That's Shanghai – January 2021 by That's - Pulse of The City

SHANGHAI

INTO THE

400 633 8308 城市漫步上海英文版1月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5233/GO

China Intercontinental Press

JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2020

Exploring South China’s Expansive Underground River System

《城市漫步》上海英文月刊

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Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gandolfo 甘德发 Arts and Lifestyle Editor Phoebe Kut 吉蓁蓁 Travel Editor Sophie Steiner Contributors Rakini Bergundy, Matthew Bossons, Joshua ‘The Avid Fisherman’ Cawthorpe, Issac Cohen, Lindsey Fine, Paul French, Francesca Lewis, Bosworth Sheepley

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Distribution across China: 200,000 copies

Editor’s Note

JANUARY 2021

There’s nothing that beats a good meal out with family and friends, and in this month’s issue we honor all the

restaurants, bars, cafes and other venues in China for taking the dining experience to the next level. Our Cover

Story is a roundup of our various F&B awards that took place over the past two months in China’s biggest cities.

A special thanks to all our readers for supporting the awards by actively nominating and voting on your favorite places around town. Check out the winners on pages 38-47.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we get the lowdown from author Paul French on some of old Peking’s most notable

Western figures that lived the hutong life (pages 10-13). In the Arts & Lifestyle section, longtime contributor (and

charcuterie connoisseur) Rakini Bergundy takes us on a tour of awesome leather products that are too good to

pass up (pages 20-21). And of course, no issue is complete without a little love for travel – check out a sample of our new Explore China guide for an unparalleled understanding of Shenzhen (pages 28-33).

Lastly, since it’s the start of a New Year, everyone here at That’s would like to wish you the best in 2021 (and

never again mention the year that just passed). Best regards,

Ryan Gandolfo Editor-in-Chief

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2 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

WINTER SELECTIONS

MADE IN CHINA, GRAND HYATT BEIJING AT ORIENTAL PLAZA

ade in China, Grand Hyatt Beijing’s Chinese restaurant, is offering a winter-inspired menu with hearty hot foods to delight your taste buds and appease your appetite until the end of February. Relish classic dishes from the northeast China, such as Lamb meatball soup with wax gourd and Wok-fried sliced ox kidney with chili. Beef, lamb and chicken are prepared using classic cooking methods to create a winter menu that is rich in nutrients and an antidote to the winter chill. These delicacies utilize the finest ingredients and the creative cooking techniques of Kent Jin, Chinese Chef of Made in China, as he presents a winter menu for the increasingly cold days. Influenced by its unique climate, northeast China offers local dishes with their own natural, dynamic and energetic attributes that bring a warm feeling to the winter diet culture. Rich, warming dishes dominate the winter menu. These Winter Selections include a total of eight special delicacies. We invite you to try these inspiring dishes this winter. Served from December 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 For reservations, please call + 8610 6510 9024 or email fb.reservation.beigh@hyatt.com Located at the lobby level, Grand Hyatt Beijing Made in China Winter Promotion Menu 2020

Appetizer Pork tripe, okra, distiller’s grain Smoked duck meat roll, salted duck yolk, pickled cabbage Soup Lamb meatball soup, wax gourd Main Course Double-boiled abalone, Liaoning sea cucumber, fish maw in superior stock Wok-fried sliced ox kidney, chili Poached beef, celtuce, beansprout, towel gourd, Sichuan chili oil Braised chicken, Lipu taro, spring water Staple Food Steamed farmer’s winter vegetables

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2021 | 3

THE WRAP

6 THE NATION

16 ARTS & LIFE

7 THE PRICE IS WRONG

Chinese football authority cracks down on CSL salaries and sponsors.

17 ZHONG FEIFEI We caught up with Zhong to learn about her whirlwind year and future plans.

10 DESTINATION PEKING

20 COMFORT FROM THE COLD

The history behind Beijing’s original ‘hutong hipsters’.

10 cozy items to warm you head from toe.

Founder of Banana Tour.

34 BUSINESS & TECH

28 SHENZHEN

35 TONY WANG

24 TRAVEL 25 SISSI LIU

Sea and speed.

Skyworth TV CEO.

36 INSPECT-A-GADGET MAD Gaze GLOW.

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38 COVER STORY 2020 THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S F&B AWARDS

48 FAMILY

49 KARLI ROWLAND Offering a mental health support lifeline.

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THE NATION Destination Peking

The History Behind Beijing’s Original ‘Hutong Hipsters’ p10

Who am I? P8

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Mandarin Mumbles P9

Chinese Football Authority Cracks Down on CSL Salaries and Sponsors By Tom Glover

xorbitant player salaries and teams with sponsors in their names are soon to be a thing of the past in the Chinese Super League (CSL). The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on Monday, December 14 that they were implementing new rules aimed to ‘curb money football’ and support the national team, state news agency Xinhua reported. The new measures will come into effect on January 1, 2021. From next season onward the top flight will cap top domestic players’ salaries at RMB5 million (USD765,000) a year, while foreign players cannot make more than three million euros (USD3.63 million) annually. Clubs will also have to curb their overall spending on salaries as this will be limited to RMB600 million per year, with a maximum spending total of 10 million euros on foreign talent. Additionally, a team’s average salary spent on local players cannot exceed RMB3 million, as cited by Xinhua. “The policy aims to curb the investment bubbles in our leagues and promote the healthy and sustainable development of professional football,” the CFA document read. According to a CFA source, the CSL club average annual expenditure was RMB1.1 billion in the 2018 season and the majority of teams faced financial losses. This should put an end to expensive transfers such as Hulk’s 55 million euro (USD66 million) move to Shanghai SIPG in 2016, the record signing in Asian football at the time and the 60 million euro (USD71 million) deal which saw Oscar join SIPG from Chelsea in 2017. Upon joining Shanghai, it was reported that Oscar’s wages were USD26.5 million a year - almost eight times the new foreign talent salary cap, as cited by BBC. But, the CFA isn’t merely focused on cleaning up the CSL’s salary frenzy. The association is hoping to aid the China national football team as well. Due to a lack of elite domestic talent and limited spending on foreign players, many of the best Chinese players have become vastly overpaid. This has had a detrimental effect on Chinese football overall. “The CSL club expenditure is about ten times higher than South Korea’s K-League and three times higher than Japan’s J-league. But our national team is lagging far behind. The bubbles not only affect Chinese football in the present, but also hurts its future,” said CFA president Chen Xuyuan. China is currently ranked 75th in the world, while South Korea is 38th and Japan is 27th. By limiting domestic players’ salaries, the CFA wants to encourage more players to go and ply their trade abroad. Salaries overseas may be lower but the playing standard is higher. If more Chinese players break into teams in Europe then, in theory, the national team will become more competitive and have a stronger chance at World Cup glory. However, Chinese footballers have struggled in the last decade or so to make any sort of impact for teams in international leagues barring the notable exception of Wu Lei. The 29-year-old Nanjing native has enjoyed a relatively decent spell at Spanish side Espanyol since his 2019 move, playing over 60 games and scoring nine goals. In his short spell in La Liga he broke many records such as being the first Chinese player to score against Barcelona. But these achievements are a little hollow when you consider that he had very few predecessors in Europe and many of those failed to carve out a name for themselves. With the new measures by the CFA, there is a possibility more Chinese players may head out West to play.

For the CSL, any team whose total spending exceeds the new limit will be docked between 6 to 24 points, with players whose salaries go over the cap not allowed to play in matches organized by the CFA. If any contract forgery or evasive behavior is uncovered by the CFA, the club in question will be relegated and any player involved will be given a two-year ban. Limits will also be introduced for the second and third tiers of Chinese football. These tough punishments for violations of the rules show that the CFA won’t be pulling any punches, with Chen stating, “No matter how big the club is or how famous the player is, we will strictly follow the regulations with no considerations,” Chen warned. “Do not test our determination.” Clubs do have some room to maneuver, however. Although they must sign new contracts with all players following the implementation of the salary cap, for any player whose previous contract goes over the cap, clubs can sign agreements to make up the difference within three years and this will not be included in the clubs’ overall expenditure. The guidelines also address Chinese clubs’ names. The CFA is demanding that all professional teams remove any content related to corporate sponsors and owners from their official names. Explaining the name change requirement, Chen said, “In the past, the club owners changed quickly in our leagues and therefore the club names also had to change. It was not helpful to cultivate a football culture in China.” “The clubs should consider the culture of local fans and the characteristics of cities when choosing new names,” he noted, adding that the CFA has established a task force including fans, media and experts to audit the clubs’ new names, Xinhua reported.

But many fans are not too pleased with the name change stipulation arguing that teams such as Beijing Guo’an, Shanghai Shenhua and Henan Jianye have had their names for over 20 years. With these new rules, it appears the CSL will be putting out an inferior product on the pitch in the years to come. > For more China news, scan the QR code: WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2021 | 7

CHINA CURRENTS

THE PRICE IS WRONG

THE BUZZ RANDOM NUMBER

DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

8,849

Zhou Chengyu

… meters is the newly revised height of Mt. Qomolangma (also known as Mt. Everest) after China and Nepal made a joint announcement in early December. CNN reported that the two countries have had a decade-long dispute over the height of the world’s highest peak, but finally agreed on a measurement on December 8. The new height is less than a meter higher than the previously recognized height of the mountain from a 1955 Indian survey. The mountain holds multiple names depending on the region, including Qomolangma in China, Sagarmatha in Nepal and Everest in the West. To learn more about these fascinating names, scan the QR code.

Zhou Chengyu, a 24-year-old from southwestern China’s Guizhou province, is China’s youngest ever space commander. She has played a key role in the Chang’e 5 space mission which was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan island. BBC reported that Zhou was in charge of the rocket connector system, a “pivotal role.” The Chang’e 5 spacecraft aims to gather lunar rocks and soil for analysis. The mission marked China’s third successful Moon-landing in seven years. Zhou’s story has received attention from Chinese state-run media as well as overseas media outlets, although she reportedly doesn’t want to let the attention get in the way of her job. Netizens have been equally excited by Zhou’s achievements. Despite her young age, many have referred to her as ‘dajie’ (big sister), as a mark of respect. Some Weibo users joked that this “big sister is not so big.” Others referred to her as a “Chinese star” and a “hero.” Some users went so far as to call her the “space Mulan.”

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“If it were up to me, I’d spend my entire life in school” … commented one Weibo user under a post that asked: ‘Why don’t young people love working overtime?’ As ridiculous as the question sounds, it was heavily trending on the Chinese social media platform last month as users commented about how much they don’t like overtime. Nowadays more young people are reportedly asking about overtime requirements during job interviews. Another great comment we saw on the forum included a user writing, “What person loves working overtime?” We don’t!

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E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M

MANDARIN MUMBLES

How to Say ‘You’re Funny’ in Chinese

ometimes when your friends make you laugh want to complement them because you’re a human being with feelings. In case you find yourself in a laughing fit, here are a few different ways to say ‘you’re funny’ on a more personal level:

To learn more fun phrases from the AOE ChinEase team, scan the QR code:

Nǐ zhēn dòu.

Nǐ hěn gǎoxiào 。

Nǐ zhēn yǒuqù 。

Nǐ hěn yǒu yìsi 。

你真逗。

你真有趣。

你真搞笑。

你很有意思。

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

DESTINATION PEKING The History Behind Beijing’s Original ‘Hutong Hipsters’ By Paul French

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

estination Peking is a companion book to my previously published Destination Shanghai. It’s similar in format – 18 tales of foreigners who spent time in Peking in the first half of the 20th century. For some, the city would be home for most of their lives. For others, perhaps only a temporary visit – though one that profoundly affected their lives in some way. It ranges from the rich and successful – such as the Woolworth’s heiress Barbara Hutton and her husband the Prince Mdivani of the famous Russian emigre ‘Marrying Mdivanis’ – to the very poor – such as Mona Monteith, who worked in the city as a prostitute in the first year of the 20th century – or the criminal. One running theme throughout the stories is the presence of the unique hutong alleyways, which – depending on who you were – provided sumptuous homes, somewhere to hide, places to reinvent yourself or places to turn into temples to the Peking aesthetic. Perhaps the best way to understand Peking and its history is to explore the city’s hutong. So here’s a few that feature in Destination Peking. If you want to know Peking, you need to know these hutong…

Tsui Hua Hutong Where? Now known as Cui Hua Hutong, it has survived in part running between Beiheyan Dajie and the north end of Wangfujing by Wusi Dajie. Sadly, the entire south side of the hutong is gone, though the northern portion of perhaps a dozen formerly intact courtyards remains. The Wangfujing end of the hutong is somewhat obscured by the constructions of the ominous black cube structure of the National Art Center and a hotel. Who? In 1934 it was home to some of the original and best ‘Hutong Hipsters.’ The English aesthete and independently wealthy aristocrat Desmond Parsons rented the largest courtyard on the hutong – No.8 – where he lived for several years. His good friend and travel writer Robert Byron arrived in the winter of 1935, where he stayed in a spare wing of the courtyard and wrote his classic travelogue, The Road To Oxiana. When Chinese-American movie star Anna May Wong visited Peking in 1936, she begged to be able to rent No.8 Cui Hua Hutong, but Byron, who was housesitting, refused. Still, she turned up to take photos…

Kung Hsien Hutong Where? Now known as Gongjian Hutong, the lane remains in a relatively decent state of repair, including its many xiong (or adjacent side alleys) running from Dianmen Dajie, north to south down the side of Beihai Park. It is close to Nanluoguxiang Hutong, though is far more intricate and charming than that tourist trap. Gongjian is an interesting hutong as it has a bend in the lane at either end, presumably to afford some additional privacy to the lane as well as prevent it from becoming a wind tunnel. Who? If you wanted a hutong where the cool aesthetes of 1930s Peking hung out talking history, poetry, opera and food, then Gongjian was the spot. Harold Acton – really the aesthete’s aesthete and a man who loved poetry, opera and theatre – lived on the hutong, while his friend, the famous Chinese opera performer Mei Lan-fang, lived nearby. For Acton’s regular cocktail hour chums, such as Desmond Parsons, Robert Byron and Anna May Wong, Gongjian was just a 15-minute rickshaw ride across Jingshan Park from Cui Hua Hutong.

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

Kuei Chia Chang Hutong Where? Moving down south and closer to the old Legation Quarter. Once known in English as Armor Factory Alley, and today called Kuijiachang Hutong, the alley’s proximity to the foreign enclave of the Legation Quarter ensured it was always popular with foreigners. It still exists close by the main Beijing Railway Station adjacent to the train line running east out of the city, and effectively in the shadow of the Dongbianmen watch tower (aka The Fox Tower). It ends at the Second Ring Road, near the Beijing Supreme People’s Court. Who? Kuijiachang Hutong keeps on cropping up in my research, again and again. It was where Pamela Werner and her father ETC Werner lived at No.1 before she was murdered in 1937. In Destination Peking, it is the home of Olga Fischer-Togo, once Peking’s best-known Western opera singer, who claimed to be a classically trained Viennese, but whose heritage was perhaps more Coney Island beerhall. Peking, like Shanghai, is a city many foreigners would move to in order to reinvent themselves and obscure their pasts. It was also where Edgar (Red Star Over China) Snow and his more talented journalist wife Helen Foster-Snow lived – there’s a commemoration near where the courtyard house they rented once stood. Edgar and Helen lived in Peking in the mid to late 1930s, and their Sunday afternoon soirees, that went on into the late evening, were legendary – bringing together revolutionaries, sinologists, visiting movie stars and all their good friends, both Chinese and foreign.

Shih-Chia Hutong Where? In the 1920s, Shijia Hutong was one of the best kept and most exclusive addresses in Peking. It remains well maintained today and is the home of the Shijia Hutong Museum. Shijia, along with Nan-chi Tze Hutong and Kuijiachang, were just about the most desirable addresses in the city for foreigners who opted for hutong living. Close to the commercial streets of Wangfuting (also known as Morrison Street and now Wangfujing) and Hatamen Street (now Chongwenmen Dajie), Shijia Hutong runs east to west between Dongsinan Dajie and Chaoyangmennan Dajie.

Great Wool Alley Where? Close to Kuijiachang, and now called Dayangmao Hutong. The shortish hutong runs from Beijing Station Road East down to join Kuijiachang Hutong. Much favored by many foreigners as it was close to the ancient observatory, and, being within the boundaries of the old Tartar Wall, a short walk to the eastern edge of the Legation Quarter. Who? Dayangmao is a pretty run down and unprepossessing hutong now, but it has great importance in the development of Peking’s art scene. In the 1920s and 1930s, Japanese art collector Sotokichi Katsuizumi lived on the alley, and worked nearby at the Yokohama Specie Bank. A young Japanese-American sculptor called Isamu Noguchi came to Peking in 1930, and his first acquaintance who showed him the city and its art scene was Katsuizumi. Noguchi also ended up renting a room on Dayangmao Hutong for a time, which he described as “splendid living.” The house came complete with a houseboy who spoke French (as did Noguchi, at least somewhat), a cook, a rickshaw boy and their attendant families. Noguchi only stayed six months, but did study with the great Chinese calligrapher Qi Baishi. Noguchi eventually returned to the United States to emerge as one of America’s most enduring and innovative artists. 12 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Who? The quiet and leafy Shih-chia Hutong contains many well-built and large courtyard residences, attracting wealthy Chinese families and rich foreigners. In 1924, the American millionaire and would-be China Hand Herman Rogers and his wife Katherine moved into one of these courtyards, and then invited an old friend who was in town, Wallis Spencer, to stay with them for a while. Wallis, who later divorced, remarried and took the name Simpson, before divorcing again and marrying a King, making her the Duchess of Windsor. She spent six months on the hutong collecting jade, playing bridge and conducting several love affairs.

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

Shih Fu Ma Ta Chieh Where? Heading West of the Forbidden City and across Tiananmen Square from Kujiachang Hutong, the lane of Shih Fu Ma Ta Chieh has been renamed Wenhua Hutong, and is just south of Fuxingmennei Dajie running off Naoshikou Dajie. Who? In the 1930s, a later generation of foreigners in Peking – Acton, Parsons, etc. – would favor the hutong west of the Forbidden City and away from the Legation Quarter and the more foreigner-dense eastern city. But in 1912, very few foreigners lived in this part of the city, or to the west of Tiananmen at all. One did though. One of the most famous and notorious – Sir Edmund Backhouse, 2nd Baronet, also known as ‘The Hermit of Peking.’ Backhouse lived from 1912 for nearly a quarter of a century at No.19 Shih Fu Ma Ta Chieh. Around the same time, the New Culture Movement intellectual and early Chinese communist Li Ta-chao (Li Dazhao) lived on the same hutong. Backhouse kept to himself, and many in the foreign community were rather nervous of him, while many Chinese marvelled at his excellent language skills. Gossip swirled around him. It was said that a murder of a Chinese servant (and possibly his lover) at Shih Fu Ma Ta Chieh had occurred and been hushed up, and that while living there he had translated sensitive documents for the Soviets.

Yangjou Hutong Where? Now Yangrou Hutong, Mutton Alley, near The Church of the Savior, also known as the Xishiku Church or Beitang, in Xicheng District. Who? Backhouse again, but also a hutong well worth a stroll. Due to the Japanese invasion in 1937, Backhouse had to leave Wenhua Hutong and move to No.28 Yangjou Hutong, Mutton Alley, and now Yangrou Hutong, near The Church of the Savior, also known as the Xishiku Church or Beitang. Acton, who lived on the other side of Qianhai Lake, would see Backhouse when they were both out for their morning walks, though Backhouse would never acknowledge him.

Kanyu Hutong Where? Also known as the Alley of the Sweet Rain to foreigners, and is now Ganyu Hutong, just by Dongshikou subway station on Dongsinan Dajie. Who? Worth a visit as once many sojourning foreigners lived on this hutong, including Harold Acton’s great friend Osbert Sitwell of the rather generously talented Sitwell family. From Ganyu Hutong, he explored the opera houses and temples of Peking, where he once met a former Imperial Palace eunuch, a wrinkled and hairless man with a piping voice who enquired of Sitwell: “Tell me, young man, do you have no group of people (eunuchs) like us where you come from?” Sitwell considered the eunuch’s question and then replied, “Yes, indeed we have. We call it Bloomsbury.”

To buy Paul French’s ‘Destination Peking,’ scan the QR code.

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HOORAY FOR HOLIDAYS China, Here Are Your 2021 Public Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, dear readers! And no, we aren’t talking about Christmas, we’re talking about the release of the 2021 public holiday schedule (aka holiday planning time). The official holiday schedule was released by the General Office of the State Council in late 2020. Now, without further ado, here are your 2021 public holidays...

New Years Day Date: Friday, January 1 Day(s) off: Friday-Sunday, January 1-3 No Adjusted Working Days

Chinese New Year (otherwise known as ‘Spring Festival’)

Tomb Sweeping Festival (otherwise known as ‘Qingming’)

Date: Friday, February 12

Date: Sunday, April 4

Day(s) off: Thursday-Wednesday, February 11-17

Days off: Saturday-Monday, April 3-5

Adjusted Working Day(s): Sunday, February 7 and Saturday, February 20

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No Adjusted Working Days

May Day

Dragon Boat Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

Date: Saturday, May 1

Date: Monday, June 14

Date: Tuesday, September 21

Days off: Saturday-Wednesday, May 1-5,

Days off: Saturday-Monday, June 12-14

Adjusted Working Day(s): Sunday, April 25 and Saturday, May 8

No Adjusted Working Days

Days off: Sunday-Tuesday, September 19-21 Adjusted Working Day(s): Saturday, September 18

National Day (‘Golden Week’) Holiday Date: Friday, October 1 Days off: Friday-Thursday, October 1-7 Adjusted Working Day(s): Sunday, September 26 and Saturday, October 9

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ARTS & LIFE Comfort from the Cold

10 Cozy Items to Keep You Warm from Head to Toe p20

Covet P18

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City Snapshot P19

SPOTLIGHT

ZHONG FEIFEI Musician

Interview by Phoebe Kut

Love Chinese singing reality shows? If so, you may have heard of Zhong Feifei, a recent contestant on Produce Camp 2020 whose debut was met lots of discussion (read: racism). The Chinese-Congolese 24-year-old was born in China and has spent time all over the world, from Congo to Boston and everywhere between. While studying her masters in the US (majoring in global security), one of her beauty vlogs was discovered by a producer from Produce Camp 2020 . She planned all her audition numbers in a week, slipped into one of the last casting calls and ended up 27th overall (out of 101) on the show. We caught up with Zhong to learn about her whirlwind year and her plans for the future. Have your parents always been supportive of your ambitions? When it comes to my dreams, my family puts happiness first, they’re very carefree in that sense. I grew up loving music, drama and art but I never really explored it until this opportunity. What was it like behind the scenes on Produce Camp? Did you become friends with the other contestants? When people see girl group shows, they always think the girls are catty but they were extremely friendly, fun and passionate people to hang out with in general. We basically had no cellphones for three months, and lived, performed and competed together. It was actually super fun to live with 16 other girls, I feel like it got

“ It was actually super fun to live with 16 other girls, I feel like it got me closer to my feminine side as I was a tomboy growing up” me closer to my feminine side as I was a tomboy growing up. Were you nervous about how you would be received by audiences? It was predictable what was going to happen. From experience I knew there would be controversy. The good thing is they did a good job of protecting me from it. Overall, I wasn’t that bothered about it, I realized I have fans supporting me and people who were defending me which is very heartwarming. Your new single ‘B.U.R.N’ dropped recently, tell us more about it.

which is fine. I wrote the lyrics and the message of the song actually revolves around my studies. At the same time, I didn’t want the topic to be too heavy, so I chose to use a hip hop/house/fusionstyle, so people could still groove if you didn’t listen to the lyrics. The lyrics and melody should work together and also independently – that was my goal for this song. As my first single, if I look back in five years I’d call this an amateur piece, but it’s a start and I’ll see where I can go from here. > This interview has been edited for clarity. Search 仲菲菲 on Chinese music platforms, Zhong Feifei on Spotify and @xxbunno on Instagram.

‘B.U.R.N’ is more experimental, a side I didn’t show on TV. It got mixed reviews, WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2021 | 17

STYLE RADAR OVERHEARD

“Imagine if an Asian woman who couldn’t speak English was surrounded by a group of white men and had money thrown at her” Wrote a netizen on Weibo in regards to the problematic approach of fans towards 20-year-old Tibetan, Tashi Dingzhen. The Litang county native recently became an internet celebrity due to a Douyin video posted by a photographer who spotted him. The post quickly racked up views in late 2020 and catapulted Tashi into the spotlight. Mandarin is not Tashi’s first language – this combined with his sweet smile has been deemed ‘pure’ and ‘innocent’ by many. Critics have raised questions about cultural fetishization, as Tibetans account for less than 0.5% of China’s population. Treating such a group as ‘exotic’ and capitalizing on them perpetuates cultural conflict in society.

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COVET

G-Dragon’s Air Force 1 ‘Para-Noise 2.0’

K-pop star G-Dragon is back with his second rendition of his Nike collaboration sneakers, this time in an all-white edition. To the untrained eye, this may look like your run-of-the-mill white sneaker, but the white paint actually peels off overtime to reveal hidden artwork. Nike stated, “Each wearer creates an individual aesthetic based on their unique journey.” The sneaker serves as the artist’s views on self-actualization through these challenging times. > RMB1,399. Available at select Nike stores.

UNDER THE LENS

Unhealthy Livestream

You know what they say… Don’t believe everything you watch on a livestream. That much is true for several folks after purchasing weight-loss products from ‘wang hong’ livestreamers (referring to internet celebrities). According to reports by Zhejiang’s Taizhou Public Security Bureau, multiple people were duped into purchasing ‘unhealthy’ products that were promoted on a livestream back in September. Sina Tech reported that upwards of RMB100 million worth of product was sold. As of press time, police have arrested 25 people involved in the case. The topic was trending on Weibo, with most netizens recommending folks to simply eat less and workout more to avoid the desire to buy these sort of products. Admittedly, eating disorders are fairly common in China and likely played a factor for some.

E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M

CITY SNAPSHOT

@hans_shanghai Hans is an Indonesian who has been living in Shanghai for 11 years, four of which he has pursued photography. In this photo, Hans captured the Wukang Mansion, which is the oldest veranda-style apartment in Shanghai, completed in 1924. He often uses a transparent acrylic sphere in his photographs to create something a bit different and unique. Located in the former French concession, the residence was known as the Normandie Apartments back in the day and is currently a protected historic apartment building. It is eight stories tall and was designed by the Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec. Wukang was also known to be popular with Shanghai celebrities back in its heyday. You can find this building at 1850 Zhong Huaihai Lu in Xuhui district. > For more of Hans’ work, follow @hans_shanghai on Instagram.

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COLD ARTS & LIFE | FASHION

COMFORT FROM THE

10 Cozy Items to Keep You Warm from Head to Toe Compiled by Rakini Bergundy

t may be a new year but winter still isn’t over yet. And, aside from hearing people tell you to drink more hot water, the second most common phrase is ‘wear more clothes.’ Keep those toes warm and heads covered with these fleecy layers – your future self will thank you!

Roots RMB203 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Calzedonia Moose Knuckles RMB8,200 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

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RMB42 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

FASHION | ARTS & LIFE

Ugg RMB599 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Askxiangfang RMB17.90

Acne

Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

RMB1,100 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Snowman RMB239 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Patagonia Vest RMB2,299

Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Patagonia RMB2,399 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

Roots Scarf RMB528 Scan with Taobao app to purchase.

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ARTS & LIFE | SHOPPING

DAIGOU DAYS AREN’T OVER Everything You Need to Know about China's Daigou Community By Francesca Lewis

Success in the Daigou World

What is Daigou? Daigou (代购) is roughly translated as ‘buying (on behalf of),’ but the definition has grown much broader – into a true cultural phenomenon – in the last decade. It has become a trust-based consumer-to-consumer network based on exporting luxury and household goods from abroad into China. Originally a gray channel navigated mainly by international Chinese students sending friends and family members luxury items back home, it has since progressed into a global community and industry consisting of anything from German knives to Australian baby food. The community includes over one million international daigou (professional and part-time) and grossed more than RMB7.2 trillion in total sales last year, according to Guangzhou-based iiMedia Research group. Sales are expected to top those numbers in 2020.

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The originally unregulated market saw rapid growth in recent years for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, China’s rising middle-class leads to higher demand for luxury products. Next, due to recently increasing taxes on many imported goods, products purchased via daigou still come out cheaper, even with an additional fee charged by the daigou for time and effort, than buying that same imported product in China. Furthermore, there is a lack of trust in the Chinese market for imported products following a 2008 baby food scandal involving milk and infant formula. Finally, many international brands have turned a blind eye to the daigou market because it allows their brand to be introduced to China without having to pay for advertising or a product launch in China.

SHOPPING | ARTS & LIFE

Advantages of Daigou

Items being purchased via daigou can lead to financial freedom for Chinese students studying overseas and it’s convenient for small brands. Many consumers also develop a relationship with specific daigou they trust, allowing for a more customized shopping experience. Many Chinese shoppers ask for suggestions from daigou and take their recommendations into strong consideration – even products they’ve never tried before. The network traditionally offers cheaper items too, benefitting both parties.

L SA

Disadvantages of Daigou

The daigou network has led to unnecessary stockpiling and hoarding, causing brands and even entire industries to place purchasing caps on specific items, such as baby formula, vitamins and certain luxury goods, affecting all purchasers globally. From a marketing perspective, the daigou community distorts a brand’s perception of its demand, possibly weakening its understanding of how their sales translate into customer loyalty. The network also, unfortunately, fuels the fake market, as not everyone can be trusted, and some sellers have discovered they can double or triple their profits by delivering false goods for the same price. With no way to authenticate sales, trust is integral to the community. In January 2019, the Chinese government implemented cross-border e-commerce policies to begin a more rigorous regulation of the daigou community and encourage sellers to register and pay the relevant taxes on their profits. In an attempt to prevent sellers from sending items in as ‘personal items’ - thus skipping duty fees - the new regulations offer up to 150% increased tax breaks and an increased list of items that fall under the duty-free category. Daigou who continue to sell without meeting the regulations can be found guilty of tax evasion, smuggling and willfully violating the law, with potential fines of up to RMB2 million in the future.

Pandemic Implications Since the pandemic started, daigou sales have been uncertain. An initial rush of transnational panic led to increased buying. However, more recently, it’s since been halted. With brands such as Alexander Wang, Prada, Cartier, Miu Miu and Bulgari planning to launch on Tmall and cutting out the daigou ‘middlemen’ in a bid to create brand loyalty and their own customer base. There are clear attempts by luxury brands to bypass the current source of their popularity in China. BBC predicts, however, that such a large network is unlikely to die out, and instead it will reinvent itself, continuing to adapt while delayed shipping and limited international travel remain. For example, Australia currently recognizes the benefits of its large Chinese daigou community, and while the country is still maintaining restrictions on key products to avoid over-purchasing, it has established the Australia China Daigou Association. They’ve even created a daigou platform for small-time sellers to register themselves and continue sales above board, potentially paving the way for other countries to follow suit. Daigou have been recognized as ‘influencers of the East,’ building a new layer between standard retail services and end customers, personally introducing and advising customers in a way that brands haven’t yet mastered. As more Western brands enter the Chinese market, only time will tell how they will fare in an already saturated online market without the support of their daigou influence. In what form this selling network will exist in the future is uncertain for now, but one thing safe to say is that daigou aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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TRAVEL Shenzhen

Sea and Speed, p28

Hotel Highlight P26 24 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Hot Spot P27

WANDERLUST

SISSI LIU

Founder of Banana Tour Interview by Ryan Gandolfo

Every experience opens us up to new opportunities, as Sissi Liu can tell you. After working in logistics for over a decade, Liu took what she learned and applied it to tourism. The Jiangxi native has lived in Guangdong’s capital city, Guangzhou, since 2003 and founded Banana Tour to provide the international community with a unique array of tours to some of the province’s hidden gems. We reached out to Liu to learn how she got Banana Tour off the ground and get some travel recommendations. What inspired you to start Banana Tour? I was working in purchasing and logistics for a German company for over 12 years before I started running Banana Tour. I was given plenty of opportunities to organize company trips as well as arranging tours for visiting clients while at my previous job. With the purchasing and sourcing skills I gained, I realized that I had a knack for finding secret and nice places to explore, and I speculated that the expat community might be interested in weekend tours as well. Banana Tour was founded at the end of 2018, with our purpose to help foreigners to better understand Guangzhou’s rural areas and be able to escape from the city during weekends. Since you started, what are some of the marketing methods you’ve used to get the word out about upcoming tours? We created a public WeChat account on day one of Banana Tour. I posted event pictures via my WeChat Moments and it attracted lots of people to follow our account. Gradually, I was able to create a WeChat event group chat to bring together our fans and people interested to receive tourism information. They can easily see our upcoming tours on these channels. Guangdong is known to have a good reputation for tourism. Why do you think that is? Guangdong province owns abundant tourism resources. It has more than

“Guangdong people are low-key, friendly and inclusive, which also plays an important role in the good reputation of Guangdong tourism” 4,000 kilometers of coastline, and is also rich in landscape scenery, including mountains and caves, lakes and gorges. Guangdong’s cultural tourism is also unique. National historical and cultural cities such as Guangzhou, Foshan, Chaozhou, Meizhou, Zhaoqing and others boast diverse and colorful cultural landscapes. Guangdong people are low-key, friendly and inclusive, which also plays an important role in the good reputation of Guangdong tourism. What are some tourist sites you would recommend for travelers coming from outside the province?

to the limited catering options and reception capacity of the places we visit, we can only strive for a balance that best fits everyone’s needs. What’s in store for Banana Tour in 2021? We plan to explore Hunan and Guangxi provinces in the first month of 2021, and of course, more exploration tours around Guangdong province will be held over the next year. >This interview has been edited for clarity.To learn more about Banana Tours, scan the QR code below:

Guangzhou Shamian Island, Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, Shaoguan Danxia Mountain, Huizhou Daya Bay, Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Qingyuan Gulongxia Glass Grand Canyon and so on are the classic scenic spots that cannot be missed when traveling in Guangdong. When arranging a group of travelers from different backgrounds, what are some difficulties you’ve experienced as a tour guide? There is an old Chinese saying that no dish suits all tastes. When we are arranging meals for guests from different cultural backgrounds with their own living habits, we need to coordinate and adjust meals according to actual needs. However, due

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ITCHY FEET ROLLER COASTER

MILE HIGH

Ambassador Mickey?

Profit Returns

There is speculation that former Disney CEO Bob Iger may be tapped by the Biden administration for a key ambassador post in the Middle Kingdom, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The UK ambassadorship is also in the mix, however given Disney’s footprint in China, Iger could be a good fit. China has two Disney parks – the most of any country outside the US. The brand has enjoyed success in China while also becoming a target for critics abroad over controversial political affairs.

One of China’s largest travel service providers reported a quarterly profit for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak. Trip.com said last month that it recorded a net income of RMB1.6 billion during the third quarter of this year, showing a major bounce back in the Chinese travel industry. Before the pandemic, the company’s international business accounted for 50% of revenue. The China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) is forecasting that 100 million international trips will be made by Chinese nationals next year – a positive sign for Trip.com.

HOSPITALITY HIGHLIGHT

Jade Emu International Hostel Yunnan has become quite the spot for travelers in recent years, and Dali is perhaps the most popular among the province’s cities. Jade Emu International Guest House is smack dab in the heart of the city and offers travelers an accommodation great for meeting new people and easy on the wallet. Built in 2008, the hostel is run by an Australian native and his Chinese partner. Rooms vary from private suites to dorm-style and the hostel provides towels, soap and shampoo in all rooms. In addition, you can book discounted tours of Dali at the reception area.

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E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M

HOT SPOT

Ulaanbaatar

side from having one of the coolest names we’ve seen on paper, Ulaanbataar is a must-visit destination for Mongolian history and culture. As the capital city, it has developed into the country’s cultural, industrial and financial heart, and is a great jumping off point for your Mongolian adventure. The city’s name was changed in 1923 and translates to ‘Red Hero’ as a nod to Communism, however, Mongolia has since changed its political system to be modeled on Western democracy. A visit to Ulaanbaatar is likely to include plenty of museums and Buddhist monasteries to get a true appreciation for Mongolian culture. Built in 1904, Choijin Lama Temple Museum is centrally located in downtown Ulaanbaatar where you can find various wooden and bronze statues of gods, some created by the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar. If you’re looking for a daytrip, the Genghis Khan Statue Complex is about 54 kilometers east of the city and boasts an epic stainless steel statue of Genghis Khan on horseback on the bank of the Tuul River.

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SHENZHEN

Sea and Speed

henzhen’s story is one of the most remarkable in the world. Starting out from a quaint fishing village north of Hong Kong and east of the mouth of the Pearl River, this area came to life as a part of China’s Reform and Opening-up policy in 1980, and has developed into a global tech powerhouse in just 40 years. A gleaming metropolis of more than 12 million people, the city is on course to be one of China’s greenest, starting with an all-electric taxi and bus fleet and many more eco-projects on the horizon. Numerous multinational companies, such as Ping An Insurance, Tencent, Huawei, BYD and DJI call Shenzhen home, having established their headquarters in the seaside city. In addition, top-talent flocks to Shenzhen from far and wide to develop prototypes of the next generation of gizmos and gadgets, making the city a prominent tech hub in Asia. Unlike the neighboring cities in Guangdong and Hong Kong, Shenzhen is known for being the only city in the province where Mandarin dominates all other languages and dialects, thanks in large part to the influx of migrant workers in the ’80s and ’90s. Much like with any migrant-heavy city, Shenzhen is a metropolis of cuisines, where you can find delicacies like dim sum right next door to places serving Sichuan hot pot and Changsha stinky tofu. Even rare yet popular Western food chains like Taco Bell have sprung up over the past year. In the following pages, you’ll find Shenzhen’s top sights, major shopping destinations, F&B highlights as well as discover the best hotels the city has to offer.

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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 scan the QR code below to order:

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ily travel to cities within Guangdong from here, in addition to other long-distance destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Urumqi and more. > Luohu District 罗湖区

Luohu Bus Station The most well-known local bus station, passengers can travel to neighboring areas of Macao, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan, Zhuhai and more. Buses run from 7am to 9.30pm and cost around RMB100 depending on your destination. > Remin Nan Lu, Futian District 福田区人民南路 (755 8232 1670

Shekou Cruise Center

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport One of the three largest airports in the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport was also named the fifth busiest airport in China in 2019. The airport’s sole terminal (T3) is known for its futuristic parametric facades, and is home to Shenzhen Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines. The terminal opened in 2013, replacing Terminals A, B and D. The airport also has direct ferry routes to Hong Kong International Airport and is linked to Line 11. > Jichang Nanlu, Bao’an District 宝安区机场南路 (755-2345 6789) www.eng.szairport.com

Futian Railway Station Located in the heart of Shenzhen, Futian Railway Station is the largest underground railway station in Asia. This station mainly operates high-speed trains to cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Changsha, Wuhan and Beijing and also connects with metro lines 2, 3 and 11. The 147,000-square-meter underground hub provides a clean and comfortable experience for busy travelers. > Futian District 福田区

Shenzhen Railway Station (Luohu Station) The oldest railway station in Shenzhen is Luohu Railway Station, which sits right on the border between the mainland and Hong Kong. The interior of the station was recently renovated, decked out with new seating and charging ports in the waiting rooms. Passengers can eas-

Taking the ferry is a convenient option to travel to Hong Kong, Macao or Zhuhai for those departing from Shekou, Nanshan District. A direct ride to Hong Kong International Airport only takes 30 minutes and starts from RMB270. Traveling to Macao or Zhuhai will be about an hourlong trip, one-way. Ferry service was suspended due to COVID-19 in late February, so call 400-883-1872 to confirm whether services have resumed. > Shekou, Nanshan District 南山区蛇口

Metro Shenzhen’s metro system has quickly expanded in the past decade. The city will have 12 metro lines by the end of 2020, and is continually expanding its network. The easiest way to ride is using the WeChat Mini Program Chengchema, which generates a QR code, allowing you to scan to ride (bank card needed). Alternatively, you can purchase a one-way trip token, or top up a metro card (Shenzhen Tong) through the ticketing kiosks at any station. Fares start at RMB2 and increase by distance.

Taxi Shenzhen’s taxi fleet is 99% electric-powered and you can easily hail one of the blue and white cars off a busy intersection. If you prefer to pay beforehand, DiDi or Amap are also great options (DiDi provides an English app version, while Amap books fares through over a dozen platforms).

Bike Bike sharing is a great option to see the sprawling city while fitting in some exercise. You’ll most likely spot orange (Mobikes) or yellow (Meituan) bikes around town. Before riding we recommend downloading either app and registering using your passport or ID card a day beforehand. A Meituan bike trip costs RMB1.5 for every 30 minutes.

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Huaqiangbei Electronics Dubbed the best and biggest electronics market in the world, this is heaven for tech pros and enthusiasts alike. You can find electronic components like cables and LCDs along with the newest phones, drones, gadgets, cameras and toys. The market is spread between various buildings. Try starting at SEG Electronic Market, Huaqiang Electronic World or Yuanwang Digital Mall. These are no-frills gritty malls, however, many staff do speak some English. Remember to always bargain for the best price and buyer beware, some products might be fakes. > Huaqiang Bei Lu, Futian District 福田区华强北路 (Huaqiang North, Lines 1 and 2))

Luohu Commercial City Situated right at the border checkpoint to Hong Kong, this is the place to come for knockoff purses, prescription glasses, jewelry, shoes, tailored suits and more. The five-story mall is easily accessible by public transit. Don’t be shy to bring an empty carry-on suitcase for all your take-home treasures. > Luohu Railway Station, Luohu District 罗湖区罗湖火车站 (Luohu station, Line 1)

UpperHills Mall

MixC Shenzhen Bay MixC Shenzhen Bay is an 80,000-square-meter upscale mall, featuring internationally recognized brands like Zara, Muji, Uniqlo, Aape and Lady M. Opened in 2019, this new mall also has a variety of pedestrian-oriented spaces, sustainable design elements and foliage. After your shopping excursion you can take a beautiful stroll along Shenzhen Bay and take in the sights of the newly transformed area. The nearest metro station is Houhai (Lines 2 and 11). > No. 2888 Keyuan Nan Lu, Nanshan District 南山区科苑南路 2888 号深圳湾万象城 (Houhai, Lines 2 and 11)

Dongmen Pedestrian Street Dongmen is an expansive shopping area featuring clothes, electronics, luggage, jewelry, phone cases and much more. This is a place you have to visit at least once and is also home to one of the first McDonald’s on the Chinese mainland, built in 1990. The bustling area is easily accessible by metro at Laojie station (Line 1). Bargaining is a must here, along with trying all the different types of street food on offer. You’ll find many locals here scooping up deals, so come prepared for a long day of exploring and bargain hunting. > Dongmen Zhong Lu, Luohu District 罗湖区东门中路

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A new urban development in Shenzhen, UpperHills is the perfect destination for the sleek sophisticated shopper. The tiered landscape of the buildings, paired with vivid orange walls, are the perfect place for a fancy photo-op. Though a bit of a brisk walk from the nearest subway station (Lianhuacun, Line 3), UpperHills is sandwiched between three beautiful parks, including one of Shenzhen’s most popular, Lianhuashan Park. You can also find the first Muji Hotel at UpperHills, along with upmarket retail shops, dining and leisure outlets. > No. 5001 Huanggang Lu, Futian District 福田区皇岗路 5001 号

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OCT-Loft This cultural hot spot located in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district has become the place to go for contemporary art, nifty DIY crafts, live music and delectable eats. Originally the site of industrial factories, this hip complex is home to free art galleries, coffee shops giving off Bohemian vibes as well as a blend of restaurants as diverse as the city itself. Feel free to snap some photos for the ’gram, as you’ll find quaint brick alleyways with art sprinkled around the facility at every turn. Once you’re done strolling the area, chill out and catch some of the city’s top musical talent perform their hearts out while enjoying an artisan adult beverage (you’re on vacation, live a little).

Splendid China

Mission Hills If you are a golf fanatic, Mission Hills should be on the top of your to-do list. Mission Hills was crowned the world’s largest golf facility by the Guinness World Records, boasting 12 massive 18-hole courses (11 of them championship courses). Situated just north of the city center, guests rave about their seamless experience at the pristine complex. The sprawling resort is a five-minute shuttle ride away from Mission Hills Sport and Eco Park, which is complete with a bowling alley, skating rink and multiple dining options.

The Splendid China attraction has withstood the test of time – especially in a city running at ‘Shenzhen speed.’ Opened in 1989, the park was one of the earliest attempts at a moneymaking tourist attraction on the Chinese mainland and was intended for foreigners who wanted to ‘see all of China’ in one day. Having recouped construction costs in the first year, Splendid China remains popular by giving a firsthand look at the nation’s incredible diversity and culture. Laid out in the shape of China, it features more than 80 reconstructions – such as the Forbidden City and Hangzhou’s West Lake – most built to 1:15 scale and within walking distance of each other. Intangible culture is also on display, with Chinese ethnic minorities employed to share their folk culture and customs with guests. From Tibetans to the Yi people, who are known for their colorful garb and turban-style headdresses, the astounding melange that makes up China is contained in a single park.

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Sea World While you likely won’t find any aquatic animals at this Shekou haunt, Sea World is the place to go for your fill of fun, with many popular bars in the area enjoyed by expats and locals alike. While strolling through this jungle of nightlife, you’ll find a 56-year-old watercraft hidden in plain sight, which is home to a hotel as well as a number of gastronomically glorious dining spots. You can also catch some of South China’s hottest art exhibitions over at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center. And if you’re digging the art at Sea World, you’ll definitely want to check out what’s brewing over at V&A Gallery, a waterfront museum with a bevy of creative art all around the venue.

Wutong Mountain

Shenzhen Bay Park

Leaving Shenzhen’s concrete jungle for a morning hike on Wutong Mountain is a solid idea in our books (we all need a little nature in our lives, right?). The mountain is a great getaway from the city and offers a range of hiking trails for both casual strollers and hiking enthusiasts. Regardless of which path you choose, you’ll ultimately end up with some brilliant views of the southern metropolis, with rolling hills and a city at work as far as the eye can see. The Wutong Mountain Scenic Area stretches a total of 31.82 square kilometers, with waterfalls and streams dotted around the site as well as various shops and cafes at the base of the mountain for hungry hikers to refuel.

Although Shenzhen is surrounded by water, the city’s finest beaches are by no means close to the city center and are often overcrowded by tourists unwilling to spend Sanya money for their beach vacation. Shenzhen Bay Park provides an alternative for those looking for a coastal setting without getting sand in their shoes. Enjoy a stroll or cruise through the 13-kilometer park on a bike through the lush subtropical vegetation that makes up a large portion of this peaceful getaway within the city.

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Ruge (Fried Pigeon) The word on the street is that if you haven’t tried ruge, you haven’t really been to Shenzhen. While that may be a stretch, it is worth your while to try fried pigeon during your Shenzhen stay. A less fatty version of the classic Peking duck, ruge has a savory and salty taste, and generally comes well seasoned and tender.

Half Ton Brewery

Jade Garden When it comes to feasting Cantonese-style, you can’t go wrong with Jade Garden. Dim sum-like translucent shrimp dumplings and bite-sized shaomai are a specialty, as are the roast suckling pig and duck, both fatty and rich underneath an impeccably crisp skin. For dessert, try a sugary Hong Kong pineapple bun or a towering fresh fruit mille-feuille of Napoleonic proportions.

The story of Half Ton started back in 2013, when the owners opened Beer Man, one of Shenzhen’s early craft bottle shops. Half Ton Brewery offers a sizeable selection of both locally brewed and imported beers, as well as a diverse menu focusing on burgers, brisket and other delectable pub grub. Their brews introduce local flavors (think lychee and Sichuan peppercorn) to exceptionally brewed in-house craft beer that appeals to both Chinese and international audiences. The store has ample indoor and outdoor seating perfect for small groups. > Shop 106, 1/F, Building 212, Tairan Science & Technology Park, Tairan Si Lu, Futian District 福田区泰然四路泰然科技园 212 栋一层 106 号 (0755 8860 5574)

> Shop 22-31, 2/F, Yitian Holiday Plaza, 9028 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District 南山区深南大道 9028 号益田假日广场 2 楼 22-31 号铺翠园 (86 755 8860 6228)

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BUSINESS & TECH Inspect-a-Gadget MAD Gaze GLOW p36

Tap that App P36

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Highs and Lows P37

GAME THEORY

TONY WANG

Skyworth TV CEO Interview by Ryan Gandolfo

As the chief executive and president of Skyworth TV, Tony Wang sets his eyes beyond the front screen. The China-based TV manufacturer has made waves in 2020 with new 8K TV product launches, as the company looks to further penetrate the global TV market. We caught up with Wang to learn more about Skyworth’s high-end TVs and understand consumer expectations as technology continues to create whole new viewing experiences. At CES 2020, Skyworth launched its first mass-produced 8K TV, Skyworth Q91 series. Not long afterward at the autumn new product launch, Skyworth introduced the 8K TV Q71 series. What are your thoughts on those launches? When we launched this year, it was important to make a splash in the global market, and not just the Chinese market. As a company, we must continually introduce new products in this competitive industry, so now we look to innovative ways to improve ‘high-definition’, such as creating higher resolution and building a new generation of products. What are the customer expectations in the high-end TV market segment? There are two fundamental expectations from consumers of this segment. The first is health – and this includes eye health. The majority of consumers are increasingly health-focused, and if they live with family, they make purchase considerations that benefit the family unit in leading a healthy lifestyle. For instance, we spend so much time staring at screens, but the blue light emitted has a detrimental effect on our eyes. Since our TVs are large, they can be viewed from a further distance, reducing the negative effect on the eyes. Skyworth has patented technology that defends against the blue light. Our technology is able to effectively lessen the impact on our eyes. Our focus on high-end OLED products are aimed at getting rid of blue

“ Another challenge that will become more prevalent is how geopolitics plays a role in business expansion” light. Besides, with OLED, we are working towards ensuring higher content resolution for elevated consumer experiences in the future. Second, high-end TV will change consumers’ lifestyles. Skyworth 8K TV has the ultimate picture quality, and the color accuracy can achieve the broadcast level. In the past, we would be content with watching low definition dramas and movies on our home TVs. Now, we constantly seek out more immersive experiences, for example recreating the cinematic experience such that all manner of details are clearly visible. In today’s society, consumers want more, especially in regard to enhanced color. Our current display color technology is miles apart compared to that of mobile phones or low-end TVs. This high-end display technology is important in taking our product to the next level with consumers, allowing so many possibilities – such as showing the vivid display of a food dish, creating a more evocative viewing experience for Chinese documentaries, enhancing the visual appreciation of paintings and so on. How does Skyworth enhance the brand’s market competitiveness by making high-end products? Currently, we see many companies in the global market using low price points to stay competitive. Channelbased sales require each brand to provide relatively cost-effective products. It’s a way to avoid the high cost of the personnel because they use price points to reduce reliance on in-

store promotion. However, Skyworth has effectively built an offline team to enhance sales of high-end products, focusing on introducing all the innovative features of the products to users. This service comes as part of Skyworth smart TV purchases. We even have an after-sales team, who help to set up the TVs. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether you are technically savvy, you’ll be able to make the most of a Skyworth TV purchase. What challenges does Skyworth face as it expands into the global market? While Skyworth is a well-known brand in China, its share of the global market is still growing at a slower pace. This is a part of the process with any brand, especially Chinese brands that are underdeveloped in the global market. In Europe, we have achieved a certain degree of visibility. Another challenge that will become more prevalent is how geopolitics plays a role in business expansion. For example, the changing relationship dynamics between India and China can impact the market. However, by continuing to innovate and produce high-end products, we can overcome these types of obstacles. Using our experience in China as a valuable foundation, we’ve started to develop our e-commerce operations, which are still relatively underexposed on the global stage. >This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2021 | 35

TAKE STOCK TAP THAT APP

Che Lai Le

While less popular than the metro, the public bus system in Chinese cities is fairly easy to navigate and generally a bit cheaper than taking the subway. We know that the metro tends to be a faster commuting option, especially during rush hour, but there’s something to be said about being able to look out the window at the city streets. (Trust us, you’ll see some weird stuff.) One way to save time on your bus commute is Che Lai Le (车来了), a handy app that shows you where the buses are on a given route. So, if you live near a bus stop then you can time it perfectly and avoid the wait. With its location-based service, you can open the app at any bus station and easily see when the next bus will arrive. Another feature on the app helps direct you towards the nearest metro station, so if the bus will take 20 minutes, then you can bail and catch the train to where you want to go. > Che Lai Le (车来了) is available on iOS and Android devices.

CHART ATTACK

Are Electric-powered Cars Better for the Environment? There was a massive online discussion last month about whether electric-powered cars are better for the environment than gasoline vehicles. The topic was started after Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda warned about the potential dangers of electric cars. At a news conference last month, Toyoda said Japan would run out of electricity in the summer if all cars in the country shifted to electric power, as cited by the Observer. Chinese netizens weighed in on a poll published by Sina Tech about the controversial comment. More than half of the 11,000 respondents argued that electric-powered cars also produce a lot of carbon emissions.

Source: Sina Tech

INSPECT-A-GADGET

MAD Gaze GLOW Here’s a new way to enjoy your favorite movies and games in ultimate privacy. MAD Gaze’s AR smart glasses, GLOW, come in six colors, weigh 92 grams and are even foldable. We had the chance to test these binocular mixed reality glasses out for ourselves and were impressed by the versatility of the product. The glasses come with a Type-C cable that plugs into one arm, while the other end of the cable can plug into your phone (given it has a Type-C port, or you can just use an adapter). While wearing the glasses, you have a 45-degree field of view (FOV), which is the equivalent of watching a 90-inch screen, three meters away. MAD Gaze has its own suite of apps and games compatible with the glasses, including educational and family content. You might be thinking: will my eyes get tired? GLOW is designed to fit your interpupillary distance (IPD) to avoid fatigue or nausea. This product is basically a personal cinema that fits in your pocket. When you put the glasses on, the image is projected straight ahead, so you can still look down or side to side. > RMB3,999 for a pair. Available on store.madgaze.com, Taobao, Suning and Jingdong.

36 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M

HIGHS AND LOWS

Highs

• As you can imagine, there were a lot of packages shipped around China in 2020 – more than 80 billion in fact. China’s State Post Bureau announced the milestone in late December, citing industry changes that were made amid the epidemic which helped the express delivery industry. The Paper reported that 30 billion packages were shipped between September 10 and December 21. Great for commerce, not so much for the environment. • In positive trade news, China will remain committed to the Phase 1 trade deal with the US, according to Reuters. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured US executives about the deal during a videoconference in early December. Negotiations on a Phase 2 agreement will start after president-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20.

Lows

• Last month the US added more Chinese companies to a trade blacklist, including the country’s top chipmaker SMIC and Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. In a statement, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross cited military concerns as part of the reason for the actions. • A recently released report on happiness in the workplace shows that employees in the internet sector are the least happy. Ironically, the report, titled ‘Talent Attraction Report 2020,’ was produced by the workplace social platform Maimai – an internet company. The report also cited a shortage for mid-to-high-end talent in China.

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After such a long year with challenges facing Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food and drink industry, we were more than excited to kick off our annual Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food & Drink Awards in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These events bring together the finest in the business, with readers nominating and voting on their favorite restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs and more. In the following pages, we

COVER STORY

give a quick rundown of the awards ceremonies and list all the big winners.

SHANGHAI T

he results are in, the votes counted and the plaques polished – here's the list of bars, restaurants and personalities that scooped prizes at the 18th That's Shanghai Food & Drink Awards, held at Bar Rouge with support from our title sponsor Kronenbourg 1664. Thanks to everyone who voted in this year's competition, and another big thank you to our lovely sponsors for providing prizes, Hakkasan and O'Mills Bakery & Bistro for delicious eats and G’Vine Gin de France, LINGYA Hard Seltzer and Summergate - Fine Wines & Spirits for all the booze you could ever need and then some. They helped create a fantastic evening that has gone down in the annals of Food & Drink Awards history.

Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Heritage by Madison Editor's Pick: Commune Social Bar of the Year People's Choice: Sober Company Editor's Pick: Epic

Italian Pizza of the Year People's Choice: Bella Napoli Editor's Pick: D.O.C. Gastronomia Italiana

Club of the Year People's Choice: Bar Rouge Editor's Pick: UP Shanghai

Spanish Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Tomatito Editor's Pick: Mercado 505

New Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: The Boiling Crab Editor's Pick: Bar à Vin New Club of the Year People's Choice: The Apartment Editor's Pick: KOR Shanghai New Bar of the Year People's Choice: Gin & Juice Editor's Pick: Perch Personalities Chef of the Year Koen Vessies (Tomatito) Mixologist of the Year Tural Hasanov (The Ritz Bar and Lounge) Lifetime Achievement Austin Hu (Heritage by Madison) International Restaurants (Western)

COVER STORY

Burger of the Year People's Choice: Fat Cow Editor's Pick: Beef & Liberty Pizza of the Year People's Choice: Joe's Pizza Editor's Pick: Homeslice

Mexican Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Tacolicious Editor's Pick: El Santo

French Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: JeanGeorges Editor's Pick: Mr & Mrs Bund

Brunch of the Year People's Choice: The Bull & Claw Editor's Pick: O'Mills Bakery & Bistro Vegan Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Duli Hotel Brunch of the Year People's Choice: Café Gray Deluxe, The Middle House Editor's Pick: The Cathay Room, Fairmont Peace Hotel Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Ultraviolet Editor's Pick: M on the Bund

French Bistro of the Year People's Choice: Polux by Paul Pairet Editor's Pick: Cuivre

Steakhouse of the Year People's Choice: RAW Eatery & Wood Grill Editor's Pick: El Bodegon

Hotel French Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Jade on 36 Restaurant – Pudong ShangriLa East Shanghai Editor's Pick: Phénix Eatery & Br, The PuLi Hotel and Spa

Hotel Steakhouse of the Year People's Choice: The 1515 West Chophouse, Jing An Shangri-La West Shanghai Editor's Pick: CHAR Bar & Grill, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund

Latin American Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Colca Editor's Pick: Area 501 Italian Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Alimentari Grande Editor's Pick: Mercato by Jean-Georges Hotel Italian Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: LAGO by Julian Serrano, Bellagio by MGM Shanghai Editor's Pick: La Scala, The Sukothai Shanghai

Contemporary Western Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: The Twins Editor's Pick: The Cannery Food Festival of the Year People's Choice: Chili Cookoff Editor's Pick: Jianbing Cookoff Event Interactive of the Year SnapBus Hotel Buffet of the Year People's Choice: YICAFE, Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai Editor's Pick: Five Live All

Day Dining Restaurant, InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC Outstanding Butcher of the Year Editor's Pick: Swiss Butchery International Restaurants (Asian) Thai Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Mi Thai Editor's Pick: KIN Urban Thai Kitchen

Yunnan Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Lost Heaven Editor's Pick: Lotus Eatery

Cocktail Bar of the Year People's Choice: Ounce Editor's Pick: The Broken Dagger

Sichuan Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Sichuan Citizen Editor's Pick: The Peacock Room

Sports Bar of the Year People's Choice: Cages Bar & Sports

Xinjiang Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Xibo

Southeast Asian Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Ginger Modern Asian Bistro

Hunan Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Di Shui Dong Editor's Pick: Guyi

Vietnamese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Bun Cha Cha Editor's Pick: Cyclo

Shanghainese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Old Jesse

Indian Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Indian Kitchen Editor's Pick: Khan Chacha Bistro and Lounge

Hotel Shanghainese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Mansion on One, Bellagio by MGM Shanghai Editor's Pick: Xindalu - China Kitchen, Hyatt on the Bund

Korean Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Botong Sikdang by Belloco Editor's Pick: Jeju Izakaya

Cantonese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Canton Table Editor's Pick: Hakkasan

Japanese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: Xime

Hotel Cantonese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: YEN, W Shanghai – The Bund Editor's Pick: T’ang Court, The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

Hotel Japanese Restaurant of the Year People's Choice: HIYA, The Shanghai EDITION Editor's Pick: HE Japanese Restaurant, Wanda Reign on the Bund Regional Chinese

Beverage and Nightlife Craft Beer Bar of the Year People's Choice: Commune Reserve Editor's Pick: Mikkeller Tasting Room

Live Music Venue of the Year People's Choice: Heyday Editor's Pick: The Pearl Whisky Bar of the Year People's Choice: Senator Saloon Editor's Pick: J. Boroski Wine Bar of the Year People's Choice: Brut Eatery Editor's Pick: SOiF LGBTQ+ Venue of the Year People's Choice: Lucca 390

Hotel Bar of the Year People's Choice: Long Bar, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Editor's Pick: Sky Bar and Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Shanghai Global Harbor Cafés, Desserts and Afternoon Tea Ice Creamery of the Year People's Choice: Luneurs Editor's Pick: Gelato Dal Cuore Bakery of the Year People's Choice: Bread Etc. Editor's Pick: Pain Chaud Café of the Year People's Choice: Egg Editor's Pick: RAC

he eighth annual That’s Beijing Food and Drink Awards took place on December 17 at Starry Bar in the Beijing International Club. So many of you turned out to celebrate the best of the city’s food and drink scene. Awards were handed out in 47 categories, from new bar of the year to live music venue of the year, from Indian restaurant of the year to burger of the year. It was an action-packed evening with some fantastic superhero and villain costumes! A huge thank you goes to Starry Bar for the fantastic venue as well as to all our winners and everybody else in attendance. Special thanks also go to our sponsors who made the night especially memorable: By Nice; Laurent Falcon; Ohlala; Plan B; Sherpa’s; Starry; Tienstiens; Turkish Airlines; Vedett; Zuixi.

Food Bakery of the Year Da Giuliano Kempi Deli – Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center (Golden Fork Award) Café of the Year Cafe Zarah Metal Hands (Golden Fork Award) Desserts of the Year TiensTiens Comptoirs de France (Golden Fork Award) Hotel Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year Wan Li – Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel Country Kitchen – Rosewood Beijing BEI Commune – BEI Zhaolong Hotel, a Joie de Vivre hotel (Golden Fork Award) Hotel Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year Mio – Four Seasons Hotel Beijing Brasserie 1893 – Waldorf Astoria Beijing (Golden Fork Award) Hotel Steakhouse of the Year 29 Grill – Conrad Beijing Grill 79 – China World Summit Wing, Beijing (Golden Fork Award)

Creative Concept of the Year

Chinese Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

De Refter Superfly – The Opposite House (Golden Fork Award) ZEST – The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin (Golden Fork Award)

Zijin Mansion – Waldorf Astoria Beijing Jia of NUO Hotel Beijing (Golden Fork Award) Yunnan Restaurant of the Year

Buffet of the Year

In & Out Middle 8 (Golden Fork Award)

Elements – Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing Asia Bistro – JW Marriott Hotel Beijing (Golden Fork Award)

Sichuanese/Hunanese Restaurant of the Year

Italian Restaurant of the Year

Zhazha Bistro Zhang Mama (Golden Fork Award)

Bottega Tavola (Golden Fork Award)

Cantonese Restaurant of the Year Ming Court – Cordis, Beijing Capital Airport Ying Chinese – InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun (Golden Fork Award) Cang Yue – Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing (Golden Fork Award) Beijing Duck of the Year Made in China – Grand Hyatt Beijing XIHEYAYUAN (Golden Fork Award) Chinese Value Eats of the Year Nanjing Impressions CHINESE JIAO ZI (Golden Fork Award) HAPPY GREEN HOT POT (Golden Fork Award)

Italian Fine Dining of the Year Cépe – The Ritz-Carlton Beijng, Financial Street Daccapo – Italian. Inspired. Cuisine – Regent Beijing (Golden Fork Award) Pizza of the Year Bottega Pizza Saporita (Golden Fork Award) French Restaurant of the Year Maison FLO Jing – The Peninsula Beijing (Golden Fork Award) Maxim's de Paris – Tianjin (Golden Fork Award) Spanish/Latin American Restaurant of the Year

G N I J I BE Hotel Brunch of the Year Char Bar & Grill – InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun

COVER STORY

N’Joy of NUO Hotel Beijing (Golden Fork Award)

Mosto Migas Mercado (Golden Fork Award)

43 Mexican Restaurant of the Year

Moka Bros (Golden Fork Award)

Q Mex Taqueria Pebbles Courtyard Mexican Restaurant (Golden Fork Award)

Sports Friendly Dining of the Year

German Restaurant of the Year Schindler’s Tankstelle Sanlitun (Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie) Paulaner Bräuhaus – Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center (Golden Fork Award) American Restaurant of the Year Home Plate BBQ Jing-A Taproom Longfusi (Golden Fork Award) Indian Restaurant of the Year Indian Kitchen Ganga Impression Indian Restaurant (Golden Fork Award) Japanese Restaurant of the Year Beyond Yakitori Yotsuba (Golden Fork Award) Southeast Asian Restaurant of the Year Makan Kitchen – Hilton Beijing KAKIKOPI (Golden Fork Award) Keaami Thai by Tiago (Golden Fork Award) Steakhouse of the Year O'Steak Steak House (Golden Fork Award) Brunch of the Year Cafe Zarah Tiger's (Golden Fork Award) Healthy/Vegetarian/VegFriendly Restaurant of the Year TRIBE

Bar View of the Year

Paddy O'Shea's The Local Bar & Grill (Golden Fork Award)

Atmosphere – China World Summit Wing, Beijing YIN on 12 Rooftop Bar – New World Beijing Hotel (Golden Fork Award) China Bar – Park Hyatt Beijing (Golden Fork Award)

Family Restaurant of the Year

Live Venue & Restaurant of the Year

Tian Tan Kitchen – New World Beijing Hotel Annie's (Golden Fork Award)

Blue Note Beijing Xian – EAST Beijing (Golden Fork Award)

Burger of the Year

Al Fresco Bar of the Year

Great Leap Brewing #45 Brewpub Slow Boat Dengshikou Taproom (Golden Fork Award)

The Bell x TERRAZZA MARTINI Arrow Factory Brewing (Golden Fork Award)

Pub Food of the Year

Beersmith Gastropub – JEN Hotel Beijing Jing-A Brewpub Xingfucun (Golden Fork Award)

Side Street Slow Boat Maizidian Brewpub (Golden Fork Award) Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year Hulu (Next to WAB) Rodeo (Golden Fork Award) Tiger's (Golden Fork Award) Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year TRB Hutong Opera Bombana (Golden Fork Award) New Restaurant of the Year RONG – The Home Restaurant Leo by FLO (Golden Fork Award) Drinks Hotel Bar of the Year BEI Commune – BEI Zhaolong Hotel, a Joie de Vivre hotel XuanLang Bar & Lounge – The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street Centro – Kerry Hotel, Beijing (Golden Fork Award) FLAIR – The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin (Golden Fork Award)

Craft Beer Bar of the Year

Wine List of the Year IL RISTORANTE NIKO ROMITO Blackswan Restaurant (Golden Fork Award) Live Music Venue of the Year Modernista Tango by Ala House (Golden Fork Award) New Bar of the Year STARRY Star Bar (Golden Fork Award) The Big Ones Restaurant of the Year TRB Forbidden City (Golden Fork Award) Bar of the Year Paddy O'Shea's (Golden Fork Award) Club of the Year Migas Mercado (Golden Fork Award)

he 15th annual That’s Guangzhou Food and Drink Awards recognized Guangzhou’s finest restaurants, bars and clubs on December 15 at Fei in W Guangzhou. This year has been a wild ride and we’re happy to support the finest in Guangzhou’s F&B community. Our readers nominated and voted for this year’s awards and we thank you for actively participating in this yearly event. We’d like to give a special thanks to our venue and menu sponsor W Guangzhou as well as our gold sponsors Vedett & Liefmans, Plan B and VOSS.

Readers’ Choice Awards New Restaurant of the Year TXMX Burritos

Wang Hong Restaurant of the Year Lock Chuck Coffee Wenheyou Superb

New Bar of the Year Goat

Cafe of the Year APF. Kafe

Burger of the Year Bravo

Club of the Year W Suns Club

Pizza of the Year Brasston

Hotel Buffet of the Year Caffe Mondo, Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year Mays Creative Vegetarian Italian Restaurant of the Year Mammamia Mexican Restaurant of the Year Bandidos Mexican Cantina Brunch of the Year Social&Co Steakhouse of the Year Ganèa Kitchen Fairy Tales Southeast Asian Restaurant of the Year Pandan Indonesian Restaurant Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ

COVER STORY

Hotel Cantonese Restaurant of the Year Peach Blossom, The Garden Hotel

Recommended Fusion Restaurant Of The Year Saffron Restaurant, Amber East Hotel Outstanding Hotel Buffet Of The Year THE BUZZ, Holiday Inn Guangzhou South Lake Outstanding City View Of The Year Aroma, Conrad Guangzhou Outstanding Bar Of The Year FEI, W Guangzhou Outstanding Japanese Restaurant of the Year I BY INAGIKU, W Guangzhou

Hotel Steakhouse of the Year Ribs, Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

Outstanding Wang Hong Restaurant Of The Year Waterfall, LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou

Popular Buffet of the Year Wok Too Cafe, Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

Outstanding Hotel Bar Of The Year Roof Top Bar, LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou

Outdoor Eatery of the Year The Happy Monk The Big Ones Outstanding Cocktail Bar of the Year Hope & Sesame

Japanese Restaurant of the Year Toritama

Outstanding Pub of the Year Morgan’s

Sichuan Restaurant of the Year Song Chinese Cuisine

Outstanding Restaurant of the Year 13 Factories

Hot Pot of the Year Xiaolongkan Chinese Fondue

Mixologist of the Year Bastien Ciocca

Cantonese Restaurant of the Year Bingsheng

Chef of the Year Jorge Badillo

Craft Beer Bar of the Year Bravo

Hotel Bar of the Year Tian Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

Golden Fork Awards

N A U

45 Outstanding Restaurant Of The Year G Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou Outstanding Seafood Barbecue Restaurant Wut Put Outstanding Hotel Restaurant of the Year Chinserie Restaurant, Jumeirah Guangzhou Outstanding Pub of the Year Bravo Outstanding Whiskey and Cocktail Bar of the Year The Corner Bar Outstanding New Bar of the Year ALFIE LOUNGE Outstanding Japanese Eatery of the Year LHT Japanese Cuisine

U O H Z G N

SHE Reader’ Choice Awards New Restaurant of the Year Salt & Talk Club of the Year LAVO Jazz·Funk·Soul New Bar of the Year Drip Lab Burger of the Year Salt & Talk Pizza of the Year Artisans Italian Restaurant of the Year Azzurro Mexican Restaurant of the Year Hola Brunch of the Year Dear Blue Coffee Shop of the Year Hanover Coffee Steakhouse of the Year Morton's Grille

COVER STORY

Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year Planet Green Southeast Asian Restaurant of the Year Thai Bistro

Indian Restaurant of the Year Masala Bites

Outstanding Cocktail Bar of the Year Life on Mars

Outstanding Italian Restaurant of the Year Elba

Japanese Restaurant of the Year Komachi

Outstanding Pub of the Year Craft Head

Outstanding Prime Rib House of The Year WESTWOOD FIRE & SMOKE

Sichuan Restaurant of the Year Rong Yue (MixC Mall)

Outstanding Restaurant of the Year Wes Fine Dining

Outstanding Afternoon Tea of the Year Palm Court

Hot Pot of the Year Haidilao

Golden Fork Awards

Outstanding Buffet of the Year The Shenzhen Kitchen

Cantonese Restaurant of the Year Xiao Bing Sheng Craft Beer Bar of the Year Half Ton Brewery(Chegongmiao Branch) Wang Hong (Internet Famous) Restaurant of the Year Gaga Garden

Outstanding Buffet of the Year Sessions All Day Dining Restaurant

Outstanding Hotel Steakhouse of the Year Belle-Vue Grill

Outstanding Hotel Executive Chef of the Year Andy Fu

Outstanding Afternoon Tea of the Year Belle-Vue Grill

Outstanding Buffet of the Year The Show Kitchen

Outstanding German Restaurant of the Year haxnbauer® German restaurant and bar

Hotel Buffet of the Year FOO Restaurant (Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen)

Outstanding Latin American Restaurant of the Year Latina

Hotel Bar of the Year Eden Garden (Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai)

Outstanding Pizza of the Year Alla Torre

Hotel Cantonese Restaurant of the Year Man Ho (JW Marriott Shenzhen)

Contemporary Chaozhou Cuisine of the Year Man Ho Restaurant

Outstanding Restaurant of the Year haxnbauer® German restaurant and bar Outstanding Chinese Restaurant Executive Chef of the Year Wayne Wang Outstanding Chinese Restaurant of the Year El Chino

ENZHEN 47

Outstanding Cantonese Cuisine Restaurant of the Year The COLI Lofty Outstanding New Restaurant of the Year Pipette Bistro Outstanding Restaurant of the Year AZURE Outstanding Chinese Restaurant of the Year Shang Garden Outstanding Hotel Buffet of the Year Cafe Zen Outstanding Traditional Italian Restaurant of the Year LaBrezza

FAMILY

Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book List P50

48 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Veggie Mama P51

FULL HOUSE

KARLI ROWLAND

Offering a Mental Health Support Lifeline Interview by Ned Kelly

New Zealand native Karli Rowland has lived in China for 20 years, first in Beijing, then Chengdu and, since 2007, in Shanghai. She is Community Center Shanghai’s (CCS) Counseling Outreach and Admin Manager, as well as Operations Director at Lifeline. At a traditionally tough time of year for those feeling low, we reached out to her to find out what help was on hand. For people that don’t know, what is Lifeline? Lifeline is a confidential telephone and online chat support service, providing emotional support for those in crisis or distress. We take calls from 10am to 10pm each and every day, including Christmas, New Year and other big holidays. How did you become involved with Lifeline? After living here for a long time, I began to realize I wanted to give back to the community that had provided me with so much, so I looked around at various organizations and, as Lifeline operates in the area of mental health support, this resonated with me and my interests the most. Is there a certain protocol for the volunteers taking calls? Yes, Lifeline volunteers are very carefully trained and follow certain protocols, especially with high-risk calls or those from our younger users who may be under 18 years of age. Do you see an increase in calls at this time of year, when many people’s loneliness can get on top of them? Indeed, all holiday periods generally see a spike in the number of calls and chats received at Lifeline, and the Christmas, New Year and Spring Festival period follow this trend. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of calls, and what people are calling about? The pandemic tripled our call volume on some days, especially over the peak times

“Our goal is to empower our graduates to realize fulfilling careers and become positive forces in their communities“ of February and March this year, where calls about increased levels of anxiety, more pressure on people’s living environments and also loneliness from quarantine were the main issues being reported. In addition, call volume throughout the year is slightly higher than usual. Here, the issues have been related to increased financial pressure through job loss, relationship breakdowns from forced separation and the exacerbation of already existing mental health issues. These issues are put under further pressure by such challenging conditions. How can people who want to help get involved with Lifeline? People who are interested in volunteering at Lifeline can begin the application process by going to our website – www.lifelinechina.org – and using the online system to apply. You also work for Community Center Shanghai, how did that come about? Having worked at Lifeline for four years, I came to know of the incredible resources the Community Center has to offer in terms of professional mental health support. More affordable mental health care delivered in eight different languages is an important community resource for us to share, so that more individuals are able to access support rather than continue to suffer.

provide a local place for people to come and relax, check out our library and have a nice warm beverage on these cold Shanghai days, and we also have our charity initiatives that provide the community with rewarding and memorable opportunities to give and serve. The Giving Tree program helps children in need across China, inspire them to learn to give back and build a socially responsible community in Shanghai. Through CharityLink, CCS provides a platform to match prospective volunteers to charitable organizations in China. We maintain a virtual presence in Hongqiao. How do people get involved with CCS? Check out our website – www.communitycentershanghai.com – to learn more information about each of the three areas, and which of those you might like to become involved with. Are there any other projects you are involved in? I am also involved in various community and corporate training programs, including the training of Lifeline’s R U OK Program workshop facilitators and the delivery of R U OK Community workshops in Shanghai and other cities around China.

Can you tell us more about CCS? CCS aims to provide a home away home for the international community in Shanghai. We provide services through three pillars: Community building, charity and counseling. Our centers in Pudong and Minhang

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2021 | 49

LIVING ROOM DAD’S BOOK LIST

CLASS CLOWN

Book recommendations from That’s editorial team.

Class Dismissed

Ages 3-5

Froggy Goes to Bed By Jonathan London

The Froggy book series is a classic way of introducing your child to new experiences like playing sports and baking goods. There’s a total of 29 books in the series and we can tell you from experience – they’re ‘ribbiting’. As far as new experience books go, the Froggy book series ranks high on our list.

Ages 9-12

Hoot

By Carl Hiaasen This mystery slash suspense novel hits on important themes such as friendship and environmentalism. Written by Carl Hiaasen, the book features Roy Eberhardt, a young boy who moves from Montana to sunny Florida, his oddball friend ‘Mullet Fingers’ and the school bully Dana Matherson. Eberhardt learns about a greedy company’s plan to build a pancake house on a site where endangered burrowing owls’ live and does his best to stop them.

It’s important to show some respect for teachers – after all, they have an important role educating younger generations. But one drunken teacher in Inner Mongolia apparently lost it after he refused to pay for a taxi and slapped around local police. The man, surnamed Tian, was working at a special needs school in Chifeng’s Hongshan district before the altercation. According to local media reports, Tian was detained by police. Netizens were shocked by the teacher’s actions, with one Weibo user commenting: “If he treats police like this, what about his students? And to think he works at a special needs school. I don’t even want to imagine it.”

ECO HOME

Greenwave Issues surrounding water and air quality have been brought into stark focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a market leader in China, Greenwave has provided healthy water and air solutions to a whole host of customers for the past 10 years. Their products help with water used for drinking, showering, hand-washing and laundry, among other areas. “We know that families care about water and air quality in their own homes. But they also care about water and air quality in other spaces like shopping malls, hotels, international schools, restaurants and elsewhere. So as well as focusing on people’s homes, we also have many commercial clients,” General Manager David Wang told That’s. > Check out Greenwave products on greenwavechina. cn.

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E D I T O R @ T H AT S M A G S . C O M

VEGGIE MAMA

Black Bean Quinoa Chili The cold is officially here. Some evenings are downright frigid. Lindsey Fine’s (aka Veggie Mama) black bean quinoa chili is not only perfect for the season, but it’s apparently a family favorite. One of the best things about the recipe is that you can get most of the ingredients from your local wet market. No matter where you live in China, it’s the perfect time of year to get some fresh produce for this delicious black bean quinoa chili. This dish is hearty and has a kick of spice that will keep you nice and warm on cool nights. It is a spicy one though, so if you don't like the heat, omit the Tabasco and chili peppers. Scan the QR code for the full recipe.

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LISTINGS SHANGHAI

Jiahui Health' s experienced dentists provide dental health services for adults and children, including dental check-ups, fillings, prevention of tooth decay, painless dental pulp treatment, and treatment and protection against periodontal disease. The Dentistry Department also carries out multi-disciplinary collaboration in the hospital, such as working with dermatologists to offer invisalign orthodontics and solutions to skin problems for beauty seekers; working with E.N.T. specialists to help adolescents with problems such as mouth breathing, adenoidal hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis; working with MSK to provide sports lovers a comprehensive range of preventive strategies on sports injury. 1) Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu 2) Jiahui Health (Yangpu), 1F/2F, Suite 3, 99 Jiangwancheng Lu, by Yingao Dong Lu 3) Jiahui Health (Jing’an), Suite101, 88 Changshu Lu, by Changle Lu 1) 桂平路689 号，近钦江路 2) 江湾城路99 号3 号楼1-2 层, 近殷高东路 3) 常熟路88 号，近长乐路 (400 868 3000)

SinoUnited Health is a leading medical service provider based in Shanghai. Their team of medical specialists are selected from both abroad and China, and renowned for their excellence and rich experience in their respective fields of medical expertise. Shanghai-wide appointment center (400 186 2116, sinounitedhealth.com.cn, contact@ sinounitedhealth) 1) Shanghai Center Clinic, Suite 301, 601 West Tower, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu Open Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Sun, 9am-12pm 2) Gefei Center Clinic, Medical, Dental and Endoscopy Center, 3/F, Gopher Center, 757 Mengzi Lu, Open Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm 3) New Bund Clinic, Medical and Surgical Center, 255 Dongyu Lu, by Qirong Lu Open, Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm 4) Zhangjiang Clinic, Medical and Dental Center, 1/F, 268 Xiangke Lu, by Baiye Lu Open MonTue, 9am-6pm, Thu－Sat, 9am-6pm 5) Century Park Clinic, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, 1717 Huamu Lu, by Fangdian Lu Open Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm; 1) 南京西路1376号上海商城西峰办公楼301室601 室, 近西康路 2) 黄浦区蒙自路 757号歌斐中心 3层 304-307室 3) 浦东东育路255号 S7号1-3层，近企荣路 4) 浦东祥科路268号佑越国际 1层 5) 浦东花木路1717号御翠园内，近芳甸路 54 | JANUARY 2021 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

DeltaHealth is a foreign-funded healthcare provider based in Shanghai. Operating in Qingpu and Changning, DeltaHealth provides a range of comprehensive healthcare services including 24/7 ER services, preventive health, general practice, emergency, internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, thoracic, gynecology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, medical imaging, traditional Chinese medicine and more, to people living in East China and beyond. DeltaHealth hospital has also maintained a strategic collaboration with Columbia Heart Source, with a focus on cardiovascular care. 1) DeltaHealth Clinic: 5th Floor, Building B, 2558 West Yan'An Road (Next to Grand Millennium Shanghai HongQiao, in Shanghai Workers' Sanatorium) Open Mon-Sat, 8.30am-6.00pm 2) DeltaHealth Hospital: Xule Road, Xujing Town, Qingpu District, Open 24/7 1）上海市青浦区徐乐路109号 2）上海市延安西路2558 号B座5层 (上海虹桥千禧海鸥大酒店旁，工人疗养院内) www.deltahealth.com.cn (400 821 0277)

Jiahui Health's an international healthcare provider operating in several downtown locations. Our integrated network includes an international hospital with 24/7 emergency services and a Rabies Prevention Clinic, two medical clinics, a wellness center, and a team of internationally trained physicians. Our services include: emergency care, OB/GYN, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, dentistry, rehabilitation, clinical psychology, and CT/MRI imaging diagnostics, among others. 1) Mon-Sun, 24 h, Jiahui International Hospital, 689 Guiping Lu, by Qinjiang Lu 2) Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Jiahui Health (Yangpu), 1F/2F, Suite 3, 99 Jiangwancheng Lu, by Yingao Dong Lu 3) Mon-Sat, 9am - 6pm, Jiahui Health (Jing’an), Suite101, 88 Changshu Lu, by Changle Lu (400 868 3000) 1) 桂平路689 号，近钦江路 2)江湾城路99 号3 号楼1-2 层, 近殷高东路 3) 常熟路88 号，近长乐路 (400 868 3000) www.jiahui.com/en

BEIJING

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)

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 wellpriced 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

HOTEL NEWS BEIJING

SHANGHAI

Let's ‘Meat’ on Saturday at Signature’s - Bottomless Brunch Buffet is Back! Signature's Restaurant at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center has a new version of its Meat Brunch! Every Saturday, Signature’s becomes a cornucopia full of perfect cuts of meat, seafood, barbecue, international specialties, live stations and dessert. From noon-3pm, enjoy a bottomless brunch buffet and top up your experience with an all-you-can-drink Paulaner beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Meat lovers can expect everything from international to homemade cold cuts, smoked turkey to roasted duck, lamb chops to octopus carpaccio, roasted premier beef to seasonal specials, shrimp cocktails to sushi and sashimi stations, a pasta station, dim sum station, rich selection of BBQ, seafood station including crab and caviar and much more. Many butchery items are homemade from Kempinski’s own private butchery. If there's still room, guests can also expect the homemade bakery favorites as well as the chef's table replete with made to order crepes, waffles, apple strudel, chocolate fondant and ice cream. Call 010 64653388 to make a reservation.

Have a Joyous Chinese New Year at Zijin Mansion Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and enjoy a joyful family gathering at Zijin Mansion. Chinese Executive Chef James Wang from Michelin One Star restaurant Zijin Mansion has incorporated his best work into the two reunion menus, presenting you with fresh, nutritious and savory courses. The feast, starting with exquisite starter dishes, will tease and enhance your appetite; roast suckling pig assortment with special sauce builds a rich and multi-layered flavor; stir-fried Boston lobster, sea cucumber, tiger grouper and snow dragon beef, which is cooked in a way that retains the freshness and tenderness, makes for the perfect combination of ingredients. To finish, tang yuan in ground red bean soup is emblematic of a sweet and happy new year. Besides the traditional reunion dishes, the abundant ingredients and authentic flavors of poon choi for RMB1,388, will bring a lot of pleasure and happiness for a year-end reunion with good fortune and love. To make a reservation, call 10 8520 8989 – 6110.

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Jeurong Hotel Shanghai Christmas Lighting and 2nd Anniversary Ceremony & Appreciation Party On December 6, Jeurong Hotel Shanghai Christmas Lighting and 2nd Anniversary Ceremony & VIP Customer Appreciation Party was successfully completed. The invited guests, media and customers spent a wonderful and unforgettable evening celebrating the hotel’s anniversary and winter holidays.

Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season at The Sukhothai Shanghai Opened in 2018, The Sukhothai Shanghai is known for its distinctive concept which incorporates a series of sustainable practices in architectural design and material selection to reduce the environmental impact. In line with this unique concept, the hotel chose an eco-friendly Christmas tree to adorn the lobby in this festive season. The Sukhothai Shanghai collaborated with The Woolmark Company, the global authority on wool to create a warm wool Christmas tree. As a natural resource from animals, wool will be naturally decomposed in the soil within months or years once discarded. To celebrate Christmas in an environmentally friendly way, The Sukhothai Shanghai turns natural, renewable and biodegradable fiber into elegant and cozy Christmas décor in a fitting tribute to the festive season.

SHENZHEN

GUANGZHOU

W Guangzhou’s Fei is New and Ready to Remix Your Night Fei has a new look and a fully upgraded image designed with bold innovation, much like the W brand. The design was inspired by the jewelry boxes of ancient emperors’ concubines who enjoyed a myriad of treasures. It is like their jewelry box full of fun and amusement. With the unique design, music, fuel and fashion, the bright atmosphere of rare treasures is integrated into the overall space design of Fei. Optical fibers scattered all over the glass walls are like shining gems and, combined with the strong musical rhythm, creates a wonderland where guests can enjoy the most flourishing side of the city. It is a place where you can forget the passing of time.

Reunion Dinner at 1881 Usher in the Year of the Ox with festivities designed for a hassle-free family celebration at Grand Hyatt Shenzhen. Savor the deliciousness of Chinese cuisine while enjoying the CCTV Spring Festival Gala performance, a New Year lucky draw and other activities on February 11, 2021.

TIANJIN

Be the Best Bread You Can Be at The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin Let’s Fly, Cookie Man Mass Recruitment DoubleTree by Hilton Shenzhen Airport hosted its first mass recruitment with the theme ‘Let's Fly, Cookie Man’ last month for its upcoming hotel opening in 2021. Located in Bao’an district, DoubleTree by Hilton Shenzhen Airport is wholly invested by Shenzhen Airport Aviation City Development Co. Ltd, and managed by Hilton Worldwide. This elegant property offers 315 guestrooms and suites, three restaurants and bars and a total event space of more than 3,000 square meters.

Are you someone who enjoys indescribable desserts and breathtaking bread? Sure you are, and there’s no better place to treat yourself to those tasty treats than at The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin. Make new memories with family, friends, strangers and possibly old enemies while enjoying scrumptious Ritz cake and bread in their castle-like hotel.

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SCHOOL NEWS SHANGHAI

Meet the New D-bots at Dulwich College Kindergarten Shanghai

NAIS Pudong Early Years Christmas Performance

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong welcomed four new members to their DUCKS community: the D-bots. These new hygiene robots support their hardworking staff. They use the same Government-approved disinfectant that the ayi staff currently use, in combination with UV light to ensure that DUCKS classrooms and common spaces are as hygienic as possible all the time.

NAIS Pudong’s youngest students had the chance to shine during their annual Christmas performance. From Pre-Nursery to Reception, these little stars enchanted their audience with their Christmas songs and dances from the Christmas Jukebox. The confidence and enjoyment of everyone involved was impressive and brought tears to the audiences’ eyes.

Wellington College International Shanghai’s Winter Market

IB Career-Related Program at WISS

Wellington College International Shanghai got into the holiday spirit with its annual winter market. Families from Wellington College, it sister institution Huili School Shanghai and the local community came together at Crystal Plaza to shop for gifts, sample tasty treats and enjoy festive cheer.

Do you want to study in an innovative program? Stand out from the crowd and join the IB Career-Related Program at WISS. The IBCP is designed for students who are passionate about a particular profession and want to begin learning about their future career now. Through the IBCP, students develop personal and professional skills along with career specific knowledge. WISS currently offers three CP pathways focused on Sports, Art & Design and Business & Sustainability. Visit the WISS website to find out more about this exciting, future-oriented program.

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BEIJING

AISB Celebrates with Hope International Christmas Concert Dulwich Pudong Tree Lighting Ceremony On December 1, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong was transformed with festive decorations appearing throughout the school. Shining stars hung from the ceilings, dazzling Christmas trees brightened the communal spaces and green wreaths adorned the walls. Even Santa Claus made an appearance, much to the delight of the children!

GUANGZHOU Get Personal with AISG at its University Guidance Program Talk

As the premier international school in Guangzhou, AISG provides the best international education and unique insights for its students to attend and succeed at the best US universities that are aligned with their passions and career interests. This is achieved by AISG’s long-standing university relationships, community connections and the continuous development of its personalized university guidance program. Come and hear firsthand insights from key stakeholders about their personal experiences and why only AISG can provide this level of optimum preparation for US universities on January 13 at 3pm at the Four Seasons Hotel. Contact communications@aisgz. org to reserve your seat.

Hope International celebrated the season with their annual Christmas Concert ‘The Gift of Peace.’ As 2020 comes to an end, the community gathered at the 21st Century Hotel to take a moment to pause and acknowledge the hardships but celebrate the blessings of this year. From everyone at AISB- Hope International we wish you a lovely holiday season.

FOSHAN

Foshan EtonHouse International School Becomes IB World School Thursday, December 11 was a day of celebration for Foshan EtonHouse International School as they became an IB World School. This achievement leaves them with so many people to thank: Parents, administration staff, the children and, most importantly, the amazing teaching team who have worked so hard on this project since they submitted their candidacy back in the summer of 2018. FEIS is now the very first international license-holding school to be authorized to offer the Primary Years Program in Foshan, a city of over seven million people. They are truly proud of this magnificent achievement.

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That’s

JANUARY

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in China. By Bosworth Sheepley

Aries

Capricorn

Aquarius 1.21~2.19

2.20~3.20

3.21~4.20

This month you’re up for a little adventure. If you’re based in Beijing, stroll through a hutong you’ve never been to before. Living in Shanghai? In that case, pick one of the less popular water towns to explore. For those down south, there are plenty of great hills for an afternoon hike.

You should be extra cautious in January. With little clusters of COVID-19 cases being reported now and then across the country, you don’t want to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. If it happens, be sure to have some whiskey and crackers on hand.

Every New Year’s resolution, your friend says she’s going to be more active, but with Netflix she hardly leaves the apartment. Invite her out for weekly badminton matches – that way you don’t have to hear her complain about another failed resolution.

You’re not satisfied with your job anymore and you’re looking for a way out. It’s best not to waste any more time – after all, you’re ultimately responsible for where your career takes you. Get that resume in order, your next chapter awaits!

12.22~1.20

Taurus

Gemini

Pisces

Cancer

Leo

4.21~5.21

5.22~6.21

6.22~7.22

7.23~8.23

The past year was too crazy and you’re ready to get off to a fresh new start in 2021. Kick-off the new year by picking up a new hobby. Start a balcony garden or buy a cookbook of an unfamiliar cuisine. Or better yet, do both and add those fresh herbs into new culinary creations.

You’re looking to carry over newfound success from last year. Remember not to take your foot off the pedal, and avoid getting into any partnerships (business or romance) with Virgos. You’ll thank us later.

It’s time to call up a few of your friends that you’ve lost touch with since you moved to the Middle Kingdom. There’s a good chance they’re going through some stuff and would be excited to hear from you. Just be prepared to listen though, everyone likes to talk about themselves.

Sleeping has been a difficult task, as of late. Try changing up your nighttime routine by listening to audio recordings of Milton Friedman discussing the distribution of income. Or rather, talk with your doctor about taking melatonin supplements.

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

8.24~9.23

9.24~10.23

10.24~11.22

11.23~12.21

There’s someone that you have a crush on, and it’s obvious they feel the same way. You can play the waiting game, but this time get a little outside your comfort zone and make the first move.

After we recommended last month that you purchase a second-hand e-bike, you actually did and it ended poorly. Instead, invest in some top-notch footwear – you’ll notice a pep in your step.

Start the new year by creating a new income source. You’ve got all these ideas ready to put to use, start slow and see where you can take it. Next thing you know, you’ll be livestreaming your product on Singles’ Day.

Everyone is talking about travel plans for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Do something different and head to Guizhou. We hear the taps are always flowing just like Huangguoshu waterfall. Just steer clear of the ‘Lebao’ mafia.

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