ART BEIJING a Guide to the Mainland's Biggest Art Fair 400 820

Home , Beijing Olympic Village, Chinese rock, G run, Honglingjin Park, Keep Running (season 5)

Advertising Hotline 400 820 8428 城市漫步北京英文版 04 月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press ISSN 1672-8025

The history boys om unit ART BEIJING the great famine Jungle is massive a guide to the mainland's april 2015 retold (again) biggest art fair

主管单位：中华人民共和国国务院新闻办公室 Supervised by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China 主办单位：五洲传播出版社地址：北京市海淀区北三环中路31 号生产力大楼 B 座 602 邮编 100088 B-602 Shengchanli Building, No. 31 Beisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, PRC http://www.cicc.org.cn 社长 President of China Intercontinental Press 李红杰 Li Hongjie 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 Editor 刘扬 Liu Yang 发行 / 市场 Distribution / Marketing 黄静，李若琳 Huang Jing, Li Ruolin

Editor-in-Chief Stephen George Senior Editors Oscar Holland, Will Philipps, Karoline Kan, Marianna Cerini Assistant Editor Vivid Zhu Designers Tin Wu, Xiaoran Li Staff Photographer Holly Li Contributors Andrew Chin, Jens Bakker, Mia Li, Trevor Marshallsea, Nikolai Blackie, Sophie Zhang, Naomi Goddard, Fahy Yen, Zhao Juanyang, Jacob Sun, Sarah Keenlyside

Urbanatomy Media

Shanghai (Head office) 上海和舟广告有限公司上海市蒙自路 169 号智造局 2 号楼 305-306 室邮政编码 : 200023 Room 305-306, Building 2, No.169 Mengzi Lu, Shanghai 200023 电话 : 021-8023 2199 传真 : 021-8023 2190 (From February 13) Beijing 广告代理 : 上海和舟广告有限公司北京市东城区东直门外大街 48 号东方银座 C 座 9G 邮政编码 : 100027 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Oriental Kenzo (Ginza Mall) Building C Room 9G, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100027 电话 : 010-8447 7002 传真 : 010-8447 6455 Guangzhou 上海和舟广告有限公司广州分公司广州市越秀区麓苑路 42 号大院 2 号楼 610 房邮政编码 : 510095 Room 610, No. 2 Building, Area 42, Lu Yuan Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, PRC 510095 电话 : 020-8358 6125, 传真 : 020-8357 3859-800 Shenzhen 广告代理 : 上海和舟广告有限公司广州分公司深圳市福田区彩田路星河世界大厦 C1-1303 C1-1303, Galaxy Century Building, Cai Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 电话 : 0755-8623 3220, 传真 : 0755-8623 3219

Operations Manager Ning Zhu Sales Manager Louise Chen Sales Emma Cao, Celia Yu, Morri Qin, Christina Zhuang Marketing Manager Justin Culkin Distribution Manager Yang Juan Web & IT Amul Qiu, Ken Zhou 朝阳店 CHAOYANG PARK STORE TEL: (010) 65016249 \ 65931220 Management 东湖别墅店 EAST LAKE STORE West Gate of Chaoyang Park, TEL: (010) 84511168 Chaoyang District CEO Leo Zhou B1 of East Lake Villa Club, Dongcheng 朝阳区农展南路 1 号（朝阳公园西门南 60 米） District Financial Manager Laura Lu 东城区东湖别墅东湖俱乐部地下一层三里屯店 SANLITUN STORE HR Manager Penny Li TEL: (010) 64616928 \ 64635156 Digital Project Manager Bridget O’Donnell 观湖国际店 GREEN LAKE STORE No.6 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang TEL: (010) 59283525 \ 59283723 District A1 Building of GreenLake International 朝阳区三里屯北小街 6 号 General enquiries (010) 8447 7002 Apartment, Chaoyang District Editorial (010) 8447 7069 [email protected] 朝阳区观湖国际甲 1 号楼芳草地店 RITAN STORE Events (010) 8447 7069 [email protected] TEL: (010) 85630626 Distribution/Subscription (010) 8447 7002 [email protected] 新城国际店 CENTRAL PARK STORE No.4 Ritan North Road, Chaoyang TEL: (010) 65336791 District Marketing (010) 8447 7603 [email protected] No. 101, Tower 17, Central Park, NO.6, 朝阳区日坛北路 4 号 Advertising (010) 8447 7073 [email protected] Chaowai Ave. Chaoyang District Fax (010) 8447 6455 朝阳区朝外大街 6 号新城国际 17 栋 101 香江花园店 RIVERA GARDEN STORE TEL: (010) 84701557 \ 84704095 海晟店 SEASONS PARK STORE No.1 Laiguangying East Road, TEL: (010) 64175815 Chaoyang District First floor of Dongchengyishu No.6, 朝阳区来广营东路 1 号 Shizipo Street, Chaoyang District 朝阳区十字坡街 6 号东城逸墅 1 层建外 SOHO 店 JIANWAI SOHO STORE TEL: (010) 58692326 \ 58692253 广告经营许可证 : 京海工商广字第 8069 号逸盛阁店 EAST AVENUE STORE 0413 of Building 4, Jianwai SOHO, 法律顾问 : 大成律师事务所魏君贤律师 No. 39 Middle Dongsanhuan Road, TEL: (010) 64602658 Legal Advisor: Wei Junxian, Dacheng Law Firm Room 108 ,East Avenue, No.10 Chaoyang District 国际标准刊号 ISSN 1672-8025 Xindong Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环中路 39 号建外 SOHO4 号朝阳区新东路 10 号逸盛阁 108 室楼 0413 国内统一刊号 CN 11-5232/GO 定价 : 25.00 元邮发代号 : 2-930 部分非卖品 , 仅限赠阅

2 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com editor’s DEALS note APRIL

It’s an usual editor’s note this month in that I’m handing over the responsibility to Will Philipps. This month he leaves the magazine after two years of service to begin an apprenticeship in the dark arts [the advertising industry]. Will, who pitched up at That’s Beijing readers the magazine just one month after my own arrival, has acted as my co-pilot for much of that time. As a friend and a colleague, I will be genuinely sad to see him go. From everyone at the can save money on team, we wish him the very best of success in his next move. Over to you, Will... Cheers, Steve! That’s Beijing I’ll be entry tickets to Art ahead. Typical, really As we – put two the of finishingthe biggest touches musical to festivalthe last dates edition in ofthe calendar and the or- Beijing this month. ganizationinvolved with, is still we’re chaotic. still waiting for confirmation that MIDI and Strawberry festival will go I went to Strawberry Festival last year. A huge rainstorm came in on the Saturday night and Show a copy of this blew away half the site (my passport included, regrettably). The headline act was cut off mid- magazine when you consider itself as well regulated as any, disorder reigns supreme. buy a ticket at the door setThat’s and the part whole of the show reason finished I was early.drawn Chaos to this would magazine. be putting Navigating it lightly. this For topsy-turvy a city that city likes as to a writer for That’s Beijing has been a blast. I’m in a college campus for lost laowai one minute, and pay RMB80 for all the next I’m at the heart of the world’s biggest national identity crisis. (For more on that, read China’s Millennials on page 32.) exhibitions (standard That’s Beijing allChinese involved. millennial It’s a small Karoline publication Kan’s analysis in a sea of of Eric countless Fish’s book– in print and online – but I look back price RMB100) or withMy great two yearspride aton the progress havewe’ve been made. a great I was platform lucky enough for a Chinato have odyssey an absolutely – thanks dyna to - mite team to help me – praise is due for all, but in particular Stephen George for steering the RMB40 for a single ship so well (and not losing his shit when I handed in some extremely rough copy). I think we all agree that Beijing is an engrossing city and it deserves an engrossing magazine – I have no exhibition (standard doubt that the team I’m leaving will continue to make one. - price RMB50). Turn to demonium here, but Beijing wouldn’t have it any other way. There can’t be many jobs where That this note is being written at midnight, hours before deadline, is befitting of the pan page 34 to find out down.you can That’s lunch Beijing, with a Michelin-starredI guess. chef, interview racist dancing grannies, then down more about Art Beijing. Tsingtaos with some touring US wrestlers all in the same day… and still find time to write it all

Thats_Beijing

Stephen George twitter.com/Thats_Beijing Editor-in-Chief facebook.com/pages/Thats-Beijing

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 3 QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Since 2009, I make resolutions every year that I try very hard to follow. For 2015, it was to make history”

Miami party-rap superstar Pitbull, page 24 6 CITY

8 football focussed

beautiful game China sets its sights on the 14 BATTERY POWERED

Tesla E-cars in need of a recharge in15 the ur Mainlandban dictionary Renxing want it and they don’t 14 know why

16 LIFE & STYLE

18 SPRING STYLE

wear it right Denim’s back (again) – we help you 20 under where? Luxury lingerie lifts off (yes, we have photos) 22 SCENE & HEARD The best of Beijing’s latest 20 openings

24 ARTS

24 HAIR(LESS) OF THE DOG

party, it seems Club anthem king Pitbull likes to 25 CANVASSED

cutting Metamorphosis through paper- 32 IN A BIG POND

32 Eric Fish meets our own Chinese Millennial 50 EAT & DRINK

52 HOLY GUACAMOLE

A Mexican food pilgrimage to Chicago54 CHARCOAL Beer and BBQ: let’s get Shunyi- briated 59 NBEER PUB 54 friendless Craft beer: opium for the

4 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com THE WRAP 40 ART, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

We travel to Art Basel Hong Kong with some of Beijing’s leading young artists

34 ART IS LONG, LIFE IS SHORT We preview Art Beijing, the

Mainland’s biggest art fair

28 SCHOOL OF HARD ROCKS We meet the young musicians (and

their head teacher) at Beijing’s Midi School of Music

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 5 THE BUZZ

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES Part hollow man, part Dongbei pajamas – an unidentified model sports an avant-garde design by Hu Sheguang at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

RANDOM SELFIE STICKS FORBIDDEN NUMBER iN FORBIDDEN CITY The Palace Museum is the latest major tourist site in China to ban the use of selfie sticks. While some may construe the move as an attack on hollow narcissism, officials have put the decision down to more practical worries. Deputy Director of the Palace Museum’s tourist reception, Shen Lixia, told China Daily: “Selfie sticks will …that’s the value, in RMB, of the 11 watches stolen at the point of a cause safety concerns, whether for tourists or the exhibits. plastic gun in downtown Beijing. The suspect, 38, made his escape It may touch the glass exhibition case and cause damage from Wangfujing’s Cartier store in a hijacked taxi, though he was to the cultural relics.” apprehended just over 20 minutes later. Police have reported that The taking of pictures is still permitted, though visitors the man, who is understood to be Malaysian, blamed his actions on will be required to use their arms or the assistance of financial difficulties. fellow sightseers.

6 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com [email protected]

ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE Ask a Laobeijing Archeologists have unearthed one of China’s We met 65-year-old Zhao, a deputy director at the retired largest tomb complexes in Daxing, south personnel department of Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing. The 70-hectare site is home to 129 during the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) finals. ancient tombs, thought to have been built during the East Han, Tang and Liao Dynasties from A.D. 25 to 1125. Although first discovered to be of historical significance in 2010, the site’s most recent find was made while digging for a planned residential complex. One of the tombs belonged to Han ne lli N O E MI cassa BY PHOTO Xiandu, whose ancestral home was at the Lelang commandery, located in modern-day What do you Pyongyang, on the Korean peninsula. think of the Beijing Ducks basketball team? “I think the Ducks played quite well this season. In the finals [against Liaoning Leopards], the team with the better defense will win, as both teams know their opponents’ attacking style well. But that is not enough. Beijing has something Liaoning doesn’t – a kind of spirit that has developed in the team over the years, a spirit that unites its members to get them through the most difficult of times. Quote of the Month First of all, Beijing plays as a team. On the court, they play better thanks to the spirit of teamwork. All of the “The government is players hold together with an extraordinary rigidity, including the foreign players. Lao Ma [Stephon Marbury] taking action to give is definitely the backbone of the whole team. The other players – as well as all fans of the Ducks – appreciate and back the blue sky speak highly of his vital role in the team. The players acknowledge Lao Ma’s experience and to our people, and leadership, because they have benefited from it many times. In the first game of the finals, five Beijing players we are confident of scored over 10 points – with ease, I may add – while achieving that” Liaoning’s key player, Lester Hudson, got far fewer than he should, thanks to Beijing’s tight defense. An official from the Winter Olympics Bid The second and most important part of the Ducks’ Committee, Wang Hui, on ramping up the spirit is persistence. In this respect, the team has been so battle against pollution if Beijing hosts positively influenced by Lao Ma. In victory or defeat, he the 2022 games. Action taken toward never gives up and keeps fighting until the last second. achieving ‘Olympic Blue’ (a sky color This is rare and precious because many players lose that believed to be similar in shade to ‘APEC ambition, refuse to keep running or waste the last few Blue’) is hoped to strengthen the capital’s seconds of the game when they realize it’s too late to bid against the only other remaining overtake their opponents. It’s nothing to do with physical candidate, Kazakhstan’s Almaty. fitness but rather it’s their mental limits. I think all other sports teams should learn from this kind of spirit, especially the Chinese national football team. Why do other countries like South Korea and Japan always win the Asian qualification to participate in the World Cup, while China can’t? It is not a coincidence that they beat China all the time. Perseverance is the key. When [Japan and South Korea] face the Chinese team, they always show more tenacity than us. But Chinese teams get easily flustered after losing early goals. When that happens, they will lose it all.” As told to Fahy Yen

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 7 city | tales TALES OF THE CITY

The Long Ball Game

The Long Ball Game Xi Sets Sights on the World Cup

The facts speak for themselves: completely revamp and upgrade his nation’s ineptitude and has off the West… good lads though.” a lone World Cup appearance, the coaching infrastructure at made no secret of his dream Others still doubt how a lowly FIFA world ranking grassroots levels. to see China lift the World effective the reforms will be, of 83 (that’s two ahead of According to the bold Cup. He is even reported to especially in cities such as Cyprus), only three Chinese government-backed plan, by the have said that babies should Beijing, where few schools are players in top flight European end of this year, China will add start being coached straight equipped with football pitches leagues… China’s track record an extra 1,000 schools to the away. The president’s graft – and ball sports are forbidden with football constitutes a current 5,000 elementary and crackdown has extended into in public spaces. Sports writer hefty loss of face for its fans, middle schools where football the national leagues and under Zhao Zhen went deeper still if not a complete national is on the curriculum. By 2025, his leadership the sport has in an editorial on ifeng.com: embarrassment. those schools will number even been included in schools’ “I think people are too rushed To see the Chinese national 50,000. The campaign aims to national curriculum. to applaud and cheer for the team one day win the World get 50 million people actively It will be some time before policy.” He expressed a need Cup is the “ardent wish of the watching and playing football that new generation reaches for reform across all sports, whole nation,” according to by 2025. The eventual goal, it maturity, however. In a society doubting whether football the state-owned Xinhua news states, is for China’s male team where many see sport as a alone is transparent enough agency. Wishful thinking, or to be Asia’s best and its female distraction from academic to support change. “We can’t the first step to a major shift in team to top the world rankings. studies, serious football training expect too much for football, world football? In the Olympics Also included in that plan is the will need to be accepted as a when the whole sports system remember, China went from more realistic target of China worthwhile pursuit for kids. Ex- is struggling in the swamp of an also-ran to the top of the hosting a World Cup. England international Ledley all-state system.” medals table in the space of a Perhaps renewed hope was King has coached in Beijing But overall, reactions to the generation. Who’s to say football sparked by China’s unexpectedly as part of the Football Dream plans have been positive – even can’t be similarly improved? good run in January’s Asian campaign, which handpicks from outside the footballing In February, the State Council Cup, where they topped their outstanding young players to world. “As someone who is from General Office announced plans group and were knocked out train at European academies. the realm of basketball I must to develop “a management by eventual winners Australia. “The enthusiasm was there, but say that I am very envious of system with Chinese Or maybe the orders came development is needed,” he told the plan,” confessed superstar characteristics,” an intriguing right from the top – Xi Jinping us, during a recent interview. sportsman, Yao Ming, in a recent proposition that promises to has professed his anguish at “The coaching is still a long way press conference. KK & WP

8 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com W.W.C.D. | city

What Would confucius do? Modern Dilemmas, Age-Old Wisdom I’m gay but I come from a traditional family that will never accept my sexuality. I am turning thirty so my parents are keen for me to get married and are constantly setting up blind dates for me. But I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I were to deceive a girl into marrying me, as it would ruin us both. I’ve been making up excuses to avoid these dates as often as possible but I can never solve the problem completely. What should I do?

I respect your bravery because you have your situation. I believe that, difficult though or accept you? Or speak ill of you, even? You decided to explicitly reaffirm your sexual it is, you should still be forthright and honest need to learn to stay calm. When Confucius orientation rather than fooling yourself and by telling your parents about your sexual was 60 years old, people around him could marrying a girl you can’t love, which is still orientation. Today we value individual not understand his idealistic dreams and common in China. rights. Gay couples are gradually becoming joked about him being “a dog that lost his I’ll be frank with you – according to more accepted by people in China. If your home.” Instead of being irritated, Confucius Confucius, filial piety is one of the most parents can’t understand, maybe you can try showed huge amounts of endurance, important virtues required to keep ethical to convince them by showing them examples patience and tolerance towards people’s order within society. The responsibility to of the many celebrities who promote gay misunderstandings. have children is a fundamental element rights? I know it is hard. But you are already in a of how he defines filial piety. Having no Last year, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said: hard situation and you have no other choice. descendants is described as one of the “I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gravest offenses to traditional Confucian gay among the greatest gifts God has given wang Xuejun is a lecturer at Beijing language and values. The famous Confucian scholar me.” Other LGBT groups are also speaking culture University, specializing in chinese culture. Mencius once said: “There are three ways of up bravely for their cause, such as Li Yinhe, his most recent book is entitled teaching methods being an unfilial son; the most serious is to the well-known Chinese sexologist who of chinese language and traditional culture . send have no heir.” went public about her transgender lover last your ethical dilemma for professor wang to bjeditor@ This was the traditional view, however, December. urbanatomy.com and this doesn’t mean that I don’t understand But what if people still don’t understand

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 9 TheThe Young Filmmakers Intent on Telling the Story of China’s Great Famine

Hby Karoline Kanistory

b10 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com oys feature | city

TheThe Young Filmmakers Intent on Telling the Story of China’s Great Famine

“I was born in 1989; I am sure all young by Karoline Kan Chinese of my age are familiar with the Great HistorFamine. But to most of your generation – and I include myself in that – it was simply an old tale that our grandparents and parents used to help teach us the value of our current lives. People my age have no interest, and saw no reason to go deeper into the real history.”

boys www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 11 city | Feature

When documentary film student Shu Qiao first heard about the Folk Memory Project, he assumed it was just another extracurricular activity devised by his over- zealous professor: “Something that would take a few weeks, at most.” Five years later, with his studies at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Art long since finished, 25-year-old Shu is still very much involved in the project – in fact, he estimates it’s still several years, perhaps even decades away from completion: “It’s become something like my life’s work,” he explains. The ongoing project began innocuously enough. Shu and 20 other young Chinese film documentary students were assigned the task of entering nearby villages to interview people who had lived through, and had memories of, the Great Famine. “I was born in 1989. I am sure all young Chinese of my age are familiar with the Great Famine,” says Shu. “But to most of our generation – and I include myself in that – it was simply an old tale that our grandparents and parents used to help teach us the value of our current lives. People my age have no interest, and saw no reason to go deeper into the real history.” Covering roughly a two year period from 1959 to 1961, the famine is thought to have claimed the lives of 8-10 million people, according to official reports. Shu’s former professor and organizer of the project, Wu Wenguang, himself an established and well- known documentary filmmaker in China, felt the subject was deserving of further investigation. “That period of history is discussed a lot by artists and filmmakers, but what was it really like?” he asks. “I found it quite ridiculous, all those artists talking about hardship from the vantage of their comfortable studios in the city. They have no idea at all.” Despite Wu’s clear motivation, he never “The whole village is wondering why you don’t find a foresaw the project taking off outside the stable job in the city, but instead come here holding classroom – nor the willingness of his students to become so personally involved. a camera? You don’t understand how devastating an As of December last year, the project has effect this will have on you. You have to think about how seen 133 young participants from 20 provinces travel to 26 villages and interview the authorities will react. This could change your life 1,220 villagers. A total number of 30 short dramatically” documentaries have been completed and shown in film festivals in more than 10 countries. Wu ascribes the success of the project to the villages themselves. Their heroism, as Wu describes it, serves not only to highlight their own history, but helps young Chinese to reconnect with their roots. For Shu, the initial spur was much simpler: “I was very matter-of-fact about it, I wanted to discover the reasons behind the tragedy. For example, how much blame should be attributed to natural disasters like drought?” Above | shu Qiao Over time, however, Shu realized that the interviews villagers in real story was not the cause of the tragedy, Xupu county, hunan

12 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com You have to think about how the authorities will react. This could change your life dramatically.” Although Shu didn’t heed his grandfather’s advice, he does empathize. “That generation experienced too much tragedy. They have first-hand understanding of the Chinese saying, ‘disaster comes out of your mouth,’” says Shu. These types of difficulties were faced by almost every member of the project. Wang Haian, a 24-year-old participant from

Shandong, explains: “Actually2 this topic is no longer taboo. I told [the villagers] that in the city there are widespread discussions on issues such as the Great Famine and the Great Leap Forward. But they didn’t trust me.” Wang likens the process of building trust to “crawling like a worm.” Unlike Shu, who completed his initial documentary in less than a year, Wang spent three years chatting with villagers, helping them to farm and showing them his footage, while repeatedly explaining the meaning of the work. In 2014, four years after Professor Wu first launched the project, the aim was widened to include other historical topics such as land reform, the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward. Many participants have been so moved by their experience, they have begun funding drives to help construct village libraries and healthcare foundations. Wang is currently securing money to build but the lives of the villagers who survived no grain once the required percentage a memorial. “I hope more young people it – those people whose “stories had never had been handed in. Initially, the village will remember history,” he says, by way of been told or recorded.” that submitted the most grain would be explanation. And changes are taking place Shu centered his research around his rewarded with cows, but over time, this too. Both Shu Qiao and Wang Haian spent grandpa’s village in Xupu County, Hunan. stopped too. Eventually, with no grain being most of their young lives wanting to move With help from a number of distant relatives, produced, people began to starve.” beyond the small towns and villages of their he began to piece together a timeline of In Shu’s documentary Shuangjing, I Am parents. events. Your Grandson, audiences are witness to the “I think the idea of moving to a big city “1958 was a harvesting year in Xupu, difficulties faced by Shu in asking villagers and finding a stable job is a dream shared by but all the young men had left the village to to recount their experiences. Shu went from many young Chinese today. But this project help smelt steel,” explains Shu, recalling the door to door, collecting stories and money to changed my relationship with my village, my villagers’ stories. “But since the harvested set up a monument for those who died in the parents, my grandpa. The more I learn about grain would be shared by the commune, few famine. the village, the more I realize how little I people left in the village were motivated to “It was very frustrating in the beginning,” understood it,” says Shu. help in the huge effort needed to work the says Shu. Among the 10 households he Time, is running out, though. Many of fields.” visited during the first day, eight refused to the survivors of the tumultuous events of Shu Qingyou, an elderly distant relative of cooperate. “They were angry and confused,” the mid-20th century are beginning to pass Shu’s, recounted a number of specific details. explains Shu. “They asked me: ‘Why are you away. “Each time someone in the village “He explained how villages like his would doing this?’ They thought it was meaningless. passes away, a friend will call me and ask get caught in disastrous spirals. For example, I had to convince them otherwise. So I told for the tape of that person’s video – their if a village harvested 400kg per mu [about them: ‘Almost every family in this village lost interview – to be sent to the village,” explains 1/6 of an acre], the local cadre, in a bid to family members in the famine. This is a way Shu. “Through death, they have come to find gain favor, would exaggerate the figure. to honor their memory.’” comfort in these videos.” The neighboring village, worried they were The idea of a film focusing on the lives The result has been a gradual change falling behind, would then announce they and experiences of individuals – rather than in attitudes. Now, people contact Shu and had harvested 500kg per mu. It was a vicious the society as a whole, made many of the request that he interviews them. “It’s a circle,” says Shu. participants nervous. In the film, Shu and his complete reversal,” says Shu. “Recently, the “The local government would see the grandpa are shown walking together along daughter-in-law of an 80-year-old woman figures, and ask for a certain percentage of a small country road, the old man furiously called me to ask whether I could interview the total grain. But even if the percentage berating his grandson: “The whole village is her mother-in-law,” says Shu. “She told me was set low, it would still account for more wondering why you don’t find a stable job her mother-in-law has lots of good stories to than the villagers could afford to give. Some in the city, but instead come here holding tell. This type of thing means a lot to me,” he villages exaggerated their total harvest a camera? You don’t understand how adds. “I guess it’s why we started this thing to such a degree, that they6 were left with devastating an effect this will have on you. in the first place – to make it difference.”

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 13 city | Feature chinese urban dictionary | city

Tesla’s Electric Avenues Begin to Dim Why High-End E-cars are Failing in Beijing

by Will Philipps

As we sit behind the wheel of a gleaming Tesla Model S in a Parkview a single power cable. According to the sales spiel, owners are able Green mall showroom, it’s fitting that, outside, a cloud of haze to use an adapter to plug the car directly into their garage mains or hangs low over Beijing. Electric cars, whether made by American top up at one of 100 charging stations around Beijing (great, if you manufacturer Tesla or by one of a handful of Chinese companies, are happen to own a garage or live near a charging station, not so good if symbolic of the eternal fight against the city’s pollution problem. you don’t). US-owned Tesla, one of the world’s leading ‘pure’ electric car China aimed to be home to 500,000 electric cars in 2011 but fell manufacturers, is worth an estimated USD25 billion and growing. Its well short of the mark – only 6,000 eventually made it onto the road. vehicles are the first of their kind with enough clean power under The main deterrent was ‘range anxiety’ – fear of running out of power the hood to be considered a viable substitute for petrol-powered due to a scarcity of charging points. Since 2014, however, sales have cars. But Tesla’s Beijing showroom, one of 15 centers in China, sees begun to rise. The Beijing municipal government last year announced a lone customer enter its doors during the hour we spend there. plans to build 10,000 public charging poles across the city, while Across the Mainland, Tesla is stuttering, with a reported 120 cars newly purchased electric cars receive a 10 percent road tax break and sold each month – “unexpectedly weak” sales in the words of founder bypass the license plate lottery required for new petrol-driven cars. Elon Musk. Last month, the company fired much of its top-level Forbes reported that according to the China Automotive Technology management in China. So what went wrong? Research Center, electric vehicle sales were 30 times higher in China is considered a huge market for pure and hybrid electric December 2014 than January 2014, surpassing even monthly sales vehicles, due to the huge demand for cars and an acute need for figures in the US. cleaner transport. The government and big business backs it – fleets But while Tesla hasn’t been able to capitalize, China’s domestic of all-electric taxis were slated for some suburbs of Beijing last year, electric car manufacturers have. According to the Ministry of Industry and this year tech giants like Tencent have expressed interest in and Information Technology, output of electric passenger cars rose developing driverless E-cars. So why the drop in sales? The failure 300 percent in 2014 from the previous year. The beneficiaries? BYD has come as a surprise to many, but with Telsa’s standard model and SAIC, whose cars retail for a fraction of the price of a standard costing in the high six figures – and few to no major public incentives Tesla. BYD’s Qin, China’s top-selling electric car in 2014, costs just – even the cheapest Tesla remains a luxury product. RMB189,000. In the showroom, semi-enthusiastic salespeople talk us through Back in the Beijing showroom, which let’s not forget is located in various specs and the practicalities of electric car ownership. In one of Beijing’s most upmarket malls, the displays of Tesla-branded China, the Model S has been on the market since April 2014 and T-shirts and baseball caps give the impression of being in a sports car retails for RMB648,000 (in the US it’s USD70,000, a little over showroom with a racing pedigree (we don’t imagine BYD sell many RMB400,000, comparable to brands with well-established appeal, logo-embossed polos). Maybe that’s the point, but even so, Musk’s like Audi or Porsche). hope for millions of Tesla cars on the road by 2020 looks hopeful, if Much like an ordinary smartphone, the Tesla is charged through not outright fanciful.

14 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com chinese urban dictionary | city feature | city

renxing /rènxìng/ 任性

by Mia Li

Definition: adj. used to describe a wealthy person who spends their money in an extravagant and often irrational way.

How to use it: A: My neighbor took out all his savings in cash yesterday so he could sleep on a pile of money. B: Because why not, right? Everyone should be renxing once before they die. Did he sleep well? A: He was too worried about the money being stolen to sleep. B: Ha, not so renxing after all!

Until a few decades ago, opportunities for the Chinese people to fulfill their aspirations – both large and small – weren’t plentiful. They were either too poor or robbed of the means and liberties to do so. Sweeping generalization, maybe, but you get the idea. My compatriots of 30 years ago wanted to listen to the Beatles and watch Hollywood movies, but such things were forbidden due their bourgeois nature. They wanted to travel the world, but exit visas were almost impossible to acquire. They wanted to own home appliances and cars, but they were too expensive and supply was too scarce. In fact, there was so little to aspire to back then, that many people simply stopped aspiring. Focusing on what you were actually allowed to do was altogether less painful. Then things changed. For a small number of enterprising and lucky Chinese people, the opportunities returned. Despite sky-high taxes, imported cars became affordable. You could fly to the other side of the world and buy enough luxury Italian leather goods to fill the presidential suite of a 5-star hotel. Now you can devour Hollywood blockbusters and popcorn by the bucket load and own every Beatles album in special edition (even Yellow Submarine). They’re making up for lost time and then some. Renxing is a word to celebrate those people. Literally meaning ‘to indulge one’s every whim,’ renxing is a new and exciting philosophy for the so-called fledgling Chinese middle class. They know it’s childish, immature and decadent to a fault, but they don’t care, because the way they see it, everyone deserves to be renxing at least once in their lifetime. It’s renxing if you do whatever the hell you want – reason be damned! It is buying up all the tickets in the cinema so you can have it to yourself. It is splashing out on a yacht when you live 500km from the coastline. It is buying 52 new iPhones to make a deck of playing cards. It is showing up at a prestigious university in New England with a bag of money and demanding your kids be enrolled. Renxing is decades of pent- up aspirations erupting from the depths of China’s unsettled past. The era of Chinese scarcity is gone and has been replaced by a period of excess. (Hooray?)

By day, mia li is a news reporter in Beijing; at night, she tries to turn that news into standup comedy.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 15 Folio 线 style radar LIFE & STYLE

Covet Under the lens Cray Cray for Prints Cavalli’s New China Girl Patterned clothes and playful New China Girl is the name of Roberto Cavalli’s latest motifs are all the rage these collection, unveiled at Milan Fashion Week last month. days – so much so that, often, The Italian designer looked east for his Autumn/Winter anything lower down the food 2015 line, presenting a sartorial vision influenced chain than a leopard spot looks by the modern spirit of China, such as Ming-vase- meek. Whimsical, bold and inspired floral prints on dresses and skirts, rather China-inspired (its name is than the hackneyed cliches. Other traditional Chinese ‘Acupuncture’) this men’s shirt elements shone throughout the lineup: coats, trousers by Shanghai brand Batabasta and dresses featured gold pagoda buttons while long is right on trend. Embrace it overcoats sported cloisonné-enamel-inspired linings. boys – you’re going to look rad. Maggie Cheung’s turn in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood RMB800. for Love made an appearance too, inspiring a modern > batabasta.com, contact them directly windowpane check incorporated on quite a few to order garments. Sitting in the front row was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon actress Michelle Yeoh. That’s what we call a collection with purpose – a very, very obvious one.

Spotlight to use light colors Mario Duyuchen, to naughty things Fashion Designer up. If you could dress a style icon, who would that be? Can I say myself? Do you have any advice for Rainy Pop the local fashion scene? Design collection Seletti Wears Less is more. Toiletpaper ranges from quirky > www.marioduyuchen. to raunchy to surreal – it’s just What’s your background? For your debut fashion show, com overall badass. An example? This I spent my childhood in Jeju you had ‘real people’ rather ultra-pop ‘lipstick’ umbrella. Island, South Korea and moved than models walk the runway. Boasting bold advertising to many different places Why is that? graphics from the 60s, it’s sure growing up. I studied art and I wanted to show that my to make you stand out in the design at the Accademia di clothes can be worn by anyone rain and have you wishing for a Belle Arti in Rome and, after – you don’t have to be super downpour. RMB380. graduating, joined the World tall and skinny to sport a piece > www.10corsocomo.cn Luxury Association as a PR. I by Mario Duyuchen. I like to left that job for more fashion- think that my brand belongs to oriented roles – as fashion ordinary people – yet when you director for a bespoke Dutch wear one of my creations, you men’s suits company and as are no longer ordinary. fashion host for the Trend Your aesthetic in three words. Group. I decided to go solo last Simple, elegant, classic. year, and launched my first collection here in Beijing last How would you describe your December. style? I am quite old-fashioned when What brought you to Beijing? it comes to style. I like black The desire to study modern and white, solid hues and Chinese literature. silhouettes. Occasionally, I like

16 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com Edited by Marianna Cerini / [email protected]

Made in China Lalu does homemade skincare products that are chemical-free, 100 percent natural and so divine-smelling you might be tempted to eat them instead of smother them on your body (papaya-mango body cream anyone?). The range spans scrubs, creams and body butters, all made with luxurious ingredients like avocado, jojoba, coconut oil and sweet almond oils. The entrepreneur is also happy to customize her recipes according to clients’ needs and skin types, and is currently working on a spring selection influenced by cocktails – think Piña Colada and Margarita- inspired scrubs. A joy to use, each Lalu treat is also incredibly affordable: scrubs go for RMB88-98 a jar, while body lotions are RMB120/160 each. A wholesome deal all round. For many, the thought of going organic pioneers campaigning for products that are > Delivery charges in Beijing range from rmB12-16. to feels like a confusing and expensive authentically ‘green.’ Enter beauty brand place an order, check lalu's Facebook page, contact business, whether it’s food, clothing or Lalu. Founded in Shanghai by Senegalese her at [email protected], or add her on wechat lifestyle products. But don’t lose faith. Adja Lalu (Lalu being a nickname referring (Adjalalu) Among chemical charlatans and pricey to the young proprietress’ dreamy, wild brands there are still those trusted and funky approach to life), the venture

overheard “For an international brand – plus add gold into the equation – and I think that combination is going to appeal in China”

...said Chris Jones [somewhat clunkily, we and follows the popularity of the gold iPhone. should add], an analyst for research firm According to projections from the tech giant, Canalys, on Apple’s decision to release the the PRC alone should push its global sales to Apple Watch in an 18-karat gold edition. 15 million units this year. Looks like President Priced at about RMB126,800, the timepiece, Xi’s crackdown on conspicuous consumption which goes on sales this month, is expected is not worrying the Californian corporation to tap right into China’s appetite for luxury, one bit.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 17 Folio 线 life & style | Feature

Zara denim shirt, RMB359 > www.zara.cn Digging

Levi’s workwear pencil skirt, RMB250 > www.levi.com.cn

Topshop moto indigo selvedge boyfriend jeans, RMB785 > www.topshop.com

H&M denim jacket, RMB349 > www.hm.com

18 | Aprilapril 2015 | www.thatsmags.com ffaeashionture | life & style

Zara Man jeans, RMB359 Digging > www.zara.cn denim Spring‘s Ultimate Style

by Marianna Cerini

Diesel denim jacket, RMB1,559 > www.diesel.com

Denim. It stands for the outdoors, freedom, casual and timeless cool. Its rugged, weathered texture makes it almost rebellious – the antithesis of formal wear, the embodiment of a wild spirit. The enduring appeal means there’s a look for any time of the year, especially this in- between ‘season’ that’s neither rain nor shine. The pencil skirt. The classic shirt. The skinny jeans. The fashion establishment has fallen for its ‘hip’ factor too, giving it a dressier makeover. This season, Burberry sent smartly waisted denim jackets down the runway. Chanel accessorized its models with domesticated denim flap bags. Here’s our denim edit for the coming months – a perfect fusion of high-low style.

COS denim shirt, RMB690 > www.cosstores.com

Lee denim shorts, RMB790 > www.lee.com.cn

www.thatsmags.com | Aprilapril 2015 | 19 Folio 线 “F o r mo n eye d w erini arianna C by M by ome n, li ng e r ie is a pr i va uxury L ingerie in C hina uxury ust for L for ust T he L te , d elicio u s sec r et “ pu shi ng up

20 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com feature | life & style

Walking through Beijing’s financial director for market research firm, the “Some of our most popular items district – past women in trouser Mintel Group. “With greater spending in China are what we call ‘in-and-out’ suits, crisp white shirts and demure power, they are becoming more garments – sleepwear that can also be accessories – the casual observer might discerning. They are exposed to more worn to the office, underneath women’s get the impression that working in the brands across a wider range of media, suit jackets,” explains Peng. “Chinese once male-dominated industry involves and are now aware of more product and women tend to go for that kind of giving up traditional ideas of femininity brand choices.” product as they are still very careful for a sterner, toned-down look. What the This has meant healthy competition spenders. Value for money is one of the passer-by doesn’t know, however, is that between local and foreign labels. main factors influencing local purchasing underneath the uniform, those suited-up Domestic players like Beijing-based trends.” women are probably wearing thousands brand Aimer (China’s ‘first’ lingerie Labels are still experimenting with a of yuan’s worth of lingerie. venture, founded in 1993), Hong Kong’s variety of targeted marketing strategies. High-end underwear is booming in Embry Form, and Shenzhen’s Enweis Over the last two years, the Italian China. While the luxury sector has seen and Eve’s Temptation have been offering lingerie maker has cast Liu Wen and Ming an overall drop in sales, partly due to Xi expanding ranges of racy, lace-laden Xi – two of China’s most sought-after Jinping’s austerity measures over free- underpinnings to meet changing tastes models – in its ad campaigns (pictured spending officials, pricey undergarments and demand, branching into special overleaf). have joined handbags and watches as lines and collections priced upwards of Then there are the yearly Chinese New a must-have item among high-powered RMB500 apiece. Year collections produced by both Agent women and mistresses alike. Western counterparts have since Provocateur and La Perla, which suggest Once known as the world’s low- followed suit, with profitable results. In that both brands are determined to adjust cost garment manufacturer, China is January, Victoria’s Secret made its first their image and cater to local customers. now becoming a main consumer of foray into the Chinese Mainland, opening But interest in luxury underpinnings luxury lingerie. Total sales of women’s nine beauty and accessory shops. During can not be solely attributed to wealth. underwear in China totaled RMB124 an analyst call last month, Victoria’s Changes in societal and cultural attitudes, billion in 2014, of which 30 percent was Secret’s parent company, L Brands Inc., from sex to beauty and lifestyle, have also ‘luxury intimate apparel.’ According to called China an “incredibly significant been pivotal to the sector’s growth. Irene market research firm Frost & Sullivan, market for us in the future,” hinting that Lu of Pillowbook agrees. that proportion is set to increase by it wouldn’t be long before its underwear “We are now living in a ‘have-it-all’ 18 percent between now and 2019, as range becomes available here too. society, where women are more confident consumers shift from basics to fashion London high-end lingerie company about themselves and their sexuality and lingerie. Agent Provocateur, a pioneer of aren’t afraid to experiment with lingerie It is a counter-phenomenon to the independent-spirited lingerie in the early that’s frivolous or stylish,” she says. slowing pace of other high-end markets 90s, recently revealed that sales across “Underwear is almost becoming a way for and a different, more discreet way to its four China stores were at least 25 them to express themselves. Beneath a flaunt one’s wealth. percent higher than expected. The label boring shift dress, you could be wearing a “For moneyed women, lingerie is a entered the mainland in 2013 with four crimson plunge bra and a thong. There’s private, delicious secret,” says Irene Lu, boutiques and, according to CEO Garry a kind of freedom to it that you don’t get a designer of custom-made underwear Hogarth, plans are in the pipeline to open with normal clothes.” in Beijing and founder of luxury lingerie 20 more stores in China over the coming Lu’s customers range from twenty- label Pillowbook. “It offers them a way to years. something graduates to women in their splurge without people having to know Also known for opulent lingerie – silk 40s. It’s a similar target market – mainly about it – luxury next to the skin. It’s fabrics, exquisite packaging, feathers and self-employed professionals, CEOs and almost empowering.” intricate details – Agent Provocateur’s entrepreneurs – to more mainstream Twenty years ago, Chinese women direct rival, La Perla, is performing retailers. They choose to buy Pillowbook had a handful of underwear choices: similarly well. Through sales of items products (which all start at around most bought monochrome briefs or starting at around RMB1,000, the Italian RMB1,000) because, she says, “they are high-waisted knickers in bulk, or picked lingerie company’s overall revenue was living a healthier lifestyle and care for up a pair of cheap bras at their local up 42 percent in 2014 and the brand’s what they are wearing. I also use no department store. Wary of looking showy expansion across the Mainland is set to padding, and that’s resonating quite well or overly sexy, female consumers would continue with a handful of new openings among Chinese clients: educated, modern rarely think of indulging in extravagant this year, including a men’s boutique in women no longer care for push-up bras. lingerie. Now, a silk bra or strapless Shanghai. They are confident with their bodies. The bustier is seen as a fashion statement – “Our Chinese clientele is financially mentality has definitely changed over the albeit an inconspicuous one. independent and often looking for a new last few years.” “I spend more on bras and panties than level of comfort when it comes to a bra Padded or not, pricey bras and other dresses these days,” says 35-year-old Li or a slip,” says La Perla’s Asia Marketing fancy undergarments are becoming Yang, a PR account executive browsing and Communication Manager, Betty Peng. an essential feature of many Chinese the underwear selection at Stella “They demand value – a combination of women’s closets. McCartney’s in Beijing’s Parkview Green quality, service and price – rather than “Underwear is one of those guilty mall. “Feeling confident in great-fitting just price alone. In that sense, the market pleasures I can never get enough of,” lingerie can be a real boost to the ego. here is becoming increasingly similar to says Li as she pays for two pairs of Stella And, in an office environment, it’s less the West, where consumers have a much McCartney knickers and a silk nightie. pretentious than sporting an expensive longer history of buying luxury lingerie. “It allows you to be a different person.” bag.” The gap is getting smaller.” Then, after a pause: “Agent Provocateur “Women have more money,” says The market retains intrinsically is on this floor too. I think I’ll go take a Matthew Crabbe, Asia-Pacific research Chinese characteristics, however. look.”

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 21 Folio 线 life & style | arrivals

Scene & Heard

words by Marianna Cerini

3 2

① H&M Conscious Collection ② Patagonia ③ Annakiki H&M is not a big player in ‘fast fashion’ Few labels are sticky enough to withstand Annakiki is a label someone like Lady – it’s a giant. In fact, it is second only to decades of trends. Outdoor clothing brand Gaga would probably love. Founded in Inditex, owner of Zara, as the world’s Patagonia is one of them. The California- 2011 by Hong Kong indie designer Yangzi, largest clothing retailer. So the fact based venture has been around since 1973, it does garbs that are loud, whimsical that over the last four years it has been offering timeless, simple pieces made with and incredibly eye-catching. Playing with positioning itself as an ethical solution to high quality materials, targeting sporty ruffles and pop motifs over mesh and style is, simply put, pretty noteworthy. The types rather than fashionable ones. Recently, voluminous shapes, the vision driving the Swedish company is strengthening that however, the company has become trendy brand is almost fantastical, a mix between reputation with Conscious Collection, a itself (earning the droll nickname “Patagucci” futurism and avant-garde. A far cry from the line of environmentally sustainable clothes from some of its most committed fans) and saccharine sweet pastels usually associated that has become a recurring feature for inspiring runway looks from both women’s with spring, the spring/summer 2015 line spring. Launching April 16, the 2015 range and men’s designers. It’s no surprise, then, comes in a striking palette of black, red and has actress Olivia Wilde as its new face, that its new flagship Beijing store shows white, showing structured overcoats and and spans a selection of garbs inspired impressive retail ambitions. A sizable geometrical cuts for dresses and skirts. The by African, Asian and Indian cultures in space in Sanlitun SOHO, the shop is divided brand’s recently opened store in Sanlitun both cut and detail. Dresses are a focus, according to accessories (we are really Taikoo Li North reflects this color range, along with hand-drawn prints created digging their backpack selection), women’s, with a stark decor of bright lights and especially for the collection. Each garment men’s and children’s collections, with a vermilion walls juxtaposed with black ones. and accessory is made of materials such rustic-meets-industrial vibe throughout The entire boutique has an edgy, badass feel as organic silk, cotton and linen, as well as the interiors. Within the store is also a that shuns sartorial conservativeness and, recycled polyester, conscious leather and small coffee and juice counter and NBeer frankly, makes for a refreshingly interesting Tencel (a natural man-made fiber). Fresh microbrewery pub (see p59) – sign that approach to style. and oh so spring-ready, this is just the ticket the brand is aiming to sell a whole lifestyle > sanlitun taikoo li north, nlg-42, 11 sanlitun lu, for a wardrobe update as we enter the sunny concept, rather than just clothes. chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 11 号三里屯太古里北区 season. > B1 sanlitun soho, Building 5, 6 gongti Bei lu, nlg-42 号 (6415 2366) > www.hm.com chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路 6 号 sanlitun soho 5 号楼 B1 (8590 0843) 3 1

2 y holly li holly y photo b photo

22 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com

1 P.O.C. | life & style

LIU 26

Portrait of China words by Marianna Cerini

Give us a style tip. Wear whatever you want – as long as it’s comfortable. What do you do? I work in advertising, but And a life one? Mmm… just try my real passion is to live a happy drawing – I mainly life. That’s all do Japanese manga we can wish for, and anime. isn’t it?

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 23 collage

What’s new Drumroll Pitbull

All is not well in Westeros. The Lannisters are stacking up debts, Daenerys is losing control of her dragons, the Starks are becoming increasingly endangered and the White Walkers lurk. The carnage resumes when Game of Thrones returns on April 12. It’s supposed to be available on v.qq.com for paid subscribers, but with recent regulations, who knows.

With a new album entitled Globalization, China will get the full show. Personally, I it seems only fitting that Pitbull once again try to bring a little piece of Miami to the stops by Beijing to perform his incessantly audience in every performance. It’s my popular brand of Miami party-rap. We hometown and it’s part of me. I want to caught up with the man himself to discuss share it with everyone. After releasing eight albums last year, sexy beaches, his forthcoming world tour Are you excited to be coming back? Beijing-based musical madman Djang San is and how to make humble New Year’s This is really a great honor for me to be here. back (again!) with his first release of 2015. resolutions. When I was younger and starting out, I don’t Experimental Electric Pipa sees him playing Congratulations on your new record think I ever imagined coming through China around with the titular instrument using a Globalization. How does it differ from on tour, twice. Party! variety of pedals. Despite every song being your past work? named ‘Experiment’ followed by the track What’s the wildest place you’ve heard Since 2009, I make resolutions every year number, the disc is an engrossing listen. one of your songs playing? that I try very hard to follow. For 2015, it was Available at djangsan.bandcamp.com. Wildest situation? Heh, you know my motto to make history – and I think Globalization is – single, bilingual and ready to mingle. very much a part of that. Those first albums and hit singles were big breaks for me, but Penguins of Madagascar was really I feel like I have really hit my stride on this successful here and ‘Celebrate’ went viral. album. I have truly become Mr. Worldwide! If you could voice any animated character, who would it be? As Mr. Worldwide, where are some of They should make a Fievel movie – An your favorite places to travel? American Tail: Fievel and Rise of the Miami I have a new song called ‘Sexy Beaches.’ Kings. I would totally be the voice of a Miami I love sexy beaches and I want to hit up mouse on the up and up. every sexy beach I can find in the world. I’ve always believed the party is wherever you Beatwise, what are you into these days? and your friends are. Now that my crew and I love anything that gets me excited and In The Porcelain Thief, American journalist I are in China, the party is right here. makes the crowd want to party! I never want Huan Hsu sets out to recover prized antique to release something that somebody puts on porcelain that his ancestors hid from You played some dates in China back in when they want to chill and relax. That’s not Japanese invaders by burying it near their 2013. What’s going to be different this me. small Yangtze River hometown. Part memoir time around? and part cultural history, the former Seattle Well, it’s bigger, better, newer and longer, > rmB380-1,680; apr 1, 8pm-late; Beijing mastercard Weekly writer explores China’s rich recent ha! Last time, we had some approval issues, center, 69 Fuxing lu, haidian 海淀区复兴路69号万事达 history while delving into what it means to production-wise, when we toured China 中心 (400 661 0151, en.damai.cn) be a Chinese-American in the motherland. [so we] had to adjust it a little bit. This year,

24 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com Canvassed Charlotte McGowan-Griffin, ‘Metamorphoses’

British artist Charlotte McGowan-Griffin looks at metamorphoses, a theme dating back to Roman poet Ovid and later explored by the likes of Kafka and Dali. Using a variety of techniques, including paper cutting, she not only represents the transformation of one thing into another, but also considers the process as a journey, an interpretation more akin to the German word for metamorphosis: verwandlung. With her subtractive, monochromatic approach, McGowan-Griffin empowers ordinarily passive paper with subtle intensity. > Free; tue-sat, 10am-8pm; until april 18; Ying gallery, 327 caochangdi art Zone, cuigezhuang, chaoyang 颖画廊北京朝阳区崔各庄草场地艺术区327号 (5722 0406)

PHOTO COURTESY OF ying gallery

Hao Bu Hao Hao Bu Hao February was a historic The third season of House of month for China, as it Cards has landed and China topped the global box office tops the list of its pirates with market for the first time more than 60,000 downloads ever. Spurred on by Spring and counting. The show was a Festival hits like Chow Yun- massive hit for Sohu last year fat’s The Man from Macau but recent regulations delayed II and the Jackie Chan- its release, forcing fans to find John Cusack blockbuster alternative ways to get their Dragon Blade, the country’s Frank Underwood fix (much box office took in a record like Miss Zoe Barnes would). USD650 million – USD10 million more than grossed in the US.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 25 Folio 线

label – responsible for further promoting the slow/fast sound – and a compelling A RELUCTANT case emerges for the importance of Om Unit in jungle’s rejuvenation. Yet, I face an immediate problem in venturing this idea to the London-based producer: he seems far REDEEMER too humble to admit responsibility of any kind. “Mate, honestly, I wasn’t involved, so If Om Unit Helped Revive Jungle, I’m not an authority to speak on it. I kinda have to take myself out of that argument he’s not Admitting it entirely,” he says, before deflecting attention by Oscar Holland toward fellow producer dBridge, whose Autonomic club nights, label and podcast By the mid-noughties, drum ‘n’ bass and came to epitomize the stripped-back sound jungle were genres that appeared to be developing at the fringes of drum ‘n’ bass. in steep, if not terminal, decline. The rise “He is certainly someone who deserves that of predictable breaks and club-pleasing respect. As for me? The way I see it is: I’m hooks – coupled with dubstep’s arrival as just a fan of the music more than trying to electronic music’s pioneering genre du jour change anything. Sorry to shut you down!” – posed a serious threat to a scene that had An inauspicious start to our conversation, only survived through its continual ability perhaps. But a second (and more to evolve. But from the turn of the decade, fundamental) difficulty arises when producers old and new were bringing it back attempting to associate Coles with jungle’s in from the cold. supposed renaissance – he disputes the very Among those pushing up-tempo dance premise. music in bold directions was (and is) Jim “I’m always a little suspicious when Coles, otherwise known as Om Unit. His journalism turns its head towards something output over the past five years may have and says: ‘Ah, it’s having a resurgence’. I’m flirted with multiple styles, but it is Coles’ like: ‘Well, not really,’” he laughs. “It’s just experiments switching between full- and that people have started writing about it half-time tempos – dubbed ‘slow/fast’ – that again. It’s been long enough that it can be placed him at the forefront of a new strain of ‘cool’ again. bass music. “There are people that have been In particular, tracks released under a dedicated to [drum ‘n’ bass and jungle] second pseudonym, Phillip D Kick, were for 25 years. For me, the music’s longevity widely credited with being the very first to is down to pioneers who have stayed the fuse jungle with footwork, the frantic breed course. If you look at any of [today’s] flyers, of Chicago dance music that began sweeping it’s pretty much the same names that you the electronic underground in 2010. Add would see back in ‘95. It’s those people who into the mix Coles’ own Cosmic Bridge have dedicated their lives to it and they are

26 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com feature | arts

“Jungle isn’t having a resurgence; people have just started writing about it again.

finding such classifications “not It’s been long enough that it important,” Om Unit has avoided sticking in any one camp since his electro-fused breakout The can be ‘cool’ again” Timps EP. Coles’ reluctance to identify with jungle’s revival reflects his wider belief that music is hybridizing. “We’ve gone from music responsible for forming this core.” evolving in this linear process It was one of those perpetual flyer – from jungle blowing up, to fixtures, the scene’s godfather Goldie, who garage blowing up; then a few offered Coles a chance to develop his sound. years later you had dubstep, Om Unit’s second release on the veteran and then house became a ‘thing’ producer’s Metalheadz label – last year’s – to now, where I feel like…” he Inversion – was arguably his most energetic pauses. “I think things are a lot to date, combining lurking bass with flurries more co-existent. They’ve sort of clattering snares. And although still not of shifted 90 degrees to a point a pure jungle record, it is the closest he has where everything is in parallel come to producing one. But rather than and I don’t know if time is crediting the EP’s direction to working even that important any more. with one of drum ‘n’ bass’s most important I think it’s about individual labels, Coles attributes it to his own sense of artists and labels that have a unfinished business. sound and an idea and a belief “I had free rein and I made the record as in a certain aesthetic, whether a kind of homage to my own childhood: my it is a big-room pop sound or troubled teen years,” he explains. “It was a experimental noise. People are way of reconnecting with that and it was a lot more accepting of music quite healing actually. I started raving when outside their own sphere.” I was 18 – so that was 1998 – and no-one This openness is seemingly was really playing jungle at the time. I made shared by the promoters [Inversion] for that 15-year-old listening to bringing him to Beijing. The mixes who was too young to really make any Syndicate may have built their serious music or get signed.” reputation booking some of Musical tropes stretching back to jungle’s drum ‘n’ bass’s biggest players, early roots are evident in the record’s but they have shown a recent influences. But the genre’s history also enthusiasm for widening transpires in a very literal sense – because horizons through genre-defying as well as providing guidance on the headliners like Deft and Beijing’s “philosophical aspect” of the record, Goldie own Howie Lee. It comes as little gave Coles access to his sizeable sample surprise therefore, to learn that archive. Om Unit’s set at Dada is likely to “They were sounds there that he’d stray across the spectrum. collected himself from back in the day. There “I do have a specific style that were samples off other records and I’ve even I tend to DJ, which is new dubs got stems and vocal parts from [Goldie’s from myself and by peers, stuff 1995 debut] Timeless – stuff I probably on Cosmic Bridge and some of shouldn’t have! I didn’t really use a lot – my back catalogue,” he says. using it like salt and pepper is the best way “I enjoy playing 140 [BPM] as of describing it – but it certainly helped me well – so either some classic to inform the sound.” dubstep or newer stuff on that We proceed to talk about why footwork tip. Maybe some classic jungle never achieved the commercial crossover and footwork vibes. I mix it up. of electronic scenes before it, and what It’s usually a journey.” emerges is a clear difference between our trades. It is the journalist’s inclination to Free with skyscanner app, rmB50 deal in genres, categorizing sound in order without; april 11, 9pm; Dada (see to understand and convey it. But aside from listings for details)

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 27 FolioFolio 线线

28 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com feature | arts

Out by the Fifth Ring Road, next to the distinctly un-rock ‘n’ roll Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, long-haired students smoke cigarettes, instruments strapped to their backs. It’s the first day back at the Midi School of Music. A furious drum solo rings out from one of the rehearsal rooms while, in a nearby classroom, twenty-somethings sit with guitars on their laps, eagerly looking towards their teacher. Most of the 300 students – along with the 3,000 or so Midi graduates before them – hope to follow in the footsteps of some of the school’s more famous alumni. Troubadour Xie Tianxiao and members of Second Hand Rose were once enrolled here, while music luminaries like Miserable Faith, Yaksa and Nine Treasures also formed on campus. But, for now at least, a more achievable goal is being named ‘Mr. Midi,’ a title bestowed on students who complete all nine grades of the music exam system inspired by Britain’s Rock School. Although not a guaranteed path to success in this difficult industry, the Mr. Midi system helps young musicians develop their careers. The successful graduates will have their information posted online, allowing other students to contact them directly for lessons, according to the school’s headmaster Zhang Fan. “We want our graduates to teach students and we are aiming to have 1,000 Mr. Midi’s in China in the next five years so they can teach more Mr. Midi’s,” he explains. Indeed, a life of rock ‘n’ roll stardom is not necessarily the goal for all, like 25-year-old Bowen Cao, a jazz and funk drummer who plays with the student band Danaotiangong.

From Left to Right | Midi School students Bowen Cao, 25; Lu Cheng, 25; Runze Zhang, 20; and Da Fei, 24

On Campus at the Midi School of Music by Andrew Chin and Sophie Zhang, images by Naomi Goddard

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 29 Folio 线 ARTS | feature

“they may have studied poorly in school before because they didn’t like subjects like math. But they chose Midi School because they love music”

“I’ve never aimed at becoming a rock underground music revolution in their home to pursue their passion. Da Fei, 24, who plays star,” he explains. “In my view, when a city of Wuhan when they returned. gothic rock and darkwave with the band rocker becomes a star, they have no choice A passion for music is the school’s lone EverKey, dropped out of an international but become a part of the commercial chain. requirement with Zhang noting that the commerce college in his sophomore year to Music is never about consumption. I am country’s junior and middle schools lack join the school against the will of his parents quite idealistic about it – I’d rather be a low- strong music education programs. (a resistance faced by all the students we key musician who devotes all of his heart “At every opening party, I tell new speak with). toward creating music. If people in the students that they may have studied poorly “For me, Midi Music School is a sort of field recognize my music, I'd see this as my in school before because they didn’t like utopia,” he says. “The people I meet and biggest achievement.” subjects like math,” Zhang says. “But they live with here all share a kindred ambition Since opening in 1993, the Mainland’s chose Midi School because they love music. and interest with me. I feel free because first modern music school has helped They just study and are happy because they everything I talk and learn about are the countless young musicians forge professions found their language and a place to put their things I love. When I go back home, people of all kinds. Under Zhang’s stewardship, the energy and passion.” around me only talk about trivial stuff like Beijing Midi School has expanded from a One such troubled student, 20-year-old getting married, earning money and so on. It three-month to a two-year program, with an guitar major Zhang Runze [no relation], did can be boring, suffocating even.” additional two-year option for exemplary not finish high school, though his enthusiasm With practice rooms open from 8am students. The godfather of Chinese rock, Cui for learning music is evident: “I have never to 10.30pm, just moments away from the Jian, was an early teacher here (once leading felt more motivated. I hated learning during campus residences, the Midi School is a rehearsals for free) while SMZB co-founders my high school years, but at Midi I study musical haven. Programs cover music theory Wu Wei and Zhu Ning discovered punk really hard,” he says. and composition, with students expected to rock at the school before kickstarting an Others have sacrificed more stable careers learn disparate genres, from blues to jazz

30 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com fusion. But the schedule can be punishing. Students must pass rigorous tests and dedicate huge amounts of time to rehearsing, says 25-year-old blues guitarist Lu Cheng, who is also a member of Danaotiangong: “We seldom visit downtown areas in Beijing. We spent most of the time here, learning and practicing. The curriculum is very cheap drinks and the musicians played for free. It was demanding.” like a big family. In their second year, all students must “At least more and more Chinese people have a chance form a band and perform at one of the to taste what a festival is like: a relaxed and free place monthly parties held in the campus’ where people respect each other while being cool livehouse. Famed alumni occasionally and happy. And the bands are original and gritty – not swing by for intimate free shows and the Chinese TV pop.” school’s best bands are rewarded with an Nonetheless, the commercial popularity of televised even greater level of exposure, thanks to the talent competitions has seen the school evolve with growth of the school’s own Midi Festival. the times. A vocal program has recently been added to Originally a showcase for student bands, the curriculum to complement the popularity of the it has become a May holiday tradition that shows, although Zhang notes it’s not solely for pop. set the template for Mainland music festivals With students hailing from as far afield as Tibet and and paved the way for competitors like Taiwan, the Midi brand may also be expanding. As Zhang Strawberry Music Festival, JZ Festival and considers opening a second branch in Shenzhen, a play- Zebra Festival. After being held on school at-home music instruction book series is scheduled to be grounds for four years, Midi hit the big time released by People’s Music Publishing in mid-May that in 2005 when 46 bands played to tens of will assist music teachers across the country. thousands in Haidian Park. Growing revenue “Once you follow the series to study, students can play from ticket sales and sponsorship allowed almost any style, from heavy metal to funk to Latin,” for bigger bookings, providing the school’s Zhang says. young talent (normally the most recent Yet it is a lifelong passion for rock that continues to graduates) with the chance to play alongside drive Zhang. Sitting in his office, he gregariously recounts some of China’s biggest acts in front of huge being one of the first Mainlanders to be exposed to crowds. Western sounds when his father (who was among The Qing Stage is still devoted to student the first to leave the country for a research exchange bands from across the country battling in in Melbourne) returned to China in 1981 with two the China College School Competitions. It’s 90-minute cassette tapes of songs recorded from vinyl by part of headmaster Zhang’s goal that “every his Australian friends. Midi Festival has 20 percent new bands.” The After months of playing air guitar on a broom, Zhang’s standard is high and students like Lu Cheng mother bought him the real thing. His teenage years were know that competition for a slot is fierce. spent writing music and winning school competitions. “You have to compose enough songs of Like many of his students, college wasn’t for him. While high quality and also be good at playing,” he he majored in foreign trade, Zhang spent his first post- says. “But without any doubt, we all want to graduate years “being lazy at home and making music.” be on that stage in the future.” With no equivalent to the Midi School at the time, it The future of the festival may hang in the was fortune that threw him an opportunity in 1993. It balance this year however, as the school was then that his time spent hanging out at the country’s Above left | Head teacher Zhang Fan awaits confirmation of the venue. The Public first music instrument company – the Midi music store – Above center | A student practices drums in Security Bureau is increasingly strict with paid off. the school grounds licensing large events – an understandable “The boss asked if I wanted to be the director of Below | The school's main building reaction to the New Year’s tragedy in the school they set up,” he recalls. “I agreed because I Shanghai – but the headmaster has a backup thought I could use the music instruments for free.” plan. Although expanding the event helped Rock in China has grown immeasurably since. Zhang accommodate international acts like Britpop uses 14th century classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms stars Suede and funk legend/slap bass as an analogy to describe the transformation: the 1990s pioneer Larry Graham, Zhang is ready to were like the Shu Han Kingdom “where there were three bring the festival back to the school campus big guys,” and its current state is the Cao Wei Kingdom if need be. “where there are 200 guys.” “A lot of young people want that feeling It’s an underestimation – there are believed to be more of the early Midi Festivals,” he says. “At the than 2,000 student bands active around the country. So time, it was like utopia. No tickets, very does this first-generation rocker ever jam with his young charges? “No, I’m the director,” he says with faux sternness. “To be honest, I’m not as good as the students.”

midi Festival is scheduled for may 1-3; for more details as they become available, visit www.thatsmags.com/beijing.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 31 Folio 线 ARTS | feature

“Like Americans [Chinese THE Want generation millennials] have become A Chinese Millennial Reviews Eric Fish‘s disillusioned in finding that New Book, China‘s Millennials the realities of adulthood in a by Karoline Kan post-recession world aren’t quite what they expected”

When American journalist Eric Fish started believing it to be impossible to coherently exams as a necessity for higher education teaching at a Nanjing university in 2007, the write about the wider topic of ‘Chinese and a successful career. Fish argues that few then 22-year-old found himself drawn to his youth,’ Fish uses the interaction between have any concept of how high-stakes testing students’ stories. Some were just a few years China’s millennials and politics as a more has provided a form of social control for younger than he was, yet the experiences of precise frame of reference. Chinese rulers for over a millennium: “It’s these so-called ‘millennials’ – a generation “I purposely focused on how politics hard to escape politics. A lot of big issues to which I myself belong – seemed unique to is affecting youth and how youth that may not seem political actually have China. are affecting politics, because it is a very big political implications.” But as Fish became more familiar with symbiotic relationship,” he tells me. “The As well as the gaokao, China’s Millennials just how good our lives are when compared subject of Chinese youth is far too big to also discusses the impact of other major to our parents’ and grandparents’, he also comprehensively cover in one book. Even state strategies on young people, such as uncovered the distinctive difficulties we face. trying to comprehensively cover just the the One-Child Policy – which has aggravated Armed with “fascinating stories that needed political aspects is perhaps a bit pretentious, the gender imbalance and put pressure on to be told,” his forthcoming book China’s but that was what I wanted to narrow my children to care for their parents – and the Millennials provides a new perspective on a sights on.” hukou system which keeps rural youth from generation that has come to reflect the social But is this focus misleading, given the keeping pace with their urban counterparts. changes unfolding in modern China. pervasive stereotype of Chinese millennials Fish also addresses cultural challenges, Across four chapters, the author analyzes as being largely apolitical? Indeed, Fish like the entrenched gender stereotypes the opportunities and challenges my himself admits that when he asks young that prevent women from mirroring men’s generation encounter through the real-life people about politics, it’s rarely high on their economic progress. These problems, he tales of those he came to know. He frames list of concerns, if at all. How much of a role argues, may often stem from China’s success, their stories around the defining features of does politics really play in our lives? as people’s expectations outpace the growing up in China: from the nationwide “Politics is a funny thing in China. The realities of the country’s development. college entrance examination, the gaokao, government has done a good job over Fish’s book gives me a chance to reflect to mandatory military training in school, the past two decades backing away from on my own childhood and views on topics junxun; from how we choose our future visibility in day-to-day life, but politics is like education, careers, marriage and the careers to the gender inequalities we face at never really too far away… especially in pursuit of freedom. As a Chinese millennial, marrying age. arenas concerning youth,” Fish explains, I experienced most, if not all, of what he But as well as considering societal using the gaokao – which many people presents in his work. I agree that, while pressures, China’s Millennials is very much consider totally apolitical – to illustrate his many young people in China would not a book about this country’s politics. One point. list politics at the top of their priorities, cannot be understood without the other. And Most high school students obsess over the it influences every aspect of our lives.

32 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com Corruption too, has a drip-down effect and cynical, depressed, lonely positive about us than may lie behind many of the things that we and anxious. Fish sees many Chinese: “[They] are complain about. this parallel as a valuable definitely starting to speak My peers and I ignore injustices in our consideration. up more and are becoming lives but treat unfairness as an inevitable “You can recognize less afraid of pushing part of the human condition. We know a lot of the same change.” that our routes to success may be blocked tendencies in Chinese “The stereotype, for a by corruption, compromise or the need to millennials today,” he long time, has been that betray our original intentions, yet every argues. “Like Americans, this generation only cares year millions of us still fearlessly join the they were brought about money. But that’s “army that marches across the single wood up during a period not broadly true anymore. bridge” (as the civil service examination of economic boom A lot of youths, especially is often described). Most of the time, we with somewhat lofty among the growing notice problems but choose not to challenge expectations, but then middle class, are starting them. Instead, we carefully calculate the started to become to care very much about potential gains and losses before attempting disillusioned when [they less material things like change, or simply try to figure out how to found that] the realities Author of China's Millennials, the environment, various benefit from corruption. Challenges to the of adulthood in a post- Eric Fish social causes, spiritual status quo are viewed as the actions of the recession world weren’t quite what they had endeavors and even politics. depressed losers who fail to benefit from it. expected. Both young populations are facing “There [also] seems to be growing It is this trait of our generation that I find similar problems of higher unemployment, empathy for those who’ve been left behind depressing. But when viewed in a wider devalued college degrees, wealth inequality, amid China’s growth. These all seem to be context, we may find that the challenges lack of direction, lack of meaning and a positive trends,” Fish says. But he can only facing the Chinese millennials are shared higher entrance fee for the status and the wonder how they’ll develop in the coming by our contemporaries worldwide. In 2006, dreams that their parents had.” years – as do I. “In recent Chinese history, Jean Twenge’s book on American millennials, This paints an unpromising picture of positive trends have had a way of being Generation Me, concluded that our young my generation. So, as someone who grew abruptly halted from above. Hopefully that’s counterparts in the US are more tolerant, up outside China and has instead observed not how it will pan out this time.” confident, open-minded and ambitious than it from up close, does Fish see hope for those before them. But they are also more China’s millennials? In fact, he proves more

Beijing bestsellers

Fiction Art & Design

COLORLESS TSUKURU TAZAKI AND HIS YEAR-HB IT’S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE, IT’S HOW GOOD As well asBEST researching OF ME MOVIE potential TIE uses IN of stem cell therapy, US-born Dr. Quinlan has himself YOU WANT TO BE: THE WORLD’S BEST SELLING BOOK undergoneRUNAWAY anti-ageing (NOBEL treatment 2013) to ”rejuvenate and replenish“ depleted cell lines MONET OR THE TRIUMPH OF IMPRESSIONISM-HB PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (JANE AUSTEN VINTAGE) FASHION DESIGN COURSE PENGUIN MC- THE GREAT GATSBY DENIM STYLE-HB CHRISTMAS CAROL (PENGUIN ENGLISH) THE DESIGN BOOK-HB ONE DAY IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY THE LONGEST RIDE LUMINOUS INTERIORS-HB RIVER TOWN DIY FURNITURE 2 HARD-BOILED WONDERLAND AND THE END OF THE WORLD THE 1000 DOT TO DOT BOOK A LIFE LESS ORDINARY-HB

Non-Fiction Children's Books MAZE RUNNER MOVIE TIE-IN GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2015-HB STEP INTO READING: THOMAS & FRIENDS: RAI FOCUS: HIDDEN DRIVER OF EXCELLENCE LAND OF STORIES #3 GRIMM WARNING-TPB 101 STORIES FOR FOREIGNERS TO UNDERSTAND CHINESE PEOPLE GS SPACEMICE #2 YOU'RE MINE, CAPTAIN! WHY MEN MARRY BITCHES WHERE'S WALLY TOTALLY ESSENTIAL TRAVE-HB CHINESE STUFF PAPER TOWNS FINGER LICKIN'FOOD-HB HARRY P & PHILOSOPHER'S STONE PANDA GUIDE BEIJING USBORNE FIRST ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE-HB HAPPINESS OF PURSUIT-TPB USBORNE PEEP INSIDE ZOO-BB THE ART OF WAR BUILDING MATH FLUENCY, GRADE 1 FINDING YOUR ELEMENT

Shop 3B201, Zone 3, China World Mall, No.1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District T:(+86 10) 8535 1055 www.pageonegroup.com Shop LG50, Indigo, No.18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District T:(+86 10) 8426 0408 weibo.com/pageonechina Shop Units S2-14a-b,No.19 Sanlitun Road Chaoyang District T:(+86 10) 6417 6626 site.douban.com/pageone

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 33 Folio 线 ARTS | Art beijing 2015

National Agricultural Exhibition Center 全国农业展览馆

VIP preview on April 30 / RMB100 / 16 East 3rd Ring Road North, Chaoyang 4.30预展专场只面对vip嘉宾和邀请媒体 / 单馆票50元三馆通票价100元 / 朝阳区东三环北路16号

34 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com Over the past 10 years, Art Beijing has established itself as the biggest (and arguably most important) art fair on the Mainland. And with a yearly attendance of 50,000 this isn’t just a playground for rich dealers.

The three-day event features a heavy focus on homegrown talent, making it something of a barometer for the state of Chinese art, both stylistically and commercially. As the fair prepares to return to the National Agricultural Exhibition Center, we begin with a profile of Art Beijing’s Founder and Director, Dong Mengyang, before giving you our pick of the best galleries and exhibitors from the 160 set to attend. Folio 线 ARTS | feature

olland by Oscar H

36 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com With his dark turtle-neck and on-trend haircut – SHAVED ON the sides and carefully swept to the right – Art Beijing’s Director Dong Mengyang looks every bit the part. In a painting-strewn meeting room at the organization’s Wangjing office, he lights a cigarette and leans to the side of his chair, legs crossed, in a position he’ll assume unwaveringly for the next hour. Dong could be excused for disregarding humility, given that he founded what is arguably the Mainland’s most prominent and influential art fair. But as the annual event approaches its 10th installment, he’s keen to maintain some perspective on what’s been accomplished. “I don’t want to talk much about [the anniversary],” he begins with a smile. “For me, 10 years is too short for us to have anything to say about what we’ve achieved and experienced. It’s just a process for us to grow and develop.” Seeing this, I believe that China has a future,” he says. The fair’s figures may have to speak on his behalf. With over 50,000 “The owner of a gallery in Tokyo told me that after his visitors last year, Art Beijing is now larger than many of its more renowned father passed away, he took out the accounts and found counterparts in the West (Art Basel in Switzerland, the godfather of art fairs, a huge number of transactions happened in 1948, an attracted only 10,000 more). This year, 160 galleries and exhibitors will otherwise bleak year in post-war Japan. This inspired me descend on the National Agricultural Exhibition Center, displaying their work – as long as there is a group of wealthy people who have over 25,000 square feet. And all this in a country with a comparatively fledgling taste, there can be an art market.” art market. But many in China lack the wealth to buy even the Art Beijing can take some credit for the scene’s development due, in part, cheapest works on display. Ordinary Beijingers have to its focus on young domestic artists. While this year’s exhibition will feature indirectly helped support the fair through funds given by foreign imports such as European antique furniture and Russian oil paintings, the capital’s Municipal Government – so is Art Beijing truly it is still predominantly Chinese. Last year, 70 percent of exhibitors were from for them? I am interested to know whether Dong – who has the Mainland. Dong’s self-professed goal is to curate something unique to organized art fairs since the early 1990s – agrees with Xi China, not simply to reproduce fairs found in the West and elsewhere in Asia. Jinping’s statement that art must serve both the people and Investing in domestic talent (and art in the capital specifically) appears to be a socialism itself. genuine part of Art Beijing’s mission. “I certainly agree with him. Over the years however, “I have a teacher who once lived in New York and has now moved back to ‘serve the people’ has become overused and many have Beijing. He told me that those were the two world cities he liked the most, become tired of it,” he says. “Maybe I interpret this because both have so few indigenous people. They are inclusive to various differently from President Xi as he stands at a higher level. cultures, needs and possibilities. That’s exactly what Art Beijing is doing right But for me, it is very realistic. now,” he says, while admitting that it will take time for the capital to emerge as “You can’t survive if you don’t serve the people. We need a major player in the art world. to know what people here want. Art Beijing serves this “Look at the development of Western art. Take the time from the Barbizon end as well. I don’t think we should just imitate Western School [19th century realists] to the impressionists as an example and you styles. We need to have our own things. We envy Western find that the Roman Empire wasn’t built overnight. Wave after wave of artists civilization and maybe that is why we fall short right now.” and artworks appear and disappear, but they always have a place in history. The fair is certainly responding to changes in taste. Its Future demand will be driven by education about art history, from classicism 2013 event introduced a classical art section – a response to modernism, and it will take a long time.” to increased demand for ink paintings – and this year sees But Art Beijing cannot be seen as a purely creative endeavor. The fair is as a new concurrent display for sister brand Design Beijing. much a place for business as it is for absorbing the artwork displayed. Deals Describing the fair’s selection as “always multi-faceted,” made over the four days will collectively run into the hundreds of millions of Dong sees the expansion of work on display as crucial for yuan. But the director hastens to stress a distinction from the big-spending Chinese art’s development. This thinking was behind the crowds at Asia’s other established art fairs (he describes Hong Kong’s arm of decision made three years ago to merge the company’s Art Basel as “boisterous and meaningless”). three fairs (contemporary art, fine art and photography, “Beijing is a cultural hub in China that attracts wealthy people and people which had previously been displayed separately) into a in the art industry. But there was a lack of ordinary people in the exhibition,” single event. recalls Dong, while maintaining that the RMB100 ticket price is not designed to “The Western market has a motley assortment of art be prohibitive or profit-making, but simply to set a threshold of interest among forms as a result of its sophistication,” he argues. “There visitors (“ordinary people can be too curious about everything and we only are so many subdivisions. We haven’t arrived at that step so have limited time”). I pulled them together to set up a platform, allowing people With a focus on young artists and a range of low- and mid-range price tags, to have the access to these artworks and schools. Dong claims that accessibility is paramount. He argues that the changing “We have just got rid of poverty and accumulated some profile of the fair’s visitors reflects a widening appreciation for art in China. money, so there has to be a process. As the first step, I “The biggest change over the past 10 years [of Art Beijing] is that lots of want to create a unified art market here, featuring Chinese investors are moving out and instead, many individual customers are coming elements and characteristics. Then we can talk about in. That is the right way for the industry to thrive. Investors were just trading embracing the world as a whole. Meanwhile, it is also for the artworks for more money. Now, a group of people have emerged as real Westerners to understand ancient Chinese culture.” collectors. They will hang these artworks on the walls out of a real love for art. The regular references to the West could give an impression of insecurity. But over the course of our conversation, what emerges is Dong’s apparent dedication to replicating the success of Western art, not its style. The goal of the fair, as he describes it, is exemplified by the criteria used to select participating galleries. “Do they really push forward the development of art? Is it an institution that makes contributions to the Chinese art market? These are the only two restrictions.”

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 37 Folio 线 ARTS | feature

1 艾米李画廊 Amy Li Gallery / 郭剑犀牛布面油画 | Rhino; Oil on canvas, 150×150cm Guo Jian 2 芳草地画廊Parkview Green Art / 夏航不锈钢 | Mr. Who (2014); stainless steel, 200×140×8cm; Xia Hang 3 东京当代艺术俱乐部 / Tokyo Contemporary Art Club | 李禹焕始于线矿物颜料、胶水画布 From Line (1979); mineral pigment and glue on canvas, 130×89cm; Lee Ufan 4 天泽画廊（法国）Tresor Art Gallery (Fr) / 安萨图（法国）| 午休时光丙烯画 60×60cm Heure de la sieste (2014); acrylic on canvas; Ansatu 5 季节画廊 Art Seasons / 王梵僧西行小憩布面丙烯 | A Break on the Westward Journey (2014); acrylic on canvas, 100×100cm; Wang Fanseng 6 程昕东画廊 Cheng Xindong / 师建民宋徽宗 | Huizong Song (2014); ink painting, 88×173cm; Jianmin Shi 7 新大陆画廊 New Continental Gallery / 阿毛爱慕纸板彩色铅笔 | Admire (2012); color pencil on paper, 73×103cm; Amou 8 玉兰堂 Line Gallery / 颜石林夏花铸铜化学着色&实木 | Summer Flower (2015); wood and copper coloring, 135×45×45cm; Yan Shilin 9 K空间 K.Gallery / 庞茂琨镜花缘之八布面油画 | Flowers in the Mirror 8 (2014); oil on canvas 160×110cm; Pang Maokun 10 北京现在画廊 Beijing Art Now Gallery / 王劲松长征摇滚纸本重彩 | Long March Rock 'n’ Roll (1990); colored acrylic and gouache on xuan paper, 45×120cm; Wang Jinsong 11 原曲画廊 Original Song Gallery / 韩巨良德国蒸汽机车B1XHZ-N布面油画 | The German Steam Locomotive B1XHZ-N (2014); oil on canvas, 60×80cm; Han Juliang

1 2

38 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com 6

5 7

10 11 COVER STORY

40 STATE OF THE ART

“You have a product and it doesn’t matter if everybody says ‘this is shit,’ you try to convince [collectors] of what it is. That is my job. It’s not my job to tell the artists what to do”

It is approaching 10pm aboard the last flight I shrug and raise my eyebrows in apparent Trudi Bruckner, Balz Hilt and Ernst Beyeler, of the day from Beijing to Hong Kong. To my agreement. Art Basel has grown in size and influence right, a smartly-dressed man in his mid-to- “So tell me,” says the man with a smile. over the decades to become the world’s lead- late thirties is arguing with a female member “What are you doing in town this weekend, ing contemporary art fair of its type, with of the cabin crew. “Seriously, how can any- business, pleasure, little bit of both..?” annual events held in Basel, Miami and as one be expected to travel like this… surely “I’m there for the Art Basel thing,” I reply. of 2013, Hong Kong. Its rise in prominence you can find me a seat elsewhere?” says the There is a pause. The man looks at me mirrors that of the ongoing commodifica- man. The cabin crew member, ever the pro- quizzically, waiting to see whether I’m joking tion of modern art and its emergence, along- fessional, remains unmoved. Casting around or not. I am not joking. “You had me fooled side property, as an exclusive form of global in search of a potential ally, the man leans there for a minute!” he says finally, his smile capital. Last year, worldwide art sales totaled towards me, gesturing at my seat: “I mean, suddenly returning. “Hahaha, good one!” 53.9 billion US dollars, a record high, with seriously?!” ~ China – and new Chinese money – account- I am over a foot taller than my seatmate If contemporary Chinese art is a joke, it’s ing for almost a quarter of all transactions. and afforded considerably less legroom. “It is difficult to know who exactly is in on it – and This coming together of extreme wealth cramped,” I reply. who the joke is on. For the first two days of and modern art is best captured in Art Basel The man, his face red and flustered, press- Art Basel’s five-day run in Hong Kong, mem- Hong Kong’s VIP collectors lounge. It is here, es on: “I was supposed to be in first class, bers of the public are prohibited from enter- alongside booths selling private jets and dia- but they’ve overbooked… the seats are all ing the fair. Officially, this is known as the mond jewelry, that minor European aristo- filled with art industry people, you know the preview period – “an opportunity for the crats rub shoulders with newly-minted petty types.” He pauses to loosen his tie. “They’re press and art world to gain an advanced look tycoons from China, while sipping flutes all flying in for the Art Basel thing.” at the works on display” – though in real- of Ruinart champagne. It is also the place I nod. “Makes sense, I suppose.” The cab- ity, the days following the preview are little where I am due to meet 32-year-old Chinese in crew member excuses herself and walks more than an obligatory appendage. All the conceptual sculptor Hu Qingyan (“It’s very away. It is over three hours before we are due real business of the fair – the buying, selling anonymous, no one will bother us,” reasoned to arrive in Hong Kong. I consider closing my and high-powered socializing – takes place Hu). eyes and pretending to sleep. in those first frenzied 48 hours. By the time Despite the international platform the “Bunch of shit though, isn’t it, modern the public arrive on the Sunday, most of the fair provides young artists, Hu had seemed Chinese art?” he continues, not waiting for artwork has been sold – and the complimen- largely disinterested in the event when we an answer. “I don’t know why anyone would tary champagne drunk dry. met in Beijing several weeks ago. During

PHOTO COURTESY OF Gal er i e U rs M il , B ijin g PHOTO COURTESY waste their time with it.” Founded in 1970 by Swiss gallery owners that conversation, Hu had described the

41 COVER STORY

b e l o w r i g h t Hong Kong fair as a necessary part of the modern indus- have chosen this profession,” says Hu. “You know, there Hu Qingyan try, something that artists “had to do.” (This is the second are many faster and easier ways to make money in today’s fa r r i g h t Narrative by consecutive year that Hu’s works have been displayed at China.” a Pile of Clay 81-200 Art Basel). It is nearing midday and neither of us have yet to prop- [2012-2013] Hu Qingyan Today, Hu appears similarly unenthused. His wife – erly appreciate any of the art on display. I suggest that we who had traveled down with him from Beijing – has fallen should maybe take a walk around. Hu agrees and we set sick, and not yet left their hotel room since arriving. Hu out into the second floor of the fair. meanwhile is “very tired,” having spent last night at a Beyond the rarefied confines of the VIP lounge the party for prominent collectors, organized by his gallery. atmosphere is comparably hectic. Popular booths are Sipping on a coffee and dressed in neatly pressed dark crowded, with collectors throwing questions at gallery denim, Hu’s sensible appearance – his hair is cut short, owners – the majority in putonghua Chinese. “It’s too his glasses standard issue – is in marked contrast to the noisy and too full of people to really appreciate the art” absurd, flowery opulence of the VIP gallery. I wonder, says Hu, moving aside as a stern-looking woman strides does he feel comfortable in this world? past us, gallery worker in tow, talking loudly on her phone “I think I have the ability to adapt to new environ- about the “wall power” of “good Japanese abstracts.” ments,” replies Hu. “For me, mainland China is full of all “It’s like Toys ‘R’ Us for the global one percent,” I say these conflicting elements,” he says, stretching his hands to Hu. He nods sagely, though I am not convinced he un- out wide. “It’s a big weird factory in which lots of ridicu- derstands the reference. lous things exist at the same time. People come here to We walk in no particular direction, through clusters of see strange art, but it is reality that is truly strange.” tanned European men in Giorgio Armani suits and Gucci In person, Hu is sharp and wry, giving him an outsider loafers, and uniformly tall, waif-like women, until we find quality, even among artists. Unlike many young Chinese ourselves at the booth for the Beijing-based Long March artists whose careers are accelerated, in part, through Space. Inside, a large number of mainly Chinese collec- family connections, Hu was born to a farming family in tors are talking furiously – to each other, over the phone, rural Shandong. His parents, he tells me, still have no and to the gallery staff. real idea of what he does. At the center of their “They understand it in attention, a large painting terms of how much energy shows a cluster of arms I have to use. If, for ex- thrust upwards through a ample, I carry something cloud, hands outstretched heavy, then it’s ‘work,’ against a dark blue back- which I suppose is true.” ground. The work, Cloud Nor is the artwork he Layer by young female produces in any way com- Chinese artist Yu Hong, is mercially-minded. In a thought to be among the market geared towards the most sought after pieces middlebrow tastes of ex- at this year’s fair. tremely rich men, it is no “How much do you an- shock to learn that giant ticipate this painting will polymorphic sculptures go for?” I inquire. sell for less than paintings Noticing my press ac- of gracious women that creditation, the sales can be fitted neatly onto representative appears the wall of a luxury apart- reluctant to offer an exact ment. “Most of my works price. Revealing the valu- are enormous and heavy,” ation of a piece is consid- says Hu. “But this can be a ered gauche, even at Art problem for the collectors Basel. and eventually affect the “It’s a highly desirable sales. Last night a num- work, by an up-and-com- ber of collectors asked ing talent,” she explains. whether I would consider “It has received a lot of making a smaller version for them. It’s something I’ve interest from some exceptionally renowned collectors, thought about – making smaller pieces – but not for the we are very confident of it selling.” benefit of collectors. The decision has to be an artistic ~ one and right now, I prefer to work to a larger scale.” With Hu declaring time on his Art Basel appearance, I Hu’s sculptures are absent from this year’s fair. Instead, arrange to meet with the director of his Beijing gallery, his gallery has chosen to display a limited edition set of Urs Meile. 40 photos, depicting his ongoing project: Narrative by a Prior to my arrival in Hong Kong, an art critic friend Pile of Clay [pictured right], in which Hu repeatedly molds had told me, somewhat derisorily, that in China, “galler- and remolds a block of clay into varying objects over the ies are kings, and the artists serfs.” Swiss-born, silver- course of several months. The piece is valued in the tens haired Meile, who was among the very first international of thousands of US dollars, a relative steal, in the context gallerists to focus on Chinese art, is often described as of Art Basel, where most works sell for upwards of several ‘Beijing art royalty.’ His self-titled gallery, designed by Ai GES 42-42) COURTESY OF Gal er i e U rs M il , B ijin g A GES 42-42) COURTESY hundred thousand. Weiwei, is one of the few art spaces listed in Beijing guide

“If I was really concerned about money, I wouldn’t books and tourist guides. I am curious, how does Meile PHOTOS (P

42 STATE OF THE ART

“If I was really concerned about money, I wouldn’t have chosen this profession... You know, there are many faster and easier ways to make money in today’s China”

43 COVER STORY

view the role between gallery and artist? “Chinese art is chang- the market?” “That’s a very interesting and good ques- “Correct. That’s very precise. It is the oth- tion,” says Meile, taking a few seconds to ing, but trends come er way around,” says Meile. consider his answer. “It is not for us to tell “You have a product and it doesn’t matter the artist that they should use more red and go. People buying if everybody says ‘this is shit,’ you try to con- [paintings that use the color red sell for more art today, may find vince [collectors] of what it is. That is my job. than paintings that don’t]. But we are the It’s not my job to tell the artists what to do.” first people whom they communicate with if that in the future it He continues: “For many people, who they do something. They tell us about their travel from across the world for this event, thoughts, ideas and theories – and we give has no value” the fair is an opportunity for a catch-up, to them our feedback. If you just work within talk to the guys you know, and of course to four walls, you have to talk about what you make new contacts as well. It’s those con- are doing. This exchange, among people with tacts and the sales they help produce that the same interests, is essential.” are the most significant [...] I remember in At this point our conversation is inter- the late 90s there was this idea that art fairs rupted by the arrival of e-commerce bil- were not so important anymore. Then five or lionaire Jack Ma, who, along with a sizable so years ago it all changed. Now they are the entourage, strolls into Meile’s booth. Meile most important part of the industry. I am in pauses for a moment, before excusing him- the selection committee for Art Basel Hong self and heading into the scrum. Kong, and this year we had over 600 applica- Several minutes later, Meile returns, tions.” seemingly unmoved. “Now, where were we?” Meile eventually helped choose a total of “Have you looked at something and wished 233 galleries from 37 countries and territo- it was more commercially viable?” I ask. ries, the worldwide reach lending credibility “No,” replies Meile, matter-of-factly. to the event’s reputation as Asia’s only true “Because that would be the death of an art- international art fair. Yet for all its global ist. It is not like craftsmanship, there should posturing, it is the exhibition’s proximity to be no instructions.” the Mainland that has come to define it. “So, it is fair to say that your job is to lead “It is very clear to everyone here that there

44 STATE OF THE ART

is a young generation of Chinese, aged be- a b o v e on a plinth [“several thousand dollars US,” Chen Jiaye tween 25 and 40, that is now seriously col- l e f t according to the ambitious gallery owner]. Tearing-Series 16; lecting Chinese contemporary works,” says oil on canvas [2014] Trade appears brisk and few booths are un- Meile. Chen Jiaye occupied – most are crammed full. Strolling “They really do their homework, they are between collectors, it occurs to me that nev- educated and sophisticated and they know er before have I been in the company of such what they are buying. But, equally, you have concentrated wealth. Everyone looks so well to know to whom you are selling. If a piece moisturized, their faces perfectly hydrated, is resold at auction [a regular occurrence in their skin clear and bright. There is a definite China] it will fetch three or four times the air of jollity about the place, of effortlessness price of what we sell it for. This is very desta- and ease: everywhere, people are laughing, bilizing. The most important thing for an slapping one another on the back and con- artwork is to be represented in the top col- gratulating each other. Nowhere do people lections. I have to be able to tell a real collec- appear anxious or concerned that they may tor from a trader, that is very essential in the have just wasted several hundred thousand Chinese art world,” he says. dollars on a “bunch of shit.” “But aren’t most Chinese collectors essen- Near the Shugo Arts booth, a Tokyo gal- tially newcomers?” lery specializing in works by Japanese art- “True, true,” replies Meile. “In the West, ist Masaya Chiba, I meet a young man from we know a lot of people, so we can easily tell Shenzhen wearing designer sweat-pants and a true collector from a trader, but here the a chunky gold watch, who introduces him- YE market is still growing, which creates more self by his English name, Michael. “I have difficulties for us. Honestly, selling some- very specific tastes,” he tells me in strong thing to somebody you don’t know can be American-accented English. “I find it very quite dangerous.” hard to describe what I like.” I leave Meile and wander into the fair un- “Do you like that?” I ask, pointing towards accompanied. The works on display are var- a large drawing of several sliced bananas or- GES 44-45) COURTESY OF CHE N JIA A GES 44-45) COURTESY ied – in the space of an hour I pass both a namented with throbbing red veins.

PHOTOS (P 60s Picasso [USD6 million] and a used sock “Yes,” says Michael barely looking at the

45 COVER STORY

46 STATE OF THE ART ERY, BE IJIN G OF BOERS- LI GE LL ERY, PHOTO COURTESY

a b o v e Xu Feng l e f t Flashback 42; oil on canvas [2014] Xu Feng

47 COVER STORY

work. “I thought about buying it.” of certain Western elements – then Chinese r i g h t Cloud Layer; acrylic I ask what sort of budget he has. Michael artists become just another set of factory on canvas [2014] shrugs: “I don’t know, like 500,000 dollars... workers, making Western goods.” Yu Hong maybe more, maybe less. Depends on the ~ quality, you know. Depends on the details In the evening, I travel across town by taxi and things.” to meet Michael at the warehouse party in It’s hard to know whether Michael is the the industrial suburb of Chai Wan, but by the real deal or full of shit, but that appears time I get there he has already left. true of most people at the fair. He checks I recognize several gallery owners and col- his phone and asks whether I’m going to the lectors from earlier in the day and strike up a We are now joined by Chen’s friend and closing party tonight. conversation with a young gallery salesper- former classmate, Lu Chao. Lu’s work is also This is the second time someone has men- son. She is drunk and talkative. on display at Art Basel, though there appears tioned this party to me in the last hour. “But “Do you think some of the art is over- to be no real rivalry between the two young it’s only Saturday,” I reply. “Art Basel doesn’t priced?” I ask her. artists. end until Wednesday.” “For you, maybe,” she yells into my ear, “Chen is a very talented painter,” Lu tells We swap details and Michael promises to over the sound of screeching guitars. “But if me at one point, slapping his friend on the send me the address. Two minutes later he it wasn’t that price, we wouldn’t be able to back. “His work is really unique.” sends me a smiley face emoji, followed by cover our costs, you know. The cost of our- During our previous meeting in Beijing, the address of a warehouse party headlined booth is around half a million US dollars, not Chen (whose works focuses, in his own by Beijing band Queen Sea Big Shark. including transport costs, insurance, hotels words, “on how modern consumerism is dis- ~ for staff – even the lighting costs extra.” torting our sense of tradition and history”) My attempt to keep a running mental tally “What about the artists?” I ask, moving had told me he felt fortunate to remain of the money I hear being spent stops around the conversation away from loud speak- somewhat outside of the industry. In the the six million mark. The energy at the fair ers and towards the back of the warehouse. midst of the consumer-driven craziness of is high – everyone, it seems, is on a win- “How much do they make?” Art Basel’s main exhibition room, I wonder ning streak at the casino. Works for several “Our artists get half, but I think that’s if he still feels the same way. hundred thousand dollars are purchased as above average,” she replies. “If you think “Of course I’d like my art to be widely ap- if they are everyday items in a supermarket. that most average-sized booths cost at least preciated, in places such as Art Basel, but for The constant churn of activity is at times half a million dollars US, then you need to me, the most important thing is that I am overwhelming. clear a million just to break even.” able to direct all my energies and passions It’s nearing close by the time I meet with The music comes to an end. In front of into my art," says Chen. “Money is of no real Chinese artist Xu Feng. A classically-trained me, a drunken middle-aged man – probably importance.” painter, Xu has become well-known for his a collector or gallery owner – his face cov- He continues: “Chinese art is changing, abstract works that fuse elements of tra- ered in sweat, continues to dance, seemingly but trends come and go. People buying art ditional landscape painting with hyper- oblivious. today may find that in the future it has no technology. The results, weirdly sensory “How do you ensure that?” I ask her. value. It is impossible to know.” and psychedelic, have proven popular with “You make sure the artists bring stuff rich Perhaps Chen’s subverted and damaged European collectors and especially lucrative people want to buy,” she tells me, in a voice reinterpretations of ancient Chinese paint- for his Beijing-based gallery Boers Li. Xu’s that suggests I am a moron for asking. ings are too subtle, too nuanced for a mass paintings are valued at around USD200,000 ~ market? Lu Chao, whose own work has but are usually purchased as part of a set. It is mid-afternoon on the Sunday by proved popular with collectors at Art Basel, Although only a few years older than Hu the time I arrive back at the fair. With the disagrees. “I think the market will come Qingyan, Xu is a relative veteran of the in- doors now open to the public, the crowd has around to Chen, of course,” he says. “He has ternational art fair circuit. swelled to several thousand. Everywhere, a good gallery behind him,” the two young “I think the most important thing is the people are stood posing for selfies. artists laugh. sense of security for everyone involved,” he I head to the top floor to meet Chen Jiaye, The three of us, having walked aimlessly says, referring to the current pick-up in mar- a young Beijing-based artist and together we for over an hour, getting in the way of other ket value of Chinese contemporary art. traipse from booth to booth, occasionally people’s photo opportunities, eventually “The price of contemporary work is usu- stopping to look at a work – or more often wind up back at the Long March Space booth. ally pegged to its quality. Everyone will have than not, the people looking at the work. Without my press pass, and flanked by two his own judgment on what’s good and what’s There is a strange zoo-like effect at play – Chinese artists, I am mistaken for a gallery bad. Art is fashionable right now, in both the and I am reminded again of Hu’s observa- owner. West and China,” he tells me. tion, that reality is stranger than art. “It’s a fascinating, exquisite work, isn’t it,” I tell him how a lot of the contemporary Chen who graduated from the prestigious begins a sleek female salesperson. art that I’ve seen exhibited at the fair ap- Chinese Academy of Fine Art (CAFA), is ex- “Where has Cloud Layer gone?” I ask. “The pears relatively apolitical and inoffensive – hibiting work at a nearby art fair considered painting with all the hands?” interior design for the global jet-set. by many to be a lesser, lower-league version “Sold!” says the woman. “The collector “Chinese artists have abandoned Mao of Art Basel. I ask him how the event is going wanted it shipped right away. This is the re- iconography and the giant panda motifs,” and whether he’s sold any works. placement image by….” explains Xu, crossing his legs and adopting “I haven’t sold anything yet,” replies Chen. “How much did it go for?” I ask, interrupt- A CE, BE IJIN G a more relaxed, thoughtful posture. “Artists “But the experience has been interesting.” ing her point. must innovate – and a new generation is I find it interesting, strange even, that “For the Cloud Layer? 207,000 US dollars,” emerging. The art market today is the natu- Chen’s work is not selling – or, more to the says the woman excitedly, while rubbing ral outcome of globalized capitalism. But if point, not being displayed at Art Basel. How her fingers together imitating the painting: this process goes too far – if these diversified much is success in the art world due to luck – “Money, money, money, money!”

images begin to adopt too much in the way and how much is due to talent? a d d i t i o n a l translation b y z h a o j u a n ya n g OF L O N G M A RCH SP PHOTO COURTESY

48 STATE OF THE ART

“Money, money, money, money!”

49 grapevine

open page副标题底线

nibbles off the beaten plate During the three years I’ve spent You know how at Starbucks they eating, drinking – and writing sometimes write a ridiculous about eating and drinking – (and incorrect) name on your in Beijing, the enduring trend coffee cup? Apparently it’s so has to be the hipster indie you photograph it, share the place transitioning to the confusion/hilarity with your Sanlitun big leagues. Home friends on social media and Plate, The Rug, Great Leap… inadvertently give Starbucks there are many – the latest is free advertising. That’s exactly Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar. how we found this ‘drink’: the We had doubts initially about absurd Cotton Candy Larimar the Korean Mexican fusion, Corona (RMB58). Found at but it’s proved unbelievably Korean chain Nine Road Pizza,

popular. Deservedly so. They’ve it’s a cotton candy shandy (beer ge by holly li announced a new branch in dunked in lemonade) with blue ima Sanyuanqiao. Just think, 20 coloring. Imagine walking into a years down the line these tough Shaanxi boozer with one brands could be household of these in your hand… names all over China… > Available at nine road pizza, solana Is the popularity of these mall, chaoyang 朝阳区蓝色港湾速度披 places helped by a lack of big 萨 (5905 6369) Western chains arriving in the PRC? Many are nowhere to be seen in Beijing (Taco Bell? Pret Head-to-Head / Throat Lozenges a Manger?) but some are trying. Like Pizza Express, which is following up on its Taikoo Li branch (pictured below) with a new restaurant in Raffles Mall, Dongzhimen. Can Mr. Shi’s Dumplings be considered a chain yet? He’s opened a store on the Xindong- VER sus Lu-to-Taikoo-Li back alley, where we hope the alfresco bootleg booze peddlers, like Jazz Graden [sic], will open up again for the summer. Just around the corner, opposite Fisherman’s Friend Golden Yashow, Tavalin Bagels make 渔夫之宝金嗓子喉片 a triumphant return, while in Available at 7/11, RMB8 Available at 7/11, RMB7.8 Taikoo Li North the Bao House First impressions truck is back at The Opposite Dusty, like something you might find at the Golden in name and appearance. Glazed House. Finally, the Meatball back of your grandpa’s bathroom cabinet. and shiny, like a medicinal marble. Company is opening a store next to 4corners in Houhai Consistency (Sanlitun branch: late 2017, we Strong and unyielding, not something Crunchy, like a hard piece of candy or a Chinese expect). WP you want to bite into. Jolly Rancher. Taste Packs a serious punch, powerful enough to Urbane, slightly sweet, though again with a sooth an industrial chimney. Has a taste all taste all of its own. Very pleasant and quite a of its own that is impossible to place. bit milder than the Fisherman’s.

Verdict The Golden is good, but if you’re caught short in a storm with a hacking cough while sailing the high seas, it’s the Fisherman’s Friend you’ll want to reach for. SG

50 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com [email protected]

They Said It, We Read It bartisans Quanjude This month Emilie, barista at Rager Pie. Ever wondered what the kids these days think of some of Beijing’s long-standing eat-and-drink establishments? To give you an idea, we’ve handpicked and translated some comments from popular ratings site dianping.com. This month: time-honored Tiananmen Square Beijing duck restaurant, Quanjude.

The food is li H olly GE by IM A It’s huge and there really nothing were so many special! And Rager Pie’s coffee selection varies people, but I’m In winter it’s The Drinks. not sure about the the service like Dongbei depending on which beans are in season and available ambience – it was can’t compare in there – it’s for import. When we visit, this includes Kenya Kirinyaga to places We ordered basically just full freezing! The old a half duck single-origin light roast espresso followed by an where they ayi waitresses for three of old people. The Indonesian Mendling Blue Batak dark roast shot. Both service was pretty don’t charge are like drones. people, and tips! It’s like But since you’re we only ate varieties are imported by Coffee Gospel Roasters in good, but I guess a bit, since they were just you owe [the here to eat the it tasted like Shanghai, where Rager’s barista Emilie learnt the art and looking for that waiters] duck, I suppose eating pure science of coffee. the service isn’t lard – just so 15 percent service money… Tasting Notes. The jet-black Kenyan Kirinyaga has charge. really, it’s like that important. greasy. that rusty orange crema (foam head) that we usually associate with intense bitterness. Not so. “It’s really NEWS BITES more of a sour flavor,” Emilie tells us. “It’s all personal – different palates will be reminded of different flavors.” Whisky from Taiwan named world’s best single malt It’s quite complex – one moment we think we’re getting a hint of grapefruit before an earthy coffee flavor bullies its way back in. The Mendling Blue Batak has a richer, roasted bean flavor, and is drip filtered through a mad professor glass contraption. “This variety is more balanced, with a nutty flavor. Although lighter than the Kenyan Kirinyaga, it actually has a stronger flavor.” The Barista. If brewing jargon (and high prices) puts you off artisan coffee, then Rager is a good option. Emilie is meticulous (beans are weighed on scales, water temperatures are checked) but Rager doesn’t take itself too seriously: “True, like many people in China my first cup of coffee was a Starbucks Americano, but since training at Coffee Gospel I’ve developed a love for the amazing breadth and versatility of coffee. I love Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique, from Taiwan’s Kavalan distillery, has been named experimenting and letting other people try my creations. the world’s best single malt in this year’s World Whiskies Awards, trouncing When [partner and Rager chef] Wilson opened up the contenders from Scotland, Japan, Ireland and a host more. Reportedly China’s store I knew we had to have coffee to go with it.” Despite sole distillery, Kavalan only began distilling nine years ago and reported a 50 the odd devil motif and 90s grunge track playing, rage percent growth in exports last year due to its fast-growing popularity. Master seems to be the furthest thing from the relaxed Emilie’s blender Ian Chang says that heat from a tropical island such as Taiwan can mind – until we suggest putting sugar in the espresso speed up the maturation process and create a mellower whisky. (Good luck with that is. WP that, Scotland.) Bottles of Kavalan can be purchased from jd.com, starting at > rager pie, 10 fensiting hutong, dongcheng 东城区分司厅胡同10号 about RMB400. (186 1405 5548)

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 51 open page副标题底线

Beijing-born Ray Heng, owner hungry, so I took him to some local of popular local Mexican restaurant restaurants, Lu Gang [Xiao Zhen] Sand Pebbles Lounge in Wudaoying Ray’s and Bellagio, basically the types of Hutong, spent much of the harsh places that I usually hang out at late Beijing winter in the even harsher at night. We ended up staying out climes of Chicago, where he worked all night talking, we got along really Burrito under the mentorship of top well, and so the next day I invited celebrity chef Rick Bayless at the him to my restaurant. famed Frontera Grill restaurant. He was really amazed that this We sat down with Ray (over some Odyssey Chinese guy is making Mexican tacos, naturally) to find out how food in Beijing, using real Mexican the trip came about – and what the How a Love of Mexican Food Led to an Unlikely tortillas with real Mexican taco experience has taught him. fillings. He tasted our chorizo, Friendship Between One of America’s Top Celebrity Have you always been a fan of our carnitas, our tacos – he liked Chefs and Beijing Restaurateur Ray Heng Chef Bayless? them all. We talked about recipes I’ve been reading his books and and preparation and he gave me Interview by Stephen George watching his DVDs for as long as I’ve some tips on how to enhance the been in the restaurant business. He’s color, how to improve the taste and been my biggest inspiration. Just how to keep things fresh. He also eating at his restaurant was a dream, interviewed me for his podcast. so to actually be a part of it, to be We ended up hanging out again working there was something else that night. One of my friends owns altogether. a Beijing duck restaurant – so we visited there, and I took him on a How did the opportunity arise? tour of the kitchen to check out the I visited his restaurant [Frontera roasting process. Grill] last year, during a trip to Again, I thought this would be Chicago. Chef Bayless wasn’t there the end of it, but then he asked me at the time, so I left a few bags of whether I’d be interested in coming Sichuan chilies as a gift and left out to visit his restaurant in Chicago a note, explaining that I was his and seeing what they do there. The biggest fan, that I was from China, problem being, I was – I still am in and it would be a dream come true fact – really busy. We’d just opened if I could one day meet him. I gave a third location [El Gran Bocado, in the gift to the duty manager, who Shunyi], and the trip didn’t really promised to leave it on his desk. I seem possible. I was working flat thought that would be it. Hopefully out. he’d try the chilies. End of story. But a couple of months later, I But something said you had get this email from his culinary to do it? director explaining that they would Yeah, I had to go, no matter what, be visiting the US embassy in Beijing even if it meant my restaurants here and would I like to meet? I couldn’t in Beijing had to close for a while believe it. I actually pinched myself – I had to go! And so in January my to check that I wasn’t dreaming. wife and I arranged to take some Eventually, when the time came, time out and head over to Chicago. we met at his hotel. It was quite The weather was crazy, much colder late in the evening, and Rick was than here in Beijing. Minus 10 to 15 feature | eat & drink

Clockwise from far left | ray heng at work in the frontera grill kitchen; ray and his wife pepper, pictured alongside rick and deann bayless in chicago; ray and rick together in el gran bocado, beijing; and bayless’ team at work behind the scenes at frontera grill.

degrees every day. To make matters For example, they even make their worse, I’m staying like 30 miles out own hot chocolate, using their own at a friend’s house in the suburbs, so Mexican cacao beans. It’s a complete I have to get up at 6am each day and system. Ninety-five percent of all the catch the train to make sure I can waste from the entire restaurant is start at 9am. recycled. They’re even turning their used cooking oils into bio-diesel That seems a little early? to fuel all the trucks that transport That’s when they start the prep. All the ingredients to the restaurant. the prep chefs at Frontera are really They grow all their own micro- good people, really helpful. They’re greens, everything is organic, the always willing to answer questions, garlic, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, you show you what they’re doing and name it – even the meat is sourced how they’re doing it. I wanted to from small local organic farms. It’s learn the entire business from top to basically the exact opposite of the bottom. I’d also stay on for another model you typically find here in few hours once the prep guys had China. left, to watch the guys making the food each evening. That was truly How has this impacted on what mind-blowing. These guys are doing you’re doing in Beijing? something that I tell my chefs never The trip taught me a lot. I’ve to do: they’re working in complete readjusted the whole kitchen – it’s a a nelli ss silence. No verbal communication lot more efficient now. I’ve tweaked a whatsoever. Yet they’re perfectly the menu, added new things and in sync. They’ve worked with each refocused my energies.

other and chef Bayless for 20 years. The way I see it, you can buy noemi c S by photo Five people, serving 300 to 500 anything in this world, except for guests. Every night. Not a wrong experience – experience has to be move between them. It’s crazy. The earned. I want to keep pushing kitchen itself is not that big, but it’s myself, keep improving, keep incredibly efficient. learning. Chef Bayless is 60. He’s keeping fit, doing yoga at the How big is the gap between what weekends, traveling, sampling new these guys are doing and what recipes, trying new things. Thirty you’re doing? years from now, that’s where I want It’s big… it’s beyond big. They’ve got to be. decades worth of experience, the whole process has become a fine art.

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 53 eat & drink | Feature eat & drink | restaurants

open page副标题底线 Charcoal So Hot Right Now !

by Nikolai Blackie, images by Holly Li

What topic of conversation do we hear over and over while sat at Charcoal’s bar? How the long-suffering residents of Shunyi – where this new barbecue/ microbrew is located – have been waiting an eternity for a place like this. We’re inclined to agree. As arguably Beijing’s only suburb, Shunyi – The Great Beyond, where your gated compound dreams become a Fifth Ring Road reality – has been a haven for heavy-walleted CEOs, diplomats and mid-life crisis biker gangs for some time now. They might be the antithesis of hipster, but surely they deserve their own craft beer and BBQ hang-out? As befits the name, the place screams barbecue. The decor is stone, iron and wood (blackened in the bathroom for the charcoal effect). Wallpaper? Don’t be ridiculous. There aren’t even many walls – just glass separating diner from kitchen and drinker from brewery. It is studied utilitarianism – the wood for the smoking oven is piled up in a ‘wood library’ (stacked in varieties of peach, pear, apple and hazelnut wood). On to the food: all meat is sourced from either local farms or trusted suppliers, and presumably chosen based on how good it tastes when cooked over charcoal. The locals at the bar are all in agreement – the food tastes good. The 21-day dry-aged beef rib-eye is our favorite (RMB148 for 250g or RMB258 for 500g). The Price jerk chicken (RMB88/half, RMB128/whole), smoked RMB150-300 for meal, in a converted duck-roasting oven, has gloriously moist RMB25-45 for beer flesh beneath tasty skin, while the yak ribs (RMB188), Who’s Going flown in from Yunnan, are a falling-off-the-bone, melt- Bearded Shunyi biker in-your-mouth kind of deal. Salads are available but – as gang dudes and their admitted by the restaurant – unimportant (we expect kiddies they don’t taste so good roasted over charcoal). Good For Smack in the middle of the restaurant, and central to Craft beer minus the Charcoal’s appeal, is the brewery – all twelve gleaming hipsters vats worth. It’s the new flagship brewing operation for Arrow Factory, whose beer you may well have tried at Stuff’d or The Vineyard Café. The brewpub marks a partnership with the teams responsible for Kro’s Nest and The Corner Melt. The beers are priced competitively, coming in small and large sizes ranging from RMB25 for a small (250ml) A Whiter Shade Of Pale wheat to RMB45 for a pint (460ml) of Seeing Double IPA. With the new facility, Arrow Factory promises us a wider range of consistently high-quality beer, which they’ll need to keep up with the high standards set by the likes of Great Leap, Jing-A and Slow Boat. There’s more of a traditional European influence than the aforementioned brewers though – the Longbow Men Session Ale (RMB40/30) and Blonde on Blonde Belgian Ale (RMB40/30) we could drink all evening long. And we’re quite happy to do so at Charcoal. We’ve come all the way from downtown so might as well make a session of it – how much is a taxi back to Chaoyang again? “The yak ribs, flown in from Yunnan, are a falling-off-the-bone, melt- Opening times TBA, west end of Qingyuan Sanjie, Houshayu,Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪罄园三街西口 (6040 8911) in-your-mouth kind of deal”

54 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com Restaurants | eat & drink

satan's hot dog A Diabolical Idea !

by Will Philipps, image by Holly Li

Price Hot dogs RMB19-29 Who’s Going White collar goths, clandestine missionaries Good For Just hot dogs really

Sanlitun SOHO is one of the we dive straight in with the least hellish places in Beijing. main event: the Satan’s Hot Dog An increasing number of its (RMB29), a thick, juicy sausage lots are being filled with shops, – we’d say an ungodly nine restaurants and offices and yet inches plus – alongside a few it’s always blissfully quiet. The pickles, wrapped in a robust sleek glass towers are pleasing bread roll. The sausage has a on the eye, there are decent homemade texture and look, toilets and, as far as we can tell, but it’s a bit flavorless. (And the there’s not a hint of eternal fire translucent skin has not been and brimstone. taken off – you wouldn’t get that Which is why we think it’s an in heaven). The bread is decent odd choice that the antichrist though – slop enough ketchup has set up a hot dog restaurant and mustard on and you have here, and a pleasant little one something worth a repeat visit. at that. We’re expecting flame It doesn’t compete with the kind decals, a red color palate of artisan dog you might find at, and Iron Maiden’s Number of say, a Beijing craft beer festival the Beast on repeat, but the – but compared to the halftime only hell motif is a mural of a hotdogs at Gongti Guo’an games prancing devil in a suit. they are divine. The veggie and With its green branding and regular (both RMB19) options exposed brickwork, Satan’s Hot are less exciting – stick with the Dog looks a bit like Subway… Satan. in the same way that salt It all adds up to a solid little looks a bit like sugar. However, hot dog place, although we still Satan’s has just enough novelty find the branding confusing. ornaments to elevate it above a (The staff are positively run-of-the-mill Subway clone. angelic.) “Temptation is the Amateurish photo collages of devil’s greatest weapon… [it’s] celebrities eating hot dogs, not a crime, have you had your coat hooks shaped like dog Satan today?” the walls ask. Our butts (available in IKEA, fyi), reckoning: it was set up by a Wrigley’s chewing gum on born-again Christian, with the the menu (to prevent Hell’s aim of subverting the devil’s mouth breath, RMB3), and an image, to laugh in the face of evil interesting poster proclaiming with mediocre fast food. The Satan’s healthy approach to fast- Christmas carols playing over food: wholegrain bread, fresh the sound system are the give ingredients, open kitchen etc. away. But does that make the dogs any good? (Subway can harp daily 11am-9pm; 6-116, 1/f, sanlitun on about healthy sandwiches soho, 8 gongti beilu, chaoyang 朝阳 all they like, but it doesn’t stop 区工体北路8号三里屯soho6号商场1楼 them tasting pure evil.) Well, 6-116室商铺 (5785 3813)

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 55 open page副标题底线

Caravan The Camel’s Back !

by Oscar Holland, images by Holly Li

Aside from the occasional Mongol sheep bought for slaughter, those on the caravan trails linking Beijing with the Silk Road lived on an uninspired diet of oat and millet flour. Scurvy was a common problem on camel trains. Too few fruits and vegetables, apparently. It was a tough existence and the opening of the Peking-Kalgan Price a creamy remoulade). On the sweeter side railway in 1909 cemented the humble caravan’s demise. But, over a Dinner set: RMB120 for of the menu, the banana flambe with rum- hundred years later, it returns to Beijing by way a new venture from two courses, RMB150 for raisin ice cream excels on the hot/cold front, CuJu owner Badr Benjelloun... on its logo at least. Two camels face in three; lunch set: RMB68 with cracked pepper adding a little more opposite directions and – given that the food is an almost even split for two courses, RMB98 complexity. between Moroccan and Cajun – perhaps one of them is headed for for three Neither desert nor oasis, the interior Louisiana. Who’s Going is tasteful enough. Dark woods and reds And how times have changed. Caravan may not boast a fruit-and- Hungry diplomats, offset cream walls lined with black-and- veg-heavy menu but there is just enough vitamin C here to keep camel-pullers, Badr’s white photographs, giving the restaurant scurvy at bay. Better still, there is an abundance of Mongol meat this mates something of a Mediterranean taverna-vibe. time around. Almost all of it is slow-cooked and benefits from hours’ Good For The focal point is a rather charming central worth of preparation time – Benjelloun must relish having a kitchen Slow-cooked meat, bar, its main surfaces and shelves made from bigger than his entire first premises. avoiding scurvy a repurposed siheyuan door. His unhurried approach pays dividends. The shredded duck sat But the food alone will surely secure the atop the penne du batou is tender, well-paired with a marinara sauce, restaurant’s place in the capital’s dining carousel, for now. With and emboldened by a Cajun kick. More successfully, the slow-roasted plenty of nearby embassies and faithful CuJu-ites willing to venture mechoui lamb almost falls off the bone; an excellently cooked shank out from the hutongs, we suspect this Caravan won’t be off anywhere lent a sweet twist by a honey and raisin glaze. soon. Elsewhere, the fare hints at contrast and combination. We try a decent Cajun chicken salad that balances spice with flavors prone to mon-sat 11am-11pm, sun closed; 44 guanghua lu, chaoyang 朝阳区光华路44号 dominating, such as onion and horseradish (the latter in the form of (8563 0801, www.caravanbeijing.com)

56 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com restaurants | eat & drink

Park 17 Close to Maturity ! by Will Philipps, images by Holly Li

Italian Park 17 is a restaurant that strives to belong to a grown-up scene – as you might expect from someone who is one away from 18. Unlike many new openings in Beijing, it’s not trying to make any grand statements and it doesn't have a gimmick – like, say, offering the biggest selection of Amalfi coast limoncello in China. It feels organic – it hasn’t just looked at Beijing and thought: what do we need to do to fit in here? Located in the Sanlitun South courtyard complex (aka the trendiest parking lot in Beijing), a multi-level dining Price space creates depth and a lack of photos on the menu RMB200-300 per person creates something resembling a real Italian restaurant. Who’s Going The food, of course, resembles real Italian too, but Beijingers who’ve right off the bat, it does feel a bit like it was made by non- vacationed in Italy Italian natives. That’s partly due to the fact the menu recently is not particularly adventurous, although that’s not an Good For indicator of quality, which on the whole is good. It’s Flexibilty – we’d bring a also to do with size – most dishes we try here are huge, date, our colleagues or starting with a flowery tomato and mozzarella salad our parents here (RMB78). Size, naturally, can suggest inadequacies in other departments, but the tomatoes are fresh and the mozzarella suitably spongy, not rubbery. Aside from that, the warm seafood salad with avocado, lemon and parsley (RMB138) has plenty of squid and the wood-oven roasted asparagus, wrapped in prosciutto and topped with fontina cheese (RMB88), is an extremely good take on the theme of veg wrapped in bacon. Between courses we discover that the name, Park 17, is reference to the fact that in the future, the menu will offer up to 17 different set menu options. Too much choice? We stick with a la carte and up next is pizza, topped with spicy salami, broccolini and house-made ricotta (RMB128). The base has that nice garlic pizza bread crunch to it. For pasta, we opt for a rigatoni with meatballs and smoked chili tomato ragu (RMB128), which is the sort of warming comfort pasta you want to be able to make at home as your go-to. We finish with crispy beef short rib with grilled broccolini and smoked chili-chianti glaze (RMB348). This might win the most points for ambition – it’s a huge slab of beef imported from Australia and the chianti glaze is a nice touch, but if you have just a simple chunk of beef it needs to be perfect to really sing. Park 17’s comes close but no cigar. It’s representative of a place that does better when it sticks to something less ostentatious. That’s something of a rarity in Sanlitun – so we hope Beijing takes to it. daily 11am-10pm; inside the sanlitun south complex, chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号机电院内停车场西侧 (6586 1889)

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 57 eat & drink | restaurants

open page副标题底线

In the mid-90s, British wood-dye manufacturer Ronseal (or more specifically its advertising agency) coined the timeless slogan: “It does exactly what it says on the tin.” It was a no-nonsense catchphrase for a no- nonsense product. Other commercials promised domestic bliss to those with clean laundry, unbounded happiness to consumers of carbonated drinks, and irresistible sex appeal to the underwhelmingly average- looking, but Ronseal won over DIY aficionados with its refreshing, unapologetic bluntness. So while Sanlitun’s The Bar BQ must surely have the most unoriginal name since ‘The Bar’ (found one floor above, in what we can only presume is called ‘The Building’), it’s nice to know exactly what we’re getting – a bar and a barbecue. Ergo, we will be served alcohol and meat. The space has barely changed since the previous incarnation, By the Tree, so we can trundle through with relative haste: stone floor, pool table, sports trophies and interior archways. Time for cooked carcass. We indulge in the all-meat combo (RMB195, feeds three to four), which features two types of ribs, two of brisket and a rather dense sausage. This is meant to be a dry barbecue and it’s certainly that – a little too much for our liking – although snippets of succulence can be found in the chopped brisket and rib tips, both of which are the platter’s highlights. A saucy remedy is the obvious solution. The Texas and Memphis varieties are too sweet for these palettes but the Kansas City brings a certain richness found lacking in its bottled brown friends. So The Bar BQ is, for now, doing olly li H olly GE by

IM A exactly what it says on the tin. But there’s potential for more. With Price a little sauce-tinkering and some Platters from about slightly juicier cuts, it may find itself RMB50-150 per person; better placed to challenge the more burgers RMB35-50 the bar bq established names in the world of Who’s Going Beijing barbecue. Does What it Says Pool-playing carnivores; drinkers at The Bar by Oscar Holland daily, 5pm-late; 2/f youyi youth hostel, Good For sanlitun back street, chaoyang 朝阳区友谊青 Inducing meat sweats 年酒店2层 (6415 9954))

58 | April 2015 | www.thatsmags.com bars | eat & drink

Pale ales dominate the lineup, which like in consistency – but we can vouch for Nbeer pub features a brooding Season IPA (RMB40) the general quality of the brewer’s output and our personal favorite: the crisp and through regular appearances at Beijing’s Man’s Best Friend refreshingly floral Summer IPA (RMB40). beer festivals (on our part as well as theirs). The Chocolate Stout (RMB40) lacks both But what differentiates NBeer Pub from by Oscar Holland subtlety and richness – it’s almost coffee- the growing horde of competitors is its aesthetic. Instead of mood lighting and Price shades of deep wood, this feels more like a All beers fall in the the beach bar with its high stools and novelty RMB35-50 range bottle display. And while most craft beer Who’s Going taprooms allow the din of informed chatter Thirsty shoppers, people to fill the air, NBeer Pub lures you in with with no friends Sinatra-esque swing before unleashing Good For Elephant Man: “A’right real badman nuh Pale ales of the India wear people pants… Kick out yuh shoes variety because yuh foot dem nuh cramp,” he suggests. The dancehall veteran makes a valid ‘No Beer No Friends’ reads the somewhat point. But he cannot distract us from the threatening slogan welcoming customers bar’s defining characteristic – it’s in Sanlitun to NBeer Pub’s second location. Lest you SOHO. Inescapably so. The shopping complex forget – without the inebriating effects of is visible through the storefront-style fermented vegetable matter, you will remain windows and drinkers are only separated boorish, unattractive and so consumed by from neighboring stores by a wall of hanging self-doubt that you could barely sustain ropes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, pillow talk with a prostitute, let alone the though it seems more suited for a post-shop genuine companionship of fellow humans. refuel than a full evening session. Better get drinking then. Emerging as one of the better domestic daily 10am-midnight; b1-625, tower 6, sanlitun soho, brewers in Beijing’s foreign-led craft beer 8 gongti beilu, chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路8号三里屯 revolution, NBeer has made 13 drafts olly li H olly GE by soho6号商场b1-625 (136 8330 8384) available to help ease your loneliness. IM A steampunk Subculture Vultures by Will Philipps

Price If Vice magazine Drinks around RMB20-30 can make itself Who’s Going the millenials’ Steampunks, regular favorite with punks, regular Joes witty dissections Good For of western Cheap drinks before subcultures, then hitting up a livehouse we’ll be damned if That’s Beijing can’t do so in China. Sure, we don’t have many to riff on – post-ironic cyber-crusties and futurist bohemians aren’t

big here – and the one we do have, hutong li H olly GE by hipster, seems to have ruled the capital for IM A longer than the Qing dynasty did. Steampunk 19th century industrialist steam-powered fridge runs the standard gamut of imported bar suggests there’s some level of obscure machinery with the studded leather of beers and they are inexpensive – a Vedett is subculture to be found, though. And what a traditional punk (think Edward Scissorhands only RMB20. As the rulebook dictates, the deliciously weird one the steampunk is. It’s listening to The Ramones), but minus the bar is located within walking distance of the not quite at Japanese octopus porn levels of anti-establishment middle finger, judging Gulou-to-Dongzhimen thoroughfare, just off weirdness, but it’s considerably edgier than by the hosts, who are lovely. The owner Jiaodaokou Nan, and is a touch larger than a a head-to-toe Hello Kitty get-up. has hand-made a series of moving metal shoebox. Yet, in a city where the Steampunk Upon entering, we’re met by the owner contraptions from repurposed bike wheels population might not even reach double (member of the band Black VA – they make and metal tubing which adorn the walls. figures, why go any bigger? their own instruments, natch) and his They make us their signature drinks jewelry designer friend, Danyi, who looks – Steampunk #1 and Steampunk #2 daily 5.30pm-late, Xiang’er hutong and Jiaodaokou like supermodel sorceress. They describe (both RMB30), which are essentially just nan dajie intersection, dongcheng 东城区交道口南大 steampunk as an aesthetic that marries sweetened alcohol plus mixer. The rest of the 街与香饵胡同交口 (139 1022 8025)

www.thatsmags.com | April 2015 | 59 COMMUNITY community | tiger father

Slumber party season When 8-year-old Girls do Everything but Slumber

by Trevor Marshallsea

“The group of girls bounced from party to party, a bit like Regency-era aristocrats through the London social season, though a bit more like a crowd of pill-crazed youths going from rave to rave”

They say all your formative, life-establish- It also helped that our party was a select ing years are a pathway of preparation for affair, with four guests. This is because a hat in what I excitedly marketed as “The Evie is an awkward little thing with no Greaton had Harry I not finallyPotter drawnLottery.” a number out of part in human evolution. This is the phrase friends. By now it was getting late, but the cake Ithe use day – usually you finally when step cleaning up and vomit play youror No, she’s great, but a few people were would have to wait for the pizza. I’m not some such mess – to put a grandiose hue on away for Chinese New Year, we had limited sure many parenting manuals recommend the fairly commonplace event of becoming space and… who would want more than a parent. four guests anyway?! (The sleepover after but this was arguably unavoidable. Unar- When I was a younger, less tired man, as guably,stuffing it kids really with gave cake the and party icing a late at 9pm, kick- a daily journalist I sweated under dead- an hour, solo host or not.) In any case, it along. lines, occasionally grilled national leaders ours hosted 13 kids! I’d have fled that after Intent viewing of the movie gave way and went toe-to-toe with the odd angry cross the threshold for madness and noise. to – well, a running and screaming redux, sportsman/national icon. seemsOur themefive girls being is more Harry than Potter, enough Evie to as the kids telepathically called together But none of this came close to readying wanted “pin the tail on the Hippogriff,” a noise-a-thon. I also hadn’t realized how me for the awesome power, the fury, the which I learned is a mythical creature much 8-year-old girls can sweat! heaving human mass of energy that is an that is half-horse, half-Newt Gingrich. We But all went quiet for The Arrival of the 8-year-old girl’s sleepover birthday party. thought it might be fun instead to throw Rude Word – a part in the movie when There’s been a glut of them lately. Our the tail at the Hippogriff, so I bought a dart- someone says “the B-word.” This sparked Evie’s friends all seem to have been born board. Once the game was over, the kids a lively debate on the spelling of ‘bitch,’ in the same month. Whatever it was that which then, in a switch only 8-year-olds triggered we parents to get jiggy with can master, became a debate about the ex- each other in mid-2006 – my money’s on istence of God. Then, the sublime craziness the World Cup – this Spring Festival was returned, until it was time for the ridicu- slumber party month. This group of girls lous – trying to herd this lot into a shower. bounced from party to party for several “Do you want a shower?” my wife asked weekends, a bit like Regency-era aristo- an American girl unused to Australian ac- crats through the London social season, cents. though a bit more like a crowd of pill- “WHAT?” the girl screamed. “DO I crazed youths going from rave to rave. WANNA SHOUT?” Our turn came late in the season. Hosting “NO – A SHOWER,” my wife had to yell kids’ parties is stressful, but in my case, the removed the Hippogriff and just played back. pressure was really on. The previous week- darts, possibly unaware it’s not usually “OH. NO THANKS. BUT CAN I SHOUT?” end’s bash was high-society indeed. There played by cute little girls but by fat beer- We told her she could, evidently. was nail-polish, make-up, hairdressing – swilling Englishmen in pubs. As they excit- Finally, the mob was corralled in one it was effectively a makeover sleepover, I edly hurled sharp metal spikes through the bedroom, for more shouting. I’m not sure guess in case these 8-year-old girls were when they dropped off, as I was asleep be- just so bored with their ‘look.’ There was After a treasure hunt, which prompted fore they were. But I think they had a good even a printed menu, featuring “shrimp in screamingair, they were and as running happy aseven I was though terrified. these time, though I wonder what they told their pink sauce” and a cheese plate! girls weren’t actually competing with folks: “We played darts, and the lottery, I All very well for them. I made it clear to anyone, it was pizza and movie time. The learned how to spell ‘bitch’ and that there’s Evie the menu for her party would feature pizza was easy. Each girl requested Margh- no God.” photos of pizzas and a big phone number. erita, except one, who asked for cheese, not This was partly because, adding more knowing it was also called “Margherita.” Trevor Marshallsea was a foreign correspondent in pressure, I’d be the only adult around for However, letting the kids choose which Beijing in the 1990s and returned a decade later. This most of it, my wife having to work until the Harry Potter movie to watch proved only time around he stays at home to grow the kids. Read evening. Thankfully it was quickly clear one thing: you should never let kids decide more of his domestic adventures at www.thetigerfather. the girls were just intent on partying like it which Harry Potter movie to watch. The com was 2009. debate took hours, and would still be going

60 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com advertorial | community

Character Building Stuff CEC Education Helps Children Reach Maturity

by Jens Bakker

A Hurun Media report in 2014 found that gram to supplement your child’s education. damentally negative effects on attitudes The center’s syllabus differs from tradi- to study and the classroom environment. China want to send their children abroad tional learning in that the classes focus on With CEC’s course, students are taught to toup study.to four Last out year,of five the wealthy number families of Chinese in individual character traits, such as respon- have the awareness to intervene when they students moving overseas increased by sibility, independence and diligence, in- see bullying, tell a teacher when they are 11 percent from the previous year. A lack stead of a traditional subject-based course, being bullied and understand for them- of trust in Chinese education? Maybe, but selves how detrimental it can be. it also stresses the importance of an all- when running concurrently with regular At the heart of CEC is its course curricu- encompassing education that prepares studies.which students “Good character might find traits overwhelming are like lum – the Character First Education course, students for an increasingly international roots to a child’s life,” the experts from CEC which was developed in America under word. That’s doesn’t just mean working tell us. “Our mission is to plant and nur- Strata Leadership, the world’s largest with people from different countries, but ture these fundamental attributes in order character-based leadership development adapting to different countries’ customs to help children learn how to make good program. Their aim is to teach and encour- and conventions. choices in the future. Without outstanding age positive social values. In an interview with China Daily, a father character, a child can’t reach their highest Through a range of fun, engaging, posi- was quoted as saying: “We value all-round potential.” tive, practical, and research-based lessons, development and quality-oriented educa- Children are taught through activities students are guided towards building the tion… and by sending [our children] abroad, that focus on reading clubs, public speak- character and competence needed for suc- we also hope to broaden their horizons and ing, drama, songs and group discussion. cess. Over 100,000 teachers and instruc- give them the chance to be independent.” Adding these extra dimensions to your tors around the world now use the course. And as that multi-faceted style of educa- child’s education provides a great platform Each curriculum unit offers approxi- for an easy transition into learning in a mately three hours of step-by-step instruc- world, it’s never too early to start thinking foreign country or international school. - abouttion starts how yourto influence child is schoolsbest prepared around for the Classes are taught entirely in English and ity. Carefully researched lessons include international higher education. English- always in small groups – allowing teachers discussion,tional material exploration, on a specific memorization, character qual ac- speaking environments, melting-pots of more time to focus on individual students’ tivities, stories, projects, and games, which cultures, balancing new social lives with needs. are designed to reach all kinds of learners: academic challenges – it is as much a test of With enrollment now open in the Bei- auditory, visual, tactual and kinaesthetic. character as it is intelligence. jing branch from ages 5-12, we recently Inclusiveness is at the core of CEC’s educa- This is exactly the philosophy that newly attended the center’s open day at their tion, which they ensure is the best possible opened Character Education Center (CEC) Lido branch. Senior education consultant platform future success. adheres to. “While we are sending our and CEC chief consultant, Jemina V. Vallee, children to better schools or international was on hand to talk. She joined CEC from if you’d like your child’s academic career to get off to a institutions, do we and the faculty really EtonKids, which she co-founded and helped head start, cec will be happy to consult you on various understand what the education system develop the curriculum for from 2004- options available for your child. contact via phone should provide for our children?” they ask. 2012. on 8457 8996 or 8457 8928 or over wechat, user id: While many parents focus on particular One topic mentioned was bullying and cec84678928. character education center, room 204, subjects – math, science, English, dance, violence among children in the classroom. Building 7, 9 fangyuan Nanli, chaoyang 朝阳区芳园南里 music, etc., which can overburden a stu- Needless to say, being on the receiving end 9号楼7号院丽都水岸会所二层204室 dent with ‘data’ to process – CEC suggests of such ill treatment can greatly effect a a more practical and organic learning pro- child’s future development and have fun-

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 61

Events are editors’ picks of the best activities and are not comprehensive. To list an event, email bjevents@urbanatomy. Events com. For some details, see Listings. from Multi-Ego, The Sweet Escape and WED APR 1 nightlife Collision Dreamer. Lucky draw for trave- SPORTS ling tickets to South Korea/Phuket Island. > RMB100, RMB80 (presale); 8-11.30pm; Hike: Walled Village to the Little West MAO Livehouse (see Listings for details) Lake After taking a quick look at the thick walls of what were once Ming Dynasty- FRI APR 3 era barracks, you will be taken on an easy stroll through chestnut orchards NIGHTLIFE on the way to a stretch of the nearby DJ: Audioeyes featuring Djuma Huanghuacheng Great Wall. Soundsystem > RMB400 (RMB360 for members); Guest DJ Mikkas, better known as Djuma 8.30am gathering at Lido Hotel Soundsystem, is a Norwegian beat con- Starbucks or Liangmaqiao subway sta- troller who plays warm beats and melo- tion pickup at 8am (Online booking and dies that fall somewhere the techno, more information www.beijinghikers. house and disco catergories. We’ll just com) call is dance – which is exactly what you’ll fell like doing. Support from Migas NIGHTLIFE resident, Nassdak. > RMB50; 10pm till late; Migas (see Gig: The Beijing Beatles Listings for details) Hard not to love these guys – rocking night out guaranteed. Beijing’s very own Gig: Ikonika John, Paul, George and Ringo play an ex- WED APR 8 Described by British media as “a rare tensive medley of Beatles classics. female face in the male-dominated > RMB 50 (RMB40 presale); 9pm; Dusk world of dubstep”, Ikonika combines Dawn Club (see Listings for details) GIG: SISQÓ melodic synth patterns, driving drums, unorthodox song structures, and – oh Gig: ‘Still Smiling’ Believe it or not, it’s been over 15 years since R&B singer Sisqó burst into the lime- yes – plenty of hot, steamy bass. Teho Teardo & Blixa Bargeld, a Trans- light with his orchestral ode to skimpy underwear, ‘Thong Song.’ You may be equally >RMB60; Dada (see Listings for details). Alpine connection (Italian and German) surprised to hear that he’s back with a new album, his first since 2001’s Return of between two sonic geniuses, who bring Dragon. And for a final revelation: new disc Last Dragon received some rather good Gig: The Shanghai Restoration Project their unique live collaboration project reviews – the New York Times suggesting that Sisqó “still has plenty of fire.” The The Shanghai Restoration Project creates ‘Still Smiling’ to Beijing. Best described superstar’s China club tour brings him to 8MM, a venue gaining a reputation for big- high-energy electronic beats rooted in as chamber pop, with a touch of electro, name bookings. Expect a rip-roaring journey through his discography, though we modern day Chinese culture. In addition lyrics are sung in English, German and can guess which song song song song sonnnnng people are going to be waiting for. to their most popular song, they’ll play Italian. Presented by Goethe-Institut > Presale RMB150 (VIP RMB400); Wed April 8, 8MM, WF1-WF2, Landmark Towers some new tracks from latest release The China. Classics. Expect a mix of electronica, rap, > RMB 80 (RMB50 presale before March Bldg. 2, 8 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路8号亮马河大厦2号楼WF1- WF2室 improvisation, and jazz vocals. 31); 8.30pm; Yugong Yishan (see Listings > RMB150 (RMB120 presale: yoopay.cn/ for details) event/20150403); 9pm; Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details) APR 1-26 nightlife ARTS SAT APR 4 Exhibition: Momentum NIGHTLIFE Spring season in Ubi Gallery starts with Gig: Spring Fever an exhibition of three jewelry artists A feast of electrifying local talent makes from Beijing. Song Xinzi, Li Yu and Zhao for an all-night-long rager, with some XiaoMu are alumni from the jewelry of your favorite food vendors supply- department of the Beijing Institute of ing sandwiches and snacks to keep you Fashion Technology whose works pre- fueled up for rock. sent the exploration of material and the > RMB60 (RMB50 presale); 9pm; Dusk interaction between art and technology. Dawn Club (see Listings for details) > Free, 11am-8pm; Ubi Gallery, 62 Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Dongcheng东城区杨 Gig: Nathaniel Gao Jazz Quartet 梅竹斜街62号 (6301 2382) A key contributor to the local jazz scene, both as co-leader of the quintet Red Hand and leader of his own quartet and THU APR 2 trio, Nathaniel Gao is a saxophonist and NIGHTLIFE composer worth seeing. > Free; 10pm-1am; East Shore Live Gig: Yuck Jazz Café, 2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyan Lu, Critics have likened London-based indie Dianmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng地安门外 rockers Yuck to Dinosaur Jr., Pavement, 大街前海南沿2号楼2层 (8403 2131, east- My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. [email protected]) The band has two full-length releases under their white studded belts. DJ: Dim Sum Disco features Juhstynn >RMB 150, (RMB120 presale); 9pm; Juhstynn (aka That’s Beijing’s very own Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details) SAT APR 11 marketing guru Justin Culkin) may well be the sexiest man currently on Beijing’s Gig: The Harridans music circuit. When not leading his team Psychedelic, bombastic, moving… The DJ: THE SYNDICATE – OM UNIT at this very publication, he can be found Harridans promise you a sound like no First off, if you missed our in-depth interview with Om Unit, get yourself back to in the city’s clubs playing his trademark other. Catch the Beijing-based rock outfit ladykiller house sets, with a hint of at DDC. (Bonus fact: ‘Harridan’ is an old the Arts section (page 26) and have a read. Because now we’re going to tell you about the best thing about the bass pioneer’s trip to China – it’s completely free. thinking man’s disco. Support (as if he French term for a scolding hag.) needs it!) from Dim Sum Disco residents >RMB 50 (door), 40 (presale); 9pm; DDC That’s because The Syndicate is teaming up with global travel website Skyscanner to provide you a night of free fun (drinks not included) at Dada. All you have to do Boflex and Crystal Bones. (see Listings for details) > RMB 30 (free before 11pm); 10pm till is download the Skyscanner app – through iTunes, Android Store or WeChat (tian- late; Migas (see Listings for details) Party: Pillow Fight xun_cn) – and show it at the door. If you are without smart phone (Nokia-philes Are you ready for the annual and conscientious objectors included) then it’s RMB50 to get in. Support comes International Pillow Fight day at MAO from Blackie, Kay C, Donkey Tonk, Chole and Elemental. ARTS Livehouse? Good. Bring your friends and > Free with Skyscanner app, RMB50 without; Saturday April 11; Dada (see Listings Concert: Elizabeth Leonskaja Piano arm yourself with pillows ready to hit for details) Recital the ones you love (and hate). Live music A highly sought after Russian concert

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 63 events

pianist, Elizabeth Leonskaja is known for her elegant playing style. This recital nightlife TUE APR 7 features works by composers such as COMMUNITY Beethoven, Shubert, Liszt and Brahms. > RMB50-300; 7.30pm; National Centre Workshop: Beijing Opera Mask Making for the Performing Arts, 2 Xi Chang’an Each of the main characters in traditional Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (www. Chinese Opera wear a unique style of chncpa.org) makeup, known as Lianpu. Join this class to make your own Lianpu while learning a bit about traditional Chinese culture COMMUNITY along the way. Film: The Land of Many Palaces (2014) > RMB30; 1.30-3.30pm; CLE classroom, Screening, with director Q&A, of docu- Room 605 (6th floor), 9 Jianwai SOHO mentary The Land of Many Palaces. Made Building, 39 Dongsanhuan Zahonglu, by Ting and Adam in 2014, who cane Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外 together over a mutual desire to explore SOHO东区9号楼605 the unprecedented changes occurring in Chinese society today. Please reserve online. THU-SUN APR 9-12 > RMB60 (Culture Yard Students RMB40); ARTS 7-9.30pm; Culture Yard, 10 Shique Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石雀胡同10号 Opera: Der Rosenkavalier (8404 4166, cultureyard.net) Der Rosenkavalier is one of Richard Strauss’ most famous operas, a story about love and marriage set in 18th cen- SAT/SUN APR 4/5 tury Viennese aristocracy. >RMB 100-880; 7.30pm; National Centre EAT/DRINK for the Performing Arts, 2 Xi Chang’an Eat: Easter Brunch at Capital M Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (www. Capital M’s Easter brunch is a treat for chncpa.org) the whole family. Tuck into a delicious brunch on the terrace in the spring sunshine. Easter eggs, hot cross buns FRI APR 10 and lots of Easter treats for little ones. COMMUNITY Reservations required. Call: 6707 2727. > RMB 248/288; 11.30am-3pm; Capital M Workshop: Taichi Class (see Listings for details) Whether young or old, and no matter where you’re from, Tachi could be the ideal physical exercise. Prepare yourself SAT APR 4, 11 & 25 for joining those practicing in the park with this free indoor session. COMMUNITY > Free;1.30-3.30pm; CLE classroom, Tour: Beijing Electric Bike Tours Room 605 (6th floor), 9 Jianwai SOHO A great way to see huge swathes of Building, 39 Dongsanhuan Zahonglu, Beijing from ground level without com- Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外 pletely tiring yourself out. Guides are SOHO东区9号楼605 (Reservations re- well trained in the rules of the road too, quired in two days advance: 5869 5800 so safety is ensured. or email [email protected]) > For more information visit www.bje- biketours.net NIGHTLIFE DJ: Timmy Regisford SUN APR 5 The Detroit Series is back and honored to open the 2015 series with a real NIGHTLIFE Sat Apr 11 house legend: American DJ and pro- Gig: Liu Donghong & The Sand ducer, Timmy Regisford, who goes by the Liu Donghong is an experienced Chinese name ‘The Maestro’ in some circles. singer songwriter, who’s been gigging Gig: The Seven Mile Journey > RMB 50; 10pm till late; Migas (see since 1998 (round about the time this Listings for details) magazine first came into existence, in Word of post-rock’s popularity in Mainland China is spreading fast to Europe – fact). currently riding that wave is Danish outfit, The Seven Mile Journey. Ahead of the > RMB80 (RMB60 presale); 9pm; DDC band’s nine-city tour, which is their first in China, we get the low down on the SAT APR 11 (see Listings for details) band’s direction with member Henrik Bang. COMMUNITY Eat/Drink: Great Leap Back Alley Chili COMMUNITY On standing out as a post-rock band... Cook-Off Film: Easter Parade (1948) When we started, we were mainly inspired by bands in the hard rock genre. We Popular one this. Get down to the OG Classic Fred Astaire and Judy Garland have always focused on keeping these hard rock elements in our music – or at Great Leap hutong pub as amateur (and musical from waaaay back in 1948. A least our interpretation of it – while combining them with post-rock elements. some not so amateur) Beijing chili chefs nightclub performer hires a naive chorus battle it out for cash prizes and, poten- girl to become his new dance partner in On their live shows... tially, their faces in this very magazine. That’s Beijing entered last year and per- order to make his former partner. Music Our main objective is always to deliver the intensity of the music with absolute by Irving Berlin. formed poorly – you can find us at the dedication, giving each audience member the freedom to absorb the music in the > RMB 75; 5pm; Capital M (see Listings bar this time. way that makes sense to them. for details) > RMB150 (includes sample of all chi- lis and two beers) 2-6pm; Great Leap On the importance of song structure... Brewing Original #6 (see Listings for MON APR 6 We rarely make adjustments as we want to stay true to the original compositions. details) COMMUNITY When the songs are created we focus on limiting the instrumentation so four people can perform them live. We make sure that the few instruments we some- NIGHTLIFE Workshop: Chinese Calligraphy times add in recordings never drive the songs, so it doesn’t feel like something is Mao once said that if you haven’t learnt missing when we play shows. Gig: Hutong Yellow Weasels Beijing favorites, the Weasels, play the art of Chinese calligraphy then With this is mind, we also construct our albums with almost everything being danceable, foot stomping tunes and you’re not a real expat in China (or played and recorded live in the studio, to try to achieve a more authentic and something like that). In this workshop, downhome melodies that evoke nostal- intense sound. you’ll be introduced to the history of gic summer nights in the Appalachian clerical script and be guided to create hills. Wonderfully incongruous for your own works of art. All equipment On their songwriting process... downtown Beijing’s hutongs, then. provided; free tea and coffee; Please The main theme and storyline of the songs are often established before entering > RMB50 (RMB40 presale); 9pm; Dusk reserve online. the rehearsal room. Then, almost all of the actual music is created through jam- Dawn Club (see Listings for details) >RMB160 (Culture Yard Students RMB80 ming sessions, where each member contributes. Songs like ‘Theme for Elthenbury RMB); 1-4pm; Culture Yard, 10 Shique Massacre’ and ‘When Blizzards Are Afraid’ serve as chapters to the overall sto- Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石雀胡同10号 ryline that link the albums and journey together. SUN APR 12 (8404 4166, cultureyard.net) > RMB80-120; Apr 11, 9pm-late; Yugong Yishan (newnoise.taobao.com; Alpine COMMUNITY Decline support) Workshop: Beginners Mahjong Mao once said that if you haven’t

64 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com events

spent an afternoon learning the classic Anniversary Jam Chinese game of mahjong, then you community The Funk Fever crew returns from a haven’t really visited China (or some- short hiatus to celebrate their sixth thing like that). Learn at the Culture Yard, anniversary. In honor of the occasion, where local Beijing Mahjong experts they’ll be throwing down some serious will pass on their skills and share some surprises and giveaways, as well as your knowledge about the game’s history. usual dose of delectable funk and soul. Please reserve online. > RMB 50; 10pm and later; Migas (see > RMB120 (Culture Yard Students Listings for details) RMB40); 10am–12pm; Culture Yard, 10 Shique Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石雀 Gig: Sleepmakeswaves with Special 胡同10号 (8404 4166, cultureyard.net) Guest 16MINS Sydney instrumental post-rock/prog Workshop: Smart Air – Build Your Own quartet Sleepmakeswaves have played Air Purifier all over the world, touring with some Learn how well masks and filters really of the scene’s biggest acts, like 65day- work, and assemble an effective DIY air sofstatic, Tortoise and Mono. This purifier that is as effective as those big spring marks their long-overdue first brand units that cost an arm and leg. Asian tour (which includes nine dates in Please reserve online. China) to support second album Love of > RMB250; 2-3.50pm; Culture Yard, 10 Cartography. Shique Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石雀 > RMB 120 (door) / 80 (presale); 9pm; 胡同10号 (8404 4166, cultureyard.net) Yugong Yishan (see Listings for details)

DJ: Grand Theft China Tour TUE APR 14 Versatile Canadian producer and DJ Grandtheft is known for huge, club- NIGHTLIFE shaking performances. He’ll be at 8MM, Gig: The Adrian Kelly Quartet Live a club quickly building a reputation for With wild electric sounds blended with big-name bookings. the more traditional textures of jazz, this > RMB 120 (door) / 80 (presale); 8MM, electro-jazz quartet draws on diverse in- Building 2, Landmark Towers, East Third fluences such as Miles Davis, Stravinsky, Ring Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路9 Stockhausen, and Squarepusher. 号亮马河大厦2号楼 (东三环路边) > RMB 50 (RMB40 presale); 9pm; Dusk Dawn Club (see Listings for details) Gig: Tzusing Shanghai-based producer Tzusing hits the road in support of his second EP on WED APR 15 globally respected label, L.I.E.S. Records. COMMUNITY Leaning towards the darker heart of industrial techno, he’ll take on Dada be- Workshop: Peking Opera fore heading to shows in Russia. Support In this workshop, you will learn the his- comes from Beijing’s own Fratricide and tory and classic stories of Peking Opera, Immune. one of the most popular forms of tradi- > RMB50; Dada (see Listings for details) tional culture, with 200 years of history. Try your hand at this workshop session. Gig: Rolling Bowling Release Party If it’s free, there’s nothing to lose, right? Rockabilly trio Rolling Bowling celebrate > Free; 3.30-5.30pm; CLE classroom, the release of their newest vinyl with a Room 605 (6th floor), 9 Jianwai SOHO party at School Bar. Expect plenty of fun Building, 39 Dongsanhuan Zahonglu, SUN APR 19 and dancing with these 1950s-inspired, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外 counter-culture aficionados. SOHO东区9号楼605 (5869 5800, info@ > RMB40; 9.30pm; School Bar (see chinaledu.com, www.chinaledu.com) BRITISH SCHOOL OF BEIJING Listings for details) THU-SAT APR 16-18 CHARITY FASHION SHOW SAT APR 18 COMMUNITY It may be another five months until the return of London Fashion Week but that COMMUNITY Fair: Edible Oil and Olive Oil Expo doesn’t mean you have to wait around for your British fashion fix. Need some Tour: Under Siege With Beijing To ‘add oil’ is a lucky thing. So there inspiration for your spring/summer wardrobe right now? Then get yourself over Postcards should be no place more auspicious than Make your way down to Capital M to the pithily-named 12th International to The British School of Beijing (BSB)’s Shunyi campus for Lights Out, a fashion show organized by Year 12 students – Amy Wei, Ella Malibiran, Eduarda Borba hear about the summer of 1900, when High-end Health Edible Oil & Olive Oil 4,000 foreigners and Chinese lived under and Julia Torres. Expo. Maybe you’ll find a new supplier siege from radical mystic rebels for 55 Having teamed up with a range of high-profile sponsors and designers, includ- or business partner. Even if you don’t, days. Beijing Postcards will lead you into you’ll get the latest developments from ing Givenchy and Li-Ning Sports, this promises to be the real deal. Models of all the old Legation Quarter and tell stories the edible oil industry. If that’s your ages (from preschoolers to staff) will take a range of fashion items to the cat- of the bombing of the French Embassy, thing. walk, in addition to singing and dancing performances from students. And if you the wavering Qing Court and how > Free; 9am-4.30pm; China International were wondering about the name Lights Out, then the free glow stick that comes 200,000 bullets flew into the sky without Exhibition Centre (CIEC), 6 Beisanhuan with each ticket may hint at the event’s theme. We’ve been told to expect dim finding a single target. Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区北三环东路6号 lighting and a neon décor. Glow-in-the-dark dress code is encouraged, though > RMB 200; 2pm; Capital M (see Listings (150 1100 5702, [email protected] , not mandatory. for details) en.oilexpo.com.cn) For those already wowed by the fact that four IB students could pull off such an event, then here’s the really impressive fact: it’s all for charity. All money Market: Spring Fling Fashion and THU APR 16 earned from the fashion show will go to one of two charities, as part of the Lifestyle Pop-up Market schools Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) program. First is the Little Adoption Shop the spring collections of independent Beijing-based designers at this NIGHTLIFE Shop, a pet shelter in Shunyi where one man and just three employees care one-day pop-up market in Aotu Studio. DJ: Gulou Double Decker for over 300 dogs with serious health conditions. The second is The Tanzania Featuring jewelry from Design by Jet, A session of dangerous new sounds at Foundation fund, which helps to improve living standards for impoverished local Bekkas Dzines and AMULET by D; fash- the Temple/Dada upstairs/downstairs children in an orphanage in Tanzania. ion from PALMA Boutique and Made by duplex. Live sets from Lonely Leary and The community is already getting behind the event by making donations and Mir; ceramics from Ubi Gallery; art and Mammals upstairs at Temple, while offering free services. Fashion sponsor Laurent Falcon, who owns eponymous homewares from Teibido Studio and downstairs in bass cage Dada, there are hair salons in Sanlitun and CBD, will be responsible for all the models’ hair and Studio Henny van Nistelrooy, and others. DJ sets from Inner Mongolian producer makeup. He’s also put forward a donation to the show’s good causes. So buy Cash only. & DJ Muren, iimmune, Dee & Doubao, > Free; 2-7pm, Aotu Studio, Beixinqiao, Dizzy Barrels, and DJ Kill (Mafeisan’s your ticket and give what you can. If you’re feeling generous, then get yourself Toutiao 67, Dongcheng东城区北新桥 Yangyang) and more. a VIP ticket to enjoy the show with Champagne and a prime runway-side seat. 头条67号 (183-1097-4605, dcdurfee@ > Free; 9pm till late; Dada (see Listings Additionally, all tickets will provide access to other fun activities, beginning from yahoo.com) for details) 4pm. Free catering and free flow beverages also sweeten the deal. > VIP ticket: adults (RMB200), students (RMB150), regular ticket: adult (RMB150), secondary student (RMB100), primary student (RMB70), lap infants (free); show NIGHTLIFE FRI APR 17 6-7pm, activities from 4pm; British School of Beijing, Shunyi campus (see Listings Gig: Release Party NIGHTLIFE for details) Pop-inspired electro punk outfit Heat Mark celebrate their new EP with a Party: Funk Fever’s Six-Year

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 65 events

release party. Having added a drummer COMMUNITY to the lineup last year, expect bigger community sounds from these School Bar stalwarts. Charity: 3e Charity Community Day > RMB40; 9.30pm; School Bar (see Get rid of all those old toys, books and Listings for details) skinny jeans that used to fit. As well as the table top sale, Roundabout Charity Store are hosting a book fair. Plenty of SUN APR 19 activities and games for kids who aren’t so keen on shopping. COMMUNITY > Free; 10am-12pm; 3e International Tour: Beijing Qipao Tour School, 9-1 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang This Beijing tour will examine how the 朝阳区将台西路9-1号 (to book a qipao was originally used as a tool of table for RMB100, please email oppression by the Manchurians and how community@3einternationalschool. the film industry encouraged people to org; all table fees donated to look down on this traditional style of Roundabout Charity; 6437 3344, dress. You’ll also meet some of the best www.3einternationalschool.org) qipao producers in Beijing and explore how the clothing is viewed by Han NIGHTLIFE Chinese in the present day. > RMB390, RMB290 for kids; More infor- Gig: School Bar Fifth Anniversary mation: 138 1777 0229, info@newman- Snapline, Steely Heart, Hot Waves and tours.com, www.newmantours.com legendary Japanese punks Jet Boys will help School Bar celebrate five years as one of the capital’s go-to venues for rock NIGHTLIFE ‘n’ roll. Gig: Atlantic Attraction > Free; 9.30pm; The School Bar (see Dutch indie rockers Atlantic Attraction Listings for details) are a four-piece with a love for analogue synthesizers and traveling the world on tour. The band finds takes inspiration SUN APR 26 from the likes of acts like Foals, Kavinsky COMMUNITY and The Boxer Rebellion, so a good one for fans of British indie. Kid: Drama Games > RMB 40(door)/30 (presale); 9pm; DDC A morning of drama, games and theater (see Listings for details). sports, kids will work on their improvisation, role-playing and creativity. Theatre mistress Emma Johnston will begin with ARTS warm-up games, before moving into a Concert: Harry Potter – Chinese range of activities for aspiring actors. For Orchestra of Film ages 5 and up. This symphony concert will feature piec- > Free, 11am, reservations required: es found in classic films like Harry Potter, 6702 2727 or reservations@capital-m- Captain American, Mission Impossible beijing.com; Capital M (see Listings for and Chariots of Fire. details) >RMB 80 (up to 500); 7.30pm; National Centre for the Performing Arts, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街 THU APR 30 2号 NIGHTLIFE Party: Long Shen Dao and The THU APR 23 Partysquad To celebrate the release of a new joint NIGHTLIFE track between the Chinese reggae band, Gig: Suffocation Long Shen Dao and the Dutch DJ duo, US band Suffocation are widely regarded The Partysquad, get down to Tango to as one of the godfathers of death metal. Apr 11, 12, 24 & 25 hear them perform the song (and a few Their fusion of technicality, groove and others). sheer unrelenting brutality has been imi- > RMB150 (door), RMB100 (presale); tated but never quite duplicated. They Tour: The Story of Communism in 10pm-4am; Tango Third Floor, 79, arrive in Beijing as part of their Despise Hepingli Xijie, Dongcheng东城区和平里 the World tour. 西街79号糖果三层 (186 1125 7960) > RMB 360 (door) / 280 (presale before China, with Bespoke Beijing April 23); 8pm; Yugong Yishan (see Standing outside an inconspicuous brown building near Temple Restaurant, it’s Gig: The Riot Listings for details). hard to believe that it was once the hotbed of Chinese Communist thought. Yes, School bar hosts a night of indie rock this little-known former university is where a 25-year-old Mao Zedong would busy from Swedish band The Riot, with sup- himself arranging books in the tiny library; where outspoken dean Chen Duxiu port from Secret Club. > RMB50; 9pm; School Bar (see Listings FRI APR 24 (later the founder of the Party) would publish copies of controversial journal La for details). NIGHTLIFE Jeunesse in an attempt to galvanize young minds like Mao’s into action; and where DJ: Alvaro the May 4 Movement – a student protest against the Treaty of Versailles – would Also known as Jasper Helderman, Alvaro, take shape. We learn all this and more within just 30 minutes of Bespoke Beijing’s EVERY TUE latest public walking tour, ‘The Story of Communism in China.’ And then some. has actively been involved in electronic COMMUNITY music for more than five years. With an The company’s expert Frank is an articulate and engaging guide and, crucially, evident devotion to his unique sound, a local. The more the tour develops, the more questions you feel compelled to Film: British Comedy Month the DJ’s fan base continues to grow. ask – especially since he’s not afraid to address the topics you worry might usually For those who love that quirky British > RMB100; Elements Club, 58 Gongti offend. A guide of 14 years (he’s toured presidents and CEOs), he says his own sense of humor. Four movies lined up Don, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体西路58号工 understanding of the topic was accelerated by the fact that foreign visitors always this month: Borat (April 7); Life of Brian (April 14); The Lady Killers (April 21); In 体西门院内 asked the same questions: “What do you think of Chairman Mao? Why do people the Loop (April 28). in China still worship him so much?” > Free, 8-10pm; Là-Bas Bar, 34 FRI/SAT APR 24/25 “I think it’s a lifetime’s work to answer those questions well,” he adds. “When Jiaodaokou Bei Santiao, Dongcheng 东 my grandfather died, my father didn’t show any emotion. But when Chairman 城区交道口北三条34号 (185 0004 1765, NIGHTLIFE Mao died my father wept. I just couldn’t understand why… and it took time for my [email protected]) DJ: Los Residentes All-Stars father to know the answer to that question too.” The very best DJs of Los Residentes com- The tour spans three sites in a bid to explain the Party’s past, present and fu- bine to kick-off an even bigger summer ture: the old Beijing University, the beautiful former residence of Song Qingling EVERY THU season at the newly re-fashioned Migas and Tiananmen Square. And, through a series of key players – from the aforemen- NIGHTLIFE terrace. The space’s transformation is tioned university dean to the Song sisters, Sun Yatsen and Mao himself – we slowly not to be missed, so come up and shake unfold the backstory of one of the world’s most talked-about political parties. If Gig: Irish Music night Beijing’s foremost Irish band, Blackwater, what you got on the dance floor with you live in Beijing and want to know what you’re talking about at dinner parties, play an open session from 8 to 10pm. the Beijing skyline as your backdrop. this one’s a must. > RMB 40; 10pm and later; Migas (see Irish music videos follow the rest of the > Bespoke Beijing’s ‘The Story of Communism In China’ Tour takes place on Listings for details) night. Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April. Tickets cost RMB300/ > Free, 8-11 pm; Paddy O’Shea’s, 28 person. Email [email protected] to reserve your space or go to www.be- Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng 东城 SAT APR 25 spoketravelcompany.com to buy online. 区东直门外大街28号

66 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com CITY SCENES

Conjoined triplets win golden tickets (also conjoined) to receive life-changing operation in Korea, but not before an equally life-changing buffet at The Hilton Beijing Wangfujing.

The cast of director Michael Bay’s upcoming Scooby Doo high-fashion remake is finally unveiled at W Hotel’s Ladies’ Night. Superglue mishap doesn’t derail DJ’s performance at RELEASE’s White Valentine party at LIV.

The professor takes out his research team to celebrate the discovery of groundbreaking red-wine-to-white-wine formula at Craft, Crowne Plaza Lido.

Cosplay biker chicks still manage a smile after discovering that the ice cream Mass wedding or the Kempinski’s Vienna Ball? Only you can decide. they ordered at Jue Creative Market was in fact artisinal mashed potato.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 67 Happy hours Meal deals Weekly Specials Brunch Food and Drink Ladies' nights

MODO Urban Deli Here at That’s Beijing our favorite mealtime isn’t breakfast, lunch, dinner or even brunch – it’s the picnic. A meal out in summer sun, with the sweet aroma of grass and the even sweeter aroma of daytime drinking… what’s not to love? (The sweat and insect-infested underwear, maybe?) Anyway, it might only be April, but we’re already in picnic mode, and there’s no better place to stock up than MODO Urban Deli. Not only does it provide handy picnic packs (RMB200/300/400 gets you food for two, cutlery and a map, in a handy tote bag), but its menu has recently had a complete makeover so there are all sorts of new dishes to try. We’re recommended the South American steak sandwich. “It tastes like a hug from a samba dance instructor,” Anna from MODO tells us. “Tender beef cubes with sweet roasted onions and peppers, melted cheese and guac in a crispy baguette. Pairs well with half a roasted veggie quinoa salad.” For a sweet deal, try the set for two: share a salad, pasta and grilled main, with two glasses of wine, all for RMB298. > Daily 10.30am-10pm; MODO Urban Deli (see Listings for details)

MONDAY to FRIDAY

Monday Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 Just RMB10 per taco – order as many as Mosaic 号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6140 5230) you want. Buy-one-get-one-free pizza every Mai Bar > 1/F, Just Make Bldg, Xingfucun Wednesday lunchtime at Mosaic. Buy two cocktails, get one free. Agua Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村中路杰 > Daily 12pm-2am; 32 S. Sanlitun St > 40 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区 Agua’s new set lunch menu is RMB118/ 作大厦1层 (6416 1715) (Behind/North of Yashow Silk Market), 北锣鼓巷40号 (138 1125 2641) person for three courses. Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南32号楼临街店 > RMB118/person, Mon-Fri, 12pm- tuesday to Friday (137 1883 7065) Monday to Thursday 2:30pm, Agua, 4/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那 S.T.A.Y Restaurant Xian XIU 里花园4楼D308号 (5208 6188 ) Three courses including coffee and tea Whiskey night, discounts on special Buy-one-get-one-free on selected drinks, for RMB388/person with 15 percent selected whiskeys. 6-9pm. Greyhound Café service charge, 11.30am-2.30pm. > All night, 1/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, > 6/F, Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianwai Dajie, Only RMB28 for a Tsingtao or Bud, and > Level 1, Valley Wing, Shangri-La Hotel, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号1层 (8414 Chaoyang 北京柏悦酒店, 朝阳区建国门外 RMB38 for a mojito or dry martini, 5-7pm. 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian 海淀区紫竹院路 9810) 大街2号6楼 (8567 1108) > Greyhound Cafe (see listings for 29号香格里拉酒店1层 (6841 2211-6727) details) Monday to friday thursday Village Café wednesday One East Set Lunch, RMB98+15% (3 courses), Great Leap Brewing Domain Two-course set lunch: RMB118/ per RMB88+15% (2 courses) All day Wednesday, one select beer at Happy Burger’s Day, 2 for 1 Burger person, 12:00-2:30pm. > 11.30am-2.30pm, Bldg 1, The Opposite RMB25. promotion. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dong Fang Road, House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 >At Number 6 Courtyard branch, (see > 10.30am-2pm, 2/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, North Dong Sanhuan Road, Chaoyang 区三里屯路11号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 listings for details) Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号2层 (8414 朝阳区东三环北路东方路一号北京希尔顿 5210) 9830) 酒店2层 5865 5030 Mao Mao Chong Cocktails RMB35, 7-11pm. Opus Terrace Great Leap Brewing Monday to Saturday > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Ladies enjoy free cocktails; on Fridays, it’s 11:30-2pm, free soft drink or juice with Twilight Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街板 bachelors night, where chaps get 50 percent any burger or salad or add RMB5 for a Mon-Sat before 8pm and all day Sun, 厂胡同12号 (6405 5718) off beer and burgers at the same times, 5-8pm. Pale Ale #6. RMB20 off cocktails. > Opus Bar & Terrace, 48 Liangmaqiao > At Xinzhong Lu branch only, (see > 0102, 3/F, Bldg 5, Jianwai SOHO, 39 Elements Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路48号 listings for details) Dongsanhuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝 Free mojitos, champagne and cosmos, (5695 8888) 阳区东三环39号建外SOHO5号3层0102室 9pm-1am. Hagaki (5900 5376) > 58 Gongti Xi Men, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 Set lunch, 11.30am-3pm, Bento style Friday 体西门58号 (6551 2373) lunch set from RMB58 with no service Mesh charge. Tuesday House Champagne buy 1 bottle get 1 5-10pm, Daiginjo Sake promotion, 4Corners Flamme Ladies get 15 percent off red wine. free. RMB550 / 150 Bottle / Carafe. Two-for-one steak all day. cheap shots and drink deals at 4Corners’ > Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 > 1/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 > 3/F, S4-33 Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun weekly celebration of KTV. Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 区酒仙桥路22号1层 8414 9815 Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯 > Dashibei Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区石号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5220) 太古里南区3层S4-33 (6417 8608) 杯胡同7号 (6401 7797) Jing Yaa Tang Set lunch, RMB88/person, 4 for 3. El Gran Bocado > Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11

68 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com events

Every day

Parlor Flamme 南街A-11 (8563 6215) soup, appetizer for RMB78. Curry sets Daily 6-8pm, buy one get one for free. Cocktail, beers and wine by the glass are R Lounge from RMB55-65 > 39-8 Xingfuercun, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸 50 percent off from 3-7.30pm daily. Daily 6-9pm, two-for-one standard > See Listings for details 福二村39-8 (8444 4135 ) > S4-33, 3/F, Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun drinks and cocktails. Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯 > 4/F, Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel, Beijing Marriott Hotel The Big Smoke 太古里南区3层S4-33 (6417 8608) 61 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝 Daily 11.30-2pm, dumplings, noodles Daily 4-7pm, 20 percent off all cocktails, 阳区东三环中路61号北京富力万丽酒店4 and desserts, including juice or tea, house wines and beers. Modo Urban Deli 层 (5863 8112) RMB118. Sun/Sat 11.30-2pm, dim sum, > 57 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳 4-7pm cocktails and house wine RMB25 lobster and unlimited beer, RMB168. 区幸福村中路57号楼利世楼 (6416 2683) and beer RMB15. Transit > 26A Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区霄 > S10-31, 3/F, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Taikooli Daily 6pm-7:30pm, two-for-one. 云路甲26号北京海航大厦万豪酒店(5927 Blue Frog South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 > N4-36, Sanlitun Taikooli North, 11 8888) Daily 4-8pm, buy-one-get-one-free all 三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区8号楼S10- Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 drinks. 31 (6415 7207) 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090) Vivid > Daily 10.00am-late. Sanlitun: Level 3, Daily, 6pm-10pm, two-for-one drinks. S2 Tower, S2-30 Taikoo Li, Sanlitun Lu, Mosaic Isola > Vivid, Level 5, Conrad Beijing, 29 North Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路太 4-8pm daily happy hour. 11:30am-3pm. Lunch for RMB138. Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东古里3层S2-30 (6417 4030) Additional > Daily 12pm-2am; 32 S. Sanlitun St 3-6pm Fashion high tea 三环北路29号北京康莱德酒店5层 (6584 branches in Jiuxianqiao and U-Town (see (Behind/North of Yashow Silk Market), 5-8pm Happy hour, two-for-one on 6310) www.bluefrog.com.cn for details) Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南32号楼临街店 selected drinks (137 1883 7065) 6-10:30 Dinner set menu, 2-course Transit Centro RMB238, 3-course RMB258. Daily 12pm-2.30pm. Choice of Daily 5-8pm, two-for-one deals. Mosto > N3-47, 3/F, Building 3, Taikoo Li North, appetizers, mains, rice or noodles with > Shangri-la’s Kerry Centre Hotel Beijing, 6-7pm discounts on cocktails, wine and Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院太古里 dessert for RMB88. 1/F, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光 beer. 北区N3-37和 47商铺 (6416 3499) > N4-36/37 Sanlitun Taikooli North, 11 华路1号香格里拉北京嘉里中心大酒店1层 > 3/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 (6561 8833 ext. 42) Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花 Bene Restaurant 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090) 园3层 (5208 6030) Daily 11.30am-2pm. RMB98 includes Feast (Food by East) antipasto with main course, pizza or pasta. Factory (By Salt) Works for dinner, 2 course RMB168+15% NOLA > Sheraton Dongcheng, 36 Beisanhuan Until Sep 30 order summer BBQ with a glass of wine or soft drinks. 3-8pm. Sun-Thu, half price on Pabst Donglu, Dongcheng 东城区北三环东路36 catering, from RMB150pp > 5.30-10.30pm, 2/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Blue Ribbon, Tsingtao and all cocktails 号 (5798 8888) > Factory A1 North, 797 Middle Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号2层 (8414 including daiquiris. 798 Art Zone A, Chaoyang 朝阳区 9820) > A-11 Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai Cafe Sambal 798艺术区A区七九七中街01#商务楼北楼 Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街秀水 Nasi Campur Malaysian set: two meats 一层1号 (010 5762-6451) and vegetables each, varying daily. With

Weekend

saturday Dom Perignon for RMB1988 for two. Sun 11.30am-3pm, international buffet Eudora Station > Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street, with free-flow champagne for RMB458 Sat-Sun 10am-3pm, breakfast buffet with Great Leap Brewing Jinchengfang Dong, 1 Jinrong Jie, plus 15 percent service charge. one main and free flow juice or coffee All day Tuesday and Sunday, one select Xicheng 西城区金城坊东金融街1号 (6601 > Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 for RMB98. beer at RMB25. 6666) Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng 东城区 > Opposite Lido Palace, 6 Fangyuan Xi >At Xinzhong Lu branch, (see listings for 王府井东街8号(5812 8888 ext. 8411) Lu. Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园西路6号(6437 details) Senses and Prego 8331) Sun 11.30am-3pm, Retrolicious Champagne R Lounge Brunch, international and Asian specialties saturday to sunday Migas Selection of drinks for free all night. with free flow champagne, wines, cocktails Agua Migas rocks two different brunch > 61 Dongsanhuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang and juices for RMB 458. Prices subject to 15 Sat-Sun, Agua’s Infinity Weekend Brunch options: Saturday, grilled meat heavy; 朝阳区东三环中路61号北京富力万丽酒店 percent service. is RMB298 for infinite food, plus RMB168 and Sunday, paella heavy (both RMB210, 4层 (5863 8241) > The Westin Beijing Financial Street, 9B for free flow drinks. +RMB138 for 2hrs free flow cava, coffee, Financial Street, Xicheng 西城区金融大街 > 12-2:30pm (free flow until 3pm), tea soft drinks). sunday 乙9号(6629 7810) Agua, 4/F Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, > Daily 12pm-3pm; Migas 6/F Nali Patio, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 Great Leap Brewing Seasonal Tastes 园4楼D308号 (5208 6188) 北街那里花园6层 All day Tuesday and Sunday, one select Sun 11.30am-3pm Unlimited buffet for beer at RMB25. RMB428-498 per person plus 15 percent Aroma Mosaic >At Xinzhong Lu branch, (see listings for surcharge. Sat-Sun 11.30am-3pm, international Sat-Sun 11.30am-4pm, Middle-Eastern details) > Westin Chaoyang, 7 North buffet starting at RMB518 plus 15 style brunch in Sanlitun. Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东 percent service charge. > Daily 12pm-2am; 32 S. Sanlitun St The Village Cafe 三环北路7号(5922 8880) > Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 83A Jianguo Lu, (Behind/North of Yashow Silk Market), Sun 3:30pm-sold out. Sunday roast China Central Place, Chaoyang 朝阳区建 Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南32号楼临街店 RMB98 (+15%; 50% off for kids under Sureño 国路83甲(5908 8161) (137 1883 7065) 12) RMB228 for 2 courses, RMB328 for 3 > The Opposite House, Building 1, No. 11 courses. Supplement RMB150 for free Café Sambal Sui Yuan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 flow cocktails; supplement RMB200 for Sat-Sun, RMB98, Café Sambal is rolling Sat-Sun and public holidays 10.30am- 11 号院 1 号楼瑜舍酒店 free flow Champaign (all prices subject out weekend brunch. Three courses plus 2.30pm, unlimited dim sum for RMB128 to 15% service charge) coffee, tea or fruit punch. plus 15 percent surcharge. Qi > Bldg 1, The Opposite House, 11 > 43 Doufuchi Hutong, Jiugulou Dajie, > Hilton Double Tree, 168 Guang’anmen Sun 11.30am-2pm, all-you-can-eat dim Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街豆腐池胡同 Waidajie, Xicheng 西城区广安门外大街 sum including one double-boiled soup 号瑜舍酒店1号楼 (6410 5240) 43号 (6400 4875) 168号 (6338 1999 ext. 1726) for RMB288 per person. Add a bottle of Vasco’s

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 69 Expensive...... ¥ Expense Account ...... ¥¥ Highly Recommended ...... * listings Top Ten ...... ** Dong guarantees slick cuts of Beijing-style OPEN DOOR restaurant roast duck and delectable wrap fillings. The venue’s a class act and the plum sauce is The Hot One Hundred hard to follow. About This guide represents our editors’ > Daily 11am-10pm; 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四十条甲22号 (5169 0328); see www.dadon- top 100 picks, and includes some That’s gdadong.com for more locations Beijing advertisers. Restaurants rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our Duck de Chine 全鸭季 ¥ * experts, and scored according to the Good duck is meant to show your guests cuisine, experience and affordability. how wonderful you are, as much as the food. Duck De Chine does that in spades, with fantastic presentation of its crispy, CHINESE succulent duck (RMB188). > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm; Courtyard 4, Contemporary & Mixed Cuisine 1949 The Hidden City, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (6501 8881) > 98 Jinbao Jie, 8 Qi Nian 祈年8号 (Cantonese/Sichuan) Dongcheng 东城区金宝街98号 (6521 2221) The New World Hotel’s flagship restaurant has classic Chinese cuisine in abundance, Shanghai as well as some vitality-restoring medicinal soups. (Their decent wine list is just as Shanghai Min 小南国 effective.) Many swear this chain has the best > Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5:30-9:30pm, Sat/Sun Shanghai-style hongshaorou north of the

photo by holly li holly by photo 12-2:45pm, 5:30-9:30pm; 2/F, New World Hotel, 8 Yangtze. The jury’s out, but its popularity Qinian Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区祈年大街8号新世界 remains. 酒店2层 (5960 8822) > 0505, 5/F Raffles City Mall, 1 Dongzhimen Nan indian kitchen Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街1号来福士 Bellagio 鹿港小镇 (Taiwanese) 购物中心5楼0505号铺 (400 820 9777)> Additional A favorite among the city’s hip and young, branches in Financial Street; Jinbao Jie; Oriental Naan Stop this swanky Taiwanese restaurant chain is Plaza; Sanlitun Soho; Xinyuan Nan Lu (see www. the place for mountainous shaved ice des- online.thatsmags.com for details) serts and creamy bubble teas. Wang Jia Sha 王家沙 You, fair readers of That’s Beijing, voted Indian Kitchen as your favorite Indian > 11am-11pm; 6 Gongti Xilu Chaoyang 工体西路6 Modern Shanghai cuisine – popular with restaurant at our Golden Fork Awards last December. And what good taste 号 (6551 3533) see www.bellagiocafe.com.cn for more locations Hong Kong celebrities – famed for its crab- you all have. With some of the most authentic curries in the city (which arrive meat dumplings. Try the spiced-salt ribs with some genuinely friendly service), we find it difficult to stay away from Din Tai Fung 鼎泰丰 ¥ (Taiwanese) (RMB62) for a bit of Adam action. > Daily, S1-30a Taikoo Li Sanlitun (on the third floor this place. Don’t miss our latest find, the potato masala (RMB40), which is This Taipei-based franchise impressed Ken Hom enough to call it one of the best 10 of i.t shop) 朝阳区三里屯路19号院太古里1号楼3层 rich, complex and served with one of the biggest dosas we’ve ever seen (for eateries in the world, back in 1993. Famous S1-30a号商铺 (6416 3469) the uninitiated, that’s a crispy crepe made from rice batter and black lentils). for its dependably delicious xiaolongbao Sichuan/Hunan Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find all the classics, from rogan josh to dopiaza. or little steam buns. Book ahead, there’s always a long wait. Chuan Ban 川办 * But if you fancy straying from the usual, might we suggest a dish that we’d > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5-10pm, weekends This bright, modestly decorated dining hall never tried before – the masala crab (RMB150 per 400g). Get on your plastic 11.30am-10pm; 24 Middle Street, Xinyuanxili, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源西里中街24号 (近渔阳饭店) is frequently cited as Beijing’s best Sichuan gloves, grab your crab fork and get digging. There’s a meaty bounty to be (6462 4502) > Additional branches in Shin Kong restaurant. > Mon-Fri 7-9am, 10.50am-2pm, 4.50-9.30pm; Sat- found inside the beast and the pairing with dark spices is divine. Place; Parkview Green; Grand Pacific Mall Xidan; Modern Plaza Zhongguancun; see www.dintaifung. Sun 7am-10pm; 5 Gongyuan Toutiao, Jianguomennei > Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm; Indian Kitchen (see Listings for details) com.cn for details Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区建国门内贡院头条5号 (6512 2277, ext. 6101) The Horizon 海天阁 (Cantonese Beijing Duck) ** Karaiya Spice House 辣屋 * Kerry Hotel’s Chinese restaurant has Bold and fiery Hunan cuisine in the most widened its predominantly Cantonese serene of restaurant interiors. Don’t miss and Sichuan horizons to include dim sum, the dry roasted duck with a dozen spices double-boiled soups and Peking duck – and and stir fried bullfrog with shiso leaves and the roast bird here really is fabulous. ginger. Peanut milk is there to soothe the > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5:30pm-10pm 1/F, Beijing palate: you’ll need it. Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路 > Daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm; 3/F, Sanlitun 1号嘉里中心1层 (8565 2188) Taikoo Li South, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里19号院南区三层S9-30 (6415 3535) Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 (Chinese, Peking Duck) South Memory 望湘园 Resembling something between a night- This restaurant chain is the Hunan staple club and a theater, the Opposite House’s in the capital. The trademark shilixiang basement restaurant proves to be more niurou (fragrant beef), duojiao shuangse than just style over substance with their yutou (dual-colour spiced fish head) and range of expertly prepared classic dishes. meltingly tender frog dishes are among the > Daily 12-10:30pm, B1/F, The Opposite House, favorites with locals. Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号 > Daily 11am-10pm; 2/F, 230-232, Fenglian Plaza, 18 楼瑜舍酒B1楼 (6410 5230) Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街 18号丰联广场2楼230-232号 (6588 1797); see www. Wu Li Xiang 屋里香 (Cantonese, Sichuan) southmemory.com for more locations * Yuxiang Renjia 渝乡人家 Impressive views don’t detract from the The menu here is old-fashioned and 29 Grill at The Conrad exquisitely presented cuisine of Chef Kam, reliably good. The lazi ji is crispy but not especially the dim sum. Swanky classics too greasy, the pepper-sauce noodle, with from all the main culinary regions of China, spinach, is filling and refreshing. Assorted Sunday Roast With the Most including, of course, “Monk Jump Over the confections are guaranteed to comfort Wall” – braised pork in oyster sauce. numbed-and-burned tongues, too. > Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; 2-3/F, Traders Upper > Daily 11am-2pm, 5-9pm 5/F, Lianhe Dasha (Union For a Brit, there’s something quite unsettling about a Frenchman cooking a East Hotel, Beijing, 2 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang Plaza), 20 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳朝阳区东四环北路2号北京上东盛贸饭店二三层 traditional British Sunday roast. Then again, for a French chef, it’s perhaps 区朝阳门外大街20号联合大厦五层 (6588 3841) see (5907 8406) equally galling to be made to cook British cuisine. But at 29 Grill, at The Conrad www.yuxiangrenjia.com for other locations Hotel, where a fine spread of roast meats – complete with gravy and Yorkshire Yipin 一品 (Huaiyang) * Yu Xin 渝信川菜 pudding – is expertly prepared by French head chef, Yannick Ehrsam, misgiv- The Sofitel Beijing’s boutique Chinese restaurant, Yipin is a beautifully thought-out Open since 1993, Yu Xin’s authentic Sichuan ings are to be put to one side. We would say a roast dinner here at 29 Grill will conflux of all that is elegant, traditional and dishes have earned a loyal fanbase. Their liangfen – a jelly-like substance cut into bring back fond memories of Sunday dinners with the family – but how many tasty. Huaiyang cuisine headlines the menu, so expect sweet and delicate and sweet chunky strips and dressed in an addictive Sunday dinners at home had beef, chicken and lamb – as well as a vast selec- flavors with impeccable presentation. spicy sauce – hits the spot. The rustic, inti- tion of fresh sashimi and sushi which can be guzzled alongside free flow spar- > Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 mate setting of bamboo cubicles and swift, Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C friendly service complete the experience. kling wine? Yes, the 29 Grill’s has all that, plus a fabulous selection of salads, 座索菲特酒店 (8599 6666) > Daily 11am-10pm; 5A Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang cold cuts, cheeses and desserts. Don’t miss the freshly made crepes – a great 朝阳区幸福一村西里甲5号 see www.yuxin1997.com for other locations. way to round off the meal. Peking Duck > RMB588 (+15% per person); every Sunday 11.30am-3pm; 29 Grill at The Da Dong 大董 Transit 渡金湖 ¥¥ ** Among the city’s most famous haunts, Da Sichuan is known for its blazing spices and Conrad Hotel (see Listings for details) its equally hot girls. While the latter are up

70 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com listings to you, the creative minds at Transit have site East Gate Plaza), Dongcheng 东城区东直门外东 made some fiery additions to the classical, 中街东环广场对面元嘉国际公寓2层 (6417 9289, see OPEN DOOR chili-thumping canon, and they will charge www.dingdingxiang.com.cn for other locations) you for that knowledge. But unlike many equally expensive joints, this is high-end Haidilao 海底捞火锅 * Chinese dining at its best. Hotpot in China is like religion; everyone’s > Daily 12-2.30pm, 6 -10pm; N4-36, Sanlitun Taikoo Li got their own brand. Either way, the raw North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11 meats and vegetables, cooked communally, 号三里屯太古里北区N4-36号 (6417 9090) is divine, and the outstanding customer service makes Haidilao a fitting church Yunnan > Daily, 24 hrs; 2A Baijiazhuang Lu (beside No. 80 Middle School), Chaoyang 朝阳区白家庄路甲2号 ( Dali Courtyard 大里院子 * 八十中学西侧) (6595 2982, see http:www.haidilao- If you like authentic Yunnanese food, you’ll huoguo.com for other locations) have to trust the staff: there’s no menu, it all just arrives in an intimate courtyard set- Regional ting. The price (RMB120/person) matches Crescent Moon (Xinjiang) * the rustic ingredients. Roast mutton enthusiasts go over the > Daily 12-2pm, 6-10.30pm; Gulou Dong Dajie, 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大 moon at this reputable Xinjiang Muslim 街小经厂胡同67号 (8404 1430) restaurant. Eastern European and Central Asian influences are evident throughout, Hani Gejiu 哈尼个旧 ¥ with peppery and cumin-spiced dishes Somthing about Gulou makes it the perfect livening up traditional Chinese favorites. district for Yunnan food, and this little gem > Daily 10am-11:30pm; 16 Dongsi Liutiao, is up their with the best. Contender for Dongcheng 东四六条16号 (6400-5281) friendliest service in town. Da Gui (Guizhou) > Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; 46 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区钟楼弯胡同46号 (6401 3318) Guizhou’s famed hot-and-sour cuisine nestled into a charming traditional alleyway. Lost Heaven 花马天堂 (Yunnan, SE Asian) Munch happily into pickled greens and don’t miss the salty-sweet deep-fried black Migas El Asador Brunch sesame balls. They’re sensational. > Daily 10am-2pm, 5-10pm; 69 Daxing Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东城区交道口大兴胡同69 What Saturdays Were Made For 号 (6407 1800)

Makye Ame (Tibetan) Sadly the 150-word space this paragraph allows is nowhere near enough to do Determined to prove that Tibetan cuisine justice to Migas’ new El Asador Saturday brunch. To be honest, we’ve been to consists of more than just yak-butter tea, the Beijing branch of this nationwide chain so many new brunch concepts recently (#toughlife) that we weren’t expecting serves up nomadic classics such as curried anything new. Woe betide such foolishness! We don’t imagine a single better potatoes and roast lamb. meal on offer between 11.30am and 3pm on a Saturday in Beijing. Highlight: > Daily 10-midnight; 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外秀水南街 the sausage. Succulent, juicy, meat perfection. Bonus: it’s carted around fresh 甲11号 (6506 9616) to your table. So is all the other meat, which also falls in the ‘highlight’ cat- ShiChengJi Shaobing 实诚吉烧饼 egory: proper rustic dry aged black Angus picaña beef, which tastes like it was If ever a food were able to alleviate life’s still part of a sentient cow minutes previously. Along with the chicken, pork and difficulties – however temporarily – then this is surely it. In one bite, these beef shao- duck it’s about as much fun as we’ve had eating animals in Beijing. Chefs Aitor bing will remind you exactly why you first and Fernando do the rounds, admiring all their fine work and getting diners An emphasis on Yunnan characterizes this chose to live in Beijing. They’re that good. plastered with red wine, cava and gin and tonics. We even heard Parliament on menu’s fresh journey through the SE Asia Queues of locals are testament. passage, with a grandiose yet dark teak > Daily 7am-7pm; 43 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东 the sound system. It’s wild. Only downside? It ends at 3pm, so you’ll have to interior. 城区东四六条43号 (186 1029 5038) wait a few hours until sundown when the party gets going again. > Daily noon-2pm, 5pm-10.30 (bar open till 1am). Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng Xinjiang Red Rose (Xinjiang) * > RMB210 for food, RMB138 for free-flow cava; Saturdays 11.30-3pm; Migas 东城区前门东大街23号(8516 2698) One of Beijing’s most famous Xinjiang (see Listings for details) restaurant, Red Rose serves some of the Middle 8th Restaurant 中八楼 * tenderest lamb skewers around, matched Hip and slightly swanky, without being pre- by enormous servings of classics like da- tentious, this is a celebration of all things panji (a chicken, potato and pepper stew), ‘south of the clouds’ – so try crisp-fried latiaozi (noodles with a spicy tomato sauce) worms, or “crossing-the-bridge” noodles, and nang (baked flatbrea). beef jerky-style yak meat and fresh, wild > Daily 10.30am-11pm; Inside 7 Xingfuyicun, oppo- herbs galore. site Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区 > The Place Branch: Daily 11am-11pm, L404A, South 工人体育场北门对面幸福一村7巷内 (6415 5741) Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光化路9号世贸天阶南楼L404A (6587 1431) > WESTERN Additional venues in Sanlitun; Taikoo Li Mall; Indigo Mall (see www.middle8th.com for details) Fine Dining

Yun’er Small Town 云洱小镇 Aria ¥¥ (European) * Folksy and affordable Yunnanese fare on A gold standard of opulence and, at Beiluoguxiang. Fragrant dishes including RMB1,100 for the Wagyu beef and starters the jasmine bulbs with scrambled eggs, around RMB150, the prices reflect that. lemongrass shrimp, and banana leaf In-house sommeliers help tailor your meal wrapped bolete mushrooms will keep us perfectly. crawling back. > Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun > Daily 10am-11pm, 84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 6-10pm; 2/F China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai 东城区北锣鼓巷84号 (8404 2407) Waidajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街 (6505 2266 ext. 36) Dumplings Barolo ¥¥ (Italian) * Baoyuan Jiaoziwu 宝源饺子屋 Average Italian abounds in Beijing: not Famous for their rainbow of dyed dump- here, though. Quite the opposite, in fact, Ricci Café lings, Baoyuan have their jiaozi (six, under meaning Barolo is as well-regarded as the RMB10) wrapped in a larger yuanbao Piedmont wine it is named after. silver-ingot shape, with creative vegetarian > Mon-Sun 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm. Ritz Carlton A Wealth of Options options and authentic Sichuan food. Hotel, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路甲83号华贸中心丽思卡尔顿 > Daily 11am-10pm; north of 6 Maizidian Jie, 酒店内 (5908 8151) We were expecting Wudaokou’s Ricci café to be full of students poring over Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967) textbooks. Wrong. It’s located next to a sleek office block which houses – Brasserie Flo ¥¥ (French) * Mr Shi’s Dumplings 老石饺子馆 amongst others – Google’s offices. As a result it’s full of smart young profes- Marble slabs, mosaic floors and brass Since recieving a Lonely Planet recommen- fittings establish the Parisian bona fides; sionals. We were also expecting the Wudaokou café to serve student budget- dation the prices have risen and the walls dishes like snails (RMB78), oysters (RMB48 are covered in backpackers’ scribbles, but friendly fare. Double wrong. The menu of “creative eats” has a range of dishes each) and steak tartare (RMB158) confirm. the fantastic dumplings – boiled and fried – The grandeur is matched only by the ser- that yo-yo between western and Asian, but without getting stuck in a confused are still fantastic. vice, and the prices reflect the authenticity fusion mess. We try a sweet vegetarian flatbread (RMB68) topped with sweet > 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同74号 (8405 of the experience. potato puree, candied walnuts, fresh ricotta cheese and a balsamic reduction. > Daily 11am-midnight; 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang 朝 0399, 131 6100 3826) 阳区霄云路18号 (6595 5135) Next a beef rendang (RMB68) – slow cooked beef with hints of coconut. Then onto polenta bites (RMB38), which are creamy cubes of the grain topped with Hot Pot Brian McKenna @The Courtyard ¥¥ (Con- oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and wasabi-infused aioli. Finally, check out the Ding Ding Xiang 鼎鼎香 * temporary Western) * Classier than most hotpot joints, Ding Ding Innovative and creative dishes are de rigeur crispy rice balls (RMB45), which are risotto balls stuffed with marinated pork Xiang features a spacious dining room of at the Michelin-starred Irish chef’s reinven- and served with a soy-lime aioli. Finish off with a creative coffee – we go for a tion of this long-standing Beijing fine sweaty-faced patrons enjoying high-grade delicious ginger latte (RMB37/34/31 – large/medium/small). huoguo in their own individual pot. The de- dining institution. licious sesame sauce (the recipe is a closely > Daily, restaurant 6pm-10pm, bar 5-11pm; 95 > Ricci Café, 1/F, Keji Dasha Tower D, Bldg 8, Tsinghua Science Park, 1 Donghuamen Avenue, Dongcheng 东城区东华门大 guarded secret) is a Beijing classic. 街95号 (6526 8883) Zhongguancun Donglu, Haidan 海淀区中关村东路1号清华科技园8号楼科技大厦 > Daily 11am-10pm; 2/F, Yuanjia International Apartments, Dongzhimenwai, Dongzhong Jie (oppo- D座1层

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 71 listings

Capital M ¥ (Contemporary Western) ** you can’t really go wrong at this refined pizzas, available for delivery. Who is Tim, you ask, and what’s his Texas The Art Deco interior, swish staff and relaxed lounge like restaurant. > Daily 11am-10pm, B1/F, City Mall, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, BBQ doing in Beijing? Providing ya’ll home- breathtaking views over the archery towers > Daily 6pm-late. 32-33, 3/F, Bldg 3, Sanlitun Taikoo Chaoyang 朝阳区新源南路1号都汇天地购物中心B1 sick ‘Murricans with the best damn home- from Qianmen ensures the pinnacle of Li North, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里北区3号楼3 楼 (6592 4537) > Additional branches in Sanlitun style briskets, ribs and steaks – slow-cooked al-fresco dining, with world-class modern 层32-33 (137 1851 7917) South; Volkswagen Building, Liangmahe (see online. over a mesquite wood BBQ – this side of thatsmags.com for details) European stylings and deliciously posh Mosto (European, South American) ¥ * the Rio Grande. Tex Mex and Margherita’s afternoon tea. A perpetually busy lunch and evening spot, recommended. > Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. Floor 3, 2 Qianmen Ricci > Daily 9am-midnight; Silk#2 Building, 14 thanks to chef Daniel Urdaneta’s skill for Named after a 17th century Italian Jesuit Buxingjie, Dongcheng 东城区前门步行街2号3层 modernising South American-style dishes Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路14号秀水 (6702 2727) (duh), this creative café has a funky, kooky- 2号院 (6591 9161) like ceviche and risotto in his open kitchen. meets-organic vibe and serves up some of > Sun-Thu noon-2.30pm, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat noon- the best casual western food in town, and Union Bar and Grill Héritage ¥¥ 2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, A French country-style chateau in the a great brunch at the Wudaokou location The definitive US-style diner in Beijing, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 (Chaoyang branch closed weekends). heart of Beijing. A chef de cuisine with 6030) Union’s extensive menu – from eggs Michelin star restaurant experience and an > Chaoyang: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat/Sun closed; Benedict to baby back ribs – covers all extensive wine cellar make this Sofitel Hotel F1-109, 1/F, Borui Dasha, 26 Dongsanhuan Beilu, bases and hours, served by friendly staff. Starfish (Seafood) ¥ * Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路甲26号博瑞大厦 F1-109 restaurant one of the best French dining Starfish is among the very best seafood The warm atmosphere tempts many to experiences in town. (6516 7588) > Additional location in Wudaokou (see stay all day. restaurants in town. Renowned for its online.thatsmags.com for details) > 6F Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, friendly, warm atmosphere, this stylish > Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat/Sun 11am-midnight; S6- 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广 31, 3/F, Bldg 6, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun low-key restaurant is great for late-night The Rug (Contemporary Western, 场C座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666) dates, or just hanging out along the large Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区 Organic) * 6号楼3层S6-31 (6415 9117) wooden bar and enjoying an Irish rock with Mio ¥¥ With ingredients supplied by local organic a craft beer. farms like Dahe and De Run Wu, and an The Woods * Glitzy Italian fare at the Four Seasons, with > Tue-Sun 11am-11pm, 22-1 Dongzhimen a mobile Bellini cart, wheeled straight emphasis on sustainability, this café’s wide New York native-owned, Manhattan-style Wai, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街22-1号 (6416 ranging menu has something for everyone, to your table. Chef Marco Calenzo crafts 5499) restaurant, tucked in amongst the skyscrap- a superb squash tortellini by hand, and especially green types, bored foreign moms ers of CBD: you can’t get more Big Apple and freelance Macbook types. pampers diners with desserts like the Stuff’d (Contemporary Western) than that. deconstructed tiramisu. > Mon-Fri 7.30am-10:30pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am- > Daily 12pm-10pm, Central Park Tower 1, Suite 101, The concept of Stuff’d is to simply stuff 10:30pm; Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang >Daily, lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm, dinner 5:30pm one kind of food in another. From sausage No. 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6号 -10:30pm Four Seasons Hotel, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite Chaoyang Park South 新城国际1号搂101 (6533 6380) calzone pizzas (RMB68) to scotch eggs – it Gate), Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4 Chaoyang, 北京四季酒店亮马桥路48号, 朝阳区 all works. On-site micro brewery a bonus. (5695 8888) 号楼(朝阳公园南门对面) (8550 2722) > Additional Burgers > Wed-Mon, 11:30am-2:45pm, 6-10pm, 9 Jianchang location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see online.thatsmags. Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区箭厂胡同9号 (6407 6308) S.T.A.Y. ¥¥ (French) com for details) Blue Frog Luxury dining with three-Michelin-starred This Shanghai hamburger franchise has VIC Vineyard Cafe on the River (British) chef, Alléno Yannick’s, back-to-basics been keeping Americans in China obese Not to be confused with the notorious New Vineyard offshoot opposite of the Li- kitchen concept, which includes a mouth- since it opened. Monday’s burger deal is nightclub of the same name, this VIC is angma River. Menu features British classics watering ‘pastry library’. Classic dishes always packed. the Sofitel Beijing’s casual dining restau- like fish & chips and bangers & mash. The usually include dishes such as steak, foie > Daily 10.00am-late. Sanlitun: Level 3, S2 Tower, rant. All the major world cuisines are in breezy terrace is primed for a pint of the gras, rack of lamb, plus a spit roast and grill S2-30 Taikoo Li, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 attendance here – make you pay special handcraft beer or a carafe of Pimms. for international standard fine-dining. 路太古里3层S2-30 (6417 4030) Additional branches attentions to the French-inspired breads >Daily Tue-Fri 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-12am (kitchen > Daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 5:30pm-10pm; Sundays in Jiuxianqiao and U-Town (see online.thatsmags. and pastries – as is the customary Sunday closes at 10pm), Sat/Sun 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-12am; 11am- 4pm. Shangri La, Valley Wing, Level 1, 29 com for details) champagne brunch. Liangmahe Nan Lu, west side of Xindong Lu, Zizhuyuan Road, Haidian 海淀区紫竹院路29号北京香 > Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马河南路新东路西侧渔阳饭店对格里拉饭店 (6841 2211, Ext. 6727) Burger Bar Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C 面 (8532 5335) Don’t be fooled by the American diner-style 座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666) Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) ¥¥ interior, Burger Bar’s pedigree of bap TRIBE * fillings include wagyu beef, foie gras and (Contemporary Western) ** Yi House (Contemporary Western) Induction to this Tribe appears to involve Setting is everything here, especially if truffles. Burger King this ain’t. Nestled in the confines of 798, Yi’s great spending somewhere in the region of > Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11:30am-mid- it’s fashioned inside a restored Buddhist tasting brunch is bettered only by their RMB100 on a kale salad and a freshly temple. The bold contemporary European night, B2/F, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Road wide range of cocktails. Sundays offer jazz pressed juice, while basking in the warm, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地大厦地下二 cuisine is fitting in majesty and the service brunches with lobster and champagne. conceited glow that comes from knowing 层 ( 5690 7000) alone is worthy of worship. > Daily 11am-3pm, 6pm-12am; 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798 that you are Eating Well. Salads, wraps and > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm; 23 Songzhusi Yishu Qu, No.1 706 Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥 sandwiches, and noodle and grain bowls Chef Too ¥ 东城区沙滩北街嵩 Temple, Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng 路2号院798艺术区706后街1号 (6436 1818) are as tasty as they are holistic. With its crisp white tablecloths and service, 祝寺23号 (8400 2232) > Daily 8am-10.30pm, 1/F, Building 3, China View this upscale New York diner serves up some Café/Deli/Sandwich Plaza, 2A Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 Contemporary Western of the classiest burgers in town. 体东路甲2号中国红街大厦3号楼1层大厅入口南侧 > Tue-Fri 11am-1pm; Sat-Sun 9.30am-3pm; Tue-Sat Beiluo Bread Bar (Café) 8587 1899 Alfie’s ¥ (British) 5.30pm-10pm. Opposite the West gate, Chaoyang This local hipster café favorite offers in- Park, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西门 (6591 8676) What’s all this about, then? British gastro- house baked bread and sandwiches but Wagas (Contemporary Western) pub classics, (like pukker fish and chips, we usually go for the hand-pulled noodles. Quality eats with minimal pretension. This Steak RMB188), a swanky gentleman’s club Gets cozy at night. stylish, no-fuss Shanghai rival to Element interior, and located in a chic modern art > Tue-Sun 12-10pm. 70A Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng Fresh offers some of the best and most 29 Grill (Contemporary Western) * gallery-cum-mall. That’s what, mate. 东城区北锣鼓巷甲70号(近南锣鼓巷)(8408 3069) affordable Western lunch options in town. Top-notch steak, along with just about eve- > Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm, brunch served The zesty carrot-and-zucchini cake is a ry other cut of meat found in the barnyard on weekends; Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Café Zarah (Café) * crowd pleaser. in this well-priced meat-eaters’ mecca. Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号芳草地L1-22 (5662 A smart new interior and menu for this > Daily 8am-10pm; S8-33, 3/F, Bldg 8, Taikoo Li > Mon-Fri lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Mon-Sat dinner: 8777) longstanding cafe has propelled it from South, 19 South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区三 6-10.30pm (closed Sundays); Conrad Beijing, 2/F, 29 hipster hangout to Gulou institution. Large, 里屯太古里南区三层 (6416-5829) > Additional loca- North Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路9 Caribeño (Latin) airy and with a terrace for summer, the only tions in The Kerry Centre, Raffles Mall Dongzhimen 号2层 (6584 6270)) Heavy Cuban influence, but there are dishes downside is it’s always packed. (see www.online.thatsmags.com for details) from all over the Latin continent here. The > Daily 9.30am-midnight 42 Gulou Dongdajie, Morton’s of Chicago (American) ¥¥ * Ropa Vieja (shredded beef on potato) is Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街42号 (8403 9807) American/BBQ/Grill Meat so tender the knife falls through it: excellent – as are the Mojitos. ritzy Morton’s deserves the worldwide > Daily 11:30am-9:30pm, 1/F, China Overseas Plaza, Element Fresh (Contemporary Western) The Big Smoke * praise. Expensive, but where else are you 朝阳区光华东里号中 8 Guanghua Dongli, Chaoyang 8 Another import from Shanggers, this is Taking the Home Plate BBQ concept and going to get steak this good? (Try the 海广场北楼1层 (5977 2789) boutique salads-and-sandwich lunching, upscaling was a gourmet masterstroke. Full RMB550 set menu if you want to save cash) with somewhat questionable price tags. menu evenings only (also delivers rotisserie > Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm, Sun 5-10:30pm; 2/F, Regent Chi (Organic, Fusion) > Daily Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 7am-11pm. chicken via Uncle Otis). Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng 东城区金宝街99号 Hutong set-menu dining par-excellence, 833, Building 8, 19 Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun > Daily Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-10pm. 丽晶酒店二层 (6523 7777) with organic ingredients all locally sourced. Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太古里南区 First Floor, Lee World Building (opposite Frost Nails), From the owners of neighboring Saffron. 8号楼833 (6417 1318) 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村 Steak Exchange Restaurant+Bar (Contem- > Daily, opens 10:30am, last order 9:30pm, 67 中路 57号楼利世楼 (6416 5195, 6416 268, www. porary Western) ¥¥ * Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 uncle-otis.com) 67号 (6445 7076) MODO Urban Deli (Contemporary The bill is hopefully on the company kuai at this opulent eatery, where charcoal-grilled Western) * Home Plate BBQ * C Pearl (Oysters, Seafood) ¥ * Yates Wine Lodge this is not. Unconven- cuts of 250-day, grain-fed Australian Angus Scruffy looks and laid-back staff belie the start from around RMB428 and merrily This slick oyster restaurant imports fresh tional and great fun, this compact eatery popularity of this entry-level brick-smoker shells from Canada, South Africa, France, was designed around an ever-changing se- spiral. But the meat is unquestionably suc- barbecue joint, that blossoms in the culent, and cooked exactly to order. USA and more – and they are well worth lection of fine wines. Serves up fresh tapas sunny months. Pulled-pork sandwiches the price. The fries are the best we’ve had style food and original finger foods. > Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10.30pm. InterContinen- are the favorites, followed by baby-back tal Beijing Financial Street, 11 Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西 in Beijing, beer and wine selection also > Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-10.30pm; 3/F, rib racks. Beer and bourbons are taken 城区金融街11号北京金融街洲际酒店 (5852 5921) excellent. Sanlitun Taikoo Li South (close to Element Fresh), 19 care of, too. Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太 > Tue-Sun 5.30pm-2am; 14-2, Bldg 14, Shunyuanli, > Daily 11am-10pm. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard Xinyuan Jie, Yansha Qiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥新古里南区3楼(近新元素) (6415 7207) (20m north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection, first right), Flamme (Contemporary Western) 源街顺源里14号楼14-2号 (5724 5886) Chaoyang District 朝阳区霄云路35号院过霄云路 Expensive steaks are now invading Beijing. MOKA Bros (Contemporary Western) * 路口,往北走20米,到第一个路口右转(5128 5584) Flamme (pronounced ‘Flame,’ apparently) Grill 79 (Steak) Power bowls, salads and wraps are the kind Additional location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see online. remains top value, however, especially on With views this good, Grill 79 would prob- of fare on offer at this trendy Nali Patio thatsmags.com for details) 2-4-1 Tuesdays, while bar staff maintain an ably make it onto the list even if the food space, which also has a great selection of eclectic (and genuinely exciting) cocktail was terrible. It’s something of a bonus then cakes and pastries if you’re feeling more NOLA menu. that the kitchen is superb, and supported indulgent. N’Orleans finds a dark-wood home in the > Daily 11am-10.30pm Sun-Thur; 11am-11pm Fri- by one of the most extensive wine lists in > Sanlitun: Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm, Fri/Sat 11am- leafy embassy area, with a jazz soundtrack, Sat. S4-33, Third Floor, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, 19 town. 11:30pm, B101b Nali Patio South, 81 Sanlitun Beilu shrimp and grits, gumbo, fried chicken, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯太 > Daily 6.30-10.30am, noon-2pm, 6-10pm. 79/F, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号B101B南楼 (5208 jambalaya and decent-enough po’boys – 古里南区3层S4-33室 (6417 8608) > 269 Indigo Mall, China World Trade Center Phase 3, 1 Jianguomenwai 6079) > Solana: Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6 yes’m. Excellent Cajun snacks, craft beers Jixianqiao Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤 Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒店 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区湖畔美食街 and cocktail also make NOLA a popular 港商场269号 (8420 0270) 79楼 (6505 2299 ext 6424) 朝阳公园路6号院蓝色港湾 (5905 6259) watering hole. > Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. 11A O’Steak Missa (European) Nasca Café Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水南街11号 A well-cooked steak in Beijng isn’t all that Whether it is the tender, imported cuts of Colorful and quirky shopping mall style (8563 6215) rare anymore, and here we have affordable meat or the long list of expertly made and café, with Amazonian coffee, teas and but quality cuts. Don’t be fooled by the creative cocktails going down your gullet, there’s a decent range of sandwiches and Tim’s Texas BBQ * Irish sounding name, it’s an authentic

72 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com listings

French bistro – not a Guinness in sight. Old World family charm in an intimate a charming management, Niajo is prime > Dongmen Building, 12 Dongzhimen Wai, > Daily midday-midnight, 55-7 Xingfucun Zhonglu, hutong setting. Time (and, occasionally, Sanlitun smart-casual dining. Order the Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街12号东门下楼 (5785 Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村中路55-7 (8488 8250) service) slows with a rustic menu from Bo- paella (their star dish) together with some 3538) > Additional location in Shunyi (see online. logna offering an assortment of homemade tapas and be automatically transported to thatsmags.com for details) Mexican/Tex Mex pastas and seasonal mains. Spain (minus the constant sunshine). > Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, > Daily 12.00am - 10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Asian Cantina Agave (Tex-Mex) Dongcheng 东城区方砖厂胡同4号 (8402 5098) Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 Great selection of burritos, tacos and 80+ 3层 (5208 6052) Indian imported tequilas. Spice up dishes with the Opera Bombana ¥ walk-up salsa bar and don’t leave without a Head chef Umberto Bombana boasts three German Ganges bite of the custardy flan. Michelin stars to his name, earned at his Conveniently located above popular >Sun-Thurs 11am to midnight. Fri–Sat 11am to 2am, wildly successful Hong Kong restaurant Drei Kronen 1308 * Irish sports bar Paddy O’Sheas, this solid S4-32 South Block, Sanlitun Taikoo Li, 19 Sanlitun Otto e Mezzo. He’s the only Italian chef to Authentic (in as much as any brauhaus with Indian curry house provides the perfect Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里太古里南区 do so outside of his native land, and cer- a Filipino cover band can be) displays of ar- post-match culinary accompaniment. Or (6416 5212) tainly the only to have opened a restaurant mour and brewing kits draw regular even- put another way: it’s what you’ll be craving in Beijing. ing crowds for the superb pork knuckle and after eight pints of beer. El Gran Bocado (Mexican) > Daily, 12pm-10:30pm; LG2-21 Parkview Green heavy-duty helles (pale lager), wheat and > Daily 11am to 10.30pm; Dongzhimen Branch: 2nd This unassuming little taquiera has a color- Fangcaodi, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大 dark beer (brewed on-site). Floor, 28 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街28号2层 (6417-0900) > Additional ful menu of classic Mexican and Tex Mex 桥路9号侨福芳草地地下2层21号 (5690 7177) > Daily 11am-2am. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti branch in Sanlitun, see online.thatsmags.com for dishes, and one of the best nacho plates Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体东路中国红街5号楼1 details. we’ve had in Beijing. Pizza 层(6503 5555) > Daily 11am-midnight, 1/F, Just Make Bldg, Indian Kitchen Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyanf 朝阳区幸福村中路杰作 Tube Station Paulaner Brauhaus 大厦1层 (6416 1715) Nowhere does gigantic toppen-laden pizza The grand old man of Beijing brauhauses, quite like Beijing, and these guys claim to Paulaner delivers the Teutonic goods in the Taco Bar be the biggest in town. hands of lederhosen-clad staff from the Rising from the ashes of its deceased > Sanlitun 3.3 Branch: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat/Sun provinces. It can be pricey but is usually hutong location, the new Taco Bar is hip, 10am-11pm, delivery Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm, worthwhile, especially during Oktoberfest. popular and able to produce some of the Fri-Sun 11:30am-11pm 3/F, 3.3 Building, No. 33 > Daily 11am-1am. Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao most authentic Mexican fare in town. Only Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang 三里屯北街33号3.3服装 Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基饭店 RMB45 for three and great cocktails to 大厦3层3008号 ( 5136 5571, delivery 8989 177) (6465 3388 ext. 5732) complement. > Additional branches in Gongti, Beida, Beitai, > Tue-Thu 5.30pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-2.30am, Sun Yayancun, Solana and Weigongcun, see www.on- African/Middle Eastern 11am-1am; 1/F, Unit 10, Electrical Research Institute, line.thatsmags.com for details) Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南路机电研 1001 Nights 究院内10号1层 (6501 6026) La Pizza There’s no missing this beast of a Middle Among the upper echelons of Beijing Eastern on the way into Sanlitun. The Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar * (Korean- pizzerias is this Sanlitun goldfish bowl whole Arabic dining package is on offer Mexican fusion) with a wood-fired oven and Neapolitan here, from kebabs, to shisha to belly danc- manners. Further branches in Solana and ing shows between courses. pasta/salad/mains-buffet restaurant in > Daily 11am-2am, 3-4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳 Sanlitun 3.3 区工体北路3-4号 (6532 4050) > Sanlitun Branch: daily 10.30am-3pm, 6-11pm. 1/F, The go to curry house among Beijing’s 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路 Biteapitta * homesick Indian community, this ever 33号3.3服装大厦西北角底商(5136 5582) > Solana Enjoyed by vegetarians (hummus, falafel) popular no-nonsense restaurant has built Branch: SA-48, 1/F, Bldg 3, Solana, 6 Chaoyang and 58 kuai kebab-lovers alike, Biteapitta up a solid reputation thanks to its wide Park Road, Choayang 朝阳公园西路6号,蓝色港 has the Middle-East mid-range market all 湾3号1层, SA-48 ( 5905 6106) > SOHU Shangdu range of quality dishes and particularly Branch: SH1112, SOHO Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, wrapped up in a fluffy pitta. friendly service. Looking good after a > Daily 11am-11pm, Second Floor, Tongli Studio, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东大桥路8号SOHO尚都 recent rennovation and very available on Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯后街同里2 SH1112号(5900 3112) > La Pizza Buffet: 4F, Sanlitun JinShiSong online delivery. 层 (6467 2961) 3.3 Mall, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3服装大厦4层 > Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm, 2/F 2 Sanlitun (5136 5990) Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街2号2楼 Cuju Moroccan Bistrot & Rummery * (6462 7255) Spanish CuJu used to be a cozy little hutong sports bar with an incredible rum selection, but Raj Agua ¥ * now it’s a cozy little Moroccan bistrot and Tucked away in musty old building just un- rummery – so it still has an awesome rum derneath the drum tower, this curryhouse selection. Badr’s Moroccan food might be may look Chinese but everything on the the best in town. Tucked away near Gulou, this hip little menu is authentic Indian, espcially the > 28 Xiguan Hutong, off Dongsibeidajie, Dongcheng rather fine naan. hutong concept is truly one of a kind in 东城区细管胡同28号东四北大街 (6407 9782) Beijing. Quesadillas with kimchi and bibim- > Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, 31 Gulou Xidajie Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼西大街31号 (6401 1675) baps with melted cheese and hot sauce. Mosaic Restaurant & Bar Guess what? It works. Killer range of classic Weekends at Promising “the best shawarmas and South-East Asian Cali’ cocktails, too. shishas in town”, Mosaic restaurant & bar > Daily 11:30am-midnight (closed Mondays) 14 offers a range of great value delicacies and Nyonya Kitchen (Malaysian, Nyonya) Zhangwang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街 cocktails, served up in a cozy setting with This chain specializes in Nyonya style cook- 张旺胡同14号 (6405 4352) a friendly and personalized service. One ing – ostensibly Malaysian but with a mix Italian Brunch RMB298/198 of few places in Beijing to offer genuine of Chinese, South-East Asian and European Inﬁnite drinks RMB168 Arabic shishas (hookah), Mosaic is a hidden influences resulting in lots of bold flavors Assaggi ¥ * Sanlitun gem. and bright colors. > Daily 12pm-2am; 32 S. Sanlitun St (Behind/North > CBD: EB105, B1/F, China World Mall Phase This fine Italian spot in the leafy embassy 4/F Nali Patio, Sanlitun Bar Street of Yashow Silk Market), Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南32 district has one of Beijing’s best terraces for 1, 1 Jianguomen Wai, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门 Tel: 5208 6188 号楼临街店 (137 1883 7065) 外大街1号国贸商城一期地下一层EB105 (6505 summer dining. The tagliata steak is worth 0376) > Taiyanggong: Unit 10-11, 4/F, CapitaMall a return visit. Occupying the high end of Nali’s Spanish Rumi (Middle Eastern Taiyanggong, Chaoyang 朝阳区凯德Mall太阳宫4层 > Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm. 1 Sanlitun invasion, Agua excels with reasonably 10/11号 (8415 0863) www.nyonyakitchen.com Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号 (8454 priced classics like suckling pig, chorizo 4508) and jamon. Winner of the 2014 Golden Malacca Legend Fork Editors’ Pick for best restaurant. Malaysian food with a view, this spacious Bene ¥ * > Daily Midday-2pm, 6pm-10pm. 4/F, Nali Patio, 81 and airy restaurant sits on the banks of Shu- Chef Ricci will have you singing like a sopra- Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花 nyi’s Roma Lake, making a great spot for no with his pork ravioli and prize-winning 园 (5208 6188) their beef rendang or green curry prawns. tiramisu. Excellent set menus (RMB588) and > Daily 11am-10pm; 6 Luodong Road, Luogezhuang extensive wine selection. Migas ¥ * Village, Houshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪镇罗各 > Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. Sheraton The boys at Migas have turned a concept 庄村罗各东路6号 (8049 8902, www.malaccalegend. Beijing Dongcheng, 36 Northeast Third Ring Road, bar into a thriving Mediterranean res- com) Dongcheng District 东城区北三环东路36号(5798 taurant, bar and party venue, and one of 8995) summer’s rooftop destinations. Cafe Sambal (Malaysian) > Daily 10am-3pm, 5pm- late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 When it comes to Malay-style food in a Cepe ¥ Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 hutong, nowhere does it better. Admittedly, In a city inundated with Italian offerings, 6层 (5208 6061) it’s something of a niche category, but then Cepe manages to stand out thanks to its ) so is the food on offer. The spicy Kapitan- attention to the smallest detail – everything style chicken is pricey, but worth it. from the vinaigrette to the Parma ham is Niajo ¥ * > Daily 11am-midnight. 43 Doufuchi Hutong (just import quality, and the wine is superb. Worlds away from the filth of nearby dirty east of Jiugulou Dajie), Xicheng 西城区豆腐池胡同43 > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. The Ritz- 号旧鼓楼大街往东走(6400 4875) Carlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Bar Street, Rumi dishes out plentiful help- ings of traditional Persian stews and tasty Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街 Flor de Loto 丽思卡顿酒店大堂 (6601 6666) kebabs. Try the juicy Chicken Shish kebab, the tastier cousin to cheap chuan’r. Sleek and chic Vietnamese restaurant – always draws a crowd. DIY fresh spring Isola Bar & Grill > Daily 11.30am-12am, Gongti Beilu and Third Ring rolls are a highlight. Worth the ride to Isola’s elegant design, even by Taikoo Li Road, Chaoyang 工体北路和三环内,兆龙饭店对面 Korea-town. North standards, is classic Italian panache – (8454 3838) > Daily 11am-10pm; 201, Europark Bldg A1(Cafe and so is the food. Beef carpaccio, burrata, Bene Building) Guangshun Nandajie, Wangjing, Strozzapreti (handed twisted pasta) are Pinotage ¥ (South African) * A seasonal blend of Dutch, English and Chaoyang 朝阳区望京园610号楼悠乐汇A座 201室 all fantastic, but just as good is a classic (6477 7387) Margherita pizza. regional African influences, this contem- > Daily, 11:30am-10:30pm, N3-47, 3/F, Building 3, porary and stylish eatery has an impressive selection of fine import-quality meats, and 4Corners (Vietnamese, Fusion) Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳 The definitive hutong bar/restaurant? Chef 区三里屯路11号院太古里北区N3-37和 47商铺 (www. wines to match. The traditional borewor ground beer-sausage (RMB100) is tender Jun Trinh took a break from his celebrity TV gaiagroup.com.hk/isola-beijing, reservations@isola- work to host this part-Vietnamese venue, beijing.com; 6416 3499) and sweet, while the red-wine pork ten- derloin makes the trip out to their Shunyi serving up steaming bowls of pho with Mercante ¥ * With homely Mediterranean influences and branch worth it. zesty, fresh rolls, as well as a great bar, with frequent live indie performances.

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 73 listings

> Tue-Sun 11am-2am, 27 Dashibei Hutong (near Korean bar with mixology credentials, the Whisky Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri /Sat 5pm-1am, B12 west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng 西城区大石碑胡 Sours and Smoky Havana’s are worth the Xinzhong Street 新中街乙12号 ( 6416-6887, www. 同27号烟袋斜街西口附近) (6401 7797) Ai Jiang Shan cost. greatleapbrewing.com) This upscale seafood restaurant proves that > Mon-Sat, 6pm-late, 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang Greyhound Café (Modern Thai/Fusion) chargrill and composure can go together. District 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯太古里北区N4-33 Heaven Supermarket Greyhound Café originated in Bangkok of- Their RMB58 bibimbap lunch is an absolute (6418 9898) A purgatory of bottles, bongs and bedrag- fering Thai food with a twist and served in bargain. gled English teachers, Heaven sells the a fashionable surrounds. Perfect for Taikoo > Daily 11am-10pm, Sat and Sun until 9.30pm. 5/F, Cu Ju cheapest alcoholic takeaways in town. You Li Sanlitun then. LG Twin Towers (East Tower), 12 Jianguomenwai Moroccan-inspired bistro, cocktail destina- can also hang around and appreciate the > Daily 11am-11pm, S1-30B, Building 1, Sanlitun Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街乙12号双子座 tion and sports fan’s manna all rolled into afterlife (clientele) if you want. Caveat: the Road 19, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号1号楼 S1-30B 大厦东塔5层 (51096036/6037) see online.thatsmags. one, Renaissance man Badr Benjelloun’s food is straight from Hell’s own kitchen. (6416 3439)> Additional branch in Shin Kong Place com for other locations hutong gem is constantly evolving. Offering > Daily 12pm-4am. 12 Xindong Lu (next to The (see online.thatsmags.com for details) North African food with an international James Joyce), Chaoyang District 朝阳区新东路16号 Saveurs de Coree cocktails, Beijing’s widest selection of rums (6415 6513) Purple Haze (Thai) This upmarket Korean bistro has undergone and sports broadcasts from basketball to Given Beijing’s lack of white sand beaches several changes in recent years, not least cricket, Cu Ju is truly one of the city’s best Hidden Lounge * and backpacker bars, Purple Haze has to its move away from the hipper-than-thou all-around bar-restaurants. Although frustrating to find, Hidden make do for the best Thai experience in confines of Nanluoguxiang. Fortunately, > 5-11pm, Sun-Tue, Thu; 5pm-late, Fri-Sat; closed Lounge rewards the intrepid with good art- town. Has all the classics like veggie spring the menu remains largely intact. The Shin Wed. 28 Xiguan Hutong (Hutong entrance is 300m work and comfortable seating, suggesting rolls (RMB40), papaya salad (RMB46) and Ramyun is among the best in Beijing, while north of subway line 5, Zhangzizhong Lu stop), a Kasbah, plus well-made drinks at great curries (RMB44-180) – but our pick’s the the Wagyu barbecued beef is almost too Dongcheng District 东城区细管胡同28号 6407 9782, prices (wine from RMB100 a bottle, mix seafood pad Thai (RMB45). good to be true. www.cujubeijing.com drinks from RMB25). You’ll probably have > Daily 11am-11pm, 55 Xingfu Yicun, Chaoyang 朝 > Daily noon-11pm. 128-1 Xiang’er Hutong, to call them to find it, though. 阳区幸福一村55号 (6413 0899) Dongcheng 东城区香饵胡同128-1号(5741 5753) Daily Routine 日常生活 > Daily 6pm-1am. Room 101, Bldg 8, CBD Apartments, This cozy bar is a diamond in the rough. Shuanghuayuan Nanli Erqu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区 Susu (Vietnamese) Vegetarian Owner Travis is a cocktail aficionado, and 双花园南里二区CBD公寓8号楼101屋 (8772 1613) The first step is finding it. Follow that up the drinks at this establishment change sea- with a dreamlike renovated courtyard, ex- Tianchu Maoxiang (Asian) sonally according to ingredient availability. Ichikura ¥ tensive wine list and a listing of top-notch Like many arrivals to Beijing, this place Light cafe fare is available during the day. One of the best-known ‘secrets’ in town, Vietnamese curries, banh mi sandwiches, started out in Wudaokou and it’s since > 11am-11pm. 34 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng this Japanese whisky bar tucked behind stews, soups and la Vong fish. made a successful migration to Chaoyang. District 东城区五道营胡同34号 8400 1159 a theater also offers terrific cocktails. > Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm; 10 Qianliang Hutong Great range of veggie fare, reasonably Although less expensive than several rivals, Xixiang, Dongcheng 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号 priced and they offer cooking classes as El Nido * you’ll want to indulge. (8400 2699) well. The first hutong hang-out to patent the > Daily 7pm-2am. 2/F Chaoyang Theater, 36 > Daily 10am-10pm 19 Rm 0260, 2/F, Bldg D, 朝阳区东三环 Japanese fridge-full-of-cheap-imports formula, El Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District Chaowai SOHO, 6B Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Nido inspires a loyal following, particularly 北路36号朝阳剧场南侧 (6507 1107) Chaoyang 朝阳门外大街乙6朝外SOHOD座2层0260 Hatsune ¥ * (California Japanese) in summer. The roast leg of mutton place (5900 1288) Additional location in Wudaokou (see The Irish Volunteer As much a California roll joint as true next door is one of the best locally. www.online.thatsmags.com for details) > Daily 6pm-late, 59 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng Everything – from the red-faced owner to Japanese, Hatsune is now an old favorite the grub – is authentically Irish: tinged with among the sake-swilling, sushi-swallowing District 东城区方家胡同50号(158 1038 2089) Veggie Table (Western, Asian) * alcoholism, doggerel and drunken regret. set, though less so among sashimi purists. Proving that Beijing-style vegetarian cuisine > Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm 2/F, Heqiao Bldg Enoterra A good place to down a pint and a pizza is by no means the exclusive preserve of Looking for an affordable glass of wine before heading into town, then. C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路甲8号 Buddhist monks and soppy Jack Johnson 和乔大厦C座2层 (6581 3939) >Additional locations with that date? Look no further than Nali > Daily 9pm-2am. 311 Jiangtai Lu (opposite Lido fans, this superbly honed eatery offers Patio’s wine center. Although the food Hotel East Gate), Chaoyang District 朝阳区将台路311 in Sanlitun Tai Koo Li South; Kerry Centre Mall (see some of the very best sandwiches – veg- www.online.thatsmags.com for details) leaves a bit to be desired, the selections are 号 (6438 5581) etarian or otherwise – found anywhere in vast, and if anything, you can enjoy a nice Inagiku * the city. cheese plate with that tart glass of vino. Jane’s & Hooch ¥ * > Daily 10.30am to 11.30pm (last order 10.30pm) 19 > Daily 10am-2am, 4/F Sanlutun Nali Patio, 81 Acclaimed by some foreign press as one This Beijing branch of one of Tokyo’s old- Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路81号那 of the best bars in the world (cough), this est and most celebrated restaurants is as 19号. (6446 2073) near to perfection as you’re likely to find. 里花园D405室 (5208 6076) not-so-plain Jane has been at the vanguard Deceptively simple yet finely crafted, the of the South Sanlitun gentrification. It handmade Inaniwa udon (RMB80) is not to bars First Floor serves RMB60-80 measures of your favorite be missed. First Floor is like that friend who’s too Prohibiotion-era hooches in a fanstastic > Daily 11am-3pm, 6-10.30pm; Rm 315, 3/F, Park Life, popular to properly enjoy their company. speakeasy atmosphere, with attentive staff Yintai Centre, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang TOP 40 BARS AND CLUBS At weekends, it gets aggressively full, with and unimpeachable cocktails. 朝阳区建国门外大街2号银泰中心悦生活3层315室 About This guide represents our regulars and the passing tourist trade all > Daily 8pm-2am, Courtyard 4 Gongti Beilu, 工体北路 (8517 2838) editors’ top 40 picks, and includes some baying at the bar. A good place to meet 4号院 ( 6503 2757) That’s Beijing advertisers. Bars rated(*) new friends, perhaps. Sake Manzo * // Daily, 4pm-late, Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang Jing-A Taproom ** have been personally reviewed by our District 朝阳区三里屯北小街 (6413 0587, first.floor- In just a few years, these guys developed experts, and scored according to the beijing.com) from shady guerrilla brewers to upstanding cuisine, experience and affordability. publicans with their own range of souvenir Fubar T-shirts. Their bar is a peach: a bricks-and- Slightly past its prime, this basement bar is mortar taproom, which is large, warm and BBC (Bottle, Boot & Cigar) trying to rediscover the speakeasy pretence sociable, and has up to 16 different beers The brainchild of local spirits professional that made the place its name. Live lounge on tap. Douglas Williams, this bar provides the music and a vast amount of pours are start- > Building B, 1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, discerning Beijing drinker with a peerless ing to persuade people it’s succeeding. Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 selection of liquor for sale, cocktails and > 6pm-2am Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-4am Friday coming soon, shoe shines, cigars and and Saturday. 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Maggie’s ¥ straight-razor shaves. Workers’ Stadium East Gate 朝阳区工体北路8号工人 A notorious sausage fest (we refer, of > 1pm-late. 1 Taipingzhuang Nanli (At Xingfucun, 体育场东门内 (6593 8227) course, to the hot-dog stand outside), between Frost: Coffee, Nails & Cocktails and Commix Maggie’s has been providing its special Bar), Chaoyang District 朝阳区太平庄南里1号 (1861 Glen ¥ comforts for so long, it’s practically a time- 405 7407, www.bbcbeijing.com) Experiences can vary at Glen (we’ve honored Beijing brand – although it’s also a endured poor service and drinks that are bastion of Mongolian culture. 8-Bit scandalous at the price), which is located in > Sun-Thur 8pm-4am, Fri-Sat 8pm-5am, Ritan Park Drinking alongside multiplayer retro gam- a decidedly downbeat compound. But whis- South Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛公园南 ing – why didn’t anyone do this sooner? ky lovers have been known to swear by its 门 (8562 8142) The barmen here are serious about their Megadrive, Super Nintendo, N64... some selections and dark, intimate atmosphere. sake. Boasting one of the best stocked real gems make up an ever-growing col- See for yourself. Mai Bar * drinks cabinets in town with over 60 dif- lection. Draft Kirin goes for a reasonable > 6.30pm-2am. 203, 2/F, Taiyue Suites Hotel Beijing, Understated hutong hideaway with a long ferent sakes on offer, this super-cool little RMB25 a glass. 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区南三里屯 list of some of the best cocktails in town. eatery is the perfect place to unwind after > Daily, 1pm-2am, 49 Jiaodaokou Nandajie, 路16号泰悦豪庭2楼203室 (6591 1191) > Daily 5pm-late, 40 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城 a hard day’s toil. The sashimi is fresh to the Dongcheng District 东城区交道口南大街49号 (159 区北锣鼓巷40号 (6406 1871) cut, and the beer-marinated chicken is out 1025 6538)) Glen Classic ¥ of this world. One of the very best and least Tucked away in the grounds of Face hotel, Mao Mao Chong ** appreciated restaurants in town. The Brick Glen Classic is a Japanese-owned whisky The cocktails at Mao’s – such as their > Daily 6pm-midnight. 7A Tuanjiehu Beisantiao, A Cheers-style atmosphere ensures you’ll bar where discerning drinkers can sink sublime ‘Mala’ Mule, a Sichuan peppercorn- Chaoyang 朝阳区团结湖北三条甲7号(6436 1608) find this neighbourhood drinking hole-in- into an arm-chair, glass in hand, and while infused vodka drink that’s a long way from the brick-wall faux dive bar either cliquey away the hours. Huge range of whiskies Hyoki ¥ (Japanese) Moscow – are unique infusions using or inclusive. The heavy-duty cocktails and rums are personally selected by expert Hidden away in the depths of the Sofitel local ingredients and know-how. Grungey (including the devastatingly boozy RMB80 owner Daiki Kanetaka – let him recommend Hotel, this labyrinthine Japanese restaurant without being grimey, Mao’s eschews flash Terminator) are probably needed for the you something special. of all private dining rooms has some while still keeping it real. And those pizzas. bizarre Wednesday pub quiz. > Mon-Sat, 7pm-2am, reservation required, > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng stunning food, and is the only place to > Daily 4pm-late. Unit 2-11, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 minimum spend RMB200, Face Hotel Courtyard, 26 District 东城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 (6405 5718, sample traditional Japanese paper hot pot Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Dongcaoyuan, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体南路东草 www.maomaochongbeijing.com) in Beijing. Chaoyang District 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院园26号 (6551 6788) > 6F Sofitel Wanda Beijing 100022 93 Jianguo Road, 天之骄子2号楼底商2-11 (134 2616 6677) Mesh ¥ Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号索菲特万达北京酒店6 Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒 ¥ * 层 (6581 0072) Whether it’s an early evening cocktail or a Capital Spirits The bar that began the whole Beijing mi- A team of non-China natives doing a baijiu late-night infusion, Mesh’s moody interior Sushi Yotsuba ** crobrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes and underground soundtrack draws the bar? Brave and, luckily, brilliant. Lovely in idiosyncratic, local-style brews (RMB25- It doesn’t come cheap (tasting menu hutong setting, friendly owners and great bright young things (and on LGBT Thurs- RMB1,000), but what would you expect 40) with intriguing flavors – their Sichuan days, quite a few old things, too). bottle collection. peppercorn ale was memorably good. from some of the best sushi in town? > Tue-Sun 8pm-late; 3 Da Ju Hutong, Dongcheng 东 > Daily 5pm-1am. Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Buttery and meaty fatty tuna sashimi is a Reservations used to be recommended Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼 (6417 城区大菊胡同3号 (010 6409 3319; www.capitalspirits. for their original hutong brewhouse, but cut above. com) 6688) > Dongcheng: Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm. 10 Qianliang the opening of a wildly popular new pub on Xinzhong Lu has shifted most drinkers Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng 东城区钱粮胡同西巷 CICADA Ultralounge ¥ Parlor 10号 (8400 2699) > Lido branch: 2F, No.9-3, Jiangtai there instead. Learn a few quotes from Gatsby before The latest – and perhaps only – ultralounge > Gulou: 5pm-late, Tue-Fri, 2pm-late Sat-Sun 2-10pm, Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路9-3号2层 (8420 0998) in Beijing is fast becoming one of Sanlitun’s heading to this 20s Shanghai-style speak- 6 DouJiao Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区豆角 easy and you’ll fit right in. trendiest bars. A Shanghai style lounge 胡同6号 (5717 1399) >Sanlitun: Daily 11:30am-2pm;

74 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com listings

> Daily 6pm-2am, 39-8 Xingfuercun, Chaoyang 朝阳区 well-grafittied walls, Mao leans on every shopping at neighboring Indigo. Russians and jailbait students – helping Vics 新东路幸福二村39-8 (8444 4135) Hollywood rock club cliché without feeling > Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am, 1/F, EAST to become one of the most infamous clubs scripted. Besides boasting the worst bar in Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥22 in the capital. Revolution * town, Mao delivers with great sound and 号北京东隅酒店一层 (8414 9810, www.xian-bar.com) > Daily 8:30pm late, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Sanlitun doesnt really do hipster bars but the best billings of heavy metal, punk hit- Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (5293 if it did, this cramped ode to Maomorabilia ting this side of the Drum Tower. Sports Bars 0333) would be it. The East may be red but their > 111 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区 cocktails (RMB45) are fit for a Chairman. 鼓楼东大街111号(6402 5080, www.maolive.com) The Den > Daily, 12pm-late, west of Yashow, Gongti Bei Lu, 朝 At the opposite end of the 24-hour drink- GALLERY 阳区工体北路雅秀市场西侧 (6415 8776) The Post Mountain 后山 ing spectrum from Centro, The Den is a Built into a man-made hill in the center of seedy sports joint that starts off sedate and 798 Art District Picks Salud 老伍 * the MOMA Complex, this new addition to grows steadily sadder as night turns to day. Galleria Continua * A Nanluoguxiang institution, with every- Beijing’s growing livehouse empire is The It can get rough and ready come dawn. In the often-insular 798, Galleria Continua thing from cheap beer to (loud) live music Hobbit meets Manhattan. With as much Solid (cheap) menu, good location and is the international gallery. Their ware- and low beams. The rum infusions are a vibe as a sterile modern-art gallery. Its those opening times earn it a place. house space is a forum for high-caliber art- particular favorite on cold nights. Latest imported sound system and ramped floor > Open 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang ists from nearly every continent, including branch in WDK a welcome addition to sur- makes for decent sound and sightlines. District 朝阳区工体东路4号城市宾馆正门旁边 > Bldg T8, MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, several of China’s artistic nobility. rouding student dives. > Free. Tues-Sun 11am-6pm. 798 Art District, 2 > NLGX: Mon-Fri 3pm-late, Sat-Sun noon-late. 66 Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng District (next to The Local * Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路2 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District 东城区南锣鼓巷 MOMA Cinemateque) 东城区东直门外香河园路1号 Formerly Brussels, this beery bar has come 号798大山子艺术区 (5978 9505, www.galleriacon- 66号 (6402 5086) 当代MOMA园区T8楼北百老汇电影中心北侧 (8400 into its own, with large (yet strangely 4774) unobtrusive) screenings of sports and tinua.com) > Wudaokou: 2/F, Qijixin Building, Zhanchunyuan political events, a pub quiz, quality fare and Long March Space Xilu 展春园西路奇蓟鑫大厦南侧2层 School Bar 学校酒吧 * a nice selection of draughts and cocktails. Founder and curator, Lu Jie abides by Crap drinks and regular, unscheduled Try the Bourbon Street Ice Tea – you won’t exacting standards from both the 20-odd Slow Boat Brewery Taproom ** fights: no wonder the cool kids adore this need another. This popular microbrewery has its own alternative livehouse/ DJ bar, founded by > Daily 11-2am. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 Chinese artists he represents and the pub hidden away in Dongcheng’s hutongs. Beijing and Shanghai rock n’ rollers. 体北路4号院 (6591 9525) overall design of his topical and uncompro- Quality ales that change depending on > Daily 8pm-late. 53 Wudaoying Hutong, Chaoyang mising exhibitions. International clout was the season, heated floors and a great little District 朝阳区五道营胡同53号 (6402 8881, 6406 Paddy O’Shea’s * inevitable. kitchen round out the deal. 9947) Founder Karl Long airlifted an entire Irish- > Free. Tues-Sun 11am-7pm. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, > Mon Closed, Tues-Wed: 5pm-midnight, Thu 5pm- themed pub, including residents, from Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区 1am, Fri 5pm-late, Sat 2pm-late, Sun 2-10pm; 56 Temple 坛 * a council estate in Limerick and gently (5978 9768, www.longmarchspace.com) Dongsi Batiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四八条56号 Probably the manliest venue in town, this deposited it in central Beijing. With plenty Pace Beijing (6538 5537) dimly lit and unventilated space is owned going on, including pub quiz and sports, by rockers (Gao Xu, Gao Jian and Clement With locations in New York, London and no one seems to have noticed. Beijing hosting the likes of Zhang Xi- The Tree Burger) and known for late sets of hard > Dongzhimen: Daily 10am-late, 28 Dongzhimenwai A cozy stalwart of the Beijing bar scene, rock, punk and ska, with weekend gigs Dajie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东直门外大街28号 aogang, Yue Minjun, Robert Rauschenberg, you’ll find wood-fired comfort pizza, beer and DJ sets every fortnight. It offers a long (6592 6290) > Sanlitun: 2/F, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith and Sol LeWitt, aplenty and a hearty, mature atmosphere. drinks menu, with plenty of cheap pastis Back Street 三里屯北路43号同里二层 (6415 0299) Pace inhabits Bauhaus-style buildings 798 is Has two neighborhood offshoots: By the and shooters, but you’ll probably stick to idealized for. Go there! Tree (brickwork, pool, old man’s pub) and the RMB15 draught. V Sports > Free. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm.798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号 Nearby the Tree (live music, two floors). > Daily, 7pm-late. Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Spacious, comfortable, huge screens and 大山子艺术区 (5978 9781, www.pacegallery.com) > Daily noon-2am. 100m west of Sanlitun Bar Street, Dongcheng District 坛东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼 no rowdy drunken cretins, V Sports makes Youyi Youth Hostel, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里 202 (131 6107 0713) a claim for the champion of Beijing sports Space Station 屯酒吧街往西100米友谊旅馆后面三里屯医院东面 bars. XP 小萍 * (6415 1954) > Daily 5:30pm-6am, Gongti North Gate East side, Not often shown in 789’s sea of elites, From the ashes of Beijing’s now-legendary Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北门内东侧 (5293 0333) Space Station presents a younger genera- D-22, rises the brave new experimental tion of domestic artists. Exhibitions tend to 10 Best Livehouses club XP. Operated and owned by former Nightclubs have a good curatorial understanding of D-22 main man (and noted economist) space and high-quality 2D work. 2 Kolegas 两个好朋友酒吧 * Michael Pettis, XP is more avant-garde > Free, Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. 4 Jiuxianqiao Rd798 Art Call it what you will: Dos Kolegas. Fire trap. The Bar at Migas * than its previous incarnation. Expect sonic A place to dance and prowl, perhaps, rather District, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术 That place by the drive-through. But there’s projections, drone-core jazz and the latest 区中一街 (5978 9671) no denying that this artsy alternative than a drinks destination, TBAM, as no one in cutting-edge Beijing sound. calls it, focuses on upscale local DJs to get venue has its fingers on an eclectic musical Tang Contemporary Art > 1pm-late, closed Monday, 2 Silouxiang (just south the party started. Good-enough cocktails pulse. In summer, it really comes alive with Stressing cutting-edge exhibition installa- of Gulou Xidajie, Xicheng District. 西城区地安门内大 range from RM55-70 but mostly it’s about barbecue pits, all-day parties and a whole 街四楼巷 (6406 9947) tion and curatorial theory. With locations the music, man. lotta love. in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing, Tang > Sunday to Wednesday 6pm-2am, Thursday to Friday > Daily 8pm-2am. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (inside the 杂家 Zajia Lab 6pm-late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang focuses on promoting artistic exchange drive-in movie theater park), Chaoyang District 朝阳 A Daoist Temple is exactly where you’d District 朝阳区三里屯路81号 (5208-6061) throughout East Asia. 区亮马桥路21号 (6436 8998,www.2kolegas.com) expect an Italian Sinologist to open a venue > Free. Tues-Sun 10.30am-6pm. 798 Factory, 2 – big on film screenings, A/V projects, Chocolate Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区大山子酒 Dusk Dawn Club (DDC) 黄昏黎明俱乐部仙桥路工厂号入口前行米 avant-garde puppetry and choice but ob- It’s impossible to discuss Chocolate without 798 2 300 (5978 9610, www. Great little livehouse near Meishuguan atngcontemporary.com) scure live music for the adventurous. mentioning gold leaf, dwarves, cabaret with a focus on jazz, folk and indie rock. > Hong En Daoist Temple, Doufuchi Hutong, dancers and oddly-friendly Russian women. Craft beer and whisky means you won’t get Ullens Center for Contemporary Art Dongcheng District 东城区旧鼓楼大街豆腐池胡同宏 Timed right, a visit can be raucous fun, with bored of the drinks list quickly. 恩观前殿 (156 0112 2252, 8404 9141, www.zajia.cc) Filling the largest factory space in 798 with bottles of spirits from around RMB200, > Tue-Sun 1pm-2am; 14 Shanlao Hutong, Chinese and international art, the UCCA has cocktails under RMB50 (including the Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号 (6407 Yugong Yishan 愚公移山 * the curatorial power and financial backing 8969) We’ve lost more body weight than we’d absinthe-based Flaming Armageddon) and to put together some of Beijing’s most care to remember in YY’s mosh pit. Fortu- regular floor shows. impressive exhibitions. Hot Cat Club 热力猫 > Daily 7pm-6am. 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝 > RMB10, free Thursdays. Tues-Sun 10am-7pm. 798 nately, almost all the acts – usually hip-hop 阳区日坛北路19号 (8561 3988) A true stalwart of the Beijing scene, Hot DJs, emo rocks and obscure indie outfits Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝 Cat is the type of hard-working venue that from across the globe – were worth it. The 阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区 (5780 0200, www.ucca. helps cement a city’s music scene. From Dada * org.cn) upstairs bar area is a refuge from the sweat It hasn’t been on the Beijing scene for Afro Funk to Math Rock to painful open-mic glands below. nights, this everyman’s club breeds good too long, but already Dada is the hippest Caochangdi Art Village > Daily 7pm-late. 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu (100m west hangout in town. Their cosy Gulou confines vibes. Decent drinks, lots of loungy seats of Zhangzizhong Lu subway station), Dongcheng under rock house Temple offer an intimate and plenty of space. District 东城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711 Platform China * > Daily 10am-late, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of place to nod along to an eclectic range of Platform China has a Gallery A & B, one di- Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng District 东城区方家胡同 Hotel Bars all things electro from the best names on rectly across from the other, about equal in 46号(6400 7868). the underground scene. size and each devoted to the promotion of Atmosphere ¥¥ > Daily, 9pm-late, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong experimental creation, from sound installa- Jianghu 江湖酒吧 Beijing’s highest bar, on the 80th floor of Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B tion to performative, 3D and 2D art. 栋101室 (183 1108 0818) This former Qing Dynasty courtyard home the 1,082-ft China World Tower, offers 300+ > Free. Tues-Sun 11am-6pm. No. 319-1, East End Art is exactly where you’d take that friend from swanky cocktails from RMB65 with 360-de- Zone A, Caochangdi Village, Chaoyang District 朝阳 Lantern * 区草场地村319-1艺术东区A区内(6432 0091, www. out of town to prove you’re cool. Its cozy gree views of the 700AQI PM2.5. atmosphere is also its downfall – any show Founded by now-defunct Acupuncture platformchina.org) > Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat and Sun noon-4am. 80/F, Records, Lantern is a beacon of light in the with under 40 people and you’re stuck China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, ShanghART Beijing looking through the windows. Hip and Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国门外大街1号北京国贸大 strip of truly ghastly nightclubs and bars Originating in 2007 in Shanghai, this casually familiar, the jazz and folk bookings 酒店80 (6505 2299 ext. 6433) known as ‘Gongti.’ Serious about its music, institution skyrocketed as a major exhibitor keep things low-key enough for the get- it also makes good drinks and attracts of Chinese photographic and digital media home-for-the-babysitter crowd. Centro ¥ international electronica DJs. > Thurs-Sat 9pm-6.30am. 100m north of Worker’s art. Now representing over 40 artists with > 7 Dongmianhua Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Although it’s no longer quite the go-to Stadium West Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工人体 Dongcheng District 东城区交道口南大街东棉花胡 place for beautiful people it once was, Cen- five Asian locations, ShanghART is an inter- 育场西门向北100米 (139 119 77989) 同7号 (6401 5269, site.douban.com/jianghujiubar, tro still draws a cute crowd with its nightly national festival regular. [email protected]) jazz performaces, spacious and recently > Free. Tues-Sun 11am-6pm. 261 Caochangdi, MIX renovated lounge areas and classic drinks Chaoyang District 朝阳区草场地261号 (6432 3202, A bit like a trip to the Forbidden City, Mix www.shanghartgallery.com) Mako Live 麻雀瓦舍 like the blue-cheese martini. is one of those places in Beijing you have Nestled in the old Beijing Jeep plant, this > Open 24 hours. 1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Three Shadows Photography Art Centre former warehouse plays host to a Silk Road Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里大饭店 to experience before you leave. Not much smorgasbord of musical encounters from 1层 (6561 8833) is forbidden in this underground hip-hop Elegantly utilitarian in design, the V-shaped western China and the ‘Stans. Forget the disco palace and if you don’t leave with gallery is an ideal venue to accommodate overpriced bar and come for the killer China Bar ¥¥ hook-up in tow then you’re doing some- all sizes and forms of photography. The sound, comfortable wraparound balcony Top views from the 65th floor and flash thing very wrong. courtyard also hosts lavish openings, and five-meter replica of Optimus Prime, drinks are the attractions on offer at this > Daily 8pm-6am, Inside Worker’s Stadium North screenings and concerts. Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 followed by a hearty meal at the Xinjiang hip hotel bar. > Free, Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. 115A Caochangdi, 6506 9888, 6530 2889, 150 1138 2219, mixclub@ Chaoyang District 朝阳区草场地155号 (6431 9693, restaurant upstairs. > Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. 65/F, Park sohu.com www.threeshadows.cn) > Hongdian Art Factory, 36 Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国门外大街2号柏悦酒店65层 (8567 1838/40) District 朝阳区广渠路36号红点艺术工厂院内(5205 Vics 1113, www.mako001.com) Chambers Fine Art Beijing Xian ¥ Separated at birth from its identical twin With its compeer gallery in New York, MAO Livehouse 光芒 * This enlongated bar space makes a nice brother, Mix, this is the definition of Gongti Chambers is a matriarch with extensive From the denim-jacketed doorman to the spot for refreshment after a day spent sweatbox meat-market chic at its very roots in the local-studio scene that allows finest. The Chinese love it – as do moody

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 75 listings

Big Apple headhunters to cull next genera- JM Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic Cycle China provides organized cycling and tion avant-garde and provide a stepping A top cosmetic & plastic surgery clinic with hiking tours in and aroundBeijing as well stone to international recognition. over 18 years of experience in Beijing. as longer tours throughout China. Some > Free. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Red No.1-D, Caochangdi, They provide a full range of surgical and of their more popular tours take cyclists Chaoyang District 朝阳区草场地红一号D座 (5127 non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Their through the Olympic Green, Tian’anmen 3298, www.chambersfineart.com) standard for service is focused on maintain- Square, and Beijing’s traditional hutongs. ing the best technologies in the field of >12 Jingshan East Street, Dongcheng District 东城区 White Space Beijing cosmetic surgery and achieving beautiful 景山东街12号 (6402 5653 Mobile: 13911886524, re There are no restricting on the art this gal- results safely. lery supports, leading to some of the area’s > Building C-D, Dawang Building, 12 Xi Dawang Lu, more perplexing exhibitions. Always fun Chaoyang 朝阳区西大望路12号大望写字楼C-D座 (400 DENTAL and on the pulse of vitality, though empiri- 0989 809, 138 1088 7442, www.jingmeihui.cn) cal value is pushed to an extreme. Arrail Dental > Free. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. 255 Caochangdi, Airport Alona Pilates Studio Affiliated with the University of Pennsyl- Service Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区机场辅路草场 Pairing up traditional Pilates with an in- vania, Arrail Dental has access to top-class 地255号(8456 2054, www.whitespace-beijing.com) novative, full-body workout, Alona Pilates equipment. Its well-trained staff, multiple offers classes designed to tone and whip locations across town and excellent facili- Citywide Picks you into shape fast. It also provides a ties make it one of the best dental provid- personalized experience for all its students, ers in Beijing. English-speaking staff. Dental Arrow Factory regardless of fitness, strength and services including examinations, whitening, This space is one of a kind in Beijing, an flexibility levels. root-canal treatment, orthodontics and independently run alternative space in the > Daily, 7.30, late. 5/F at Heavenly Spa by Westin, 1 implants. hutong of Beijing’s center. Showing young, Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District > 1) Rm 201, the Exchange-Beijing, 118B Jianguo Lu, experimental artists, Arrow only takes Chaoyang District朝阳区建国路乙118号国贸桥东南 up about 15sqm and is viewable 24/7. As 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀酒店五层 ( 139 1029 0260, 角京汇大厦201室 (6567 5670); 2) Rm 208, Tower A, www.alonapilates.com) a backlash against artists being pushed CITIC Building, 19 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang outside the city limits, this space tries to District朝阳区建国门外大街19号国际大厦A座208室 Broadwell International Tennis Academy (6500 6473); 3) Rm 308, Tower A, Raycom Info Tech reinstall art inside an urban setting so Located inside Chaoyang Park’s Tennis everyday experience and creativity remain Park 2 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District海淀区中关 Center, this indoor club boasts a complete 村科学院南路2号融科资讯中心A座308室 (8286 1956); intertwined. state-of-the-art air-supported structure for 4) Rm 101, Bldg 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo > Free. Everyday 24hours. 38 Jianchang Hutong, Lu, Chaoyang District朝阳区建国路89号华贸中心公 Dongcheng District 东城区箭厂胡同38号 (www.ar- all-weather year-round indoor tennis, with 寓16号楼101室 (8588 8550/60/70); 5) 1/F, Somerset rowfactory.org.cn) an advanced lighting system and controlled climate. Ideal for peeps looking to perfect Fortune Garden, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang their service and batting a few balls. District朝阳区亮马桥路46号燕莎东侧盛捷福景苑1层 CAFA Museum (8440 1926) Attached to the northeast corner of the > Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农南路 Central Academy of Fine Art, architect Arata 1号朝阳公园网球中心(4006406800/ 65958885,www. The salon is a cut above, thanks to skills of broadwell.cn1) United Family Shunyi Dental Clinic Isozaki built a slate-rock shell to house the The Beijing United Family Dental Clinic in experienced French stylist Laurent Falcon. Guys/girls. Blow-dry, up-dos, highlights, museum’s 13,000+ collection of modern Lily Nails Shunyi is a satellite of the main hospital to contemporary art. Opened in 2008, in Lido (which has its own dental clinic coloring available. L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, A long-time favorite among locals and KeraSraight, Inoa. RMB165-980 women, exhibitions range from Chinese Modern expats alike, Lily Nails is much more than a onsite). A comprehensive range of services masterworks to current avant-garde are at hand, including restorative dentistry RMB115-468 men. nail spa; they have a variety of pampering > 209 2and floor, zoon3 China World Trade Centre experimental. treatments and waxing services too. and cosmetic dentistry. Call ahead for all > RMB10. Tues-Sun 9am-5.30pm. No. 8 Huajiadi Nan Shopping Mall. 国贸商城区域3 二楼 209. (8535 1002, > Daily, 10am-10pm. 1) 2 Ginza Mall, 48 appointments. Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区花家地南街8号中央美术 131 4667 9913). 43 Sanlitun Beijie Nan,Chaoyang. Dongzhimenwai Dajie (southeast of Dongzhimen > 818 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate 学院美术馆 (6528 2022, www.cafamuseum.org) 三里屯北街南43号楼 (135 0137 2971) Bridge), Dongcheng District东城区东直门外大街48号 Development Zone, Shunyi District北京和睦家医院牙东方银座2楼(东直门桥东南侧) (8447 7178); 2) Shop 科诊所, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818 (8046 1102) Today Art Museum * 2049, 2/F, 3.3 Shopping Center, 33 Sanlitun Beijie, SPA & MASSAGE As China’s first non-profit, non-governmen- Chaoyang District朝阳区三里屯北街33号3.3大厦2层 SDM Dental 固瑞齿科 tal art museum, this institution embodies 2049号 ( 5136 5829, 136 8148 3308) The full spectrum of dentistry. Services Angel Hands Massage Center the country’s 20th-century leap to develop include teeth cleaning, root-canal treat- academic and progressive exhibitions. Sport ment, porcelain crowns, dental implants, Opened in 2002, Chinese superstars and orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, fillings, university prospects all get wall space here. Yihe 42° Hot Yoga pediatric dentistry, extraction, teeth-whit- > RMB10. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Building 4, Pingod ening and veneers. Credit cards accepted. Community, No.32 Baiziwan Road, Chaoyang District > www.sdmdental.com**Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. CBD/ 朝阳区百子湾路32号苹果社区4号楼今日美术馆 (5876 Guomao>2/F,NB210, China World Shopping Mall, 0600, www.todayartmuseum.com) 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie建外大街1号国贸商城地下2 层 Tel:6505-9439/31/93**Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.Olympic Independent cinemas Area>F-0186B Sunshine Plaza, 68 Anli Lu(east of Sunshine Plaza)亚运村安立路68号阳光广场东侧 . Broadway Cinematheque MOMA * Tel: 6497-2173,6498-2173**Mon-Sun 10am-19pm. Opened in 2009, this arthouse film venue Shunyi>LB07-08, No.99 Euro Plaza, YuXiang Road.北 boasts the largest screens for independent 京顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场LB07-08号.Tel: cinema in Beijing. It has three theaters with 8046-6084**Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. Sanyuanqiao>FC222, a total of 400 seats and a 300-sqm cafe- 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liang Maqiao Lu亮马桥40号 bookstore, aptly named Kubrick. 21世纪饭店2层 Tel: 6466-4814, 6461-2745**Mon- > RMB30-120. Mon-Sun 11am-10pm. F3, Building Fri 9am-8pm.Haidian>4076B, 4/F, New Yansha T4, The North Area, MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, Mall, Yuanda Lu远大路金源燕莎购物中心Mall4层 Dongcheng District 东城区东直门香河园路1号当 4076B Tel:8859-6912/13**Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm Guomao>Rm 5, 3/F, North Tower, China Overseas 代Moma北区T4座 (8438 8258 ext. 8008, www.bc- Let us release your stress and make you cinema.cn) Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli. 北京朝阳区光华东里8号中海广场北楼3层05号.Tel: 5977-2488 smile wherever you go... Aroma Soothes Therapy Massage, Rose Oil (RMB 280/min); Instituto Cervantes 3 locations in Beijing: the best Yoga for Aroma Relaxation Massage; Aroma Lomi Showing popular independent films from Beginners! No previous experience Lomi; Deep Relaxation Massage; Happy Latin American Directors monthly, the necessary - and if your body is a bit stiff – HAIR SALONS Hour at weekend, all services are 20% off. Instituto Cervantes is a forum of Spanish- that’s okay! Yihe knows it can be a little Catherine de France Our masseuses will know how to pamper speaking culture that also hosts public art intimidating to begin your journey into you and attend to your every need. exhibitions and lectures. They even have a Yoga, so they are available to answer any > Room 1801, Building 2, JianwaiSOHO, video library! questions you may have. It’s a great workout for the body and calming for the CBDGuomao, Chaoyang 朝阳区国贸建外SOHO2号楼 > Prices vary. Daily 7am-10pm.1A Gongti Nanlu, 1801 (138 1182 1008) Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体南路甲1号 (5879 9666, mind. Call them today on (5905 6067, 8405 9996, 8599 7395) www.pekin.cervantes.es) Oriental Taipan Massage & Spa > Daily, 10am-8pm. 1) 3/F, No. 2 South Building, Blue Since 2002, Oriental Taipan has been pam- Bookstores Castle, Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District朝阳区大望路 pering Beijing’s finest in their small chain 蓝堡国际中心南写字楼2座3层 (8599 7395/96, www. of contemporary spas. Calming flower The Bookworm * yh42.com); 2) 3/F, Bldg. 14, Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang This glass cube looks over Sanlitun Village, aromas, Zen music, and trickling feng shui Gongyuan Xilu Chaoyang District朝阳区朝阳公园西 fountains create a soothing atmosphere in providing a cozy atmosphere for browsing 路6号,蓝色港湾14号,三层 (5905 6067/77, www.yh42. each of their locations, while a long list of bibliophiles. The Western bookstore, li- com) ; 3) 3/FA Shimao Plaza 13 Gongti Beilu Chaoy- brary, film house, bar, bistro-cafe and event ang District朝阳工体北路新中西里13号巨石大厦3FA treatments from around the world cater to space always has a cultured evening on its [email protected] or [email protected]) all pampering needs. > Daily, 12am-midnight. Sunjoy Mansion, 6 Ritan Lu, shelves for both adults and kids. Heyrobics Chaoyang District朝阳区日坛路6号 (400 001 0202, > Daily 9am-2am. Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, “Sweat like a Swede!” they say with www.taipan.com.cn) Chaoyang District, Beijing 三里屯南街4号楼 (6586 annoyingly smug grin and toned abs. 9507, www.beijingbookworm.com) The only fitness craze worth following in Dragonﬂy Therapeutic Retreat Awarded best expat salon in 2014, with Beijing, Heyrobics is all about a punish- Created as a contemporary urban retreat, Page One a trained team of international and local ing full-body workout set to pumping Dragonfly is an oasis of peace and tranquil- The go-to shop for new releases and special stylists, colorists and beauticians, this beats – not forgetting the fluores- ity in the midst of the hectic city. requests. With sister venues in Hong Kong, salon welcomes all ages and budgets in cent spandex. Differing classes for all > Daily, 10am-late. 1)60 Donghuamen Dajie (near Taiwan and Singapore, and two locations in a modern and relaxed atmosphere for a The Peninsula Hotel and Oriental Plaza) Dongcheng Beijing, its network allows for fresh authors abilities, check online for the full schedule. > www.heyrobics.com, [email protected] wide range of hair and beauty treatments, District东城区东华门大街60号(近王府饭店和东方 whilst upholding an extensive collection including manicures, pedicures & waxing. 广场) (6527 9368, www.dragonfly.net.cn); 2) 1/F of titles. California Fitness Beijing Club Wella, SP, INOA, TIGI. Eastern Inn, Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District朝 > Daily 10am-9pm. Shop 3B 201, Zone 3 China World California Fitness Beijing’s Group X program > EAST AVENUE BLD Ground Floor, No.10 Xindong Lu, 阳区南三里屯路逸羽酒店一层 (6593 6066); 3) Grand Mall, No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang is among the best in the region, and with Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路10号逸盛阁首层 Summit Plaza, 19 Dongfang Donglu (100m north District 朝阳区国贸商城三期地下二层3B201 (8535 membership you have access to over 150 Salon: 0086 10 84425120, Mobile: 0086 13521473492 of Lufthansa Center), Chaoyang District朝阳区燕莎 1055, www.pageonegroup.com) weekly Group X classes and a team of E-mail: [email protected] 桥东方东路19号外交会所1层(燕莎中心路北100米) Page One Indigo. Shop LG50, INDIGO, 18 Jiuxianqiao professional personal trainers in Asia. Your Wechat: CDFSalon; Web: www.catherinedefrance. (8532 3122) Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港商业 membership also includes free towel usage com 中心B1楼50号(8426 0408, www.pageonegroup.com) and a fitness assessment. Laurent Falcon >South Tower, L4, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District HEALTH SERVICES 4008-100-988 www,californiafitness.com BEAUTY & FITNESS Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital Cycle China Inc. 北京非常之旅 With a zero waiting-time policy, top-quality

76 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com listings inpatient facilities, home visits, night ser- 6618. Email: [email protected]. Website: www. 北京乐成国际学校 Springboard International Bilingual School vices and transportation assistance, Amcare vista-china.net Located in Beijing’s Central Business is a place where children, staff and parents provides a trustworthy experience. English- District, Beijing City International School work in partnership to enable all their speaking services include pediatrics, OASIS International Hospital (BCIS) lives by its motto: “Empowering students to realize their full potential. They gynecology and obstetrics. OASIS International Hospital specializes in and Inspiring through Challenge and are offering a stimulating and full inter- > 9 Fangyuan XiLu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区芳园西 serving the expatriate community with the Compassion.” This non-profit, independent national curriculum as well as an exciting 路9号 (6434 2399, 24hr hotline 800 610 6200, www. latest world-class technology and a broad co-educational day school offers an inter- after school program, which will include amcare.com.cn) range of services, all in a pristine facility de- national curriculum under the International Kung Fu, calligraphy, health and fitness and signed to provide patients with the utmost Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and football. Beijing International Medical Center comfort, care and privacy. is authorized to teach all three IB programs > 15 Gucheng Duan, Huosha Lu, Houshayu Town, (IMC) > Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 8.30am- (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙路古城段15号 Established in 1993, the International Medi- 12.30pm; 24 Hour Emergency Bldg C1, 9 Jiuxianqiao Programme). (www.sibs.com.cn, [email protected]; 8049 2450) Beilu Chaoyang District朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号C1栋 cal Center-Beijing counts on an expert team > 77 Baiziwan Nan’er Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区 (400 876 2747, 5985-0333, www.oasishealth.cn) of foreign doctors, offering a wide range of 百子湾南二路77号 (8771 7171 www.bcis.cn) Western Academy of Beijing medical services, including family medicine, 京西国际学校 psychological services, dental, ob/gyn, EDUCATION The International Montessori School of The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is pediatrics and TCM. Drop-in services for Beijing 北京蒙台梭利国际学校 a creative and innovative IB World School built upon a solid foundation of core travelers; x-rays and ultrasounds are also MBA & EMBA Schools Founded in 1990, MSB is Beijing’s first fully available. English, Farsi, Japanese, Chinese, registered international Montessori school. values and our mission to Connect, Inspire, Arabic and Russian spoken. Challenge; Make a Difference. Our students BBA at BFSU-SolBridge The school also boasts an unsurpassed dual > 24hours. Room S106/111 Lufthansa Center, 50 Mandarin/English program geared towards exemplify these values through their aware- 北京外国语大学国际商学院 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang District朝阳区亮马桥路 helping students achieve fluency in either ness of the world around them, service to > 19 Xisanhuan Beilu, Haidian District, 海淀区西三 50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S106 (6465 1561/2/3, 6465 language from an early age. Curriculum others, can-do spirit and commitment to 1384/28, www.imclinics.com) 环北路19号 (solbridge.bfsu.edu.cn, 8881 6563/8881 excellence. WAB graduates are accepted 6763/8881 8537) aside, MSB boasts spacious classrooms, a high teacher-student ratio and impres- into world-class colleges and universities Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric across the globe. LEMBA sive staff longevity. Tuition: RMB98,000 Clinic - RMB177,000/year. > 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Chao Yang District > Shunyi, K-01, Building No.19, Harmony Business The Leadership EMBA from the University > Bldg 8, 2A, Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区来广营东路10号(5986 5588) Centre, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Town 天竺镇丽苑街荣 of Maryland 朝阳区香江北路甲2号院8号楼 6432 8228 ext. 800, 和商业中心19号楼K-01 (6456-2599; harmonypeds@ Robert H. Smith School of Business is a http:>www.msb.edu.cn, [email protected] Yew Chung International School ncich.com.cn, www.ncich.com.cn) unique learning experience in Beijing. The 耀中国际学校 program offers world class executive and Beijing World Youth Academy > Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang Beijing Passion International Medical leadership education from some of the best 北京世青国际学校 District 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园 (8583 3731 Center professors the world has to offer. Every www.ycis-bj.com) Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) is an This full-service international clinic month one of the professors from the international school for students of all na- provides 24-hr general medical care and a University of Maryland comes to Beijing tionalities ages 6 to 18, offering programs Kindergartens patient-centered attitude. Beijing Passion to instruct the class for 4 consecutive on its campuses conveniently located in International Medical Center is equipped days (Thurs – Sun). The program lasts 18 Beanstalk International Bilingual School Wangjing and Lido. An IB World School with the latest in medical technology and months; the impact lasts a lifetime. 青苗国际双语学校 since 2001, BWYA values holistic education is designed to support the comfort, safety Email: [email protected] > 1) Kindergarten > 1/F, Tower B, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, and seeks to give students ample oppor- Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马桥路40号B座一层 (6466 and privacy of patients. Tel: 8526 2528/29 tunity to develop as globally-aware critical 9255) 2) Primary School > Block 2, Upper East Side, > 24hours, B1/F, Borui Building, 26 Dongsanhuan Rutgers International Executive MBA thinkers. A wide varity of co-curricular 6 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东四环 Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环北路26号博瑞大 > 5/F China Life Tower, 16 Chaowai Dajie Chaoyang 北路6号阳光上东二区 (5130 7951) 3) Middle & High 厦B1层 6517 7667, www.passion-medical.com activities are offered to further enrich District 朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大厦 (5877 student life. Graduates of BWYA have been School > 38 Nan Shiliju, Chaoyang District 朝阳区南 1706, www.rutgersinasia.com) 十里居38号 (8456 6019) Beijing HarMoniCare Women and Chil- accepted at prestigious universities around the world. Age range: 6-18. Tuition: RMB dren’s Hospital 北京和美妇儿医院 Mandarin Schools House of Knowledge International Kinder- > Wi-Fi available. Chaoyang: 2 Xiaoguan Beili, 100,000- 140,000/year. garten (HOK) > Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm. 18 Huajiadi Beili, Wangjing, Beiyuan Lu北苑路小关北里甲2号. Tel: 6499-0000. The Frontiers School House of Knowledge International kindergar- [email protected], en.hmcare.net Chaoyang District Inside 94 Middle school 北京市 ten (HOK) has locations in both Shunyi and 朝阳区望京花家地北里18号(6461 7787 ext.32, 8454 Chaoyang. Both locations offer a Kindergar- Beijing United Family Hospital and Clin- 3478/0649, [email protected], www.ibwya.net) ten program for children aged 10 months to ics 北京和睦家医院 6 years (Pre-school). Students are treated as > Wi-fi internet. Lido, Emergency Room is open The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校 competent learners and the school empha- 24/7/365, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm.> 2 Jiangtai Road, The British School of Beijing, established in sizes critical thinking and collaboration skills, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区将台路2号. Tel: (10) 5927 2003, has campuses in Shunyi (primary & in an environment where children “Lean to 7000 / 5927 7120(Emergency Hotline). United secondary) and Sanlitun (primary). BSB of- Learn”. In additional, the Shunyi location also Family CBD Clinic和睦家朝外诊所, Mon-Sat, 9:30am- fers an enhanced English National Curricu- has a elementary school starting from grade 6:30pm.> Suite 3017, Building AB, Vantone Center, 6 lum to 1,500 expatriate students, aged 1 to 1 in September 2014. Chaowai Street, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区朝阳门外 18, beginning with Early Years Foundation > 1) Quanfa Gardens Campus: North gate of Quanfa 大街6号万通中心AB座2层3017室. Tel: (10) 5907 1266. Stage, Primary, Secondary, IGCSE exams in compound, 15 Maquanying, Chaoyang District 朝 Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center和睦家建国 Year 10 and 11 and the International Bac- 阳区马泉营15号泉发花园北门(6431 8452, www. 门保健中心, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sun 8:30am-5pm>21 calaureate (IB) Diploma programme in Year hokschools.com) 2) Victoria Gardens Campus: 15 Jianguomen Dajie, B1, The St. Regis Residence, St. 12 and 13. Admission & Fees: RMB102,993- Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区 Regis Hotel朝阳区建国门外大街21号北京国际俱乐部 246,057. Contact our Admissions team to 朝阳公园西路15号维多利亚花园公寓(6538 2624, www. 饭店. Tel: (10) 8532 1221 / 8532 1678 (Immigration hokschools.com) Clinic ). Shunyi Clinic和睦家顺义诊所Wi-fi internet, arrange a school tour. > Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm, South Side, 9 An Hua Street, Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat and Sun, 9:30am- EtonKids International Kindergarten Shunyi District 顺义区安华街9号南侧(8047 3558, 4:30pm.> Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 806, Tian Zhu Real 伊顿国际幼儿园 Join the friendly and professional team at www.britishschool.org.cn, admissions@british- Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District, 顺义区天 1) Lido – 6436 7368 www.etonkids.com > Room C103 school.org.cn) 竺开发区荣祥广场806号,Tel: (10) 8046 5432. Shunyi Frontiers, who’ve been teaching Mandarin Lido Country Club, Lido Place Jichang Lu, Chaoyang Dental Clinic顺义牙科诊所, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sat, for 11 years. District 朝阳区蒋台路机场路丽都广场 2) 6506 4805 Canadian International School of Beijing 9:30am-7:30pm> Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 818, Tian Zhu > 3/F, Bldg 30, Dongzhongjie, Dongzhimenwai, 3/F, Block D Global Trade Mansion Guanghua Lu, Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District顺义 Dongcheng 东城区东直门外东中街30号三层 6413 北京加拿大国际学校 Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路世贸国际公寓D座3层区天竺开发区荣祥广场818号. Tel: (10) 8046 1102. 1547, www.frontiers.com.cn, frontiers@frontiers. Located in the Third Embassy Quarter of 3) 8437 1006 Southwest corner of Beichen Xilu and Liangma Clinic亮马诊所 Wi-fi internet, Mon-Fri, com.cn) downtown Beijing, the Canadian Interna- Kehui Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区北辰西路与科荟路交 8:30am-5pm>2nd Floor Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang tional School of Beijing (CISB) opened its 汇处西南角 4) 8480 5538 Kehui Lu, Chaoyang District, East Road朝阳区东方东路19号1号楼会所27号外交人 Beijing Mandarin Language School doors in September 2006. This world-class Beijing 朝阳区科荟路大屯里社区 5) 6533 6995 Bldg 19, 员公寓B区官舍16号 . Tel: (10) 5927 7005 www.ufh. Established in 1998, Beijing Mandarin facility offers an internationally recognized Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie Chaoyang District 朝 com.cn, [email protected] School is the city’s top institute for teaching Canadian & IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP educa- 阳区朝外大街6号新城国际19号楼 6) 6539 8967 Palm spoken and written Mandarin as a second tion. The Canadian International School Springs International Apartments 8 Chaoyang Park language. More than 5,000 students of Beijing develops the whole child in an Nanlu Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈 Hongkong International Medical Clinic, from over 66 countries and more than 80 environmentally sensitive school within a 泉国际公寓 7) 6749 5008 Bldg 21, Guangqu Jiayuan, Guangqumen- wai, Dongcheng District 东城区广渠门 Beijing 北京港澳国际医务诊所 companies and embassies have successfully kind, caring community to become a citizen learned with us each year. 外广渠家园21号楼 8) 8478 0578 Baoxing International Dongsishitiao: 9/F, Office Tower, Hongkong Macau of the world. Phase 2, Wangjing Chaoyang District 朝阳区望京宝星 Center-Swiss Hotel, 2 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie朝阳门 > Guangming Hotel School: Room 0709, 7/F > 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马 Guangming Hotel (near the U.S Embassy) 朝阳区园国际社区2期 9) 8047 2983 Block 1, Arcadia Villas, 北大街2号港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层; 6553-9752, 桥路38号 (6465 7788 www.cisb.com.cn) Houshayu Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪罗马环岛北侧天 6553-2288/2345/6/7; [email protected]; www. 光明饭店7层0709 (8441 8391; info@beijingmandarinschool.com; www.beijingmandarinschool.com; 北路阿凯笛亚庄园1座 10) 5870 6779 20A Xidawang Lu, hkclinic.com Harrow International School Beijing Chaoyang District 朝阳区西大望路甲20号首府社区内 Skype: beijingmandarinschool1998) 北京哈罗英国学校 www.harrowbeijing.cn International SOS Harrow International School Beijing prides Since 1989, International SOS has been run Beijing Juncheng Language School itself on its high academic standards, a by globally trained medical professionals 北京君诚语言学校 close-knit school community, a rich extra- Ivy Schools 艾毅幼儿园 and provides medical, security and travel > 1) Room 208, 1 Panjiapo Hutong, curricular activity program and the quality > www.ivyschools.com 1) East Lake Campus (8451 东城区朝阳 advice, as well as emergency help 24/7. Its Chaoyangmenwai, Dongcheng District of its pastoral care provision. Leadership 1380/1) C-101, East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai 门外潘家坡胡同1号东城区职工大学208办室 (6525 skills are promoted school-wide, with a Main Street, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街35号东 alarm centers operate house calls, ambu- 9932/6526 7539) 2) Gucheng Village, 15 Huosha Lu, 湖别墅C座101室; 2) Ivy Bilingual School 艾毅双语幼儿 lance and evacuation services, and standard range of enrichment activities to help Houshayu Town, Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙 students develop teamwork and creative 园 Ocean Express Campus: (8446 7286/7) Building E, health treatments. Languages spoken 路古城段15号 (8049 0307) Ocean Express, 2 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝 include English, German, French, Mandarin, thinking skills, as well as independence and responsibility. Students graduating from 阳区东三环北路2号远洋新干线E座 3) Orchid Garden Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Cantonese. The Bridge School Harrow Beijing have won places at a range Campus: (8439 7080) Orchid Garden, 18 Xinjin Lu, > Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, No.16 北京桥汉语言学校 of universities across the world including Cuige Xiang, Chaoyang 朝阳区崔各乡新锦路18号卓锦 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District朝阳区新源里16号琨莎 > (The Bridge School Head office)Room 503, 5/F, Princeton, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge. 万代 4) Wangjing Campus: (5738 9166/1332 110 6167) 中心1座105室(6462 9112/ 6462 9100, www.interna- Kylin Zone, Bldg 11, Fuan Xilu, Wangjing, Chaoyang 朝 Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang > Address: 287, Hegezhuang, Cuigezhuang County, tionalsos.com) 阳区望京阜安西路11号楼合生麒麟社内 7) Rm106, ware- District 朝阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室 Chaoyang District Parkway Health Clinic (15321793321 Grettchin) house4, 653 Waima Lu, by Wangjia Matou Lu (3376 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村 287 号 Tel: +8610 8308) 外马路653号4库106室, 近王家码头路 > Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm; CBD, 1-2/F, Vantone Center, International Schools 6444 8900 Ext. 6900 Fax: +8610 6445 3870 6 Chaowai Street 朝阳门外大街甲六号万通中心 Email: [email protected] AB座一二层; (4000-662-882(24hrs); enquiry@ 3e International 北京3e国际学校 Beijing BISS International School > 6437 3344 parkwayhealth.cn; www.parkwayhealth.cn > No. International School of Beijing 101-201,Beijing link, block2, No.6 Yuan, Jing Shun 北京BISS国际学校 www.3eik.com, 9-1 Jiangtai Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区将台 Dong Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区京顺东街6号院2号楼 > Building 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili Chaoyang District 北京顺义国际学校西路9-1号(四德公园旁) 北京Link 101-201室朝阳区安贞西里4区17楼 (6443 3151 www.biss. > www.isb.bj.edu.cn 10 Anhua Lu, Shunyi District 顺 com.cn) 义区安华路10号 (8149 2345) Vista Medical Center 维世达诊所 > 24hours. Wi-Fi internet. 3/F Kerry Center. 1 Beijing City International School SIBS Springboard International Blingual Guanghua Lu 光华路1号嘉里中心商场3层 Tel: 8529- School 君城国际双语学院

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 77 classifieds Accommodation Gold-Standard Beijing apartment features close proximity to cultural landmarks such Dongcheng District contemporary concepts designed for luxury as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Ascott Raffles City Beijing living. Square. Each apartment is also fitted with Regus Beijing Taikang Financial Tower Located in Dongzhimen, one of the most > 12 Jintong Xilu Chaoyang District Beijing contemporary furnishings, fully equipped 泰康金融大厦 [NEW] vibrant areas, Ascott Raffles City is near the Tel: 5908 6000 kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, home 23/F, No.38 East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang second embassy district, which is rich in entertainment system and LCD flat screen District GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING televisions. cultural heritage and is only a 15 minute One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC drive to The Forbidden City. > Email: [email protected] Regus Beijing China Life Tower Residence is located beside the third ring Website: www.westin.com/beijingfinancial 中国人寿大厦中心 Other nearby leisure attractions include road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line Food Street (Gui Jie) and Sanlitun nightlife Tel: 6606 8866 5/F, No. 16, Chaoyangmenwai Ave., 5 , 10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is Chaoyang Distric district. also within easily reach of CBD, embassy > No.1-2 Dongzhimen South Street Beauty Services area, Financial Street and other urban Regus Beijing China World Tower 3 Dongcheng District cial,shopping and recreation areas. commer Black Golden Tanning Salon Sanlitun 国贸三期 Tel: 8405 3888 Fully equipped apartments with impeccable Branch Grand Opening 15/F, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, quality offer you a cozy living system and Ascott Raffles City Chengdu Black Golden Tanning Salon is the only five- Chaoyang District will meet all of your requirements for room > No. 3, Section 4, South Renmin Road, star China flagship store by Ergoline. As decoration, furniture, electric appliances Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China the 2011 model of Ergoline Esprit 770’s, Regus Beijing Financial Street Excel Centre etc.. Post code: 610041 to bring a continuous tanning effect 25% 金融街卓著中心 Unique sky garden with golf practice field Telephone:(86-28) 6268 2888 above standard machines with unique 12/F, No.6 Wudinghou Street, Xicheng and barbecue area is another symbol of Facsimile:(86-28) 6268 2889 aquacool and aroma functions, we provide District GTC Residence. GDS Code: AZ customers with the safest and most > E-mail: [email protected] Reservations Telephone:400 820 1028 comfortable tanning space. Regus Beijing IFC 财源国际中心 website: www.gtcresidence.com (China toll-free) ;(86-512) 6763 1021 > Open time:11:00-21:00 10/F IFC East Tower, No.8 Jianguomenwai Tel:56756666 Email:[email protected] Sanlitun SOHO Branch Avenue, Chaoyang District Lanson Place Add: 2rd Floor Building 3, Sanlitun Somerset ZhongGuanCun Beijing Regus Beijing Kerry Centre 嘉里中心 Lanson Place Central Park Serviced SOHO,Chaoyang District Somerset ZhongGuanCun is a luxury 11/F, Beijing Kerry Centre North Tower, Residences, located in the Central Business Tel: 57853711 residence in Beijing that lets you enjoy Wangjing Branch No.1Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District the cultural depth and elegance of the District of Chaoyang, offers spacious apartments in two, three and four bedroom Add: Room T5 3rd Floor, BOTAI International city while living in the fast developing Regus Beijing Lufthansa Center 燕莎中心 configurations as well as penthouses Building, No. 36 North Guangshun Street, ZhongGuanCun area, only 15 minutes away C203, No.50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang overlooking a charming landscaped garden. Wangjing, Chaoyang District from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Village. Website: www.bjtanning.com District >No.15 Haidian Zhong Street, Haidian The interiors are contemporary and restful while marble-clad bathrooms and kitchens Tel: 84722855 District Regus Beijing NCI Centre新华保险大厦中心 are fully equipped. Tel: 5873 0088 LA BELLEZA 15/F, No.12A Jianguomenwai Ave., > Website: www.lansonplace.com La Belleza means Beauty and Aesthetics in Chaoyang District Lanson Place Central Park Residences Lusongyuan Hotel Spanish. Professional hair-designers from A traditional compound of quadrangle Tower 23, Central Park, No.6 Hong Kong ,Korea and China gather here. Regus Beijing Pacific Century Place composing of 5 courtyards which lies in Chaoyangmenwai Avenue,Chaoyang LA BELLEZA is the hairdressing salon for 盈科中心 the "hutong" area of Beijing. The hotel District, Beijing you with its pleasant atmosphere, excellent 14/F, No.2A Workers Stadium Road North, building is famous for its imperial living Tel: 8588 9588 Fax: 8588 9549 service, and finest products. Chaoyang District taste of the Qing Dynasty with a history of New haircut! Good mood! Excellent life! nearly 170 years. The original owner of this Marriott Executive Apartments Add: F4 No.408, Jinbao Place .Jinbao Street Regus Beijing Prosper Center large private house was the Grand General Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing No88,Dongcheng District, Beijing, china. 世纪财富中心 SenggeRinchen, who lived here while he area where the prestigious business, Website: www.labelleza.com.cn 6/F Tower 2, No.5 Guanghua Road, carried out top official duties, such as commercial, entertainment, and shopping Tel: 010 8522 1626 Chaoyang District defense minister. center of Beijing. The Imperial Mansion, > Tel: (86 10) 6404 0436 Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments MegaSun Tanning Salon Regus Beijing Zhongguancun Metropolis Fax: (86 10) 6403 0418 reflects an exceptional level of luxury. As the only flagship store for this popular Tower 中关村欧美汇大厦 Address: > Gate, No. 1 Xiagongfu Street, Dongcheng German tanning salon, megaSun Tanning 7/F, No.2 Dongsan Street Zhongguancun Xi No.22 Banchang Lane , Kuanjie, Dongcheng District will provide for each client the finest sun Zone, Haidian District District Tel: 6564 9999 tanning experience. 东城区宽街板厂胡同22号 The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Our center has prepared the newest Regus Beijing China Central Place www.the-silk-road.com Fortune Plaza functional 7900 alpha and pureEnergy 华贸中心 E-mail: [email protected] The Millennium Residences of the Beijing chamber systems, combined with easyCare 9/F Tower 2, No.79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang optical testers. At megaSun, enjoy our Lee Garden Service Apartments Fortune Plaza is located in the heart of District the Beijing CBD which bears the most professional UV and tanning services. Regus Beijing Parkview Green A newly renovated high-end premier living > 8 Dongdaqiao Road, sShangdu SOHO residence in a central location next to the momentously potential of development 侨福芳草地中心 and value elevation. While 25 minutes away North Tower, Rm. 2302 15/F Office Building A, No.9 Dongdaqiao shopping and cultural sites of Beijing’s Chaoyang District, Beijing Wangfujing, suites range from studios to from the Beijing International Airport, the Road, Chaoyang District Millennium Residences is walking distance Website: www.imegasun.com Regus Beijing China Life – West 4-bedroom apartments (60-610sqm in size) e-mail: [email protected] and are tastefully furnished with specially from nearly all Embassies. 中国人寿大厦-西 > 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu Chaoyang Sina Weibo: @麦肤堂 West, 5/F, No.16 Chao Wai Street, Chaoyang selected materials. Tel: 5900-2236/2238 > 18 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District. District Tel: 8588 2888 (100m East of Sun Dong An Plaza) 东城区 BUSINESS CENTER 王府井金鱼胡同18号 (新东安东侧100米); Oakwood Residence Beijing CSO (Singapore) Beijing Business Center 24hr front desk: 6525 8855, Fax: 6525 8080, Oakwood Residence Beijing offers 406 Servcorp We have 10 years experience in [email protected], www. fully equipped luxury apartments ranging Smart businesses understand that flexibility managing serviced offices in the Asia lgapartment.com) from studios to four bedroom penthouse is the future of the workplace. They choose and Pacific region, and our headquarters FraserResidence CBD East Beijing and terrace apartments, all exquisitely the world's finest Serviced Offices to grow is in Singapore. CSO Beijing is our first Our location on the Fringe of the CBD with furnished in elegant and stylish decor. Each their businesses, run critical projects and business center in China . We are mainly excellent connections to the subway line apartment is fitted with a state-of-the-art give their people flexibility. providing fully renovated and equipped 1 (Sihui station), BRT Lines (Ciyunsi) and air purification and air conditioning system > Level 26 Fortune Financial Center, 5 offices to clients for immediate use, and public bus system mean that wherever your which ensures 99.9% pure, triple filtered air, Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 all the serviced offices can be used as intern needs to be in the city, getting there so you can trust in Oakwood and breathe 东三环中路5号财富金融中心26层 (Servcorp. incorporation purpose, and we offer is relatively fuss free! easy. com.cn; tel: 5775 0310; fax: 5775 0350) maximum flexibility and complete smart One bedroom deluxe: RMB16,000 /month > No. 8 Dongzhimenwai Xiejie, Chaoyang office system to help our clients save Regus Serviced Office Two bedroom Executive: RMB26,000 / District, Beijing 100027, China cost. We also provide virtual offices, month [email protected] • FLEXIBLE OFFICE LEASES FROM 1 DAY TO 1 meeting room and conference room, video Three bedroom Deluxe: RMB33,000 /month Website: www.oakwoodasia.com/resbeijing YEAR conferencing, incorporation services and Email: sales.frbeijing@frasershospitality. Tel: 5995 2888 Fax: 5995 2999 • QUICK AND EASY TO SET UP FOR 1-200 many other services. PEOPLE Add.: Level 6, Sun Palace Building, com THE WESTIN EXECUTIVE RESIDENCES • PRICES FROM RMB 180 PER MONTH Taiyanggong, Beijing > Website: http:>beijing-east The Westin Executive Residences at The frasershospitality.com • FIND MORE ON REGUS.CN Ms. Stephanie Yan, Mobile: 18210080591 Beijing Financial Street offer an array of Email: [email protected] Tel: 010-58709188 / 400-881-6988 world-class cuisine options and Westin’s REGUS BEIJING (15 LOCATIONS) Website: www.csochina.cn FraserSuite CBD Beijing signature amenities designed to elicit Tel: 86 10 64697000 personal renewal. Just 40 minutes from the The ultimate luxury in apartment living, Regus Sun Dong An Plaza airport, the Westin Executive Residences Fraser Suites CBD Beijing epitomizes style 雷格斯新东安广场 [NEW] provides direct access to Beijing’s business, and comfort, that surpasses the service 7/F, Tower 2, No. 138, Wangfujing Avenue, Catering Services level of many Beijing hotels. The 357 entertainment and shopping district and

78 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com classifieds

Aurora Catering Hyundai) and Buses HEALTH FOODS local cultures and explore the amazing An 100% authentic Italian experience *Native drivers with good English heritages. Whether you are a small group whether tasting a mouthful Lasagna or a *More information please contact E & L Healthy of 2-9 persons or a corporate group, our juicy Carpaccio. Our international team Tel:6504 7266/6504 7256 E & L Healthy provides safe and fresh professional staff will tailor make the tour brings to you the authentic freshness and FAx:6504 7256 vegetables of your choice up to twice a programme based on your needs. tidbit of an Italian Espresso or a homemade www.sxsdcar.com week (Monday/Thursday) together with Email: [email protected] tastiness of a Mozzarella. Email:[email protected] fresh, handmade tofu, sesame oil, peanut www.the-silk-road.com We offer a full range of catering and event oil or free-range eggs direct to your home. planning services for all types of business CONSULTING SERVICE Call Ellen to try our free trial box at TUI China and personal functions that are tailored for 189 1178 0063, or email: customer@ An affiliate of World of TUI, the world’s you. The best service, at your service. Harris Corporate Services Ltd ailinhesheng.com leading tourism group, TUI China was Contact Jacopo Tomé at 137 1794 0458 established in late 2003 as the first joint [email protected] Beijing | Shanghai | Guangzhou | Hong HOUSEKEEPING venture with foreign majority share in the Kong Zone de Comfort Chinese tourism industry. Its headquarters JNY Home Service are in Beijing whilst its operations reach With our professional service, you can Established since 1972 focus 100% on your event at Zone de JNY Home Service was established in deep into the far corners of China. World of 2007, supplying foreign families with Comfort, every single assignment is unique WFOE & Rep. Office Set Up TUI generated approx.50,000 predominantly for us. Our experience helps us understand English speaking/non-English Speaking western tourists to China yearly and Accounting & Tax Compliance nannies(maids), either daily or live-in. your objectives with thorough planning, provides M.I.C.E services for renowned Payroll, HR & Visa Solutions As a part of our service,we make sure all and of course, exquisite food with elegant Hong Kong & Offshore Company companies worldwide. presentation. references and ID cards are thoroughly Registration checked to guarantee the safety and health > Add: Bright China Chang An Building, In the past 5 years, we have handled Hong Kong & China Bank Account Opening Tower 2, Unit 921-926, 7 Jianguomen Nei numerous catering projects covering of your family. Avenue (Fax: +86 (0)10 6517 1371; Email: diplomatic/business functions for Email : [email protected] Serving all your business needs for investing Mobile: 13426362833(24h) [email protected]; Website: www.tui.cn; Tel: embassies, high-end cocktail receptions for in China. Call us for a free consultation. luxuries brands, automobiles and month- 8519 8800 Beijing EX-PATS Service long hospitality center services. Find out Tel: (86)10-6591 8087 Healty, reliable, experienced, English- more from our Website: www.zdc-catering. Mobile: 186-019-43718 speaking housemaid/ nanny. Free agency com Real Estate Agents Email: [email protected] and 24- hour English service. Medical and Accident insurrance covered. EXPATS JOANNA REAL ESTATE RELOCATION CABLE SERVICES Beijing: Life Group also serves with Mandarin, car SERVICE Room 2302, E-Tower, No.12 Guanghua leasing, English-speaking driver, Chinese We are one of China’s leading real estate Super IPTV Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC. driving license, vehicle registration. agencies boasting an extensive database 北京市朝阳区光华路12号数码01大厦2302 [email protected] 室 Website: www.expatslife.com of high-end properties for rent. We have Tel: 64381634 helped thousands of expatriates find their Shanghai: Mobile: 13501237292 homes as well as hundreds of companies Suite 904, OOCL Plaza, 841 Yan An Zhong re-locate their employees. Once we have Road, Jing-An District, Shanghai, PRC. MOVING & SHIPPING found you your ideal home we will be on 上海市静安区延安中路841号东方海外大厦 hand to deal with any post move issues 904室 Seven Seas Worldwide and our dedicated after sales team will be Save up to 50%! We’re the first choice when contactable 7 days a week to help you with Guangzhou: it comes to moving baggage internationally any queries you have throughout your stay Room D-E, 11/F., Yueyun Building, 3 from one box up to 2M3. We offer a global, in our country. Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, PRC. door-to-door service with prices starting > For more information please contact us: 广州市中山二路3号(东山口)粤运大厦11楼 from RMB 999 by sea and RMB 1580 by air. Email: [email protected] D-E室 Call 400 181 6698 now for an instant Website: http:>beijing.joannarealestate. quote or book online at www. com.cn/ (Tel: 84585667 ; 13501358971) Hong Kong: sevenseasworldwide.com 7/F., Hong Kong Trade Centre, 161-167 Des Replus-Benchmark Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong. 香港德辅道中161-167号香港贸易中心7楼 Storage “Replus-Benchmark” is one of the leading Super IPTV offers 130+ English TV Channels real estate agencies and relocation service in HD quality, These TV channels are Legalmall.net China Self Storage Co. Ltd provider for expatriates in Shanghai, delivered into your televsion throuth a Are you a foreign company wanting to As a member of SSA and SSAUK, China Self Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and set top box via a broadband connection, obtain reliable information about your Storage Co. Ltd. introduces an international Much like cable services back home, Shenzhen. Chinese partner? LegalMall is a leading industry standard to professionally • Residential Home Search Service pick up the remote control and start developed Self Storage for private, family Company Search service provider made for • Visa Application watching, it's one of the best ways to and business. Safe, clean, air-conditioned, you! Basic and Comprehensive Company • Commercial Office Space Search Service get your favorite channels including Search reports, free legal counselling, 24h access, flexible size. To learn more, visit • Buying and Selling Property Service HBO,CNN,BBC,FOX,AXN,E,Star World,F1,EPL Sourcing Bundle and much more at a very www.selfstorageinchina.com. To make a E-mail: [email protected] ,SETANTA,ESPN,Discovery,Nat Geo... competitive price. reservation, contact 400-600-6378 info@ Website: www.beijingiptv.com www.legalmall.net selfstorageinchina.com. Website: www.replus-benchmark.com Shopping: www.shop.superiptv.com Jin’an Building, Tianzhu Garden West Rd., > A-1509,Xiaoyun Center, No.15 of Xiaoyun Forum: www.forum.superiptv.com Beijing Office-TMF Group Shunyi District, Beijing. Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Mobile: 133 716 00100 or 139 1811 9990. In order to enable clients benefit from Tel: 84467119 Fax: 84467577 the increasing globalization of the Koala Ministorage worlds economy, TMF Group offers Koala Ministorage is the first professional CAR RENTAL SERVICE a comprehensive range of corporate self-storage provider in Beijing. To learn administrative outsourcing services in 67 more, visit our website www.koalaministor- Beijing First Choice Car Rental Service Co., counties across the globe. With a genuine age.com. To make a reservation, call us Ltd global network and qualified staff, TMF toll free at 400-017-8889, email us at We offer short and long term vehicle group provides an array of accounting, [email protected], or visit leasing services for both business and corporate secretarial and HR administrative one of our stores. sightseeing. Our commpany could provide outsourcing services. the latest elite, high-end vehicles such as > [email protected] TRAVEL SERVICES Mercedes Benz S300, BMW S5 and more! Website: www.tmf-group.com BUSINESSES! Contact our friendly representatives for CCTV Tower and Kerry Centre Beijing Trans-World Air Service Co.Ltd. more information. Suite 3107, Tower A Beijing Fortune Plaza,7 Established in February 2005 and approved PROMOTE YOUR Tel: 138 1015 6525/6434 0778 Dongsanhuan Zhong Road, Chaoyang by the Civil Aviation Administration www.fccars.cn District of China, we are an aggregator of SERVICES TO [email protected] Tel: 65330533-860 international and domestic air, global hotel reservations and big business travel. THOUSANDS OF Beijing TOP-A Vehicle Service Co., Ltd FURNITURE With sales rankings in the top ten and Beijing Top-A Vehicle Service provides: having earned the title of major proxies pEOpLE EACH *English -speaking driver Crossover *Long-short term leasing of worldwide airlines, we are well-known Crossover Center Flagship Store, is mainly for our top-notch service. We offer online MONTH ON OUR *Airport-Pick up/Drop off marketing international super home *Sedan, Van and Bus booking, hotel inquiry and reservations and CLASSIFIEDS pAGES. furnishing brand products. a varity of travel-related services. We, ES-PATS Life Group, also serves with Our agent brands include Poltrona Frau, > G8, First Floor, China Resources Building, Mandarin, housemaid, Visa, driver, driving Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Moroso, Cappellini, FOR MORE DETAILS 8 Jianguomenbei Avenue, Chaoyang license, vehicle registration service. Timothy Oulton, Tom Dixon etc, over Tel: 6438 1634, 1350 123 7292, service@ 20 international super home furnishing 朝阳区建国门北大街8号华润大厦一层G8 AND SpECIAL expatslife.com brands. tel: 8519 2468/2469/2470/2471/2472; www.expatslife.com Our products are covered with all of fields fax: 6518 2589; [email protected]; pACKAGES www.viptkt.com; WeChat: twas08314854 Beijing Top Rate Car Rental Service Co., Ltd in daily-life home furnishing, including pLEASE E-MAIL *Long/Short term leasing furniture, furnishing, lighting, dinning, and office supplies etc. Silk Road Travel Management Ltd. *Daily car service Silk Road Travel is a pioneer in organizing bJADVERTISING@ *Sifht-seeing car service, Tailor-made car Website: www.crossovercenter.com Silk Road tours and other classic routes in service NO.81 North Road San-Li-Tun Bar St. Chao- China. Founded in 1997, we are specialized URbANATOMY.COM *Airport-Pick up/Drop off Yang District.Beijing.100027,P.R.C. *Sedan (Audi A6, Audi A6L, VWPassat, Tel: 5208 6112/6113 Fax: 8610-5208 6123 in tailor making travel packages that Accord, Lacross 2.4, Benz MB100, Benz Vito, allow travellers to truly experience the

www.thatsmags.com | april 2015 | 79 sports | running BORn-again fitness freaks Beijing’s HeyRunners Share Their Stories

by Will Philipps

Before I was a runner, I found it unbelievable that magazines dedicated to the

Buy some gear and put one foot in front of the other – what more is there to say? Butsport after could I took fill 80up orthe so sport pages and each actually month read with those articles magazines, solely about I realized running. the reason for buying them is as much for inspiration and motivation as it is practi- why not me?

travelingcal advice. round You read China others’ running success 100km stories ultra-marathons. and think: That might not be for you,Many of course, of the followingbut they probably runners onlywould a startedhave said few that years themselves ago and nowtwo yearsthey’re

backsideago. If your you fitness need. routine needs a kick-start – whatever your goal – I hope the following Beijing-based HeyRunners’ words can provide the kick up the Diana Running backstory: I started running in mid-2013.

a barefoot running camp hosted by Chas [HeyRunningSo... almost two Beijing years. founder] I first went Linus to – Running backstory: his coaching style and enthusiasm for My running career had a false start running got me hooked. in the 100m at school, I tripped over a Positive impact of running: hole in my lane and came last in race. It gives me an appetite – run- brian There were a couple of marathons ning makes me hungry! I suppose it - makes me upbeat and positive, too. Running backstory: erly so I got injured. Then I got back intoin my running 20s, but in I didn’t2012 for train a healthier prop (dopamine emitted during running)? a while, but decided to take it more You know about the ‘runner’s high’ lifestyle in Beijing and really enjoyed It can make you addicted to running! seriouslyI’ve been after running moving on-and-off to Beijing for in it. Through HeyRunning I started Oh, and the happiest thing personally 2012. Since running out of the door doing marathons several times a is meeting my boyfriend, Dragon, at a on a Sunday afternoon in August year – I was amazed at how quickly I HeyRunning session. When running Cam improved. I must have done nine or meets love – magic! So three things, I one ultra-marathon (106 kilometers) Running backstory: ten long races last year. guess… and2012, multiple I’ve run half-marathons. two Beijing Marathons, Beijing My father got me into when I was Benefits of HeyRunning: Is running a sport or a lifestyle? has a lot to offer and even with the younger, but then I stopped around Previously running was something air, which is a real challenge, there the time I went to university. In my I just did on my own through a park, a sport for me. When I jog during the can be opportunities for a healthy Both, I think. When I do races, it’s late 20s I got back into running by which got rather monotonous. But lifestyle. joining a club when I was living in being taught how to run intervals Positive impact of running: week, it’s part of a lifestyle where I London. As you get older, you realize was the eureka moment in terms of Toughest race you’ve done: It teaches three things. First, can keep fit and feel confident. that you have a responsibility to keep getting oneself faster and keeping it The Dalian 50km ultra-trail race in perseverance: to actually get up and 2014. I did this race only a year after I walking up stairs and you start to feel started road running, so it was a real your body feeling fit. I mean if you’re gym membership or anything though interesting. I now feel I’m the fittest challenge! [A standard marathon is get out of the door. (You don’t need a out to the mountains to train; the Do you race? spectacularI’ve been in myscenery life. It’s is agreat great to way get of - outYes. of breath I enjoy – racing that’s not– it givesa good you thing. an forgetting about the occasional bad ally teaches you about perseverance). bubble– it’s easy!) and learntSecond, more the socialabout side:the 42km.] But I finished it (running re added sense of achievement and gives weather. And the HeyRunners are a city.through Third, running the routine: I’ve got if outside you want my you a set goal. But is it always enjoy- great bunch – perfect company for a in that race I think… even here in I was 18 then, the youngest finisher able? Not always… I got a cramp in my well-earned beer after training. China! But there is an even tougher over and over again. leg one marathon – it just totally blew Is Beijing a good city to train in? to keep Advice yourself for first fit, timeyou need runners: to do it - ultra trail running race, which I’d like the race – just an hour and a half jing without talking about pollution. cumulative elevaton gain of 5800m up and I was in agony. I still finished you have all the answers. Everyone You can’t talk about running in Bei gainingto do in Indonesia.elevation within It’s 52km 22hrs. with I a slower than I would have liked. 10km Don’t overthink it! Never wait until is a nice distance… generally possible to run outdoors just get out there and do it your body Most important equipment: enoughOf course, and the still funny avoid thing the badis that days. it’s within the 22-hour time limit! willasks, adapt won’t – it if hurt not it my will knees? tell you. If you The hope my boyfriend and I can finish it Trouble is, you might get hooked on coaches are there to support you, one. I would never have said that blue-sky days and want to move to whatever you want to get from it. GPS watch – definitely number - Australia… - sion! I even do a spreadsheet of how stand that not everyone wants to run muchyears Iago run but each it’s week. become an obses aThey’ll marathon! push you, but they under Is running a sport or a lifestyle?

That’s Beijing is proud media partner of HeyRunning. Join a session on Monday evenings, of my lifestyle – you feel more awake, Both. I run to compete, but it’s part Wedesday evenings, Sunday mornings – or all three. It costs RMB30 for each individual more energy. session. Go online at www.heyrobics.com/heyrunning for membership pricing informa- you feel fitter, you feel like you have tion. Follow HeyRunning on WeChat, username: HeyRunning. All levels welcome!

80 | april 2015 | www.thatsmags.com exchange-ad.pdf 5 15-3-29 ��12:33

Sex, Lies & Videotape: Getting Famous in China

The Vagina Monologues Learning from Lei Feng's Loss Beijing's Most Racist Restaurant Reviewed

Wang Feng David Beckham C Julio Iglesias

Advertising Hotline Y 400 820 84278 城市漫步北京英文版 4 月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5233/GO China Intercontinental Press CM SIN CITY Policing China `s foreigners APRIL 2013 MY

CMY

Advertising Hotline 400 820 8428 城市漫步北京英文版 1 月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press ISSN 1672-8025 2Ƚ5$ʼKPIGɦȗȏGɧGɰYKVJ%Ǽɕ U'ȱVG ʍ$Ƭ9ʓ6'4;7Ȓ#ƴ62ȅ61)ʆ2Ǻ4%Ǻ0ɀ0 JANUARY 2014

Cover.indd 1 13-12-21 上午2:16

READ MOBILE NETWORK DO More than just a simple city guide. Made in China, read all over the At the heart of Beijing for over a Your indispensible guide to what’s Be entertained and informed – our world. Follow us across social decade. We host regular awards on. Keep up-to-date with our writers dig deeper to produce media on WeChat, Weibo, shows, parties and fairs to connect curated pick of city’s best events – quality longform features you Facebook and Twitter, for a daily readers with all industries and we never miss a show, talk, festival Follow us on WeChat won’t read anywhere else. dose of Beijing wherever you are. walks of life in the capital. or restaurant opening.

READ THAT’S BEIJING TODAY Find our magazine throughout the capital – from the boutique stores of Gulou to the community centers of Shunyi – or visit www.online.thatsmags.com