G re at er B ay A re a
城市漫步 广州英文 版 11 月份
国内统一刊号: CN 11-5234/GO
五洲传播出版传媒有限公司
Advertising Hotline
400 633 8308
NOVEMBER 2021
《城市漫步》广州 英文月刊
五洲传播出版传媒有限公司 出版发行 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 : 五洲传播出版传媒有限公司 China Intercontinental Press & Media Co., Ltd. 地址 : 北京市东城区朝阳门内大街 225 号 No. 225 Inner Street, Chaoyangmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing http://www.cicc.org.cn 董事长 President : 董青 Dong Qing 总编辑 General in Chief : 井水清 Jing Shuiqing 主编 Editor-in-Chief : 杜斌 Du Bin 责任编辑 Executive Editor : 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili 发行 Circulation : 李若琳 Li Ruolin Acting Editor Joshua Cawthorpe Arts and Life Editor Vanessa Jencks Travel Editor Sophie Steiner Nation Editor Alistair Baker-Brian Contributors Gary Bailer, Randy Johnson
JY INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS Guangzhou 广州均盈国际文化传播有限公司
广州市麓苑路 42 号大院 2 号楼 610 室 邮政编码 : 510095 Rm 610, No. 2 Building, Area 42, Luyuan Lu, Guangzhou. Post Code: 510095 电话 : 020-8358 6125 传真 : 020-8357 3859 - 816 Shanghai 上海广告代理 电话 ：021-6541 6111
Shenzhen 深圳广告代理 电话 : 0755-3665 4903 Beijing 北京广告代理 电话 : 010-8639 4209
General Manager Henry Zeng 曾庆庆 National Editorial Director Ned Kelly Operations Manager Rachel Tong 童日红 Finance Assistant Sunnie Lü 吕敏瑜 Senior Designer Felix Chen 陈引全 Sales Managers Emma Cao 曹艺凡 , Christy Cai 蔡梓晴 National Sales Projects Supervisor Wesley Zhang 张炜 Sales and Advertising Anita Wang 王靓安 , Rason Wu 伍瑞鑫，Alice Zeng 曾爱淳，Billy Xian 冼浩正 Marketing Executives Wyle Yuan 袁咏妍 General enquiries and switchboard (020) 8358 6125 / info@thatsmags.com Editorial (020) 8358 9847 ext 808 / editor@thatsmags.com Sales (Guangzhou) (020) 8358 9847 ext 802 / sales@thatsmags.com Distribution/Subscription (020) 8358 7749 ext 828 Listings & Events (Guangzhou) (020) 8358 9847 ext 808. (Shenzhen) (0755) 8623 3220 Fax (020) 8363 3759 ext. 816
广告经营许可证 : 京海工商厂字第 8069 号 Legal advisor: Hong Shaorong, Dacheng Law Firm 国际标准刊号 : ISSN 1672-8041 国内统一刊号 : CN 11-5234/GO 定价 : 25.00 元 邮发代号 ：46-193 如发现印刷装订问题 , 请与上海华顿书刊印刷有限公司联系 部分非卖品 , 仅限赠阅
Distribution across China: 200,000 copies
NOVEMBER 2021 | 01
Editor’s Note
NOVEMBER 2021
The Halloween decorations just came down and news anchors are pleading with consumers to get ahead of their
Christmas shopping or face the disappointed faces of their spoiled children come Christmas morn’. In this month’s Cover Story, That’s explores the many factors behind a global shipping conundrum and how it’s affecting expats with businesses that are dependent on buoyant trade.
Elsewhere in the magazine, we dive into the eclectic history of Lijiang and hear from Matilda Ho about the newest
methods to turn stuff into animal flesh and eat it. In Chinese Corner, gym bros can pump up their brains with exerciserelated phrases on page 9. A basshead describes live gigs and the Guangzhou music scene on page 13.
Sadly, this month we bid a gracious farewell to our former Editor-In-Chief, Ryan ‘Ribcage’ Gandalfo, who poured his
mind, body and soul into this magazine for many years. Thank you for the knowledge and expertise, both in the office and on the tennis court. We’re happy to know you’ll be home in time for American Thanksgiving with the family. To quote the legendary Will Smith, we know you’ll be “bouncin' in the club where the heat is on, all night, on the beach ‘till the break of dawn.”
Best Regards,
Joshua Cawthorpe Acting Print Editor
02 |NOVEMBER 2021
NOVEMBER 2021 | 03
THE WRAP
6 THE NATION 7 CHINA TO BAN ALL PRIVATELY-FUNDED NEWS ORGANIZATIONS? Regulators Set Sights On Influential Industries.
13 KIRBY JOHN CARNEY Musician.
16 TOP COATS 9 Power Pieces for Outerwear.
10 NOT EASY BEING BLUE How Teens in China and Abroad Can Deal With Mental Health.
18 TRAVEL
34 FAMILY
21 A VILLAGE RETREAT COUPLED WITH MODERN COMFORT AT GUIZHOU’S THE WELL HOUSE
35 FEEDING THE FUTURE
22 LIJIANG A Major Minority Destination.
04 |NOVEMBER 2021
13 ARTS & LIFE
38 GALLEY GADGETS Optimizing Your Cave of Cookery.
26 WAXING WAVES OF WESTERN WANT
Unpacking the Sea Can Traffic Jam and the Cost of Rising Consumption.
40 HOTEL NEWS
42 SCHOOL NEWS NOVEMBER 2021 | 05
THE NATION Not Easy Being Blue
How Teens in China and Abroad Can Deal With Mental Health p10
Quote of the Month P8
06 |NOVEMBER 2021
Chinese Corner P9
Regulators Set Sights On Influential Industries By Alistair Baker-Brian
F
rom October 8 until October 14, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) solicited public opinion for the Market Access Negative List 2021. As part of the list, the NDRC made a number of proposals which would effectively ban privately-funded companies from funding and or running news organizations. Six noteworthy proposals are as follows: • Non-public capital must not engage in news gathering, editing or broadcasting • Non-public capital must not invest in the establishment and operation of news organizations including but not necessarily limited to news agencies, newspaper publishing units, radio and television broadcasting, radio and television stations, internet news information collection, editing and publishing organizations, etc. • Non-public capital must not engage in news organization operations, including pages, channel frequencies, channels, columns and public accounts • Non-public capital must not conduct livestream-broadcasting related to politics, economics, defense, foreign affairs, society, culture, science and technology, health, education, sport and other areas related to politics or public opinion • Non-public capital must not broadcast news produced by foreign entities • Non-public capital must not hold forum summits or awards ceremonies
related to news or public opinion Wang Sixin, professor of law at Communications University of China, said that the measures were about professionalizing news reporting, telling Global Times , “you must be qualified to publish news, just like if you are not a doctor, then you cannot treat patients.” Fang Kecheng, assistant professor of journalism at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that the measures have in fact been in place since 2005. However, the implementation of said measures has been “selective,” he told South China Morning Post . The move comes as China seeks to tighten control over the private sector in a number of industries. Newly-introduced measures related to education effectively ban for-profit after-school tutoring in core
subjects. Many of China’s after-school training centers have already closed as a result. In addition to reducing the academic and financial burden on children and parents, respectively, the government says the new measures will help ensure education is not “controlled by capital.” Moreover, stocks of Chinese tech giant Tencent fell after state-media described some of the company’s products as “electronic drugs.” Measures have since been introduced which limit the amount of time under-18s can play online video games. The latest proposals are yet to be implemented. The scale and impact of such measures is, therefore, unknown as of press time.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 07
CHINA CURRENTS
China to Ban All Privately-Funded News Organizations?
RANDOM NUMBER
DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?
29.5…
Zhang Yuxuan
… That’s the percentage by which consumption during China’s National Week holiday rose since the same time in 2020, according to a report by Meituan. The figure is a combination of consumption data from businesses run by Meituan, covering catering, accommodation, travel and entertainment. The figure is a positive sign for China’s economic recovery, amidst the effects of COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, highest levels of consumption were in China’s first-tier cities. Shanghai led the way, followed by Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Other cities which made the top ten include Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Suzhou and Xi’an.
Zhang Yuxuan, better known online as Vicky Xuanxuan, has become something of a singing sensation on Chinese video social media site Bili Bili. Zhang uploaded an original song entitled ’’She’ which received more than 10 million views on the platform. The song was written by the 15 year-old in just 30 minutes. Since then, she has uploaded many more videos, including other original songs. Zhang, a middle school student at Shenzhen Arts School majoring in violin, now has over 1.7 million followers on Bili Bili. Some netizens have described her as the “young Chinese Taylor Swift.” She told Global Times she has ambitions to study at one of the world’s top music schools, such as Berklee College of Music in Boston.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“The torch relay plays a significant role in promoting the host’s international image while spreading the message of peace, solidarity, friendship and health”
The quote comes from Zhang Jiandong, vice-mayor of Beijing and executive vice-president of the organizing committee of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Zhang’s comments were part of a speech given during a ceremony at Beijing’s Olympic Tower on October 20. The ceremony marked the arrival of the Olympic torch in preparation for the games. As per Olympic custom, the torch was lit in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympics, and transported to Beijing. As a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, events in which the torch is displayed, including the traditional national marathon, will be scaled back. The Winter Olympics will take place from February 4 until 20. Meanwhile, the Winter Paralympics will take place from March 4 until 13. Events will be held in Beijing and nearby Zhangjiakou, Hebei province. Beijing is the first-ever city to host both summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, having hosted the summer games in 2008.
08 |NOVEMBER 2021
T H AT ’ S M A G A Z I N E S
CHINESE CORNER
8 Chinese Names for Your Workouts Love to hit the gym? Here are a few handy Chinese words you can use to talk about your fitness activities.
1. CARDIO
5. STRETCHING
cardio / aerobics
to stretch; stretching
有氧运动 (yǒuyǎng yùndòng) VERB
做 (zuò)
拉伸 (lāshēn) EXAMPLE
健身以后一定要拉伸。
Jiànshēn yǐhòu yīdìng yào lāshēn.
2. JOGGING 跑步 (pǎobù)
jogging; to run EXAMPLE
我每天都去跑步，每次跑30分钟。
Wǒ měitiān dōu qù pǎobù, měi cì pǎo sānshí fēnzhōng.
I go jogging every day, and run for 30 minutes every time.
3. YOGA
瑜伽 (yújiā) yoga
EXAMPLE
你喜欢练哪种瑜伽？
Nǐ xǐhuan liàn nǎ zhǒng yújiā?
Make sure to stretch after a workout.
6. POWER TRAINING
力量训练 (lìliàng xùnliàn)
power training / weight exercise VERB
做 (zuò)
7. CROSS FIT
混合健身 (hùnhé jiànshēn) cross-fit
EXAMPLE
你知道混合健身吗？我觉得你会喜 欢。
Nǐ zhīdào hùnhé jiànshēn ma? Wǒ juéde nǐ huì xǐhuan.
Have you heard of cross-fit? I think you’d like it.
What’s your favorite type of yoga?
8. BOXING 4. PILATES
普拉提 (pǔlātí)
拳击 (quánjī) boxing
pilates
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
I prefer boxing to football.
听说普拉提是最容易坚持的运动。
Tīng shuō pǔ lā tí shì zuì róngyì jiānchí de yùndòng.
比起足球，我更喜欢拳击。
Bǐ qǐ zúqiú, wǒ gèng xǐhuan quánjí.
I’ve heard that pilates is the easiest kind of exercise to stick to.
scan the QR code on the right.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 09
T H E N AT I O N | F E A T U R E
NOT EASY BEING BLUE
How Teens in China and Abroad Can Deal With Mental Health By Alistair Baker-Brian
L
ife isn’t always easy for teens in modern-day China. Academic expectations, coupled with pressure to fit in among peers, can mean many young people in the Middle Kingdom face a whole host of mental health challenges. Beijing-based mental health NGO CandleX has come up with a way for teens to deal with such challenges.
The Teen’s Open Letter allows teens to, as suggested by the name, write a letter which openly talks about their own experience in battling mental health. CandleX founder Xiaojie Qin tells That’s that in the organization’s early days, some teenagers would use some of the services offered by the NGO. The organization would deal with Chinese
students studying abroad, as well as international school students studying in China. She says that the mental health challenges faced by teens were somewhat unique compared to those of the adults which used CandleX services, adding that she admired the courage of the teens to speak up about their problems.
“We believe writing and seeing your articles published is an incredibly empowering experience ” The Teen’s Open Letter was officially launched in February 2020. What started as a column entitled My Story with Depression eventually became a means for teenagers to voice their experiences regarding mental health. As China was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, offline activities were not permitted. However, participants were still able to write.
10 |NOVEMBER 2021
F E A T U R E | T H E N AT I O N
Alison Qiu is the facilitator of the CandleX teen’s support group. She writes that having previously written for CandleX about her mental health struggles, she understands the “therapeutic process” of writing about your own experiences. “We believe writing and seeing your articles published is an incredibly empowering experience, and I can attest to this,” writes Qiu. Participants write two to three pages about a topic related to mental health. This includes the feelings, experiences and perspectives of the participant. Previous letters have covered eating disorders, bullying, academic pressure and more. Written pieces can also include experiences of assisting a friend or family member experiencing mental health problems. That’s spoke to Lily, who requested we only use her first name, a participant in the Teen’s Open Letter activity. She wrote about her experience of depression during her time in high school in the United States. She recalls her feelings after first arriving in the US from her native China at age 13: “At first, I was super excited. But as soon as I landed, I didn’t know what to do at all. It was very hard to seek help. English is my second language, which made it even more difficult.” Lily says that her homestay family was very welcoming and that she managed to make some friends during her freshman
year of high school. However, it was towards the end of freshman year when the depression really kicked in. Lily wrote in her letter that she felt she had barely achieved anything after a year of high school. She was worried her parents would be disappointed in her. She also says many people didn’t believe she was depressed. “A lot of my American friends could not understand why I might think my parents
This could include members of the CandleX adult support group, founders and directors of community entities, etc. In August, Lily interviewed a recovered alcoholic and volunteer with Beijing’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group. She asked the interviewee about how alcoholism affected his mental health, as well as other areas of his life, and how he sought help to become sober. As of press time, Lily is studying at a college
would be disappointed with me. They would just say that I was very lucky to have the chance to study abroad. My friends in China would say, ‘you’re such an outgoing person. You can easily make friends.’ They also could not understand why I would be depressed.” It was at this point that LiIy sought help from CandleX and began partaking in the Teen’s Open Letter. In addition to writing about their own experiences, participants also have the chance to interview adults affected by mental health.
in London where she is staying in college dorms. Undoubtedly, she will be well-prepared should she experience any mental health difficulties. The Teen’s Open Letter is perhaps representative of an ongoing change in China. There have been a number of signs that mental health problems faced by young people are being taken ever more seriously by key figures in Chinese society. As part of this year’s Two Sessions, professor Zhang Zhiyong of the China Education Policy Research
Institute of Beijing Normal University spoke about how schools could better deal with mental health problems. Zhang’s proposals included ensuring at least one mental health professional for every 500 primary and middle school students, including mental health as part of nationwide education, integrating discussions about mental health with parent-teacher meetings and more. Depression is estimated to affect around 90 million people in China, 90 percent of whom do not receive effective treatment, according to China Daily . With this in mind, raising awareness about mental health from an early age is probably a smart move. The mental health of Chinese students abroad has also caught nationwide attention. Chinese media has reported on several high-profile suicide cases of overseas students burdened by academic pressure, cultural and language differences, the expectation to help other family members settle abroad and more. Awareness from an earlier age on how to deal with such issues may have saved the aforementioned students. Only time will tell whether there are long-term changes in how China deals with mental health among young people. Regardless of the longerterm picture, CandleX’s Teen’s Open Letter will be there for those who want to tell their own mental health story and hear the stories of others.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 11
ARTS & LIFE
@_once_upon_this_life_ p15
Overheard P14
12 |NOVEMBER 2021
Top Coats P16
KIRBY JOHN CARNEY
SPOTLIGHT
Photos via Wayne Alan Hsu @hsumanofmagnanimousintent
Musician
Interview by Joshua Cawthorpe
Kirby John Carney arrived in China with nothing short of frenetic ambition. A London native, Carney grew up in Sitges, a town 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, Spain. At 15, he began learning to play guitar and soon joined House Arrest Barcelona. In 2016, searching for independence and adventure, Carney moved to China. He has since taken up the bass guitar and is currently a member of three bands which perform in Guangzhou. He shares with us a glimpse into the live music scene of the Middle Kingdom. What is the live music scene like in Guangzhou and how does it compare to other cities in China? There are a bunch of cool livehouses and clubs that I recommend people seek out. In Guangzhou, for example, Aoyin Livehouse, Mao Livehouse and a new location of T-Union are popular and fun. Also, SD Livehouse had some really fun moshpits. Other big cities have full-blown music festivals which I believe to be a sign of an active music scene.
“That song got one of the loudest reactions I’ve ever heard at a music show” expats. If you play Aoyin Live House you will get a younger Chinese crowd who are into punk, alternative rock and heavier stuff. It all depends on the venue. Can you describe your favourite live music experience in China? Either as a spectator or a performer. I went to see Foster The People in 2018 and I got an almost perfect picture of the lead singer standing on the railing of the crowd doing a cool pose. Another was going to see Gang of Four at Mao Livehouse, they were a punk band from the late 70’s and I had been waiting 15 years to see them. As a performer, I played on St. Patricks Day at an Irish bar called Hooley’s. We
played traditional Irish songs and one was called ‘Tell Me Ma’. That song got one of the loudest reactions I’ve ever heard at a music show and I had been doing shows for over 12 years at that point. If someone was interested in joining a band, how do musicians seek out one another in China? Going to other gigs is a great way to do that. Open mic nights are fun and another way to meet fellow musicians. The secondhand instrument selling groups are another way. Everyone in the live music scene sort of knows each other so it’s just a matter of finding that community.
Can you tell us about the bands in which you are currently a member? I am the bass player and secondary singer in three bands at the moment. The first is Underground which mainly play British songs and softer rock tunes along with a few pop tracks. I occasionally play and sing with a band that plays exclusively reggae, Dub Y. The third band is Palm Treo which is one gig into their career and which will end up being mostly original music. What is the demographic of live music enthusiasts that you have observed? Primarily Chinese nationals show up at shows. It does depend on the venue but if you play a Western venue like The Happy Monk, for example, you will get more NOVEMBER 2021 | 13
OVERHEARD
“In the end, LinkedIn was increasingly squeezed by requests for takedowns of material on the China side and competing complaints from the US. Given the low level of users, you simply can’t blame LinkedIn for calling it quits” Wrote Richard Turrin in a LinkedIn post. Author of Cashless China , Turrin accompanied the post to the “Real Talk China” YouTube show, where he and host Cyrus Janssen discussed how LinkedIn wasn’t being kicked out of China. Instead, pivoting under pressure, Microsoft will replace the China version of LinkedIn later this year with InJobs. Albeit, stripped of social media and public commenting functions. The news of the pull-out has led to many netizens sending farewell wishes to China based contacts in case the connection is lost.
14 |NOVEMBER 2021
COVET
Xiaopeng It’s the luck of the draw when a P7 driver picks up unsuspecting ride-hailers. Teslainspired Chinese EV startup company Xiaopeng Motors made the P7 model along with others after Tesla opened up its patents. The resulting cars have a feeling of baseline luxury due to pleasant leather seats, spacious legroom and a soundless, smooth ride. When intense sunshine filters through the elongated sunroof, an ethereal mood is set as you’re shuffled from one point to the other. > Search Xiaopeng on WeChat to shop.
UNDER THE LENS
New Louis Vuitton Global Ambassador HoYeon Jung, dubbed by Vogue as South Korea’s next top model, is the first global ambassador named by Louis Vuitton after former brand ambassador Kris Wu’s fall from grace earlier this year. The appointment has led to some online rants and disapproval, as several international luxury brands seem to be distancing themselves from Chinese superstars under the crashing waves of domestic regulation enforcement. Ironically, Jung also stars on Squid Games , the popular Korean show on Netflix that YouKu recently denied ripping-off.
T H AT ’ S M A G A Z I N E S
CITY SNAPSHOT
@_once_upon_ this_life_ “I’m not always the best at expressing myself through words. I believe that my art and photography speak for me.” Originally from the US, Ally Duckett allows her talents to evolve after her day job teaching English. She remembers carrying around a camera even as a young girl, eventually experimenting and painting as she grew and traveled. “A photograph not only records memories, but it captures real moments… without having to speak a word.” Along with exhibitions in six countries, she’s been published in CNN Travel for her photographs taken in India. Of Haikou, Ally fell in love with the chill “island time” lifestyle and living a few minutes from the sea. She found a wonderful friends-like-family group and “a job I truly loved” so decided to call it home. “Ten years ago, Haikou wasn’t nearly as developed as it is now and is only just starting to grasp the concept of international culture.” Museums, breweries, dance and art studios, concert halls and restaurants that offer cuisines from all over the world color the lifestyle she has carved out for herself. Ally started Haikou’s first Trivia Night and Haikou and Hainan Arts and Culture, currently a group of 300 people, where like-minded artists can share related events to support one another. When she wanted to fulfill her dream of a diving certification though, she needed to do that in Sanya. “Haikou is developing along with every other part of Hainan but it doesn’t have everything.” “Haikou and Sanya have always
had a bit of a rivalry going on when it came to which place is best to live.” Ally describes herself as a beach bum and sometimes believes that Sanya might be the best place to live, but she is already partial to Haikou. “I really enjoy the city life, and I can go to Sanya on my weekends and during holidays for diving and exploration.” “In the end, Haikou and Sanya both have their own unique character and special qualities going for them. Haikou has things that Sanya doesn’t have and vice versa.”
All in all, she says she’s lucky to live on Hainan island where she has easy access to anything she needs or wants to do.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 15
TOP COATS ARTS & LIFE | FASHION
9 Power Pieces for Outerwear Compiled by Vanessa Jencks
Thanks to tasteful textures and updated cuts, these classic overcoats and traditional Chinese outerwear are transformed into delicious styles for the modern workplace.
edition RMB4,999
MaxMara
Scan the code to purchase.
RMB14,200 Scan the code to purchase.
16 |NOVEMBER 2021
Ms Min
ICICLE
RMB12,000
RMB17,996
Scan the code to purchase.
Scan the code to purchase.
FASHION | ARTS & LIFE
edition Ms Min RMB2,999 RMB12,800 Scan the code to purchase. Scan the code to purchase.
ICICLE RMB19,996 Scan the code to purchase.
Ms Min RMB5,300
MaxMara
Scan the code to purchase.
RMB6,828 Scan the code to purchase.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 17
TRAVEL LIJIANG
A Major Minority Destination p22
Mile High P20 18 |NOVEMBER 2021
Hospitality Highlight P21
AD
STARTING OVER AT 31
An XJTLU alumnus shares his unconventional journey to a BSc in his 30s and landing a job at Daimler, one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world
I
n his early 20s, Christopher Champion, a young American, started his bachelors degree in French at Eastern Michigan University. However, unsure of what he wanted from his future career, he dropped out. At the age of 31, Champion became a student again on the other side of the globe – China. “Don’t worry if you need more time than someone else for something,” he says. “Keep at it and usually, life finds a way of working things out.” After three years of hard work, Champion graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s BSc Information and Computing Science programme at the School of Advanced Technology. Armed with his degree, Champion recently got a job as a Business Developer at Daimler Group Services Berlin, a subsidiary of the Daimler Corporation, which owns renowned car companies such as MercedesBenz.
The journey to XJTLU A few months after leaving Eastern Michigan University, Champion moved to Germany and enrolled in a three-year programme on software development. After working at a German software company for a while, he thought about going back to university. “I believe in lifelong education, especially in my field. It’s constantly developing, and you really can’t stop
learning,” Champion says. He first heard about XJTLU from a friend and decided to move to China to pursue his studies in 2017. “China is one of the most exciting places to study in the technology field,” Champion says. “It’s at the forefront of innovation in terms of e-commerce and mobile applications. “You don’t have to be interested in computer science to enjoy
technological advancement, but if you’re interested in research and development, China is a really special place.” Challenging yet rewarding Champion says the international environment and integration of Eastern and Western education at XJTLU are huge draws for students. “It exposed me to Chinese language and Chinese culture, but I was still able to study in my native language, English, and obtain a degree that’s internationally recognised,” he adds. The study environment at XJTLU had many advantages for Champion, but the academic workload could be challenging. “The programme covers a lot of things in a limited time, and the teaching is more self-guided than spoon-fed,” he says. “But if I hadn’t had gone through it, I might not have had the confidence to apply for my current job.” Learn more about XJTLU’s programmes at our upcoming virtual open week. For more info, scan the QR code below.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 19
ROLLER COASTER It’s one thing for COVID-19 prevention and control measures to limit seating and operating hours for a restaurant. But the last thing an owner wants is to hear that two confirmed cases just dined in their establishment. On October 17, two tourists visiting from Shanghai tested positive for the virus after dining at a restaurant in Xi’an, Sha’anxi province the day before. The restaurant was shuttered and all the staff were taken into quarantine. To add insult to injury, the same thing happened to the very same restaurant at the end of July. Chinese netizens, however, came to the rescue. The hashtag ‘Xian noodle restaurant visited by confirmed cases twice in three months’ has been viewed 150 million times on Weibo. Many users commented that it must be special and that they would be sure to visit when the pandemic retreats.
20 |NOVEMBER 2021
MILE HIGH
Will China Re-Open Its Border Once 80% of Population Vaccinated? Respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan recently laid down a condition which China must meet in order for its borders to be re-opened. Zhong said that the Chinese mainland must have 80-85% of its 1.4 billion population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, something he expects to happen before the end of this year, according to The Standard . As of October 6, 2021, China has administered 2.2 billion vaccine doses, according to Our World in Data. However, there is no data regarding how many of those constitute first and second doses. Even if the 80-85% target is met, international travelers will likely have to wait until next year for things to return to normal. A Wall Street Journal article published on June 22, 2021 suggested that border restrictions would remain in place until after a calendar of sensitive events. This includes the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place in February and March next year. Nonetheless, more and more countries are re-opening international borders as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease. The fact that Zhong Nanshan believes vaccination targets will be met before the end of this year is cause for optimism. However, there’s still some way to go before a return to normality.
T H AT ’ S M A G A Z I N E S
HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT
A Village Retreat Coupled with Modern Comfort at Guizhou’s The Well House The 600 year-old Dali Dong Village ( 大利侗寨 ) – known as the Pearl Hidden in the Mountains – is home to The Well House – a boutique hotel in the heart of Dali designed by Atlas Studio. Situated on the village’s mountainside, this hotel bridges the gap between the traditional methods of building and current amenities to maintain the integrity that makes Dali what it is. Contemporary elements, such as floor to ceiling windows, afford guests with panoramic views across the town, as well as of the ancient well and Drum Tower. The hotel is equipped with energy-efficient heating and weatherproofing, along with up-to-date luxuries, plush bedding, Kalahari London toiletries and designer coffee and tea beverages, to enhance the comfort inside the building while still maintaining the aesthetic of the neighboring structures so as not to disturb the town’s skyline. The Well House also provides guests with a full vacation experience – suggesting nearby activities, providing an interactive map of the area for visitors to hike and explore on their own and offering a menu spanning regional specialty dishes and featuring local seasonal produce, smoked pork and rice wine. A meal is never complete without a bowl of the most recent season’s freshly harvested rice. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Rongjiang Railway Station, this convenient visit belongs on every Guizhou itinerary.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 21
TR AVEL | F E AT U R E
LIJIANG
A Major Minority Destination
L
ocated at the northwest corner of Yunnan province, Lijiang is famous for the well-preserved, primitive beauty of its landscape, the diverse traditions of the ethnic minorities who live there and a famous UNESCO Heritage Site – the Old Town of Lijiang. When Kublai Khan occupied Dali in the Song Dynasty, he led the whole battalion across Jinsha River and decided to dwell along the riverside. The river, known as Lijiang Bay at the time, became the origin of this community of thousands of people and kept thriving to become what was later known as the Old Town of Lijiang. The word ‘Lijiang’ bears an important message when explained in the local Naxi dialect. Translated as ‘gongben zhi,’ which means ‘the trade fair of grains,’ the phrase is not only a portrayal of a prosperous local trading scene, but it also indicates the importance of the city’s geographical location as a transportation hub along the old Silk Road. Today, Lijiang continues to serve as an important place that connects Yunnan to Sichuan and Tibet, as it sits 22 |NOVEMBER 2021
right at the junction of the YunnanGuizhou Plateau and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. China’s first geographer, Xu Xiake, even noted the resemblance between the contour of Lijiang and an ink stone. In recent decades, the city has experienced a boom in tourism. Thanks to its extremely high altitude – an intimidating 2,400 meters above sea level – Lijiang offers an unparalleled landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in China. In particular, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) attracts millions of tourists and extreme sports lovers from around the world each year. Apart from exploring the great outdoors, there are also plenty of cultural activities to be enjoyed, as Lijiang is home to 12 different ethnic minorities who make up more than half of the city’s population. Among them, the Yi and Naxi people are the most prominent groups and have major influences in the city’s everyday life. For those who are curious about life in the Song and Yuan dynasties, a visit to the Naxi community will take
you right back into that time period, thanks to its well-preserved traditions and architecture, which are a rarity in China.
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
Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG) Just under 30 kilometers south of the city center, Lijiang Airport operates regional flights as well as routes from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A taxi from the airport to Lijiang Old Town costs around RMB80 depending on time of day. We should note that many visitors opt to fly into Kunming first, as the Lijiang Airport is located at an elevation of about 2,242 meters. If you do fly into Lijiang from a low-elevation area, you may want to begin taking altitude sickness medication ahead of time.
Bus Lijiang is fairly easy to travel to by bus with two coach stations: Local Transport Service Center Bus Station (Changshui Lu) and the Lijiang Express Bus Station (Xianggelila Jie). Both offer bus services to neighboring cities as well as popular tourist attractions like Lugu Lake and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Although the Local Transport Service Center Bus Station has more bus lines as well as ticket offices located all around the city, so we recommend checking this station out first.
> Qihe Zhen, Lida Gong Lu 七何镇丽大公路 (+86 888 5173081)
Taxi Lijiang Railway Station Lijiang’s only railway has long served as a link to neighboring Yunnan destinations, Dali and Kunming. A high-speed rail, opened in 2018, connects Lijiang to several other Yunnan destinations as well as reduced the commute time from nine hours to three hours. Second-class tickets range from RMB197-220, and offer a scenic view of the province along the route. A maglev railway will also reportedly be built in Yunnan, state media reported in February 2020, which would stretch 430 kilometers from Kunming to Lijiang. > Shangji Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County 玉龙县城南口片区上吉 村
While Lijiang is a fun city to explore on foot, you may want to skip ahead to the sites on your checklist. Taxis are pretty convenient but can be a bit pricy for far destinations, so it’s best to bargain the fare beforehand. Taxi fares start at RMB7.
Bike A bike is just what you need in case the town is overrun with tourists by the time you arrive. We recommend chatting with your hotel or hostel about bike rentals as well as local bike tours that take you out of the city center and into some of the nearby villages with gorgeous mountains views at your every turn.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 23
TR AVEL | F E AT U R E
Square Street When it comes to shopping for local souvenirs and people watching, Square Street is the place to be. Located deep within Lijiang Old Town, Square Street goes back centuries as a place where merchants during the Ming Dynasty would gather, bringing their own distinct cultures. There are countless souvenir shops selling various kinds of handicrafts and garments, many of which are locally owned businesses. Most of the souvenirs you’ll find around Square Street are designed by the Naxi People, from elegant craftworks to colorful knitted shawls. Be sure to catch some of the traditional dance performances throughout the day – although a bit gimmicky, there’s plenty of smiles going around. > Sifangjie, Lijiang Old Town 丽江市古城区四方街
Bu Nong Ling Shops One of the traditional crafts of the Naxi people, Bunong Bells are a popular purchase when traveling in Lijiang. Known as the lucky bell of the Chinese minority group, these bells were once used as a sacrificial utensil, but nowadays are more of a common souvenir. You’ll find local designers selling their own bell creations just east of the big stone bridge in Lijiang’s Old Town. Bunong Bells generally cost RMB30 and up. > East of big stone bridge of Lijiang Old town 丽江大石桥东边
24 |NOVEMBER 2021
F E AT U R E | TR AVEL
Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) Arguably the area’s most famous attraction, Yulong Snow Mountain is a popular day trip for tourists visiting Lijiang. The mountain forms one side of the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge (which is less than two hours away from town by car) and its peak is blanketed in snow year-round. Visitors can take a cable-car to the mountain’s Glacier Park, which sits at over 4,500 meters and offers sweeping views on a clear day (although you won’t see much if the fog rolls in). From the cable car station, intrepid travelers can hike even higher up the mountain via a boardwalk and series of steep staircases. Of note: Portable oxygen cannisters and winter jackets are generally provided to those visiting the mountain as part of a tour. After descending from the peak, be sure to stop off at Blue Moon Lake to snap some scenic photos of the terraced pools of freezing, vivid-blue glacier water.
Baisha Old Town
Zhiyun Temple
This historic town center is 10 kilometers north of Lijiang and faces Yulong Mountain to the north and Longquan River to the south. Thanks to its prime location and good fengshui, Baisha was once the capital of the Naxi community, serving as the political and economic center of Lijiang. It was also the home of the Mu family – one of the three most influential feudal lords of the area. The center of Baisha Old Town consists of a large square and clusters of architecture characteristic of the Naxi people. The area is packed full of shops selling traditional art, tourist trinkets and locally produced snacks, as well as bars, restaurants and cafes.
Located 18 kilometers to the southwest of Lijiang Old Town, Zhiyun Temple was originally built in 1727 during the Qing Dynasty. Considered one of the five major temples in Lijiang, it housed 13 monasteries at one point, of which only six remain intact. Today, the temple maintains a nearby farm that produces local specialties like apples and white peaches. The origin of the temple is an ancient legend, wherein a man from Shuhe who studied Buddhism in Tibet returned home and was advised by a mysterious wise man to build a temple under a certain piece of cloud. Thus, Zhiyun Temple, which means the temple ‘pointing to the cloud,’ was built at its current address. `
Lashi Hai Lashi Hai sits about 10 kilometers west of Lijiang Old Town. Known as the first nature reserve in Yunnan, Lashi translates to ‘new wasted dam’ in the local dialect. In the 1980s, a dam was built to prevent drastic, cyclical changes to water level. This process converted Lashi Hai into a plateau wetland, which is a natural habitat for migratory birds. Although the area enjoys mild weather all year round, the best season to visit is the winter, during the height of the bird migration between December and March. Visitors can rent a boat to make the most of the natural landscape, or pick a horse to tour around the lake area. NOVEMBER 2021 | 25
Waxing Waves of Western Want
26
COVER STORY
27
COVER STORY
Unpacking the Sea Can Traffic Jam and the Cost of Rising Consumption By Joshua Cawthorpe
O
n March 23, 2021, the eyes of the world were fixed on the Ever Given. The 400-meter-long cargo ship had slammed into the sandy banks of the Suez Canal, a crucial artery of ocean-faring trade. In the week that followed, as hundreds of vessels lined up to traverse the channel, onlookers became acutely aware of how fragile the global supply chain really is. Fast forward half a year and consumers in the West are being warned that many popular items will be in short supply come Christmas time. This month, we talk to merchants making a living in China to explore the apparent unravelling of an otherwise invisible yet indispensable industry.
Ports on Pause T
28
COVER STORY
he Ever Given is estimated to have resulted in nearly USD10 billion dollars in lost revenue per day, according to Forbes . By the following week, the ship was immortalized in internet memes as a symbol of both hopelessness and hilarity. Nonetheless, as vessels began filing through the narrow thoroughfare to deliver their goods, international cargo shipping once again faded away from the public discussion. In late May, global delays were forecasted as one of the world’s busiest
ports went into lockdown. An outbreak among workers at Yantian Port, normally capable of loading 20,000 standard containers per day, forced a temporary suspension of the port’s operation. It reopened soon after but with reduced capacity and strict COVID-19 prevention protocols. By June 17, CNN reported that upwards of 50 freight liners were parked at sea awaiting their turn at the docks. On August 10, an employee tested positive at China’s NingboZhoushan marine hub,
the third busiest port in the world. The Meishan terminal, which handles a quarter of the cargo moving through the port, was subsequently closed for two weeks. By diverting awaiting vessels to other terminals and nearby ports, Global Times asserted that Ningbo operators maintained a near-normal throughput compared to July. However, nearly a week before the terminal resumed operation, 80 ships were still waiting to unload and replenish at Ningbo.
29
COVER STORY
The pandemic hit supply chains hard with added security measures and outbreaks wreaking havoc among dockworkers, heavy haul truckers, warehouses and factories. Yet could this be all it took to bring the supply chain to its knees? Sheltering from the pandemic, a more innocuous problem was brewing : skyrocketing demand.
A
staggering 80 percent of all goods are transported by sea, according to Statista. Ask anyone in the West to look around the room and almost everything nearby will have been aboard a cargo ship. Benoit de Mallmann is the general manager of an export-only shower enclosure factory in Zhongshan, Guangdong province. His business is entirely dependent on the sea for delivery and is directly impacted by port closures and delays.
30
COVER STORY
30 |NOVEMBER 2021
However, he describes the paradoxical effect of the pandemic for manufacturers within China’s borders. “Since the pandemic began, the business has exploded. This year to date we have seen between 60 to 70% growth.” The reason is because the consumers cannot travel due to COVID-19 restrictions so they spend their money on the renovation of their kitchens and bathrooms.” The hurdle, he tells That’s , is a lack of shipping
containers. “We are accumulating a massive amount of stock and we don’t want to hinder production. We had to expand by building new warehouses and then rent additional warehouses.” De Mallmann echoes the plight of manufacturers worldwide as products pile up, waiting to be loaded, while full containers sit on delayed ships and in ports. “The container situation is very unpredictable,” he says. “You can have zero containers available for
31
The Factory Floor
COVER STORY
several days and then the following week you will have fifty containers. So we need to be ready to load and ship all of our goods as soon as the containers come in.” Not only are containers unavailable but they come at an unprecedented cost. Drewry Shipping Consultants shows the world container Index price hovering around USD10,000 — freight rates not included. Prices have soared 281% higher than the autumn of 2020. The five-year average for a 40ft container is USD2,530. In the final week of August, Container xChange showed available units at Yantian Port selling for over USD15,000. According to South China Morning Post , 96% of shipping containers are made in China and manufacturers are having a booming year. One major player, China International Marine Containers Group, produced 1.1 million standard dry containers in the first half of 2021. In doubling the output compared to the previous year, CIMC reported a 1,739% increase in net profits as
surging demand dragged prices higher and higher. Free on board, or FOB, is a shipping industry term which means that the buyer is liable for the goods once they are shipped. De Mallmann’s prices are FOB so the container cost is absorbed by the customer. In order to stay competitive, he explains, the company has been focused on optimizing the way container space is used. “We need to load more and decrease the freight cost per unit for the customer. I would say this is one positive aspect because it forces us to think a bit greener. We need to use less cardboard and styrofoam so we ultimately consume less material.”
NOVEMBER 2021 | 31
F
reight charges have risen alongside container prices and the cost of raw materials. The result is mind-bending quotes from exporters with some transactions being simply abandoned. Sergio Jaimes is a Colombian export agent who lives with his family in Guangzhou. Since 2011, he has been filling orders for everything from sneakers to phone cases to automobile parts and shipping them to his clients throughout Central and South America. In 2018 and 2019, Jaimes was a loading up to 16 containers a year. This month he will send the second shipment of 2021. In a coffee
and explain the delays, many buyers cancel the transaction.” Another Colombian, Lorena Garzon, has a trading company in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. Like Jaimes, she sources products, inspects shipments, arranges shipping and processes payment for importers in the West. On top of high costs and container shortages, her customers have been embattled by production delays. In 2019, Garzon filled and sent over 40 containers. To name but a few of the products that she handles, she lists stationery, party supplies, household goods, cosmetics, jewelry and raw
those that importers source in China. The price is higher but the delivery time is much faster.” “Household products and toys with circuit board materials are also causing problems,” adds Garzon, unsurprisingly. A Trump-era protectionist policy limited the purchase of certain technologies from Chinese firms. According to Reuters, the former president’s memorandum on technology transfers between China and the US is being partially blamed for the global chip shortage. Toyota announced in mid-October that it had slashed production by 40% due to the inability to acquire
shop on a windy Sunday afternoon, Jaimes pulls up old WeChat messages to show us prices from a bygone time. October 22, 2019, a container leaving Shenzhen and bound for Buenaventura Port is purchased for USD2100. That same route was quoted at USD13,500 on September 6, 2021. Another shipment to Chile came in at USD16,500 with neither price including the export fees or delivery charges from factory to FOB. “I personally lost several opportunities because of this situation,” Jaimes laments. “After you quote the price
materials for handbags. She tells That’s, “we’ve had production delays with plastic [products] or party balloons because some of the chemicals that make them come from other countries.” “Due to the lack of production materials, the delivery time to the factory is already delayed. The shortage of containers then adds a lot more time. As a result, some customers no longer purchase in China. Instead they choose to purchase locally. There are many factories in Panama and a lot of the products are similar to
microchips, as per the New York Times. China’s rebounding domestic economy and increased demand from factories has led to a 13% jump in the demand for energy. Reuters reports that, in the first eight months of the year, coal-fired power stations rose to the challenge and met the growing need with an extra 465 trillion Watt Hours (TWh). To put it in perspective, the Scotland’s government website states that wind power provided 23.2 TWh in 2019 — enough electricity to power every
home in the nation for more than two and a half years. Despite ambitious carbon neutrality goals, top officials instructed coal mines to increase production and urged some recently shuttered mines to reopen, as per South China Morning Post . In Mid August, the National Development and Reform Commission published a ranked list of all 31 provinces and regions, highlighting that seven of them had failed to meet their energy saving targets. The NDRC then instructed those provinces, including Guangdong and Jiangsu, to take measures to ensure that the targets were met by year’s end. The result has been rolling blackouts. Local officials targeted factories and periodically cut power to industrial areas, further exacerbating supply chain problems ahead of the busy Christmas season. Far from the coal mines of Inner Mongolia, De Mallmann’s factory had to embrace the city’s new energy austerity. “In the last fifteen days of September, we had four days a week without electricity. This affected the entire industrial area of Zhongshan. I have a friend who is a supplier in Zhuhai and they were going six or seven days a week without electricity while other areas were one or two days only. We organized some night shifts and we still managed to reach our production goal but it was an emergency situation.”
Coal for Christmas
32
COVER STORY
32 |NOVEMBER 2021
Pinstripe Pirates I
n contrast to the headaches and heartaches for merchants and consumers, the shipping industry itself is rolling in dough. The world’s biggest shipping company, AP Moller-Maersk A/S, projected a modest USD4.5 billion in profits at the start of 2021. However, by exploiting the jump in demand for consumer goods, the Danish behemoth now expects to surpass USD14 billion, according to Bloomberg. Chinese state-owned COSCO shipping saw an 88 percent year on year rise in
revenue for the first half of 2021. The company moved 13.84 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during that time, a meagre 16.8 percent increase from last year, Nikkei reports. The sheer necessity of the industry has buyers and sellers in a chokehold. Critics of the cargo ship business suggest that now is the time to step back, shop local and decarbonize the shipping industry. Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done. One Network Express, headquartered in both Tokyo and Singapore, told the
After you quote the price and explain the delays, many buyers cancel the transaction
Economist that a 10 percent speed reduction could bring carbon emissions down 15 percent. But the current situation shows no signs of slowing down. The International Maritime Organization is a UN body tasked with regulating the industry. In September, the International Chamber of Shipping submitted a proposal to the IMO outlining a research and development fund which would levy USD2 on every metric ton of marine fuel consumed. The purpose of the fund, awaiting approval at an IMO meeting this November, would be to explore viable alternative fuel solutions. The industry is smashing profit records in every consecutive quarter and consumers in the West are being warned to start Christmas shopping early. Cargo ships are the backbone of the globalized economy and governments can’t simply strong-arm the prices back down to pre-COVID levels.
33
COVER STORY
When regulators discuss the current state of shipping, will they acknowledge the concerns of importers and exporters? Might they discuss food security in developing nations? Do they have the power to pressure the industry to self-regulate? For now, we wait, like five thousand container ships on the water as we read, and hope for smooth seas and clear skies ahead.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 33
FAMILY Galley Gadgets
Optimizing Your Cave of Cookery p38
Eco Home P36
34 |NOVEMBER 2021
Class Clown P36
FULL HOUSE
FEEDING THE FUTURE Founder of Bits x Bites Interview by Sophie Steiner
Food tech serial entrepreneur Matilda Ho is the founder and managing director of Shanghai-based Bits x Bites, a company that invests in startups working to help feed China’s growing population of 1.4 billion people in a more sustainable way. We first caught up with Matilda back in 2017 when Bits x Bites was just starting out, and since then, it has added 15 portfolio companies. The company is currently investing in everything from precision agriculture to alternative protein solutions to plant-based education options. Briefly describe Bits x Bites – what it does and how it has evolved. Bits x Bites is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage agrifood tech startups tackling systemic challenges in the food system. We are one of the very first in Asia to invest in this space and the first Chinese VC to invest in cellular agriculture, when we backed Israeli company Future Meat Technologies in 2018. Since then, our most recent investments have been in Next Gen, which has introduced a plant-based chicken product named TiNDLE. What are some of the alternative protein solutions your company focuses on? At Yimishiji, we have very stringent product selection requirements for all of our offerings: no chemical residues in our produce, no antibiotics in our meat, no artificial flavoring in our packaged products, just to name a few examples. And, of course, they have to taste great and offer good value to our customers. We are equally picky with our plantbased offerings. Our team has sampled several dozens of protein alternative products on the market and are happy that we finally found a small number of products that have convinced our merchandising team. Now, we offer 16 plant-based beverages and yogurts made of almond,
“The first product will be a cell and plant hybrid product that can closely mimic chicken meat. “ mung bean and/or walnuts. We have also introduced our own high-protein meatless snacks. How do you see these alternative protein solutions changing the scope of agriculture in China for the better? The Chinese diet has traditionally consisted of a wide diversity of plant sources. We have established supply chains for many of these plant ingredients. It gives China an opportunity to play a bigger part as a supplier of high-value ingredients as these plants become the foundation of new-generation protein products. Take mung beans and yellow peas as examples. In addition to dried mung beans or selling bean sprouts, mung beans are now used as the base protein ingredient in plant-based eggs. Previously, pea was separated into starches that went into vermicelli noodles and protein powder as animal feed. Now, pea provides the core protein in many plant-based products such as Beyond Meat. Looking ahead, there is also potential to develop breeding innovations to genetically engineer plants to produce specific proteins used for animal alternatives, such as casein in milk. We’re just scratching the surface. Which plant-based protein companies are you currently working with that you feel are the most promising for entering and making an impact in the Chinese market? In all of Bits x Bites investments, we evaluate the companies based on their potential relevance for the Chinese market. On the ingredient side, we have invested in a chickpea protein concentrate company. Chickpea is neutral in color and taste, which makes it versatile in
both meat and dairy applications. Also, chickpea can grow with very little water and is therefore perfect for cultivating in areas like northern China. In 2020, Xinjiang allocated 13,000 mu in the Toli area for growing chickpeas. Elsewhere, we have invested in Future Meat Technologies, an Israeli cellular agriculture company that has developed cell-based chicken fat that can fill in the aroma, taste and texture missing in many plant-based products. The first product will be a cell and plant hybrid product that can closely mimic chicken meat. Next Gen, our newest investment, is a Singaporean company that makes TiNDLE, plant-based chicken thigh. Its texture and versatility make it extremely well suited for Chinese cuisines. The product is now in Hong Kong, Macau and will soon be in the US, followed by major cities in China. Are there specific regions of China you focus your energy on? For innovative food companies, we believe Shanghai is a great base. On one hand, it has a large and diverse customer base who is as conscious about health and nutrition as it is curious about new products and flavors. On the other, it has a vibrant dining scene and community that is keen to experiment with new menu and ingredient options. Shanghai also has a strong network of food and ingredient R&D resources that are keen to learn about what startups have to offer and to collaborate. This makes it a great springboard for companies to introduce themselves in the Chinese market. Of course, given our investment scope across the full supply chain, we frequently go to key agricultural regions like Shandong and agrifood tech academic and research hubs like Zhejiang and Beijing. NOVEMBER 2021 | 35
READING CORNER
CLASS CLOWN
Book recommendations from That’s editorial team:
Lesson in Love
The Last Fallen Star Based on Korean mythology, The Last Fallen Star follows a Korean-American witch’s clan through a series of problems, starting with Hattie trying to give her adopted sister Riley a share of inherited magic. Former New Zealand diplomat Graci Kim set her debut novel in modern day LA and includes plenty of forbidden magic and enchanted bubble teas.
Photos of students congregating outside of windows at Wuhan University on a cold night went viral. Students were listening to a lecture on relationships presented by professor of psychology, Yu Feng. Purported to teach about values, respect and communication rather than manipulative pick-up tricks, the lecture still came under scrutiny due to its academic setting. Students and netizens seem to generally be in favor, pointing out that academic pressure placed on Chinese youth leaves no time for development of this crucial life skill in their childhood.
ECO HOME
The Poverty Line Beijing-based Stefen Chow and Huiyi Lin took ten years through 36 countries and territories on six continents to examine poverty through the lens. With each government’s set poverty-line as the guide, they purchased food they could afford per day in local markets then placed it on a page of local newspaper bought that day.
36 |NOVEMBER 2021
Healthy Humidifyer Cold winter air and heated spaces often dry out nasal passages, causing a kind of freeway for germs usually caught in the body’s natural moisture mechanisms. Humidifiers used correctly can eliminate this problem. Filtered drinking water is the best source for steam, as it’s absent of bacteria and sediments that can become airborne if using the water from the tap. A simple, inexpensive tool found on Taobao is energy efficient and completely portable for use in your home, office or classroom. Make this truly eco-friendly by designating a clean, reusable bottle just for humidifier water.
E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M
VEGGIE MAMA
Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Recipe Since I first started my journey into vegan cooking, cheesecake made using cashews has always been a favorite of mine. Cheesecake is definitely something you make when you want to surprise people with a delicious vegan treat that they won’t believe is egg and dairy free. It’s creamy and delicious, and the best part is it’s heart healthy! Once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy to whip up, and you can do any kind of variation you like. Think orange and chocolate, Oreo, strawberry, blueberry, matcha... the possibilities are endless! > Scan the QR code for the full recipe.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 37
F A M I LY
Galley Gadgets Optimizing Your Cave of Cookery
N
otoriously small kitchens in China can’t compare to the sprawling kitchens of the West. The average Chinese family utilizes their dining table for food preparation and living room for extra storage, meaning the kitchen is usually just for cooking and washing dishes. Yet many expats prefer the efficiency of having a prep line starting at the fridge then to sink to cutting board to pan ending in the serving dish before setting it all on the table. Squeeze out extra needed space by getting these handy organizers. To purchase an item, scan the QR code using Taobao’s app.
Makeshift Mat Wash vegetables, dry dishes or plop down a cutting board on top and prep right at the sink. Though this mat comes in many styles from many vendors, this one has a handy cradle for smaller produce and cutlery. RMB58
Microwave Shelf The drawer is a life-saver for those doomed to one- or two-drawer kitchens. Three shelves are an option but by forfeiting the drawer. RMB118 to 468
38 |NOVEMBER 2021
F A M I LY
Hanging Trash Can Not only will bending backs be saved but so will the mess. RMB118 for 6L stainless steel
Hanging Shelf Bins Coffee cups, plates and bowls are space hogs. Reclaim the vertical space by storing them in hanging bins. RMB 26.90
On-the-side Rack These versatile organizers can be put on the sides of refrigerators, washing machines and inside cupboard doors (just make sure to secure them at the bottom). Bonus is that the wire bins are removable. RMB66.90
Freed-up Fridge Egg cartons take up so much extra space so use neutral space under fridge shelves instead. RMB51.52 for the set
NOVEMBER 2021 | 39
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 JINGDEZHEN
Hyatt Place Jingdezhen Taoxichuan
Taoxichuan Hotel
Hyatt Place Jingdezhen Taoxichuan, the first Hyatt Place-branded hotel in China’s Jiangxi Province, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. The hotel has been developed by Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Tourism Group. Its superb location is also surrounded by many scenic spots and is a convenient 15-25-minute drive from the Northern High Railway Station and Luojia Airport, which provide direct connections to other key cities in the region.
Hyatt recently announced the opening of Taoxichuan Hotel, a truly unique addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The 196-room hotel has been developed as part of the landmark Taoxichuan cultural and creative quarter in the heart of downtown Jingdezhen, offering a distinctive, sophisticated experience infused with the spirit of innovation and creativity. The hotel’s superb location is also surrounded by many scenic spots and is a convenient 15-25-minute drive from the Northern Railway Station and Luojia Airport, which provide direct connection to other key cities in the region.
40 |NOVEMBER 2021
BEIJING
SHANGHAI
Oktoberfest @ Brewery, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing
The W Shanghai Keeps the Summer Heat with The Electric Carnival
Last month, between Oct 15 to 23, the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing hosted an Oktoberfest party along the beautiful banks of Yanqi Lake. The mystical surroundings laid the perfect stage for a truly authentic Germanstyle celebration. Frauleins frolicked and boisterous blokes emptied hefty pints while enjoying an eclectic menu of Bavarian classics, exciting games and live music. Crispy pork knuckle, Nuremberg snail sausage and venison tenderloin brought the wildness of the Bavarian forest to the shores of Yanqi lake for a raucous and memorable affair. We look forward to seeing our guests for an even better Oktoberfest in 2022.
From October 16-17, an Electric Carnival was staged at the poolside bar of The W Shanghai – The Bund. From the afternoon until the wee hours of the morning, the enthusiasm of Latin American style continued to ignite the night through exotic food, drinks and live performances. The warmth of summer undulated throughout the entire weekend. After the revealing of a giant piñata, it exploded, creating a shower of colors to match the bright decorations and to celebrate this joyous event. With the decorations matched by a dynamic beat, an air of passionate energy enveloped the entire space.
Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel Celebrating The 10th Anniversary Last month, Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel held the celebration for its 10th Anniversary. The celebration, attended by more than 130 distinguished guests, included dinner and an historical picture gallery. Among the photos were landmark achievements like hosting such receptions and events as ‘Sino-Africa’ Forum and ‘One Belt One Road’ and Snooker China, to name but three. Later in the evening, guests gathered under the galaxy in the ballroom for live Jazz, professional dancing, giveaways and merriment for all. The team looks forward to maintaining and improving their reputation and exceptional customer loyalty in the decade to come.
Beijing Hotel NUO Presents Antique Peking Tea in Writers Bar
Wanda Reign on the Bund presents ‘Ode to Joy’ Art Afternoon Tea
Beijing Hotel NUO recently presents Antique Peking Tea in Writers Bar partnered with ‘The Heart of Beijing’, the signature culture project of Culture & Tourism Bureau of Dong Cheng District. This Beijing-style afternoon tea set is inspired by the wunderkammar that was popular among the ancient aristocrats. The culinary team specially designed this tea collection for your indulgence in the authentic Peking beauty. The hotel is known as the ‘the most luxurious hotel in the Orient’ and the social hub for the nobles. Writers Bar is entitled after litterateurs who once visited, such as Bernard Shaw and Tagore. It is a unique experience to savour afternoon tea in the legendary Writers Bar that was built in 1917 and mimics the design of the Mirror Hall of the Palace of Versailles. Be ready to be time-wrapped to the Peking era and reproduce the scene of aristocratic tea time. Call 8500 4181 for reservation.
Wanda Reign on the Bund has launched its art afternoon tea with painter Huang Laiduo under the theme of ‘Ode to Joy.’ Set in the lobby lounge on the first floor, the afternoon tea showcases the artist’s passion for colorful ingredients and flavors along with his innovative ideas. At the launch ceremony, Huang shared his personal stories behind the paintings and appreciated the hotel’s intension to engage its guests in art activities. His latest oil painting ‘Ode to Joy’ (2021) is inspired by the symbolic meaning of pomegranate in China, which is sanctity, abundance and faithfulness. It combines contemporary performance, decoration and abstraction. The “Ode to Joy” Art Afternoon Tea is priced at RMB258 per set at the hotel’s WeChat mall, including coffee or tea for two. For reservations or more information, please call +86 21 5368 8882 or email fbreservation.sh@ wandahotels.com.
NOVEMBER 2021 | 41
SCHOOL NEWS SHANGHAI
Dulwich Pudong Senior School Students Lead the Way The student-led One Voice Summit took place last month. The mission of this annual event is to inspire young people to collaborate and to challenge each other to come up with solutions for their schools and communities which will have a positive impact on people and the planet. The One Voice Summit features inspirational keynote speeches to start the day, followed by small, student-run working groups called “Lightbulb sessions.”
Welcome to BISS Puxi Christmas Fair! Get in the holiday spirit at the BISS Puxi Winter Fair on December 4 from 11am-4pm. Start your Christmas shopping at a unique outdoor market. There will be local vendors, games for the children and specialty foods, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts! BISS Puxi’s team of elves are also setting up Santa’s grotto ready for good little boys and good little girls to meet Santa and receive a Christmas surprise.
SCIS United Nations International Day of Peace One of the many ways SCIS celebrates its truly unique and diverse community is through campus-wide recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace. With over 60 nationalities represented within its community, school hallways become filled with vivid and colorful traditional dress proudly worn by international students.
Wellington College International Shanghai Launches Dual Language Programme This year Wellington College International Shanghai has introduced an all new dual language programme for its youngest pupils. With this ambitious pilot project, the College aims to create fully bilingual, biliterate and bicultural pupils through immersion in a dual Chinese and English learning environment.
NAIS Pudong Welcome Back Lunch
Challenge Week at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi Senior School Challenge Week provided students with memorable opportunities from water sports, cycling various terrains and crab fishing to braving the weather while camping. Year 10-12 completed their qualifying adventurous journey expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award; navigating routes around Dianshan Lake and Chongming Island using their compass and mapping skills in a kayak, whilst carrying all of their own equipment for the week! Experiential education is an integral part of the Dulwich College curriculum that prepares students to ‘Graduate Worldwise’ and ‘Live Worldwise.’ 42 |NOVEMBER 2021
Good food and good company were on the menu at NAIS Pudong’s Welcome Back lunch. Organized by their fantastic Parent Community Association, new and old parents met up to mark the start of the new school year. It was a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and to welcome new families to NAIS Pudong.
FOSHAN
GUANGZHOU
Alcanta International College Last year, Alcanta International College students performed The Wonderful Smells, a play by UK author Julia Donaldson, famous for her story The Gruffalo. Since The Wonderful Smells is set in China and is all about mooncakes, Drama teacher Nicola Howard sent some pictures to Julia via her literary agent. Julia asked if she could include the photos on her website, which she was in the process of updating. The parents granted their permission, and now the picture has appeared – almost a year later!
Foshan EtonHouse International School September saw the return of a MUCH anticipated event – Foshan EtonHouse International School Coffee Morning! Due to restrictions in place, events such as these had been dearly missed. At Foshan EtonHouse, they truly consider themselves an international family and, as the first British international school in Foshan, one of their greatest strengths is in bringing people together from all over the world.
SHENZHEN The British School of Guangzhou Last month, A-Level students at The British School of Guangzhou began an enrichment programme to develop confidence and soft skills. This includes supporting children aged 2-5 with their learning.
QSI International School of Shenzhen The climax of the Volleyball season is upon us; our QSI International School of Shenzhen’s Dragons continue to do well on the court. The boys’ team remains the top team of the seven teams within the SISAC league, and the girls’ team is second place. Student athletes from Cross Country Running have also been pushing hard in their runs, building up the speed and endurance necessary to make constant improvement. They will be competing against other schools within the SISAC conference for the final event of their great season.
ISA Science City International School ISA Science City International School cordially invites you to attend their celebration of the ISA Community on Saturday 11th December. ISA Festival is jointly organized by ISA International Education Group, its schools and projects and ISA Charity Fund. Traditionally hosting more than 2,000 members of the ISA community and guests, the ISA Festival is an afternoon of entertainment where talented students, parents and teachers will provide a variety of performances. There is also an international market stall to sample food and buy crafts and gifts. NOVEMBER 2021 | 43
That’s
NOVEMBER
Horoscopes
Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in China. By Joshua Cawthorpe
10.24~11.22
11.23~12.21
12.22~1.20
Capricorn
Aquarius
It’s important to know when to say ‘No!’ and in the month of Scorpio you need to focus on getting to know yourself. Know means ‘No!’ so don’t overburden yourself with the needs of others.
Two Sagittarians walk into a bar… Expect this month to be especially raucous and social. Lean into it and don’t hold back.
If you are contemplating a big career change — don’t. Libra season is a time that brings recogni-tion of hard work to Capricorns. Not to mention the work permit rules are ever evolving.
Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, will end its retrograde on November 28 and begin again to move forward in the sky. Let’s go!
Pisces
Aries
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Taurus
2.20~3.20
3.21~4.20
4.21~5.21
Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster in November. Just internally though. Your rela-tionships are solid and nobody is going to die (probably). Just avoid sad movies or you’ll crack like a gingersnap.
Your ego has been putting on some padding around the mid-section and it’s not Christmas. Stop feeding your ego.
You watched Squid Game in three days and now your life feels empty. Maybe it’s time to start using that gym membership.
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
1.21~2.19
Gemini
5.22~6.21 Become more flexible in your life. When you first came to China you were bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Yet you’ve fallen into comfortable routines. There are still adventures to be had, you just need to find the spark of adventure again.
Libra
6.22~7.22
7.23~8.23
8.24~9.23
9.24~10.23
Hey there, moon child, this month is the time to do a deep clean of your apartment so that you aren’t too embarrassed to finally hire an Ayi.
This month will fill your mind with creativity and inspiration. Carry a notebook with you and write down these opportunities before they flutter away. Worst case scenario, it will make you look mysterious and interesting from afar.
Splurge on your personal hygiene this month. The stars are aligned for the creation of new habits so you might as well take advantage and solidify a new daily skincare regiment.
It’s time to decide if your romantic relationship is worth its weight in Christmas presents. Might be time to ask your partner for a gift receipt so you can return them for a better fit.
44 |NOVEMBER 2021
Hey! WE’RE
RECRUITMENT We are looking for a Account Executive, Events Marketing Executive and Marketing Assistant to
work alongside our dedicated and dynamic international team. To learn more, email hr@thatsmags.com
