it will be in the new Shaanxi North development with menu items like ‘taco boners’ and ‘burgeritos,’ from his La Mesa and Bordertown, concepts making an appearance.

Do you have Champagne tastes and beer money? Good news, because a Chinese chef that used to work at 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is heading the kitchen at the new branch of Le Coq Wine & Bistro on Jiaozhou Lu. Word on the street is the well-priced pasta is awesome.

On the health food front, Beijing import Tribe sadly gave up their physical shop on Changle Lu. You will still be able to order delivery, though. At least Moka Bros is hanging strong with a third Shanghai restaurant open at Henderson 888 now.

On Wulumuqi Lu, neighborhood residents are celebrating the return of their wet market. Across the street, Minimore bit the dust and Kishu Ramen is coming soon.

This month in miscellany – Beijing’s Bottega is scouting Shanghai locations, Charles Zeng (Charlie’s Burger) is opening a Cantonese hot pot on Changshu Lu and Lanzhou famous lamian shop Mazilu just hit Wujiang Lu. 48 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

WIN! RMB800 Voucher to New Hot Spot Charcohol Charcohol is one of Shanghai’s newest cocktail bars and restaurants. Located on the ground floor of a beautiful three-story building at Fengsheng Li, this gastrolounge features the talents of acclaimed mixologist Cross Yu and chefs Mandela Zhu and Kevin Han. As the name implies, the experience is devoted to charcoal-grilled foods and craft cocktails – the titular char and (al) cohol, respectively. Signature dishes such as maple and applewood-smoked USDA Prime beef brisket with purple cabbage puree, smoky beef jus and charred onion display a wide array of influences from American, Asian and French cuisines. From ‘Chargroni’ to ‘Pickle Bramble,’ the drinks fall in line with the theme. Want to give it a try? Charcohol is offering an RMB800 voucher for one lucky That’s Shanghai reader. To win, simply scan the That’s Shanghai QR code and wait for the lucky draw announcement. > 1/F, No.18, 245 Maoming Bei Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu 茂名北路245弄18号1楼, 近南京西路 (3226 5752)

BREAKING BITES

Winter Warmers at The Rooster It’s a Shanghai wintertime tradition. That’s right, we’re talking about The Rooster’s ‘Faceplant’ – aka the most dangerous seasonal treat in town. This toasty mug of hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps and Havana Club Rum is a doozy. It even comes with a warning that “consumption of this beverage will severely impair your ability to feel cold, speak softly and make sound decisions.” That number, plus classic mulled wine, is on offer as long as it stays cold outside. > 455 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Lu 陕西北路455号,近北 京西路 (5213 5601)

E D I T E D B Y C R I S T I N A N G / D I N I N G @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

BREAKING BITES

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Thanks to Highline, Wednesday is our new favorite night of the week.

That’s because they are dishing up endless portions of chef Anna Bautista’s fried chicken. For just RMB198, you also get unlimited sides such as cheesy chorizo mac, balsamic green beans with fried shallots, sour cream chive mash and honey butter dinner rolls. Groups larger than four can live the high life with complimentary sparkling wine. Draft beer and highballs are on special at RMB30, or just cancel Thursday and indulge in two-hour free flow for RMB100. Your boss will understand.

> 6/F, 282 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Lu 淮海中路282号,近黄陂南路 (6333 0176)

Mercedes me Restaurant Rolls out Innovative New Menu Move out of your tired dining routine and introduce a bit of novelty. That’s exactly what Chef Vincent Wong has planned for you at Mercedes me Restaurant, where creative fusion and progressive avant-garde style are what’s for dinner. The winter a la carte menu presents Shanghai-friendly riffs on global dishes. Inspired by Peru, scallop coins, tiger’s milk, caviar, popped caviar and grain mustard makes for an inspired rendition of ceviche. Or, warm up from the inside out with a comforting beef shank Osso Bucco with parsnip, mushrooms and grapes. Cloud 09 is a twee way to cap off the whimsical meal – the coconut dessert is suspended in a vibrant blue cotton candy cloud. > Unit N103, Bund Finance Center, 588 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu 中山东二路558号N103室, 外滩金融中心 近龙潭路 (6033 5899)

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BREAKING AWAY 3 Alternatives to China’s 8 Great Cuisines

By Cristina Ng

The prevailing method of categorizing China’s vast array of culinary traditions highlights eight great cuisines: Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui and Fujian. While we have a love for the food of all those places, there’s more, so very much more to Chinese food. That’s why we suggest exploring Guizhou, Guangxi and Ningxia at these restaurants below.

Shan Shi Liu Southwestern province Guizhou is famed for being the home of Moutai, the high-end baijiu. As can be expected, Guizhou ren know how to party, but they also have some pretty great food. While similar to Sichuan and Hunan cuisines, Guizhou cai emphasizes the combination of sour and spicy, with the signature sour notes coming from fermentation rather than vinegar.

A mouth-puckering sauerkraut bean soup (RMB38) made of pickled vegetables and small soybeans is a crash course in the preferred flavor profile. Start small with their popular tender beef noodle soup with pickled cabbage, cilantro and chili powder. It’s so beloved that they sell 3,000 bowls a month. Super spicy chicken with three kinds of chili and a platter of cured meats are also worth trying out, while larger groups should order the addictive Miao family-style sour fish soup. > 281 Maoming Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu 茂 名路281号, 近南京西路 Nearest metro:

Nanjing Xi Lu, 4 min. Open daily, 11am4pm, 5-10pm (139 1830 6271)

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Price: RMB130-150 per person What to Order: Miao family style sour fish soup (苗家酸汤 鱼, RMB158) Huaxi beef noodles (花溪牛肉粉, RMB38) Chili braised chicken (爽爽烧椒鸡, RMB138) Guizhou cured meat platter (腊味三拼, RMB62)

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Gui Xiao Chu Guangxi Cai Guangxi shares borders with Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan and Guangdong provinces, as well as Vietnam. While possessing some of the delicate flavors of Guangdong to the east, chefs from this mountainous autonomous region also have an affinity for chili peppers and tropical aromatics such as lemongrass, a nod to its other neighbors.

With two locations in Shimao Festival City on Nanjing Xi Lu and Wuzhong Lu in Minhang district, Gui Xiao Chu Guangxi Cai is a popular chain from Guangxi boasting a vast menu full of tasty items ideal for an introduction to this area. Of particular note is an eye-opening oil tea soup indigenous to the Yao minority group. Eaten with puffed rice, green onion, cilantro, peanuts and other toppings, it’s both delicious and unique. The lusifen noodles in snail and pork bone soup are worth a look in too.

> 5/F, Shimao Festival City, 829 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Xizang Zhong Lu 南京东路 829号5楼, 世茂广场店, 近西藏中路 Nearest metro: People’s Square, 3 min. Open daily, 5.30pm-4am (6388 8003)

Price: RMB100 per person What to Order: Guilin Gongcheng oil tea (桂林恭城油茶, RMB49/small, RMB68/large) Signature braised Qingjiang fish with tomato, pea and chili (小厨邕城老友鱼, RMB89) Luosifen (柳州老表螺蛳粉, RMB28) Homemade black tofu (巴马•石磨黑豆 腐, RMB42)

Ningxia Impression Heading to Northwestern China, between Inner Mongolia and Gansu, is the Ningxia Autonomous Region. In this arid expanse of land dairy, meat and wheat make up the majority of the local diet. That means great yogurt, lots of lamb dishes, noodles and flatbreads.

Although named for a city in nearby Gansu, Lanzhou lamian is also common in Ningxia. Salt, cumin and chili powder are the preferred seasonings.

While we prefer the one on Zhenning Lu, all of the conveniently branches of Ningxia Impression are open late. Our ideal meal consists of an order of tang mian you xian, fried flatbread served with savory grilled peppers and honey. Make packets with meat pulled from cumin-scented grilled lamb ribs, a scoop of yogurt and some peppers. You can dip the flatbread into honey when you are ready for something sweet. A large portion of boiled lamb soup is suitable for groups, while solo diners can make do with the very good beef noodle soup plus a small side dish.

> 18 Zhenning Lu, by Huashan Lu 镇宁路18 号, 近华山路. Nearest metro: Changshu Lu, 18 mins. Open daily, 10am-1am. (6203 7138)

Price: RMB50-100 per person What to Order: Tang mian you xiang (烫面油香, RMB28/small, RMB52/large) Lanzhou lamian (兰州拉面, RMB25) Homemade yogurt (自制酸奶, RMB15) Barbecued lamb ribs (西夏烤羊 排, RMB118/small, RMB168/ large) WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 51

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DR. CURRY Hiro Dreams of Curry

By Cristina Ng

The Place While ubiquitous in Japan, there aren’t many small restaurants devoted solely to Japanese curry in Shanghai. Tokyo native Hiro Tsukino saw that gap in the market years ago when he opened the quaint Small Spice near Xintiandi as an alternative to monster chain Coco Ichibanya – back when we thought Danshui Lu was the new Yongkang.

Since then, the fire powering the bubbling development pot of F&B ventures on Danshui was turned down while YKL’s image underwent an ‘extreme makeover.’

Hiro-san moved on from Small Spice to open HTO and now Dr. Curry. His latest venture is an adorably-sized two-story storefront on Huaihai Zhong Lu with seating for about 15 people.

The Food

Karae-raisu (curry rice) is Japan’s ultimate comfort food. This truly international meal was likely introduced by Anglo-Indian officers of the UK Royal Navy in the late 19th century. The subsequent popularity coincided with the prevalence of beriberi in the Meiji era. Now known to be a thiamine deficiency, a diet heavy in polished, white rice was the culprit. Japanese naval medical officer Kanehiro Takaki suggested that the disease was caused by a lack of vitamins. As a result, curried vegetables and meats joined rice on the dinner plate, and the rest is history.

Although Dr. Curry’s namesake sauce is easy to make at home – thanks to the development of S&B curry roux blocks in the 1950s – visiting a curry house where the rich garam masala inflected sauce is made from 18 ingredients and cooked slowly for two days elevates the experience. Everyone’s curry is different, and Hiro-san has been perfecting his iteration for years. We catch the scent of cloves, bay leaf, cumin and black pepper in the mystery amalgam.

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The offerings are limited to curry rice (RMB50/small, RMB70/large) or udon noodles (RMB60) – with several customizations. Plates of warm short-grain Akitakomachi rice come from the kitchen window topped with tender chunks of stewed beef (RMB60/small, RMB88/large), crispy pork katsu (RMB60/small, RMB85/ large) or vegetables (RMB60/small, RMB80/ large). They are then handed off to the front bar where curry is ladled on from hot cauldrons.

You might think that vegetables sound boring, but we were impressed by the seasonal spread. On our most recent visit, there were Brussels sprouts, florets of cauliflower and broccoli, lotus root slices, a smattering of mushrooms, red and yellow capsicum semicircles, a pumpkin wedge, a couple of sweet pea pods and one perfect baby carrot.

The fried pork cutlet is good enough to eat on its own, and the addition of curry makes it stick to your ribs. You could lighten that up a bit with a half order of vegetables.

Beriberi is no longer commonplace, but it doesn’t hurt to stay vigilant.

The beef option is also delicious, although we wouldn’t mind more of the fork tender meat. Add a fried or fresh egg (RMB8) to buff this portion up a bit. The eggs are so fresh that they can be served raw, and you receive a marigold yellow single yolk with

that option. Drop it into warm sauce and stir in immediately for extra velvety texture.

For drinks, a mango, banana or plain lassi (RMB30-38) are a natural fit for curry. You can also try the fragrant Indian spice milk tea (RMB38). Like most good tiny Japanese restaurants, Asahi (RMB35), highballs (RMB38) and wine (RMB38) also come cheap. 2/3

The Vibe

Compact like a bento box, and with a crowd gathering outside, Dr. Curry reminds us of trips to Japan. The attention paid to getting a single dish just right, coupled with efficient service, keeps things moving at a steady roll. Relax long enough to enjoy your meal, but don’t forget that people are waiting in the bracing cold for a dose of curry-coated nutrients. 2/2

Total Verdict 4/5

Price: RMB80-100 Who’s Going: Hiro-san fans, curry lovers, cool locals Good For: Lunch, early dinner, budgets

1797 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Wanping Lu, 淮海中路 1797号, 宛平路 Nearest metro: Shanghai Library, 9 min. Open daily, 11am-8pm (199 4578 8067)

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GARLIC BARBECUE A Turkish Take on Texan Delights

By Cristina Ng

The Place Shanghai isn’t known for its barbecue, but a few places, such as Chuckville and Cages (on Thursdays), are doing the good work of smoking meats. Recently, the ante has been kicked up a notch with Garlic Barbecue.

Located in outdoor mall Zhongshan Huanyuhui, this meat-focused venue is the work of some Turkish folks (surprise) – including the owners of Garlic.

The Food

There’s a selection of meats sold in 100gram portions, including beef brisket, pork ribs and pulled pork (RMB42-48) as well as beef short rib (RMB180/450-500g) and sausages (RMB28). If you show up on the weekends, there are even beef ‘dinosaur’ ribs (RMB350/850-900g).

Larger groups or big eaters might want to go with a set menu (RMB128-480), while solo diners can do mixed or single meats in sandwich form (RMB56-78). We opted for the larger set that promises to feed three-four.

Our group of three left stuffed and took home enough meat to make a beast sized sandwich.

Although Garlic opens at 11.30am, there was already a group of five ahead of us at that time. Luckily, we kept busy nibbling giant hunks of complementary brisket while our meat was sliced and weighed out. The first thing we noticed was a gorgeous flaming pink

smoke ring. For the uninitiated, possessing that mark is barbecue nerd 101.

There’s a tendency to describe exotic foods as ‘good for Shanghai’ when they hit our streets, but the meat at Garlic Barbecue is damn good, period. While trying to dip our brisket in either the ‘top secret BBQ sauce’ or the honey mustard sauce, the protein nearly melted on our fork. Since you won’t need a knife to cut the meat, use it to spread the sauce on and shovel the deliciousness in your mouth. Some extra flavor comes from liberal dousing with whiskey before cooking.

Both the beef short rib and pork ribs satisfy, but we are partial the latter. The glossy lacquer is marred only by coarse grinds of black pepper that kick up the taste and the texture a notch. As for the pulled pork? Sandwiched in a soft bun and accented with raw red onion, the shreds of flavorful meat are near perfect.

Gherkins, pickled garlic cloves and some extra raw onion are the perfect accompaniment to the fatty meat; we’d love it if they added more, actually.

Sides (RMB18 each) are a far cry from authentic, but we don’t mind breaking up the meal with steamed broccoli and the like.

Of the six, we like the simple mushrooms and smoky eggplant mash the most, while

kale salad with mango adds brightness. Less successful is a bland orzo salad with carrots and peas. While not bad, we are sticklers for coleslaw like grandma made – meaning more vinegar and sugar, please.

For dessert, they have lemon bars (RMB25) and cinnamon rice pudding (RMB28), but we opted for liquid dessert in the form of bottled Corona beers (RMB28) instead. 2/3

The Vibe

Not only does Garlic have the equipment to make other pit masters green with envy, they’ve got crowds of hungry fans lining up daily. In fact, they only stay open until the food runs out. We are told that can happen as early as 1.15pm, but is normally around 3pm (so plan accordingly, or have a backup in mind). While that might deter many wouldbe diners, show up as early as possible on a weekday and you will be fine. Weekends are insane – you have been warned. 2/2

Total Verdict: 4/5

Price: RMB100-200 per person Who’s going: meat lovers, Texas transplants Good for: comfort food, casual lunches

285 Jianguo Dong Lu, by Madang Lu, 建国东路285 号, 近马当路. Nearest metro: Madang Lu, Open daily, 11.30am-sold out

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ITALO Milano Vibes, Cocktail Times

By Sophie Steiner

The Place After the closure of Funkadelino and the short-lived Funka del Sur experiment, the Funka Group is looking to step up its game with Italo. The full-service lounge with modern Milano style is just above the group’s flagship Funkadeli on Fumin Lu. If you’ve been to UP Shanghai, el Willy or Tomatito, the design will feel familiar – the warm colors, exposed concrete, backlit bar and geometric fixtures are also the work of Max Trullas Moreno of MTMDesign. With the curvature of the bar as the focal point, you can post up there, or hang out on the outskirts for a more intimate experience.

The Food

Italian-inspired comfort food is the name of Italo’s game, with a menu including fritto misto, raw appetizers, gourmet pizzas, family-style pasta, roasted meat and fish entrees. Numbing peppercorn and cinnamonspiced caponata with burrata or Sichuan chili oil in clam pasta add interest. Still, nobody’s reinventing the wheel with items like arancini or grilled artichokes.

In contrast, the imaginative cocktails – such as twists on apperitivi and nifty negroni variations – tell an entirely different story.

Our sweet-toothed companion revisited childhood with a French mule (RMB70) – a riff on root beer floats for adults with bourbon, root beer and Angostura bitters 54 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

all brought together by spicy ginger. Bomba Grassi (RMB80) takes one on a tropical getaway with some help from fresh pineapple juice, Chivas 12 and lemon. The drink’s aromatic cinnamon sugar-dusted rim and vermillion letters spelling Italo in beetroot sugar above a layer of foam – thanks to a hard shake – are nice touches.

Next up, the unflawed combination of whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth is smooth as silk in an aged boulevardier (RMB85) garnished with a charred orange slice and two slivers of a Snickers bar. This classic riff on a negroni gets a balance of sweet and bitter just right.

While delicious, the pillowy (bonus: complimentary) rosemary bread and baba ganoush served pre-meal built up our expectations for a dinner that ultimately did not deliver.

Under-seasoned Waygu beef tataki (RMB88) was obscured by an aggressive lemon aioli that would give even the most devout Campari sipping disciple cause for bitter pause. We ended up snacking on the shatteringly crisp and flavorful Parmesan chips and sending the rest back to the kitchen untouched.

At least the refreshingly bright yellowfin tuna tartare (RMB78) hit all the right notes with briny olive tapenade, tangy citrus and sweet tomatoes.

The 48-hour slow-cooked porchetta and anchovy pizza (RMB98) has potential, but the ratios are off. In the right proportion,

the crunch of radicchio would have been a welcome break from the richness of the pork and salty anchovy. Alas, there was hardly any protein and way too many bitter leaves.

We ate our way through the well-seasoned crust instead, making our pizza order an overpriced breadbasket.

The pasta descriptions are tempting, but pumpkin tortelloni (RMB108) wasn’t the creamy autumnal roasted pumpkin accentuated by a bit of earthy sage that we had imagined. Instead, we got thick noodle parcels filled with sweet cheese and sprinkled with burnt chili flakes. Likewise, duck ragu tagliatelle was missing something – we recommend more duck and less cream on this number.

The kitchen did manage a Hail Mary pass with a perfect lemon tart (RMB58).

Within a very well-baked short crust, bruleéd marshmallow fluff is in sweet contrast to mouth-puckering lemon curd. So good, we nearly forgot the mishaps of the previous courses. 1.5/3

The Vibe

As a lounge, Italo both looks and feels the part. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the staff is happy to provide drink and food recommendations – both of which arrive quickly after ordering. Funky tunes and a lively ambiance make you want to stick around long after your final drink.

The food still needs work, so – besides the excellent tuna tartare and lemon tart – you might want to focus on the intriguing cocktails until they work out the kinks. 1.5/2

Total Verdict 3/5

Price: RMB200-400 Who’s Going: Funkadeli fans, cocktail lovers and party animals Good For: Aperitivi sessions, dates and weekend hangouts

2/F, 291 Fumin Lu, by Changle Lu, 富民路291号2楼 近长乐路 Nearest metro: Changshu Lu, 11 min. Open Mon-Fri, 5.30pm-2am; Sat-Sun, noon-2am (6027 9127)

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KIN URBAN THAI KITCHEN Northern Flavors on Yongkang Lu

By Cristina Ng

The Place When it comes to Thai cuisine, Shanghai is full of general takes on the country’s food.

These menus feature the likes of tom yum soup, coconut milk laden curries, pad Thai and green papaya salad – all tempered for local tastes. While KIN has a few of these items, it’s taken the bold step of specializing in the tastes of Northern Thailand.

Camden Hauge (of Egg, Bird and Bitter fame) and her partners in this venture the Camel Hospitality Group and Urban Thai aren’t the first people to travel to that region and return captivated by the unique flavors of Lanna food. But they are stepping into uncharted territory bringing specific regional Siamese dishes to the Shanghai food scene.

The Food

Sticky and spicy caramelized fish sauce glazed nam pla chicken wings (RMB68) is a great place to start, as is their take on mildly spicy green chili dip (RMB58) served with pork scratchings and steamed seasonal veggies. A rum-spiked Thai iced tea (RMB48) tempers the heat nicely.

In Northern Thailand chefs often bruise fruits, vegetables and fragrant spices into submission. The som tom green papaya (RMB58) with tomatoes, long beans, salted egg, fish sauce, dried shrimp and lime could be spicier, so you might want to add a squeeze of house sriracha. The salted egg adds an awesome punch of funk though.

Laab moo (RMB68) is another dish that could stand a touch more fish sauce, lime and spice.

Also from the ‘light & fresh’ portion of the menu, the miang of pomelo with Thai tiger shrimp (RMB78) is a winner. Bird’s eye chilis bring a fresh heat rounded out by coconut

flakes, cilantro, lots of lime and peanut tamarind dressing.

Khao soi yellow curry noodle soup (RMB78) hails from Chiang Mai, and KIN’s take has plenty of flavorful spices with lush coconut cream. The mix of springy egg noodles with a web of crunchy fried noodles in a thick broth is great comfort food. Sliced shallots, scallions and a lime wedge add a necessary zing.

We skipped the pad Thai in favor of pad see ew (RMB68) and were rewarded with wide and chewy rice noodles expertly stir-fried with juicy medallions of chicken, kale and dark soy. Another highlight is nam khao crispy rice (RMB68) with Chiang Mai sausage, chili jam, lime and plenty of fresh herbs. One perfectly fried wobbly yolked egg (+RMB8) is a must-order addition.

While beautifully cut and presented, we could take or leave the mango sticky rice (RMB88). We’d rather finish up with another well-priced cocktail such as cucumberinfused vodka with passionfruit and lime (RMB58). 2/3

The Vibe If we are judging a book by its cover, KIN Urban Thai Kitchen wins at merging slick minimalism with the tasteful inclusion of Thai elements such as colorful tiling and retro black and white images. Opening up the windows since taking the space from El Luchador allows you to keep an eye on the Yongkang Lu happenings, and we love their Thai-covers of pop standards playlist.

Since soft-opening in November, much has been said in regards to authenticity.

That’s a never-ending battle, and matters of taste are very personal. Focusing on such a specific culinary tradition is a brave move, and we have to give them props for the attempt. There’s a lot to like, and they are still hammering out final touches after the notable addition of a Thai consulting chef.

That, and the fact that Hauge’s next research trip to Northern Thailand is already in the works, gives us high hopes for this spot, and its already planned new locations. 1.5/2

Total Verdict 3.5/5

Price: RMB150-300 Who’s Going: mix of young locals and expats Good For: lunch, dinner, dates

45 Yongkang Lu, by Jiashan Lu, 永康路45号, 嘉善 路 Nearest metro: Shaanxi Lu, 15 min. Open daily, 10am-10pm (6433 0201)

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STRAIGHT NO CHASER A TOMPSON HOTEL

Prohibition-Era Drinks in an Immersive Speakeasy Setting

By Cristina Ng

While Chinese New Year has slowed things down on the ‘B’ side of F&B (rats!), we were able to collect some tidbits for our loyal readers.

First of all, a hearty congratulations to Yuyintang for making it 15 years in this rock’n’roll town. At January’s inviteonly anniversary event, they debuted their first annual YYT awards ceremony recognizing local bands and promoters.

Keep the good times coming, guys!

Shanghai’s branch of Asian ‘super lounge’ KOR is luxuriating in an extended soft opening period. Expect an official grand opening in March. You can sample the dinner offerings, which launched after the holiday.

Super is a continuing theme, although in this case, we should pronounce it en español. A bigger, better super El Santo is coming to Found 158. There will be DJs every night and a dance floor to get you into the fiesta spirit.

You’ll have to find another classy establishment for hot wings and beer, as Hooters on Huaihai Zhong Lu is closing – effective February 1.

Cutting as deep as the loss of late-night Cantonese destination Hengshan Café, and Element Fresh discontinuing their reliable laffa bread salad, the decade long dance party at Dada’s Xingfu Lu location ended with a blowout bash on January 18. Stay tuned for news of a new location in the next couple of months.

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F

our years after opening their first speakeasy, the minds behind Barber Shop, Laundry Co. and Liquor Store are back with A Tompson Hotel. Just as with their previous ‘businesses,’ the group’s latest entrant is not a real hotel. If there’s one thing these folks have learned, the devil is in the details, as this ‘faux-tel’ is their most elaborate deception to date.

Located in Fengsheng Li, finding the entrance is a bit of a challenge. Stop when you discover a spot-on replica of a 1920s hotel entrance with an authentically kitted out doorman, including a pillbox hat. The illusion is so real that we nearly expected the elevator to open onto a fully functioning hotel lobby.

Look for a ‘guest room’ sign on the walls, and pull back the curtains to find a comfy day bed with plenty of pillows for relaxing with friends.

If you like Boardwalk Empire, you might connect the bar’s name to Nucky Thompson.

We are not sure why they omitted the ‘h’ in Tompson, but can certainly imagine the corrupt politician enjoying the prohibition-era decor, Jazz Age playlist and 12-page whiskey selection. The cocktail list is also on-brand, featuring art deco motifs and an ‘all-day dining’ structure befitting the retro hotel theme.

For ‘breakfast,’ why not try ‘Why Nut’ (RMB100)? It’s an interesting blend of gin, milk, soybean powder premix and PX Sherry that honors Shanghai’s favorite morning beverage dou jiang. You can even pair that with some tasty black truffle glutinous rice cake (RMB58).

Next up, we tried ‘Buffet’s Lunch’ (USD15), and that price isn’t a typo. The actual charge is in RMB according to the daily conversion rate, so file that info away in the ‘places to rush when the US dollar crashes’ mental folder.

Lemon peel, thyme-infused Jim Beam, double cask bourbon, maraschino liqueur, Pama pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, rosemary syrup and Cherry Coke is an insane amount of ingredients – yet the resulting tipple is surprisingly well balanced.

We couldn’t pass up the tempting ‘Pineapple Cake’ (RMB120) on the ‘afternoon

tea’ menu. The mixture of rum, coconut puree, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup makes sense. While tasty, we prefer to spend this kind of money on a higher ABV option.

Luckily, they do stronger options on the ‘dinner’ menu from a Laphroaig 10 year based ‘Suit & Tie’ cocktail with lemon juice and cinnamon (RMB100) to a no-frills boulevardier (RMB95) that is simply bourbon, sweet vermouth and Campari. They mix classics deftly, so if you prefer old school beverages, you can request them off-menu.

Taking a page from the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London’s recipe book, the hanky panky (RMB95) is a pleasing merger of gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet Branca botanicals. Also in the ‘Midnight Cocktail’ section is a tiki cocktail called ‘Give Him a Bullet’ (RMB110) featuring Havana Club 3-year-old rum, Plantation Pineapple dark rum, pineapple juice, banana puree, coconut milk, lime juice, salt and red wine.

Understandably, it tastes like a tropical escape.

If whiskey straight up is more your speed, take advantage of the ‘Toffee Set.’ This flight of three varieties (RMB260) includes mini bottles of Glengoyne 12yrs, Glenfiddich 15yrs and Aberlour 12 years. For RMB120 extra, you can add on Glen Garioch 16 years. That smooth malty whiskey – with hints of citrus and spice – ended up being our favorite.

As this place gets popular and drinks are complicated, we suggest sitting at the bar.

From that vantage point, you can watch the bartender mix things up elegantly as you wait for your next drink. On our visit, the bar was slammed.

The bottom line: it’s a seriously cool place to hang out that is quite popular with the hip local crowd. Drinks are faultless in design and execution, but the prices fall on the high end.

If you don’t mind paying top dollar for neat experiences, this is your place. Otherwise, the gorgeously designed spot is worthy of an occasional indulgence.

271 Maoming Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu, 茂名路271号, 近 南京西路 Nearest metro: Nanjing Xi Lu, 4 min. Open daily, 6.30pm-3am (139 1658 1298)

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A (FEBRUARY?!)

CHRISTMAS CAROL From Hippocrates to Dickens – the Mulled Wine Journey

By Logan R. Brouse

I

love winter in Shanghai. There are the markets, the amplified brightness of the neon-lit overpasses, Ned Kelly’s bloated, bleary-eyed winter-themed trivia, Santa hats at Manhattan in February and magical mulled wine. Now, mulled wine has always been a thing, but it’s awesome that every bar and saloon worth its salt in Shanghai has perfected individual recipes. This got me thinking about drinking steamy spiced wine, and of course, history.

Thanks to the state of the art research team provided by That’s Shanghai, I was able to do an extensive (quick bing.com search) on the roots of this intoxicating concoction.

The Germans have gluhwein, the Russians have glintvein, Bulgarians have greyano vino and Italians have vin brule. In the American South, there’s wassail, and even little Greta Thunberg gets to drink a carbon neutral glogg – a Swedish variation. There’s more, but readers, you get the drift.

According to my assistants on the That’s global team, the Greek father of medicine Hippocrates created it as a health tonic.

Makes good sense when you consider

that drinking water back then was a fast track to diarrhea – and la duzi was a death sentence in those halcyon days. (Just think: a double cheesy gordita crunch from Taco Bell in the 14th century would have been the apocalypse, and a 4am McDonalds fish fillet would have killed millions in the 1600s.)

In the first century, the Romans called it conditum parduxum, and recipes by a Roman gourmand called Apicius date back to that era. The Romans kept up the tradition of mixing herbs, honey and citrus with wine as they marched through Europe, and so the trend stuck. In the medieval period of Europe, actual pre-made packets called Hippocras, with herbs and whatnot, were sold in markets all over – not unlike today’s Christmas and winter markets.

Mulled wine’s popularity then wavered throughout Europe, threatening to disappear like a Mexican magician doing a magic trick saying, “uno, dos,” and then disappearing without a “tres.” After pausing to let my editor collect herself due to my second ‘oh, Logan’ joke of the year, let’s rejoice that the Swedish glogg and Charles Dickens kept mulled wine alive. The latter, literary ODB, insured its perpetuity by having characters drink it in the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. So raise your mug to the life lesson that it’s cool to treat people like trash for most of your life as long as you are kind of cool near the end.

These days, you can find a bunch of different variations of this well-documented drink – mostly involving heated red wine, citrus, spices and a dab of sugar. While you can easily find Ancient Greek recipes online, ingredients like mastic (tree resin) might be hard to find. I’ll leave you with a modern variation.

Logan’s Mulled Wine INGREDIENTS

√ ¾ liters of medium-dry white wine √ 170g clear honey

√ ½ tsp ground black pepper √ 1 bay leaf

√ A pinch of saffron

√ Maple syrup, to taste

√ 1 fresh date (roast the stone for 10 min and soak the flesh in wine) √ 2 shots of Fernet

√ 1 shot of Jameson

INSTRUCTIONS

Like most of my recipes, this one starts with a shot of Fernet for you, because you deserve it. Next, mix the honey with an equal amount of wine and boil. Skim, repeat and add spices while hot. Leave the spices in to steep as the mixture cools overnight. You will probably need another shot by now, so hit up the Jamo, then order a pizza. When you wake up with sleep in your eyes, you will be amazed that your booze is ready to consume. Call your parents to let them know life is great in China and then make plans to go to the gym, but order tacos instead. Oh, snap, you still have one last shot of Fernet. Do that, then strain your mulled wine through some muslin cloth and enjoy. It should taste like Fernet and cold pizza.

Logan R. Brouse, proprietor and mixologist of Logan’s Punch and Tacolicious, has run bars and clubs in Shanghai for over 10 years. In between hangovers, he puts pen to paper to record his pontifications on the drink industry.

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See the QR codes on these pages?

Scan them to buy tickets to these upcoming events.

EVENTS Hitorie

Meow

HEAR Men I Trust

After releasing one of the best indie albums of 2019, the inimitably cool and vibey indie outfit, Men I Trust, are bringing their ultra-laidback sound to Mao Livehouse. The gods smile on us.

Feb 21, 9pm; RMB180 presale. Mao Livehouse, 3F, 308 Chongqing Nan Lu,

by Jianguo Zhong Lu 重庆南路308号3楼, 近建国中路

A bunch of young indie kids come together for the ridiculously named concert series, Meow. Including the likes of Cheers Cheers, Island Mood, Romantic Odds and others, this performance showcases some of the best mellow indie around the country right now.

Feb 22, 7pm; RMB240 door. Modern Sky Lab, 3/F, 188 Ruihong Lu, by Tianhong Lu 瑞 虹路188号3楼, 近天虹路

Craig David

Following a brief hiatus in the wake of the tragic death of their lead vocalist, Wowaka, Japanese band Hitorie reformed as a three-piece. With the release of a live album tributing their former member, the group are dropping into Shanghai for a performance.

Feb 15, 6pm; RMB230 presale, RMB380 door. BudX VasLive, 3/F, 19 Wanhangdu Hou Lu, by Changshou Lu 万航渡后路19 号沪西文化艺术中心3楼, 近长寿路

MC Hot Dog

Future Orients ‘Dream Like a Buffalo’ Tour

After the release of their excellent new album, Maybe Mars outfit Future Orients are bringing it on tour this month, making a stop at Yuyintang Park in Shanghai. Support will be provided by the always excellent The Bootlegs.

Feb 29, 8pm; RMB100 presale, RMB120 door. Yuyintang Park, 1398 Yuyuan Lu,

by Changning Lu 愚园路1398号, 近长 宁路

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The multi Grammy-nominated Craig David will be performing at Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall on February 17 as part of his TS5 Tour. His shows tend to sell out fast, so snag your tickets while you can. Now in its fourth year, TS5 started out as an exclusive pre-party hosted by Craig at his personal penthouse in Miami.

Craig’s set combines everything from old school anthems to garage to chart-topping house hits. It’s with these parties that the TS5 emerged.

Feb 17, 8pm; RMB520-680. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base Dream Hall, 179 Yichang Lu, by Jiangning Lu 宜昌路179号, 近江宁路

One of China’s best and longest running rappers, MC Hot Dog, makes a stop at Blue Note Shanghai this month.

Matching the MC’s hip hop vibes to Blue Note’s jazzy interior is sure to make for one hell of a performance.

Feb 19, 8pm; RMB580 door. Blue Note Shanghai, 3-5 Floor, Zhongxin Guangchang, No. 867 Sichuan Bei Lu 四 川北路867号中信广场3-5层

Jin Xing Dance Theatre: Random Goodbyes

2020 Super Bowl Party @ The Kerry Hotel

DO

First Fridays at The Rooster

Random Goodbyes is the result of a collaboration between two choreographers, Moya Michael and David Hernandez, together with Jin Xing Dance Theatre. This is Moya’s second work for the Jin Xing Dance Theatre, after her 2013 dance production Echo. This work explores the individual’s experience within the community, and looks to reveal little revelations and unspoken desires.

Drop by The Rooster on the 1st of every month for FREE prosecco and a select draft craft beer! The First Fridays happy hour will run from 6-7pm, and it’s all you can drink, so come join the fun!

Feb 3, 6pm; free. The Rooster, 455 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu 陕西北路 455号, 近北京西路

Feb 28-29, 7.30pm; RMB180-680. Shanghai International Dance Center, 1650 Hongqiao Lu, by Shuicheng Lu 虹桥路1650号, 近水城路

Kerry Hotel Pudong will be throwing their big tailgate party again this year.

Watch the game on their giant LED screens in the hotel ballroom while enjoying a breakfast buffet, free-flow house wine, beer and soft drinks.

Tickets are RMB380 per adult and RMB150 for kids under 12. Seats are limited so it’s best to get them while you still can.

Feb 3, 7am; RMB380 for adults, RMB150 for kids under 12, RMB3,000 per table of 10 people. Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, 1388 Huamu Lu, by Fangdian Lu 花木路1388号, 近芳甸路

Celebrate Love That Physics Show (Mandarin)

Picasso Fantasy World Exhibition

Featuring a number of lithographs, sculptures, engravings, photos and signed etchings, get inside the curious mind of artistic genius Pablo Picasso, beginning from the end of February at Uni Elite.

Surprise your sweet with a savory Spanish dinner on February 14. The degustation menu is paired with a bottle of limited edition Chandon sparkling wine. Kick things off with La Puebla Serrano ham, Castilla y Leon Iberico cheese and mixed Spanish olives, followed by creamy mushroom soup. The main is your choice of Spanish seafood rice or grilled lamb chops. End the night with a special dessert – plus ladies receive a single red rose and box of chocolates as a memento of the special evening.

Feb 28-Jun 1, all day; RMB68 presale until Feb 28. Uni Elite, 838 Huangpi Nan Lu, by Xujiahui Lu 黄陂南路838号, 近徐 家汇路

Feb 14, 6pm; RMB888 net per couple. Asador Spanish Social Grill, L/F, Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, 789 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Xizang Zhong Lu 南京东路789号上海世茂 皇家艾美酒店L层, 近西藏中路

Looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids? In that case That Physics Show is the event for you. Professional physics demonstrator David Maiullo is the man behind the ultra-fascinating off-Broadway show that combines the fun of science in a riveting performance.

Mar 7, 10.30am, 3.30pm; RMB120480. ET Space, 433 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Yunnan Nan Lu 延安东路433号, 近云 南南路

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Ruel

Theorie des Prodiges

After playing sold-out rooms throughout the US, UK and Europe, ARIA-award winning songwriter and performer Ruel is coming back to Asia for his highly anticipated Free Time World Tour. Ruel’s Free Time has already gathered over 100 million streams, adding to 300+ million streams of his debut Ready. This latest body of work demonstrates Ruel’s maturity as a songwriter, his skill as a vocalist and his ability to navigate multiple genres, all the while staying undeniably ‘Ruel’.

The surreal theatrical production Theorie des Prodiges is headed to Shanghai in April. The highly acclaimed show is performed by French company Système Castafiore and combines experimental dance, music and imagery to create a truly spectacular performance. The show begins with the discovery of a 16th-century manuscript listing ‘miracles’ that occurred in ancient times. This discovery fills in gaps of human knowledge, giving meaning to phenomena unexplained by fantasy and interpretation.

Mar 4, 8pm; RMB320 presale. BudX VasLive, 3/F, 19 Wanhangdu Hou Lu, by Changshou Lu 万航渡后路19号沪西文化艺术中心3楼, 近长寿路

April 17-19, 2pm and 7.30pm; RMB180-580. 1862 Theatre, 1777 Binjiang Dadao, by Rizhao Lu 滨江大道1777号, 近日照路

Yungblud

Tom Walker

British pop sensation Yungblud is bringing his ‘Twisted Tales of the Ritalin Club’ to Shanghai on March 11. The ‘I Think I’m Okay’ singer has been making waves around the globe following the release of his album 21st Century Liability in 2018.

Having begun his career as an actor appearing in British soap Emmerdale and Disney show The Lodge in 2015 and 2016 respectively, his first forays into music, including ‘Tin Pan Boy,’ resemble early Arctic Monkeys tracks. It was with the release of his debut album, 21st Century Liability, that the former actor really began crafting his unique performative character, which tells tales of damaged youth. Over the course of 2019, Yungblud appeared on tracks with the likes of Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, rapper Machine Gun Kelly and pop songstress Halsey. He came third in the BBC’s Sound of 2020 list and has a loyal fanbase, who call themselves The Black Hearts Club.

Brilliant Scottish indie folk star Tom Walker is coming to Shanghai on March 25.

Having risen to fame with the release of his song ‘Leave a Light On,’ which peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart, Walker has released his first studio album, What a Time to Be Alive, and appeared on tracks with the likes of Rudimental and Zara Larsson. The big-lunged singer takes inspiration from such artists as Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, as well as fellow Scotsman Paolo Nutini; he even sings with the hint of a Scottish brogue, in the same fashion as Nutini. Walker has played on tours with George Ezra, Jake Bugg and more, and picked up the award for Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards last year, following in the footsteps of the likes of Oasis, Belle and Sebastien and Bastille.

Mar 11, 8pm; RMB320 presale. BudX VasLive, 3/F, 19 Wanhangdu Hou Lu, by Changshou Lu 万航渡后路19号沪西文化艺术中心3楼, 近长寿路

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Mar 25, 8pm; RMB280 presale. BudX VasLive, 3/F, 19 Wanhangdu Hou Lu, by Changshou Lu 万航渡后路19号沪西文化艺术中心3楼, 近长寿路

LOOKING AHEAD

F1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix

Come From Away

The annual petrolhead pilgrimage is heading back to Shanghai from April 17-19, as racing fans are called to the Shanghai International Circuit by the siren song of roaring engines for the F1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix. Big boys racing big toys at breakneck speeds, all in pursuit of the 2020 Formula One World Championship. If you want to check out all the racing madness for yourself, you can purchase tickets by visiting the e-ticket site. We highly suggest you get your tickets while you still can because they sell out fast!

The longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history, Come From Away, is coming to Shanghai. The show, which was a critical and box office success during its run on Broadway, tells the story of what happened when 38 international airplanes and more than 7,000 passengers were forced to land in Gander in Newfoundland after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Produced by ACOrange, Junkyard Dog Productions and Rodney Rigby, the musical’s stop in China, from May 8-24, will be its first production in a non-English speaking country.

F1 normal ticket

April 17-19; tickets are available for RMB602-2,760.

Family packages are available for RMB1,462-5,022.

Shanghai International Circuit, 2000 Yining Lu, by Jiadong Automobile City 伊宁路2000号, 近嘉定汽 车城

May 8-24, 7.30pm; RMB200-1,000. SAIC Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 复兴中路597号, 近陕西南路

F1 family ticket

Frozen

TETRIS Mon Amour

Your kids will go crazy for this magical Frozen-themed exhibition, which brings the 2013 Disney film to life. Tag along as Anna, the fearless princess of Arendelle, sets off on a journey with a rugged iceman, his pet reindeer and a snowman to find her sister and escape from eternal winter. The exhibition will be held at Shanghai Global Harbor Mall until April 5. The 1,500-square-meter space will be transformed to recreate nine of the movie’s most classic scenes and feature nine interactive areas.

Your little ones will also be able to check out over 200 original production drawings from the movie and shop for over 1,000 limited edition Frozen products. It’s every kid’s dream!

Tetris is a simple computer game but fascinating and truly addictive. It quickly conquered the world when it was released in 1984. Choreographer Roni Haver was once hooked on it. With TETRIS Mon Amour she declares her love for this game and the way it provokes order and self-control. You have to deal with these falling Tetris blocks, much like life itself, where you have to manage all things that come your way. Just deal with it, before it’s ‘Game Over’.

Jul 3-5, 2/7.30pm; RMB180-480. 1862 Theater, 1777 Binjiang Dadao,

by Rizhao Lu 滨江大道1777号, 近日照路

Until April 5, times vary. Shanghai Global Harbor, 3300 Zhongshan Bei Lu, by Jinshajiang Lu 中山北路3300号 , 近金沙江路

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PICK OF SIX

Wanderers – Group Exhibition Abstraction 2020 Part 1 – Cool & Hot Until February 29 Yibo Gallery, B107-108, No. 570, Huaihai Xi Lu, by Anshun Lu 淮海西路570号B107-108, 近安顺路

Until March 7 Ota Fine Arts, West Bund, Bldg 3, 2555 Longteng Dadao, by Fenggu Lu 龙腾大道2555号3号楼, 近丰谷路

Bob Dylan Retrospectrum Until Mar 8 Modern Art Museum Shanghai, 4777 Binjiang Da Dao, by Pudian Lu 滨 江大道4777号, 近浦电路

SIX

PICK OF EXHIBITIONS ART

Down the Rabbit Hole – Group Exhibition Until February 14 Capsule Shanghai, 1/F, Bdg.16, 275 Anfu Lu, by Wukang Lu 安福路275弄16号1楼, 近武康路

Sound – Brian Calvin Solo Exhibition Until February 29 Almine Rech, 27 Huqiu Lu, 2nd Floor, Huangpu District 黄浦区虎丘路27号2层

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Move on China: 30 Years of www & New Media Art in China Until March 15 HOW Art Museum, No.1, Lane 2277, Zuchongzhi Lu, by Shenjiang Lu 祖冲之路 2277弄1号, 近申江路

Chinese Spring Festival Journey Home Today, there are many gateways to China for the world to observe and experience modern Chinese society and old traditions. Among these gateways, the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, can be considered a “fast track� to understanding Chinese culture and is perhaps the most interesting of the Chinese traditions.

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CITY SCENES

Iapm shopping mall joined hands with an internationally renowned lighting art team to create an exclusive winter light and shadow feast inspired by the mystery of nature. Presenting the ‘Light Magic Forest’ light art exhibition for customers, it combined art and technology to brighten up Christmas. This winter, the iapm mall invited acrobatic performance artists, Kiriushyn Volodymyr and Hrietsov Yevhen, to bring top acrobatic performance shows, and present a wonderful visual feast to customers.

2019’s La Maison Rémy Martin Shanghai presented an immersive high-tech experience that allowed visitors to witness every step of the cognac-making process. The delightful annual event explored Rémy Martin’s new brand philosophy ‘Team Up For Excellence’ and imbued a team spirit to all cognac lovers. Rémy Martin Honorary Ambassador Ms.Qin Lan and Mr.Zhu Yawen attended the opening ceremony and collaborated on stage to make a special cocktail, called The Grape’s Journey.

On December 23, the 2019 Splendid Pioneer for City of Fashion Awards Ceremony was held by Shanghai Promotion Center for City of Fashion at Wanda Reign on the Bund. A total of 100 awards were handed out to the city’s top restaurants, hotels, commercial complexes and more.

Japanese fast food restaurant Dondonya opened its door at the ITC Shanghai for the first time in January 2020. Presenting delicious rice food sets for local media to taste, the opening was a thrilling success, with many in attendance impressed by the delicious food on offer.

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HOTEL NEWS Hotel Equatorial Shanghai’s He Mei Hui Art Exhibition Hall Opens Hotel Equatorial Shanghai recently held its Gui’Mei Jing’an event, commemorating the opening of the He Mei Hui art exhibition hall. The inaugural event featured Mr. Chen Jia Ling’s painting The Beauty of Jing’an, plus a collection of his photographs. Hotel Equatorial Shanghai took this opportunity to review its ongoing partnership with the ‘A-Coffee’ initiative, a non-profit that offers work experience to autistic youth.

Finally, the awards ceremony celebrated the theme that ‘life is art, art is life.’ Art lovers will surely appreciate the hotel’s efforts in creating this venue and its Equator Club cultural salons – made possible by special funds for cultural development in Jing’an district.

Sheraton Shanghai Jiading Hotel Appoints New General Manager Holiday Inn Express Holds ‘Go Join Smart Generation’ Media Carnival At the end of 2019, Holiday Inn Express held the ‘Go Join Smart Generation’ media carnival at Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Tourism Zone. The event presented the evolution of its ‘Go Join Smart Generation’ initiative over the year, while inviting media and KOLs to experience the rich and diverse community culture in the hotels, from e-sports to handicrafts. Representatives of the smart generation shared their life stories, and hotel staff charmed the crowd with a dancing performance.

Recently, Sheraton Shanghai Jiading Hotel announced the appointment of Mr. Henry Sun to the general manager role, responsible for the management and future commercial and strategic positioning of the hotel. With over 18 years of hospitality work experience in Asia and Europe, Sun has achieved impressive accomplishments in his career, notably as GM role at an Accor brand hotel in Shanghai, and as the founder of Mentor Education Center.

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LISTINGS

LISTINGS

very best of authentic Chinese cuisine including provincial cuisines plus high-quality seafood. The restaurant's garden-style setting and professional, friendly team makes The Crystal Garden a popular venue for intimate wedding banquets and private functions. 5/F, The Westin Bund Center Shanghai, 88 Henan Zhong Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6103 5048) Lunch: 11am – 2.30pm (Mon-Fri), 11am – 2.30pm (Saturday & Sunday, Yum Cha); Dinner: 5.30pm – 10pm (Daily). 河南中路 88 号上海威斯汀

Green & Safe With an organic farm in Kunshan, this organic store provides daily delivered vegetables and a variety of local and imported organic goods, such as organic extra virgin olive oil, white and red balsamic vinegar, organic pasta, muesli and more. 30% off on all breads after 7pm everyday in Dongping branch. 1) 6 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu 5465 1288, 1/ F: 8am-10pm; 2/F: 6pm-12am 2) 2) 4/F, 1438 Hongqiao Lu, by Hongbaoshi Lu 10am–9.30pm 1)

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

SICHUAN

CHINESE

东平路 6 号 , 近衡山路 2) 虹桥路 1438 号 4 楼 , 近红 宝石路

CANTONESE Canton Disco This traditional Cantonese restaurant concept with a contemporary update at its fore offers a high energy atmosphere, addictive cuisine and unpretentious service that paints a perfect picture of modern Shanghai. 2F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9521) 5.30-10.30pm. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊

The Chinoise Story A unique restaurant

featuring radically fused cooking styles. Lovely space. Expect classic Chinese dishes served in individual portions rather than family style.

Cathay Building, Jin Jiang Hotel, 59 Maoming Nan Lu, by Changle Lu (6445 1717) 11am2.30pm; 6-10.30pm 茂名南路 59 号锦江饭店北楼底

酒店辅楼 2 楼 , 近江西中路

Ming Court With chefsí adept in culinary creativity, Ming Court presents exquisite Cantonese cuisine with a twist, offering authentic flavors and refined wine pairings to create a wonderful culinary experience. On top of dim sum and dessert menus, the restaurant also offer a la carte and set menus as well as some seasonal specialities. The wide selection of dishes also include some award-winning Ming Court signatures. Level B1, 333 Shenhong Lu, Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao, by Suhong Lu (5263 9618) Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am – 2.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am – 3pm; Dinner: Mon-Sun 5.30-10pm 申虹 路 333 号 B1 层，虹桥康得思酒店，近苏虹路

Shàng-Xí This elegant Chinese restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Pudong showcases the very best of Cantonese cuisine, and has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated restaurant on the Chinese mainland by Forbes Travel Guide for five years. Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Dinner: 5.30-10pm. (2036 1310). 2/F, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, 210 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu. 世纪大道 210 号上海浦东四季酒店二楼 , 近

层 , 近长乐路

Sichuan Citizen Originally opened in 2009, Sichuan Citizen moved into its new home at Ferguson Lane in 2018, where Head Chef Mao and his whole crew from Chengdu continues to serve spicy and delicious classic Sichuan dishes to their fans. The restaurant also houses a cocktail bar named Bar Basil located right next to the main dining room, where guests can enjoy signature cocktails created by a mixologist from Milan. 2/F, 378 Wukang Lu, by Xingguo Lu (5404 1235). Sun-Thu 11am-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am10.30pm. 武康路 378 号 2 楼 , 近兴国路

陆家嘴环路

Summer Palace Combining South-Eastern Chinese cuisine with Cantonese flair, the Summer Palace enhances gastronomical sensations with a poetic visual dreamscape. Open hour: Breakfast from 7am to 10am; Lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm(Mon – Fri)\10am to 2.30pm(Sat & Sun);Dinner from 5.30pm to 10pm. (86 21) 2203 8889 3/F, Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai, 1218 Yan’an Zhong, by Tongren Lu. 静安香格里拉

2 楼，近百步街 (3867 9199)

VUE Dining This restaurant is designed to create marvelous dining experience in privacy with one of the city’s best skyline views. Featuring authentic handmade dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, it is an ideal venue for family celebrations and friends’ gatherings. 31/F, West Tower, Hyatt on the Bund, 199 Huangpu Lu, by Wuchang Lu (63931234-6330) Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am2.30pm; Sat&Sun: 11.30am-3.30pm; Dinner: Daily 5.30pm-10.30pm www.hyattonthebund. com 黄浦路 199 号 , 上海外滩茂悦大酒店西楼 31 层 , 近武昌路

YUE Chinese Restaurant is presenting an exciting blend of local & traditional Cantonese dishes served in a modern atmosphere boasting nine private dining rooms. 2/F, Pullman Shanghai South, 1 Pubei Lu, by Liuzhou Lu (2426 8888) Lunch 11.30am - 2pm; Dinner 5.30– 9.30pm 浦北 路 1 号 , 上海中星铂尔曼大酒店 2 楼 , 近柳州路

HUAIYANG RESTAURANT RIVER DRUNK specializes in grand Huaiyang cuisine and fresh seafood, offering traditional southeastern delicacies in a charming and refined environment. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 5/F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二路 538 号 , 近龙潭路 66 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

CAFES Beans & Grapes Casual and modern, Beans & Grapes focuses on wholesome comfort meals and refreshments. It’s a great option for a healthy grab-and-go lunch or dinner. The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road by Shimen Yi Lu (5237 8888) 威海路 380 号 1 层 , 近石门一路 CHA Lounge CHA Lounge is the place for a welldeserved afternoon break. An extensive selection of traditional Chinese and Western tea and delicacies, delicious beverages and international wines, as well as pastries, homemade chocolates and macaroons are offered daily. Guests can also treat themselves to an exquisite afternoon tea buffet at RMB108 per person which is offered daily. Open daily, 8am-8pm. Afternoon tea buffet, 2.30-5.30pm. 1/F, 1555 Dingxi Lu, by Yuyuan Lu (6240 8888-8155) 定西路 1555 号巴黎 春天新世界酒店 1 楼 , 近愚园路

Coffee Tree With a light and airy European look, the cozy spot offers an array of fresh and homemade items including salads, sandwiches, quiche, pasta, and cakes using the finest ingredients. Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Lu, by Tai’an Lu (6466 0361) Mon-Sun 9am10pm www.coffeetreecafe.com.cn 武康路 376 号 , 近泰安路

大酒店三楼，延安中路 1218 号，近铜仁路 .

Suntime Century Relax in our lavish private rooms and allow our food to delight your senses with wonderful tastes, textures and aroma.

Offering authentic cuisine from the Canton, Hunan and Shanghai regions, guests can embark on an exploration of Chinese culinary excellence.

Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Dinner: 5.30-10pm. 2/ F, Grand Kempinski Hotel, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu,

by Baibu Jie 陆家嘴环路 1288 号上海凯宾斯基大酒店

DELI SHOPS

大饭店 5 楼，近广东路

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RESTAURANTS

city’super 超 • 生活店内 2) 美罗城店 – 肇嘉浜路 1111 号地下一层 3) 梅龙镇伊势丹店 – 南京西路 1038 号地下一层 4) 大上海时代广场店 – 淮海中路 99 号地 下一层 city’super 超 • 生活店内 5) 环贸广场店 - 淮 海中路 99 号地下一层 city’super 超 • 生活店内 6) 兴业太古汇店 - 南京西路 789 号兴 业太古汇地下二层 city’super 超 • 生活店内

Si Fang San Chuan Showcasing the art of Southwestern Chinese cuisine with a touch of modern understanding and creative presentation, this Bund-side restaurant offers flavors that are adjusted to suit the local palate. Meanwhile, a bar inspired by Shanghainese cultural heritage is also another highlight of the concept. Lunch 11am3pm, Dinner 5-10pm. (6033 5833). L2, N3 Bldg, North, Bund Finance Center, 600 Zhongshan 2nd Road(E), Huangpu District, Shanghai, China 200010 中山东二路 600 号外滩金融中心北区 N3 栋 二层 , 近枫泾路 200010

SHANGHAINESE Club Jin Mao With superlative views overlooking the Shanghai skyline, Club Jin Mao is one of the most prestigious Shanghainese restaurants in the city, offering exquisite and authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Daily from 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.3010.30pm. 86/F, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shiji Dadao, by Yincheng Zhong Lu (5047 8838) www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com 上 海金茂君悦大酒店 86 楼 , 浦东新区世纪大道 88 号 , 近银城中路

Gui Hua Lou Gui Hua Lou offers the very best of authentic Huaiyang cuisines. Chef Gao creates an entrancing blend of two worlds, traditional dishes with modern interpretations all in the ambiance of distinctive Chinese décor. 1/F River Wing, Pudong Shangri-La, 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Huan Lu (2828 6888). Open daily, 11.30am3pm (lunch), 5.30-10pm (dinner). fbreservation. slpu@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/ shanghai/pudongshangrila. 富城路 33 号，近陆家 嘴环路

The Crystal Garden Bathed in natural light, the Chinese restaurant Crystal Garden offers the

CHOCOLATE Jean Paul Hévin is a French “Haute Couture” chocolate-maker, whose label of chocolates is a successful brand of gourmet chocolate. The adventure of Jean Paul Hévin begins in the tropics with the search for the rarest, most refined cocoa beans. It continues back in France with a search for the best creams and hazelnuts, the most scented honeys and other outstanding ingredient. Jean Paul Hévin stores are created as chocolate cellars, confined spaces in which, at constant levels of humidity and temperature, customers could be captivated by the subtle cocoa aromas and choose their purchases in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. LG2 city’super, HKRI Taikoo Hui, 789 West Nanjing Lu, by Ruijin Er Lu (400-653-8820, www.citysuper.com.cn) 南京西路 789 号兴业太古汇地下二层 city’super 超 • 生活店内

ROYCE’ From the great land of Hokkaido, blessed by nature, came ROYCE’ chocolates in 1983. Hokkaido is gifted with crystal clear water and pure fresh air. This nature environment is much like the famous European Chocolate producing countries. It is here in Hokkaido that the finest, strictly selected ingredients are combined to make perfect chocolates. Each and every bite will bring your senses to Hokkaido.

1) ifc Store - LG2 city’super, 8 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu 2) Shanghai Metro City Store B1, 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Hongqiao Lu 3) Jiu Guang, B/F, 1618 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huashan Lu 4) Shanghai Times Square Store - B1 city’super, 99 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Xizang Nan Lu 5) Shanghai iapm Store - LG1 , 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 6) HKRI Taikoo Hui Store - LG2 city’super, 789 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Yan’an Zhong Lu (400-653-8820, www.citysuper.com. cn) 1) 国金中心店 – 陆家嘴世纪大道 8 号地下二层

Kempi Deli Freshly baked homely bites including freshly baked bread, muffins, cakes, chocolates, pastries, ice-creams, sandwiches, cold cuts and cheese will make a visit to Kempi Deli something to look forward to any day. You won’t know where to start! 50% off on all breads after 18:00 daily. (3867 8888) Hours: 7.30am-7pm. 2/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu,

by Baibu Jie 陆家嘴环路 1288 号上海凯宾斯基大酒店 2 楼，近百步街

FINE DINING 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana An extension of the three Michelin Star venue (by the same name) in Hong Kong, a fantastic fine dining fare that will leave you both comforted and breathless.

6-7/F, 169 Yuanmingyuan Lu, by Beijing Dong Lu (6087 2890) 圆明园路 169 号 6-7 楼 , 近北京东路 Canton Table With nostalgic ambiance inspired by shikumen lanehouses and glamorous buildings along the Bund, this new Cantonese dining concept at Three on the Bund dances between the old and the new, bringing Shanghai diners the essence of the culinary culture of Guangdong.

Whether you’re craving some home-style cooking or sophisticated delicacies, Canton Table offers an extensive selections, featuring high quality fresh ingredients and traditional cooking skills.

Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm, SatSun 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm. cantontable@ on-the-bund.com. www.threeonthebund.com.5/ F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu 中 山东一路 3 号 5 楼 , 近广东路 . (6321 3737)

Cathay Room & 9 Level Terrace With intimate seating and expansive views of the Bund, the Cathay Room and Terrace offers a sociable dining experience with elegantly presented European contemporary style cuisine. Let your senses be tantalized by the delicate flavors prepared by our culinary team, revealing a European ‘haute cuisine’ approach to fine dining; complete with organic items and ecologically responsible producers. Featuring an extensive wine list and beverage selection, the Cathay Room and Terrace is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai… 9/F, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Road East by Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (6138 6881) Daily 12:00-22:00 南京东路 20 号，上海和平 饭店 9 楼，近中山东一路

Dragon Phoenix Restored to its former glory, the Dragon Phoenix evokes memories from a distant time. Quintessential Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine takes center stage with refined yet daringly classical presentations of the finest live seafood, barbeque roasted meats and seasonal produce. Our resident Chinese Master Chef’s signature dishes showcase some of China’s most sought-after authentic dishes including hand crafted dim sum, seafood delicacies and noodle dishes. 8/F, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Road East by Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (6138 6880) Daily 11:30-22:00 南京东路 20 号，上 海和平饭店 8 楼，近中山东一路

Jade on 36 Restaurant Jade on 36 Restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of classic French cuisine. Chef Olivier Pistre uses exceptional ingredients and classic recipes presented with a contemporary twist. Guests can enjoy the magnificent view of Puxi skyline and the Bund.

Lunch sets, dinner sets and a la carte dishes are available. 36/F, Grand Tower, Pudong ShangriLa, 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Huan Lu (2828 6888). Open daily, 11.30am-2pm (lunch), 6-10pm (dinner). fbreservation.slpu@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/shanghai/pudongshangrila. 富城路 33 号，近陆家嘴环路 .

M on the Bund This Bund pioneer serves up impeccable service and a menu peppered with Continental, Aussie and Moroccan inspiration.

Try the pavlova for dessert. 7/F, No.5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6350 9988) MonFri: 11.30am-2.30pm; 6.15-10.30pm; Sat-Sun: 11.30am-3pm; 6.15-10.30pm reservations@monthebund.com www.m-onthebund.com 中山东 一路外滩 5 号 7 楼 , 近广东路

LISTINGS

Mare Western Restaurant It’s the only place where you can taste Marseille Seafood Hotpot!

The tomahawk steak is the best in Shanghai.

Hotel Pravo, 2/F Mare Western Restaurant 299 Wusong Lu, by Kunshan Lu 吴淞路 299 号宝御酒店 2 楼 , 近昆山路

Oceans Dining in a romantic and contemporary setting, an extensive array of selected premium products from the sea. A distinct and innovative gourmet experience to satisfy the most discerning of tastes, Ocean fully realizes the art of cooking.

Lobby floor, Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund, 19 Haiping Lu, by Gongping Lu (2509 1188) Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm; Dinner 5.30– 9.30pm. banyantree.com 海平路 19 号悦榕庄 1 楼 , 近公平路

Vue Restaurant Enjoy classic European fare with one of the city’s best skyline views. 30/F Hyatt on the Bund, 199 Huangpu Lu, by Wuchang Lu (6393 1234-6328) Daily 6-11pm 黄浦路 199 号 , 上海外滩

OPEN DOOR

茂悦大酒店西楼 30 楼 , 近武昌路

FUSION

ON56 This four-in-one restaurant at Grand Hyatt Shanghai offers the best cuts of prime beef from the Grill, sumptuous Italian classics from Cucina, top-shelf sushi from Kobachi and delectable sweets from Patio. Daily from 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm; 56/F, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shiji Dadao, by Yincheng Zhong Lu (5047 8838) www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com 上海金茂君悦大酒店 56 楼 , 浦东新区世纪大道 88 号 , 近银城中路

RuiKu Restaurant The rooftop restaurant RuiKu serves fine-casual dining with a sharing concept.

Enjoy the stunning view of the Bund’s historic waterfront and Pudong’s futuristic skyline. Daily 12-10.30pm. 21/F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二路 538 号 , 近龙潭路 SAVOR All Day Dining Restaurant offers Western and Eastern cuisine showcasing an open interactive kitchen with buffet and a la carte options. 2/F, Pullman Shanghai South, 1 Pubei Lu,

by Liuzhou Lu (2426 8888) Daily 6am - 12pm 浦

Cypher Discover Cypher's three geometric venues with unique elements: Foreplay (coffee shop), Climax (western fusion restaurant) and Aftertaste (bar). Aftertaste is a hidden whiskey bar serving the highest quality of whiskey and other liquors. Experience various bottles of whiskey from Cypher's extensive collection. 500 Xiangyang Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu 襄阳南路 500 弄靠 近建国西路 (6408 8072)

北路 1 号 , 上海中星铂尔曼大酒店 2 楼 , 近柳州路

MILLER HARRIS

Sir Elly’s Restaurant & Bar Dine on fine modern European cuisine while overlooking the Huangpu River. Expert cocktails offered at both the circular bar and the expansive 14th floor terrace. 13/F The Peninsula Shanghai, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Nanjing Dong Lu (2327 6756) Lunch daily 12-2.30pm; Dinner Sun-Thurs: 6-10.30pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm www.peninsula.com/Shanghai/en/Dining/ Sir_Ellys_Restaurant/default.aspx 中山东一路 32 号

British Fragrance House Founded in 2000 by a British master perfumer, Miller Harris is a couture British fragrance house with a spirit of bespoke fragrance creation at their heart. The brand remains rooted in the founder’s French perfumery provenances, committed to the precise use of beautiful natural materials while pushing creative boundaries.

上海半岛酒店 13 楼 , 近南京东路

Shanghai Tavern Jason Atherton’s all-day dining, brasserie-style restaurant draws inspirations from Elliot Hazzard’s period architecture and magnificent coffered ceiling. Its design is a nod to the layers of history behind the Shanghai Power Company Building. 1F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu,

by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9511). 6-10:30am, 11:30am-11pm. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店 辅楼 1 楼，近江西中路

FRENCH Jean Georges One Michelin star restaurant JeanGeorges is the world-renowned eponymous chef’s first signature restaurant outside of New York.

At the Bund-side restaurant, guests can enjoy his famed contemporary French cuisines at a newly renovated space with a fresh an elegant dining room, lounge, open kitchen and private rooms.

Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm, Sat-Sun: 11.30am-3pm, 6-10.30pm. 4/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu) jgrespak@on-thebund.com. www.threeonthebund.com. 中山东一 路 3 号 4 楼 , 近广东路 (6321 7733)

Mr. & Mrs. Bund Molecular madman Paul Pairet takes a more laissez-faire approach with this modern French eatery. Expect straightforward food and a great wine list. 6/F Bund 18, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Nanjing Dong Lu (6323 9898) Dinner: Monday to Sunday 5.00-10.30pm, late Night: Thus-Sat 10.30pm-1.00am, brunch: Sat-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm www.mmbund.com 中 山东一路外滩 18 号 6 楼 , 近南京东路

PHÉNIX eatery & bar Rooted in the philosophy of “Life is about the ingredients”, a visit to PHÉNIX is a charming invitation to reconnect with the essentials through an intuitive French cuisine inspired by the richness of seasonal natural ingredients. PHÉNIX also features an intimate yet vibrant lounge space, allowing guests to enjoy classic minimalist cocktails and an impressive wine selection with 250 labels. Level 2, 1 Changde Lu,

by Yan’an Xi Lu Daily 6.30am – 11pm, phenix@ thepuli.com, phenix.thepuli.com (2216 6988) 上 海璞麗酒店二楼，常德路 1 号，近延安西路

Polux by Paul Pairet Located in Xintiandi, Polux is a French café and casual bistro by Paul Pairet, Chef de Cuisine of culinary powerhouse Mr & Mrs Bund and three Michelin-starred Ultraviolet.

Bringing contemporary French comfort food to an international crowd, brunch and cafe staples is the backbone of the menu, adorned by afternoon munchies and light dinner. Business hour: MonSun: 10am -10pm. No. 5, Lane 181, Taicang Lu,

by Huangpi Nan Lu. (6333 9897, poluxbypp.com) 太仓路 181 弄 5 号，近黄陂南路

Mercedes me Store, The Bund This culinary spinoff courtesy of the luxury German automaker offers creative fusion international cuisine with the theme of ‘Respect the Mother Nature.’

Perfect for guests seeking a novel and refined dining experience, the ambiance and dishes showcase a balance between presentation and gastronomic aptitude. Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am- 2am. (6033 5833). L1, N3 Bldg, North, Bund Finance Center, 600 Zhongshan 2nd Road(E), Huangpu District, Shanghai, China 200010 中山东二路 600 号外滩金融中心北区 N3 栋 一层 , 近枫泾路 200010

GERMAN Paulaner Brauhaus Enjoy Bavarian food (and more importantly, beer) in a warm, wellpopulated atmosphere. 1) House19-20, North Block Xintiandi, Lane181 Taicang Lu, by Madang Lu (6320 3935) Daily: 11am-2am www.bln.com. cn 2) 2967 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Binjiang Da Dao (6888 3935) Sun-Thu: 11am-1am; Fri-Sat: 11am-2am 3) 3/F, 555 Shibo Da Dao, by Guozhan Lu (2206 0555) Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11am12am hellauer@bln.com.cn 1) 太仓路 181 弄新天地

Miller Harris briefs perfumers to stimulate them artistically. Creative and hedonistic, they strive to find beauty in the everyday and the unexpected. Their fragrances are inspired by London life and encounters with the natural world.

The Miller Harris customer has an unconventional personality. Their fragrances are all gender-neutral – and always have been. At Miller Harris, they are all about understanding each individual’s taste – and personality – to find them their perfect fragrance match.

Miller Harris is fiercely protective of the environment. Their partner perfumers work to ethically and sustainably source their raw materials. Where possible, they use natural materials, only using synthetics when necessary.

When creating fragrances, the brand starts with nature, framing precious botanicals in complex and unconventional ways. They honor nature by sourcing the finest raw materials and preserving their delicacy, combining and harmonizing them to create a fragrance more than the sum of its parts.

Depending on the individual perfumer’s style, a fragrance will contain anywhere between 20 to 50 ingredients on average, from the thousands of raw materials at a perfumer’s disposal. The balance of these notes will vary depending on the style of fragrance.

The fragrance industry has many different classification systems to categorize fragrances. Generally, a client will enjoy fragrances from the same family, or from neighboring families on the wheel: Aromatic, Citrus, Floral, Oriental, Woody, Chypre and Fougere.

Shoppers can choose from a range of fragrances from Miller Harris’ The Editions Collection, Forage, Urban Stories, Perfumer’s Library and so much more.

北里 19-20 号楼 , 近马当路 2) 陆家嘴西路 2967 号 , 近滨江大道 3) 世博大道 555 号 3 楼 , 近国展路

GLOBAL CUISINE Morton’s of Chicago restaurants All Morton’s of Chicago restaurants serve the best available aged grain-fed beef, as well as fresh fish, Maine lobster, lamb chops and chicken mains. The menus offer generous portions of beef, including a 48-ounce (1,300g) Porterhouse, a 20-ounce (550g) New York Sirloin, and a 12-ounce (340g) Double Cut Filet. Morton’s restaurants are equally renowned for their extensive award-winning wine lists. The fully stocked bar also offers top-shelf spirits, domestic and imported beers and creative cocktails, such as their signature ‘MORtinis’. Shop 15-16, 4/F, Shanghai IFC Mall, 8 Shiji Dadao, by Yincheng Zhong Lu (6075 8888) 世纪大道 8 号 4 楼 15-16 号店 , 近银城中路

Pelham’s Named after Sir Pelham Warren, the former British Consul General who launched the exclusive Shanghai Club for gentlemen in 1910, this restaurant at Bund 2 is a signature modern destination featuring global cuisine with Asian flavor. Surrounded by the stately heritage ambience of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, the restaurant emanates warmth, intimacy and elegance without being overly formal. 1/F, WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 67

LISTINGS

2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Waldorf Astoria Club Lobby Level, by Yan'an Dong Lu (6322 9988).

5.30-10pm. 中山东一路 2 号 华尔道夫会所 大堂楼层， 近延安东路

HOTEL BUFFETS Café Reign The all-day restaurant, Café Reign features a spacious and comprehensive open kitchen, offering an authentic Shanghai breakfast buffet, business lunch and a semi-buffet dining experience. Daily 6am-10.30pm. 1/F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu,

by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二路 538 号 , 近 龙潭路

C MARKET provides an indulgent and lively culinary experience, allowing to guests to Enjoying indoor or terrace dining in an elegant and gorgeously sun-lit buffet restaurant with show kitchen counters that have a little bit of everything to satisfy any palate. Ranging from bold new cuisines to traditional favourites, sweet treats to spicy dishes, the possibilities at C Market are endless. (5263 9628, cdshh.cmarket@ cordishotels.com, WeChat: CordisHongqiao, http://www.cordishotels.com/sc/shanghaihongqiao/restaurants-and-bars/c-market/) Breakfast: 6.30-10.30 am daily; Lunch: 11.30 am-2 pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30 am - 2.30 pm (Sat & Sun); Dinner: 6-9.30 pm daily; A La Carte: 6.3010.30 pm. Ground Floor, 333 Shenhong Lu, by Suhong Lu 申虹路 333 号 G 层，近苏虹路 Five Live: Serving daily breakfast and dinner buffets, a la carte menu and extravagant Sunday Brunches, Five Live All Day Dining welcomes guests and gastronomes into a compelling cooking theater. An array of local Shanghainese, regional Chinese and international cuisines are prepared at five interactive cooking stations, including fresh seafood on ice, a grill and carving station, specialty noodles and dumplings, soup and Taiwanese hotpot, a Mediterranean kitchen and a dessert counter. INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI NECC, 1700 Zhuguang Lu, by Yinggang Dong Lu (National Exhibition Convention Center, Gate 3) (6700 1888-6028) 国家会展中心洲 际酒店 , 诸光路 1700 号国家会展中心 3 号门，近盈港 东路）

Yi Café A buffet restaurant, Yi Café offers a vibrant selection of international and local favorites for you and your families and friends, presented by our team of passionate chefs. With eleven culinary theatres – featuring Chinese, Western, South-East Asian, Japanese and European cuisine in an interactive marketplace environment – diners will enjoy an unparalleled culinary showcase. 2/F, Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La, 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Huan Lu (2828 6888), Open daily, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5:3010pm. fbreservation.slpu@shangri-la.com, www. shangri-la.com/shanghai/pudongshangrila. 富城路

aquarium and stunning views over the Huangpu River. With daily lunch and dinner service, Acqua is always a good choice to enjoy a delicious meal.

(3867 9192) Lunch: 11.30am -2.30pm; Dinner: 6-10.30pm. 2/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu, by Baibu Jie 陆家嘴环路 1288 号 上海凯宾斯基大酒店 2 楼，近百步街

Camelia Offering a range of authentic Italian dishes perfect for all occasions like a business lunch or a gathering with friends and family, at the Four Seasons Hotel Pudong’s Camelia, you can experience what the Italians call ‘la dolce vita.’ Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Dinner: 5.3010pm. (2036 1300). 1/F, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, 210 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu. 世纪大道 210 号上海浦东四季酒店一楼 , 近

ITALIAN

La Scala Led by Michelin-starred guest chef Theodor Falser and Chef de Cuisine Stefano Sanna, La Scala places emphasis on crafting innovative Italian cuisine that prizes authenticity, refined quality and sustainability. La Scala is a journey of discovery and innovation – through presenting wholesome ingredients in its purest form, thoughtful flavor pairing with unexpected twists to traditional recipes, and artful presentations that touch on the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, each recipe brings attention to sustainable and local sourcing, zero waste and zero frozen and processed ingredients, paying homage to food, land and its people. 1/F, The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road by Shimen Yi Lu (5237 8888) 威海路 380 号 1 层 , 近石门一路 VA BENE in shanghai is a modern Italian restaurant with new designed dining environment and extraordinary Italian food thath combines tradition and innovation. 1/F, No 7, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 11am-midnight 太仓路 181 弄新天地北里 7 号楼一层 , 近黄陂南路

JAPANESE

Acqua offers an inspired menu that captures the spirit of Italian dining. The open kitchen and oven are a focal point of the restaurant’s dining experience. Guests will also enjoy the large indoor 68 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

URBAN Café The award-winning all-day restaurant URBAN Café showcases flavors that are synonymous with Southeast Asia. The culinary team maintains the fresh burst that is the essence of Southeast Asian dining culture by using premium seafood, meat, and seasonal greens. 1/ F, The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road by Shimen Yi Lu (5237 8888) 威海路 380 号 1 层 , 近 石门一路

STEAKHOUSES The Spot Bar & Restaurant Since opened in Sep 2006, the Spot Bar and Restaurant has been home of many expats away from home. The menu introduces delicious food items as well as the Spot’s signature dishes at reasonable prices.

With a warm ambiance, it’s an exciting place where you get to meet friendly people.1) 2/F, 329 Tongren Lu, by Nanjing Lu (www.thespot.com.cn) 2) 152 Tongren Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu 1) 铜仁路 329 号 2 楼，近南阳路 2) 铜仁路 152 号 , 近南京西路

URBAN Lounge presents a curated collection of global gins and premier tonics from around the world. The signature herb trolley is also a wellness alternative, featuring 29 specialty tea blends and over 8 seasonal organic fresh herbs.

The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road by Shimen Yi Lu (5237 8888) 威海路 380 号 1 层 , 近 石门一路

PIZZA PizzaExpress 1) 380 Huangpi Nan Lu, by Xingye Lu (5383 3999) Sun-Thurs: 11.30am-11pm; Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm info@pizzamarzano.cn www.pizzamarzano.cn 2) Suite 107, Shanghai Center,1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu (6289 8733) Daily 11am-11pm info@pizzamarzano.cn 3) No.1, Unit 111, 570 Yong Jia Lu, by Yue Yang Lu (6467 8898) Sun-Thurs: 12-11pm; Fri&Sat: 11am-11pm info@pizzamarzano.cn 4) 507B/C, 5/F Grand Gateway, 1 Hongqiao Lu, by Huashan Lu (6447 8880) Daily 10am-10pm info@ pizzamarzano.cn 5) Unit 403, 4/F, K11 Art Mall, 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 1) 黄 陂南路 380 号 , 近兴业路 2) 南京西路 1376 号上海商 城西峰 107 号 , 近西康路 3) 永嘉路 570 号 111 单元 1 号楼 , 近岳阳路 4) 虹桥路 1 号港汇广场 5 层 507B/C, 近华山路 5）淮海中路 300 号 K11 购物艺术中心 403 号铺 , 近黄陂南路

Shinpaku Located at Three on the Bund, Shinpaku is a brand-new contemporary Japanese restaurant, where groups of like-minded people can enjoy each other’s company with authentic Japanese cuisine and over 100 different types of sake at a fashionable space with main dining area and private dining rooms. An ideal place for after-work drinks, casual dining and catching up with friends. Monday to Thursday 5:30pm 11pm, Friday to Sunday 11am – 3pm & 5:30pm – 11pm, 2F,Three on the Bund, No. 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road shinpakureservation@on-thebund.com. www.threeonthebund.com

MEDITERRANEAN

2/F, 566 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Chengdu Nan Lu 淮海中路 566 号 2 楼，近成都南路 (6315 2037)

1465 号 , 近淮海中路 3) 南京西路 1515 号嘉里中心 SB1-12, 近常德路 4) 虹桥南丰城南区 1 期 -L206, 遵 义路 100 号 , 近天山路 5) 淮海中路 283 号，香港广 场南座 2-11 室 , 近黄陂南路 6) 虹桥路 1438 号高岛 屋商场 4 楼 07 室 近玛瑙路

道 8 号上海国金中心 L4 楼 17 号铺 , 近陆家嘴环路

中山东一路 3 号 2 楼，近广东路 (6323 0093)

Ai Fiori offers classic Venetian flavors with a modern twist for relaxed dining concept ideal for casual dates, group dining or private events. It has direct ties to the world-renowned Ristorante Da Ivo in Venice. Located on the bustling corner of Chengdu Nan Lu and Huaihai Zhong Lu, Ai Fiori is just minutes away from popular entertainment hubs Found 158 and Xintiandi.

MODERN

ISOLA means “little island” in Italian, which expresses a rich marine culture in Mediterranean sea around Italy and was inspired by original Italian food. Room 17, 4/F, 8 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm, afternoon tea: 3-5pm; dinner: 6-10.30pm 世纪大

INDIAN

号 , 近红松东路

Fuxing Zhong Lu by Huaihai Zhong Lu (6437 2222) Mon-Fri: 11am -2.30pm, 5.30pm -10pm; weekends: 11am -10pm 3) 1-L206, The Place, 100 Zunyi Lu, by Tianshan Lu 11am-10pm (5291 0907) www.phorealgroup.cn 4) Hongkong Plaza.

S2-11 Hongkong Plaza, 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu,

by Huangpi Nan Lu (6313 8927) 11am-10pm 5) S07, 4/F, Takashimaya Department Store,1438 Hongqiao Lu, by Manao Lu (6278 3277) 10am21.30pm 1) 富民路 166 号 , 近长乐路 2) 复兴中路

陆家嘴环路

33 号，近陆家嘴环路

Bhoomi stores One stop destination where a wide range of Indian & Pakistani food products are served. 266 Yaohong Lu, by Hongsong Dong Lu, Minhang district, (2428 3400) Mon-Sat 9.30am-9.30pm, Sunday 2-7pm 闵行区姚虹路 266

from certified organic farms and their own rooftop garden - fully traceable to ensure safety and quality to the table. The poultry, pork and seafood are carefully selected from free range sources that are certified and traceable.Daily 7am10pm;Sunday brunch 11am-3pm. Former French Concession>357 Jianguo Xi Lu, by Taiyuan Lu (3338 4660) thoughtforfood@livingoctave.com. www.livingoctave.com 建国西路 357 号 , 近太原路

Calypso Restaurant & Lounge The Calypso.

Located in the hotel’s piazza, the eye-catching two-storey bamboo-clad glass-roof building brings Mediterranean cuisine to the doorstep of guests and residents. Roof terrace also available.

This is topped off with DJ music, creating the epitome of a relaxed ambience. Restaurant Open Hour: 11am to 11pm; Terrace Lounge Open Hour: Non-Winter Season (Mar – Nov) 2.30pm to 1am (Mon - Thurs); 2.30pm to 1.30am (Fri & Sat); 12pm to 1am (Sun). Winter Season (Dec - Feb) 2.30pm to 11pm (Mon - Thurs), 2.30pm to 12midnight (Fri & Sat), 12pm to 11pm(Sun).

(86 21) 2203 8889. Jing An Kerry Center Piazza, 1218 Middle Yan’an Road, Jing An Kerry Centre on West Nanjing Road, Shanghai. 延安中路 1218 号 南京西路静安嘉里中心南区广场

Thought For Food is the flagship restaurant inside The Living Room by Octave, open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch serving tasting menus, sharing plates and quick meals that all feature responsibly and honestly sourced ingredients.Vegetables are sourced

SOUTHEAST ASIAN Coconut Paradise This cozy, Modern-Thai style house offers casual dining with lots of attention to southeast Asian detail with soft light,Dark teak wood and a faint hint of incense.The spicy beef lettuce wraps sprinkled with fresh mint make a perfect starter for the shrimp Pad Thai, also have the best curry cuisine .1) 38 Fumin Lu, by Yan’an Zhong Lu (6248 1998) 2) 2/F, 378 Wukang Lu, by Hunan Lu (5424 5886) Daily 11.30am-2pm; 5.309.30pm coconutparadise38@gmail.com www. lostheaven.com.cn/main.html1) 富民路 38 号 , 近延 安中路 2) 武康路 378 号 2 楼 , 近湖南路

Greyhound Café focuses on innovation of a trendy dining experience and fine culinary skills.

Having turned into a modern Thailand restaurant, it provides authentic yet traditional Thai cuisine in a fine-dining environment. 1) Room5, 1/F, Jing’an Kerry Center, 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Changde Lu 11am-10pm 2) Room 503 5/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 11am-10pm 3) 02A,1/F,22,23 Xintiandi Beili, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 11am-11pm (Sun-Thu) 11am-2am (Fri-Sat) 1) 南京西路 1515 号静安嘉里中 心南区 1 层 05 号 , 近常德路 2) 淮海中路 999 号环贸 iapm 商场 L5-503 室 , 近陕西南路 3) 太仓路 181 弄 上海新天地北里 22,23 号 1 层 02A 单元 , 近黄陂南路

Pho Store Owned by an Australian Vietnamese, the Pho Store offers Vietnamese street-flavor phos in a cozy and trendy environment. 118 Xikang Lu, by Nanyang Lu daily 11am-10pm (6215 5534) 西康路 118 号 , 近南阳路 Pho Real Some of Shanghai’s finest pho and Bánh mì, with high-quality ingredients and a young, hip environment. 1) 166 Fumin Lu, by Changle Lu (5403 8110) Mon-Fri: 11am -2 pm, 5.30pm -10pm; weekends: 11am -10pm 2) 1465

CHAR Dining This modern steakhouse has position itself as a destination for premium quality Australian beef and sea food products.

Its spectacular bund views, urban interior design, and International recognized Chef Willmer Colmenares has made this location a “must try” dining destination in the city. The menu presents classics with a twist; Boasting one the largest steak selection available in Shanghai.

Starting from their grass fed products from Tasmania, to their grain fed 250days tomahawk or their selection of Wagyu products. Including the award winning Blackmore full blood Wagyu 9+ recognized as one of the best in the market.

29-31F Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the bund, 585 Zhongshan Dong Er lu, by Dongmen Lu (3302 9995), 5:30pm until late, kitchen close at 10:30pm. Bar, 17:00pm-late. www.char-thebund. com 中山东二路 585 号 29-31 楼，近东门路 JW’s California Grill Located on the 40th floor above Shanghai's stunning skyline, the relaxed and classy setting offers refined lifestyle dining with seasonal, market fresh cuisine using premium products cooked to perfection. Discover sophisticated chef-crafted cuisine in the main area or enjoy exclusivity in the private room among friends or business partners. 40/F, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square, 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu (5359 4969, www.jwmarriottshanghai.com) 上海明天广场 JW 万豪酒店 40 楼，南京西路 399 号，近黄陂北路

Morton's Steak and Seafood Grille In addition to the finest grain-fed wet aged beef for which the classic steakhouse is known around the world, this new concept for Morton’s focuses on premium oysters including a rotating selection of fresh oysters from the United States, France, Australia and New Zealand. An extensive selection of generous seafood mains on the menu showcase pan-Asian influences. As always, there are also many side dishes and indulgent desserts, plus a sophisticated menu of fine wines, spirits and cocktails. L4-403, iapm Mall, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6067 7888) 淮海中 路 999 号 , 近陕西南路

The 1515 WEST Chophouse & Bar Meat lovers will be delighted by the restaurant’s generous portioning philosophy. The house butcher presents signature prime cuts which are cut and weighed on an old-fashioned scale on the table and sent straight to the grill. Restaurant Open Hour: Lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm; Dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm. (86 21) 2203 8889. 4/F, Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai, 1218 Yan’an Zhong, by Tongren Lu. 静安香格里拉大酒店四楼， 延安中路 1218 号，近铜仁路 .

The Grill With a central grill, rotisserie and a large built-in marble displaying the freshest seafood, it is a contemporary and colorful venue for guests in search of the freshest seafood and succulent prime grade meats grilled right in front of them in the open kitchen. 56/F Jin Mao Tower, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, 88 Shiji Dadao, by Dongtai Lu (5047 1234) Lunch: Daily 11.30am2.30pm; Dinner: Daily 5.30-10.30pm 世纪大道 88 号金茂君悦大酒店 56 楼 , 近东泰路

SPANISH Albero Enjoy Albero’s innovative Spanish tapas menu, ideal for sharing with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated in an Andalusian style with sedimentary rock from the Huangpu River. (3867 9196) Lunch: 12pm-3pm; Dinner: 6-10pm. 2/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu, by Baibu Jie 陆家嘴环路 1288 号上海凯宾斯基大酒店 2 楼，近百步街

COLCA COLCA is the latest restaurant of celebrity chef & serial restaurateur Eduardo Vargas. This time he cooks food of his heritage:

LISTINGS

Peruvian. COLCA is a restaurant & bar specializing in seafood and grilled meats. It also features the first Pisco Bar in China with a wide range of pisco cocktails. Tucked into a new complex at Hengshan Lu, the restaurant boasts highceilinged interiors and a beautiful outdoor terrace. Dinner: Tue-Sun 5.30pm-1am; Weekend Brunch: 11am-4pm, close on Monday. Rm2201, 2/F, 199 Hengshan Lu, by Yongjia Lu (5401 5366)

and a karaoke room. 5F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9571). 5pm-2am. 南京东 路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店辅楼 5 楼，近江西中路

Electric Circus This club and VIP lounge for Shanghai takes a cue from the Studio 54 tradition with its dramatic lighting, otherworldly interior and signature EDITION cocktail mixology program. Electric Circus will play host to some of the world’s top DJs and performers, and is destined to become a must-visit venue in the Shanghai nightlife scene. 7F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9551). FriSat 10pm-5am. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店辅

衡山路 199 号 2 楼 2201, 近永嘉路

Pintxos Numbers of meats and seafood are imported from Spain to ensure the most authentic Spanish cuisine for every customer. In addition to the excellent quality of raw materials, the process is made simple and fast in the stylish minimalist restaurant.

Pudong Kerry: 1378 Huamu Lu, Room B104, Kerry Centre, by Fangdian Lu (5858 0617) 2) Jingan Kerry: 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, B1, Room 10, Jing'an Kerry Centre, by Changde Lu (6173 7983) 1) 花木路 1378 号嘉里中心 B104, 近芳甸路 2) 南京 西路 1515 号静安嘉里中心 B1 楼 10 室 , 近常德路

Tapas & Lounge The food at Azul is created

by Eduardo Vargas, mixed with Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. During the last 14 years, the cuisine has been diversified with flavors, herbs, and great quality of ingredients, making Azul until today one of the best LatinMediterranean restaurants in Shanghai. 8/F, Ferguson Lane, 378 Wukang Lu, by Tai’an Lu (5405 2252) 武康路 378 号武康庭 8 楼 , 近泰安路

楼 7 楼，近江西中路

Cypher Discover Cypher's three geometric venues with unique elements: Foreplay (coffee shop), Climax (western fusion restaurant) and Aftertaste (bar). Aftertaste is a hidden whiskey bar serving the highest quality of whiskey and other liquors. Experience various bottles of whiskey from Cypher's extensive collection. 500 Xiangyang Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu 襄阳南路 500 弄靠 近建国西路 (6408 8072)

路 2) 虹桥路 1438 号 4 楼 , 近红宝石路 3) 南京西路 1601 号 4 楼 B 区

Swiss Butchery brings you a world-class meat experience, offering a wide variety of highquality meat products. Expect freshly imported meat and delicacies like Italian and Spanish hams, European cheeses and fine seafood. All products are handled according to the most stringent food safety and hygiene standards and are available online or in any of their four physical locations. 1) 3187 Hongmei Lu, by Hongsong Lu, 5223 7301 2) 86 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, by Changle Lu, 5450 0068 3) 262 Baihua Lu, by Biyun Lu, 5090 6190 4) 219 Jinguang Lu, by Baole Lu, 2613 6986 1)

路 538 号 , 近龙潭路

SPORTS BARS

Judy’s Established in 1993, Judy's is the longest running party venue in Shanghai! Have a few drinks, settle on the vibrant party atmosphere and enjoy the house band. Enjoy dancing the night away seven days a week with your favorite party rocking music. Food is available all day until wee hours. 331 Tongren Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6289 3715) Daily 11am-late www.judysco.com.cn 铜仁 路 331 号，近北京西路

虹梅路 3187 号，近红松路 2) 乌鲁木齐中路 86 号， 近长乐路 3) 白桦路 262 号，近碧云路 4) 金光路 219，近保乐路 (WeChat: SwissButchery or www. swissbutchery.com)

SUPERMARKET city’super is a large international supermarket specializing in imported products. There is also a selection of imported and domestic fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, fish and dairy, alongside a selection of sundries, wine, liquor and canned goods. 1) ifc Store - LG2, 8 Shiji Dadao 2) Shanghai Times Square Store - B1, 99 Huaihai Zhong Lu 3) Shanghai iapm Store - LG1 , 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu 4) HKRI Taikoo Hui store - LG2, 789 Nanjing Xi Lu 5) Shanghai Raffles City Changning Store - (E) B110, 1139 Changning Lu 1) 国金中心店 – 陆家嘴 世纪大道 8 号地下二层 2) 大上海时代广场店 – 淮海 中路 99 号地下一层 3) 环贸广场店 - 淮海中路 999 号 地下一层 4) 兴业太古汇店 - 南京西路 789 号地下二 层 5）长宁来福士店 – 长宁路 1139 号东区地下一层 （400-653-8820, www.citysuper.com.cn）

NIGHTLIFE BARS

Jenny’s Blue Bar Second home to hordes of blokes who regularly stop by for a drink or a home-made snack. A free foosball table, classic rock and a big screen showing ESPN and Star Sports channels. 7 Donghu Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu (6415 7019) Daily 1pm-2am jennysbar@ hotmail.com www.jenny-shanghai.com 东湖路 7 号 , 近淮海中路 142 号 , 近南京西路

Logan’s Punch Cashing in on its slogan of being 'China's first punch bar,' Logan's Punch has enjoyed widespread popularity since opening in 2014. Previously housed in Zhang Court, this iteration moved to the up and coming Shaanxi Bei Lu vicinity in 2019. Expect a range of wellmade craft cocktails, sipped alongside a hip crowd of young expats and locals. Mon-Thu 6pm–2am, Fri–Sat 7pm–late. 479 Wuding Road,

by Shaanxi Bei Lu, 武定路 479 号，近陕西北路

口路

RuiKu Champagne Lounge Located on the rooftop with a big terrace, RuiKu Champagne Lounge boasts a stunning view where patrons get to sip enticing cocktails while swinging with world-famous DJs Daily 10.30pm-Midnight. 21/ F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二

SPECIALITY FOOD SHOPS Green & Safe With an organic farm in Kunshan, this organic store provides daily delivered vegetables and a variety of local and imported organic goods, such as organic extra virgin olive oil, white and red balsamic vinegar, organic pasta, muesli and more. 1) 6 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu 5465 1288, 1/F: 8am-10pm; 2/ F: 6.30pm-12am 2) 2) 4/F, 1438 Hongqiao Lu,

by Hongbaoshi Lu 10am–9.30pm 3) 4/F, 1601 Nanjing Xi Lu (6258 8777) 1) 东平路 6 号 , 近衡山

M1NT Winner of 2009 Readers’ Choice Award for “Club of the Year”.Join the posh and the poser alike in this quasi exclusive nightclub, where a chic dining room offering up superb Asian inspired fusion and grilled fare are a;sp available. 24/F, 318 Fuzhou Lu, by Hankou Lu (6391 2811) Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-11pm; Club: Wed-Sat 9:30pm-late bookings@m1ntglobal.com www. m1ntglobal.com 福州路 318 号高腾大厦 24 层 , 近汉

CAGES: Combined with American dining, baseball batting cages and over ten other sports in nearly 4,000square meters' Jing'an location, CAGES is the spot for you. Whether you are dining with your team or competing for bar game supremacy with your friends, CAGES has you covered. Be sure to contact us about our leagues, including dodgeball, 4v4 soccer, combat archery and more. 9am - 2am daily. Jingan Sports Center, 3/F, 428 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu (3112 2950) 江宁路 428 号 3 楼 , 近武定路

HOTEL BARS BRU: Open from afternoon until late, BRU is a gastro pub serving casual comfort food, including rotisserie prime meats, fresh seafood and tapas plates accompanied by a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. As the name suggests, beer is the highlight with bottled craft beers from around the world and eight premium beers on tap. Communal benches and kegs to share are ideal for groups of colleagues and friends.

Each evening, a live band enhances the stylish ambiance with contemporary and classic tunes.

INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI NECC, 1700 Zhuguang Lu, by Yinggang Dong Lu (National Exhibition Convention Center, Gate 3) (6700 1888-6031) 国家会展中心洲际酒店 , 诸光路 1700 号 国家会展中心 3 号门，近盈港东路

Senator Saloon Senator Saloon has the largest selection of Bourbon and Rye in Shanghai.

Cocktails are carefully crafted. The atmosphere is intimate with velvet flock wallpapers and artisan tin ceilings. Popular bar snacks include Mac and Cheese, Pork Belly Sliders, and Chicken Pot Pie. 98 Wuyuan Lu, by Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (5423 1330) 五原路 98 号，近乌鲁木齐中路 POP Bar influenced by the playfulness, art deco highlights and tropical vibe of cosmopolitan Miami, is a fun and elegant rooftop lounge to enjoy afternoons and nights in good company and funky music. Opening Sunday to Friday from 2:00pm till late; Saturday from 1:00pm till late. 7/ F, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 0909) www.threeonthebund.com 中山东一 路 3 号 7 楼 , 近广东路

CLUBS Bar Rouge Trendsetting nightlife destination Bar Rouge provides a unique nightclub experience in Shanghai. Located at the top of Bund 18, it is the city's go-to venue, offering a unique combination of high style and an unbeatable view of Shanghai's skyline from its spacious terrace. Open daily 6pm until late. 7/F, Bund 18, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Nanjing Dong Lu (6339 1199, www.barrougeclubs.com). 中山东一路 18 号，近南 京东路

Club Room This gentleman’s club-inspired lounge area at The Shanghai EDITION exudes a sense of warmth and exclusivity. The sophisticated venue features two indulgent lounge areas, a nine-seater bar, as well as a screening room

Camelia Bar Perfect for a casual drink after work with friends and colleagues, the Four Seasons Hotel Pudong’s Camelia Bar offers a wide range of whiskeys, wines, champagnes and signature cocktails. The knowledgeable mixologists and bar staff are always on hand to offer recommendations perfect for your palate. 5pm-late. (2036 1300). 1/F, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, 210 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu. 世纪大道 210 号上海浦东四季酒店一楼 , 近陆家嘴环路

CHAR bar Classy cocktails and sophisticated setting, best known for its exquisite 270-degree views over The Bund and Pudong skyline. 30/ F, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, 585 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, by Dongmen Lu (3302 9995) Daily 4:30pm-late, www.char-thebund. com 中山东二路 585 号英迪格酒店 30 楼 , 近东门路 Cloud 9 Located on Level 87 of Jin Mao Tower, this sky lounge has magnificent views of the entire city, where guests can enjoy a wide collection of creative cocktails, champagnes and Asian Tapas. The floor-to-ceiling glassed doubleheight section also holds a hide-away mezzanine bar. 87/F Grand Hyatt, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shiji Dadao, by Dongtai Lu (5049 1234) Mon-Fri 5pm1am; Sat-Sun 2pm-1am 世纪大道 88 号金茂大厦 87 楼 , 近东泰路

Connection 12 Adjacent to the hotel’s swimming pool, the stunning rooftop bar opens up to the evening sky and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Guests can soak up the relaxed setting while choosing from a selection of wines, cocktails and light snacks. Tue- Sat: 5pm-1am Level 12, 333 Shenhong Lu, by Suhong Lu (5263 9999) 申虹路 333 号 12 层，虹桥康得思酒店，近苏虹路

Havana Bar Experience Shanghai through the lights and energy of the hotel’s Havana Bar,

located on the 30th floor. Take in views of the city while indulging in Royal Mojitos, fine wines and the full bar menu within a relaxed setting.

(3867 8888) Hours: 4pm-1am. 2/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu, by Baibu Jie 陆家嘴环路 1288 号上海凯宾斯基大酒店 2 楼，近 百步街

HU Bar & Lounge is Shanghai’s newest nightlife destination and showcases the Best of Shanghai’s Past and Present. HU looks back at the past while embracing the progress and fast-paced evolution Shanghai is known for all while giving its guests towering, iconic and the most amazing views of the city’s skyline from all around. 64F / 65F, 789 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Xizang Nan Lu 南京 东路 789 号 64-65 层 , 近西藏南路 http://www. leroyalmeridienshanghai.com/hubar

Jade on 36 Bar The ideal venue for sunset cocktails and late night drinks, take in the spectacular views of the iconic Bund and the dazzling Shanghai skyline while sipping martinis and fine wines paired with a selection of gourmet bites. Live DJs and musicians will put you in the mood for indulgence. Martinis take centre stage in the new cocktail menu set to launch in March at Jade on 36. Expect a selection of over 25 curated martinis ranging from light and refreshing to coffee-infused recipes and sweet treats, reimagined with unexpected flavours, alongside a selection of classic cocktails and indulgent nibbles.

Happy Hour: Buy-one-get-one-free signature cocktails from 5-7pm daily; Free-flow champagne: Enjoy unlimited champagne every evening from 8-10.30pm at RMB 488++ per person. 36/F Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La, 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Xi Lu 富城路 33 号浦东香格里拉大酒店紫金 楼，近陆家嘴西路（6882 3636）

Jasmine Lounge The Jasmine Lounge has always been ‘the place’ to socialize while experiencing the finest tea experience and elegant evening cocktails.

A specialty of the Jasmine Lounge is the traditional English style afternoon tea, complete with an extensive selection of teas from different origins, compositions and styles. Saturday Tea Dance experience harks you back to Shanghai’s glamorous golden age. Lobby, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Road East by Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (6138 6886) Afternoon Tea Daily 14:00-18:00 南 京东路 20 号，上海和平饭店大堂，近中山东一路

JW Lounge Bar Popular with high-flyers, this lofty lounge boasts panoramic city views and offers an extensive champagne list, either by the glass or the by bottle. Live music six days a week.

40/F, JW Marriott, 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Huangpi Bei Lu (5359 4969-6864) Daily 5pm-2am www. jwmarriottshanghai.com 南京西路 399 号 JW 万豪 酒店 40 楼 , 近黄陂北路

Lobby Bar One of the nine bars of The Shanghai EDITION, the design of the Lobby Bar features bespoke plaster relief artwork inspired by carvings typically observed among Shanghai’s signature Shikumen housing. 1/ F, Main Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9851). 6pm-2am. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒 店主楼 1 楼，近江西中路

Lobby Lounge With large floor-to-ceiling windows and a crystal chandelier, the Lobby Lounge offers a distinct atmosphere that is perfect for a rendezvous with a wide selection of top and rare whiskeys and fine wines. Daily 8ammidnight, 1/F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二路 538 号 , 近龙潭路 Long Bar Offering a good selection of cocktails, deluxe oysters and premium cigars, legendary Long Bar remains to be a part of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund after architectural restoration. Lobby, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6322 9988) Mon-Sat 4pm-1am; Sun 2pm-1am 中山东一路 2 号外滩华尔道夫酒店大 堂 , 近广东路

Main Bar Ye Lai Xiang Located in a historic French club, the bar brings back the golden age in an Art Deco style. Fancy a taste of Whiskey and Brandy of your own? Pick from the full list and wait for an exclusive glass of cocktail to be served. Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai, 58 Mao Ming Nan Lu, by Changle Lu（6415 1111-5217） 花园饭店 , 茂名南路 58 号 , 近长乐路

pentalounge Every Sunday between 11 am to 4 pm, diners at pentalounge at pentahotel shanghai can enjoy a spiced-up lazy brunch with a new menu and free-flow make-your-own Bloody Mary station. RMB148 per person (or RMB128 for those arriving after 2pm). Level 1, 1525 Dingxi Lu, by Yuyuan Lu (6252 1111 ext.

8100) 定西路 1525 号酒店 1 楼，近愚园路 Punch Room Surrounded by warm, wooden vertical slats, the 35-seat Punch Room provides an intimate and cozy bar lounge atmosphere where guests can enjoy EDITION’s renowned sophisticated cocktail program. 28/F, Main Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9540). 2pm2am. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店主楼 28 楼， 近江西中路

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LISTINGS

ROOF Served with panoramic views of Pudong, this open-air lounge area at the rooftop of The Shanghai EDITION offers guests a comfortable and intimate setting where they can enjoy a range of classic and innovative libations made

by EDITION’s mixologists. 29/F, Main Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9537). 2pm-2am. 南京东 路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店主楼 29 楼，近江西中路

Roof Garden Composed of a patchwork of brick and lawn terraces of different heights, the roof garden is an urban oasis that mixes Chinese greenery with luscious, tropical horticulture.

The richly planted rooftop features an underthe-stars movie theater, a games area for lawn bowls and croquet, daybed seating, as well as the service of a full bar along with food and snacks.

8F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9528). 5pm-2am. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店 辅楼 8 楼，近江西中路

RuiKu Champagne Lounge Located on the rooftop with a big terrace, RuiKu Champagne Lounge boasts a stunning view where patrons get to sip enticing cocktails while swinging with world-famous DJs Daily 10.30pm-Midnight. 21/ F, Wanda Reign on the Bund, 538 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu, by Longtan Lu (5368 8882) 中山东二 路 538 号 , 近龙潭路

The Jazz Bar The only address in China for legendary jazz, the Jazz Bar features the oldest jazz band that has been playing in the Fairmont Peace Hotel since 1980. With its relaxed atmosphere and extensive drink menu, it is the perfect place to unwind with Victor Sassoon’s classic cocktails and experience authentic live music. Lobby, Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Road East by Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (6138 6886) The Old Jazz Band Daily 18:00-21:45, 21:45-00:30 with the best female vocalist 南京东

range of preventive strategies on sports injury.

1) Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu 2) Jiahui Health (Yangpu), 1F/2F, Suite 3, 99 Jiangwancheng Lu, by Yingao Dong Lu 3) Jiahui Health (Jing’an), Suite101, 88 Changshu Lu, by Changle Lu (Mon - Sat, 9am - 6pm, 400 868 3000) 1) 桂平路 689 号，近钦江路 2) 江湾城路 99 号 3 号楼 1-2 层 , 近殷高东路 3) 常熟 路 88 号，近长乐路 (400 868 3000)

HEALTH SERVICES Cosmetic Plastic & Laser Center

BIOSCOR Shanghai Clinic

Bioscor Shanghai Clinic With over 10 years' experience, Bioscor's team of international docors and skin specialists are committed to provide you with the best level of service for all your cosmetic needs such as Botox, Filler, Pixel, Cutera, Ulthera, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel, Vein Therapy and Cosmetic Sugerys. No.5, Lane89 Xingguo Lu, by Hunan Lu (6431 8899) 9am-6pm info@ bioscor.com.cn www.bioscor.com.cn. 兴国路89 弄5号,近湖南路

The ZUK Bar Filled with vigor and style, this trendy downtown hub is a great social space, guests can relax and indulge in a range of artisanal cocktails created by our mixologists. The Sukhothai Shanghai, 380 Weihai Road by Shimen Yi Lu (5237 8888) 威海路 380 号 1 层 , 近石门一路

四楼，延安中路 1218 号，近铜仁路 .

Helen Nail Spa A long-time favorite among locals and expats alike, Helen Nail Spa is much more than a nail spa; they have a variety of pampering treatments and excellent waxing services. 1) 120 Nanchang Lu, by Yandang Lu (5383 8957) Daily 10am-10pm 2) No 6, Lane 819 Julu Lu, by Fumin Lu (5403 7802) 3) 70 Shimen yi Lu, by Dagu Lu (6333 7535). 1) 南昌路 120 号 , 近 雁荡路 2) 巨鹿路 819 弄 6 号 , 近富民路 3) 石门一路 70 号，近大沽路

DENTISTRY

海商城西峰办公楼601室, 近西康路 2) 黄浦区蒙自路 757号歌斐中心 3层304-307室 3) 浦东东育路255号 S7号1-3层，近企荣路 4) 浦东祥科路268号佑越国际 1层 5) 浦东花木路1717号御翠园内，近芳甸路

Shanghai Renai Hospital is the first private hospital in Shanghai. It has over 20 clinical departments with outpatient and inpatient services.

Located in city center with convenient transportation, it is influential throughout the East China region and enjoys a high reputation. Free parking available within hospital compound. Specialties: Family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, gynecology, E.N.T., T.C.M., dental, vaccination and immunization, dermatology, urology, pediatrics, orthopedics, ophthalmology, cosmetic dermatology, plastic surgery etc. Operation Hours: Mon – Sun 9am-5pm. 127 Caoxi Lu (5489 3781, www.renaihospital.com) 漕溪路 127 号 Shanghai East International Medical Center A joint venture general hospital providing a comprehensive range of world-class services including family medicine, vaccinations, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, psychological counseling, specialty care, surgical services, as well as on-site 24-hour emergency service. also conducts CPR and first aid courses bimonthly in English and Chinese. 150 Jimo Lu (24 hour: 5879-9999 or 150-0019-0899 ; care@seimc.com. cn; www.seimc.com.cn) 即墨路 150 号

The 1515 WEST Bar The Bar provides Champagnes, vermouths, sherries, white wines and a cellar featuring a selection of New World wines and Reds ensure that Wine Sommelier, Jasper Sun always has the best recommendations at hand. Open Hour: 5pm to 1 am (Sun-Thurs)\ 5pm to 1.30am (Fri & Sat). (86 21) 2203 8889.

4/F, Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai, 1218 Yan’an Zhong, by Tongren Lu. 静安香格里拉大酒店

BEAUTY

Jiahui Health's an international healthcare provider operating in several downtown locations. Our integrated network includes an international hospital with 24/7 emergency services and a Rabies Prevention Clinic, two medical clinics, a wellness center, and a team of internationally trained physicians. Our services include: emergency care, OB/GYN, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, dentistry, rehabilitation, clinical psychology, and CT/MRI imaging diagnostics, among others.

1) Mon-Sun, 24 h, Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu 2) Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Jiahui Health (Yangpu), 1F/2F, Suite 3, 99 Jiangwancheng Lu, by Yingao Dong Lu 3) Mon-Sat, 9am - 6pm, Jiahui Health (Jing’an), Suite101, 88 Changshu Lu, by Changle Lu (400 868 3000) 1) 桂平路 689 号，近钦江路 2) 江湾城路 99 号 3 号楼 1-2 层 , 近殷高东路 3) 常熟路 88 号，近长乐路 (400 868 3000) www.jiahui.com/en

Dream Medical Group Established in 2005, this Shanghai outpost of this Korean cosmetics clinic offers a range of services from skincare to dental care treatments. Operating with international standards, the brand's medical professionals are constantly searching for new technology to upgrade their offerings. Enjoy laser hair removal once with coupon, underarms only. 3/F, Zhongyi Building, 580 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Chengdu Bei Lu www.dreammedical.com.cn TEL/Wechat: 13651969238 南京西路 580 号仲益大厦 A 座 3 楼 ,

Shanghai St. Reiss Medical Clinic Founded in 2005, Shanghai St. Reiss Medical Clinic is located in the secluded former French Concession, Donghu Road, is a foreign-related general outpatient medical institutions. Since the inception, we have always been committed to providing patients with high-quality medical services, due to a good environment, attentive and thoughtful doctorpatient communication, careful diagnosis and professional personalized treatment which has received high acclaim from diplomatic and public.

We offer following services: cancer medicine, cardiology, GI medicine, chest medicine, ENT, general surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, neurology, orthopedics, nephrology, psychiatry, psychology, skin dieasem and transplant medicine. Since 2019, Shanghai St. Reiss Medical Clinic set up a sleep center and established a cooperative alliance with the highly acclaimed Mayo Clinic Sleep Center in the US to fully introduce the operational processes and specifications of the Mayo Sleep Center and follow the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The Sleep Center is equipped with the world's leading digital wireless polysonography (PSG) monitoring equipment. The center has strong technical team and is led by highly qualified team of specialist physicians (including FRCP, FCCP) and AASM accredited technicians and nurses.Unit A, 19/F, 9 Donghu Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu. Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm. (5403 0228, 5403 8088) 东湖路9号19楼A座, 近淮海中路

近成都北路 (136 5196 9238)

Jiahui Health’s experienced dentists provide dental health services for adults and children, including dental check-ups, fillings, prevention of tooth decay, painless dental pulp treatment, and treatment and protection against periodontal disease. The Dentistry Department also carries out multi-disciplinary collaboration in the hospital, such as working with dermatologists to offer invisalign orthodontics and solutions to skin problems for beauty seekers; working with E.N.T. specialists to help adolescents with problems such as mouth breathing, adenoidal hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis; working with MSK to provide sports lovers a comprehensive 70 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

China, and renowned for their excellence and rich experience in their respective fields of medical expertise. Shanghai-wide appointment center (400 186 2116, sinounitedhealth.com.cn, contact@ sinounitedhealth) 1) Shanghai Center Clinic, Suite 601 West Tower, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu Open Mon-Sat ,9am6pm 2) Gefei Center Clinic, Medical, Dental and Endoscopy Center, 3/F, Gopher Center, 757 Mengzi Lu, Open Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm 3) New Bund Clinic, Medical and Surgical Center, 255 Dongyu Lu, by Qirong Lu Open, Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm 4) Zhangjiang Clinic, Medical and Dental Center, 1/F, 268 Xiangke Lu, by Baiye Lu Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm 5) Century Park Clinic, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, 1717 Huamu Lu, by Fangdian Lu Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-6pm; Sat, 9am-1pm 1) 南京西路1376号上

Cosmetic Surgery Botox & Dermafiller Laser Skin Center Cosmetic Dentistry

路 20 号，上海和平饭店大堂，近中山东一路

MIND & BODY

212 室，近陆家嘴环路

Shanghai East International Medical Center A joint venture general hospital providing a comprehensive range of world-class services including family medicine, vaccinations, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, psychological counseling, specialty care, surgical services, as well as on-site 24-hour emergency service. also conducts CPR and first aid courses bimonthly in English and Chinese. 150 Jimo Lu (24 hour: 5879-9999 or 150-0019-0899 ; care@seimc.com. cn; www.seimc.com.cn) 即墨路 150 号

Global HealthCare Medical & Dental Centre.

Established in Shanghai in 2005, GHC is premier one-stop medical center offering a full range of comprehensive medical services including general practice/family medicine and specialized services such as pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedics, cardiology, urology, general surgery and much more.

699 号，近可乐路 2) 新金桥路 1598 号 , 近东陆路 3) 泉口路 8 号 , 近林泉路 4) 运乐路 689 号 , 近金丰路 , (Appointment Hotline: 400 639 3900)

Shanghai Yosemite Clinic is a full-service clinic providing convenient walk-in medical services in Central Pudong. Our team of experienced physicians and nurses are dedicated to practicing according to strict patient safety standards and evidence based medicine. Our services Include: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery , Orthopedics(Sports Medicine), Dermatology & Medical Cosmetology, Dentistry, Gynecology ,Ophthalmology , Pediatrics, ENT, Vaccination Service, Anesthesiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Imaging, , Pharmacy, Laboratory, Psychiatry. (4008 500 911, www.yosemiteclinic. com) 1) Daily : Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm Sun: 9am-5pm B1-1F, 1398 Fang Dian lu, Pudong, Shanghai 2) Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm (Emergency Service 24/7) Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu 1) 上海浦东新区芳甸路 1398 号 B1-1F (Plus 乐坊下沉式广场 ) 2) 富民路 118 号 , 近巨鹿路

MASSAGE & SPA Dragonfly Shanghai 1) 2/F, 559 Nanchang Lu,

by Shanxi Nan Lu (5456 1318) 2) 206 Xinle Lu, by Fumin Lu (5403 9982) 3) L119, 1378 Huamu Lu,

by Fangdian Lu (2025 2308) 4) 193 Jiaozhou Lu, by Xinzha Lu (5213 5778) 5) LG2-47 IFC, 8 Shiji Dadao,

by Lujiazui Huan Lu (6878 5008) 6) 616 Biyun Lu,

by Yunshan Lu (5835 2118) 8) SB1-05B, B1 South Retail, Jingan Kerry Centre, 1218 Yan'an Zhong Lu,

by Changde Lu (6266 0018) 8)Dragonfly @ LuOne B1-11/12, 268 Xujiahui Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (6266 2378) Madang Road Station, Metro Line 13 (exit 6). Daily 10:00-24:00 relax@dragonfly. net.cn http://www.dragonfly.net.cn/ 1) 南昌路 559 号 2 楼 , 近陕西南路 2) 新乐路 206 号 , 近富民路 3) 花 木路 1378 号 L119，近芳甸路 4) 胶州路 193 号 , 近新 闸路 5) 世纪大道 8 号国金中心 LG2-47, 近陆家嘴环路 6) 碧云路 616 号 , 近云山路 7) 延安中路 1218 号静安嘉 里中心商场南区地下一楼 SB1-05B (25 号商铺 ), 近常 德路 8）悠庭 @ LuOne 上海黄浦区徐家汇路 268 号 LuOne 凯德晶萃广场 B1 层 11/12 号

GHC is OPEN EVERY DAY including weekends & Public Holidays.www.ghcchina.com Puxi Centre: ECO City, Suite 303, 1788 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Wulumuqi Bei Lu (5298 6339) 南京西路 1788 号 1788 国际中心 303 室，近乌鲁木齐北路

Pudong Centre: Shanghai World Financial Center, Shop 212, 100 Shiji Dadao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu (6877 5093) 世纪大道 100 号上海环球金融中心商场

United Family Healthcare (UFH) This experienced, comprehensive, patient-centered caregiver has been providing personalized, international-level healthcare in China since 1997. Supporting local and expat individuals and families in Shanghai since 2004 with a wide range of advanced medical services, United Family now has two full-service hospitals and two neighborhood clinics, conveniently located in both Puxi and Pudong. Its Shanghai medical facilities are operated by over 200 highlyexperienced full-time doctors from more than 25 different countries and regions, supported by more than 300 nurses. Visit our website (http:// shanghai.ufh.com.cn) to make appointments right on your WeChat through the new Patient Portal, or simply call the Shanghai-wide Appointment Center ： 400 639 3900. 1) Shanghai United Family Hospital, 699 Pingtang Lu, by Kele Lu, Open 24/7 2) Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital, 1598 Xin Jinqiao Lu, by Donglu Lu, Open 24/7 3) United Family Quankou Clinic, 8 Quankou Lu,

by Linquan Lu Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, 4) United Family Fengshang Clinic, 689 Yunle Lu,

by Jinfeng Lu Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm 1) 平 塘 路

SinoUnited Health is a leading medical service provider based in Shanghai. Their team of medical specialists are selected from both abroad and

Dragonfly Suzhou @ Harmony City This chain of contemporary urban retreats offers relaxing

CLASSIFIEDS

massage and beauty services to customers with high expectations. Stepping into an oasis with fusion Asian décor and dim lighting, guests will be surrounded by tranquil sounds, wonderful fragrances and a romantic ambience while they get pampered with signature treatments. (0512-6763 0486) Harmony City Mall, Room 3210, Third Floor, 269 Wangdun Lu, SIP, Suzhou 苏州工业园区旺墩路 269 号圆融星座商场 3 楼 3210

Y+ Yoga Centre Whether you are looking to develop your spiritual wellbeing, body toning or just socialise with the hip young crowd, Y + Yoga Centre will have the right class for you. 1) 2/F, Bldg2, 299Fuxing Xi Lu, by Huashan Lu (6433 4330) Daily 6.45am - 8.45pm info@yplus.com. cn www.yplus.com.cn 2) 3/F, 308 Anfu Lu, by Wukang Lu (6437 2121) info@yplus.com.cn 3) 2/ F, 202 Hubin Lu, by Shunchang Lu (6340 6161) Daily 7.30am-8.45pm info@yplus.com.cn 1) 复兴 西路 299 号 2 号楼 2 楼 , 近华山路 2) 安福路 308 号 3 楼 , 近武康路 3) 湖滨路 202 号 2 楼 , 近顺昌路

Karma Life Yoga This large newly renovated high-end studio in Pudong offers a diverse range of styles and classes, including Ashtanga, Anusara, Hot yoga, soft Yin and Basics. The teachers are top notch and international, with world-renowned visiting guest teachers offering workshops and teacher trainings. Classrooms are spacious and bright, and changing areas are clean and stylish. Classes taught in both Chinese and English. 1) 160 Pucheng Lu, by Shangcheng Lu (5882 4388, 150 0003 0588) Daily 9am-10pm info@karmayoga.com.cn www.karmayoga.com. cn 2) 2nd floor, No. 758 South Xizang Lu 1) 浦城 路 160 号 , 近商城路 2) 西藏南路 758 号 2 楼 推油网 ·Seven Massage 宫七 A high-end mas-

东道 69-77 号，近伊犁南路 3) 武宁南路 441 号 2 楼， 近长寿路 4) 天目西路 218 号嘉里不夜城 2 座 2110，近 民立路 5) 瑞金南路 1 号海兴广场 7A

Subconscious Day Spa is a relaxing, eco-friendly,

holistic health destination for those seeing to balance mind and soul. 1) Open daily, 10am-midnight, Fumin Branch, 183 Fumin Lu, by Changle Lu (6415 0636) 2) Open daily, 10am-midnight, Dagu Branch, 458 Dagu Lu, by Shimen Yi Lu (6327 1193) 3) Open daily, 10am-10pm, Nanfeng Branch, Rm. 418, North Building, The Place, 100 Zunyi Lu, by Ziyun Xi Lu (6273 0161) 1）富民路 183 号 , 近长乐 路 2）大沽路 458 号，近石门一路 3）遵义路 100 号南丰城北区 418 室，近紫云西路 www. subconsciousdayspa.com The Spa at The Shanghai EDITION Featuring a total of six treatment rooms and suites, manicure and pedicure services, sauna, an expansive relaxation area with fully equipped bar and a retail boutique, The Spa at The Shanghai EDITION showcases the best wellness and beauty practices, combining authentic Asian treatment traditions with premium therapies, specialized techniques and top-shelf products.. 6/F, Heritage Building, The Shanghai EDITION, 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Jiangxi Zhong Lu (5368 9988).

10am-11pm. 南京东路 199 号 上海艾迪逊酒店辅楼 6 楼，近江西中路

YOGA The Pure Yoga Shanghai flagship studio is located at iapm mall on 999 Huaihai Middle Road, in the heart of Shanghai’s shopping district. Pure is Asia’s leading lifestyle brand and is proud to extend its foothold in Shanghai after Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and New York. Pure Yoga brings to our city its yoga and fitness expertise, a team of passionate and internationally recognized instructors, plus exciting workshops and teacher training conducted by renowned yoga masters. L6-615, iapm mall, 999 huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (5466 1266) 淮海中路 999 号 环贸 iapm 商 场 L6-615, 近陕西南路

FURNITURE Master Arnold & WOOX!LIVING Find custommade furniture & contemporary pieces to complete your living space here and abroad.

From classic Canadian sideboard, vintage icons to Barcelona contemporary seating, you’re invited to explore. Salesman who speaks Chinese, English, German & Korean are always open for your furniture & interior ideas.

Showroom New Opening in October 2017 in Qingpu.

Call us or visit online shop: Joyce (Korean/ English/Chinese /German) 17321041917; Arnold (English/Chinese) 13611916641; George (English/German) 18962412911 www. wooxliving.com WeChat: wooxliving

CLASSIFIEDS

sage brand that provides door to door service and a variety of body essential oil spa massage in a quiet and private environment. Whether you prefer a pampering spa at home or during your hotel stay, feel free to make appointments by calling 3490 1117 or 6882 1317 or go to their actual stores. Opening hours: 11-1am.

Home service hours: 9am-midnight. 1) Pudong: 2302 Zhangyang Lu, by Jingnan Lu (6882 1317, 15221309767) 2) Puxi: No.69-77,Fugui Dong Road, by Yili Nan Lu (3490 1117; 17717447707. www.toyoo7.com) 3) No.441,wuning nan lu,by changshou lu (62097991, 18217764112) 4) 2110，Site2, 218 West Tianmu Lu , by Minli Lu （52801997，19921155774）5) 7A,1 Ruijin Nan Lu, by Xujiahui Lu, Haixing Plaza (54188795, 18202131727) 1) 张杨路 2302 号 , 近泾南路 2) 富贵

CLASSIFIEDS INDEX BOOKSTORES EDUCATIONAL SERVICES HAIRDRESSERS MOVING + SHIPPING TRAVEL VISA SERVICE

BOOKSTORES Garden Books SHANGHAI CENTER, F1/1376 Nanjing Road (W), (EAST SUITE)Sells imported books, newspapers, magazines and other foreign publications. www.bookzines.com chochobook@yahoo.com.cn 325 Changle Lu, by Shaanxi Lu (5404 8728) 长乐路 325 号 , 近陕西路

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Apple Montessori Apple Montessori Xuhui Campus Add: No. 290, West Jianguo Road cross Jiashan Road, Xuhui district Tel: 021-33567892; 13671874701 Email: campus.xuhui@applemontessori. org

MOVING + SHIPPING Hanna Relocation - Hanna keeps it safe.

International/Domestic/Local Move Office Move/Storage Service M/Wechat: 138 1742 2742 Mencius T:6475 2726 F:5479 6362 Email:hanna@hannapack.com Website:www.hannapack.com Seven Seas Worldwide® (Est. 1996) The first in moving personal effects and household items around the world: 60,000 customers every year, * Clear and transparent pricing & online, 30 seconds: query to quote * Boxes, bubble wrap & tape included * Support 24/7 with multi-lingual Advisors * 3-stage payment – not all upfront * Order managed online, real time tracking Try our Baggage Worldwide, 2 Large Boxes(30kg each), Price from CNY1,469 Please contact us on 4001816698 Web: www.sevenseasworldwide.cn WeChat: ssw7033

Apple Montessori Pudong Campus Add: No. 889, South Yanggao Road cross Pujian Road Tel: 021-50771762; 13671874151 Email: campus.pudong@applemontessori.org HSK intensive course: 100RMB/class hour *30 class hours Mon、Wed、Fri 14:00- - 17:00 Sat、Sun 9:00- -12:00 Daytime Course Day: Monday-Friday Time: 10:00 ~17:00

1 to 1 Class Regular Daytime Course Price: Class hour: 50H, 7500yuan Class hour: 100H, 14000yuan Promotion Daytime Course Price: Class hour: 30H,4200yuan Class hour: 50H,6000yuan Huaihai Rd campus: 021-53067271 hanyuan@jicsh.com No.28 Gaolan Rd Shanghai Zhongshan park campus: 021-62418767 hanyuanzs@163.com Block A,13F,No.121 jiangsu Rd https://www.mandarinschool.net

HAIRDRESSERS Hairstylist Sam, who has experience working for TONI & GUY salon for more than 13years.

Fluent in English, expert in doing Western hairstyling and coloring . he currently works at TREVOR SORBIE salon. should you have any question or need an assistance with your hairstyle ,please contact him via this number 13482815780

YIBO RELOCATION SERVICE Focus: Office Relocation.

Storage Service.

Household Goods Relocation.

Air Purifier Machines Rental Service.

Contact: Eason Luo E: eason.luo@yiborelo.com M: 86-13764128061 T: 8621-62590003 W: www.yiborelo.com

TRAVEL Anutham Adventures Hangzamtog,Thimphu Bhutan Anutham means Happiness in Sanskrit.

You travel begins here with us, Anutham Adventures. Let us guide you to the land of happiness and help you find your happiness. Let us be a part of your discovery to rejoice in simplicity and humbleness of the land of thunder dragon.

Wechat: anuthamadventure Cell: +9751735-1434 Email: jikz7@yahoo.com anuthambhutan@gmail.com www. anuthambhutan.com

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 | 71

That’s hai Shang

FEBRUARY

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in China.

By Bryan Grogan

Aquarius 1.21~2.19

One of your nearest and dearest will pressure you into answering an impossible question: which of the great eight cuisines is your favorite? Luckily Venus, the planet of love, is in your corner and will imbue you with a gorgeous mid-winter glow. Use that confidence to keep your secrets under wraps.

Gemini

5.22~6.21 Chinese New Year means a nice long break from the teaching slog. Use this precious time to invest in new job opportunities and hobbies to expand your professional future.

Libra

9.24~10.23 Your professional life seems to have devolved into posting on Weibo every hour on the hour. Quit seeking likes and reshares, and refocus on the fundamentals to see a marked improvement in your professional prospects.

72 | FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Pisces

2.20~3.20 The boundless Asian horizon is calling you towards that yoga retreat you have been following on Instagram for the past few months. Give into the temptation and take a few weeks away from work and the futility of the rat race.

Cancer

6.22~7.22 Your favorite dumpling shop has closed and you don’t know what to do and who to tell. In public you are all smiles but in your heart of hearts you know you’ll never again get the same quality of xiao long bao .

Scorpio

10.24~11.22 The middle of the month will see you embrace a new romance, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Don’t be afraid to be your fun-loving self in front of this new partner, in order for the relationship to flourish.

Aries

3.21~4.20 Your last business venture didn’t go too well. Who knew being a cat manicurist could be such a hazard. Take stock of your mistakes and ease yourself into the next effort. At the same time, don’t be afraid of your instincts; just don’t let them lead you astray.

Leo

7.23~8.23 You are a fount of energy this month little lion man, and you’re thirsting for something to get your competitive j u i c e s f l ow i n g . S i g n u p fo r t h e badminton tournament at your local sports center and you might just find your new favorite hobby.

Sagittarius 11.23~12.21

You have been ruminating on the idea of leaving China for years, but this Chinese New Year will give you renewed reason to leave. Don’t move too fast, talk to close friends and family and take time to meditate on your motivations in order to make the right decision.

Taurus 4.21~5.21

The cool group at your local HIIT session will hit you up (get it?) this month. They’ve noticed your impeccable squatting motion and want to invite you out for lunch. Jump at the chance and be your best, gorgeous, healthy self.

Virgo

8.24~9.23 The festive season has worn you out.

It’s time now to recalibrate and focus on having fun. Whether your idea of a good time is hiking the Avatar mountains at Zhangjiajie or getting crunk in the club on Saturday night, set aside time to indulge your happiness hormones.

Capricorn 12.22~1.20

You’re considering a big purchase, but are unsure of the asking price. You’ve honed your bargaining skills with the toughest of street market vendors, so put them to use and ensure you get bang for your buck.

TRAVEL DEALS Two-Night Stay at The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Sanya Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay in a luxurious deluxe oceanfront room at The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Sanya this month for only RMB2,388.

This rate includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults and one child under 6 years old, a restaurant meal (one per stay, lunch or dinner), a RMB288 spa voucher, complimentary pickup or drop off service and free access to the children’s playground, infinity pool and wave pool, among other perks. Trust us when we say there’s no better way to start the Year of the Rat than with a beach vacation, and this package is the perfect excuse to ditch the city and enjoy a little sun and sand.

For booking and further information on this package, scan the QR code:

Two-Night Stay at Banyan Tree Spa Hangzhou If seaside fun isn’t your cup of tea, thMart has an alternative for you: Enjoy a two-night stay in a water-view villa at Banyan Tree Spa Hangzhou for only RMB3,999. In addition to daily Chinese and Western-styles buffet breakfasts, this package also includes dinner with authentic Hangzhou dishes, admission tickets to Xixi National Wetland Park and discounts for your purchases at the hotel gift shop. For travelers with kids, it also offers a complimentary extra soft bed with daily breakfast for your little one.

For booking and further information on this package, scan the QR code: