JUL/AUG 2017 JUL/AUG 006 SKYInflight Magazine TIMES

Belt and Road Initiative Brings Rise in Aviation Routes

Show Time For Lufthansa in China

Summer is for Cowboys in Calgary

Heavenly Road in China’s Northern Frontier

A ONE-WOMAN MISSION TO REVIVE REAL FOLK HANDICRAFT

Getting A Taste For Black Gold

See a Red Slice of Buddhist Heaven in Sertar CAAC Inflight Magazine with the largest circulation of all inflight publications. Editor’s letter

hen the calendar gets to July and August, it seems hard to concentrate at work during the long, hot summer days and difficult Make to sleep in the sticky, humid nights. A lot of families choose to take W a vacation during the summer, while others prefers staying at home, enjoying the air conditioning and treating themselves to ice cream and cold drinks. Your Either way, make the most of the season by planning some fun activities. Taking a driving tour is a great way to spend your time. In this issue we take you to Inner Mongolia — enjoy the Nadam Fair and drive with us along the western Summer section of the “Heavenly Road in the Northern Frontier”. On the road, you will come across the Yinshan Mountains and Helan Mountains, travel across a vast expanse of grasslands and the Gobi Desert, witnessing the wonderful sunrises, Bright sunsets and starry nights. (Page 14) If you want to find a place which is not too hot, but full of hospitality, a good option is Calgary, Canada. On the first Friday of each July, Calgary holds an exciting event known as the Calgary Stampede. This year is the 105th anniversary and of the Calgary Stampede. As the birthplace of North American cowboy culture, the Stampede puts on activities that celebrate the lives of western cowboys. You can also visit the world-famous national parks — Banff and Jasper. For film buffs, there Beautiful is also another wonderful place to go: Kananaskis. It is a small village near Calgary and the filming location of The Revenant, which won the best cinematography award at the 2016 Oscars and also earned Leonardo DiCaprio a golden statuette after 20 years of waiting. (Page 26) The 84-year-old Italian fashion mogul Anna Fendi achieved brilliance with her first residenza concept, Villa Laetitia, which celebrates Roman heritage, and she has put the same effort and energy into her personal apartment that stands in the heart of Rome. In our culture session, we bring you the story Rome Roams in Italian Designer’s Soul. (Page 46) There are places on Earth that still have the power to shock first-time visitors, even if they have seen the place in pictures. Sertar County in Sichuan Province is one of them. Our photographer will show you several beautiful pictures of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, also known as Sertar Buddhist Institute. Follow in our footsteps on our visit to the academy, which sits in the Larung Valley at an altitude of 4,000 meters. (Page 38) Since its founding in 1926, Lufthansa Group has had a happy 91-year history in the Chinese market and maintained a leading position in the air routes between China and Europe. Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines represent the traits of the three different countries. In this issue, we interview Veli Polat, Lufthansa Group’s Senior Director Sales of Greater China, who discusses the strategies, challenges and digital development throughout the European aviation group’s long history in the Chinese market. (Page 52) This summer, Sky Times hopes to bring our dear readers cool, exciting and high- quality content, so relax and enjoy the read. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you enjoy a bright and beautiful summer. Cao Shenshen Executive Editor 01 SKY TIMES Responsible Institution: Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Sponsor: China Civil Aviation Publishing House Now 04 President: Ma Songwei Publication: Portugal Holds Patron Saint Party China Civil Aviation Publishing House Sunset With a Spring Editor-in-Chief: Li Yong Swiss Cultural Capital Hosts Art Show Executive Editor: Cao Shenshen Editors: Feng Shuangqing, Wang Ruosi Promoting Protection of Endangered Tigers Editorial Consultant: A Dance with Rhythm and Roots Dominic McIver, Mike Peters ‘Corpus Christi’ Carpets Woven in Brazil Editor-Visuals & Photographs: Lu Ning Goats and Yoga Go Hand in Hand Advertising Director: Zong Miaomiao Designed By: Alinea Productions

Advertising: Talk 09 Items 10 Data 12 CAAC Magazine Corporation Address: CAAC Journal, Civil Aviation Building A, Shilihe, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100122 Printing: Travel 13 C&C Joint Printing (Beijing) Co., LTD. Heavenly Road Advertise in Sky Times Email: [email protected] in China’s Tel: (86-10) 87667513 Northern

主管: 中国民用航空局 Frontier / 14 主办: 中国民航出版社 社长: 马松伟 Living Like a Local in 出版: 中国民航出版社 主编: 李永 Chongqing / 22 执行主编: 曹慎慎 WOW Chongqing / 25 : 冯霜晴、王若思 编辑 Summer is for Cowboys 语言顾问: 多米尼克 · 麦基弗、迈克 · 彼得斯 in Calgary / 26 视觉编辑: 路泞 广告总监: 宗妙妙 设计: 利雅法盛

广告独家代理: 中国民航杂志社 Culture 31 地址: 北京市朝阳区十里河民航空管楼A座 中国民航报社 A One-Woman Mission to Revive Real Folk 印刷: 北京华联印刷有限公司 Handicraft / 32 See a Red Slice of Buddhist ISSUE 6 Heaven in Sertar / 38 July/August 2017 Rome Roams in Italian 国际标准刊号: ISSN2096-1375 Designer’s Soul / 46 国内统一刊号: CN10-1381/G1

02 006 JULY/AUGUST 2017

People 51

Show Time For Lufthansa in China / 52 Huang Zhiyang: Life Through the Lens of a Suburban Dweller / 60 Aviation Innovation Made to Sound Simple / 66

Lifestyle 69

Grabbing a Bite at Beijing’s Finest / 70 Getting A Taste For Black Gold / 74 Chic / 76 Books & Films / 78 The Life Journey: An Indie Band with a Poetic Touch / 80 Achieving Luxury in Simple Surroundings / 81 The Opposite House: A Real Reclusion / 82

Flying 83

Belt and Road Initiative Brings Rise in Aviation Routes / 84 Empowering Pilots with Better Views in the Sky / 88 Social Media: Airlines’ Not-So-Secret Marketing Weapon / 90 Dragon Boat Festival Shows Capital Airport is ‘National Gate’ / 92 News / 94

All Eyes on 5 New Aircraft / 96

03 SKY TIMES | Now

The Santo Antonio Festival takes Portugal Holds Patron place in Lisbon every year in June, usually on the 12th and 13th of the month. It is a celebration of Saint Party Portugal’s patron saint, Santo

04 Antonio, to whom many miracles have been attributed. In Portugal, he is taken as a defender of animals, a healer, the guardian of good marriages and the protector of the souls of purgatory. The entire city becomes awash with colorful decorations, twinkling lights, and food and drink stalls that will soon be feeding the thousands who will flock to enjoy the street-side festivities.

05 SKY TIMES | Now

Sunset With a Spring By the sea of Gaza City, Palestinian kids jump on a trampoline at sunset.

The Art Basel show brought the international artworld together, Swiss Cultural Capital with 291 of the world’s leading galleries showing the works of more than 4,000 artists from June Hosts Art Show 15 to 18. The gathering in the Swiss cultural capital explored the many dimensions of modern and contemporary art. Visitors were able to enjoy an exciting, region- wide art week with a breadth of modern and contemporary works including paintings, drawings, sculpture, installations, prints, photography, video and digital art.

06 Promoting Protection of Endangered Tigers

The Siberian tiger is rusty reddish-yellow in color, with narrow black transverse stripes. It once ranged throughout all of Korea, northeastern China, the Russian Far East and eastern Mongolia. By 2015, the Siberian tiger population had increased to between 480 and 540 in the Russian Far East, including 100 cubs. International Tiger Day falls on July 29. The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation.

A Dance with Rhythm and Roots

Compas is dance music with European and African roots. The word compas in Spanish means “beat” or “rhythm”, and one of the most distinctive characteristics of compas is the pulsating beat tanbou, a trait common to many styles of Caribbean music. In Havana, the capital of Cuba, dancers integrate compas with modern dance and the rhythm of Cuba, creating a unique performance.

07 SKY TIMES | Now

‘Corpus Christi’ Carpets Woven in Brazil

Thousands of Catholic believers gather in the streets to manufacture traditional carpets of Corpus Christi on June 15 in Ouro Preto, Brazil. Corpus Christi is Latin for “Body of Christ”. Every year, Catholics work all day to decorate the streets for the sundown parade. Palm fronds, chalk and flour are used, and slowly a rug portraying some of the most important Catholic symbols gets woven on the street. Praying and singing, devout followers then walk on the rugs that they have woven.

Goats and Yoga Go Hand in Hand Goat yoga classes have become quite a hit in the United States, with hundreds of people on a waiting list that is growing by the day. The classes are held at farms, where the goats have open access to the guests during their practice. The most fun part is watching people’s faces when a goat comes up to them while they are doing a yoga pose, which is a happy distraction. Goats at the yoga class are usually very social and friendly, so they graze and sit next to everyone. They are used in animal-assisted therapy for people that suffer from depression or disabilities.

08 SKY TIMES | Talk

What’s the most What’s the most frequently asked surprising customs questions for you by or manners that you locals in China? ? find in China?

Many things surprise me here as it’s Locals always ask where I’m from and so different to home, the way people whether I’m married. Sometimes they walk, drive, talk to each other and ask how much I earn, which is consid- all sorts of things. But it feels more ered rude where I’m from, but I know and more normal day by day and I they’re just showing interest in me. Camilla(Britain, Editor) Tenn wonder what changes my friends and family will see in me when they come to visit!

Most locals are quite reserved so I I find the lack of inhibition when don’t get asked a lot. It’s normally it comes to bodily functions here questions about football though amusing. You haven’t experienced when I tell people I’m from near the real China until you’ve gone to a Manchester, although I don’t know public bathroom that has no dividers the first thing about the sport. with someone doing their business at (Britain,Dale Journalist) Fox either side of you.

For sure the first thing they ask is for Definitely dinner with Chinese colle- my place of origin, which is pretty gues, which comes with many things normal to ask all around the world, like what spot belong to whom, who’s and after they find out that I work in the first to take some food, the whole China, they ask for my salary, most drinking baijiu etiquette, and of conversations with strangers go that course, the fight over who is going to way. Lately though, because of the pay. I completely understand and fit nature of the bar I opened, I get well in the whole thing, but still enjoy Francisco(Peru, Restaurant Owner)Chia asked quite often, what is pisco! all of it.

Well I grew up in Taiwan from 1990 to 95 so I already was a lot more comfortable than most of the Why did I come to China? Am I Laowai’s with the things that weren’t married? How much money do I common to my culture. But I guess make? Can I eat spicy food? Do I like the manners I find most surprising Chinese cuisine? Why is my skin so is the smoking. People will smoke white? Do I like Chinese girls? Do I anywhere and everywhere. Right next plan to become a Chinese citizen? Win Jackson to a “no smoking” sign by an O tank How do they learn English faster? (US, Teacher) 2 in a hospital. The ones that drive me the craziest are the ones who have to light up in the elevator or bus.

09 SKY TIMES | Items

PicnicThis summer, let’s go to the park with the bestcharm new design!

Parqer Glass The Parqer Glass is a classic wine glass for the outdoors. It has a strong, pointy tip made of aluminum at the bottom of the glass, allowing it to be “parked” in soft surfaces like sand and soil. It stands tall and proud on even the most unbalanced ground — be it in the garden or on the beach. Practical and spill-proof, the glass is ideal for your outdoor lifestyle.

Priam Cybex Pram The Priam Cybex is a complete 3-in-1 system that enables three different uses: as a travel system with matching carry cot; or with one of the award-winning Cybex infant car seats; and later as luxurious stroller, which can be either forward or rearward- facing. There is also a choice of wheels for every path: Wheels Light for smooth asphalt, Wheels All Terrain for bumpy cobbles and, as a hybrid Pepsi Prestige Bottle solution, Wheels With the introduction of the sleek aluminum Trekking for the city and Pepsi Prestige bottle, the experience is country. enhanced across the range, including Pepsi, Pepsi MAX and Diet Pepsi. The smooth aluminum finish is cool to the touch, as refreshing as the product inside.

10 Picnic charm Tea Float Tea Float’s patented folding structure creates ample space for the tea leaves to fully unfold. The lantern Kovea E-stove shape immediately reveals the Asian-inspired The lightweight and incredibly compact mini aesthetics. The specially designed tea bag can be induction cooker from Kovea transports high- used with cups, pots and other tea ware, and it is tech kitchen technology to the outdoor realm. easily toted on your picnic. As traditional liquid or gas camp stoves generate carbon-monoxide fumes, until now it has not been possible to cook in small, enclosed spaces such as tents. The rechargeable battery marks the end of gas-canister waste. An ecologically responsible product and a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature for years to come. Hat Shelter Hat Shelter makes sure that hats do not become squashed during handling or transport. Furthermore, this packaging, with its round recess for hanging, makes it easy to store at the office. A green bonus: The item is manufactured in an environmentally friendly way to avoid waste. Laughing Owl Family Tent Laughing Owl is a light and roomy three-pole tunnel tent for four people. The fly sheet is made of Gorlyn 30 nylon nonrip fabric, which is a 6.6 nylon with a higher tensile strength than most tent constructions. The spacious living area has three large windows made of FabVue material.

Outdoor Glassware Designed by Marc Newson, this outdoor glassware was a collaboration with Australia-based Palm Products and designed for outdoor use. The molding technology for the body of the glasses, made from super-tough Triton, makes them unbreakable in normal use and the nonslip colored bases act as a coaster to help prevent sliding.

11 SKY TIMES | Data The busiest airports5 in Asia Airports Council International recently unveiled the preliminary results of its 2016 world airport-traffic rankings. While Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) in the United States retained its top spot as the world’s busiest airport, much of the growth over the past year has been taking place in the Asia- Pacific region.

Beijing Capital International ACI Ranking Location Passenger traffic Percent change 1Airport(PEK) Beijing 94.4 Tokyo 2 million +2.6% International (Haneda) 2Airport(HND) 5 Tokyo 79.7 +5.5% million

Hong Kong International 8 Hong Kong 70.3 +3.0% 3Airport(HKG) million 9 66 Guangzhou Shanghai million +9.8% Baiyun International 4Airport Guangzhou 59.7 (CAN) 15 million +8.2% Pudong International 5Airport(PVG) Checked baggage, the new growth point for airlines revenue

Did you pay for your checked baggage when you took a 2016 vacation or business trip in the past year? Airlines are $4.2 billion 10% making more money than collected from passengers who paid for checked baggage ever from fees on checked baggage, according to the US Operating revenue of the US airline industry Department of Transportation. $168.2 billion 2.5% Airlines reservation- change fees

2016 $2.9 billion vs 2015 $3 billion

12 Travel

Heavenly Road in China’s Northern Frontier / 14

Living Like a Local in Chongqing / 22

WOW Chongqing / 25

Summer is for Cowboys in Calgary / 26 Travel | Inside China

HeavenlyText Wang Ruosi Road

Flocks of horses being herded by a riders on Hulunbuir Grassland

14 in China’s Northern Frontier

Heavenly Road e took a 10-day tour of Inner Mongolia along the western W section of a self-drive route named “Heavenly Road in the Northern Frontier”. Moving on our way upstream along the Yellow River from the Yinshan Mountains to the Helan Mountains, we traveled through the vast expanse of grasslands and the Gobi Desert, accompanied by every sunrise, sunset and starry night — we did not want to miss a single one. These natural wonders were reminiscent of the lofty sentiments, high aspirations, and joys and sorrows expressed by poets on frontier areas in successive Chinese dynasties.

By the side of the rill At the foot of the hill The grassland stretches ‘neath the firmament tranquil The boundless grassland lies Beneath the boundless skies When the winds blow And grass bends low My sheep and cattle will emerge before your eyes

These are the lines from A Shepherd’s Song, a rhythmic and powerful poem portraying the magnificence of the grasslands. Chilechuan, the grassland described in the poem, is generally believed to be the Tumochuan region to the north of the Yellow River, including Tumd Right Banner and Tumd Left Banner in the central part of today’s Inner Mongolia. It was inhabited by people of the Chile ethnic group, a nomadic tribe in north China, during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557). The Nadam Fair, a traditional Mongolian sports fair, is held each summer in Inner Mongolia. This

15 Travel | Inside China

The sacred ceremony includes offering sacrifices to Sulu spindles; contests between men including horse races, wrestling and archery; the display of gorgeous Mongolian costumes; and the live performance of a battle on horseback drama.

Mongolian wrestlers year, it took place at Chilechuan Mongolian costumes to the public. (Hasuhai Lake), at the foot of the Yinshan Mountains. Against the backdrop of the imposing Yinshan Recalling the past at Mountains, the sacred ceremony Genghis Khan Mau- includes offering sacrifices to Sulu spindles; contests between men soleum including horse races, wrestling Genghis Khan and his offspring and archery; the display of unified the Mongolian grassland, gorgeous Mongolian costumes; and founded the Mongolian and the live performance of a Empire — the largest contiguous battle on horseback drama, “Proud land empire in history. In its prime, Son of Heaven of His Time”, all the empire had a territory of more seemed to be evocative of the most than 44 million square kilometers, primitive life of the nomadic tribes accounting for 80 percent of the living on the grasslands. total land inhabited by humans In particular, when seeing worldwide. the steeds galloping at speeds In 1206, Temujin was elected equal to those of cross-country by Mongolian aristocrats as their utility vehicles, we were filled Great Khan, and was respectfully with excitement. What interested called Genghis Khan. In 1227, the us more was people’s desire to 66-year-old Genghis Khan died protect and inherit the traditional during his expedition to conquer Mongolian costumes. Many cities the Western Xia regime. The exact and counties under the Inner location of Genghis Khan’s tomb Mongolian autonomous region remains a mystery to this day. organized troupes to display this The Genghis Khan Mausoleum garb. Many models performing does not house his tomb. However, in costume shows at Nadam Fair it earns its name as it enshrines the were retired women. Impressively “coffins” of Genghis Khan, known dressed with the ethnic costumes as the Eight White Palaces, and it they had designed or even made is considered the most important, themselves, all of them were sacred place for honoring Genghis Photo by Wang Ruosi admirably presenting the beauty of Khan, a major historical and

16 Live performance of a battle on horseback drama at the Nadam Fair

Photo by Wang Ruosi

17 Travel | Inside China

cultural site placed under State gold phoebe, while on the altar protection, and a 5A-grade scenic there are incense burners and the resort. The mausoleum is located Eternal Lamp. A saddle that was on the Ejin Horo Banner grassland, used by Genghis Khan is also about 40 kilometers away from kept in the palace. As a valuable the city of Erdos. According to cultural relic, the authentic saddle some Mongolian historical records, is presented for display only when Erdos is the place where the Eight grand and important ceremonies White Palaces were originally built, are held. because Erdos got its name from Since their establishment, the the Mongolian word for palace Eight White Palaces have been tent, ordo, and the word Erdos is transferred numerous times as the plural form of ordo. The main a result of wars and changes of One of the building of the Genghis Khan regimes. Eight White Mausoleum that enshrines the The present Genghis Khan Palaces Eight White Palaces is composed of Mausoleum was transferred from three large Mongolian-style palaces Kumbum Monastery in Qinghai to and the rooms with covered EjinHoro Banner, Erdos in 1954. corridors linking these palaces. The The palace tents are renovated tour guide told us that Mongolians every few years, and slight changes originally believed in shamanism. have been made to the sacred According to shamanism, offerings in the tents. However, everything has its own soul, and the Eternal Lamp on the sacrificial the most important thing that a altar has been lit for nearly 800 human has is his soul, rather than years and never dies out, thanks his body. That is why Mongolian to the Torghut people, who people honor the coffins instead keep guard of the Genghis Khan of the tombs of their corpses. Mausoleum. According to historical record, the In Mongolian, Torghut means camel hair that absorbed the last “person assuming a sacred breath of Genghis Khan, or the mission”. The ancestors of Torghut soul of Genghis Khan, is kept in people were the most loyal and the mausoleum. bravest military officers under The Eight White Palaces are eight the command of Genghis Khan. white felt tents said to be modeled Since the day Genghis Khan passed after the palaces of Genghis Khan. away, they have undertaken the They were built by Ogedei Khan, responsibility of safeguarding, the third son of Genghis Khan, offering sacrifices to and exercising to commemorate his father. In management over the Eight White these tents, sacred objects such Palaces from one generation to as a horsewhip and a bow and another for nearly eight centuries. arrow used by Genghis Khan Following the teachings of the are enshrined. The rear palace of deceased Genghis Khan, Torghut the Genghis Khan Mausoleum is people never assume any official the most brilliant part of all the position or join the workforce. buildings. Four palace tents are set They can only do things related to up there, in which the coffins of safeguarding and offering sacrifices Genghis Khan and his three wives to the Genghis Khan Mausoleum. are placed. In front of the palace In the turbulent years of war, tents there is a they have transferred the Eight large sacrificial White Palaces to secluded places, altar made of guaranteeing the safety of the Eight exquisitely White Palaces even at the risk of carved their lives.

18 Asian country, not in a desert in Dreamlike the northwestern border region of Wuhai Lake Inner Mongolia. We moved westward after leaving Erdos. Our next stop Tsangyang Gyatso was Wuhai, a city situated on the upper reaches of the Yellow and the Southern River and famed as a “Pearl on Monastery the Yellow River”. The most beautiful scenery there is around On our way from Wuhai to Alxa Wuhai Lake, which is like a jade League, the splendid spectacle of embedded in the desert. It is an the Helan Mountains appeared on artificial lake with water stored both sides of the road. We were from the Yellow River after the looking for a special monastery — construction of Haibowan Water- Southern Monastery. It is a Tibetan control Project was completed, Buddhist monastery combining and covers an area of 118 square the architectural styles of both kilometers. It is located in the Mongolia and Tibet. The Southern center of Binhe New Area of Monastery has an aura of mystery Wuhai, has Gande’er Mountain due to the legend of Tsangyang to the east and joins the Ulan Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama. In Buh Desert on its west bank. The 1683, Tsangyang Gyatso was born Photo by Wang Ruosi rolling water enshrouded in the into a serf family in the southern mist links mountain and desert, part of Tibet. His family members presenting a spectacular view. believed in the Nyingma School Beach vacations are often of Tibetan Buddhism. People are linked with the Maldives or often surprised at why Tsangyang Bali. It was not until we arrived Gyatso devoted himself to love at Wuhai Lake that we found in such a romantic way. This was a beautiful and tranquil resort related to the fact that he originally hidden in the northwestern believed in the Nyingma School, border region. We reached whose doctrine allows monks to Qiansha Island in the center of get married and have children. the Wuhai Lake, where there Tsangyang Gyatso lived a life of are few tourists. Free from any freedom in rural areas for 14 years impurity, the sand there is as before his enthronement ceremony ao was held at Potala Palace, where Ch clean and fine as sand on any a M other beach resort in the world. he became the sixth Dalai Lama. y b The water there is so crystal Despite his title, he could not to o h clear, it is hard to believe it command real power in the cruel P comes from the Yellow River. political power struggle. Probably Relaxing on the beach, going out of his revenge for his puppet on a desert safari, having a life, or driven by his romantic barbecue on the water and even disposition, Tsangyang Gyatso hot-air ballooning all make often lingered on the street of Qiansha Island a haven of peace Lhasa, and he wrote many famous and happiness. Take a rest love poems. under a straw-roofed pavilion To quote some of his lines: “If I with a cold drink in your hand, reciprocate with the feelings of the and you will feel like you are girl, My share in religion during on an island in a Southeast this life will be deprived.” and

19 Travel | Inside China

“Living in Potala Palace, I am the supreme king in the snow realm. Starry sky over Wandering in the streets of Lhasa, I Moon Lake am the most handsome lover in the world.” The Inner Mongolia In 1705, affected by the religious autonomous region stretches and political power struggle, more than 5,000 kilometers Tsangyang Gyatso was dethroned from east to west. The natural by the Qing court, and he was landscape differs greatly from deported to Beijing. The life of the primitive forests in the east Tsangyang Gyratso from then on to the Gobi Desert in the west. remains a mystery. There are many We passed the grassland before accounts of his later life. One story we reached Alashan League, the tells that on his way to Beijing, he farthest point in the western died on the shore of Qinghai Lake. part of Inner Mongolia. We were In another story, he managed to flanked by endless dunes on our flee to the Helan Mountains, where way there day and night. The he disseminated Buddhist teachings final destination of our tour was for 30 years. Later, the last wish of Moon Lake, deep in the Tenggeli Tsangyang Gyratso was fulfilled Desert. In Mongolian, Tenggeli by his disciple Ngagdbangrdorje, means “sky”, which is used to who built the Southern Monastery. describe the drifting sand that Today the sarira of Tsangyang is as infinitely expansive as the Gyratso is enshrined in the sky. Tenggeli Desert is the fourth- Southern Monastery. largest desert in China. It is home These peculiar experiences to 422 lake basins, with half of and mysterious folklores puzzled them storing water. Moon Lake research fellows of the later is one of the naturally formed generations. People are divided on lakes in the desert. It takes its their opinions about the latter half name from its crescent shape, and of the life of Tsangyang Gyratso, is considered by some to be the and they cannot reach a universally most romantic lake in China. accepted conclusion. What can It is not easy to access Moon be affirmed, however, is the fact Lake. The first test was to that the Southern Monastery traverse a 15-km-long desert. experienced its heyday, despite its There is no existing road in the remote location deep in the Helan desert. You are advised to hire a Mountains. Hanging at the gate sport utility vehicle driven by a of the monastery is an old photo professional driver to cross the of the building taken at the end of desert to the scenic spot of Moon the Qing Dynasty. Judging from Lake. Although the drivers in the photo, the Southern Monastery our convoy were all veterans, we was no smaller than a mountain encountered issues as soon as we town, as it had a lot of temples and entered the desert. Finally, locals yards. On a summer day in 2003, came to our rescue and helped the Bodhi Pagoda, one of the two us by driving our vehicles for us. oldest Tibetan-style pagodas in To take photos of the sunset, we the Southern Monastery, collapsed boarded a boat at the dock of after heavy rainfall. Nearly 10,000 Moon Lake. After reaching the valuable cultural relics were other side of the lake, we rode discovered in the ruins of the camels for nearly an hour, and fortunately reached the highest pagoda, including Buddhist statues, Camping out under the Buddhist pagodas, pottery wares, point of the desert before the starry sky of Moon Lake silver coins and pearls. sunset. The rosy clouds far away

20 in the horizon warmly gilded the whole desert. Looking back at the sapphire-like lake in the “Living in Potala Palace, desert and the camel caravansary moving slowly in the distance, we I'm the supreme king in the seemed to be relieved instantly of all fatigue from our trip. The snow realm. Wandering in world was so quiet that we could the streets of Lhasa, I'm only hear our breathing and the whistling wind. the most handsome lover That night we held a bonfire party in the desert and put up in the world.” tents to camp in the open field, but nobody seemed eager to — Tsangyang Gyatso go to sleep. Intoxicated by the open skies above, we vied to use the tripod to take photos of the starry night. How many times in a lifetime does a person get to be so keenly aware of the passage of time by witnessing the natural beauties from sunset to starry night and then to sunrise? Beautiful scenery is always hidden in places unfrequented by people. People need to work hard to break away mundane life and bustling crowds, often finding escape in mountain climbing, diving and gliding. The sense of strangeness enables people to examine themselves and observe their surroundings from a new perspective. TIPS

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region spans more than 5,000 km from east to west. The temperature varies greatly from day to night in summer and autumn. It is necessary to prepare adequate clothing for the trip, including the indispensable sunglasses, sun visor, sun cream and outdoor jacket. Also pack an anti-sandstorm mask. Although a legging-like “sand sock” is provided in some scenic spots in the desert to prevent sand from entering shoes, a pair of anti- sand knee-high outdoor footwear Photo by Ma Chao makes travel easier and less stressful.

21 Travel | City Insider Living Like a Local in

Chongqing

Li Xiao was born in northwestern China, but moved to Chongqing — the largest municipality in southwest China — in 2003 to attend university. He chose to settle down there after graduation. He has worked in aircraft maintenance for Sichuan Airlines in the port city for 14 years. What drives him to stay? Li answers this question with three words: “delicacies, culture and scenery”. Married to a Chongqing girl, Li said that he believes the city is the best place to work and live. He shared some of his best- kept secrets about his “second hometown” with Sky Times, offering tips for those eager to explore its delicious spicy food and port culture. In addition to the landmarks, the city is enjoyable for its food courts, wharf and the slower pace of life. Chongqing is a mountain city, surrounded by two rivers: the Jialing and the Yangtze. The ancients always said that it is tough to get there. Since Chongqing became a municipality city, the government has built many roads and bridges , and also worked to solve traffic congestion issues, Li said.

22 Living Like a Local in

Text Fannie Chongqing

How does Unique geography and so many scenic Where do Hotpot , of course. There is a fish one spend spots make Chongqing special and you take hotpot at every intersection. One is in a day like attractive. As a local, I think sitting in a guests an abandoned air-raid shelter. During a local in teahouse by the riverside and chatting to taste the War of Resistance Against Japanese Chongqing? with friends is a good way to spend a Chongqing Aggression (1937-1945), the government day. cuisine? built many air-raid shelters underground. In times of peace, the air-raid shelters became museums, restaurants and access What are Hongyadong, an area with distinctive channels for the light-rail system. the city’s stilted buildings of the Ba and Yu Chongqing noodles are good to try as must-see people, constructed against the well. Yanjing (glasses) beef noodle is a attractions? mountain where the rivers meet. hard-to-find gem. The boss always wears Also, Ciqikou ancient town is one of glasses and stews the beef by himself China’s most famous historical and every day. He has a temper, but diners cultural streets, a special protected do not worry about it — they only care traditional street. In old times, Ciqikou about how good the beef noodle tastes. was a busy port, shipping porcelain and silk to other cities. Now it is a popular scenic spot, where you can find local snacks and handmade souvenirs. Which If you like to eat hotpot, one choice is restaurant Tohot — this restaurant has delicious is your food and fancy decor. Another is Xian personal Long Jing, where the whole restaurant What is I think Shibati (an ancient street, favorite? is a big lotus garden. You can sit by the the best- which literally means “18 steps”, from pool, and enjoy the aromas and delicious kept the ancient residential area to the local food. secret well) and the mountain footpath are away from good places to help you learn about the tourist the lives of people in Chongqing in trail? the 1970s and 1980s. Due to urban renewal, these places will disappear and be replaced by modern buildings and shopping malls.

23 Travel | City Insider

What does If you like electronic music, Echo Bay Where Jie Fang Bei business district is the a typical is a must-go-to venue. It is located on do you heart of Chongqing. Here you can find night out a huge roof of a building, where you shop for the latest luxury goods at the same involve? can see the Jialing River. The DJs play fashion? time they appear in Tokyo and Paris. great music every night. If you are lucky Guan Yin Qiao business district is enough to meet the boss there, he might another dynamic area, with more than make you a special cocktail. five super shopping malls. You can also enjoy local and global cuisine in each shopping mall.

What is I am addicted to craft beer, as it so When is Autumn is the best season. Do not your latest different from industrial beer. You can the best come to Chongqing in summer — it is great find make some new friends who like craft time to way too hot! in the beer as well. The friendly bartender and visit? city? various beers are a pleasantly surprise in Vamos Craft Beer Bar, where you can taste more than 200 kinds of beer from all over the world. You can also watch sports events there with your friends and cheer for your team — it is awesome.

Yu Wang Palace, one of the largest and well-preserved ancient theatrical stage in Chongqing.

24 Travel | WOW Chongqing WINE AND DINE AT ’ ChongqingText Feng Shuangqing s Finest Chongqing is a modern port city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. As China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, Chongqing has achieved rapid economic development while preserving a wonderful natural environment. Known as the Mountain City, it has a wavy terrain and encompasses a wealth of water reserves, dense forests, and abundant flora and fauna. Chongqing is famous for its hot Sichuan cuisine and world-famous hotpot. Having hotpot at a riverside restaurant or heading for food markets at night are highly recommended. The wonderful cruises on the Yangtze and Jialing rivers provide a fantastic chance to appreciate the city’s enchanting evening beauty.

Food for thought Venues worth visiting

Yi Yuan Chinese Restaurant Hongyadong

Located in Guanyingqiao, the Bearing a history of more than newest city center of Chongqing, Yi 2,300 years, Hongyadong is Yuan Chinese Restaurant features located in the river-side area where authentic Sichuan and Chongqing the Yangtze River and the Jialing cuisine as well as original River converge, near the core Cantonese dishes and business Drinks worth sipping business center of Chongqing. The sets. Discover its signature dishes buildings here are in the form of like steamed wild riverfish with Jin Yao Xuan Specialty traditional piled wellings of Ba chopped-chili sauce, which was Restaurant and Yu (ancient abbreviation of created by Chef Ivan and inspired Chongqing), constructed against by his childhood near the Jialing Ideally located in the Jiefangbei the mountain and by the side of the River, and stewed pork feet and CBD area, Jin Yao Xuan river, directly leading Jiefangbei to chicken in Chongqing beer sauce, Restaurant is the highest hotpot the river area. If you are interested which was created by Chef Tao restaurant in Yuzhong District, in traditional piled wellings, old and inspired by an ancestral recipe offering bird’s-eye city and river streets of the Mountain City, rich mixed with Chongqing beer. views through glasswalls or an culture, mind-blowing scenery open terrace. The breathtaking around two rivers and delicious setting is matched only bythe local food, then Hongyadong is the enticing cuisine, which unites a place to go. passion for the freshest seafood — flown in daily — with traditional Chongqing hotpot. A glass pool adds to the contemporary setting, providing a semi-outdoor dining experience and a nightly mermaid performance. Spending a night not only enjoying hotpot, but also sipping a cocktail carefully selected by in-house sommeliers can provide an exceptional evening. Address: 3F-4F, DoubleTree by Hilton Chongqing North, Address: 53/F of the West in Building B Sincere Center, No. 68 Chongqing, Liberation Square, Yanghe Yi Road, Jiangbei District, No.222 Xinhua Road Yuzhong Chongqing District, Chongqing Address: No.88 Jialing Opening Hours: Lunch: 11:30 Riverside Road, Yuzhong District, Opening Hours: Every day 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. / Dinner: 5:30 p.m.-10 Chongqing a.m. – 9 p.m. p.m. Opening Hours: All day

25 Travel | World Summer is for Cowboys in Calgary

26 Summer is for Cowboys in Calgary

Text Stella

aybe, deep down, the western cowboys. everybody has a “CS” commences on the dream of being a first Friday of July, and for the M cowboy. In 1912, a following 10 days, the world’s top young cowboy called Guy Weadick professional cowboys compete for organized a competition in a prize of C$2 million (US$1.48 Calgary, passing down the spirit of million). During this period, the western cowboy and launching the whole city joins in with the of one Canada’s annual summer western spirit of the festivities. festivities. All of the shops, hotels and On a recent trip, my plane landed restaurants downtown are decked smoothly at Calgary International out in traditional decorations and Airport. As I stepped down from offer all kinds of related goods, the aircraft, I received a gift — country music and food and a white Stetson. Each passenger drink. All of the locals wear white donned these primo cowboy hats Stetsons, checked shirts, jeans and one by one as they crossed the impressive boots. The million or so air bridge, their bobbing heads people gathered in the capital of bouncing like musical notes as if Alberta province give the place a the prelude to the cowboy festival carnival atmosphere. had already begun to play at the airport. The Calgary Stampede is in its A tradition with 105th year and features all kinds of roots in daily life riding and roping activities. Every July, sparsely populated Canada The Calgary Stampede is a welcomes 1.2 million people to traditional folk festival based on this international event, which is the real lives and customs of local known as CS, for short. A front of cowboys. There are still quite a North American cowboy culture, few real cowboys in Alberta’s Calgary puts on show the rich cattle pens today, who earn their tapestry that celebrates the lives of spurs through herding. Although

27 Travel | World

young locals increasingly opt for dry, cold, natural environment and Although young an urban life, they still frequent the the strong-willed wild horses and Rocky Mountains at weekends and oxen test both the courage and wit locals increasingly on holidays to honor their cowboy of the cowboys. All of the events in ancestry, maybe by riding horses which modern cowboys participate opt for or staying in remote cowboy during the Calgary Stampede are homesteads. Today, attending the challenges that reflect those of an urban life, they Calgary Stampede has become a traditional life that continue today. kind of rite, handing down the Competitions include the saddle still frequent the culture of Canada’s west to a bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, younger generation. unarmed bull fighting and women’s Rocky Mountains The lifestyle of Wild West barrel horse racing. cowboys has been shown in Over the past century, the at weekends and numerous Hollywood films. A equipment and methods for cowboy’s life may look carefree, unsaddled riding have changed, on holidays but it is not. Each winter, the but the sport remains essentially to honor their temperature in the mountain unaltered. The cowboy holds tight ranges drops to between -20°C leather riggings with tailored fitting cowboy and -30°C, and the snow does not armrests. With both legs stretched completely melt until May. The as far forward as possible, he ancestry.

28 applies his spurs, and then heads was last home would have to toward the rigging. During the treat all of the other cowboys to best bareback matches, riders will a round of drinks at the saloon. feel that they have been sucked When the cowboys’ whistled up into a tornado. This extremely orders came, everyone would pack physical activity fully tests a everything — from hand tools to cowboy’s strength — he has to a barrel stove used for shoeing endure most of the horse’s power hooves and heating soldering irons through his riding arm. There are — into their wagons as fast as 100 points for this competition: possible, and then urge the horses the adjudicator scores it based on home at top speed. At the Calgary the rider’s control and command of Stampede, this fast and furious the horse. The more in unison the race is emulated. rider and the horse’s movements Four teams participate in each are, the higher the score. If the chuckwagon race. The cowboys cowboy does not manage to stay ride the horses, with their stove, on the horse’s back for the required barrels, tents and soldering irons in eight minutes, or if his free hand the cart behind them. Their whips comes into contact with the horse, impel the horses to up their pace. himself or any other equipment, he All that can be seen is a gaggle of is disqualified. more than a dozen horses galloping Bull riding is one of the most along the course, wildly surging exciting events. The bulls are toward the finish line in the hope of reared for the Calgary Stampede, snagging first prize. Rivers of mud but have never been tamed. Each churned up by the wheels along the bull is extremely wild. Competitors way end up caked on the cowboys’ grasp the rope on the bull’s body clothes, Stetsons and faces. With the and launch themselves onto the spectators cheering wildly, it makes back of an animal 10 times heavier for a very lively scene. than themselves. The rope is In Calgary, the strikingly attached to the bull’s bell and if the handsome cowboy Dave Cowley rider’s grip loosens, the weight of is a crowd favorite. He was the the bell will untether the rope. winner of the 2015 Calgary While all riding requires Stampede and has 18 years of cowboy’s to possess outstanding riding experience. He entered his balance and upper body strength, beloved Tucker in the competition they also need powerful legs. at this year’s CS. Tucker is Dave’s sixth horse: he is 7 years old, has a powerful physique, and has been Death-defying a competitor and performer since chuckwagon racing he was 4 years old. On the opening Cowboy Dave and day of the festival, Dave took his horse Tucker Perhaps the most exciting Tucker up Calgary’s landmark moment of the Calgary Stampede building, the Calgary Tower. is the four-wheel chuckwagon When not training, Dave and race. It has the largest prize and Tucker are inseparable, and at the is considered to be the most weekend, if Tucker wants to sleep “hell-bent-for-leather” event. In late and is reluctant to train, he earlier times, when evening came, will occasionally play up and lie cowboys would occasionally hold on the ground, refusing to get up. a small race on their way back When this happens, Dave gives from distant pastures where they him a massage to show him his had taken cattle to graze. Whoever affection.

29 Travel | World

landscapes across a high altitude The Revenant rep- belt from Calgary to Vancouver. resents Alberta Local people like to call Kananaskis “K Village”. It is a Upon hearing the name Calgary, village formed by many provincial some people might not be able to mountain parks in the eastern place it and might not even connect foothills of the Rocky Mountains. the city with Canada. Compared Compared with famous national to the huge cities of Toronto and parks like Banff and Jasper, K Vancouver, it is quiet and keeps Village is almost a private garden. a low profile, so outsiders know Banff National Park also little about it. Calgary is tucked appears in many scenes in the film. in the Rocky Mountains in the The battle scenes were filmed in south of Alberta province. With its the protected area in the eastern low-lying lakes and snowcapped section. Movies such as Brokeback mountain peaks, the four seasons Mountain and Interstellar were coexist magnificently. also filmed in Banff, which is home Film buffs will certainly to three renowned world-class ski remember the setting of the The resorts in Lake Louise Ski Resort, Revenant, which garnered an Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village award for best cinematography at — apparently one can ski there for the 2016 Oscars and also earned more than a month without ever Leonardo DiCaprio a golden repeating the same slopes. statuette after 20 years of waiting If you do not like skiing you — it was filmed in Alberta. can also skate or play hockey, Much of the scenic film focuses especially when temperatures on a small village near Calgary drop to between -20°C and -30°C. with a tongue-twisting name of Afterward, enjoying a cup of Kananaskis. The directors spent hot chocolate or cider tea, and nine months in western Canada soaking in Banff’s hot springs is searching for the right vistas, really a luxurious experience. It is before finally finishing the epic also beautiful in summer, with the movie. The massive film crew options of kayaking, hiking and slowly traversed Canada’s frozen rafting.

30 Culture

A One-Woman Mission to Revive Real Folk Handicraft / 32

See a Red Slice of Buddhist Heaven in Sertar / 38

Rome Roams in Italian Designer’s Soul / 46 Culture

Ato Revive One-woman Real Folk Handicraft Mission Text Qiu Lian

Wool dyed by vegetable dyestuff

32 Ato Revive One-woman Real Folk Handicraft Mission

t takes a whole day to and down-to-earth craftsmen, go to the place where yet she also noticed ad is connect bamboo grows, and between the traditional handicrafts “ come back,” said the and modern life, both in terms of village headI of Badeng in the Tibet design and practical use. autonomous region. “The bamboo She spent 10 years turning growing there is called daba in handmade cloth art into products the language of the Mamba ethnic in Shanxi Province’s Dingcun group. It grows higher and thicker village, and shared that experience than the bamboo nearby. This is a though lectures at a national secret kept by our ancestors.” training course sponsored by the At that point, a whole- ministry. day’s journey was nothing to Now, she was making an arduous Gai Hongrui, an independent journey in pursuit of bamboo designer, who had already made weavers in a remote pocket of a long, arduous trip to get as Tibet. After arriving at Nyingchi, far as Badeng. She had gone to Gai and her team traveled a full Tibet eager to find and help save day to reach the county town of traditional craftssuch as bamboo Medog to learn about the local ware. techniques for producing bamboo It was 2012, and Gai was ware. At that time, the Medog looking for ways to develop local Expressway was not yet open to handicrafts at the invitation of traffic. The well-equipped sport officials in the province. The utility vehicle crept along roads town of Nyingchi had struggled frequently ravaged by mudslides, to pass down to a new generation landslides and avalanches. the making of its traditional The group moved on to nearby folk handicraft items, listed as Dexing, consisting of three natural intangible cultural heritage. Just villages scattered on a mountain. as the officials there were at a loss Dexing’s stilthouses have a uniform about what to do next, they got to blue roof and the same outside know Gai thanks to the Chinese decoration. When Gai arrived, Ministry of Culture’s Department the locals proudly displayed of Intangible Cultural Heritage. their bamboo handicrafts, whose Though Gai first set her sights patterns were themed with on bamboo ware, her interests in Riverside Scenes at Qingming traditional crafts had been diverse. Festival, the “Four Beauties” She had learned oil painting in in ancient China, and pandas her youth, but a defining moment eating bamboo. They said they came when she was shooting a film had received special training on about folk crafts for the Discovery production techniques in Sichuan Channel, a three-year project. She Province. felt at ease among the attentive But Gai was depressed by these

33 Culture

Women weavers of Zhenba village are processing the cloth from other villages.

34 works, which she felt had lost all accommodates the climate in traces of the native culture. tropical rain forest regions. Stilt “For me, folk handicrafts must houses can shelter people from rain, have two key characteristics. First, but do not block air ventilation. they must be of practical use, The flowing air constantly dispels not just something made for fun. humidity and eliminates mold. The Second, they must be ordinary houses are decorated with rich- items indispensable to daily life,” colored patterns on eaves, beams Gai says. and columns, and doors that differ But then she spotted a kind of from home to home. woven-bamboo box at a grocery Pots of flowers or grass are put store in Medog. “It is a square- on the windowsills, and the pots shaped box with a cover and is are either rusty steel tubs or well- used for holding sweets at home,” worn pottery. The atmosphere of the store owner told Gai, adding real life could be felt everywhere. that the box came from Badeng People were busy working village in Beibeng township. So Gai with their hands, sitting on the set her sights on Badeng. platforms of the stilt houses, while Badeng sits on a cloud- talking loudly to their neighbors. enshrouded hill on the Yarlung Cows and pigs strolled freely Zangbo River. Two villagers on along the village paths, and hens their way back home after selling would suddenly flutter into baskets vegetables that morning and two hanging from the trees to sit on village officials joined us on our eggs. A few dogs followed people journey up the mountain. The wherever they went. People interact villagers plant crops such as corn, with other people, animals, and paddy rice, chicken-claw millet nature intimately and easily. and vegetables such as spinach, The making of bamboo ware cauliflower, oil-seed rape and could be seen all over the village. radish. Each day, the villagers In the square in front of the village carry vegetables on their backs temple, about five or six men were to the town to sell, and then buy sitting on the ground. Some were daily necessities to take back to cutting thin bamboo strips, while the village. Wearing rubber shoes others were weaving, with slender branded jiefang (liberation), the and smooth bamboo slips seeming two villagers with us walked fast to jump in their arms. Men were and sometimes took a shortcut by maneuvering their sturdy fingers climbing the steep slope, waiting to create the patterns and folded for us higher up. corners of bamboo strips with After walking for three-and-a- great dexterity. half hours, I caught sight of the November is the season to cut sutra streamer fluttering on the top bamboo, when it turns old,” he of the mountain. says. “The cut bamboo needs to be cleaved, have the core removed Shaped by nature and then cut into strips. The strips need to be air-dried so that the Here, “environment” had shaped green color fadesto yellow. The people’s lives. There were no bamboo strips are woven into uniformly planned or designed bamboo ware during the slack buildings in the village. Instead, season for farming. The half- stilt houses of different heights finished goods need to be soaked and sizes dotted the hillsides. in water to prevent bamboo slips They represent an architectural from cracking. tradition of Mamba people, which “As such a process consumes a

35 Culture

large amount of physical strength, only men weave bamboo ware,” the village head adds. Many daily-use utensils are handcrafted from bamboo, Monks from one of though some have been replaced the largest temple by modern production methods. in Nyingchi are manufacturing spice. Traditionally, when corn is planted, the seeds are put into a bamboo basket fastened onto the waist. Lunch is toted to the farmland in a bamboo backpack by men, or in a bamboo basket by women. Newly hatched chicks are put into a bamboo basket that hangs outside the house, so thatmice do not eat them. Chicken-claw millet is spread out in a square-bottomed bamboo basket for air-drying before it can be used for making spirits. When rape oil is extracted, rapeseed is put into a soft bamboo bottle, and when the bottle is pressed flat under pressure, the rape oil leaks through the cracks of the bottle and is stored. People carrying something heavy on their backswhile coming down the mountain usually tie woven- bamboo belts to their heads, to lessen the weight on their bodies. Goods made from the daba type of bamboo is so durable, the demand in the village is very small. After arriving there, Gai asked villagers to revive traditional techniques that had fallen out of use. “For example, the bamboo cover for sheltering from the rain and the bamboo bottle for extracting oil have been replaced with modern articles, and seldom do we use such bamboo ware in our daily lives,” the village head said. Gai bought everything they made. Gai say surban residents can appreciate bamboo products that can have a new purpose. Double- faced woven bamboo baskets, durable enough to be used by villagers to store cereal crops, could be used as wastepaper baskets in offices. She also wants

36 to test whether the villagers can factory and spin it into pulu, then produce different kinds of bamboo take pulu back to the factory for goods on a big scale. dyeing. This brings an annual income of about 30 to 40 million yuan to the factory, which now has Reviving a weaving less than 10 employees. culture A local master of natural dyeing, who had been laid off when the Another highlight of her quest mill was closing, has now created a for native crafts: Two ethnic color card with 78 different shades, techniques of producing clothes. with names like “willow twig and Gongbu Tibetan men and women azalea flower”, “sea buckthorn wearing crimson sleeveless jackets at Gyangtse” and “thorny can be seen everywhere in the meconopsis”, which all describe rural areas of Nyingchi. Made colors unique to Tibet. of pulu (Tibetan heavy woolen Gai asked the weavers to make cloth), this kind of clothing serves aprons, a product she thought suited as outer garments for people who to the loose weave of the cloth. are working outdoors. Mamba As a professional designer, Gai craftsmen, meanwhile, also make says the local weaving girls can still a kind of ceremonial clothing for pleasantly surprise her. “One day, Lhoba people, the ethnic group with they mixed the colors of purple, the smallest population in China. turquoise blue and jade green into Gai was asked to design a a pattern, which created a stunning teaching program so that the effect. Even the boldest designer weaving techniques could be would not match colors as they do.” passed down to new generations, The scene is different in Zhenba but on a commercial scale. village, which is inhabited by “Villagers mostly use local Gongbu Tibetans. The weavers use methods for dyeing. “The fruits wooden looms set on the ground, Defective of Chinese hawthorn, rhizome with four foot pedals controlling products of Chinese goldthread, and the two frames in the upper made by women walnut shell in the mountains position, allowing the operator weavers in can be buried in sheep dung to weave both plain and twill Zhenba village for fermentation and made patterns. There are a total of 47 are changed into dyestuff.” However, the women weavers processing cloth, into seat one each coming from the 47 cover in the fermentation process is long exhibition and sometimes fails, she says, village households. room. which means the quality of the Ultimately, Gai helped to product cannot be guaranteed. She establish a program of teaching resolutely opposes using chemical that combines manual and dyestuff, saying it would be mechanical production, preserving an environmental disaster to handicrafts that began in an Nyingchi. agrarian culture but now Then local officials invited must depend on an industrial Gai to have a look at a local civilization. wool mill that had slipped “The products at the top level into bankruptcy decades are of the highest artistic value, ago, where there were five they are few in quantity and highly spinning machines left in priced; the products at the bottom the factory as well as some level account for the largest market dyeing equipment. It would share and provide a solid base for do. Now the Gongbu Tibetans the development of craftsmanship come and buy yarn from the at the top level,” Gai said.

37 Culture | Lens

See a Red Slice of

Buddhist Heaven

inPhoto Wang Yan / Text Feng ShuangqingSertar 38 here are places on Earth that still have the power to shock first- time visitors, even if they have T seen the place in pictures. The first sight of Larung Gar is a vibrant splash of red. The colorful settlement, the campus of a famous Buddhist academy, is enormous. Houses for monks and nuns sprawl across the valley and up the surrounding mountains. The red and brown houses are nearly identical, all built in the region’s traditional wood style — and built so close together that they appear almost on top of each other, like a red sea Buddhist Heaven spreading up the hilly terrain. While many of the quarters appear to be nothing more than crude shacks, others, no less humble on the outside, are lavishly decorated and lovingly maintained inside. The cabins spread for miles and you cannot see where in Sertar they end, offering a truly unique view. 39 Culture | Lens

40 A county of Sichuan Province, Sertar means “golden horse” in Tibetan. It lies in the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau and in the Garze Prefecture of Tibet’s traditional region of Kham. Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, also known as Sertar Buddhist Institute, sits in the Larung Valley at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Larung Gar Buddhist Academy was founded from scratch in the once entirely uninhabited valley in the 1980s, rising to become one of the world’s biggest Buddhist school in only a few years. Despite its remote location, it grew from a handful of disciples gathering to study for khenpo— a doctorate in divinity — in a single home. It has become one of the largest and most influential centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. As of 2015, the number of monks, nuns and lay disciples had grown to about 40,000. The academy is widely renowned for its high quality of both religious and secular education. English, Chinese and Tibetan languages and modern computer studies are taught alongside a traditional non-sectarian Buddhist curriculum. Reaching Larung Gar is not an easy task. It is in a remote area and the nearest large city is Chengdu, which is 650 kilometers away, up to 15 hours by vehicle along an endless bumpy road. But the academy is certainly worth the trek.

41 Culture | Lens

At Larung Gar, monks and nuns are not allowed out of their designated areas except in front of the main monastery assembly hall, which is common to both nuns and monks. The segregation of male and female living quarters is marked by a winding road, which weaves through the dense mass of huts. How the monks and nuns find their specific houses among 10,000-plus similar structures is astonishing. Prayer forms an important part in the life of the monks, who travel from numerous countries to attend lectures and classes in the area. It is undertaken by spinning the decorative prayer wheels that are located around the Buddhist settlement. On the highest peak of Larung Gar, the Sacred Mandala is the focal feature of the academy. The mandala is the place where sacrificial Buddhist activities are held, and you can usually find many people turning their prayer wheels in worship here. It is said that if you are ill, your sickness will be driven away after you rotate the wheel here 100 times. Visitors are welcomed into the monastery to learn and to witness classes. In this land full of Buddhist culture, you can find endless devotees reading scriptures and studying courses on philosophy day and night at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. Young and old all wear vermilion Buddhist robes. Set off by the blue sky, the clothing on the tens of thousands of devotees is both exquisite and solemn.

42 43 Culture | Lens

44 At night, when all the apprentices stay in their own cabins, each window is lit up. Every cabin is like a shining star nestled against the golden and silver temples, amid the roads with sparkling golden and blue lights crossing the academy. It is a must-have photograph and an everlasting memory. The settlement welcomes everyone, and its inhabitants maintain their life in the hills from donations and through small businesses like the guesthouse or small grocery store. Conditions are basic, with residents having to share communal toilets, and each unheated hut ranging in size from one to three rooms. It can be bleak in the winter months when snow covers the surrounding hills. However, the view and eternal chanting make it all worthwhile.

45 Culture | Taste of Design

46

Rome Roams in Italian Designer’s Soul

Text & Photo Yang Di

talian fashion mogul Anna and St. Peter’s Basilica. Fendi achieved brilliance with “The central location is perfectly her first residenza concept, placed for many of Rome’s major I Villa Laetitia, which celebrates attractions, such as the fashion Roman heritage, and she has put district and the Spanish Steps. I’m the same effort and energy into her so happy about the fact that I was personal apartment that stands in born in Rome. I wouldn’t have the heart of Rome. picked any other city instead of At age 84, dressed head-to-toe Rome as my birthplace,” she said. Anna Fendi’s in black with eye-catching jewelry, Fendi was born close to the bedroom reflects intimacy she relaxed on her living-room sofa Colosseum in the heart of the city. and warmth. in a space that looks out over St. She then moved into the Barberini Peter’s Basilica. family house, restored the buildings “I have been living most of my and brought back its original life in the restored estate that once splendor and timeless charm. belonged to the Barberini family, Living in this apartment in Prati who retained a true Roman spirit, with her partner, Giuseppe Tedesco, but I missed one important Fendi savors the 2,500-square- thing: the view,” she said. foot space — with its grandly From this apartment — proportioned, interconnecting which displays Umbertino- rooms and high ceilings, which style architecture that was allow the glorious natural sunlight typical from the end of the to flood all of the rooms. 19th century to the beginning “Prati is very unique and has of the 20th century — Fendi can its own specific structure. It is appreciate a vista representing considered the second city center. “the true meaning of being Another area that I am fond of is Roman” in the Castel Sant’Angelo Borgo Pio, which has retained its

47 Culture | Taste of Design

The tabletop collection features striking designs in ultra transparency and extreme lightness.

48 authenticity. You can furniture, as well as a careful find a lot of artisans selection of contemporary who are capable of artworks. restoring antique “I wanted to keep things furniture and artworks light. Plus, I wanted to give there,” Fendi said. the impression that things “Even though I had been here a long time. have spent my entire I don’t like it when a decor life in fashion, my looks forced,” she said. great passion remains Fendi particularly loves interior design and the Hoffmann furniture lifestyle,” she added. style that is unmistakably She spent half a minimalist and original. century working in “I have Mittel-European fashion before turning ancestors, so it is probably to interior design and one of the reasons I have a decoration, launching thing for Mittel-European her own lifestyle designs: geometrical, brand, AFV. But long linear, the playful contrasts before unveiling that between light and shadow,” collection, Fendi started she added. restoring houses, The modern style perfectly with her first project contrasts with older original in Umbria, a hilltop elements, like the 1920s art village. deco chairs that she bought “I gave the many years ago in Florence. abandoned village a “The chairs were lying in second life by restoring storage before I found their apartments inside Anna Fendi has a thing for the perfect spot here in this medieval buildings colors of black and white which is apartment,” Fendi said. and bringing in energy shown in the ceramic items she has Throughout the and water. I have sold collected over years. apartment, she has created most of the restored a sense of continuity and apartments and kept flow between rooms. The four units for myself. The medieval I want to fill spaces with a lot of space feels balanced, well laid out village is located in a very vibrant personal memories, surrounded by and curated. It features an artful and cultural hub of Umbria. My things related to family, love and blending of modern furnishings passion for contemporary art emotion.” and her collection of works from started from there,” she said. The guideline for the renovation Italy’s contemporary artists to Karl “I met the great painter and was to create a warm, chic Lagerfeld sketches. sculptor Alberto Burri there by atmosphere in a functional space One of the highlights is the accident. Since then, we have been where Fendi and her partner could dining room wall cabinet with its good friends and I have collected get on with everyday life. She chose collection of tableware in evocative some of his works,” Fendi said. “I white as the backdrop to give a colors she designed herself, for am proud that three of my Burri relaxing vibe, and touches of black which she employed Italy’s best artworks are being exhibited in the to give some attitude to the rather artisans. She is extremely fond artist’s retrospective exhibition at soothing decor. of Murano glass art. In her the Guggenheim Museum.” It is very different in style collections, it takes on an extra Speaking of her own preferences, compared with her other dimension of exclusivity and Fendi said she likes to mix and properties, which resemble glamor. match. mini palaces. The apartment is The tabletop collection “Of course, I like to retain contemporary and sophisticated, features striking designs in the original elements of the filled with many Josef Hoffmann ultra transparency and extreme architecture, but at the same time, pieces mixed with some period lightness. Black-and-white wine

49 Culture | Taste of Design

The living area features a mixture of furniture and decoration items from different periods and styles.

Glassware artworks by different artists are placed in the dining area.

glasses reflect her signature colors, which she highlights with evocative hues of ruby, green apple, smoke, amber and coffee. During the development process, Fendi rediscovered an ancient technique called incalmo, which is the precise fusing of two different colors to make the result appear as if it is a single piece of glass. These beautiful creations are only available at the Villa Laetitia store, where the complete range of AFV lifestyle products are available. Fendi presents herself as a luxury artisan who gives futuristic ideas to Italian cultural heritage and traditions, which is probably why she became the first Italian woman to receive the IWF Hall of Fame award.

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Show Time For Lufthansa in China / 52

Huang Zhiyang: Life Through the Lens of a Suburban Dweller / 60

Aviation Innovation Made to Sound Simple / 66 People | Business

Show Time For Lufthansa in China Text Meng Jin & Cao Shenshen

n the Lufthansa Group office pace of the dynamic city. “The about not spending enough time in Henderson Metropolitan on cities I lived in before are also with his parents, who had given him Nanjing East Road, Veli Polat international metropolises, but I so much, so he took a Lufthansa I looks out of the window, lost think that Shanghai is even more flight to travel around Europe with in thought. Downstairs, people on global. The people here are kind, his parents.” the pedestrian street of Nanjing friendly and hardworking. Besides, Road are packed in like sardines. compared with most European Rapidly-growing In the distance, the Customs Bell at cities, Shanghai is much safer.” The Bund is tolling the hour with Polat believes that Shanghai Chinese market melodious music, as the busy and differs from other cities in two China has been attracting global prosperous city of Shanghai comes main aspects: “First, Shanghai is attention for its rapid growth over into sight through the window and a vibrant city with high efficiency. the past decades. Polat feels it an the light fog. Second, I really feel that the people honor to work in China during here in Shanghai, and China as a the current boom. He thinks that whole, are warmhearted. I take Amiable interna- China’s aviation market has vast the subway to work every day potential and robust demand. Since tional metropolis and I love to try local street food. its first flight to China in 1926, Although I do not speak Chinese, “I like the feeling and I like Lufthansa Group has had a happy the ambiance and rhythm of and most local people I have met 91-year history in the Chinese the city,” said the 49-year-old do not speak English, we can market and maintained a leading Polat, Lufthansa Group’s newly communicate with gestures and I position in the air routes between appointed senior director sales have felt warmth and friendliness China and Europe. of Greater China. A German from them.” Chinese passengers make it a Turk who was born in Ankara, “I was born in Turkey and I point to compare the products of Polat moved to Germany in his moved to Germany in my teens. airline companies before making a youth for further education. After Such an upbringing has made me trip and seek the best services, Polat graduating in 1994, he attended attach great importance to family. said. The multiple-hub strategy of a training program for Lufthansa When I came to China, I felt the Lufthansa suits Chinese passengers. Cargo ProTeam and later became a importance of family was even Currently, Lufthansa Group has team member of the “Time-limited stronger in Chinese society and in three companies operating flights Service” development project. He the way it treats the elderly and to China: Lufthansa German has now worked for Lufthansa children. China is a country with Airlines, Swiss International Air Group for 22 years, with postings deep family affection,” he said. Lines and Austrian Airlines. The in Baku, Istanbul, Moscow, Los He added that the spirit of family three companies represent the Angeles and New Delhi before love was captured in a Chinese traits of three different countries arriving in Shanghai with his advertisement released by Lufthansa respectively. Lufthansa features family in December. last year. “The advert was about a the quality of Germany, with Although he has been in middle-aged person who had been Frankfurt and Munich as its hub; Shanghai for just a few months, successful in his career. Due to his Swiss International Air Lines he already appreciates the fast busy working life, he felt guilty reflects the service characteristics of

52 Lufthansa in China

“Constant innovation is the spirit of the Lufthansa Group.” Veli Polat Veli Polat, Senior Director Sales of Greater China Lufthansa Group Airlines

53 People | Business

Switzerland, with Zurich as its hub; selling through direct connection and Austrian Airlines represents the mode. Other collaborations have traditional traits of Austria, with been established, such as with Vienna as its hub. Polat said: “The Siemens in Europe, with more on three hubs work collaboratively, the horizon. Such programs allow retaining their own brand passengers holding a through ticket reputation and characteristics. to enjoy a discount when visiting a Their air routes cover the whole of museum, going to a restaurant or Europe, thus bringing more choices using transportation services in the for passengers.” city they are visiting,” he added. Coming to Shanghai and Polat is full of confidence about absorbing China’s fast pace, Polat the rapidly growing Chinese noticed that smartphones have a market. “Overall, more than 50 much wider application in China percent of the passengers on our than in Europe. A large portion of flights are Chinese. Currently, the the products of Lufthansa Group rapid growth of China-Europe are sold online through its portal air routes can be attributed to the website. Chinese passengers buy development of China’s economy them directly through their mobile and tourism as well as the growing phones, while most Europeans do middle class in China. In the past, this through personal computers. Chinese parents sent their children Therefore, Polat believes to study in Europe. And now, these that intensive cooperation with children have grown up and are online travel agencies is the taking their parents to foreign next step for Lufthansa Group’s countries.” strategic direction in China, with He said that five or 10 years an emphasis on selling travel ago, most Lufthansa passengers experiences and feelings rather in First Class cabins and Business than merely selling tickets. “In Class cabins were from Germany fact, our traditional distribution or other European countries. Now, model can no longer meet the they are gradually being replaced growing demand, so we have by Chinese. “This is because more moved to the ‘Direct Connect’ to and more Chinese businesses are allow our partners to contact our investing in Germany and other system directly. Our passengers European countries.” can not only buy tickets through these channels, but also decide whether they want to buy VIP Continuous services or internet-surfing innovation cards, or reserve a hotel in their destination city. For example, “Constant innovation is the spirit some of our passengers want to of the Lufthansa Group. We have enjoy a symphony in Munich. launched some products especially That is easy. The ticket agency has for Chinese people. For example, established cooperation with us in terms of payment, we hope to so that passengers can choose to make it more localized. Alipay is take a Lufthansa Group flight to available as a payment option in Munich after they have fixed the some of the stores at Frankfurt time of the symphony,” he said. Airport, and this is attracting more “Currently, we have established Chinese passengers to shop there. cooperation in China on Direct We have also launched E-journal Connect. For example, the back services on board. No matter end of Ctrip.com can connect which cabin you are in, you can to our system and realize ticket- download magazines to your iPad.

54 55 People | Business

An Airbus A380 of Lufthansa

56 Of course, passengers in higher- class cabins have more choices. The person who is traveling with you can also read together with you. The purpose is to reduce the weight of the plane and consume less fuel, thus cutting carbon emissions,” said Polat. He added that Lufthansa Group has also developed some cutting- edge technologies in Berlin. For example, in transforming the entertainment system, it will launch a viewing device that looks like a pair of virtual reality glasses. At present, you have to sit when watching TV or playing games on the plane. In the future, the device will allow passengers to do it while leaning or even lying down. A new introduction is the Robot Chatbox voice service. When coming across any problems, passengers used to dial the service hotline, but now they can contact a Robot Chatbox online, which have individual names. The profile of one robot is a red-haired middle-aged western woman. At present, the robots can answer questions only in English and German. “We hope that there will be more robot profiles with the ability to speak more languages in the future,” he said. When it comes to flight punctuality, Polat said it requires the collaboration of several parties, and that airline companies need to control every step efficiently. “We take a very positive attitude toward China’s civil aviation authorities about their efforts to improve the issue of flight punctuality. We will go all out to collaborate with them to ensure that our flights take off and land on time. I personally respect and admire the work of the Chinese civil aviation authorities. The sky is vast, but the resources of a busy airport are always limited. We are open to maintaining close contact with them.”

57 People | Business

Lufthansa Group has had a happy 91-year history in the Chinese market and maintained a leading position in the air routes between China and Europe.

58 Which Chinese city is your be grounded in terms of being favorite? realistic. He or she should have I only moved to China in close relationships with people, December, but I like Shanghai very including the team, colleagues, much and am impressed by this customers and partners. My beautiful city every day. leadership style is authentic. I have empathy for people, remain happy Where have you not been, but and am always able to laugh. I am would love to travel to? who I am, and I hope my team I want to travel to the moon, as enjoys their work like I do. I am inspired by the song Fly Me to the Moon, and I am a fan of What has been your greatest science fiction. challenge or career setback and how did you overcome it? On a normal working day, what Thankfully, I have not had any is most time-consuming and what career setbacks. But, of course, is most meaningful? many challenges are happening I spend time on e-mailing, or will happen. The best way to meetings with internal colleagues, overcome them is to be true to external customers and partners. yourself. Listen to your heart and Meetings must be the most time- to your wife. consuming part of my day and also the most meaningful part, as they You have worked at many help give me fresh ideas. branch offices for Lufthansa over the past 20 years — which is the In your spare time, what do you most memorable one? do to relax? I have worked in Frankfurt, I am a running man, and I go to Baku, Istanbul, Moscow, Los the gym from time to time. Angeles, Delhi and now in Shanghai. I must say, they all had Do you like Chinese food? What highly memorable moments. And is your favorite dish? I am looking forward to having Yes, absolutely. Chinese food more of them in Shanghai. is delicious — from dim sum to Beijing duck to hot pot. But my Could you please recommend favorite has to be xiao long bao. a couple of popular European destinations to travel to in the Have you taken flights on other summer season? Chinese carriers? There are so many beautiful Yes, I take flights on Chinese destinations in Europe. I carriers a lot, as I have many recommend Vienna, Salzburg meetings in our five Chinese and Heidelberg. Vienna has very destinations. I travel frequently beautiful landscape as well as with Air China, as it is our joint culture, history and music. I also venture partner. Meanwhile, I also have to mention that the best fly quite a lot with China Eastern, way to go to Vienna is flying with as I am based in Shanghai, which is Austrian Airlines directly from where that airline is based. Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong. Salzburg is the home of Amadeus What do you think makes a Mozart and also a very beautiful successful leader? How would you Austrian city. Heidelberg is also a describe your leadership style? nice city, especially for travel in the A successful leader can keep summer season. I lost my heart in the big picture in mind, but still Heidelberg.

59 People

Huang Zhiyang

Life Through the Lens of a Suburban Dweller Text Feng Shuangqing

60 uang Zhiyang is best its gaudy “green” clashed with known as a self- the natural “green” color of the possessed and spirited mountainous area. The expression H contemporary Chinese appeared to be shutting out the artist. The depth, breadth and possibility of dialogue between expressive scope of his cultural man and history, thus creating concerns are rare among artists in something unnatural or even anti- fast-paced China. natural in nature. It was a concrete reflection of society and the human landscape. From Taipei to Huang moved to Beijing to Beijing further pursue his artistic career in 2006. Just as he had always Huang Zhiyang was born in lived on the periphery of a city 1965 in Taipei. He used to rent a since the late 1980s, he chose to shabby house with wild, natural live and work in an area bordering surroundings on Yangmingshan Beijing, where the sights and in the suburbs of Taipei, where he neighborhoods differ from the city grew melons and vegetables. center. Being a complete outsider Trained in ink painting, an East and a suburban resident, his Asian type of brush painting that relationship with Beijing is one of only uses black ink in various “otherness”. concentrations, Huang moved If one sees Huang’s works from away from traditional subjects the 1990s as a commentary on the such as landscape, trees, rocks collective changes of the human and idyllic pastures. Instead, he character in Taiwan society from a explored the method of depicting first-person point of view, his work the shades and texture of rocks on Beijing can be viewed as a third- and mountains in traditional person perspective. In other words, Chinese paintings. Returning to the Huang’s peripheral existence essence of this method, he adapted allows him to develop an outsider’s it and created his own form and perspective as he explores the city. technique by integrating it with The Beijing Bio series Huang his observations of the natural created from 2006 to 2007 seems environment around him. to reach a new level of vitality. The The use of color in Huang’s creatures are strange one-legged paintings of transmuted flowers, beings with phoenix feathers such as the Morphological Ecology growing around the top of their series in 1988 and the 1992 series spines. These feather-like organs do When Flowers Are Not Flowers, not only grow, but also reproduce shows how natural vegetation gives by splitting and transforming their him inspiration and stimulation. patterns into new members. It Even though he studies nature, turns out that these feathers are Huang tends to use bright artificial seeds or pods that eventually leave colors and almost deliberately the maternal body and grow into creates unnatural contrasts complex, powerful and beautiful between gaudy hues. beings. As cosmopolitan and In 1998, Huang took part in the sophisticated urban dwellers, they exhibition “Taipei’s Backyard” held have the capacity to accommodate Huang Zhiyang on Yangmingshan. He used a green and channel the flow of life’s carpet to cover the roof and wall of energies and infinitude of symbols. a historic residence, and named the In his artist’s statement of the work Green Light. As carpet is a work Zoon – Beijing Bio from Text Feng Shuangqing mass-produced industrial product, 2011, Huang said he sees Beijing

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Three Marks No.1303 ink color on silk 200×240cm 2013

as “a gigantic field of vital energy”. enhanced by the peace to plumb He can smell the “destructiveness” the relationship between self and and “disturbance” of man in the nature/self and the universe. city air, and sense a “raging crisis” in the local environment. In the “gigantic, constantly changing Finding the signs space” that is continuously “accelerating”, Huang can also For an artist, the construction, sense a strong “biological” desire. discovery and reconstruction of For him, Beijing is a city where one’s individual artistic language there is “no differentiation between system is a pivotal working process high and low” and all “exist in a that embodies one’s core artistic mix in this zone”. In his Beijing values. works, the viewer senses danger If you trace Huang’s artistic style, and strife, but one also senses you can see with great ease that his clearly the ancient capital’s classical practice has developed organically. elegance and aristocratic aura. From his early small ink and It is not hard to identify much color paintings to his installations richer imagery in Zoon – Beijing and sculptures, the core issue Bio compared with Huang’s works is the unity of the universe of Possessing Numerous Peaks in the 1990s of strong ideological humankind, microscopic life forms, white marble 2012 critique, but simpler style. It may plant life and all other forms of also manifest the maturity with presence. which Huang unleashes his energy, A convergence and unity in various kinds of signs, so that his work is bold and wild, Huang’s art language system is his he displays a diversity of but not lacking in restraint or particular interest in semiotics and artistic qualities. subtlety. the various ways in which one can Between 2004 and Since moving to Beijing, Huang link concepts to signs. His frequent 2007, Huang created a has rarely visited Taiwan, but practice begins with the creation series of several dozen also avoids Beijing activities and of a signifying unit, but then builds works entitled Three gatherings. Within his studio is upon and extends it aesthetically. Marks. In them, an his basic realm of self and art, Through the construction of ambiguous figure seems

62 Maternity Room ink on rice paper 520x150cmx15p 1996

effective war machine, in which case their individuality disappears and gives way to the collective will. Or, each figure can become the mystical element of mountains, dissolved into ether and only vaguely visible as topographical patterns. In this case, the human becomes egoless and coextensive with nature. All in all, the figures can change from being still and tranquil to lively and even chaotic. The signs and the regularity of the elements that comprise the Three Marks series are a rational expression of the artist’s own disposition— in its rigorousness it resembles the speculation of a philosopher. “Bit by bit, I began to accumulate the marks and symbols for my paintings. In the process of exploration that I began, searching for what could be called my own ‘space’, pictures took form and found completion in correspondence to the conditions of the outside world, of society and of the environment,” Huang said. All his works, from past to present, he said, are a process of construction, marks in the process of being repeatedly performed. All point toward a common thread that originates in shared phenomena — a process of reorganizing and reconstructing extant symbols that become, in the end, a personal mark of the artist. “Every person is an individual, and particularity shows the relationship between the to be a man in social groups and environments. uniqueness of the individual and a suit, except These strange prototypical the common resonance shared in a that his head figures can be group,” Huang said. is so sharp that he looks like a assembled into bamboo shoot that grows from the a military

earth and transforms. He is an formation, Chinese roots individual who, by adapting becoming an himself, can marshal absolutely Since the mid- enormous energy in different obedient and 1990s, Huang

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The fundamental aesthetic of Chinese ink painting rests on temporality and the fine traces left by the brush on the scroll.

has been invited to exhibit left to right to create the internationally, most notably in new character for xian Germany in 1997. The Zoon series (appear), meaning all that was first shown in the Ludwig is hidden will be revealed. Museum in Aachen in 1996. This The paintings at the kind of overseas experience as Imperial Palace are rarely well as cultural exchange, or even exhibited, although cultural shock, undoubtedly made whenever they are Huang even more aware of the shown, Huang goes to see roots and tradition of his art. A them. “The most perfect stronger ink-and-wash quality system of brushwork and a freer brushwork became was conceived in necessary for Huang to foreground the Song Dynasty his cultural sources and heritage. (960-1279), but I Huang feels that Chinese could not find any tradition feeds him much more sustenance from than the latest Western trends. this system,” Huang He is especially fond of two great said. Although he “systems”— Chinese celadon ware really likes this kind and white porcelain. He gains of art of the past, in a great deal of insight from the his eyes, it is really glazes with their crackles and veins. difficult, as it is so He also shifts the component parts different from our modern of the character for yin (hidden) way of life.

64 Zoon-Beijing-Bio ink on silk 475cm×140cm×9p 2014

Tides Sky oyster shells bamboo 14x14x6m 1997

“What draws me in are the fundamental aesthetic of Chinese personal experience in nature: things from folk culture and from ink painting rests on temporality and mountains, water, flowers and before the Song Dynasty, such as the fine traces left by the brush on the birds. Instead, Huang either temples, things in graveyards and scroll. Through the dots, washes and paints innumerable dots with tombs, things from before the Han shades of ink, and traces of the slow his flora-like touches of human Dynasty [BC 206-220] — those are or rapid movement of the brush, the figures or extends his brushwork what attract me,” he said. viewer can directly sense the work exaggeratedly onto extra-large rice Ink painting lies at the heart and its energy. This kind of reception paper with twisted branches and of the Chinese artistic tradition. has to do with psychological and leaf-like veins, like the portrayal Renowned United States art emotional awareness, utterly different of his inner concerns and anxieties historian Norman Bryson once from conceptual art that appeals to in the face of a sordid reality and pointed out that the preference for reason, the intellect and logic. unrestrained human desire. the expression of brush and ink in Huang habitually creates pieces Since Huang’s serial paintings Chinese painting gives it a unique with brush on rice paper, saying are executed in ink and wash, “performing quality”, which makes he resembles an ancient general, the movement and trace of the the “temporality” visible and allows always using his accustomed brush on the paper constitute an spectators to see the “deictic time weapons, though leaving behind important aesthetic and a source of the painting as a process”. The the brushwork norms of traditional of beauty in his work. These works painting of scholars and officials. stand as a proof that the artist has On the surface, his works seem gone through careful consideration, born out of a respect to that self-criticism and moments of Lover’s Library particular artistic tradition. personal transformation in regard No.1401 140x220cm A traditional Chinese artist to the heritage of Chinese artistic 2014 always imbues his work with his tradition.

65 People

Aviation Innovation Made to Sound Simple Text Liu Wei

Paul Eremenko – ne day in late spring, working career are closely linked Paul Eremenko, Chief with some technical buzzwords an Entrepreneur Technology Officer we often hear these days — drone, in Silicon Valley, O (CTO) of Airbus, artificial intelligence, electrically introduced a concept aircraft powered aircraft and modular a Research recently developed by Airbus to smartphone. However, Eremenko Fellow at DARPA, journalists from Chinese media is not a stereotypical technician outlets at the antique courtyard or technical madman. On his a Developer of Beijing Stone Carvings Art face there is no contradictory of Modular Museum. Through his introduction, coexistence of self-assertiveness Eremenko demonstrated what and shyness — an expression Smartphone for the future of air travel looks like often seen on the face of SpaceX Google, and now and shared Airbus’ technological and Tesla Inc CEO Elon Mask. innovation philosophy. Instead, Eremenko is mild in both the Youngest CTO As a former technical developer his expressions and tone. If you in the History of in Silicon Valley, Eremenko is an meet Eremenko face to face on the icon of our time. His research and street, you would never tell he was Airbus. development experience and his a top student. It is not easy to guess

66 what he does either, because like his temperament, his clothes — a Western suit of a reserved business style — do not give any hints about his work. What flashes through your mind might be a thought of “what a handsome guy”, as he looks like Jude Law. Eremenko was born in 1979 in Ukraine, which was a member state of the former Soviet Union. He was brought up in the United States. Paul’s father, Alexandra Erimonc, is a mathematician who specialized in complex analysis and dynamical system. Like his father, Eremenko was also an outstanding student. He earned a bachelor degree in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT, a master’s in Aeronautics from Caltech, and a doctorate in law from Georgetown University. After graduation, he started his career working at a Due to his work experience at drone company. He then joined DARPA, Eremenko is fully aware Defense Advanced Research of the importance of speed in Projects Agency (DARPA), where innovation. Atthe Pentagon, the he was responsible for the office largest bureaucratic organization Text Liu Wei that developed drones, robots, in the world, DARPA developed X-planes and satellites. Later, he projects such as GPS, the joined Motorola, just when Google internet and the Saturn V rocket acquired the company. There he engine. Working against tight Airbus and Italdesign was involved in the research and deadlinesposes pressure,butgives jointly launch the development of Ara — a modular impetus as well. Taking bold conceptual vehicle — POP.UP. smartphone — for Google as a action, one will either achieve member of its core team. Eremenko success or suffer failure. Once an has been an aerospace and aviation attempt is successful, it will turn enthusiast since he was young. He into revolutionary technology. obtained his pilot’s license before While Eremenko developed he learned how to drive. the well-known Ara smartphone At the invitation of Doctor at Google, the soul behind this Thomas Enders, CEO of Airbus, project was Regina Dugan, who Eremenko left Silicon Valley for was in charge of the ATAP team Toulouse, France, to assume the at Motorola under Google. As a post of CTO in 2016. At the age former worker in charge of projects of 37, he became the youngest at DARPA, Dugan continued to CTO in the history of the stipulate the “term of validity”. multinational, which has 134,000 In other words, at DARPA, each staff members. The mandatehe newcomer would be given a name received was strongand clear: tag on which his or her “term of to transform the way in which validity” was marked. Once the they do research, technology and term of validity expires, the person innovation at Airbus. wearing the tag has to bid farewell

67 People

to the project. development speed of internet- Ara is an “ultimate personalized” related innovation in China is tailor-made mobile phone. It is a remarkable, with Chinese people product of the Maker Movement adapting comfortably to the era when the revolution of the of the internet. They have access manufacturing industry reached its to the internet at all times; they climax. The development of Ara use WeChat; they make payments met with so many obstacles that with their mobile phones. The some said it would be a daydream rapid popularization of Didi’s taxi- smartphone. A year before the hailing service and the bicycle- Ara project was launched, Dugan sharing service enable people to asked Eremenko and his colleague, see how Chinese society craves Markski, to be in charge of and accepts innovative models to designing, culture, residential tackle urban traffic. The Chinese community and psychology. government is always encouraging Markski remembered how innovation. In response, Airbus is Eremenko was ambitious at that planning to establish an innovation time: “He would create a tailor- center in Shenzhen; and it is made mobile phone that overtakes recruiting a CEO for this center. any previous electronic device.” “I am probably one of the Another worker, Harrows, luckiest people in the world,” recalled: “Paul slept so little that Eremenko said. His self- his eyes were always bloodshot. He introduction is always firmly was so concentrated on his work. grounded. He always listens In my eyes, it was Paul who really attentively to all sorts of questions promoted the progress of this asked by journalists before giving project.” them detailed and clearly thought- eFan Since assuming the post out answers. bus Air of CTO for Airbus, His eyes were bright and sharp The Eremenko now when he answered questions this comes to China time. His determination to succeed almost every can be felt from his convincingly other logical way of speaking. He is month. like a classmate who is obviously The smarter and works harder than you. When asked about his hobbies, the mild-tempered Eremenko said with a smile that he is an ordinary person, except for when it comes to aircraft and spacecraft.

68 Lifestyle

Grabbing a Bite at Beijing’s Finest / 70

Getting A Taste For Black Gold / 74

Chic / 76

Books & Films / 78

The Life Journey: An Indie Band with a Poetic Touch / 80

Achieving Luxury in Simple Surroundings / 81

The Opposite House: A Real Reclusion / 82 Lifestyle

GRABBING A BITE AT BEIJING’S FINEST Text Fannie

eijing is a great city noted for the rich heritage of oriental history and culture. The numerous royal buildings with long history endow Beijing with incomparable charm, not only the “Nation’s Best” but also the “World’s Best”. There is an unparalleled wealth Bof discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city’s ancient past and exciting modern development, especially when it comes to restaurants with the Beijing tone had already come into being two thousand years ago. Sky Times will take you to the most “Beijing” restaurants in the city. Have the thought of dining right next to a royal garden or inside an ancient temple already made you wait in the wings?

Aman Summer Palace imbued grounds, including six intimate areas for private gatherings. Echoing ancient imperial —The Chinese Restaurant meals, the menu includes choices for all palates, Sit beside a limpid blue lotus pond and listen to including crispy pork skin and stir-fried fish with a traditional Chinese instrumental performance asparagus. Classic dishes such as Peking roast while enjoying exquisite Cantonese cuisine as well duck and Szechuan chicken are cooked with as imperial dishes just a few steps from the Summer great delicacy. Palace, the largest and most well-preserved royal The executive chef of the restaurant devotes park in China, which also has long been recognized particular care to the quality of each ingredient. as “The Museum of Royal Gardens”. Seasonal and organic vegetables deliver a pure As Aman Summer Palace is partly built on the taste as well as nourishing effect, offering an courtyards left over from the Qing Dynasty, The experience of authentic Chinese cuisine at the Chinese Restaurant was once the imperial kitchen royal garden of dulcet natural views and cultural dedicated to preparing interests. light refreshments. Decorated with classic Address: Aman Summer Palace, No.1 Ming Dynasty-inspired Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, Beijing furniture, the restaurant Opening Hours: Lunch 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m./ consists of nine different Dinner 6 p.m.-10 p.m. rooms on the heritage- Tel: (86) 10 5987 9999

70 Peiping Garden Dashilar, the most ancient, famous and distinctive commercial street in Beijing’s hutong, is just a stone’s throw from the southwest corner of Tiananmen Square, which is where you willfind a restaurant named Peiping Garden. Peiping, which means “Northern Peace” in Chinese, is a former name of Beijing, from 1368 to 1403 and from 1928 to 1949. True to its name, the restaurant reflects the hutong culture and vitality, while paying tribute to history. As the restaurant owner put it: “Guests can enjoy a glass of wine and chat merrily in a relaxed and comfortable setting, just like having a small get-together in a local’s living room.” With a 200-square-meter outdoor terrace full of flowers and green plants, Peiping Garden is worthy of its name. The garden keeps pace with the seasons, constantly displaying fresh and bright-colored flowers, setting off the simple and elegant surroundings. Another highlight is the open kitchen that allows diners to get a closer look at how each dish is prepared. Here you will be served classic French cuisine, with a view of Qianmen Gate, a famous landmark. For many it symbolizes Beijing the way that it used to be, making you feel like you are part of the prosperous scene of old Beijing in ancient times.

Address: 401, Bloc 5, #21 Lang Fang Tou Tiao, West district, Beijing Opening Hours: Everyday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tel: (86) 10 6317 1977

71 Lifestyle

The Emperor At Beijing’s largest hotel roof bar above, the Emperor Qianmen offers visitors and diners alike a Qianmen—Shang Bar new public space and a new experience of the historic As the name suggest, The city. The roof terrace “Shang Bar” is one of the Emperor Qianmen adopted foremost fashionable viewing terraces in town. In the meantime be it day or night, in the scorching summer a “royalty” theme. It stands or snowy winter, the glass-edged rooftop pool remains majestically on yet another a constant temperature. Here you have the chance to historic site nestling between taste creative cuisine with a mixture of Chinese and Tiananmen Square and the Western, such as Sichuan-flavored steak, or Kung Pow Qianmen District. The site was once Shrimp balls with seasonal lychees. occupied by a public bath and so the spirit of bathing and mystery lives on. Water is a key concept at The Emperor Qianmen. There is a man-made rain shower at the entrance and a flow of Address: No.87 Xianyukou Street, Qianmen water runs 15 meters down. The design is organized Commercial Centre, Dongcheng District, Beijing not by spaces and circulation but by emotions and Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00-0:00. dreams; not by materials and details but by illusions Tel: (86) 10 6701 7790 and memories.

72 TRB Hutong What happens when contemporary European cuisine meetsa lovingly restored 600-year-old Chinese temple? TRB Hutong is the answer. The restaurant is located inside a historical temple courtyard that can be dated back to the Qing Dynasty. In contrast with its ancient surroundings, the restaurant dining space once served as the first black-and-white TV factory of Beijing; it has been transformed by the Australian architectural and design firm Hassell into a contemporary and minimalistic setting, emphasizing the clean, light-filled space and thoroughly modern decor. Fancy a butter-poached lobster with crab foam, or maybe sweet pea soup with crème fraiche and beluga caviar? It seems that every dish at TRB Hutong is unabashedly luxurious. Fish lovers will delight in splendid options like the slow-cooked salmon with vodka and lime, or slow-cooked cod with potato fondant and broccoli. Desserts are mostly classical, with a chocolate tart that will please, although the tarte tatin borders on the bland. The hot pistachio souffle is decadently filled with sauce and sided with bitter French chocolate ice cream that is simply wicked. The kitchen is staffed by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic international and local talent, who take inspirations from seasonal ingredients and evolving culinary trends.

Address: No.23 Songzhusi Temple, ShatanBeijie, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: Every day 5.30 p.m.-10 p.m. Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tel: (86) 10 8400 2232

73 Lifestyle | Bite

Sturgeon caviar x crab roll

Getting A Taste for Black GoldText Mike Peters Chinese caviar 208 million years ago. The shark- caviar business, with the vast farm has become a like creatures can live for a century majority of it exported. prominent player in and weigh up to 1,000 kilograms. The chefs with us are Johnston the global gourmet We do not really have to hunt Ang, executive chef at Shangri- A La’s China World Summit Hotel business, producing five kinds for them — we are heading for a of roe for diners with a taste for commercial fish farm that is not in Beijing, and Deivid Paiva, the luxury, as Mike Peters discovered. only China’s largest, but one of the new chef at Grill 79, the Western Two chefs, a fish scientist, a wine biggest in the world. restaurant in the hotel. The trip expert and a handful of journalists Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong to the sturgeon farm is a chance are skimming across Qiandao Sci-tech Co. has spent years in for Paiva, a Portuguese who has Lake, also known as Thousand a scientific study of fish and the most recently been running 5-star Island Lake. It is a gorgeous day in clear waters here. The result of kitchens in Dubai, to meet the Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, and that effort is a huge aquaculture hotel’s caviar supplier. my group are in a small tour boat, farm, where the late-maturing fish As we walk out on the taking a day away from the office are nurtured from seven to 15 planks dividing the sturgeon for more than a joyride. years, depending on the species, pens, Paiva is chatting up a It is a monster hunt — and a before they are harvested for their fish tender, who obligingly quest for caviar. culinary black gold. scoops up a 1.5-meter-long The monsters are sturgeon, The company produces 60 tons young sturgeon in a net for prehistoric giants that have evolved of fish roe annually — accounting him to examine. from the Triassic era about 245 to for about 30 percent of the global The sturgeon’s

74 Caviar varieties

near prehistoric respiratory of sturgeon — conveyor tract can handle being on dry Beluga, Russian, belt, land for up to 15 minutes with hybrid, Amur making way little or no stress. Cultivated in and Siberian. Each for the next pens in the freshwater lake, the produce a caviar with bounty of creatures must be moved around a different flavor and fresh roe. occasionally — to warmer or market. Germans, we are Most in our cooler water — as they age and told, prefer the hybrid for its group are surprised to as weather changes. buttery and long-lasting flavor. The learn that fresh sturgeon caviar By the time sturgeon are about French, meanwhile, love the nutty is only slightly salty. The familiar 4 years old, their sex becomes firmness of the Russian sturgeon, saline taste comes from packing apparent. Females are separated the most expensive type of caviar. the harvested fish eggs in salt for and nurtured for up to nine more Since it was founded in 2003, several weeks of curing. years, when they will produce and Kaluga Queen has established an All of the caviar is packed in abundance of roe, while the males international-standard production Dutch salt for at least one month. are promptly dispatched to become center, the biggest in Asia. That is enough for the domestic fish soup or fish meal. Processing is based on Russian Chinese market, but Europeans The company raises five species and Iranian techniques, and the prefer the saltier taste that comes plant has been certified by quality- from longer fermentation, so control agencies around the world. export-grade caviar is cured for The company was chosen to serve three months. Chef with caviar at this year’s G20 Leaders After our group explores the sturgeon Summit in Hangzhou. plant, an elegant luncheon is At the farm, once the fish start prepared by the two Shangri- producing roe, they make a La chefs. The tasting begins with lot of it. The nibbles of each of the five caviar carcasses products, served with glasses of seem almost Prosecco. hollow once After the caviar tasting, the the fish eggs are formal lunch includes an Alaskan carved out in a very king crab roll highlighted with surgical procedure. The three dollops of caviar on top, face-masked workers have it presented with a colorful salad to down pat: It takes just minutes make each plate a visual treat. from the first incision until the empty carcass glides away on a

75 Lifestyle | Chic What to Wear on

SummerGiorgio Armani Vacation

Are you still deciding which clothes to take with you on vacation this summer? Smocks and summery bikinis can be perfectly matched for a multitude of looks. A well-designed beach towel should also be on your packing list for those fun pictures you will upload on Instagram. Planning to have an elegant dinner by the beach? A silk robe might come in handy — the right threads Philipp Plein can give you a balance between comfort and style, allowing you to transit from beachside chill to romantic dinner.

Tory Burch Blancpain

Valentino

76 What to Wear on

Summer VacationText Ting Ting

Valentino

Armani Exchange

Tory Burch Bvlgari

Emporio Armani

I have seen countless male fashion Lacoste disasters on my vacations in the past few years. They often had one thing in common: the garish Hawaiian shirt, usually matched with patterned pants. The Hawaiian shirt has been popular for many years, but it is not easy to pull off. You just need to remember one rule: A white or simple T-shirt Tudor and waistcoat are the best partners for a Hawaiian shirt. With them, wear a straw cowboy hat to achieve a chic leisure look.

77 Lifestyle | Books & Films

many souls as you can by sneaking and falls for Anna, a beautiful them over the Swiss Alps to safety. widow six years his senior. You put yourself in harm’s way, In an attempt to protect him, enlisting as a German soldier and Pino’s parents force him to enlist becoming an Allied spy inside the as a German soldier — a move German High Command. And you they think will keep him out of forgo the life you thought you would combat. But after Pino is injured, have to do whatever you can to stop he is recruited at the tender age of the madness. 18 to become the personal driver Based on the true story of a for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, forgotten hero, Beneath a Scarlet General Hans Leyers, one of the Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of Third Reich’s most mysterious and one young man’s incredible courage powerful commanders. and resilience during one of history’s Now, with the opportunity to Beneath a Scarlet Sky darkest hours. spy for the Allies inside the German Pino Lella wants nothing to do High Command, Pino endures the By Mark Sullivan with the war or the Nazis. He is a horrors of the war and the Nazi (Publisher: Lake Union Publishing) normal Italian teenager — obsessed occupation by fighting in secret, his with music, food and girls — but courage bolstered by his love for his days of innocence are numbered. Anna and for the life he dreams they What makes a hero? If you are When his family home in Milan is will one day share. Pino Lella, the protagonist in Mark destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino The tale of a young man pushed Sullivan’s riveting World War II joins an underground railroad headlong into the horrors of war is thriller, you risk everything to save as helping Jews escape over the Alps, timeless, relevant, and inspiring.

One Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keating’s christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Franny’s mother, Beverly, thus setting Commonwealth in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of by By Ann Patchett two families. Spanning five decades, Commonwealth tells the (Publisher: enthralling story of how this chance encounter reverberates HarperCollins through the lives of the four parents and six children involved. Told Publishers) with equal measures of humor and heartbreak, Commonwealth is a meditation on inspiration, interpretation and the ownership of stories. It is a brilliant and tender tale of the far-reaching ties of love and responsibility that bind us together.

Nadia and Saeed are two ordinary young people, attempting to do an extraordinary thing — to fall in love — in a world turned upside down. Civil war has come to the city that Nadia and Saeed call home. Before long, they will need to leave their motherland Exit West behind — when the streets are no longer usable and the unknown is By Mohsin Hamid safer than the known. They will join the great outpouring of people (Publisher: fleeing a collapsing city, hoping against hope, looking for their place Riverhead Books) in the world. Theirs will be a love story, but also a story about how we live now and how we might live tomorrow, of a world in crisis and two human beings traveling through it.

78 possibly humanity. What sets this film apart from Arrival Are we alone? This question has others in the genre is the way that haunted mankind since peoplefirst it plays with the notion of time, gazed at the stars. Arrival answers love and the essence of being this question with an abrupt no. human, which is showcased in It deals with the idea of alien the director and writer’s effortless landings in a much different way ability to jump from time and than traditional sci-fi films. While place. While trying to discover the picture focuses on creatures what the aliens are and their from another planet, it still has the motivation, Banks discovers what uncanny ability to question our makes herself human and questions own humanity. everything held sacred to her. For no particular reason, 12 alien Arrival is just as much a film ships land all over the planet in about aliens landing on Earth as it seemingly random locations. The is a film about self-discovery and only true form of communication the value placed on love and loss. takes place from a single opening in Banks, although participating in the bottom of the alien vessel, where some of the most groundbreaking When mysterious spacecraft touch linguist Banks is tasked with trying work a linguist could ever be down across the globe, an elite team to open up dialogue with the visitors. involved in, is haunted by the — led by expert linguist Louise Banks Physicist Doctor Ian Donnelly is tragic loss of her daughter. — is brought together to investigate. tasked with finding out how the The film reaches a perfectly As mankind teeters on the verge of alien vessel is capable of travel packaged ending that feels too neat global war, Banks and the team race through space and how it seemingly and tidy. Ultimately Arrival is not against time for answers, and to find defies gravity. The real question, just an exploration of alien beings, them, she will take a chance that however, remains in not how the it is an exploration ofwhat makes could threaten her life, and quite aliens got to Earth, but why? us human.

Past Life Mr. Donkey

Past Life tracks the daring late 1970s odyssey In an effort to draw more funding from the of two sisters — an introverted classical musician government, faculty members of a rural Chinese school and a rambunctious scandal-sheet journalist try to pass off an uneducated laborer as a qualified — as they unravel a shocking wartime mystery teacher. This film gives you a stage-play feeling in terms that has cast a dark shadow on their entire of cinematography and editing, with convincing and lives. 1977 is the year Egyptian President Sadat genuine acting. In the ambitious film, the directors decided to break the shackles of history and try to raise some big questions, such as: Do the ends bravely embark on a peace process. In many justify the means? If so, how far is too far? Where ways this is exactly what the two sisters need should we draw the line? If not, should we just stop to do. As the two are inevitably drawn into an and do nothing? Or are those who do nothing better emotional roller-coaster ride, they discover that than those who are willing to do anything? Or do we freedom bears an exacting price, as does the have the right to judge? In general, are we entitled to struggle to liberate one’s unique artistic voice. judge others’ life choices at all?

79 Lifestyle | Music The Life Journey 2005, after which it signed a contract with Modern Sky Music, the most famous indie music company in China. In 2010, Xu Biao An Indie Band with joined the band as its drummer. After that, The Life Journey won the Top a Poetic Touch Chinese Music Award for best new rock band in 2011 and the Top Chinese Music Award for best Text Sun Morong rock band and best rock EP in 2013. A breath of fresh air

The slogan of the band is “Life is journey, journey is life”. The band’s ike a relaxing summer night, the music quest for its own music style is also of The Life Journey is both poetic and like a journey. Rooted in indie music and down-to-earth. For example, in Xiamen Britpop, The Life Journey fuses bossanova, L Summer, one of its most popular songs, the blues, chanson, rock and roll, and folk mu- sound of guitar and melodica echoes melodious- sic, often incorporating classic elements, ly with the rhythm of hand bells and drums, traditional Chinese instruments and vividly depicting the leisurely summer of unconventional recording techniques the coastal city. in innovative ways. Many songs of Founded in 1999, the band is known The Life Journey have blurred the for its retro and refreshing interpreta- boundary between rock and roll, tion of rock and roll music and has and folk music. won several music awards in China. Most of The Life Journey’s songs If you wish to lose yourself in some are reflections on daily life, the dif- lovely melodies, the music of The ficulties and the little moments of Life Journey is highly recommended. happiness, the joy of travel and the pain of a broken heart — themes Boys from that strike a chord with its listeners. Southwest China

The Life Journey was founded by then-high school students Kong Yang, Huang Zijun and Wei Wei. They come from Liu Zhou, a beautiful city in southwestern China where many ethnic groups live. As the years have passed, the core members of the band have not changed, which is a rare occurrence in the music in- dustry. The stability of its members also lays the foun- dation for the continuous improvement of its musical style. The band is best known for its main vocalist and songwriter Kong, who is characterized by his poetic lyrics and rhythm, shy yet sweet voice, and mysterious character. The band emerged in the Chinese indie music scene after releasing its first EP, The Story of Sun and I in

80 Achieving Lifestyle | Report Luxury in Simple Surroundings

Text Pasty Yang

drian Zecha won fame as the founder The 53 rooms are housed in two-story, L-shaped of the ultra-luxurious Aman Resorts in structures, adjacent to the pool area, ranging in size 1988. His most recent venture is in a from 35 to 85 square meters. Most rooms face the locale that reminds him of his birthplace pool courtyard. on Java Island, Indonesia. Each hotel room is designed as an open-plan living AIt is the old city of Luang Prabang, the crown jewel experience. The bedrooms open through louvered of the landlocked country of Laos. Zecha chose a doors onto an outdoor balcony or terrace with a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the lounge area. city as his first hotel property under Azerai Hotels, a The buildings hosting the restaurant, library, bar new brand for today’s urbane travelers looking for and kitchen were designed with a more “village distinction, quality and comfort at affordable prices. feel”, with a mixture of colonial and vernacular Azerai has respected the legacy of the site in the architecture. historic old capital. The structures were first used The architect has integrated local materials such as as French officers’ quarters and later by the Laos Sai Champa timber as a sustainable replacement for government. The site opened as Phousi Hotel in 1961, traditionally used hardwoods, as well as cement tiles and it was considered the town’s primary hotel for for a more contemporary finish. almost a decade, but it closed in 2014. Azerai started its development in 2015, officially HIGHLIGHTS opening in March this year. Few places can match the spiritual and tranquil aura Open-plan comfort of Luang Prabang. UNESCO’s regulations required The open-plan design for comfortable stay the new hotel design to blend harmoniously with the Architect Trahan considers surrounding landscape. Architect Pascal Trahan was up the balconies essential to the to the challenge. Laotian lifestyle. They invite you Influenced by the Persian word caravanserai, the name to relax, watch life pass by and Azerai means a resting place with a central courtyard reflect on life. Some will say that there is not much to do in Luang for travelers. Trahan designed the hotel around a central Prabang — but this may be the garden and its 25-meter pool, shaded by a grand banyan best place in the world where tree, which is more than 120 years old. doing nothing feels so good. “Simplicity and elegance is the main design concept Azerai Bistro throughout the property. The hotel reflects the city and Head chef Ben Faker creates its inhabitants. Even though Luang Prabang was a royal interesting plates by marrying capital in the past, it was never overdone,” Trahan said. locally sourced ingredients “People here give you a sense of security and with an international touch. Locally, friends and family share serenity. Some say that even the Mekong River slows a selection of small dishes, down when passing in front of the city to observe the and that is the way of dining at uniquely slow pace of life.” Azerai Bistro. The bistro’s well- Trahan said that building the largest-capacity hotel balanced wine list is a mix of right in the historic center of town was a challenge, but Old and New World wines, and signature cocktails are highly added: “I believe we have succeeded in integrating it recommended. The balcony provides an ideal spot to view the with the scale of the street and the city.” sunset and the busy night-market scene.

81 Lifestyle | Report

The Opposite House A Real Reclusion Text Wang Ruosi

here is an ancient saying in China that a real There are 10 suites in The Opposite House, the largest hermit lives in a bustling place. That is the one is the Penthouse, where you can enjoy a 390-square- perfect explanation of The Opposite House. meter luxury space and also a unique view of the Situated in the heart of Beijing at Taikoo surrounding Sanlitun area from the balcony. Li Sanlitun, The Opposite House is a luxury Jing Yaa Tang, Sureno and Village Cafe are all popular T5-star hotel with minimalist decor that makes it seem restaurants in the area. You can find one of the best totally secluded from its surroundings. Beijing roast ducks, as well as a wide range of regional The hotel takes its name from a guesthouse that favorites from across China in Jing Yaa Tang. Enjoy sits on the opposite side of a traditional courtyard- creatively refined dishes bursting with Mediterranean style home. By minimizing conventional boundaries flavors in Sureno, or go for a cup of quality coffee in surrounding the hotel, celebrated Japanese architect Village Cafe. The summer menu at Village Cafe is highly Kengo Kuma creates seamless flowing space, giving recommended if you are a fan of Asian-style seafood. all guests and travelers a sense of tranquility. An extraordinary mix of old and new, the design and Keeping things simple is a key concept of The style of The Opposite House is unlike anything you will Opposite House. To make guests’ arrival simple have seen. and paperless, there are no forms to fill in while checking-in. Go straight to the room or take a seat anywhere in the hotel, and your possesions will be HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS brought to you to complete your arrival. When it is THE PENTHOUSE time to depart, simply send an e-mail, if you so wish. Spread over two spacious floors and a Walking into the hotel, the art collections and large roof terrace, the Penthouse’s full short-term exhibitions in the central public areas range of amenities and facilities are make the space feel like a contemporary gallery. sure to meet your every need. Cook up a meal in the pantry kitchen, take The exhibitions are cooperations with professional a long soak in the deep oak bathtub, galleries, such as Red Gate Gallery, or individual or simply daydream by the shallow artists, all in keeping with the stylish environment reflecting pools connecting the indoor created by Kuma. and outdoor areas. There are four sizes of rooms in the hotel, each with a clean and uncluttered design. Wood floors and GYM & POOL furniture also add a touch of warmth, and Kuma For a truly relaxing experience, The Opposite House offers a fancy makes sure that all odds and ends are hidden in the gym with Technogym equipment, rooms. The king-size bed is fitted with luxurious a 22-meter-long stainless-steel cotton bed linen — 400 threads for those who are swimming pool as well as poolside counting — meaning sleeping here is a delight. Every yoga sessions. With lights dramatically design here is simple, low-profile and functional, reflecting off the burnished metal walls, you will find a “starlit” sky just giving a clear sense of the Japanese way of thinking above the swimming pool. Relax your and living. mind in the uncluttered ambience.

82 Flying

Belt and Road Initiative Brings Rise in Aviation Routes / 84

Empowering Pilots with Better Views in the Sky / 88

Social Media: Airlines’ Not-So-Secret Marketing Weapon / 90

Dragon Boat Festival Shows Capital Airport is ‘National Gate’ / 92

News / 94

All Eyes on 5 New Aircraft / 96 Flying | Outlook

Moscow

Duisberg Rotterdam

Venice Almaty Urumqi Bishkek Istanbul Samarkand Horgos

Dushanbe Athens Teheran

Kolkata

Djibouti Colombo

Nairobi Belt and Road Initiative Brings Rise in Aviation Routes

84 s more countries and regions get involved with the China- A proposed Belt and Road Initiative, China’s airline industry is eager to build related partnerships abroad. Through bilateral talks with 21 countries and regions along the Beijing Belt and Road between 2014 and Lanzhou 2016, China has greatly expanded its domestic airlines’ access to Xi’an overseas markets, said Wang Changyi, head of the development Fuzhou and planning department of the Zhanjiang Civil Aviation Administration of Beihai China (CAAC). Quanzhou Silk Road Economic Belt Hanoi Guangzhou During the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Haikou Maritime Silk Road May, the CAAC signed a letter of intent in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Kuala Lumpur Organization, saying that they would act to enhance air safety and facilitate air shipping in countries along the Belt and Road, according Jakarta to a CAAC statement. In June 2015, the CAAC suggested China establish a new regional cooperation model for commercial aviation with every country and region involved in the initiative. In August 2016, China created a commercial aviation platform with Central Asian countries and put forward four suggestions to improve cooperation. By December, China had signed bilateral aviation agreements with elt and oad as many as 120 countries and B R regions, including 62 along the Belt and Road. In the same month, the CAAC launched a conference in Fuzhou, capital of East China’s Fujian Province, to explore how the core countries and regions along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, one of the two major nitiative components of the initiative, can I better participate. China has also signed its first regional air transportation Brings Rise in Aviation Routes Text Tu Lei agreement with the Association of

85 Flying | Outlook

Southeast Asian Nations. Airlines said it launched five In a report released by Ctrip, international routes from its there are more than 20 countries home city of Guangzhou, capital and regions that allow Chinese of South China’s Guangdong passengers to land without a visa Province, bringing its total number or to obtain a visa on arrival. The of international routes to 50. report predicted that the number of Guangzhou has become China outbound travelers in 2017 could Southern’s primary departure exceed 25 million. point for its routes to Europe and Approx. The five most popular countries Oceania. The airline also hopes for Chinese tourists are Thailand, that the city can serve as a hub Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and to extend routes to more cities in Indonesia. North America, Africa and the 4200 Middle East. weekly flights By the end of 2016, China from China Offering more flights Southern had opened 172 routes Belt and Road countries to 68 cities in 38 countries and and regions regions along the routes. It Chinese airlines offer 4,200 operated 2,200 fights, carrying a flights each week on their 43 direct total of 15 million passengers a routes to the areas along the Belt week. Overseas Office and Road. Domestic airlines also In 2016, the number of daily have set up overseas offices in of Chinese airlines in seats provided by China Eastern 24 Belt and Road countries and Airlines to the international Belt and Road regions. markets reached more than countries and During the summer and autumn 63,000, a 45 percent increase regions flight season in 2016, Chinese from 2013 and higher 24 airlines had 4,232 fixed weekly than the growth rate of 18 flights connecting areas along the Belt and Road. Up to 22 domestic airlines operated flights to 74 cities in 36 countries and regions along the routes. Meanwhile, 95 foreign airlines from 37 Belt and Road countries and regions operated flights to 48 cities in China. Wang revealed that Chinese airlines plan to add 70 new international flights along the route during the summer and autumn flight season in 2017. Thanks to government support, the number of passengers flying between China and Belt and Road countries and regions has soared, rising 18.5 percent year- on-year to 8.58 million during first four months of 2017, Wang said. Meanwhile, the amount of air freight to the areas along the routes surged by 25.9 percent year-on-year to 111,000 tons. China Southern

86 percent for the domestic routes. China Eastern said the biggest contributor of transport capacity is for the routes to Europe, the United States and Australia, which jumped 87 percent in 2013, accounting for more than 20 percent of the carrier’s total transport capacity. Up to Air China began flying 395 passenger routes from March this year, including 102 international 22 airlines routes, covering 180 cities among from China 39 countries and regions. The carrier provides more than 8,500 74 cities routes per week, with more than in 36 Belt and Road 1.66 million seats. countries and regions In May and June, Air China opened three routes departing from Shanghai and Beijing to Barcelona, Astana and Zurich, representing greater expansion along the Belt and Road. The CAAC has also accelerated construction of small and medium- sized airports along the routes. 95 In 2016, the Civil Aviation foreign airlines Development Fund spent as from Belt Road much as 7.24 billion yuan ($1.05 countries and regions billion) building 11 new airports in Chinese provinces and regions 48 cities in China along the routes. The government has also been encouraging domestic companies to cooperate with foreign From march 2017, companies on airport construction 395 passenger routes projects. Currently, China Airport Construction Group Corp. is of Air China working with foreign companies to build more than 10 airports. China and Europe are also building a comprehensive strategic partnership. So far, China has 102 signed or drafted bilateral air international routes transportation agreements with all 180 cities in 39 countries and regions but one member of the European Union. In 2017, the CAAC is focusing on four areas, including 8500 routes accelerating construction of per week with commercial aviation infrastructure, quickening the pace of overseas investment and building greater 1.66 million seats cooperation in areas such as talent development, Wang said.

87 Flying | Up in the Air

Empowering Pilots with Better Views

in the Sky Text Brian Davis

n China, the Year of the Rooster I began with a busy travel season. The Chinese mainland air transportation Aviation system carried nearly 59.04 million Resource Net passengers during the Spring of China, nearly half of the 3,019 Festival travel rush in early 2017, pilots and cockpit crew surveyed up 14 percent from the same in China said that weather is their period in 2016. Despite these single largest concern about flight record numbers, there were plenty safety and efficiency through all of weather and air traffic delays stages of flight. that disrupted family plans during Forty-nine percent of the holidays. respondents see the greatest Passengers are not the only ones challenge coming from “weather frustrated by bad weather delays. hazards, wind shear and other In a recent study conducted by weather factors” during departure/ Honeywell Aerospace and Civil takeoff. Fifty-three percent of

88 respondents ahead, but the pilot only sees one bigger concern is safety during regard “hazardous/turbulent slice of the sky at a time. That takeoff and landing. Runway weather identification” as the means there is no indication how accidents are often the result of a biggest challenge during the flight. high storm cells are and where combination of factors, including Nearly two-thirds, or 65 percent, of the peaks intersect the flight limited visibility, poor lighting, those surveyed worry most about path. There are also operational bad weather, inadequate paint “hazardous weather identification” limitations — pilots have to spend lines and confusing signs. So it is during the approach/landing phase. a great deal of effort working radar no wonder 65 percent of those The study findings reveal pilots control systems to create a mental surveyed selected “hazardous are eager to be armed with the model of the 3-D weather at a time weather identification” as their information necessary to make when they may need to concentrate top concern during the approach/ weather-related decisions in an on more critical decisions. landing phase. accurate and efficient manner. Honeywell’s Intu Vue RDR- Honeywell’s Smart Runway When asked about advanced 4000 is a ground-breaking, next- and Smart Landing can help technologies that can help improve generation weather radar. Its “hawk improve pilots’ situational and the awareness of rough weather, eye” helps provide pilots with a positional awareness to maximize 60 percent of those surveyed said complete 3-D, 180-degree display final approach and runway safety predictive weather alerts are most of weather from the ground up to once on the ground. Pilots can important to them. 60,000 feet, as well as up to 320 enjoy quiet cockpits and heads- Pilots would love to receive nautical miles ahead of the aircraft. up operations, knowing audio early warnings about lightning, The radar pulse-compression and visual warnings will alert hail and long-range turbulence. technology helps increase range them. Under normal conditions, Automatic en-route weather and resolution. no advisories are heard or notification comes in second, The 3-D volumetric scanning displayed. But when the aircraft is accounting for 19 percent of the function creates a 3-D database. approaching the runway too fast total feedback. Another 9 percent The processor can analyze this or too high, a callout and visual of those responding said they want database for hazards as a “super advisory is issued. continuous 3-D weather scanning brain” and store weather data With Asian airlines forecast and depiction. from 2 million cubic feet of to take delivery of 14,330 new As a mechanic and pilot with airspace. With Intu Vue, pilots can commercial jetliners, the Asia more than 20 years of experience, get an optional vertical profile Pacific region is expected to lead I understand the challenges weather display in addition to the the largest projected growth in brought by shifting weather, and traditional top-down lateral view. pilot demand — an estimated I am pleased to see that today’s This technology enables better 226,000 new pilots — over the advanced technologies can help planning to avoid bad weather and next 20 years. It is important pilots fly safer and easier. ensures a safer flight. for these pilots to have the right technology supporting them to A 3-D view of the Improved situation- cope with the challenges brought by continued air-traffic growth. weather al and positional I hope the study prompts pilots, airlines and regulators to re- Conventional onboard weather awareness evaluate onboard aircraft systems radar systems can provide pilots While many passengers think and adopt next-generation cockpit and flight crews with a 2-D primarily about accidents technologies that ensure greater representation of the weather while aircraft are in flight, a reliability and safety.

89 Flying

Social Media Airlines’ Not-So-Secret Marketing Weapon

Text Feng Shuangqing

n the era of mobile “premium pre-booking” on social networking, itsWeChat public account. effective publicity Passengers can not only buy tickets is essential for the there, but can also book services O such hotels and pickups. development of airline companies. With the emergence of more new An application with nearly 1 airline enterprises, the competition billion active users, WeChat has is growing increasingly fierce, and given full play to the “fan effect” in how to make use of social media the era of social media. At present, to woo passengers has become a the WeChat public account of challenge for all airline companies. China Southern Airlines has more In May, a Chinese civil aviation than 12 million followers, which portal website released a report enables them to be informed as consisting of six lists such as the early as possible whenever the WeChat influence and the Weibo airline launches activities, off- influence of airline companies. season promotions and auxiliary Among them, China Southern business sales. Airlines, HK Express and AirAsia To understand what information topped the influence chart passengers are most interested in, for WeChat public accounts. reading volume is a key index. On Meanwhile, Juneyao Airlines, the WeChat influence chart, the Hong Kong Airlines and AirAsia themes of articles with more than topped the list of influencers of 100,000 WeChat views revolve official Weibo accounts. around sales of low-price air The themes publicized by tickets. On April 28, Member’s airline companies via Weibo and Day at China Southern Airlines, WeChat focus on new air routes, the company released information discounted air tickets, destination on its subscription and service recommendations, service statistics about people rushing to introductions and the popular buy 80-yuan air tickets and 450- science of civil aviation. yuan air-ticket coupons, which Airline companies are attracted more than 100,000 views going all out to promote on WeChat. AirAsia released an electronic services and article entitled “Buying an Air expand value-added Ticket to Bangkok for 268 Yuan” services. on April 24, garnering more than For instance, 100,000 views. China Southern Compared with WeChat, Airlines set which is more private, Weibo is up a menu a platform where information option spreads extremely quickly. On for Weibo, besides promoting their

90 Airlines’ Not-So-Secret Marketing Weapon

own business, airline companies often arrange interactive activities for followers. Weibo account through text, brands and products through The official Weibo account of pictures and videos, thus attracting radio, TV, newspaper and other Juneyao Airlines is a successful case wide attention from followers. mainstream media to stand out of “giving top priority to fans”. At the same time, the content among rivals and to win the Compared with large domestic was transferred to many other favor of passengers. Nowadays, airline companies with several platforms. airline companies’ brands remain million Weibo followers, Juneyao Many airline companies are powerful, but with the emergence Airlines owns only 500,000. good at using hot topics to of new media such as the But it has surpassed its peers attract netizens to participate in internet, social networks, mobile in average transfer volume and discussion. For instance, regarding communications and search average comment volume, meaning the most frequent complaint among engines, the sudden increase, it tops the Weibo influence list passengers, Colorful Guizhou redundancy and fragmentation of among airline companies on the Airlines, JoyAir and Donghai information has made it difficult Chinese mainland. According Airlines engaged in discussions for passengers to focus on one to the Weibo Operation about flight delays, causing a wave airline brand. Social media Team of Juneyao Airlines, the of transfers. Colorful Guizhou means people can exchange company has established its Airlines’ Weibo, for example, had views with each other at any Weibo account as an important 1,000 transfers. China Southern time. The information flow of means for communicating Airlines also chooses hot topics millions of passengers can take with passengers and followers, related to its products. For instance, place in a flash. conveying information about in early June, thunderstorms According to an IATA survey, services, products and passengers are frequent in southern China, about 52 percent of passengers complaints back to the relevant so China Southern Airlines worldwide book tickets through departments as quickly as possible, published an article entitled “Flight the official website of airline as well as answering questions and Information For Thunderstorm companies; 60 percent hope to publishing blog posts by followers Season”, demonstrating in detail interact with airline companies and passengers about Juneyao with pictures how to use China through social media; 42 percent Airlines. Southern Airlines’ appto obtain are pleased to share their traveling Pursuing quality content and the necessary information for your plans with their family and friends; presentations are key aspects trip as early as possible so that you and 37 percent use online check-in for Juneyao’s Weibo Operation can planyour schedule and save services fortheir trip. Team. For major festivals or other time. As the WeChat Operation The marketing landscape of celebrations, it makes high-quality Team of China Southern Airlines airline companies is becoming more pictures or videos. On April 28, says:“We are publicizing the most diversified and complicated. Using Juneyao Airlines’ three A321s valuable information about our social media to upgrade marketing made an automatic dependent products and the information that efforts, attract passengers and surveillance-broadcast demo flight passengers need.” establish a fresh and amiable brand at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. As competition has become image is particularly important The scientific background was more fierce, airline companies for airline enterprises bidding to introduced by the airline’s official have begun to publicize their remain relevant and dynamic.

91 Flying | BCIA Dragon Boat Festival shows Capital Airport is ‘National Gate’

Text Xu Yao & Zhang Peng / Photo Zhang Peng

raditional Chinese culture characters of “Duan Wu”, has developed over the Upholding tradition- the fifth day of the fifth lunar course of 5,000 years. al Chinese culture month, have become a carrier Beijing Capital Internation- for inheriting traditional culture, T BCIA mirrors national etiquette al Airport bears the responsibility promoting national spirit of projecting the image of China and cultural tastes. All staff and and patriotism. A display of and carrying forward that ancient- organizations at the airport work etiquette and ceremonial music culture. As “China Gateway”, the hard to enhance the security and enables passengers to experience airport has launched a series of safety of passengers,as well as profound Chinese culture. It cultural exchange and promotions improve their service quality, also instills cultural spirit in the rooted in the five virtues of Con- focusing on convenience, comfort employees at the airport, and fucianism — benevolence, righ- and opening-up. The airport enables passengers to experience teousness, courtesy, wisdom and takes on the task of promoting the culturally refined quality trustworthiness. These events were and disseminating traditional services provided by airport organized with the aim of creating Chinese culture to 90 million employees. traditional Chinese cultural ele- passengers each year. ments in the airport and civil avi- In September 2009, UNESCO ation services, allowing passengers formally deliberated and Court music and to take part in interactive activities approved the listing of the ceremony and embark on a culturally enrich- Chinese Dragon Boat Festival ing journey. as a world intangible cultural During the Dragon Boat heritage, becoming Festival in May, the ceremonial China’s first theme of “May our families, our festival to country and the world belisted. be safe and sound The two on the Dragon Boat Festival”

92 Dragon Boat Festival shows Capital Airport is ‘National Gate’

captured the attention of passengers recalled their passengers, who stopped to listen Experiencing folk childhoods at the sight of sweet quietly to the ceremonial music. flag, and they were eager to In ancient times, a grand customs weave the leaves of sweet flag, ceremony conveyed a strong sense carrying with them the wish of Standing at a replica of a of ritual, creating a dignified being safe and sound on Dragon residential house built and and graceful atmosphere. Now Boat Festival before traveling decorated with gray bricks, as then, the performers graced to their next destination. From rice jars, a 4-foot table and the event with an easy and young children to senior citizens, argy wormwood leaf, two natural manner. The ceremony’s passengers carefully recorded ladies wearing ancient Chinese music echoed throughout the what they felt about the festival garments taught passengers how whole building. The passengers and were moved by the sincerity to “weave the leaves of sweet of the services provided by the listened carefully to the host who flag” and “make zongzi” (a explained Chinese customs,and airport staff. sticky rice dumpling wrapped This event not only the reason why China is called a in reed leaves). Both are ancient demonstrated that it is necessary land of courtesy and propriety. folk customs in China. Sachets for BCIA to assume the historical Various kinds of ancient musical with five-color threads on which mission of disseminating Chinese instrument also awakened the warm-hearted wishes were culture, but also expressed the curiosity of passengers, who tried written were also presented to airport’s wish of safe travels for to tell whether the instrument passengers. A traveler named all passengers. It highlights the was a flute, a xiao (a vertical Miss Wang took great interest in core value of the airport, and bamboo flute), a guqin(seven- learninghow to make a zongzi. deepens travelers’ recognition of stringed plucked musical She also wrote in the passenger and identification with Chinese instrument), a guzheng (zither- book: “Although I started to eat culture. like 21 or 25-stringed plucked zongzi when I was a child, it musical instrument) or a se was not until today that I really (zither-like 25 or 16-stringed learned how to plucked musical instrument). The make a zongzi. passengers enjoyed the experience What a pleasant of authentic traditional Chinese surprise!” culture before setting off Many on their journey.

93 Flying | News

Star Alliance celebrates 20th anniversary

Star Alliance is celebrating 20 years since its founding members Air Canada, Lufthansa, SAS, Thai Airways and United Airlines formed the world’s first global aviation alliance. The alliance now comprises 28 members and some 40 affiliates, serving more than 1,300 destinations in 191 countries. To celebrate the anniversary, Star Alliance has launched a competition offering entrants the chance to win one million air miles (or equivalent) in one of the 21 frequent-flyer programs across the alliance. Entrants must upload a picture of themselves, and “share a cultural experience they enjoyed” to have a chance of winning. The competition runs until July 31 at staralliance.com/mileage millionaire.

Following the recent Beijing-Frankfurt international announcement Emirates to express route launched that Emirates’ Shanghai service offer all-A380 is to be operated service to Air China, Beijing Capital International Airport CO. Ltd. solely by A380, and Frankfurt Airport recently launched “Air China Easy the airline has Beijing Way Beijing-Frankfurt”, which is the first international confirmed the same express route jointly opened by the three major players. will apply to Beijing. It is also the first international express leading from China The all-A380 service to to Europe. The route will provide a more comfortable and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) will start seamless travel experience for passengers connecting from July 1, when the twice-daily flights EK308 and Beijing and Frankfurt via Air China. With two flights each EK309 are switched from B777-300ER operations. day, there are a total of 14 per week, with a flight duration Flight times are unchanged, with Flight EK308 of 10 hours, 15 minutes. To enhance the experience of departing Dubai at 11:00 and arriving in Beijing passengers on this flight, BCIA will provide customized at 10:20. The return service Flight EK309 departs airport services, and faster and more convenient security- PEK at 07:25, landing back in the UAE at 11:50. check procedures, including dedicated check-in counters, Deploying the 519-seat A380 will increase boarding gates and baggage carousels. capacity on the route and support the growing volume of business and leisure travel between the two countries.

94 BCIA and 34,000 aircraft Routes Edinburgh Airport required in next sign a partnership 20 years to meet Guangzhou Heathrow agreement demand China Southern is set to double its daily service between London Heathrow Beijing Capital International Airbus has released its forecast and Guangzhou. Flight CZ603 departs Airport and The capital airports of for the next 20 years of air travel, Guangzhou at 00:55, arriving at London Scotland have agreed to collaborate estimating that 34,170 passenger Heathrow at 06:35. Flight CZ604 to develop a shared understanding aircraft will be required to cope departs London Heathrow at 12:35, and of markets and shared operational with airline growth and aircraft arrives in Guangzhou at 07:10 the next and commercial opportunities. The replacement. The manufacturer’s day. Flight CZ303 departs Guangzhou airports have created a framework Global Market Forecast 2017- at 09:30, arriving at London Heathrow that allows close collaboration and the 2036 reported that the world’s at 03:05, while Flight CZ304 departs sharing of ideas and experience. passenger aircraft fleet — above London Heathrow at 22:35 and arrives The partnership has its roots in a visit 100 seats — is set to more than in Guangzhou at 17:05 the next day. by Edinburgh Airport chief executive double in the next 20 years, with Gordon Dewar to the Beijing Global traffic growing at 4.4 percent per Friend Airports CEO Forum last year year. as a guest of Beijing Airport. The BCIA Airbus said that a combination of Shanghai Tel Aviv team, led by president and CEO Han an increasing numbers of first-time Hainan Airlines will launch a new Zhiliang, visited Edinburgh to sign the flyers, rising disposable income westbound route from Shanghai to memorandum of understanding. being spent on air travel, increased Tel Aviv on Sept. 12. This route will Mr. Han said: “By conducting wide tourism, industry liberalization, be operated by B787-9 Dreamliner. range of cooperation between two new routes and evolving airline Flight HU407 and the returning Flight sister airports, the direct air service will business models, are driving HU408 will operate three times weekly come into being as soon as possible, a need for more than 34,000 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. enriching international long-haul passenger and freighter aircraft, Departure from Shanghai will be at network of both.” worth a total of US$5.3 trillion. 01:25, arriving in Tel Aviv later that morning, while the return flight will leave Tel Aviv just after midday and arrive back in Shanghai in the early hours of the following morning. (Arrival Boeing Launches Larger Capacity 737 MAX 10 at in and departure from Tel Aviv differs by one hour during the autumn/winter and 2017 Paris Air Show spring/summer seasons).

Boeing announced the launch of the 737 MAX 10 as the newest member of the 737 MAX family at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The 737 MAX 10 will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced. Shanghai Brussels The 737 MAX 10 continues the MAX family's range advantage over competing Hainan Airlines will offer a new non- models and will stop service to Brussels from Shanghai deliver five percent Pudong International Airport later this lower trip costs and year. Launching on Oct. 25, the thrice- five percent lower weekly service will fly on Monday, seat-mile costs.Design Wednesday and Friday and be operated changes for the 737 by B787-9 Dreamliner, which it also MAX 10 include a recently began operating on its Beijing- fuselage stretch of 66 Manchester route. Flight HU7921 is inches compared to an early-morning service, departing the 737 MAX 9 and Shanghai at 01:25 and arriving in levered main landing Brussels at 07:30. The return Flight gear. The airplane has HU7922 departs Brussels at 12:30 the capacity to carry and arrives the following morning in up to 230 passengers. Shanghai at 05:30.

95 Flying | Figure Out All Eyes on 5 New Aircraft Text Stella

hina’s first domestically produced large passenger plane, the C919, successfully completed its maiden flight on May 5. The plane took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and was airborne for about 1 hour, 20 minutes. C Here, we will show you five other new aircraft that will be launched soon.

Airbus A350-1000 Capacity: 440 Launch date: 2017

Airbus’ largest twin-engine airliner ever, the A350-1000 is expected to have a capacity of about 40 people more than the A350-900, providing a maximum capacity of 440 and a typical occupancy of 366. The aircraft completed its first flight in November 2016, and it is currently expected to be delivered before the end of this year. As of May 12, airlines had placed orders for the A350-1000 totaling 211 aircrafts.

Boeing 737 Max 9 Capacity: 178 (two class); 204 (single class) Launch date: 2018

Larger than the 737 Max 8, the Max 9 is expected to enter service in 2018. The aircraft officially debuted in March and completed its first flight the following month. The recommended set up for the aircraft is two classes, though the Max 9 has a maximum capacity of 220 passengers — 31 more than the Max 8. According to Boeing, the 3,515-nautical mile (6,510 kilometer) range of the aircraft will “open up new destinations in the single-aisle market”. Both the Max 8 and Max 9 will be followed by the smaller Max 7 (expected to be delivered in 2019) and the higher-capacity Max 200.

96 5 New Aircraft

Boeing 787-10 Capacity: 310 Launch date: 2018

Completing its first flight in late March, a few months after its official unveiling, Boeing’s newest Dreamliner is about 5.5 meters longer than the 787-9, making it the longest aircraft in the family. Among the airlines with confirmed orders are: All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Eva Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and United Airlines. Key among the aircraft’s offerings is improved fuel efficiency — the 787-10 is 25 percent more fuel efficient per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

Boeing 777-9 Capacity: 414 (two class); 349 (three class) Launch date: 2020

The B777-9 is one of two members of Boeing’s upcoming 777-X family of aircraft (the other being the smaller 777-8), designed to be longer than Boeing’s current 777-300ER aircraft. The manufacturer unveiled the technical details of its B777-9 aircraft in April, including a recommended seating plan that showed a 10-across seating plan in economy class — an unpopular, but increasingly common, trend as airlines look to increase revenue by moving away from the previous nine-across set up.

COMAC C919 Capacity: 158-168 Launch date: 2020

The narrow-body aircraft is designed to compete with Airbus’s A320 and Boeing’s 737 families, according to its manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). About 570 orders have currently been confirmed — mostly for Chinese carriers and lease customers — with the first delivery expected in 2020 to China Eastern Airlines.

Source: Boeing, Airbus and Business Traveller Discover your World with ...

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