EXPO EXCLUSION

ROLLER COASTER

Shanghai Disney Holiday Resort was closed down unexpectedly on October 31 – and remained closed to all guests on November 1 and 2 – after a guest who visited the resort tested positive in Hangzhou. The infected guest traveled to Shanghai from Shangrao city in Jiangxi province on October 29. Guests who had remained in the resort were all required to undergo a nucleic acid test before leaving. All 33,863 people linked to the resort tested negative, as reported by SHINE. On Weibo, the hashtag ‘Fireworks set off at Disney contrast with efforts to control the pandemic’ had been viewed over 170 million times the day after the park was closed.

This is in reference to a video circulating on social media showing Disneyland’s night-time firework display in the background, as medical workers in hazmat suits carry out nucleic acid tests in the foreground.

The resort reopened with business as usual by November 3.

MILE HIGH Expo Exclusion

Entry to CIIE has been barred to people from certain virus-risk areas. The China International Import Expo, held annually in Shanghai, sees a multitude of products from across the globe come together under one roof. This year the event took place from November 5-10. This important event, spanning more than 360,000 square meters, allows for improved opportunities for international trade deals However, this year, anyone having visited any high- and medium-risk areas for COVID-19 plus any in areas with local cases reported in the previous 21 days were not allowed to attend.

This is in line with pandemic prevention and control measures for both the event and Shanghai city.

HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT The Dutchess and Duke of Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province

Victoria House Hotel is an English Country Manor located in the Jiangxi countryside, just twenty minutes from Wuyuan Railway Station. Named after owners Ed Gawne and Selina Liao’s daughter Victoria, it’s evident that the guesthouse is for those looking for a personal touch and meaningful interactions. The tasteful décor showcases old maps hand-delivered from owner Ed Gawne’s grandma’s home in the UK, traditional baroque and portraiture paintings, comfy chairs, a warming fireplace illuminating a live-edge wooden bar, a child’s play area and an expansive library. The outside encompasses two acres of gardens with a river bend at the front and tea fields at the back, along with an outdoor pool and available parking. The 17-room building offers guests the most authentic of British getaways right here in China, with 14 more rooms set to open in the coming month in the second wing. Most attractive, the space also offers picturesque vistas and dining accommodation for largescale events, like weddings, business gatherings and special occasions.

An Encyclopedia of Gin at URBAN Lounge’s Gin Library

The Sukhothai Shanghai recently launched the renewed URBAN Lounge, upgraded as the Gin Library – a full array of more than 300 gins, tasting flights, trolley service and master classes abound.

Curated by Attila Balint, the Bar and Beverage Manager and his team, the Gin Library features everything from large gin distilleries to rare, artisan bottles hailing from small-batch raft gin makers across the globe.

The menu is a master class in and of itself; patrons can start with the first page’s gin tasting wheel that draws them to different cocktails through color coding. Whether you lean towards citrus, floral, fruity or herbal gins – or your aim is purely navy strength – there are pages of options and tonic pairing recommendations provided accordingly for this G&T-focused spot.

Here you can experience a Gin Around the Globe (RMB140-160) tasting flight – organized by destination or style – with three separate 20ml pours, plus a tonic and garnish. For those craving that Old World charm, the Sukhothai Martini Trolley (RMB140) arrives tableside where guests can observe the art of martini making, an iconic act with an added touch of drama, resulting in one of the most balanced martinis on this side of the Yangtze.

To pair with the gins, URBAN Lounge showcases a continental style menu, with bar snacks, skewers, Asian bites, salads and burgers.

Furthermore, where there’s gin and nibbles, there’s live music – every Friday and Saturday from 8-11pm – with the Jazz Trio.

From interested gin neophytes to serious gin aficionados, URBAN Lounge’s Gin Library serves as a guide offering an engaging experience for every guest.