Tianjin Vibes

G re at er B ay A re a

TIAN

JIN VIBES

城市漫步 广州英文 版 9 月份

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SEPTEMBER 2021

《城市漫步》广州 英文月刊

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Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gandolfo 甘德发 Arts and Life Editor Phoebe Kut 吉蓁蓁 Travel Editor Sophie Steiner Nation Editor Alistair Baker-Brian Contributors Rakini Bergundy, Joshua Cawthorpe, Lars James Hamer

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Distribution across China: 200,000 copies

Becoming a better professional by being a student again

ADVERTORIAL

I

t’s back-to-school time again, and among the ranks of new university students are working professionals.

Two new adult learners at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou say despite the challenges of returning to school after years away, they are confident of the rewards. Both plan to boost what they can offer in the workplace through master’s degrees from XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou (IBSS).

Back to school again While Hamed Azimidizaj has become an experienced engineer and manager over nearly 15 years in the automotive industry, he wants to broaden his knowledge.

Originally from Iran, he’s lived for five years in China and is Technical Manager and Advisor at Suzhou Hengmei Electron Technology Inc. “Now I see that experience alone is not enough. You need to bring knowledge to the industry to make improvements, and I’m seeking more knowledge so that I can make a change,” he says.

To build up his knowledge base, he enrolled in the part-time MSc Project Management program at IBSS. He says all the program’s compulsory modules together are equally necessary to make a project successful, but he’s interested especially in risk management and stakeholder management.

At Weiss-Voetsch Environmental Testing Instruments (Taicang) Co., Ltd., Qin Qian, Marketing Manager, is charged with implementing the German company’s new business development. One of her goals is to build a system to expand the company’s business with new markets in China.

In today’s competitive business world, just keeping up with rapid technological advances is not enough, she says.

“How can I help my team become more innovative? How can we successfully break into new markets? I’ve been pondering these questions for two years, and eventually, I came to believe the best way is to further my studies in this field,” she says.

Qian has enrolled in the part-time International MBA program at XJTLU to help find her answers.

When comparing business schools, she was particularly impressed with IBSS’s “Triple Crown”, she says. IBSS recently

became one of just over 100 business schools worldwide to accumulate all three Triple Crown accreditations: AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) and AMBA & BGA (Association of MBAs and the Business Graduates Association).

Benefits for adult learners Both incoming students say XJTLU offers attractive features for adult learners and working professionals.

For Azimidizaj, being able to study in English, part-time, at a university in China was key.

“I’m living and working in China but I don’t know Chinese very well. To be able to have a better understanding of Chinese, culture, market, and society, it is best if I could study in an international university located in China,” he says.

Qian, a Chinese citizen, was relieved that she didn’t need to prepare for China’s National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (NPEE) to apply to XJTLU. Despite a supportive family and company, she found balancing work, family life and entrance exam study too difficult.

“It was requiring a lot of effort for me to prepare for the NPEE, especially the advanced mathematics, which I haven’t touched for a long time. Therefore, I think the XJTLU application system is more suitable for me.”

Added attractions Azimidizaj says seeing the well-equipped facilities on a modern campus during his visit to XJTLU helped seal the deal for him.

“My first impression of the campus was that this is the place I want to study,” he says.

He also enjoyed positive interactions with the staff.

“An essential part of the decision was the connection to the staff. Unlike some schools with more of a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude, here at XJTLU I never felt this way. I have made several contacts between university staff already, even before starting classes.”

Both incoming students cite XJTLU’s international environment as a factor that attracted them.

All students at XJTLU graduate with internationally recognized degrees.

Azimidizaj and Qian will each earn a master’s degree from the University of Liverpool in the UK that is recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

For students considering further study, Azimidizaj says Suzhou provides a comfortable environment, with its mix of modern amenities and ancient culture.

Qian advises those students to make careful decisions and then pursue goals wholeheartedly.

“Sometimes, choice is more important than effort. Making good decisions matters because mistakes are expensive,” says Qian.

“But once you’ve decided, you should chase it down with everything you’ve got.

Life is too short to wait.” > For more information, please scan the QR code.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 01

Editor’s Note

SEPTEMBER 2021

When you think of travel destinations in China, Tianjin doesn’t typically come to mind. However, Beijing-based

Photographer Bruce Connolly shares with us some handpicked photos capturing the everyday life of the beautiful city along the Hai River. Check out this photo-focused cover story on pages 30-37.

Elsewhere in the magazine, Lars James Hamer gives us an inside look at a fake goods operation in South China and

just how expensive some fake items can cost (p10-13). In the Arts & Life section, Alistair Baker-Brian chats with Red Gate Gallery Founder Brian Wallace about the development of Beijing’s famous 798 Art District (p20-21).

Lastly, we wish everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and to enjoy those moon cakes!

Best Regards,

Ryan Gandolfo Editor-in-Chief

AD

02 |SEPTEMBER 2021

AD

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 03

THE WRAP

6 THE NATION

14 ARTS & LIFE

7 WALL STREET STRUGGLES

15 LISA HOU Pilates ProWorks instructor.

Why is Wall Street English filing for bankruptcy in China?

10 THE HUSTLE A seller’s story on building a fake goods empire.

This Beijing expat was in 798 Art District before it was cool.

22 TRAVEL

38 FAMILY

23 VAX PASS

39 DAVID HENRY Jiashan Lane market man.

How to get an international vaccine passport.

26 XIAMEN Coastal comfort.

04 |SEPTEMBER 2021

20 ART MEMORIES

42 AFTER-SCHOOL FREEDOM 5 big changes to Beijing’s training centers.

30 TIANJIN VIBES PHOTOS OF EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE LESSER-TRAVELED METROPOLIS

AD

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 05

THE NATION The Hustle

A Seller’s Story on Building a Fake Goods Empire p10

Quote of the Month P8

06 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Mandarin Mumbles P9

CHINA CURRENTS

Wall Street Struggles Why is Wall Street English Filing for Bankruptcy in China?

By Joshua Cawthorpe and Alistair Baker-Brian

M

ore than 1,000 customers of Wall Street English who are owed refunds have risen in online chat groups to seek legal counsel as the English tutoring company files for bankruptcy. According to Global Times , the outstanding liabilities in refundable tuitions could exceed RMB100 million.

As WSE representatives were continuing to sell courses in late July, the impending lawsuit will likely allege fraud. The company was already penalized for false advertising practices in June with a RMB2.5 million fine from Shanghai market regulators.

However, a Beijing-based lawyer told Global Times that it will be very difficult for complainants to receive compensation if the company doesn’t have the financial ability to provide refunds.

Customers spent RMB20,000, on

average, for tuition and then would be called repeatedly by representatives to ‘upgrade’ their courses.

Representatives often pressured customers to take out loans from banks and other short-term loan providers, among which Baidu-owned Du Xiaoman Financial holds the greatest exposure of outstanding WSE-related loans.

According to Caixin Weekly , there are no protections in place for borrowers, and some of these loans have already negatively affected former WSE students’ credit scores.

The company entered the Chinese market in 2000 and, at its peak, held 71 training centers in 11 Chinese cities. As of mid-August, less than 30 schools were operating with only 1,000 employees nationwide.

WSE began closing training centers during the pandemic last year.

Although some employees were given

termination packages in accordance with Chinese labor laws, others claim that they haven’t been paid in months and were being encouraged by managers to voluntarily resign.

Netizens on Weibo are using the hashtag ‘Wall Street English will go bankrupt.’ One user commented, “Great! It’s a trash school.” Another argued the bankruptcy was part of a “trend of out-of-school-hours training centers going bust” concerning recently announced regulations.

WSE primarily offers Englishlanguage training to adults who wish to further their job prospects. In late July, government regulators announced tough regulations to the K-12 after-school tutoring industry. It is not clear if these regulations will affect adult language training programs, but foreign investment in the education sector for children has been banned.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 07

RANDOM NUMBER

DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

5

Zhang Zhehan

is the number of relatives infected with COVID-19 after they failed to report their travel history to authorities in Henan last month. Officials launched an investigation that found one of the relatives in Shangqiu city had visited a medium-risk area in a shopping mall and came into contact with a confirmed patient. Global Times reported that the woman, surnamed Yin, tested positive during a mass nucleic acid test at the city’s No. 1 People’s Hospital. Her son, daughter and two of her husband’s sisters were also confirmed cases. Given the quick transmission of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, city officials are investigating how this incident took place.

Actor Zhang Zhehan was ‘canceled’ in August after he appeared in a photo at Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine, which is a symbol of Japan’s wartime legacy, is a contentious subject in the region.

Zhang’s accounts were deleted on multiple Chinese social media platforms, including Weibo. The website released a statement saying public figures should be more “knowledgeable of history,” as cited by Global Times . Other photos showed the actor attending a wedding at Nogi Shrine, another controversial site that honors military officers who invaded China during World War II. Zhang apologized online for his ignorance regarding the photos. Several brands have also severed ties with Zhang following public outcry.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“It is not worth pity, delivery drivers have been a major nuisance to city traffic, especially in the noon and afternoon dining peak. They drive recklessly everywhere, it’s very dangerous” ... said one Weibo commenter after a waimai driver was struck by a car in Hangzhou near West Lake. Video footage showed the delivery driver driving fast on a crosswalk right as cars were approaching the intersection. Without enough time to slow down, a black car ran into the driver. As of publication time, details about the driver’s health conditions have not been made public.

08 |SEPTEMBER 2021

T H AT ’ S M A G A Z I N E S

MANDARIN MUMBLES

8 Chinese Phrases to Say to Strangers BE A ‘NICE’ STRANGER IN CHINA 1. COMING THROUGH

请让一下。 / 麻烦借过一下。 Qǐng ràng yīxià. / Máfan jièguò yīxià.

(Excuse me), coming through.

WHEN TO USE Whenever you’re trying to pass through a crowded area, or whenever someone’s in your way.

Both phrases are used equally often.

4. YOUR SHOE’S UNTIED 你的鞋带开了。 Nǐ de xiédài kāi le.

Your shoe is untied.

WHEN TO USE Whenever you see someone walk down the street with a shoelace untied; it’s not very safe.

7. IS THIS SEAT TAKEN?

这里有人吗？ Zhèlǐ yǒu rén ma?

Is this seat/table taken? (lit. “Here-have-people-[ma]?)

WHEN TO USE In a coffee shop or a restaurant whenever you’re not sure you can borrow a chair, or sit down at an empty table.

2. YOU’VE DROPPED SOMETHING

你的东西掉了。 Nǐ de dōngxi diào le.

You’ve dropped something.

WHEN TO USE Whenever you see people drop or lose something that belongs to them.

5. YOUR BAG IS OPEN 你的包开了。/ 你 的包没拉上。 Nǐ de bāo kāi le. / Nǐ de bāo méi lāshàng.

Your bag is open.

WHEN TO USE Whenever you see someone walking in front of you with their bag open. Not safe either – thieves!

3. WATCH OUT!

当心！/ 小心！ Dāngxīn! / Xiǎoxīn!

Be careful! Watch out!

WHEN TO USE Whenever someone is in danger, or putting you in it (e.g. a car or a waimai guy). The difference between the two phrases is that dāngxīn is used more often in the south (e.g. Shanghai), and xiǎoxīn — in the North (e.g. Beijing).

6. YOU FORGOT THIS

等一下，你的东西没拿。 Děng yīxià, nǐ de dōngxi méi nǎ.

Wait, you left something.

WHEN TO USE Whenever you notice that someone forgot their bag, phone or other things and left.

8. IS THIS THE END OF THE LINE? 是在这里排队吗？ Shì zài zhèlǐ páiduì ma?

Is this the end of the line? (lit. “Is-in-here-line up-[ma]?)

WHEN TO USE Whenever you want to find the end of the line. Unlikely you’ll need this phrase though, because there’s never a line (or you have a digital ticket).

To learn more phrases & practice with Chinese teachers at That’s Mandarin, scan this QR code:

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 09

T H E N AT I O N | F E A T U R E

The Hustle A Seller’s Story on Building a Fake Goods Empire

By Lars James Hamer

10 |SEPTEMBER 2021

China has its fair share of fake goods. The global trade for fake goods is a USD465 billion-dollar industry, and the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong make up a staggering 85% of the market. To add a little perspective, the fake goods market is a bigger contributor to the global economy than the illegal drug trade.

We’re not just talking Louis Vuitton handbags, Armani suits and Yeezy boots. We’ve seen fake products ranging from Legos to frying pans and kitchen knives to cars. And recently, there have been reports of fake medicine and even food being snatched up by the authorities.

F E A T U R E | T H E N AT I O N

T

he range of quality of fake goods in China varies wildly, we’ve all seen the guy on the metro wearing a ‘Linkin Park, minutes to midnight’ t-shirt that reads ‘knickin pank, midnight to minutes,’ or the ayi head to toe in the finest Gukki.

Despite contributing a significant share of the fake goods industry, big brands don’t do as much as you might think to police these blatantly obvious rip-offs. Small fish, big pond. It’s the products that require experts, with years of training to spot the real from the fake, that really worry the major players in the luxury brands market.

Fake brands of the highest quality aren’t cheap. The best fake Hermes bag from Beijing’s infamous Silk Road Market will set you back several thousand yuan. Still, this is nothing in comparison to the several tens of thousands of US dollars that the real thing would cost.

CG, a business pseudonym, makes and sells fake goods in China. We’ve seen CG sell an assortment of goods from remote control cars to washing machines.

We spoke with CG to learn about the industry and understand exactly how fake goods are made in China.

“Many years ago, Nike’s factories were in China. Later, the wages of Chinese labor increased, so Nike moved

its factories to different countries in Southeast Asia. But the manufacturing technology remained in China, so we can continue to produce,” CG says via WeChat. Although he types in near-perfect English, he’s apprehensive about speaking over the phone.

Despite selling just about anything, CG’s main outlet is shoes, followed closely by clothes, bags and accessories.

Like many of these sellers, their products differ in terms of quality.

“There will be many different versions of the same product – they come from different factories and are sold to different groups of people,” he writes, with a pause between messages to handle customer inquiries. “For example, students have less money and usually buy lower quality versions. People with jobs will choose the higher version or even the best. Different versions, different prices.”

We’ve seen CG’s products and to the untrained eye, it’s almost impossible to distinguish between real and fake. Even upon close examination of the stitching, materials and embroidery, it’s hard to find faults. Most impressive of all is the quality of the luxury brands, which

always come with a replica certificate of authentication, just like the real thing.

These high-quality imitations are made using machines like the ones Nike left behind all those years ago. “We will buy the genuine products as soon as possible, dissect it and copy it. First buy genuine products – you only need one, then you can make countless copies.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11

T H E N AT I O N | F E A T U R E

With a business model like that, it’s justifiable to spend thousands of yuan on the real product.

Once CG has the genuine product, he has a special team that is in charge of taking the product apart and seeing exactly how it is put together and what materials are used. After that, it’s simply telling a machine what to do.

CG is the boss of his operation in Longjiang, Fujian province, and oversees the whole operation. On a typical day, CG officially goes online at 2pm and starts replying to customer inquiries.

He does the majority of his business via WeChat, so there’s a lot of messages.

He’ll take orders until around 6pm, and then it’s time to start processing orders.

“We have employees who specialize in picking up goods [from factories and

12 |SEPTEMBER 2021

warehouses]. After the goods are brought back, we need to do a careful inspection, repairs and packing. Then the courier will come over and take them out. This lasts until about 2am, because our pick-ups must be completed late at night, around midnight.”

During our text conversation, the break between messages becomes a little longer now and I start to get the feeling that he doesn’t want to say too much. “We have no official authorization, this is very sensitive, so we sell through very special channels, we have to be very careful.”

Every morning, ever since we’ve known CG, he has uploaded pictures of all his latest products in the middle of the night like clockwork. On a typical day, hundreds of the newest shoes and clothes will be pumped into our

F E A T U R E | T H E N AT I O N

Moments. When Chinese New Year, Christmas, or any public holiday rolls around, we’ll see toys, furniture, electrical goods – you name it.

“We work with many factories each producing different goods, and I also have my own factory. My factory produces high-quality items, mainly clothes. The watches and jewelry are made at my friends’ factories, we work closely together. We also have warehouses in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong and Shandong.”

CG has many different connections across China because he has been in the trade ever since he was a kid. “When I was a child, my cousin had a shoe factory. In high school, I started to help sell shoes and used to publish pictures on the internet and send express deliveries. Almost like it is now, but at that time I was only responsible for taking orders.”

After working with his cousin throughout high school, CG went to Sanya University to study business management. With the experience of working on the factory floor and then studying management, CG has been able to set up a business that is now selling internationally.

“When studying in Sanya, I met some foreigners who introduced me to their relatives and friends, so I’ve been able to get more and more foreign customers. I often send goods to England, America and Vietnam,” he tells us.

Fake products in the West are nowhere near the quality of fakes that are released in China, hence the significant global market domination, and the ability for someone like CG to sell internationally. When we ask CG what’s the difference between his products and the real deal, he frankly replied: “The price.”

Of course, we wouldn’t expect him to say anything else, he does have a business to run after all.

One of our big takeaways is that CG’s products aren’t the top of the line – some fakes in the market go for tens of thousands of yuan, which goes to show how high the quality can be.

How sure can you even be that what you’re wearing is the real deal?

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 13

ARTS & LIFE Art Memories

This Beijing Expat was in 798 Art District Before It was Cool p20

Overheard P16

14 |SEPTEMBER 2021

City Snapshot P16

SPOTLIGHT

PILATES PROWORKS INSTRUCTOR Lisa Hou

Interview by Ned Kelly

Beats, burn and badass vibes – that’s the deal at Pilates ProWorks, the California craze that is conquering the world, offering highly effective workouts on its signature FitFormer machine. We caught up with instructor Lisa Hou to find out more.

What makes the FitFormer machine different from other traditional Pilates reformers?

The FitFormer is unique as it involves fullbody resistance training, which builds muscle strength, tones, lengthens and stretches the body. Aesthetically, the FitFormer not only has a back platform, which makes it different from a traditional reformer, but it also has hurdle handles that allow one to do more movements on the machine, keeping the class challenging and entertaining. PPW classes move quicker than traditional reformer classes, keeping the heart rate up and burning extra calories.

How easy is it to get into Pilates ProWorks?

What I like about Pilates Proworks is that there are a wide range of classes to choose from. We have the classes that are taught on the FitFormer machine, and each instructor brings their own style.

There are also Barre, Yogalates, Tabata and boxing classes that are offered at the studio and classes that are broken down into levels, beginner and advance. With the different varieties of classes that are offered, one cannot get bored!

“Pilates is not just a fitness trend – it is a habit that fuels your everyday activity” What inspires you when teaching classes?

My client’s progress. We have some clients who have individual goals and want to gain muscle strength, become more flexible, have the ability to do a full squat or to lose weight. It’s great to not only connect with the clients, but also to know that you are there to support and help guide them to their fitness goals.

What is the toughest class you teach?

My 8pm Monday night class. It is my 5th class of the day, and a late one for me as I sleep early. However, I have a lot of regulars in that class and have connected with them over the years. It’s great to see them get stronger, making the class very rewarding to teach.

And the most social class?

My Pre and Postnatal Class. I started to teach this class when I was pregnant with my second child, and have met some of my kids’ friend’s moms via this class.

After class there is time for us moms to get in a chat about pregnancy and mommy life. I’ve had the pleasure to meet some of the moms’ newly born babies who did the class during pregnancy, which is an extra treat.

I also enjoy teaching the advance class. It is a fun one as the clients are very strong. This class is one where I can not only push the clients to their full

potential, but it involves some creativity in the movements and sequencing of the class.

How do you foster the PPW community?

We like to build a community where people feel a sense of belonging from the moment they attend a class and find greater value in the workout, till it becomes a part of their lifestyle. This is a place where people from different backgrounds and fitness levels are welcomed and can receive proper training.

Pilates is not just a fitness trend, it is a habit that fuels your everyday activity.

We also provide access to fitness and health by collaborating with other brands to promote well-being, to bring people together, connect communities and create an environment where positive changes are celebrated.

Meanwhile, to keep the community dynamic, positive and connected, we have organized plenty of challenges and gathering events, including a 21day health challenge, members’ days, anniversary celebrations and other types of workout sessions.

Pilates ProWorks (PPW), 1003 Wuding Lu, Jing’an District, Shanghai Tel: 021 6225 3966; 182 1730 2303 Email: shanghai@pilatesproworks.com WeChat Official Account: PilatesProWorks WeChat Service: ppwcommunity

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 15

OVERHEARD

“The brand made false statements about working conditions in its factories and supply chain” Reported Reuters, about Chinese fast-fashion brand, Shein. The brand has skyrocketed to success internationally due to their bargain basement prices.

However, the brand has recently come under fire for not obtaining proper quality and safety certifications. On Shein’s official website, it states the company has obtained the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and complied with the strict labor standards set by international organisations such as SA8000. The relevant organizations have refuted this claim.

Dao Insights writes, “The brand also did not provide complete supply chain information disclosure on the official website, in accordance with the requirements of British and Australian laws.”

A Shein spokesperson has responded that an official statement will be released in the next few weeks and that it does abide by Australian laws.

COVET

Gucci Diana Handbag Nineties fashion has seen a huge resurgence in the past year, and so it was only fitting that Gucci would look to its archives for inspiration.

Princess Diana popularized the Gucci bamboo tote bag in the ’90s as she carried the bag around with her in her signature athleisure look.

The new Gucci Diana bag, reimagined by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, has a bamboo handle paired with a neon leather strap and comes in three sizes (medium, small and mini). The silhouette is timeless and the prints and patterns offered are maximalist.

The leather strap on the original were more for function as they were used to keep the handles’ shape. > Visit gucci.cn to shop.

CITY SNAPSHOT

@ marlonhb

Marlon is a Brazilian who has been living in Dongguan, Guangdong province for the past 17 years. He tells us, “I love taking drone photos and filming around Guangdong and specially Dongguan, where I live. This photo is made from a combination of 26 images creating a panoramic 360-degree photo. It was taken on Dongguan’s Hongfu Lu intersection during a sunset.”

Dongguan has developed rapidly in recent years, becoming a hub for technology and other industries in the Greater Bay Area.

The city once held the nickname of China’s ‘Capital of Sex’ or ‘the Eastern Amsterdam.’

As Dongguan’s manufacturing sector blossomed, so did its sex industry. Brothels, massage parlors, sauna houses and karaoke bars were common places where sex services were offered. In 2014, an anti-vice operation was launched to crack down on prostitution in Dongguan. > For more of Marlon’s work follow @marlonhb on Instagram. Search ‘marlonhb’ on WeChat Channels to view videos.

16 |SEPTEMBER 2021

ADVERTORIAL

ALLELIQUE SKINCARE FOUNDER MANE VELASCO Former Nurse Using TCM to Unlock the Science of Beauty

H

ailing from Chile, Mane Velasco started her career as an emergency room nurse, gaining firsthand medical experience, an understanding of skin injuries and the process of healing. It’s something she would use as the foundation for all that followed. From there, she jumped to

Cosmetology and founded her first spa in 2001.

Fast forward 10 years, and Velasco had moved her base to Shanghai – a city she had fallen in love with on her very first visit. “In this city, you find people from all over China, from every province, and then foreigners from all over the world,” she explains. “The mix of cultures is very rich and gives you so much to learn.”

And learn she did. Velasco began her Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) studies, with a view to combine her science-based knowledge of skincare with unique and ancient Chinese wisdom. “In medical terms, in the Western world, we don’t put much emphasis as we should on the relationship between blood circulation and wellbeing,” Velasco explains how her studies in China have informed her philosophy.

“With simple techniques, we can keep blood circulation and detox running like a perfect machine for our skin.”

Always looking to advance her knowledge on all fronts, in 2018 Velasco traveled to Spain to complete her master’s degree in neuroscience.

Bringing together all she had learned, one year later she founded her skincare brand Allelique.

Allelique will soon be found in hotels as well as in the form of a spa line. Velasco also offers Master Classes, with easy access on social media platforms in China and across the world, where she teaches how to manage the science of beauty from a medical point of view, combined with natural secrets.

“My passion is more than the beauty industry; skin condition and treatments are related to our wellbeing,” Velasco says. “Emotionally and psychologically, a woman has the social pressure for a perfect look, and this is a lot to carry if your skin, especially your facial skin, doesn’t look as perfect as it needs to validate your success.”

Not done with learning and always striving for perfection, Velasco is currently a biology PhD student, only furthering the passion she puts into developing the formulas of Allelique’s products. It is her belief that the right product, created through experience, can craft perfection of mind and skin. > For more on Allelique visit www.allelique.com, or scan the QR code.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 17

CUT IT OUT ARTS & LIFE | FASHION

9 Daring Silhouettes for the Fall Compiled by Rakini Bergundy Peekaboo, we see you. Embrace a little subtle sexiness. This ‘naked’ trend is sticking around for another season, here are some pieces to inspire your wardrobe.

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18 |SEPTEMBER 2021

FASHION | ARTS & LIFE

Dion Lee trousers RMB5,084 Scan the QR code to purchase.

Adamo RMB2,830 Scan the QR code to purchase.

Jacquemus RMB1,880 Scan the QR code to purchase.

Nanushka RMB3,646

Danielle Guizio

Scan the QR code to

RMB1,910

purchase.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | 19

ARTS & LIFE | F E AT URE

ART MEMORIES This Beijing Expat was in 798 Art District Before It was Cool

By Alistair Baker-Brian

R

ed Gate Gallery, also known by its Chinese name Hongmen Hualang ( 红门画廊 ), lies nestled among the plethora of art galleries and trendy cafes in Beijing’s 798 Art District.

Red Gate’s Founder Brian Wallace has not only witnessed the development of 798, but has also been at the forefront of China’s contemporary art scene for more than 30 years.

After first arriving in China in 1984 from his native Australia, Wallace began curating and exhibiting art in the late ‘80s.

He later founded Red Gate in 1991.

The gallery exhibits contemporary art (i.e. the art of the day). This is not to be confused with modern art, a specific style that began to develop in the middle of the 20th century.

As China’s Reform and Opening-up began to take hold across the country, so 20 |SEPTEMBER 2021

too did China’s refreshed contemporary art movement. Gone were the days when artists were required to adhere to socialist realism, a style from the Soviet Union that sought to “idealize the dictatorship of the proletariat in the arts.”

Riding this wave of China’s contemporary artists opening their minds to fresh styles of art, Red Gate was established in 1991 in Dongbianmen as the first private art gallery in the country.

The gallery later moved to a new location in 798 in 2006. Nowadays, the area is very much one of Beijing’s mainstream tourist attractions.

However, when Red Gate was first set up there, the area was still very much in its infancy. Wallace credits 798’s growth in popularity with helping make art more accessible to the general public in China.

The gallery has represented many

artists over the years, many of whom have gone on to win prestigious art awards.

Sichuan-born Han Qing took part in the gallery’s residence program. Today, he lives and works in Beijing. Many of his oil paintings on linen and canvas represent night scenes, including the iconic Taikoo Li mall in Sanlitun.

Wang Lifeng, from Inner Mongolia, has also exhibited with Red Gate since 1991. His work is focused on mixed media painting. A Red Gate curatorial statement asserts that Wang was “one of the pioneers of Chinese contemporary abstract art.”

As the gallery celebrated its 30th anniversary, That’s sat down with Wallace to discuss some of the changes he’s seen over the years.

F E AT URE | ARTS & LIFE

They knew the people down the road at the Watchtower. The people in charge of the Watchtower said, “you can have the top floor.”

Who supported Red Gate in the early days?

It was really the expat community that supported us. This included diplomats, foreign workers and students who would pass by for a drink.

When we had an opening for a Chinese artist, the people who would turn up may include the best friends of the artist, mum and dad, the girlfriend or the boyfriend, a group of foreigners and not many other people. In those days, it was really only foreigners who were buying art.

What challenges did you face when first setting up Red Gate at the original location in Dongbianmen?

Setting up at Dongbianmen didn’t present us with any challenges. We already had a very good introduction from the people at the ancient observatory (nearby Dongbianmen). All of those buildings are managed by the Bureau of Cultural Relics.

Red Gate moved to 798 Art District in 2006. What did the area look like in those days?

Think of it in two periods of time – pre-2008 Beijing Olympics and post2008 Beijing Olympics. Before 2008, even before it was booming, the artists started to discover the spaces and started moving in. The first gallery to move in was Beijing Tokyo Art Projects.

They moved here in 2002.

There was no public lighting. There was no paving on the roads. There were potholes everywhere. I like to say they ‘Singapore-d it.’ They tidied it up.

The growth of art in China has all followed the trend of China’s booming economy. People have the time and the money to partake in art now. 798 was part of this initiative to really allow people to come and see this kind of art for the first time and also to have fun.

Red Gate is now in its 30th year. To mark this anniversary, you’ve set up the ‘Memory Wall.’ What’s the idea behind this?

The basis of the ‘Memory Wall’ is the invitation cards to all the shows that we’ve had. There have been other galleries that have come and gone over the years. But, because I’ve always been around, I have their invitation cards as well.

The four artists here (on the back wall) were actually in the first show in 1991.

Many of the earlier ones (artists represented by Red Gate) are writing to me and talking about their memories of how they met me, how they got into Red Gate Gallery, etc. It’s really been a great project!

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. To learn more about Red Gate Gallery, follow their official WeChat account by scanning the QR code below:

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 21

TRAVEL Xiamen

Coastal Comfort p26

Mile High P24 22 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Rollercoaster P24

WANDERLUST

VAX PASS

How to Get an International Vaccine Passport in Shenzhen

A

nyone may apply for an International Vaccine Passport (also referred to as an International Certificate of Vaccination) once fully vaccinated.

This official document is handy to have as a bilingual record of your vaccination, or in preparation for when border restrictions are relaxed.

To apply, you will need: • Vaccination certificate (does not seem to be regionally restricted, you can print from your app) • Copy of vaccination certificate • Passport • Copy of passport • Two copies of passport photo in color

The instructions above have been provided by Arvid Lorimer Olsson, who successfully received his certificate in Dongguan on August 16.

To note, the International Travel Health Center in Shenzhen is not issuing these certificates and will direct you to the Dongguan travel center above.

Officially known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or a Yellow Card, this is an official vaccination report created by the World Health Organization (WHO). Global Times explains, “If governments have joined in any international agreements or the immunity triggered by the vaccines are recognized by the WHO, immunity passport holders from these countries can be allowed to travel freely within all the members participating in the

agreements without being required to take nucleic acid tests or quarantining.”

Olsson remarked in a WeChat group that these passports have existed for a long time, as they were issued for yellow fever. Now they are also being distributed for COVID-19 vaccinations. “I had an old one from 2005, and it was filled with all my vaccinations just for me to remember what I’ve taken, so [I] needed a new one either way. When taking the new health check, I could see that nearly all the [locals] were walking around with the yellow vaccine passport.”

He continues, “I just know that as soon as it becomes accepted in Europe everyone that wants to travel from China will want it or need it, and it will be hell to get it. So, I might as well get it now. I have no plans of leaving until winter or next summer.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 23

ROLLER COASTER

Easy Access to Universal Beijing?

The much-anticipated opening of the Universal Beijing Resort theme park has seen delay after delay. However, a small change on Beijing Subway Line 1 offers a clue that the opening may not be too far in the future.

Commuters on Line 1 noticed that the terminus station on the east end of the line was changed from Sihui Dong to Universal Resort.

Sihui and Sihui Dong stations are currently interchange stations between Line 1 and the Batong Line. However, in the future, the two lines will be integrated so that commuters can take Line 1 directly to Universal Resort without the need to transfer, according to a representative from the Beijing Subway. Commuters can also take Line 7 to the resort.

MILE HIGH

Tourism Troubles Last month was meant to be one of the biggest travel months of the year in China before school restarted. Unfortunately, the most recent COVID-19 outbreak changed many peoples’ plans as provinces and municipalities across the country urged residents not to travel. A reluctance to travel has led to a massive amount of trip cancellations, according to Zhou Mingqi, founder of tourism consultancy firm Jingjian Consulting in Shanghai, as cited by Al Jazeera. Zhou predicted the situation could last through September.

HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT

Zhujiajiao Jing Ting Jing Ting is an upscale homestay-style bed & breakfast situated an hour outside of Shanghai in nearby water town Zhujiajiao. The restored historical building is a walkable distance from the thousand-year-old village’s attractions, like Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden, yet its secluded enough that guests can enjoy a getaway from busy city life. The more than 800-square-meter structure is designed in a courtyard pattern, with prevalent wood, tiling and traditional carvings throughout the nine available guest rooms. This B&B offers guests a sunrise view over the town from its very own tea house, along with full meal service, cooked in an elevated countryside style. Guest rooms are equipped with AESOP and Lush brand toiletries, Italian silk bedding and plush towels, accented by Chinese calligraphy paintings and local handicrafts so that visitors can truly feel like they are at a home away from home.

24 |SEPTEMBER 2021

E D I T O R @ T H AT SAMDAVGESR. TCOORMI A L

How Foreigners in China Can Legally Register an Electric Bicycle

I

t is indeed one of the most convenient ways to get around China’s big cities – electric bicycles are all the rage these days.

In many cities in China, regulations require users to register their electric bicycles and to get a license plate. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to do this, so that you don’t end up getting any hefty fines.

How to register your electric bicycle in China Within 15 days of purchase, users should take their bicycle and relevant documents to the transportation department of the nearest public security bureau (PSB). Anyone who plans to use an electric bicycle must register in person with a valid passport.

Shanghai In Shanghai, users must bring a fapiao showing the purchase of the bicycle, a warranty registration form, the certificate of manufacture and any other documents required by the local PSB. Note that different PSBs may have slightly different rules depending on where in China you want to register an electric bicycle.

Be sure to double-check requirements in your local area in advance.

Beijing In Beijing, users must bring an electric bicycle registration application form, a certificate of conformity, a proof of sale certificate and any other documents required by the local PSB. Note that different PSBs may have slightly different rules depending on where in China you want to register an electric bicycle. Be sure to double-check requirements in your local area in advance. As for other cities, please contact the Sundiro Honda Staff, and they will help you apply for a license.

Buying an electric bicycle?

Head into a Sundiro Honda store where their friendly staff will be on hand to help.

The latest Sundiro Honda S07 model comes with a whole range of features. Users don’t even need a driver’s license, something which can be difficult for foreigners in China to get.

The stable and efficient Bosch motor comes with a 3-year warranty. Meanwhile, the motorcycle-grade hydraulic shock absorber and soft leather seat will ensure you ride comfortably.

Riding should also be trendy! That’s why the S07 comes in six fashionable colors, so you can ride around in style.

Safety is, of course, a number one priority. With this in mind, the S07 bicycle is equipped with a silent dual pump opposite cylinder disc brake, high-quality headlight LED as well as wet-ground adhesion tires.

Need help with the registration process?

Sundiro Honda staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have all the correct documents and will walk you through the registration process.

Once registered, you’ll be free to roam around the streets of China in one of the most convenient ways possible! > For more information, call Wenbin Wang at +86 13501695413.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 25

TR AVEL | F E AT U R E

XIAMEN Coastal Comfort

B

oasting a pleasant climate yearround and a great diversity of activities for travelers, the coastal city of Xiamen is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern China.

Located on the Taiwan Straits, with Taiwan-administered Jinmen Island lying less than 6 kilometers away, the Hokkien city of Xiamen shares similar customs, cuisines and an almost identical language with residents of the Chinese territory of Taiwan.

One of the four special economic zones opened to foreign investment in the 1980s, the former treaty port now hosts the annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade, one of the largest investment events in the world. This past year the fair was held online due to the COVID-19 situation.

Aside from financial prowess, Xiamen is home to the island of Gulangyu – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site that sees tourists flock

26 |SEPTEMBER 2021

to it day in, day out. Located only a five-minute ferry ride away from downtown Xiamen, the pedestrian-only island boasts beautiful beaches and unique architecture, and is one of the ‘most visited’ tourist spots in the PRC. On Xiamen’s historic Zhongshan Lu, rows of qilou , a traditional veranda-like structure, greet visitors and serve as a reminder of the city’s past. The Buddhist Nanputuo Temple, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, is a must-visit national treasure in Xiamen; while Zengcuo’an, a former fishing village, is a hub for pubs, hostels and street food stalls.

In this seaside city, there is no shortage of restaurants serving up fresh seafood and you’d be crazy to leave Xiamen without trying the city’s renowned shacha noodles, oyster omelet and fish ball soup.

Looking for more expert guides to China’s biggest cities and hottest destinations? Purchase our Explore China travel guide, which offers insider tips, detailed city guides and more. You can order via email at marketing@thatsmags. com

F E AT U R E | TR AVEL

Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) Ranked among the busiest airports in China, Gaoqi international airport is just a 10-kilometer drive from the center of the city. The airport operates a wide range of domestic flights across the country. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Xiamen also served a growing number of international cities. Those arriving at XMN can take a taxi or the BRT into the city center. A new airport is also being constructed north of the city on Dadeng Island in Xiang’an District. > Xiangyun Yi Lu, He Shan Jiedao, Huli District 湖里区禾山街道翔云一路

North Railway Station The only high-speed railway station in Xiamen, North Station is a regional hub with direct routes to Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hangzhou, among other cities.

Located in Jimei District, the best way to get into the city is by taking the BRT No. 1, which you can catch just south of the railway station. > Houxi Zhen Yannei cun, Jimei District 集美区后溪镇岩内村

Hubin Long-Distance Bus Station Bus stations in Xiamen are best used for regional attractions like the Yongding Hakka Tulou. You can take buses from Hubin or Fanghu station directly to Yongding Tulou, which will take anywhere from 3-4 hours. There are several departure times from early morning to afternoon.

As for inter-city bus travel, you can reach Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, among other cities and towns.

However, it’s more expensive and takes longer than catching a high-speed train.

ships depart in the late afternoon and arrive at the island the following morning. (Call 592-5820688 to confirm whether ships are operating to/from these destinations during the time of your stay). For those looking to travel to the island of Kinmen, head to Wutong Port. The ferry schedule is all day, with intervals ranging from 30-60 minutes. > Dongdu Lu, Huli District 湖里区东港路 2 号

Metro Starting operation at the end of 2017, Xiamen Metro only has two metro lines with 52 total stations; however, three other lines and 93 new stations are currently under construction. You can reach the North Station on Line 1, making for a convenient way to travel into the city. The only transfer station for Line 1 and Line 2 is at Lucuo, located in the heart of the main island.

Taxi It’s pretty easy and inexpensive to get around Xiamen by taxi, which start at RMB10. Other ride share platforms are also available in the city.

Bike You can find popular shared bike options like Meituan Bike and Hellobike in the city for cheap rides.

> No. 59 Hubin Nan Lu, Siming District 思明区湖滨南路 59 号

Xiamen International Cruise Terminal As a coastal city in southern China, Xiamen has an extensive water transportation network, operating ships to/ from Keelung and Taichung on the island of Taiwan. The

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 27

TR AVEL | F E AT U R E

SM City Plaza Located in the city center, SM City Plaza is a massive shopping center that offers travelers an escape from the summer heat. The six-floor mall is full of local and Western products, with a Walmart and Watsons inside as well as a cinema for rainy days. > No.468 Jiahe Lu, Huli District 湖里区嘉禾路 468 号

Longtou Lu (Dragon Head Road) Located on Gulangyu, Longtou Lu is a popular shopping area on the idyllic island that consists of a network of interconnected alleys. Great for snacking and souvenir shopping, the streets tend to fill up around lunchtime with food stalls serving local delicacies. Despite the great flavors and scenery, this place does get crowded – we got the vibe that all of Xiamen was walking around Longtou Lu during our visit to the island. Try and visit on a weekday to avoid the herds of tourists. > Longtou Lu, Gulangyu 鼓浪屿龙头路

Zhongshan Lu We’d be remiss to not mention Zhongshan Lu in our Xiamen shopping guide, as the commercial center is one of the go-to shopping areas in the city. Dating back to 1925, the kilometer-long walking street is lined with retail, cafes, restaurants and local food courts. Zhongshan Lu is easy to spot with a unique blend of Chinese and Western-style architecture. If you want to see Xiamen really come to life, pay a visit right after sundown. > Zhongshan Lu, Siming District 思明区中山路

28 |SEPTEMBER 2021

F E AT U R E | TR AVEL

Gulangyu Lying to the southwest of Xiamen, the small island of Gulangyu (also known as Kulangsu) beckons tourists with its delicious Minnan cuisine and mixed bag of architecture. A former international settlement in China, Gulangyu, nicknamed ‘the island of music’ and ‘garden on the sea,’ was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in July 2017 for “a mixture of different architectural styles including Traditional Southern Fujian Style, Western Classical Revival Style and Veranda Colonial Style.” The only vehicles allowed on the car-free island – which is populated by approximately 6,000 residents – are electric buggies used to transport tourists. It’s recommended to buy ferry tickets (RMB30-50) two or three days in advance at the Xiamen International Cruise Center.

Nanputuo Temple One of the most prominent Buddhist temples in the Middle Kingdom, the Nanputuo Temple was originally built at the end of the Tang Dynasty, more than 1,000 years ago.

Buddhist halls and pagodas dot the temple grounds, which is also famous for its vegetarian restaurants and pastries.

Backed by Wulao Mountain, the top of which boasts a killer view of the city’s coastline, the majestic temple is home to the renowned Buddhist College of Minnan and hundreds of Buddhist monks.

Huandao Lu Blue waters, golden sand and green lawns make Huandao Lu, or ‘Encircle Island Road,’ a popular route for a bike tour. Particularly beautiful is the stretch of road from Xiamen University to Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center. Many sights, including a fort barbette and a wetland, are located along the coastal thoroughfare.

Bicycles can also be rented at Xiamen University or Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 29

TIAN 30

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

U

nlike China’s biggest metropolises, Tianjin is often overlooked. The municipality is steeped in history with a blend of architectural elements from both Asia and Europe. While Tianjin may not be atop most China travel destinations, there’s a certain vibe to the city that has caught Bruce Connolly’s attention. The Beijing-based photographer holds Tianjin in high regard and often travels there for different events as well as an excuse to leave the capital now and then.

Each time Connolly sets out to capture the city with his lens, he’s taken aback by the beauty along the Hai River and the smiling faces he comes across.

In the following pages, Connolly shares his photos of the people of Tianjin as well as the shining architecture throughout this bustling city.

NJIN Photos of Everyday Life in the Lessertraveled Metropolis

Looking over the former British concession area, 2021

Pedicabs waiting for visitiors on Ha’erbin Dao, 2021

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Tianjin and the Hai River from the ShangriLa Hotel, 2021

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, 2021 n Heping Lu ack stall o sn a at r d daughte Mother an

Tianjin Concert Hall is a popular location for wedding photography, 2020

Night foo

d stall on

Xing’an Lu

, 2021

Traffic scene at Wanghailou Church, 2004

Former Concession Area – Jiefang Bei Lu on a rainy evening, 2018

Tianjin – City of Architecture, 2020

Local snacks at a night food market on Heping Lu, 2019

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Go-Kart fun for kids at Aocheng Commercial Plaza, 2021

Jiefang Bridge in mist, 2017

Tianhou Temple at Ancient Antique Street, 2021

Jianfu Guanyin Temple, 2019

Enjoying the time at

Aocheng Commerc

ial Plaza, 2021

Dragon Boat Race on Hai River, 2019

Evening stroll on Ha’erbin Dao food street, 2021

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Antique market on

Shenyang Lu, 2021

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Concentrating on the

phone on Tai’an Av

enue, 2020

Contrasting skyline at Xiaobailou, 2021

FAMILY After-School Freedom 5 Big Changes to Beijing’s Training Centers p42

Healthy Habits P40

38 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Class Clown P40

FULL HOUSE

DAVID HENRY

Jiashan Lane Market Man Interview by Ned Kelly

Originally from Rhode Island, David Henry has been living and working in Shanghai for 25 years. Having taught English and Intercultural Communications at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) for 20 years, 12 years ago he started a coffee roasting business, Jonas Emil Coffee Roasters. He’s also the man behind Jiashan Lane Market, which is back soon, COVID permitting. Time to catch up for a chat, we thought…

How did Jianshan Lane Market come about?

Back when we started the coffee roasting business, there were a number of expats in Shanghai that had started businesses in the F&B area. It was hard to find good ‘foods from home’ that we missed, so they got the notion to make and sell these home-style foods.

Amelia Heaton-Renshaw’s Amelia’s British Jams and Chutneys, James Stockwell’s British Kitchen, Lexie Comstock’s Strictly Cookies, Lexie Morris’, Lollipop Bakery, Christine Asuncion’s, Spread the Bagel, the Pierogie Ladies, Ambrosia Dairy, Jonas Emil Coffee, Wine Guy. We made a pretty close-knit group.

There were limited venues for selling these goods: school fairs at the few international schools in Shanghai at that time, women’s clubs and the like, and we’d see each other at these events.

Then the Jiashan Market group opened a repurposed factory complex in the neighborhood where many of us lived and worked. They were looking for a European-style farmers market to bring people to their site, which was hidden away between Jiashan Lu and Shaanxi Nan Lu, and they engaged Amelia to organize it.

“It was hard to find good ‘foods from home’ that we missed, so they got the notion to make and sell these home-style foods“ When and how did you take over organizing the market?

From the beginning, the market has been organized by one of the vendors of the market. Amelia Heaton-Renshaw was a charismatic personality who brought people together. She then sold her business, Amelia’s Jams and Chutneys, to Sarah and James Butler and they took over the market for a few years, and then they moved on to bigger and better things.

It seemed like the market ought to be continued by one of the vendors. Part of what made it work was the almost communal spirit of the group. The market wasn’t quite big enough to support a dedicated administrator. I had been there since the first market and we had made it our business location for Jonas Emil Coffee, so it made sense to take on the organizing responsibilities.

For people who have never been to Jiashan Market, what can they expect?

Expect a small, intimate market. The courtyard holds 30-plus vendors. The space is not expandable. This creates a need for us to be selective in vendors to provide an interesting mix of quality products. Expect to experience the ‘Jiashan Vibe,’ a relaxed, familial feeling as friends meet over food and drink from our local food vendors while catching up on personal news since last they met.

What do you have planned for the next few months?

First, getting past the pandemic. We just learned that we cannot open in September due to the recent outbreak in China. In Shanghai, markets are regulated by the district level Business Bureau. So regulations vary from District to District.

However, we are optimistically planning for a good season starting in October. We are planning to bring back live music with artists like Lana Ra and Yusuf and Sarah Mou and Ismael, who added so much atmosphere to our markets last season.

We are also planning to do themed markets. We had some exceptionally talented fashion artists last season and are looking into doing a special fashion market, probably as an additional market.

The big news is we will have a regular monthly market at Ambassy Court. We have had several markets there in the past in conjunction with Ambassy Club events.

It’s a lovely tree-lined location ideal for a neighborhood market.

We’re also looking for another suitable location where we can hold a regular monthly market. > Jiashan Lane Market takes place every first and third Saturday of the month. Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 39

READING CORNER

CLASS CLOWN

Book recommendations from That’s editorial team:

Bully Beware

Once Upon a Crime This short story collection features six mini-mysteries from all over the globe.

From the award-winning series Murder Most Unladylike , Robin Stevens’ latest has received high praise from critics. The Financial Times called it, “A skilful blend of golden era crime novel and boarding school romp . . . Top class.”

Ten students were given administrative punishments after bullying a 14-yearold female student in Anhui province. A video of the incident, where the student’s classmates slapped her in the bathroom, went viral online. One group member even said in the video, “Don’t be afraid, I will take responsibility.” Among the bullies, two were exempted from punishment since they were under 14 years old.

HEALTHY HABITS

Bad Panda Swapna Haddow highlights the struggles of being cute and cuddly. In Bad Panda, we discover Lin – the ‘cutest panda in the world.’ She is shipped off to a local zoo away from her beloved brother, which ultimately changes her into the meanest and un-cute animal in the zoo.

40 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Citrus Charge While drinking enough water each day is key to a healthy life, add a little lemon in your first cup of the day for an extra boost. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking lemon water aids in digestion as it helps break down food.

It’s also a solid dose of vitamin C – half a lemon gives us more than a sixth of our daily dose needed. There’s research that indicates lemon water can have a positive impact on weight loss. It’s an easy habit to pick up that should yield good results for years to come.

ADVERTORIAL

Need Imported & Organic Groceries at Great Prices? Then Look No Further

Introducing The Company You Didn’t Know You Needed, Now Available Throughout China

I

f you’ve never heard of Epermarket or Nogogo, allow us to begin with a little bit of a back story.

In 2011, when the age of online grocery ordering was just at its inception, Epermarket led the pack by launching in Shanghai with just five staff and 700 products. By the end of 2016, the growth radius grew to include deliveries with their own vehicles to Suzhou and Kunshan, and later Hangzhou.

Additionally, 2019 saw the development of a 6,500-square-meter, seven temperature-controlled warehouse that allowed for nationwide delivery. By 2020, Epermarket added Nogogo to its portfolio – thus adding Shenzhen, Guangzhou and the rest of Southern China into its own delivery range – and opened the first brick and mortar store, Dailies, in Gubei, plus Brasserie, a casual French family dining venue, in Qingpu.

But why is this an ‘APP you didn’t know you needed?’ What makes them who they are and solidified their position at the top of

the food chain (pardon the pun).

PRODUCT RANGE Epermarket now carries approximately 8,000 products, a far cry from those early days, whilst Nogogo also boasts a range of more than 3,500. With over 70% of these items imported from around the globe, including one of China’s largest organic range (both local fruit and vegetables as well as imported), they offer a comprehensive range of quality and safe products for you and your family... and at competitive prices.

Boasting not one but three white labels, Epermarket and Nogogo fill gaps in the range which really sets them apart from others out there.

EperKitchen - offering ready-to-eat meals, sliced to order meats and a wide range of dips, hummus and apero options.

EperSelect - a product range sourced by their international team of experts that offers high-quality, hard-to-find and well-priced grocery items, such as Hormone & Antibioticfree Chicken, Australian Grain-fed Beef, nuts, snacks and much much more.

EperFarm - 38 farms that are either organic or ecologically friendly, these farms carefully select seasonal products and provide customer with fresh fruits and veggies from all over the country.

SERVICE Epermarket and Nogogo operate their own delivery fleet across six cities; Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Kunshan. Offering same day delivery in convenient two-hour slots in their home cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen, with next day delivery offered everywhere else. Additional major cities throughout China are serviced via third party operatives. If you’re fortunate enough to live nearby their warehouse facilities in Qingpu or Shekou, you’ll be able to get delivery inside one hour.

PRICING Because of the expansive company size, Epermarket and Nogogo can offer competitive pricing to customers due to their large purchasing power. On average, prices on the new Nogogo are approximately 10% lower than before the acquisition, and due to their concept as a fully online venture, they’re able to offer great deals and prices that brick and mortar stores can’t. Check out the Discover More and Promo section on their homepage for daily deals and offers, and also the Lower Price stickers on certain products that ensure these items are as competitive as anywhere else!

HOW TO DISCOVER Both brands operate three platforms, their websites, mini programs, and APPs. Visit www.epermarket.com or www.nogogo.cn to discover more, or scan the mini program codes below to instantly browse.

Now is a great time to discover Nogogo for the first time, as you can enjoy 10% off your first order, by simply adding the code NEWNG into the code box when you check out for the first time if your order is over RMB300, this is available from now until the end of 2021.

For Epermarket customers in Shanghai, Zhejiang or Jiangsu, place your first order of more than RMB190 and get a free bottle of prosecco! Plus both brands offer plenty of great discounts and coupons on your second and third orders!

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 41

F A M I LY | E D U C A T I O N

B

eijing will formally implement new regulations on after-school training centers for kindergarten, primary and middle school students.

The announcement was made at a press conference on August 17 by the Information Office of Beijing Municipality.

The measures are part of a new national education policy, which aims to tighten regulation of outof-school-hours classes for core subjects, such as math, literature, English and others.

Five key measures regarding training centers in Beijing are listed below.

5 Big Changes to Beijing’s Training Centers

By Alistair Baker-Brian

New training centers will not be approved You read that right!

New for-profit training centers offering classes related to core subjects will not be approved in Beijing.

Existing training centers offering core subject classes will have to re-apply for approval and meet new requirements, throwing into doubt the future of the many training centers in the city.

After-School Freedom 42 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Restricted operating hours According to the new regulations, training centers cannot offer classes for core subjects during public holidays, weekends or school summer and winter vacation time. Weekend classes and classes arranged during school

E D U C A T I O N | F A M I LY

holidays have long been a large source of income for training centers targeted towards younger students.

Tighter control of materials and teachers The announcement specifically refers to teachers’ qualifications, a

crackdown on unauthorized schools offering core subject classes and a ban on the use of ‘foreign’ materials.

The latter is in line with another recent announcement in which Beijing authorities said they would ban all foreign textbooks from primary and junior high schools.

Standardized pricing Prices of classes must follow standards set by the government to help curb excessive fees.

No longer controlled by capital According to the new regulations, training centers cannot be listed on financial markets.

With this in mind, it is perhaps no wonder that stocks of overseas-listed Chinese education companies plummeted after news of the new regulations first emerged.

The reasons why the aforemen-

tioned regulations are coming into force are complicated.

In part, the new policy aims to reduce the academic burden on families. The press conference in Beijing also discussed new measures to help students during regular school hours.

This included limiting the amount of homework, improving student services, making changes to exams and more.

Moreover, the new measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on parents who spend a large portion of their income on extra classes for core subjects. Given that China recently announced the three-child policy to help deal with an increasingly aging population, many families may feel encouraged to have more children now that paying for extra tuition for core subjects may be out of the question.

Many questions remain for China’s training school industry. It’s unclear whether current training centers will be able to adapt and retain approval, or if regulations will be their death knell.

One thing is for sure – the industry is going through some fundamental changes.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 43

LISTINGS

Beijing Kerry Residence Whether you’re a single business executive or a busy family, Beijing Kerry’s fully- furnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments will feel just like home. As well as enjoying all the comforts of modern living – including a well-equipped kitchen, entertainment systems, high-speed broadband and much more – residents are just moments away from the Kerry Centre’s shopping mall and sports facilities.

The rest of the CBD is on your doorstep too. >1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳 区 光 华 路 1 号 (8535 6888, www.beijingkerryresidence. com)

BEIJING

Middle 8 Restaurant 中8楼 An oasis at the top of Taikoo Li, Middle 8 is the go-to destination for fresh authentic Yunnan cuisine.

The restaurant, stylish yet understated, has plenty of flavorsome well- priced dishes and a killer view to boot. > Raffles: Daily 11:00am-10:00pm, 5 Floor Of Raffles shopping center Dongzhimen Dongcheng District. 来福士店 : 东城区东直门来福士购物中心 5 层 8409 8199/8409 8234 > Indigo: Daily 11:00am-10:00pm, Jiuxianqiao Road No.20 Indigo F2 , Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 20 号颐堤港 2 层 8420 0883

GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC Residence is located beside the third ring road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line 5 , 10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is also within easily reach of CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban commercial,shopping and recreation areas. Fully equipped apartments with impeccable quality offer you a cozy living system and will meet all of your requirements for room decoration, furniture, electric appliances etc..

Unique sky garden with golf practice field and barbecue area is another symbol of GTC Residence. > sales@gtcresidence.com, website: www. gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666 Beijing Lianbao > Unite 1C, Building 7, Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang District 朝阳区幸福一村西里7号楼1C (6415 8001, 138 1093 6118, hanxingyue1127@126. com)

Oak Chateau Beijing Oak Chateau Beijing has 236 stylish and contemporary fully serviced apartments from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four bedroom suites available, measuring 64 to 260 square meters. There is a 24-hours

guest reception, and housekeeping is offered twice a week.

Nestled within the landscaped gardens of the Ocean Express commercial and residential complex, Oak Chateau Beijing is very close to the third Embassy Area and shopping and dinning services at the Beijing Lufthansa Center. There are only 19 kilometers to the Beijing Capital Airport. > 北京市朝阳区东三环霞光里 66 号远洋新干线 D 座 邮编 100027 Block D, Ocean Express, 66 Xiaguang Li, Third East Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, P.R.C Tel: (86-10) 84465888 Fax: (86-10) 84465999 Email oak.chateau@oakchateau.com Website: www. oakchateau.com Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing The only serviced apartment in the city that has its own in-house supply of natural hot spring water supply. Expansive city views are available from floor to ceiling windows with the apartments situated from level 23 to 35 in the building complex.

The 171 stylish contemporary serviced residences range from studios to threebedroom apartments and offer an elegant range of amenities and facilities to ensure each resident’s stay is comfortable and well taken care of. > Building No.1 Damei Center, 7 Qingnian Road, Chaoyang District Beijing 北京市朝阳 区青年路 7 号达美中心 1 号楼 Tel: 86-10 8585 2211 (8:30am-5:30pm) 86-10 8585 2888 (5:30pm-8:30am) Fax: (86-10) 8585 2666 website OakwoodAsia.com

HOTEL NEWS CHANGSHA

JINJIANG

Hilton Changsha Riverside Officially Opens

Marco Polo Jinjiang Unveils New Lobby Lounge

Hilton Changsha, the first full-service hotel in Changsha, is located in the heart of Hunan’s financial center in Binjiang New City, Changsha. The hotel rises 241 meters high in the Hexi skyline, surrounded by the Xiangjiang River and is one of the new landmarks of Changsha. With large areas of modern orange and blue, combined with art deco, the history of the ancient Changsha pavilion Xiaoxiang is blended in among them. Guests can appreciate the beauty of architecture here at Hilton Changsha.

Marco Polo Jinjiang recently unveiled its new-look Lobby Lounge on the ground level of the hotel. The refurbishment is part of the hotel’s phased transformation encompassing its Continental Club Lounge and guestrooms that were introduced in March of this year.

At the heart of the Lobby Lounge is its 18-meter pillar-less vaulted atrium, which complements a gold-colored wood frame that resembles a honeycomb-like structure measuring 20 feet high and 88 feet wide. The lofty ambiance is further heightened by an imposing Chinese oil painting depicting clouds and mountains in warm hues.

44 |SEPTEMBER 2021

GBA

BEIJING

Glam at the Top of the Penthouse of the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen

The Peninsula Beijing Reimagines Traditional Moon Cakes with New Fruity Flavors

Dress up and party into the night to celebrate as Grand Hyatt Shenzhen strives to bring more enjoyment to #LivingGrand. You can now enjoy a 360-degree view of Shenzhen and Hong Kong’s green mountains from the 38th floor, which is a sophisticated venue comprised of multiple residence-inspired areas. The band High5 is a new five-piece group composed of two female singers and three professional musicians. From rhythm and blues to contemporary pop songs and classic hits, the band’s style is full of passion and variety, and it vividly embodies the atmosphere of a high-altitude bar. In addition, there will be a live DJ performance every day to add to the excitement.

Mid-Autumn Festival becomes a triple-sweet celebration at The Peninsula Beijing. Huang Ting’s Executive Chinese Chef Fred Shi and head of Dim Sum Chef Deng Jianbiao have reimagined the classic Mid-Autumn Festival delights with three exclusive editions. Guests can create special moments with loved ones by sharing heart-shaped egg custard mooncakes, or fruity pineapple and durian flavors. For this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, Chef Fred and Chef Deng have hand-crafted the cherished egg custard mooncakes and added a tropical twist with sensational pineapple and durian flavors.

The delightful durian and pineapple moon cakes are made with fresh, soft fruit pulp. The delicate fruit filling and rich custard egg blend perfectly to produce a tantalizing festive combination.

Jewelry Box Afternoon Tea at Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan

Yunnan Delicacies @ Waldorf Astoria Beijing

From now on until the end of December, Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan Pastry Chef Tony Zhao has skillfully crafted a jewelry box-inspired afternoon tea at the stylish The Lounge of Sheraton Shenzhen Nanshan. There are a variety of handcrafted delicate desserts, sweet and savory. There’s also a cute teddy bear mango sago dessert in a bathtub! An exquisite journey starts from here.

Zijin Mansion of Waldorf Astoria Beijing crafts a selection of delicacies using seasonal fungi freshly sourced from Yunnan and various quality ingredients, thus retaining the fresh taste of nature in every delectable bite. The autumn fungus menu features 10 delicacies meticulously crafted

by Head Chef James Wang using a selection of rich umami fungi, including matsutakes, termite mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, etc. Prepared with traditional Cantonese cooking techniques, all the ingredients retain their nutrients to the fullest extent and turn into an ultimate indulgence, featuring an extremely tender and juicy flavor.

From now until September 20, 2021, at Waldorf Astoria Beijing 3 floor, Zijin Mansion. Call +86 10 8520 8989 to learn more.

Dream Pink Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge

Transformers-themed Buffet Lunch at Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun Take your kids out for a fun Transformers-themed buffet on the ground floor of the hotel on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from noon to 2.30pm.

It might just be the coolest thing you do all summer!

NUO Hotel Beijing is collaborating with I Do, one of the most popular jewelry brands among consumers in China, to launch a themed afternoon tea with an impressive array of delicacies in dreamy shades of pink.

Created by Director of Culinary Nikolaos Lekkas, the afternoon tea will last until September 30.

Feast on exquisitely crafted, picture-perfect teatime sweet treats, including champagne gift box-shaped mousse, rose cake, double kiss lemon cookies, red velvet macaroons, peach mousse cake, lychee raspberry cake as well as plain and rose hearty scones served with Rodda’s clotted cream, passion fruit curd, and strawberry jam.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 45

SCHOOL NEWS SHANGHAI

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi Announce Outstanding IGCSE Results Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi was immensely proud to announce the outstanding IGCSE results of its 2020-2021 Year 11 cohort. Of the results, 78% of grades achieved were A* or A; 95% of grades achieved were A* to B; 100% of grades achieved were A* to C. The student’s achievements are a clear testimony of their hard work, maturity and resilience, and the entire community is proud of their much-deserved success.

Wellington College’s Class of 2021 Achieves Outstanding IB Scores Wellington College International Shanghai was thrilled to report that its Class of 2021 achieved an average score of 38.1 points on this year’s IB exams. This far exceeds the global average of 33.02. Special congratulations to pupil Amelia Hoogewerf, who achieved a perfect score of 45!

46 |SEPTEMBER 2021

Upper Sixth Leaver’s Dinner Harrow Shanghai recently celebrated the wonderful achievements of departing Upper Sixth (Year 13) students at the atmospheric Fairmont Peace Hotel. All of them have received top university offers from some of the best institutions in the world, including University College London, Imperial College, King’s College London, Sydney University and the University of British Columbia, to name but a few.

NAIS Pudong Tokyo 2020 Olympics-Themed Summer School Through arts and crafts, English, Maths and STEAM, children at the NAIS Pudong Summer School had the chance to learn about the Olympics, the sports undertaken, and what it means to have an Olympic spirit. The four weeks culminated in a closing ceremony in true Olympic style. The children received awards and certificates based on their dedication and hard work, and even created the pictograms shown during the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony!

GUANGZHOU

BEIJING

AISG Class of 2021 IBDP Results

House of Knowledge: Meet our Founders

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 on their exceptional International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) results! The average score was 37 out of 45, outpacing the world average of 33. In addition, 33% of diploma candidates earned a score of over 40 with the highest score being a 44.

AISG is proud to have a strong IBDP program, a rigorous program that is the world’s gold standard academic preparation program for universities. This, along with their expansive roster of community service, athletics, and activities, provides students with the tools they need to enter top universities all around the world.

The new semester began at House of Knowledge International Kindergarten on August 23rd! Take a campus tour to get to know more about their project-based Reggio Emilia education approach, multi-language learning environment and child-centered curriculum, explained by one of the founders, Mrs. Xia Qing. Visit also www.hokschools.com to learn more about the Founder’s messages, which showcase daily kindergarten life on campus!

SHENZHEN

Quality School of International of Shenzhen Successful Summer It’s been exciting to see all the students back on campus and look forward to partner with parents for a great school year. QSI had many summer projects coming to completion, teachers, parents and support staff working together for various professional development sessions to continue their learning about teaching strategies to ensure the success for every student.

These workshops included educational technology, literacy as well as work collaboration. Success Orientations, Mastery Learning and Project-Based Education are all core values of QSI, and they will be a focus for this school year.

AISB-Hope International Family Fun Evenings In July, AISB opened its doors every Thursday to welcome pre-approved special guests for evenings of sports, games and friendship. As many families chose to stay in Beijing during the summer holidays, it was a great opportunity for the community to stay connected.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | 47

That’s

SEPTEMBER

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in China.

By Joshua Cawthorpe

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

8.24~9.23

9.24~10.23

10.24~11.22

11.23~12.21

Take a holiday from your perfectionism. Interprovincial travel is ill-advised right now but throw on the fire log channel and wear mismatching socks.

Liberate your Libra and liven’ your love life. September is the time to find a warm body to snuggle through the winter.

Bill Gates is a Scorpio, but so was Charles Manson.

Be careful what you wish for.

Sagittarians make the best circus clowns, so wherever you are, don’t expect to be taken too seriously.

Capricorn

Aquarius 1.21~2.19

Pisces

2.20~3.20

Aries

3.21~4.20

Capricorns need structure in their lives. Abstract ideas are often unattainable to the rigid mind.

Aquarius is the party animal.

It’s okay to dance on the table, but public nudity is frowned upon in the Middle Kingdom – and elsewhere.

You’re a fish out of water.

When booking a hotel, spring for the suite with the bathtub and pamper yourself, or else you might find your opportunities drying up.

The Ram is known for being somewhat abrasive. Expect a rekindled relationship in the near future, but with someone you crossed horns with.

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

12.22~1.20

Leo

4.21~5.21

5.22~6.21

6.22~7.22

7.23~8.23

It’s time to quicken your pace in life. It’s not laziness, just complacency.

Remember, Red Bull doth giveth you wings.

When you’re talking to yourself on the subway, try wrapping your headphone cord around your face so that it looks like you’re on an important call.

Cancers are naturally in tune with other people’s feelings.

Even if you can’t truly help anyone by playing pseudopsychiatrist, at least it will make you feel better about yourself.

Be mindful of the microorganisms that live between your toes. It’s easy for the lion to forget about the little symbioses that keep it at the top of the food chain.

48 |SEPTEMBER 2021

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