That's Guangzhou - February 2017 by That's - Pulse of The City

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China Intercontinental Press

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FEBRUARY 2017

城市漫步珠三角英文版 2 月份国内统一刊号: CN 11-5234/GO

URBAN EXPLORERS Shots from China's Highest Vantage Points

that’s PRD 《城市漫步》珠江三角洲英文月刊主管单位 : 中华人民共和国国务院新闻办公室 Supervised by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China 主办单位 : 五洲传播出版社地址 : 北京西城月坛北街 26 号恒华国际商务中心南楼 11 层文化交流中心 11th Floor South Building, Henghua lnternational Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing http://www.cicc.org.cn 总编辑 Editor in Chief of China Intercontinental Press: 慈爱民 Ci Aimin 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department: 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 : 梁健发行 / 市场 : 黄静李若琳广告 : 林煜宸 Editor in Chief Jocelyn Richards Shenzhen Editor Sky Thomas Gidge Senior Digital Editor Matthew Bossons Senior Staff Writer Tristin Zhang Editorial Assistant Ziyi Yuan National Arts Editor Andrew Chin Contributors Dr. Alfred Chambers, Lena Gidwani, Bailey Hu, Emma Huang, Matt Kuykendall, Tom Lee, Noelle Mateer, Dominic Ngai, Don Seno, Dominique Wong

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General Manager Henry Zeng Operations Manager Rachel Tong Accountant Annie Qi Production Supervisor Jack Lin Senior Designer Tawaka Jiang, Designer Claire Zheng Sales Managers Celia Yu, Justin Lu Account Manager Christy Cai Senior Account Executive Shumin Li Account Executives Wesley Zhang, Nicole Tang, Annie Li Sales Assistant Sunnie Lü Event Manager Valentina Latorraca Event Supervisor Alice Wang Marketing Executive Fish Lin Distribution Luo Zhi, He Wei Wen National Operation CEO Leo Zhou Head of Communication Ned Kelly National Marketing Executive Zoe Zhou HR/Admin Director Penny Li Financial Manager Laura Lu Head of Digital Vickie Guo Digital Sybil Zhang, Joseph Miao, Miller Yue, Amanda Bao, Lambert Chen General enquiries and switchboard (020) 8358 6125 info.prd@urbanatomy.com Editorial (020) 8358 9847 ext 808 editor.prd@urbanatomy.com Sales (Guangzhou) (020) 8358 9847 ext 802 sales.prd@urbanatomy.com (Shenzhen) (0755) 8623 3210 ext 801 Distribution/Subscription (020) 8358 7749 ext 828 Listings & Events (Guangzhou) (020) 8358 9847 ext 808 (Shenzhen) (0755) 8623 3220 Web & IT (021) 5238 5459 Fax (020) 8363 3759 ext. 816

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Distribution across the Pearl River Delta: 63,000 copies

Editor's Note

February

China never feels extraordinary until you leave. Last month, the holidays brought me back to a village of 3,000 in snowy upstate New York, where lights go out at 10pm, people excuse themselves far too often and new restaurant openings aren’t the weekly norm but rare exceptions in a tired economy. Though it wasn’t my first trip home since I started working in China five years ago, it was the first time I’d moseyed around my country with such heightened awareness. Nothing had changed, of course, but nothing looked quite the same either. This month’s cover story delves into the power of perspective and the great lengths (or heights) some photographers are willing to go to acquire a unique vantage point. Those brave souls you see scaling skyscrapers and posting evidence of death-defying climbs on Instagram? It turns out they aren’t merely looking to gain followers – they seek, as any good artist would, a new angle from which to perceive the world. But just how terrifying is it to balance 115 stories above the ground on Ping’an International Finance Centre in Shenzhen? We chat with photographers NK Chu (@NK7), Yu (@5.12), Cheuk (@cheukyh), David Yen (@chilltron4000) and Jennifer Bin (@jenniferbin) on p30 to find out. In Life & Style, we explore a different (and undoubtedly safer) road to acquiring an altered perspective – virtual reality – which many predict will be the emerging market in tomorrow’s world economy. Read about the latest in China’s VR industry on p18, including when we can expect the futuristic technology to find a place in our living rooms. It’s easy to focus on what lies ahead, but every promising future owes a hat tip to the past. This month, our team bids farewell to two accomplished members of the That’s PRD family: Morri Qin, our business development manager, and Tom Lee, our editor-in-chief. Joining the team eight years ago, Morri’s time at That’s well predates mine, but her energy and resolve have inspired me ever since our first meeting back in September 2015. Anyone who knows Morri (and frankly, almost everyone in this city does) will be quick to admit that her tenacity is unparalleled and her knowledge of this region unmatched. I’m confident she has a bright future ahead of her, but speak for our entire team when I say she’ll be greatly missed. And chances are you wouldn’t even be reading this magazine if it weren’t for the vital contributions of our editorin-chief over the last three years, Tom Lee. The longest serving chief editor in the history of That’s PRD, Tom has worked tirelessly to turn this publication around, giving it credibility and creating a sound foundation for our current team to build upon. I’m personally grateful to him not only for helping break my Oxford comma habit, but for reviving this magazine on behalf of everyone living in South China, so that you can discover cool weekend excursions, try the latest restaurants in town and approach life in this fascinating country with a fresh perspective. Here’s to filling some pretty big shoes.

WIN WIN WIN

In Guangzhou, a pair of tickets to Canadian duo Cafe Lanai (p60), a pair of tickets to the Guangdong National Orchestra (p60), a pair of tickets to the Musical Scores on Valentine's Day concert (p60), a pair of tickets to Gaelforce Dance (p61) and a pair of tickets to Ghost the Musical (p61). In Shenzhen, two RMB100 vouchers to Muine (p61), two RMB100 vouchers to The Terrace (p61), a pair of tickets to Japanese death metal band Gotsu Totsu Kotsu (p62) and a pair of tickets to metal group Abstracts (p62). To find out how to win one of these fabulous prizes, simply message our official WeChat (Thats_PRD) with the name of the prize you would like.

Jocelyn Richards Editor-in-Chief

Wake Up To Augmented Reality Exciting times are upon us with the launch of the That's AR app. Standing for Augmented Reality, the app allows users to scan the magazine to see interactive digital content such as video, audio, images and visualized 3D models leaping off the page and coming to life. Want to give it a go? Simply scan the relevant QR code on right, download the That's AR app, and use it to scan the front cover of this very issue. 4 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Hourly updates on news, current affairs and general weirdness from around PRD and China. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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30 COVER STORY

8 CITY

ROOFTOPPING

9 AT THE READY

Shots from China's highest vantage points.

Residence bao'an.

12 REQUIEM FOR A DREAM It's back to the past for hoverboarders.

15 DISCO DESIGN Mixseven brings back Bowie style.

20 QUEBEC

38 COMMUNITY

THE WRAP

14 LIFE & STYLE

Exploring the birthplace of French-Canadian culture.

24 ARTS 25 FROM YANBIAN TO GUANGDONG A made in China hip-hop story.

60 EVENTS

UNTIL FEB 14 Grandview Mall Fair

28 THE FIGHTING FANS Meet the devoted super fans of China's hottest boyband.

50 EAT & DRINK 55 LOUISWALK Get some dim sum.

56 MORTON'S GRILLE A night to remember.

ONGOING Daily Craft: Tips from Baristas

FEB 23

James Taylor in Hong Kong

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CITY Renaissance Man

Meet Guangzhou native and rising international heartthrob Wu Yifan

A Hakka History P11 8 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Back to the Future P12

MAN ON THE STREET

AT THE READY Residence Bao’an By Sky Thomas Gidge

“Y

ou’re going out!” “You’re back!” “Did you eat?” Old Li shouts from within his guard box, as people enter and exit the mid-range Futian apartment complex he is ostensibly charged with guarding. He isn’t a security guard, not in the Western sense at least, but a bao’an. A profession so singular to China – yet so ubiquitous within the country – that English speakers inevitably adopt the Chinese word. Job turnover is high and wages low. Bao’ans are not trusted with master keys, they usually don’t patrol and report and job expectations don’t seem to be more than to sit, greet and ‘keep an eye on things.’ There are outliers of course: at the Futian complex, one bao’an checked identities so zealously that residents began using a different entrance. Another bao’an would drink rice alcohol on duty and point out anyone he suspected of being a kept woman. Both left the jobs after a few months. Old Li – as he asks to be called – proves himself a solidly average bao’an during his nightshift inside the guard box. Inside the box, ‘watch the window well’ is written on a chipping plaster wall, but Li spends most of

his 12-hour shift behind a desk with eyes on a cellphone screen, his uniform hanging loose around his thin body. A strip of florescent bulb blazes above him as he acknowledges passersby with a shout or a smile. His front lip rises when he grins, revealing a shock of bare gums. Though only 40, Li is missing the top row of his front teeth. “If I eat three times in one day, it costs me five yuan,” he says, using chopsticks to fish rice and vegetables from a plastic container. Usually bao’ans are provided with room and board, given their low wages. It seems Li only receives two free meals a day in Shenzhen. “It wasn't like this in Beijing, they gave me three meals.” Asked to write down where he is originally from, Li’s hand hesitates over the paper. He slowly pens the characters for Heilongjiang, Daxin Anling, the northernmost part of China. Bordering Russia, it is mountainous and notable for occasional sightings of the polar lights. The area has an average temperature of negative 20 degrees Celsius, which is what eventually drove Li south, he says, though he never explains why he would wait until 37

years old to leave. “I didn’t grow rice or grain,” Li says about the life he left in the north. “I just grew some vegetables.” He is more forthcoming about how he started working as a bao’an: “Near the Beijing train station, I was walking under a bridge and a guy from Jiangxi asked ‘trouble finding a gig?’” After two years, Beijing proved too cold for Li, so he moved to Shenzhen. Now he shares an underground room with five others. Despite the apparent hardship, he has no intention of returning home. “I like it here, it’s warm,” he says. “It’s just too cold to go back.”

THE DIRTY DETAILS

Monthly salary: RMB2,700 Days per week: 7

Hours per day: 12 Man on the Street is a monthly feature where we talk to someone doing an everyday job, in order to get an insight into the lives of normal Chinese people.

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THE BUZZ TOTALLY TRIVIAL

Harder to Breathe Last month saw Guangzhou undergoing a particularly unpleasant patch of pollution, with particulate matter in the air so thick you couldn’t see Zhujiang Xincheng’s skyscrapers from the Pearl River. Anybody who resides in China’s urban centers is used to experiencing days of ‘fog.’ According to Breathe Life, a joint campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Guangzhou residents have to endure 4.8 times the WHO’s safe level of annual exposure to health-affecting PM2.5 particles (Shenzheners fare slightly better at 3.4 times the recommended amount). Honestly, that’s not really surprising, but how does that stack up against the nation’s other provincial capitals? Really well, as it turns out. Out of more than 20 metropolises, the only places where you can find healthier air are Guangxi’s Nanning, Yunnan’s Kunming, Fujian’s Fuzhou and Hainan’s Haikou, which comes out best with just 2.2 times the WHO limit. If we add in ‘autonomous regions’ (administrative areas comparable to provinces), Guangzhou is also bettered by: Lhasa, Tibet; Hohhot, Inner Mongolia; and Yinchuan, Ningxia. As for the municipalities of Shanghai and Beijing, we’ve handily got ‘em beat: Shanghai is 5.2 and Beijing a whopping 8.5 times the WHO safe level! As if to prove that Beijing’s global reputation as a city of smog is well earned, only two of China’s provincial capitals outdo it in terms of pollution: Zhengzhou, in Henan, at 8.6 and, Hebei’s capital, Shijiazhuang, at an incredible 12.1 – more than double Guangzhou’s unhealthy index but still shy of Delhi’s. It’s important to note that PM2.5 measurements are just one way of assessing air pollution, and that the WHO’s guidelines are more stringent than other benchmarks for hazardous air quality. Still, it’s nice to know that as poisonous environments go, we’re relatively well off down south… 10 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

PRD VIP

Wu Yifan Of all popular topics overheard in China, the ‘post-90 generation’ – or jiuling hou – is one of the most prominent. Ask any Chinese girl born after 1990 who she has a soft spot for, and chances are she’ll tell you Wu Yifan (吴亦凡), or Kris Wu, as he’s known on stage. This Chinese-Canadian singer, actor and model has earned his reputation through assiduous devotion to his career and, as fate would have it, plenty of supportive media hype. Wu was the first 90s kid to appear on the cover of China’s People magazine, Renwu. Born in Guangzhou in 1990, Wu moved to Vancouver with his mother at the age of 10 and later attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. Growing up in a single-parent household, he learned independence from a young age, waiting tables and working part-time in KTV parlors after school.

N0005

WU YIFAN Hometown: Guangzhou Claim to fame: actor, EXO rapper Wu, who can speak Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Korean, first entered the limelight in 2012, when he joined popular Korean boy band EXO as a rapper. Two years later, he quit the group, choosing to pursue other opportunities instead (and, as it turned out, there were plenty). That same year, Wu made his first appearance on the big screen, playing a humble cellist and heartthrob in the Chinese film Somewhere Only We Know. He also sung a title track in the Chinese series Tiny

Times and scored a place on the cover of Esquire magazine. Wu is what Chinese nowadays call a xiao xianrou (literally meaning ‘little fresh meat,’ or a young, handsome man). Now present in almost every entertainment and fashion domain, expect to see Wu in fashion shows, reality TV, the Met Ball, Adidas commercials, Vogue China, video games and more. He’s also set to star in Luc Besson’s 2017 science fiction action film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

QUIZ CORNER History: Zhuhai is one of the original Special Economic Zones established in what decade?

Current Affairs: Customers at a Guangzhou convenience store were surprised last month when a young woman entered wearing shorts with a heart-shaped hole cut from both the genital and buttocks area. She also flashed her breasts. What store did this occur in?

Sport: Guangzhou has two professional football clubs, what are their names? Food and drink: Which Guangzhou restaurant chain opened its fourth location last month at the Kingold Century Building in Zhujiang New Town?

General knowledge: What is the postal code

for Shenzhen’s Luohu, Futian and Nanshan Districts?

Last month’s answers: 1. 276 years 2. True 3. Michael Jordan 4. Face Club 5. Ping’an Finance Centre

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

BEHIND THE CONCRETE

Hehu Xinju Before 1979, when the Chinese southern metropolis of Shenzhen was still a fishing village, it was populated mostly by Hakka Chinese, who migrated to what was then Bao’an County during the Song Dynasty 800 years ago. Hakkas have since resided in tulou, or earthen buildings, common in Fujian province as well as in fortified villages, for generations. One of China’s largest Hakka fortified villages and the most representative of more than 300 such constructions in Shenzhen, Hehu Xinju is situated in Longgang District, weathered but well preserved. Constructed in the late Qing Dynasty by Luo Ruifeng and his family, this 24,800-square-meter walled establishment housed three generations of Luo’s kin. Besides serving as multi-family, communal living structures, fortified villages, as their name implies, also served to protect dwellers. In the late Qing Dynasty, Hakkas oftentimes fought with Cantonese natives over land disputes in what is now known as the Punti-Hakka Clan Wars. Established as a museum of Hakka culture in 1997, the more than 200-year-old Hehu Xinju, which faces a green pond, boasts 179 rooms and even a small school.

Three enormous doors greet visitors on the front wall where bullet marks can be observed. In its heyday, about 1,000 residents lived inside, according to annals found in the museum. Stone mills, farming and rice wine brewing implements are exhibited, while household trimmings, furniture and artwork are showcased to demonstrate the traditions, customs and daily practices of the Hakka people.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am-5.30pm; entry fee RMB10. 1 Luoruihe Bei Jie, Longyuan Lu, Longgang District, Shenzhen 深圳龙岗区龙园路罗瑞合北街1号 (0755-8429 6258)

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CI T Y | P HO T O E S S AY

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Back to the Past for Hoverboarders By Tristin Zhang, photos by Don Seno

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P HO T O E S S AY | CI T Y

hen the concept of hoverboards was first introduced in the film Back to the Future II, it was a seminal moment for red-blooded males. Men of all ages salivated with desire, perhaps looking forward to the year 2015 (the year in the movie when Marty McFly first rides the gizmo) with anticipation. Sure enough, almost two decades later the hoverboard is being sold to the mass market and is a familiar sight on our streets. Well, something we call a hoverboard anyway. More technically known as a ‘selfbalancing, two-wheel scooter,’ the contraption has taken not just China – where it originated, according to Wired magazine – but the world by storm over the last few years. (No, it doesn’t actually hover, but hey, it sounds cool.) Its one-wheel counterparts have also grown in popularity, and have been nicknamed ‘wind-and-fire wheels’ by Chinese users, as they bring to mind the magical equipment used by Nezha, a demigod in Chinese folk religion. Hoverboards have been embraced by a broad section of the public as a fun, fresh method of getting about town. Situ uses

his to transport his kid to and from school. “I bought my very first one back in the December of 2013 for RMB1,500 when I was browsing through Tmall,” he says. “I had never seen it on the streets.” “I bought my hoverboard because I was spending so much money on taxis and walking around so much,” says May Traux, who spends 20 minutes going to work from Liede to South China Normal University on her Xiaomi-manufactured hoverboard. “My friend showed us how amazing and convenient it is to get around. Once I found my balance on it, I fell in love and never felt like walking again.” While many use the tech for travel, others like Qiao Xin also employ them as performance props. An acrobat for 15 years, Qiao began attempting stunts on his first one-wheel scooter four years ago, doing handstands to the delight of passersby. “Every time I went to Beijing or Shanghai to perform, I never forgot to bring the scooter with me.” Sadly for people like Situ, Traux and Qiao, they’ll have to limit their usage of hoverboards to private compounds from now on – at least in Guangzhou – and

return to more traditional methods of transport. Following the lead of cities such as New York and Hong Kong, Guangzhou Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee declared a ban on two- and one-wheel scooters on October 31, bringing the Back to the Future dream to an end almost as soon as it had begun. As a sort of memorial to the nowrestricted device, Guangzhou-based photographer Don Seno took up his camera to capture them on the streets before they vanish forever.

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LIFE

P HO T O E S S AY | CI T Y

CI T Y | P HO T O E S S AY

STYLE Pie in the Sky

When will China's virtual reality get real?

Red Tourism P17

FASHION

SILK COAT RMB699

DISCO DESIGN

Mixseven Brings Back Bowie Style By Ziyi Yuan

PINK EMBROIDERED VELVET HOODIE RMB299

ome say Taobao is the greatest creation of the 21st century. That may be true for independent designers, who finally have a platform to sell their unique styles on a mass scale. The Mixseven brand, founded in Guangzhou in 2012, focuses on colorful, zingy menswear with a vintage touch. Each month, it introduces freshly designed products via Taobao, acquiring followers tuned into Weitao, the social arm of China’s largest e-commerce site. The founder of Mixseven, Wei Xing, has been working as a designer for almost 10 years. Wei’s expert eye comes out when balancing contrasting colors in one outfit. “I adore David Bowie’s style,” Wei says, explaining that he also draws inspiration from disco music. “Some question the quality of products on Taobao, but it’s Taobao that provides the best platform for new brands by reducing costs,” Wei says. He has plenty to be thankful for, seeing sales to customers abroad and at home, including Chinese celebrities like Wang Yuan of TF Boys. Mixseven’s approach also coincides with projected trends for 2017, including 1970s-inspired sleeveless sweaters, ‘Saturday night fever’ metallic garb, seventies prints, embroidery and men’s shirts.

DEEP BLUE SUIT RMB499

STRIPED SILK SHIRT RMB279

BURGUNDY RED SUIT SET RMB699

LONDON BLUE SWEATER RMB336

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STYLE RADAR TAP THAT APP

Pleco Chinese Dictionary A free app in its most basic form, Pleco lets you input a word in English, pinyin or Chinese characters and view a comprehensive list of all related translations. Search ‘pijiu’ for example and you’ll see the translation – ‘beer’ – plus its Chinese characters and tone marks. You’ll also find related words and their translations, like ‘brewery,’ ‘beer belly,’ ‘hops’ and ‘beer festival.’ Each word comes with example sentences in Chinese characters, pinyin and an audio recording, so you can learn how to pronounce it correctly in Mandarin (or play it out loud and hope for the best). This English-Chinese dictionary app is also one of the few with easily searchable Chinese idioms. Brush up on phrases like ‘when in Rome’ (入乡随俗) or simply input the word ‘idiom’ to see a collection of fourcharacter expressions in Mandarin. Pleco add-ons include a flashcard system (USD9.99), which allows you to save words you’re having trouble memorizing and then test yourself later by playing multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank quizzes. Mastered Mandarin but still having trouble with Cantonese? A new ABC Cantonese Dictionary will be available early this year within the current Pleco app. It will be the first comprehensive Cantonese-to-English dictionary published in 30 years, and will feature about 15,000 Cantonese-specific words with plenty of example sentences, so you can navigate Guangdong’s historic neighborhoods – or Chinatowns abroad – with ease. Available on iOS and Android devices. Requires iOS 8.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

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PEACH JOHN LONG-LACE DRESS TAOBAO SHOP: PEACH JOHN RMB398

SLEEPY JONES MARINA PRINTED SILK-CHARMEUSE PAJAMA SET WWW.NET-A-PORTER.COM RMB5,070

CHEAP CHIC VS LUX LABEL

Slumber Number Being stylish doesn’t need to end when preparing for bed. This month we look at PJs that scream style despite being comfortable enough for a quiet snooze. In the lux category, we have the American brand Sleepy Jones’ printed silk pajamas. Ostensibly designed for men, most will find this smooth sleepwear a good fit. The two-piece sports smooth French seams that contrast the white piping, with the designer saying the set was inspired by Pablo Picasso’s relaxed style. On the cheap yet chic side, we have the Peach John lace dress. This Japanese company is offering up affordable sleepwear that stays high class despite the low price.

INSPECT-A-GADGET

Bluetooth Glove Phone Usually we try to find a gadget that is at least minimally useful to your daily life. This month, we’ve stumbled upon something borderline indispensable: Bluetooth phone gloves. Think of the possibilities. Cold weather? Talk to the hand. Need to call reinforcements to a snowball fight? No problem. Want to report a crime in progress while convincing the thieves you’re a few cups short of a cupboard? That’s a little bit risky… but totally doable. Before you can become a crime fighting snowball assassin, you need to set the Hi-Call gloves up. It's basically the same as tethering any Bluetooth device – the buttons are pretty self-explanatory and smartphone screens respond to your thumb and forefinger through the gloves.

FOR WHO: BADASSES HOW MUCH: RMB115 SOLD WHERE: TAOBAO.COM

But how do the hand-mounted speaker and microphone stack up? The speaker is not quite as clear as a normal phone, but clear enough if you’re the type of person who walks around with their thumb inside their ear. The pinky-finger microphone, on the other hand, er, on the same hand, is on par with the average headset.

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

DAYTRIPPER

The Childhood Abode of Mao Zedong

haoshan is the worst kind of grubby, dirty town that China has to offer; a depressing wasteland where poor farmers eke out a miserable living, retiring at night to filth-encrusted concrete shells. This should not be confused with the place where Mao Zedong spent his youth, which is on the outskirts of the ghastly modern habitation. While we can’t say what old Shaoshan used to look like, today it is a lush, green oasis that is carefully tended and preserved; a pastoral Mecca for Red tourism. Millions flock here every year to see where the Great Helmsman spent his early life. Most of these visitors are Chinese, though the surprisingly accurate English, French and Russian translations that greet visitors at the vehicle drop-off point attest to the government initiatives afoot to encourage foreign travelers. Old Shaoshan is a pretty little hamlet with Mao’s childhood home at its heart. This bungalow, made from earth and wood, is easily identified by the long queue of people stretching back from its doors, waiting patiently to trudge through the bare rooms that once enclosed the communist hero.

As anybody who has read a little into Mao’s history will know, his parents were wealthy farmers, but don’t expect to find any worldly trappings decorating his former abode. It’s austere, basic, the kind of home a serious communist thinker should have, even if it is larger than most peasant dwellings. While the Chairman’s old domicile is undoubtedly the focal point of old Shaoshan, every pilgrim also takes a moment to make obeisance to an imposing (but paternal) statue of Mao that overlooks a paved square. Steady streams of tour groups with red sashes wrapped around their arms or necks take photos en masse, interspersed by individuals snapping that essential selfie with the main man. Along other sides of the square are an ancestral hall and a memorial museum, which contain items of clothing, calligraphic works and other Mao memorabilia that lend more color to the life of the legendary leader. Both the quadrangle and the family digs are short walks from the bus stop and car park, but take advantage of the shuttle service if you wish to visit Water Dripping Cave, a scenic hillside retreat where Mao would go

to contemplate life as a burgeoning philosopher, and where he later constructed a villa. While other parts of the tourism area are free, this part comes with an RMB50 price tag, which grants entrance to reasonably pretty views, though don’t expect to find the kind of peace and quiet that initially attracted Mao to the landscape in the first place. If you stay the evening, you can also get tickets to a grand production that celebrates Mao’s life several times an evening, or visit a local restaurant to gorge on Mao’s favorite food: hongshao rou (braised pork in sauce). For anybody interested in Mao and the history of communism in China, a visit to old Shaoshan is informative and eye-opening – not least because it provides a window into how the PRC wants people to perceive its founder. As a daytrip, however it’s only for the hardcore: getting from the PRD to Shaoshan and back on a Saturday or Sunday takes four hours each way from Guangzhou (five from Shenzhen). A more relaxed option would be to spend a weekend in Changsha, allowing time to explore both Shaoshan and a little bit of Hunan’s capital. TL

How to get there: High-speed trains go from Guangzhou South and Shenzhen North to Shaoshan South Station. From there, tell anybody you see that you want to go to 毛泽东同志纪念馆 (Mao Zedong Tongzhi Jinian Guan) and they will direct you to the correct local bus or shuttle. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 | GZ | 17

LIFE & ST YLE | F E AT URE

THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE

Is Virtual Reality Finally Ready to Get Real? By Sky Thomas Gidge

irtual reality’s introduction to the world was an amazing failure. The Sensorama used a 3-D film to simulate a motorcycle ride through Brooklyn, complete with blowing wind and a seat that rumbled with the motion of a mock engine. The year was 1962. Designed for arcade-like use, it was an impressive invention, but producing the Sensorama was deemed too expensive and complicated to be commercially viable. American cinematographer Morton Heilig would never sell his visionary machine. The same can’t be said for Emax project manager Fuli Cheng, 31, one of the many people riding the resurgence of VR (virtual reality) technology. Sitting outside a VR cafe in Shenzhen wearing a plaid shirt and khaki pants, Fu looks like a white-collar worker enjoying his weekend. “It’s only been two years, in that time we’ve developed about 300 experience shops on the Chinese mainland,” Fu says before taking a sip of his coffee. “It’s crazy.” Just as the Sensorama would have done, experience shops have given the curious a chance to try VR. For about RMB50, customers can sit in devices like Emax’s Eggmax, 18 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

which moves a pair of seats in sync with images displayed in VR headsets. There is even a vent blowing wind. Emax hardware is used in about 300 experience shops in China and 60 in South Korea, says Fu, who told a Belgian delegation in October that Emax makes a monthly revenue of about RMB30 million by targeting upscale malls. “In Japan we don’t really have VR things. But in Shenzhen it’s all over the place,” said Forbes Japan reporter Yuji Ueda walking through a Shenzhen shopping center. “There’s nothing like this.” Outside of China, the pay-to-play concept may not be as widespread, but it has been applied on a grander scale, with VR attractions opening in Utah and New York’s Times Square last year. Called The Void, visitors strapped a computer to their backs, allowing untethered movement through a virtual world supplemented by very real walls, mist machines and heat lamps. And while the technology made its presence felt globally in 2016, there is little doubt the high-water mark was reached on the Chinese mainland, with up to 4,000 experience shops running as of last April, accord-

ing to the China Electronics Standardization Institute. Yet, a five-minute ride in a shopping mall falls short of the VR we were promised during the technology’s rebirth in the 90s, when it was touted as something you would use at home. By the mid 90s – and with the 1996 failure of Nintendo’s Virtual Boy system – it became apparent the technology simply wasn’t ready. This was supposed to change in 2016, when VR headsets were released by Sony, Facebook-backed Oculus and HTC. Dutchman Patrick Weermanam bought into what he views as the future. “I put [the HTV Vive] on and after that I was sold. It brought me back to being a little kid 20 years ago,” said Weermanam, who lives in Dongguan and is developing a Tetrislike VR game. “You get your first mobile phone, you get your first computer. It’s that kind of feeling.” China hopes to be front and center in the development of VR, with the government having already created various funding schemes to have the technology developed domestically. In November, the Shenzhen government

F E AT URE | LIFE & ST YLE

and Taiwan-based electronics company HTC signed a two pronged agreement, with HTC receiving government support to create a China VR Research Institute. The agreement will also see HTC get help establishing a RMB10 billion VR research fund, according to a press release. The deal remains grand and vague, however, with Fu uncertain when “the money will come down.” Money or not, the technology is spreading at a grass-roots level, but not always in ways industry insiders believe is healthy for the technology. Experience shops rankle the sensibilities of purists like Martin Meissner, who calls the simulated rides “a bit of a cash grab.” Meissner’s efforts to bring VR to the public – while creating a content management system – took the form of the brick and mortar VR Lounge in Shenzhen’s Bao’an. After months of construction, it opened to word-of-mouth fanfare, pitting teams of players against each other. “If we weren’t the first one doing this, we were one of the first ones,” said Meissner. Now a search on Dianping in China’s major cities turns up hundreds of lounges allowing you to pay for a VR experience, some of

the businesses being little more than a rented office and a VR headset. Despite becoming more commonplace, VR still isn’t ready for a place in the living room between the television and computer. The technology still causes motion sickness in some, possibly caused when images projected in the headset lag behind the movement of the head. And even if the problem is solved, the updated hardware may not make it into consumers’ hands until 2018. “The next difficulty is finding a killer app, like a Super Mario for the NES, or Sonic for Sega,” said Meissner. Game developer Weermanam agrees, adding that knowledge of how to properly make VR software is also a huge roadblock. “You don’t have a teacher, no one can tell you what is good and what is wrong,” said Weermanam, who provided video of his game, but couldn't demonstrate it because of a recent coding error. “For every problem you have, there is no answer.” Although the answers are likely to come as major companies like Google, Facebook and Tencent invest in VR technology, there remains a much more material barrier: the price. The HTC Vive system costs more than

RMB6,000 and requires an equally expensive computer to run it. “These companies can’t demand such high prices and expect to be widely adopted,” said Attilla Csanyi, whose VR men’s health product raised USD144,300 on Indiegogo. Though Csanyi believes market competition will eventually push VR hardware prices down. Back in the VR Cafe, Fu asks a person how they feel after a simulated amusement park ride in an Emax product. The answer? A bit dizzy. “You see there are some problems with the technology,” Fu says. When asked when VR technology will be ready for the home, his answer is simple: “It’ll be about five to 10 years.”

INSIDE VR: DESCRIBING THE INDESCRIBABLE By Matthew Bossons

xplaining virtual reality to someone who has never tried it is like trying to explain the color blue to a person suffering from lifelong vision loss – it’s difficult to find words that can accurately portray the experience. This writer’s inaugural virtual reality journey commenced last December, when I had the opportunity to try the new HTC Vive at a VR content developing studio located near Guangzhou’s Happy Valley Mall. What follows is my best attempt to relay the experience in detail (though extreme feelings of vertigo and claustrophobia have somewhat clouded my memory). The mask slips over my head, covering my eyes like bulky snowboarding goggles. Everything is black, but a dark desert-like landscape slowly fades into vision. Directly in front of me are three large, bright images standing upright like paintings on invisible easels. A woman gently puts a small clublike controller in each of my hands, then guides my finger towards a trigger button. Of the images in front of me, one catches my eye. I point my hand towards an image of a shipwreck submerged under clear Caribbean waters. As soon as I do, a red dot appears on the image and I press the trigger resting against my index finger.

The desert disappears and I suddenly find myself standing on the wooden deck of a sunken vessel. In front of me, fish swirl around with reckless abandon. I reach out to touch the colorful creatures but they zip away before I get too close. A staff member at the VR facility tells me to look over to my left. I peer over my shoulder and see a large dark figure moving through the water. As it draws closer, I realize it is a seemingly life-size whale cruising down the port side of the boat. As the giant cetacean passes me, the simulation fades into darkness and I’m back in the desert. “You know the Fruit Ninja game? We are going to try that next,” says a studio staff member. The dark barren landscape fades again and now I am standing in a cartoon-like town. The controllers in my right and left hand become digital swords and fruit flies through the air in front of me. I slash frantically, like a mad ninja. Fruit bursts around me and I accidentally hit a bright purple bomb hiding amongst the produce. Naturally, it explodes. Next up, a VR staffer tells me, is a skiing simulation. A mountain landscape opens before me, complete with trees, rocks, deer and, obviously, snow. My controllers have

turned from swords to ski poles. I start off across flat terrain, but the grade changes and soon I’m careening down a slope, dodging obstacles at breakneck speeds. The feeling of velocity is so real that I almost lose my balance and fall backwards. The simulation fades after I run headon into a deer and find myself standing back in the shadowy wasteland yet again. When I finally pull off the goggles, it takes a second for my eyes to adjust and I realize that I have been sweating profusely. Would I recommend VR to others? Sure – but if you’re prone to motion sickness, take warning. To watch Matt’s VR adventure as it unfolded, scan the QR code on left.

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L IF E & S T Y L E | T R AV E L

SNAPSHOTS OF A PROVINCIAL LIFE

Exploring the Birthplace of French-Canadian Culture By Bailey Hu

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T R AV E L | L IF E & S T Y L E

wo weeks before Christmas Day, I emerge from the airport into freezing negative 10-degree Celsius weather. There was a snowstorm earlier today, and another one the day before. Everything is shrouded in a thick layer of soft, white powder. It’s unusually cold in Quebec for this time of year, I’m told. During my visit, the temperature will drop as low as negative 25, then inch up to a bearable five below zero. Equipped in heavy winter gear, we explore Quebec City in fits and spurts. We walk past rows of small shops on rue Saint Jean until the cold is almost unbearable, then dart inside the nearest cafe or gourmet food store for refuge. The warmth kindles first in fingertips and noses, gradually enveloping us until we’re toasty all over. We take our time arranging scarves and hoods and gloves before plunging outside again. As we make our erratic way along the street, we also get a feel for this neighborhood bordering the historic quarter of Old Quebec. One thing’s for sure: it’s eclectic. One place specializes in imported European foods, while another one has the feel of an old-timey general store. At least two stores on the street sell clothes made from alpaca wool. The daily influx of foreign tourists and local youth in this part of town seems to sustain a whole economy of niche products. One of the highlights of our stops is Erico, a small chocolate store that doubles as a museum. One half of the small space is dedicated to educating the public on the art and history of the sweet treat, while the other half serves up the thickest, creamiest mug of hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. Like many shops here, service is offered in both French and English. The displays in the small museum have descriptions in both languages, and the staff member behind the counter readily offers me an English menu when asked. Quebec, after all, is largely bilingual; although not everyone is fluent in English, most understand the basics of the language. It’s a reflection of the Canadian province’s unique position, culturally speaking. It’s a bastion of native French speakers surrounded by Anglophone territory on all sides. The inhabitants of Quebec learn English out of necessity, but most are raised speaking the province’s own particular patois, passed down from early French colonizers who arrived on the continent several centuries ago.

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L IF E & S T Y L E | T R AV E L

With the British takeover in 1763 and subsequent waves of international immigration, cultural adjustment was inevitable. But despite the odds, Quebecers have managed to hang on to a distinct language and culture throughout the centuries, drawing strength from their own tenacity. As their license plate motto declares, “Je me souviens.” I remember. Even within Quebec Province, whose towns are littered with old trading ports and historic architecture, Quebec City carries a special cultural cachet. It was here that the explorer Samuel Champlain laid the first foundations for the colony of New France. On the grounds of Quebec City’s Plains of Abraham, the British won a brief, pivotal battle that helped them take control over the whole French possession. Visitors interested in local history can learn these facts and more with a visit to the local Musée de la civilisation, which offers an informative if dated exhibit entitled Quebec People… Then and Now. Conveniently, the museum is located within walking distance of some other similarly educational options. Le Monastère des Augustines, for example, houses a museum with beautifully curated displays on the lives of the nuns who have lived there for almost four centuries. The Morrin Centre, by contrast, is home to a well-preserved 1800s prison in addition to a historic English-language library, the city’s only one. There’s also the city’s landmark art mu22 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

seum, the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, which offers representative exhibitions on local artists as well as an interesting glimpse into a less visible culture within Canada. The Brosseau Inuit Art collection features about 100 sculptures of various styles, sizes, and materials. They range from tiny ivory miniatures of seal hunters to a hefty whale vertebrae covered in carven faces, both animal and human. On an especially blustery day, it’s tempting to browse the galleries for hours. More adventurous visitors can also try trekking or skiing around the snow-covered park that surrounds the museum, or skating on the nearby outdoor rink. For a change of pace, they can also make a trip up the steep stairs of Old Quebec to the city’s most iconic hotel, the Chateau Frontenac. It may not be the flashiest establishment around, but with its pedigree, it doesn’t have to be: over the last century it’s seen visits from royalty as well as historical heavyweights like Chiang Kai-Shek and Churchill. Around the chateau, overpriced boutiques and other attractions may give the area the look of a well-designed tourist trap, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. On the day we visit, we join the group of people lining up to ride the long slide on the Dufferin Terrace, which overlooks a broad expanse of the St. Lawrence River. It’s a breathtaking view, and a thrilling ride. As we speed

down the icy chute on our narrow toboggan, the Chinese couple to the left of us is busy snapping selfies, a testament to their camera skills as well as the international crowd this area attracts. Later, we venture back for a closer look at the river. Well below the elevated views of the terrace, a ferry runs between Quebec City and the nearby town of Levis every thirty minutes. As the boat glides towards the opposite bank, we can hear the faint crackle of ice breaking up beneath the ponderous prow. From the front of the ship, the view is even better than it was from above. In either direction, there’s a sparkling skyline foregrounded by flotillas of pale ice. For a taste of local eats and drinks it’s back to Old Quebec again. CAD10.25 at a laidback diner, Snack Bar St.-Jean, buys us a heaping mound of the local specialty, poutine. This particular variety, poutine galvaude, comes topped with shreds of turkey and green peas along with the requisite fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It’s hearty and satisfyingly fatty, which seems to be a trend in local food. For entertainment we move to a prominent bar, St. Alexandre, where jazz, pop, or folk acts take the stage almost every night. The music scene here may not be as well known as that of the more cosmopolitan Montreal, but it’s clearly still thriving. The local beers, another Quebec specialty, don’t disappoint either.

T R AV E L | L IF E & S T Y L E

For some real food we go downtown to a quirky pub that serves up meals for only CAD4.95 each. Le Bureau de Poste, named after the former post office building that houses it, is a favorite haunt of students and the general alternative crowd. It’s no gastropub, but what it lacks in pretension it makes up for in solid, well-executed sandwiches and snacks. Finally, we end the night in another hidden gem, a bar on rue Saint Jean that has only a single front door and no sign. It’s a local spot that flies under the radar of most passersby, and appropriately enough it’s called Le Bateau de Nuit, which translates to “The Night Boat.” After climbing a flight of stairs we emerge into a dark space that, with its brick-red walls and red-tinted lighting, looks vaguely hellish. The decor is nautical, of course, and the man behind the bar has a beard that would make a buccaneer proud. In the background, the dull roar of heavy metal meshes with the noise of half a dozen animated conversations. The atmosphere couldn’t be more different from the many polished touristic sites we’ve visited so far, but it’s comforting in its own grungy way. It’s also our last planned stop of the night, a respite after a long day of trudging through subzero temperatures. We sip on our glasses of craft brews, talk, play a game on the bar’s antique foosball table. Then we slip on our thick coats and gloves again. It’s getting late, after all, and there’s still so much to experience tomorrow. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 | GZ | 23

ARTS Animal Audition

3D computer-animated musical comedy Sing charges into Chinese theaters

China's Hottest Web Celeb P26

FEATURE

FROM YANBIAN TO GUANGDONG A Made in China Hip-Hop Story By Andrew Chin

antonese boom bap meets Mandarin flows on the latest release from acclaimed mainland hip-hop label Groove Bunny. Illtacc pairs Guangdong rhymer Chill Terrific with Wootacc, a veteran of Beijing’s battle scene. Despite their different languages and locations, the two emcees describe the partnership as natural. “There was a lot of chemistry and sparks in our ideas for music,” Chill Terrific explains. “Writing lyrics and recording went very well as we had a shared vision.” “I don’t understand Cantonese but I felt a shared vision with Chill even though we were only communicating online,” Wootacc adds, noting he did throw in some Cantonese adlibs into illtacc. With beats overseen by the label’s inhouse producer PeteChen, the disc marks a departure for all three artists who had made their names with Golden Age indebted hiphop. Chen jokingly implores listeners “to please pay attention to the rap” and not his new synth-driven beats that “sounds sloppy, but I like it the way it is.” However, Wootacc disagrees, noting, “every time I get a beat from PeteChen, I think he’s improving. On illtacc, the changes are huge. He’s made progress forging a domestic lo-fi sound that no one else could have

done.” Growing up in Guangdong, PeteChen and Chill Terrific discovered hip-hop through their early loves of skating and the NBA. “There was an NBA show every weekend that would play highlights set to music at the end of the show and the one with US3 ‘Cantaloop’ was my favorite,” Pete recalls. “Then my parents started giving me money for lunch in middle school and of course, we skipped that to buy games and records.” While in college, Pete began making beats for the Cantonese hip-hop crew dumdue, who were friends with Chill Terrific. When Pete and Chill first met, they immediately formed the group V.N.P. Crew. Their first album, Turn It Up, helped establish Groove Bunny as a record label to look out for, furthering its underground hip hop aesthetic established on their first release, Cantonese Boom Bap. Wootacc’s rap journey couldn’t be more different. Born and raised in Yanbian, a small city in Jilin that borders North Korea, he cut his teeth in the vibrant local beatboxing community that Liu Feng documented in his 2008 documentary YanBian Box. When he started rapping, the emcee immediately stood out because “I was the only one to do it in Mandarin.” With a name that translates into English

as ‘belongs to the stage,’ the emcee quickly lived up to his name when he moved to Beijing in 2003, participating in Iron Mic competitions and forming the CHN Organic Union (C.O.U.) crew with Beijing rap royalty J Fever, Kirby Lee and Flyherro. The rap veteran has found new life since linking with Groove Bunny. Based in the unlikely city of Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, the hip-hop label was founded by Endy Chen who quit his job at an electronics company to fully indulge in his love of music. In addition to running a record shop in his hometown, Chen has co-founded the Daily Vinyl newspaper and frequently DJs in Shanghai, where he has rocked crowds with all-vinyl all-Chinese sets. Thanks to a heavy Bandcamp presence and limited edition cassette releases, Groove Bunny has cultivated a respected following and Chen promises an illtacc vinyl release will come in the summer. “People may feel that Groove Bunny is a serious label, but in fact the music is very free,” Chen says. “The most important thing with this was that the artists appreciated each other, so the album came together naturally.”

illtacc and other Groove Bunny releases are available at groovebunnyrecords.bandcamp.com

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COLL AGE SINO CELEB

STAGECRAFT

Jiang Yilei

Ghost the Musical

(AKA Papi Jiang)

Beginning as a farfetched romantic fantasy thriller, Ghost went on to become America’s highest-grossing film in 1990 and is still rated among the top 100 highest-grossing movies of all time in the US. Its success – due largely to the magnetism of Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg and a fantastic plot – resulted in five Academy Award nominations and, in 2011, a musical adaptation on West End followed by a premier on Broadway one year later. Now touring worldwide and in Guangzhou this February, Ghost the Musical shares the timeless story of lovers Sam and Molly, who, after they are attacked one night on their way back to their apartment, find themselves caught between this life and the next, communicating only through an amateur psychic with dubious powers. Since 2011, the musical has been performed more than 2,500 times in 11 countries worldwide in English, Korean, Hungarian, Italian, Filipino and Czech. There’s plans to create Chinese, German, Japanese, Swedish and

If you see a 20-something laughing at their phone screen while listening to the apparent titterings of a chipmunk, they are likely watching web celeb Papi Jiang’s (Papi酱) latest video. 2016 was the year of Papi – real name Jiang Yilei, 29 – who went from irregular work directing stage plays and voice acting to being the one-woman-show behind dozens of viral videos joking about white collar concerns. The Jiang-ster was born in 1987 and raised in Shanghai, where her parents originally discouraged her artistic tendencies, though she found a creative outlet via saxophone. After graduating from Beijing’s Central Academy of Drama, Jiang remained a relative unknown until October 2016, when her now-iconic style was first employed: sped-up video, a high-pitched voice, jokes about trending topics and jump cuts. Lots and lots of jump cuts. By April 2016, just seven months after launching the Papi Jiang character, her Weibo followers numbered 10 million, catching the attention of investors who handed over RMB12 million for a stake in the Papi phenomenon. Jiang also caught the attention of authorities, and almost all of her videos were scrubbed from the net until coarse language was removed. Papi Jiang soon returned, however (though slightly toned down), and is as popular as ever with more than 20 million fans on Weibo.

Kind of like: YouTube’s Lily Singh. Famous for: white-collar comedy in a chipmunk voice. See her next in: literally almost any video site.

Portuguese versions in the near future, but the show this month will be performed in English with Chinese subtitles. Relive the surreal storyline of Ghost performed live by an international cast and featuring the award-winning original songs ‘Overture,’ ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘The Love Inside.’

Tue-Fri Feb 21-24, 8pm; Sat-Sun Feb 25-26, 2.30pm and 8pm; RMB180-980. Guangdong Performing Arts Centre, 1229 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 广州市天河区广州大道中1229号广东演艺中心大剧院 (020-3727 6300)

HAO BU HAO

Hao Viacom has thrown its hat into China’s booming amusement park market, breaking ground on the Nickelodeon Cultural Resort in Foshan. While details are still under wraps, the park promises that families will be able to interact with characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It is expected to open in 2020.

Bu Hao The Force is not so strong in China. While Rogue One: A Star Wars Story won the opening box office weekend of 2017, its USD32.2 million was a major disappointment. The film earned USD20 million less than 2016’s The Force Awakens for its opening, despite the presence of Chinese stars Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen.

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage

FEB 10

Sing

After a brief and unfortunate foray into serious fare, Vin Diesel is back to reprising his ass-kicking characters and the world is much better for it. After shattering box office records with the Fast and Furious sequels, Diesel has resurrected his extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage 15 years after the original. Donnie Yen stars as the villainous Xiang who is trying to find a powerful weapon called Pandoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Box. Thai action star Tony Jaa and Academy Award winner Samuel L. Jackson co-star.

FEB 17

The McConaissance gets animated as Matthew McConaughey voices an optimistic koala whose plans to save his theater through a singing contest becomes outsized due to a misprint in the advertised prize money. Reese Witherspoon, Scarlet Johansson, John C. Reilly and Tori Kelly are among the star-studded cast guesting as outrageous animals with big dreams and bigger voices. Written and directed by music video veteran Garth Jennings, Sing features more than 60 classic songs, and an original track by Ariana Grande and Stevie Wonder. The film has already grossed over USD350 million worldwide.

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ARTS | F E AT URE

Meet the Devoted Super Fans of China’s Hottest Boyband By Dominique Wong, additional reporting by Emma Huang

inhree boys with matching bowl haircuts smile work ng’s* Huilia Ma nocently from 37-year-old s computer screen. The same faces adorn photo and cards strewn across her desk. But these ers young boys aren’t Ma’s children. They are memb ng Fighti (‘The s TFBoy band: ar popul most ’s of China Boys’). Roy TFBoys are a trio of teenagers – Karry Wang, s – hailWang and Jackson Yi, to use their English name s debut ing from Chongqing and Hunan. Since the band’ ng rappi ng, danci g, singin been have boys the in 2013, s. heart se Chine into and even beatboxing their way band of They are often cited as the biggest Mando-pop all time. nt Now aged 16 and 17, the teens were prepubesce In lly. siona profes out d starte first they when tykes , the band spite of – or perhaps because of – their youth wide. world and China in fans of ns millio has amassed (the These fans, officially named ‘four-leaf clovers’ joint ‘leaves’ represent the band members and fans’ ys of displa sive exces their for n know are ), nship relatio passion. , It’s easy to see the band’s appeal. They are young boys’ cute and wholesome in every way possible; the natural talent sculpted and manufactured to popFengjun perfection by entertainment behemoth Time to school go “They says: Entertainment (TFent). As Ma like our We . bands n Korea like hair their and don’t dye ate or stars to seem ‘local,’ as if they could be a classm

them on a watermelon juice. “I wasn’t interested in last year back then because I don’t like young boys. But ht thoug I so e, peopl young it seemed they’d become table.” accep more that was Married with a 10-year-old son, Ma belongs to followthe TFBoys ‘mother fans’ subgroup, a title the selfers themselves came up with online (another se they proclaimed subgroup is ‘girlfriend fans’ becau see rters suppo Older . band) the to age r simila are of a boys. the of s sister or themselves as surrogate mothers n According to Ma, “they’re the type of kid all wome want as a child.” for Indeed, Ma possesses a mother-like affection and rt conce their at crying to s admit She the boys. s being moved by band members’ recent solo effort solo own his ed releas Karry r] leade (“this year [band strain of songs for the first time – it’s so nice to see”). A out to stood y “Karr ts. persis longing, however diluted, back ht broug him g Seein ess. cuten his of se me becau love memories of a first love,” she says. “Like puppy

feelings.” the Still, Ma is quick to differentiate herself from listo want just I rts, conce band’s other admirers. “At y ‘Marr shout girls young the all but sing boys ten to the ” crazy. that not “I’m me! Marry me!’” she says, annoyed. gue collea male Ma’s n, rsatio conve our Listening to interjects. “I think you’re crazy.” On the scale of one to crazy, Ma would likely fall C-word somewhere in the middle. But there’s another s obband’ the with that is often used in conjunction Karry by n neighbor.” writte ge messa Weibo A . sessed fans: cult t 43 milMa’s devotion to a group of young boys is a little on his birthday last year was reblogged almos surt recen a ver, Howe for the d Recor surprising considering her age. World ess lion times, breaking a Guinn 35 vey by Sina shows Ma is not in the minority. While ge. messa Weibo a of ts most repos are in percent of TFBoys fans are 19 or under, the bulk But fans pay tribute in a literal sense, too. olds year 39 to 30 aged e Peopl s’ oftheir 20s (42 percent), Becoming a paid-up ‘VIP’ member of the TFBoy ning 9 limitedmake up a further 14 percent, with the remai ficial apps makes it easier to score the band’s millions percent aged 40 or above. edition merchandise. The ‘clovers’ also raised with ay Although former UK boyband One Direction also birthd 17th ’s Karry ate celebr to s of US dollar d 46 perhad a pack of older followers (a survey showe ents, including 11 flashing billboards tisem adver public memd, cent of fans were aged 35 and above), its band in New York’s Times Square. From Seoul to Icelan teens their into well y alread were bers 17th” appeared at subway y “happ a him ng wishi ads g ys “Most [TFBoys] fans are older,” Ma confirms durin stations and in major newspapers. Similar displa manial financ The lace. workp an Haidi ers. memb a visit to her other the for out d carrie been have since knows n ager has seen the band live in concert twice and A teenage fan from Henan named Yuan Zhimi . songs have fans “If : all of the lyrics to their That’s telling sary, neces as sees these acts lly “I’ve been a fan for the past year but I’d actua to help spread the message want and tunity oppor the sipping the call already heard about them before,” Ma explains, around specific areas, they should respond to

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F E AT URE | ARTS

of action.” s expenditures a t is – declare these outrageou Outsiders – non-clovers, tha . Others claim that lion mil Square ads alone cost RMB10 waste of money. The Times e cultural capital. trad to d ban the s power, which use it’s a reflection of China’s soft tured below), it is TFBoys superfan Zhang Qi (pic For university student and neither. but I think it’s an exworld’s perspective of China, “Maybe it will help enrich the ’ ‘sister’ says. “It’s oys TFB China’s power,” the self-titled aggeration to say it elevates can afford to, we y the and to, py hap money]. If fans feel .” a personal choice [to spend one m any m for it. At least it doesn’t har n in Guilin can’t judge or even blame the trai a – le atab deb ions cause harm is Whether birthday demonstrat fans’ zealous oys TFB to due r yea this ier shut down earl was reportedly temporarily age, such as the well-docufan behavior does cause dam e som But ng. teri plas postereen fans. mented culture of bullying betw e, while Roy’s faoy. Karry’s devotees wear blu TFB rite favo a has ody Everyb concerts, where d’s ban the at . The division is clearest red ’s son Jack and en gre vor But sometimes the path of e flicker from a sea of fans. specks of red, green and blu sages about different fan’s a dark turn, with hateful mes steadfast devotion can take in real life. idols often hurled online and . fan behavior is problematic nish clan the its t adm Zhang They say ‘my idol is the bes ws. sho live the ing dur ting t sen she but “You can see [fans] figh ne, h a fan onli One time I tried to reason wit e. ribl hor was one.’ It can get really fierce. It ds. wor es – really aggressive, dirty me a flood of personal messag . The older ones try ween different groups of fans bet nce ere “But that’s the diff onal.” to persuade us to be more rati ure, so too do the aturity, then. And as fans mat Call infighting a sign of imm rests in the eninte er oth sue pur to un already beg s this year. boys themselves. The trio has film big in e. Both Roy and Karry starred well, ng, tertainment business – alon omi bec fast are s boy ng still, it’s clear the Plus despite appearing you n for TFBoys fans? men. So, what does this mea them develop and itive. “[Sideline interests] help pos Zhang is trying to be distract their atmay it t “Bu s. say she them more,” also satisfies our wish to see into them in the got I son music, which is the very rea tention from making better first place. when I’m older, e new ideas every day. And “They are still young and hav ” life. ’s man a ch is the best period of they’ll be in their prime, whi -year promise” “10 a of aks spe ng Zha in, though The band’s future is uncerta ut – in 2023 – deb ir the their fans: “Ten years after made between the band and m.” the for re the be still works, we’ll all when they have more mature (or child, in Ma’s r the bro ir the n ndo aba just We believe her. One doesn’t rs’ time there will likely case), after all. Still, in 10 yea vying for public attenbe another hot group of kids from TFent’s ‘TF traintion. These may well emerge ns already in training -tee pre d ees’ – a set of talente to be the next big thing. d second and According to Ma, the so-calle e alhav s’ inee ‘tra of s third generation on Weibo fans ,000 700 up ed rack dy rea debuted. despite having not officially ugh,” she tho me for ng you too “They’re adds. can Whatever may happen, fans lyrics of the in as – t tha red ssu rea be four-leaf TFBoys’ hit song ‘Heart’ – “the the fuin ully utif bea m bloo clover will her, mot ed ture.” Still, ever the concern ting Figh The r ove fret but Ma can’t help re,” she futu ir the ut abo ry wor “I s. Boy ble shortsays, singling out Roy’s noticea . two er oth the to ed par ness com gs like “It’s best to be taller for thin acting.”

* Name has been changed

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COVER STORY

Roofto

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COVER STORY

pping Shots from China’s Highest Vantage Points By Dominic Ngai, additional reporting by Jocelyn Richards

@OTHER.1

rban exploration (often shortened to ‘urbex’) refers to the exploration of abandoned or inhabited manmade structures. Photography is a huge part of these ventures, which document vistas of cities unseen from the humdrum of our lives on the ground, as well as the dramatic changes of cityscapes over time. As a result of the rising popularity of social media platforms like Instagram in the early 2010s, ‘rooftopping’ photos – a form of photographic documentation of urbex featuring shots taken on rooftops or other high vantage points of metropolises around the world – have infiltrated our IG feeds, inducing vicarious vertigo in many just by staring at these photos on our smartphones. In China, rooftopping ‘culture’ began around the same time as the West, though on a much smaller scale, with only 30-40 pursuing the hobby in country today. This month, five photographers known for their breathtaking cityscape shots from South China’s rooftops – NK Chu (@NK7), Yu (@5.12), Cheuk (@ cheukyh), David Yen (@chilltron4000) and Jennifer Bin (@jenniferbin) – tell us about the thrills and inescapable danger of rooftopping and how far they’d go to capture these images.

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COVER STORY

term that first appeared in Canadian urban explorer Jeff Chapman’s 2005 book Access All Areas, rooftopping was popularized when Tom Ryaboi’s (@roof_topper) photograph titled ‘I’ll Make Ya Famous’ made headlines in publications around the globe in 2011. For PRD-based photographers NK Chu (@ NK7), Yu (@5.12) and Cheuk (@cheukyh), however, the term is largely irrelevant. "When we first started rooftopping two years ago, we didn’t know it had an official title. We just wanted to explore and see the city in a different way so we could show others how fascinating it is with our photos,” NK says, adding that his crew is mainly interested in rooftops – high or low – that offer the best views. “Some people I see go to rooftops to show off and get

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@5.12

COVER STORY

@chilltron4000 “Be a photographer first and foremost”

@CHEUKYH

@JENNIFERBIN

@5.12

likes on social media, but we do it for ourselves, to satisfy our spirit of exploration." After studying architecture in Shanghai, NK moved back to his home province of Guangdong in 2014, where he began a career in professional photography. Instagram – the platform many aspiring urban explorers use to share photos and meet rooftopping enthusiasts from around the world – introduced him to Yu and Cheuk as well as Shanghai-based photographers Jennifer Bin (@jenniferbin) and David Yen (@chilltron4000). Each with tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, NK, Yu, Cheuk, Bin, Yen and a band of other brave souls often go on expeditions to explore, discover and shoot different rooftops in cities throughout China. Occasionally, they are joined by other urbex photographers visiting from around the world. Jennifer Bin, a Torontonian now famous for her breathtaking photography and shock of baby pink hair (and for being one of China’s most Instagrammed people), has been on rooftopping trips to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, New York and Tokyo. She likes shooting in southern China, she says, where “cityscapes are denser and you can get a lot of different views.” A huge fan of science-fiction movies and TV shows since she was young, Bin’s photographs reflect her penchant for the genre. “When I moved to Shanghai, I saw all these futuristic elements around me. A lot of times, tall buildings in cities are accessible only to rich people who can afford a presidential suite. I want to liberate these views for other people,” she explains. Similar to Bin, the Instagram feed of David Yen – who was born in Taipei and raised in the US – is full of cityscape photos, many of which are snapped from the tops of perilously tall buildings around Asia. “I started doing it because I want to experience and present cities in ways that people don't see on the daily, to offer a different perspective,” he says.

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COVER STORY

@jenniferbin “Tall buildings in cities are accessible only to rich people who can afford a presidential suite. I want to liberate these views for other people”

@NK7

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For them, there are two schools of rooftoppers: the old-school photographers, who seek to capture the unique angles, structures and aesthetics of a city and for whom rooftopping is only a part of their repertoire, and the ‘new rooftoppers,’ who see the stunts they perform and the height or number of rooftops conquered taking center stage. While some claim the two groups get along, others see the new generation imitators as more of a threat. “After we discover a new place and post about it, tons of people head there afterwards and do dangerous stunts. Some even foolishly approach bao’ans directly and ask how to get to the roof, and then it will be locked and no one can go anymore,” bemoans Shenzhenbased photographer Cheuk, who prefers to stay under the radar and avoids posting his photos on Chinese social media sites. His friend, Yu, agrees, adding that finding your own way to the top is part of the thrill. “For me, the process of getting to a roof is fun – figuring out how to enter a building and then searching for the best place to snap a photo.” Though Yu admits to using a drone sometimes to capture cityscapes from new angles (since he’s already exhausted every last rooftop view in Guangzhou), the outcome isn’t ideal. “When you physically climb to a roof, each photo you take has a story behind it,” he explains. “Photos taken with a drone are missing that feeling, that experience.”

COVER STORY

@CHEUKYH

@NK7

In general, the higher the roof, the tighter the security – unless you’re attempting to climb Shenzhen’s 115-story Ping’an International Finance Centre, which is surprisingly accessible. “For some reason, it’s quite easy to get into Ping’an,” NK laughs. “Sometimes we think their PR team intentionally lets the security be pretty loose, so people can get in and take photos as promotion.” Once at the top, rooftoppers follow an unspoken code of conduct: rooftops should never be vandalized, and everything must be put back into place like it was when they arrived at the scene. “We might scope [the rooftop] out a few days beforehand to see what’s possible and what’s not, otherwise, it’s always quite spontaneous,” says Yen about what he does to prepare for one of these shoots. Depending on the situation, they can spend anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours on each roof. Upper body strength and good footwear are important, he says, and rainy and windy days are off limits.

@CHEUKYH

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COVER STORY

@OTHER.1

@JENNIFERBIN

@CHEUKYH

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COVER STORY

@5.12 “When you physically climb to a roof, each photo you take has a story behind it. Photos taken by a drone are missing that feeling, that experience” @NK7

Concerns for safety shouldn’t be taken lightly. Reports of rooftopping-related deaths have been widely reported in the West. In December 2015, a 24-year-old photographer fell off a 52-story-tall building in Manhattan while trying to climb a wet rooftop. Last October, another photographer from the Big Apple also met a tragic demise when he fell off the top of a moving train, a worrying example of how far urbex photographers are willing to go for Instagram fame. “Be a photographer first and foremost,” Yen says. “There’s a new wave of rooftoppers who are eager to hit a roof, do some dangerous things and post it immediately, whereas some old-school photographers might go to a roof to shoot but might not post it until months later, just to preserve the spot and not draw too much attention to it.” The scene in China may be smaller than in other countries, but it’s also somewhat friendlier. “In Toronto, rooftoppers are super competitive and cliquey, some even put their own locks on doors to prevent others from entering their territory,” says Bin. Somewhat humbly, she attributes the rapid growth of her own following to the fact that there aren’t many Instagrammers in China, explaining that people outside the country are interested to see what it’s like to live here and the architecture that defines its urban skylines. “Besides,” she says, “people also like to see dangerous looking photos.” @ASTERYX

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COMM UNITY Salsa in Style

Warming up to Guangzhou Salsa Cubana

A Novel Exchange P39 38 | GZ | FEBRUARY 2017 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

The Man Behind Bionic Brew P41

FEATURE

BROWSING THE BOOK EXCHANGE A Look at Shenzhen’s Largest Expat Library By Bailey Hu

idden away in an unassuming community service center within Shenzhen’s Shuiwei neighborhood is a bibliophile’s treasure trove. Hundreds of English and Chinese-language books reside here, mostly undisturbed during the community service center’s weekday office hours. It’s only on weekends (every other weekend, to be precise) that the library comes to life. This is the home of a free-to-attend event called the Book Exchange, which is held every other Sunday afternoon in the Shuiwei center. Despite its name, the gathering is more of a cross between a community-run library and a book club. The collection kept here, all 900 volumes and counting, is entirely made up of donations from expats and locals who’ve attended events. Some books are new additions, their pages still crisp and pristine. Most, though, are weathered veterans. The oldest among them exude a musty odor when pried open, and Shenzhen’s year-round humidity has done them no favors. Despite the less-than-ideal condition of some volumes, the Book Exchange still attracts a loyal crowd twice a month. The average event sees 10-30 people stop by the cozy space, some visiting briefly to browse or make returns while others stay for the book

discussion, held in English. Every once in a while, the community service center also plays host to a literary or arts-themed event, such as the Writers Afternoon held last December. On the day of that occasion, the space – which had already been lined with tables of books – was filled to capacity with attendees who came to hear five local authors read their works. When there’s not the odd special event going on, the Book Exchange is usually a quiet place for likeminded people to meet, chat and, of course, read. Longtime attendee and volunteer Clay Hedges sees it as a refreshing alternative to the typical networking events available to expats in Shenzhen. In his words, it’s “a beacon for those who want to converse with other flesh-and-blood bodies about topics that don’t revolve around China, teaching and business.” The event is special to him for another reason as well: it’s where he met his girlfriend of three years, who also volunteers for the Book Exchange. The group’s founder, an energetic American named Glen Cornell, originally wanted to create a “book sharing event” for friends. In its early days, the Book Exchange bore a resemblance to TED Talks, with attendees swapping ideas as well as books, and listening to talks from motivational speakers.

As donations from attendees began piling up, the focus of the event shifted. To cope with the rapidly growing collection, Cornell bought cataloging software and transferred the location to a place with plenty of spare bookshelves. By the time he moved back to the US in 2015, the Book Exchange had accumulated over 600 volumes, both English and Chinese, in genres from thrillers to sci-fi to historical nonfiction. The event had also acquired a faithful band of volunteers who keep it running, as well as an ever-growing pool of attendees who continue to add to the library. On the Chinese mainland, where large collections of English-language books are scarce, the Book Exchange is a haven for native readers as well as those who wish to practice the language. In business-focused Shenzhen, it’s also the rare free event that encourages something other than forging guanxi. It’s unique in another way too, in that the sense of community it creates has a concrete form. Each book, from the paperback thriller to the weighty tome on Chinese foreign policy, is an individual’s contribution. Taken together, it’s an impressive legacy of knowledge and ideas just waiting to be cracked open by the next reader.

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COMM UNITY DEAR JAMIE

Expat Burnout Dear Jamie, I feel a little stupid writing to a random email address from a magazine, but you gave some pretty sound advice before. Originally, I wanted to teach English for a year while I learned Chinese before moving to Europe. Now, I’ve been in China for four years and given up on learning the language. My girlfriend dumped me last week saying I’m a ‘party boy’ and next month I’ll be 27. On top of that, the training center I work at is pressuring me to sign a contract for another year. I don’t really want to sign, but what else am I going to do? I’m having a good time in China, and if I go back to New Zealand I’ll work longer hours for money that doesn’t go as far. What do you think? -Hesitating in Shenzhen Dear Hesitating, I have some bad news: you are coming down with Donkey Island Syndrome. It’s common among male expats in China and usually begins in the mid 20s. It’s usually not fatal, but beating it isn’t easy. The syndrome is named after a fictitious island in the movie Pinocchio where children are allowed to do whatever they want. Symptoms include weight gain and Monday morning hangovers. Serious cases can result in being over 30 years old and dancing for children while holding faded flash cards. The most effective cure is going back to your home country, where you speak the language and friends and family will goad you into making something of yourself. The other cure is more difficult. Stay in China, but make some serious lifestyle changes. You need to find a sport or hobby group, enter relationships that don’t leave you thinking ‘I can always find another one,’ and, most importantly, begin pursuing your life goals. Online courses or weekend classes in Hong Kong are a good place to start. Best of luck. -Jamie Got a problem? We’ve got a problem solver, and its name isn’t revolver. It’s Jamie. Message Jamie at Jamieinchina@outlook.com. 4 0 | | GGZZ | | FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22001 177 | | WWWWWW. .TTHHAATTSSMMAAGGSS. .CCOOMM

AROUND TOWN SOCIAL SKILLS

Guangzhou Salsa Cubana Fancy flaunting your sexy figure in public? Taking a salsa class is a great way to shave off extra pounds and shape your bod with constant hip action that has the added benefit of preventing a slipped disc down the road (because, you know, we’re all getting older). Believed to originate in the 1970s in New York City, salsa combines elements from a handful of dances popular in Latin America, including the Cuban son montuno, guaracha, chachacha and mambo. Most salsa routines consist of six steps over music with eight counts, with different beats accentuated according to the song or style. As challenging as it is, the benefits reaped from this sensual dance are well worth any initial pangs of inhibition. Salsa dancers can expect to keep in shape, maintain a positive mood, overcome difficulties communicating with the opposite sex, release pressure and enlarge their social circle, as is written in Salsa Cubana’s online course description. You can also expect to be straight up irresistible on the dance floor. The Guangzhou-based club sees salsa novices and experts twirl together every week in a studio on Machang Lu, a stone’s throw from Liede, so you can take a class and

head straight to the club afterwards to try out your new moves. Owner and coach Joy Zuo, who defines salsa as a social activity, says that as long as one can move to the rhythm of salsa music, no fundamental skills are needed. Enjoying the process, she says, is the most important part, and one doesn’t need to be in perfect shape to be a good salsa dancer. Classes are categorized by level and include beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced, with 10 classes for each level. Other types of dances – bachata, contemporary dance, kizomba and Zumba – are also offered at the studio, and are taught by an international team of professional dancers. Sign up for an experimental class this winter or break the ice at the daytime salsa party held every Sunday afternoon from 3.30pm to 6pm at Sleeping Flower Restaurant and Bar. It’s time to shake that thang!

RMB50 for experimental classes, RMB1,250 for 10 classes, RMB2,050 for 20 classes, RMB4,550 for 50 classes. 3/F, Block B, R&F Full Square, 16 Machang Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 广州市天河区珠江新城马场路16号富力盈盛广场B座3楼会所 (www.salsacubanagz.com, 020-189 2506 9268)

E D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M

TAKE FIVE

Joe Finkenbiner If you had to pair one of your beers with a fast food item (aka the poor man’s beer and edible pairing), which beer and food item would you pick and why?

This month, we caught up with Shenzhen expat Joe Finkenbiner, one of the PRD’s most celebrated brewers. Originally hailing from Kansas, Finkenbiner is the friendly proprietor at Nanshan’s Bionic Brew.

I’d put our IPA with some lamb chuan’r or roujiamo. Perfect together while sitting on a tiny plastic stool and watching people go by.

We would imagine, after several location changes, that you probably have a good sense of humor about the issues that come with being a brewer in China. Can you tell us your most memorable move? All of the moves have been difficult because of the costs of moving equipment and retail. The first one was the most memorable because I was able to talk the landlord into letting us ‘store’ the equipment there for a few extra months if I agreed not to use it or sell beer there. We did stop selling beer there but we didn’t stop brewing. I blacked out all the windows and we would work a midnight shift by brewing all night and finish up about 6am before anyone in the neighborhood really saw us there. We survived a few months this way.

If you had to share a bed with Trump or Hillary Clinton for a year (nothing sexual involved), who would you pick and why?

If you had to (hypothetically) pick one brand of domestic Chinese beer to drink for the rest of your life, which would it be? I’d choose Bionic Brew to drink each day. It’s domestically produced and tastes awesome. But if you mean commercial lager beer I’d go with Tsingtao. It’s watery enough to survive on a long time and not as sweet as Budweiser.

I’d pick Hillary Clinton. I’m sure she’s got an enormous bed with sheets so soft they feel like they’re made of cashmere babies.

Favorite type/style of beer and why? I like the American pale ale style which we brew and call Bionic Ale. Very simple, drinkable and flavorful for such a basic beer. The secret is in the hops and getting the right ones really make that beer stand out. Our Bionic Ale is such a great beer that’s made with the most basic ingredients. It proves things don’t have to be complicated to be exceptional.

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COMMUNIT Y | EDUCAT ION

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Inside the Brain of a Teenager By Matt Kuykendall

o, in case you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard, teenagers do silly things. This is no less debatable than death and taxes. What is unknown to many parents is why teenagers deviate so inexplicably from the core values painstakingly imparted upon them by their well-intentioned families. In response to teenage imprudence, parents most frequently respond with the following disbelief: "What were you thinking!?" The previous conventional wisdom held by scientists and parents alike was that teenagers were fully functional adults who simply lacked adult experience and that their missteps were due to either poor parenting, a lack of experience or a personality deficiency. This was based on the fact that the human brain reaches its full size by the age of 12 or 13. What neuroscientists and psychologists are now discovering is that teenagers and adults think differently; so unfortunately, the scientific answer to the above disbelief is truthfully: "I wasn't. But I can't help it." Scientists have realized that just because the teenage brain has finished growing, it has not finished maturing and learning. Jay Gied, a leading neuroscientist at the National Institute of Health and one of the top authorities on the subject of the teenage brain, likens a 13-year-old brain to a large block of granite;

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the art is created by removing pieces of the granite, and that is the way the brain sculpts itself. It is now agreed upon that our brains continue to change, mature and adapt up through our 20s. In other words: teenagers are not little adults but more like big children. We all know that there is probably nothing more complex than the human brain. There remains a great deal to understand in regard to how the brain functions, but one thing we do know is that the area of our brain called the cortex is the newest part of our brain - in evolutionary time - and is responsible for making us human. The frontal lobe of the cortex is of particular importance. According to Dr. Giedd "The frontal lobe is involved in things like planning, strategizing and organizing, initiating attention and stopping and starting and shifting attention. It's a part of the brain that most separates man from beast.â&#x20AC;? It was previously thought that the frontal lobe was fully developed by the onset of adolescence, however, scientists now understand that it is officially not developed. Not only does it lack cohesive and strong connections to the rest of the brain, but also its very own network of nerves lacks functioning speed due to underdeveloped myelin sheaths. A teenager therefore, is a human who is easily

influenced by their environment and more prone to impulsive decisions. Does this sound like anyone you know? If you are a parent of a teenager, it is important to know that you can strengthen your child's frontal lobe by encouraging them to practice meta-cognition as well as empathy in their daily lives. By encouraging your child to verbalize and articulate consequences of actions as well as practicing cost-benefit analysis in terms of decision making, you will be putting their frontal lobe to work. While empathy may be harder to teach than more tangible skills, engaging in frequent reflective conversations with your teenager in regard to othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feelings as well as their own will positively activate their frontal lobe. Parents should also share the facts surrounding peer influences as well as alcohol and drug abuse with their teens. In short, empower teenagers to understand their psychological strengths and weaknesses. There is one thing that is blatantly clear: while they want to succeed, they do not always know how to succeed. It is our job as parents and teachers to guide them. Educate your children about the risks of navigating through the stormy waters of teenage years while also making them aware of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

HE ALT H | COMMUNITY

OUR FEARFUL TIMES Overcoming an Age of Aggression By Dr. Alfred Chambers

believe the natural human stance with one another is, contrary to popular opinion, cooperation, not competition. We have survived as a species by getting along together, sharing, and looking after one another for untold thousands of years – otherwise how do we explain the 98 percent of us that are not especially suited for any survival of the fittest contest? We learned to hunt and harvest and care for our young with cooperation, not selfishness. You may ask, then, what about war, and killing, and our free market competitive societies? Those, I suggest, are not especially natural for us but have evolved relatively recently as lazy counterproductive coping mechanisms to help us endure in our increasingly unnatural environments. Lately you may have noticed a worldwide tendency to selfishness and blame; to the pervasive creation of imaginary enemies, various increasing forms of prejudice and us-versus-them thinking. This narcissistic propensity to see others as the problem and the labeling of people who are different as less worthy or

evil is unfortunately a natural progression in our evolving and increasing self-interested times. Throughout recorded history, leaders have been very good at gaining submission from the public by casting ‘others’ as the problem, by playing upon fears of survival and tapping into natural tendencies of aggression (as all animals do when cornered) and calling forth our neurotic anger and childish blame. This immature stance is seen in many adult relationships as well, between husband and wife, colleagues, countries, religions, political parties and various other groups. We have replaced courage with fear, curiosity with blame and acceptance with defensiveness. This fear has perhaps arisen from our attempts to survive in a less friendly world where our individual acts of generosity seem to have less impact than ever. So perhaps, even though each individual effort seems to make no difference, maybe we can all let down our walls, reduce our fear, be more generous and allow for the appreciation of everyone. Selfishness,

greed and control may seem like the only path, but they are not. Fighting against perceived self-interest with more of the same does not make the world a better place, not does it save the earth. It is difficult enough to struggle though our lives as imperfect beings, but making enemies with each other does not create a more loving world, or more happiness – just regret. I also worry that our children are learning some lessons from adults, including our leaders, that increase divisions and prejudice. We have a responsibility to help our future, the future of the earth and the world for the generations to come – let’s not blow this important opportunity. Leave every situation (or person, or event, or relationship), small or large, better than you found it! Dr. Al Chambers is a psychologist and director of mental health services at United Family Guangzhou Clinic, 1/F, Annex, PICC Bldg, 301 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 广州市越秀区广州大道中301号人保大厦副楼首层 (4008- 919191, emergency: 8620 8710 6060, www.ufh. com.cn)

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CITY SCENES New Year’s Midi Music Festival (Supported by ) The Midi Music Festival kicked off the New Year in Shenzhen with a wide variety of music and international DJs spinning their hearts out on the decks. Sponsored by the Beijing Midi School of Music and the Kaisa Culture Group, the festival saw numerous themed stages as well as a range of prestigious acts. This year, the event benefited the Education in Sight group, which provides eye tests, glasses and eye-related health exams to children in the Chinese countryside. Midi hopes to continue the cooperation in the future and bring light into the lives of underprivileged children struggling with eye disease.

Shenzhen Inter-Chamber Christmas Dinner (Supported by and )

Paletto White Christmas and Awards Celebration Party (Supported by )

Co-hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, German Chamber of Commerce, Italian Chamber, Spanish Chamber, and supported by the Australian Chamber and the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, the Shenzhen Inter-Chamber Christmas Dinner 2016 was held at the Shangri-La Hotel Luohu on December 13. The traditional Christmas dinner saw more than 100 guests socialize in a convivial atmosphere. The menu was developed by the Shangri-La Hotel, and wine sponsors SILEX Liquor and AISA generously offered red and white wines, while San Miguel provided the beer. The event also saw delicious cakes provided by Cake21, traditional French bites from French Touch Kitchen, and delicious roast chicken provided by Le Poulet. Last but not least, Les 5 Chefs kindly provided cookies and traditional German beef.

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen held a splendid party themed ‘white Christmas’ in their stunning Paletto Italian Restaurant on December 16. Authentic Italian food was served buffet style, along with various drinks. Paletto welcomed over a hundred guests, who enjoyed delicacies prepared by Chef Stefano and Manager Dario – winners of the 2016 That’s PRD Food and Drink Awards Chef of The Year and Sommelier Of The Year, respectively. Paletto and That’s PRD also held lucky draws and gave out gifts provided by the Vista-SK International Medical Center, HarMoniCare Shenzhen Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Dream Fitness Gym, White Hair Culture, Paletto and more. The enchanting night filled the room with smiles as partygoers reveled in the Christmas ambiance.

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TEDxZhujiang New Town 2017 (Supported by ) The TEDxZhujiang New Town Annual Conference, themed ‘Search For,’ has come and gone, inspiring many in its wake. On January 14, 10 speakers from different fields gathered at the White Swan Hotel Guangzhou to share motivating ideas with an audience of more than 500, covering topics such as living history, shared economy, big data, urban design, transboundary art and more. Their brilliant talks elicited thunderous applause from attendees as they were led to search for and probe into the past and future of Guangzhou. Amazing performances by YMCG and Reorientate were highlights of the event as well.

AmCham South China Charity Trip to Wuxing Village (Supported by ) The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China), as part of its seventh consecutive annual charity effort, brought a large group of business and community leaders – including executives from multinational corporations – to Wuxing Village and nearby impoverished villages last month. AmCham South China’s fundraising efforts this year collected in-kind donations worth over RMB254,100, covering clothing, computers, educational materials, bedding, food and beverages from member companies. As part of its charity activities, AmCham South China also prepared a cash donation of RMB230,000 – made possible by the chamber’s generous members Mead Johnson Nutrition and Jingxing Real Estate – on behalf of the Guangzhou Youth Development Foundation.

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PRD FOCUS F

lorentia Village Guangzhou-Foshan Luxury Designer Outlet, the first Italian luxury outlet in southern China, held its first anniversary celebration to mark its outstanding achievements throughout the past year. Celebrities like Ming Dao, Myolie Wu and Yvonne Ching attended the event.

anadian International School Guangzhou recently held its ‘Dear Program,’ where K-8 students were divided into groups and chose a book to read. The activity promoted communication among students and seniors provided guidance to their younger peers.

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he Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou unveiled its new grand ballroom this January. Li Sze Lim, chairman of R&F Properties, Rainer Burkle, area vice president of Marriott International in Greater China, and Matthias Vogt, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

s the longest established non-profit international school in South China, AISG is immensely proud of its 35 years of honoring heritage and inspiring bright futures. During the school’s Open House in January, visitors explored the engaging learning environments across the school's two campuses.

·Image, a new art and fashion brand designed for men, was unveiled on the ground floor of Grandview Mall. Housed in an artsy space adorned with sculptures and paintings, C·Image pursues a deeper meaning of fashion with their unique, dark-colored attire. The occasion saw media outlets, DJs, models and a fashionable assortment of guests gather round to learn more about the new label.

ickelodeon’s First Theme Park in China in Sanshui New Town of Foshan City broke ground in January. The estimated RMB 11.9 billion (USD17.1 million) development project, which covers an area of about three million square meters, is expected to open in 2020 and create a total of 37,000 jobs.

incent Lu, executive chef of Oakwood Premier Guangzhou, received the gold award at the fourth Gourmet Master Chefs 2016 Global Championship in Hong Kong. Over 100 master chefs and their teams – representing hotel chains and restaurants from 38 cities and 18 countries – participated.

ritish School of Guangzhou students recently visited a hospital in support of Hopeful Hearts, which helps to provide life-saving surgery for children. The school raised over 183,000RMB for the charity last year.

Guangzhou reviews, events and information

GHOST

See the Musical Adaptation Live in Guangzhou p61 This month

48 What's On in February 51 Home Cooking 52 Grapevine 54 New Food and Drink A monthly insert in February 2017

what's on

2017

in February

TUE-WED FEB 7-8

GAELFORCE DANCE

GUANGZHOU OPERA HOUSE

TUE FEB 14 CAFE LANAI

TUE-SUN UNTIL FEB 21

KUI YUAN GALLERY 5TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

KUI YUAN GALLERY

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T:UNION

DAILY ONGOING

DONG YUAN GE CHAOZHOU CUISINE

DONG YUAN GE, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GUANGZHOU

TUE FEB 14 MUSICAL SCORES ON VALENTINE’S DAY

THU & SAT FEB 23 &25 CARAVANE

SAT MAR 4 FISH LEONG

SAT ONGOING SILVER RING CRAFTING

ONGOING NANTA

DAILY ongoing AUSPICIOUS POON CHOI AT LAI WAN MARKET

XINGHAI CONCERT HALL P60

GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ARENA P60

ZHENGJIA THEATRE P61

DAILY ONGOING DAILY CRAFT P63

THE BREW PANYU & HOOLEY’S P60

REDTORY P63

LAI WAN MARKET, LN GARDEN HOTEL P63

ONGOING EXPERIMENTAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CLASSES P63

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eat &

drink Soup for the Soul

Cuddle up to soothing flavors and affordable snacks at Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crackles

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Mortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille P56

HOMECOOKING

The Other Thai Green Papaya Salad By Ziyi Yuan

ove over pad Thai, there’s another quintessential Southeast Asian dish you should know about – or better yet, learn to make yourself. No cooking is required to make a green papaya salad, just a lot of mashing, smashing and kneading. Those without a mor-tar and pestle at home (who has one, really?) can use a mixing bowl and a broad wooden spoon. This is the go-to dish for Thai people when they aren’t sure what they want to munch on, according to chef Jam Naen-odon at the Terrace Restaurant and Bar. Don’t know where to find green papaya? Nogogo.cn has got you covered. “All Thai people know how to make papaya salad,” adds Naen-odon, and now you do too.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup green papaya 2 red chilies 2 cloves garlic 2 Chinese long green beans (or about 8 regular green beans) 2 tbsp fish sauce 2 tbsp plum sugar 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp peanuts 1 tbsp small dried shrimp 5 baby tomatoes 1 large tomato

Method:

1. Peel the papaya and discard the skin. 2. Shred straw-sized strips from the papaya until you reach the desired amount for the salad. 3. Mash the red chili and garlic pieces in a mixing bowl using a wooden spoon.

4. Put the plum sugar, fish sauce and lime juice into the bowl and mash it into the garlic and chili pepper. 5. Cut the baby tomatoes in half and the large tomato into thumb-sized pieces. 6. Use a wide spoon or blade to smash the green beans on a hard surface. 7. Put the tomato pieces and green beans into the bowl and mash. 8. Put the papaya strips into the bowl and mash lightly while using a spoon to mix with the other ingredients. 9. Toss the peanuts and dried shrimp into the salad and serve. This recipe is courtesy of Chef Jam Naen-odon at the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, Sea World, 2F, 32 Taizi Lu, by Wanghai Lu, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 深圳市南山区太子路32号海上世界广场2楼 (0755-2682 9105)

Watch this dish being prepared by scanning the QR code on left.

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grape vine the scandalous scoop

Silk Road Gold

Sweet Osmanthus

We’re digging: Yet another awesome coffee shop, Hay, located about a six-minute walk from Apf. Kafe in Tianhe; the epic patio views from Morton’s Grille (and, obviously, the steaks); Sweet Monster Ice Cream, soon to open in One Link Mall across from Taikoo Hui; signs for ‘a new landmark of the city center’ on the first floor of GT Land Plaza Autumn that promises to be a “restaurant, coffee shop and bar” and might be called New York City, which would certainly be original; the Happy Monk’s best patio yet at its newly opened Kingold location (to be reviewed soon). Stay tuned.

We’re done with: The unexpected closures of Pandan Indonesian Restaurant on Jianshe Liu Malu (which has won Best Southeast Asian Restaurant at our annual That’s PRD Food and Drink Awards for as long as we can remember), pho master District Boho and Xingsheng Lu’s one-hit wonder Soup Works. 5 2 | gz | f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 | www . t ha t smags . com

You can smell this fragrant flower from afar, its peachy scent potent enough to overpower even the worst stenches of smog. Native to Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan, sweet osmanthus is an ornamental plant now found in gardens all over the world. In China, it’s also used to flavor various desserts and drinks, from wine to cakes (see recipe below), tea and jam.

The Niubi Chef

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the small osmanthus tree has just opened into full bloom, the white flowers are plucked and tossed into bottles of diluted baijiu to create osmanthus wine, which typically has an alcohol content of just 20 percent or less. If you’re lucky enough to celebrate Chinese New Year in a local’s home, you may find a plate of osmanthus sweet cakes on the table, which are fried niangao (glutinous rice cakes) coated with delicate osmanthus petals and sugar. Some say tea made with these fragrant blossoms improves one’s complexion and helps rid the body of nitric oxide (a compound linked to the formation of cancer cells), but the flavor alone is so agreeable we doubt you’ll care whether it’s good for you.

Sweet Osmanthus Cakes 桂花糖炒年糕 Many of the dishes enjoyed during Chinese New Year are products of a word, idiom or expression. ‘Nian nian you yu’ or ‘every year brings more prosperity’ includes the word ‘yu,’ which sounds the same as the Chinese word for ‘fish.’ Hence, some families insist on frying up a nice fillet at least once during the 15-day holiday for good luck. Niangao (年糕), or glutinous rice cake, features the word ‘nian’ (年) – the character for ‘year’ – making it a favorite snack that’s been enjoyed during the Lunar New Year for more than three centuries. The glutinous rice cake recipe below – which should only take about 20 minutes to prepare – incorporates sweet osmanthus as well, so you can try niangao and our ingredient of the month in one go!

Ingredients:

1 large log of glutinous rice dough (年糕, find it in Chinese supermarkets) 1 tbsp cooking oil 1/4 cup white sugar 2 tbsp dried osmanthus flowers (桂花, can purchase online or in the loose tea aisle of most Chinese supermarkets)

Method: 1. Cut the glutinous rice dough into thin slices. 2. Bring filtered water to a boil. Add in the rice cakes, boiling for three minutes. Once soft, rinse the slices in cold water so they don’t stick together and set aside. 3. Combine the dried osmanthus and white sugar in a separate bowl. 4. On very low heat, add a touch of oil and pour in the sugar and osmanthus mixture, stirring until golden. Then add 1/4 cup of filtered water. 5. Add the rice cakes back into the pan and quickly turn to coat each in the sugar mixture. 6. Once each piece is well coated, transfer the cakes to a plate and serve immediately.

｀

Cocktail

Salty Dog The hardest thing about making a homemade cocktail is making it at home. This month we’ve gone back to basics and looked to ingredients you either have in your kitchen or won’t have a problem finding at the nearest supermarket. The Salty Dog is extremely easy to whip up, and the main spirit, gin, can even be replaced with vodka.

Ingredients:

2 ounces gin (London dry gin is best)

4 ounces grapefruit juice 3-4 ice cubes Kosher salt Lemon or lime wedge (for garnish)

Method:

1. Pour the salt onto a small plate. 2. Moisten the rim of the glass then press against salt. 3. Fill the glass with ice cubes. 4. Pour the gin over ice. 5. Fill the rest of glass with grapefruit juice. 6. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge if you’re feeling fancy.

Oldie but Goodie

Ginstar Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to let you in on one of Guangzhou’s best kept secrets: Ginstar. Located at the base of the Clayton Hotel, inside Meilin Hai’an Garden in Tianhe, this bar slash burger dispensary is a hit amongst local residents and the foreign staff that teach at a nearby kindergarten. The food here is comparable in many ways to that of backwater American diners; the type of food you find 20 minutes off the nearest interstate in some forgotten town that’s built around a liquor barn and a Walmart. The menu is hearty, delicious and cheap. Take Ginstar’s burgers for example: the bacon and mushroom burger comes loaded with Australian beef, cheese, lightly crisped bacon and – as you’d expect – mushrooms. It’s filling and only RMB46. If you tend to prefer something round, dabble on the quattro sausage pizza (RMB58), or take your passion for Italian cuisine the pasta route, which comes with more meat than noodles based on our experience. Ginstar’s booze prices are where you really save the pennies. A bucket of six Coronas sells for RMB109, while a three-liter tower of Tiger sells for the rock-

bottom price of RMB108. Now you’re probably thinking, “This place has got to be a dump based on these prices,” but in fact, both the interior and patio at Ginstar rival anything you’d find at Zhujiang’s popular F&B establishments. If you haven’t been, do yourself a favor and check it out – for the price and atmosphere, you really can’t go wrong.

9 Yelin Lu, Tianhe District 天河区椰林路9号 (186 6559 0011)

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Alberto’s Italian Pizzeria Trattoria A Calabrian Inheritance By Tristin Zhang

lberto grew up in the ‘toe’ of the Italian peninsula, in Calabria – a scenic region blessed with sandy beaches, majestic mountains and, most importantly, savory food. There, he toiled away on a farm, bringing the freshest ingredients to his community. When he landed in Australia in 1979, Alberto brought along two things that would make his Italian pizzeria succeed in Sydney: family recipes and a preference for quality ingredients. Like father, like son. When Phillip, Alberto’s son, came to Guangzhou years later, family recipes and the thrill of introducing Calabrian cuisine arrived with him. His shop – Alberto’s Pizzeria Trattoria on Party Pier – merges bold tastes with a quaint riverside view. The extensive menu offers a fine assortment of Italian fare, such as the simple but appetizing Caprese salad (RMB58), a starter made of buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil, which resembles the colors of the

Italian flag. Other favorites include the assorted cheese board (RMB128) and chicken cacciatore (RMB98), which is chicken fillet sauteed with tomatoes, capsicum, olives, mushrooms and white wine. It’s a coming home of sorts for owner Phillip to attend to the restaurant when it opens at night. Every time a new dish is born in Sydney, Phillip can be found toiling in his Guangzhou scullery, perfecting the taste halfway around the globe. To conclude your meal, order the refreshingly well-executed tiramisu (RMB48). Characterized by different layers of powered chocolate with sponge cake soaked in coffee and brandy, it’s a positive finish to a rich dinner. Alberto’s is still exploring the diverse palates of Guangzhou’s diners, but its Italian and Calabrian selection is still authentically presented. If you’re looking for quality food and value for money on the pier, this is the spot. Buon appetito! Housed on the second floor of an old warehouse, the trattoria, rustic and inviting, melds contemporary decor with a taste of the past. The Chinese chefs here are further trained by their Sydney counterparts to ensure the right flavors come about. One bite of Alberto’s special pizza (RMB98) and you’ll know such effort is worthy of praise. Ham, pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, olives, capsicum and onions flawlessly coalesce on a crust, tempting even the pickiest foodie.

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Price: RMB200 Who’s going: Italians in Guangzhou, pizza hunters Good for: tiramisu, southern Italian delicacies

2/F, Dami Cang, Zone A, Party Pier, Haizhu District 海珠区琶醍啤酒创意文化艺术A区大米仓2楼 (189 2238 5096)

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Louiswalk Get Some Dim Sum Text and photos by Tristin Zhang

fter opening an eatery specializing in ze bao (a cooking method where food is fried in an earthenware pot), Cantonese food connoisseur Wisca Restaurant Group recently made another effort to enliven dim sum with its new eatery Louiswalk. Going by a poetic Chinese name, 流水古巷, meaning ‘rivulet and ancient alley,’ this blue-green, conspicuous dim sum cafe is located on Dongfeng Dong Lu, a convenient 10-minute walk from Ouzhuang Metro Station. Elegance and tranquility set the tone at Louiswalk, where an amenity of solitude is guarded by frosted glass and impressive soundproofing. The glass keeps its interior under wraps and saves a surprise for walk-in customers who are greeted by a vibrant setting. Although dim sum varieties are limited, the written-on-the-wall menu offers some classic and a few innovative dim sum items, teas and coffees, as well as Cantonese desserts fit for afternoon tea. Lo mai gai – lo mai meaning sticky rice and gai chicken – is a time-honored dim sum treat wrapped in a lotus leaf. If you visit Louiswalk, try its lo mai without gai (糯米冇鸡, RMB12). The chicken is replaced with mushrooms, squid and pea-

nuts, which are stuffed in a ball of steamed glutinous rice for a flavorful combination by all accounts. Cha siu bao, another Cantonese favorite, boasts a filling of tempting cha siu, or sweet barbecued pork. Here, the long cha siu bao ( 长形叉烧包, RMB16) is Louiswalk’s version of a pork sandwich. Though the cha siu is a bit old and chewy, this pork sarnie is hearty and sustaining. Derived from Hong Kong, the snacksized butter and cheese egg waffle (RMB20)

is a simple but must-order refreshment. Pair it with rich almond or walnut milk (RMB25/29) and give your Cantonese high tea a ‘nut-ritive’ finish. Price: RMB50 Who’s going: ladybros, curious passersby Good for: afternoon refreshment, undisturbed ambience

762 Dongfeng Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区东风东路762号 (8733 8132)

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Morton’s Grille A Night to Remember By Jocelyn Richards

essing around in the kitchen rarely ends well, but for friends Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch, a simple hamburger experiment back in 1978 culminated in them opening a new steakhouse – Morton’s of Chicago – and, eventually, a chain of more than 70 steak restaurants in cities around the US and abroad. It’s with great excitement and relief that we announce Guangzhou now has a Morton’s of its own – excitement because the setup in IGC looks absolutely stellar, and relief because we finally have a restaurant that fills the gaping void between lackluster Western pub food and unaffordable five-star hotel fare. Perched on the fifth and sixth floors of International Grand City just outside of Liede station, Morton’s Grille treats visitors to breathtaking views of the Pearl River, Canton Tower and cityscape beyond. Book a window-side table in advance to make the most of your romantic splurge. Though the outdoor terrace is regrettably not open yet due to construction nearby, General Manager Benjamin Le Grand assures us he’s working hard to make the space available for guests and private parties in the next month or so. Morton’s famous happy hour is on every day from 5-7pm, serving a selection of drinks at RMB38 and bar bites for RMB28-48 instead of the usual RMB78-98. If you’re looking for the legendary free-flow steak sandwiches offered at locations back home, however, you may be disappointed to learn that the Guangzhou branch (like Shanghai’s) doesn’t offer the complimentary snack. But don’t fret: every meal begins with a generous loaf of warm onion bread free of charge. To start, we order half a dozen oysters (RMB198), Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake (RMB128) and the center-cut iceberg (RMB58)

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topped with chopped egg, tomato, bacon bits and blue cheese dressing. Aside from the steak, the French oysters turn out to be our favorite dish of the evening. Served with horseradish cocktail sauce, lemon and a bit of cilantro and onion, they come right off the shell when slurped and are as succulent as you’ll find on this side of the world. As for the other starters, the crab cake is a mustorder, dipped in delicious mustard-mayonnaise sauce, and the iceberg salad left no complaints except that it was served with a fork perched on the side of the bowl, which inevitably fell into the dressing, making a mess. Moving on to the red meat mains, we tried the double stacked “ravenous style” burger (RMB138) for the heck of it, but wish we’d ordered steaks across the board, as the hanbao was good but certainly not Morton’s-good. The center-cut filet mignon (RMB198/179 grams, RMB248/240 grams), on the other hand, was cooked just right, with sumptuous pink juices dripping from the tender-as-butter meat. It’s a level of sensory stimulation that makes you wonder if your tongue has actually been dormant all these years – blinded until introduced to something worth seeing. It might be difficult to part with Morton’s cozy little fifth-floor nook and return to the cold, bitter grind of daily life, but that’s how every restaurant, ideally, should make us feel, right? Adrift in a seemingly infinite moment of comforting food and warm conversation, nibbling slower and slower on dessert so that maybe, just maybe, the night will never end. Price: RMB250 Who’s going: anyone serious about steak, local high-rollers Good for: the tastiest red meat in South China, epic city views

Shop L505 and L603, International Grand City, 222 Xingmin Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴民路222号igc天汇广场五层505号和六层603 号商铺 (8708 5888, www.mortonsgrille.com)

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Wagas Au Naturel By Jocelyn Richards

he hardest part about eating healthily isn’t taking the first bite – it’s the preparation that goes into making that first bite possible. When we say ‘preparation’ we don’t mean cooking. God no. Nobody has time for that anymore. We’re talking about the effort required to put on pants, trek across the city and find an affordable restaurant with nutritious food that tastes reasonably close to something humans should be eating. And sorry Sexy Salad, but your tofu just doesn’t fit the bill. Until recently, our options included an overpriced superfood mecca, Cali-themed organic cafe and Somewhere Else. With the arrival of Wagas, however, which recently took over Costa’s spot at Taikoo Hui, there’s enough kale and cold-pressed tonics in this city to detoxify one square meter of polluted Beijing air. Okay, maybe more like one square foot, but still. A popular brand in Shanghai with more than 50 outlets in China, Wagas suits the health-conscious digital nomad who wants to upload a gigabyte of data online and write a press release by the time she finishes her carrot and mung bean salad (RMB40/58). She’ll leave feeling a tad more accomplished than she is full, unless she decides to splurge on the well deserving lemon tart (RMB35) served atop a hefty crust and guarded by a mound of heavy cream. If you haven’t gotten the hint, the cafe is a great spot for after-

noon dates with your laptop, thanks to free fast Wi-Fi and a wait staff that keeps to themselves until you need something. Coffee is a good deal at RMB22 for a large Americano, but other fancy beverages seem overpriced, with the Lean & Green juice coming in at RMB36-40 for a puree of celery, spinach, lemon and apple. Highlights on the lunch menu include the smoked salmon sandwich with cream cheese, capers, onion and rocket (RMB58) and the falafel wrap stuffed with mango kale salad, red peppers, yogurt dressing and carrot humus (RMB55). If living in China has opened your eyes to the joy of a sandwich-less lunch, try the grilled salmon quinoa salad (RMB68) or savory penne with pesto, chicken, pine nuts and feta for RMB58. Though not our favorite cafe by any stretch, Wagas does offer another nutritious option for those working near Taikoo Hui – and we dare say it’s better than the food court.

Price: RMB90 Who’s going: health-conscious dudes on lunch break, unemployed shoppers Good for: fancy fresh juices, edible dishes with kale

Shop MU06, Taikoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路383号太古汇商场裙楼一层MU06单元 (8565 5790)

Mama’s Crackles A Pinch of Yum By Lena Gidwani

ike all good, authentic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, the crispy pork version at Mama’s Crackles is crunchy, sweet, slightly spicy, sour, salty and luscious all at the same time. And for just a modest sum of RMB20, you get to ingest Vietnam’s delectable history and culture. Tucked away in the lane right behind the Kodak shop on Xingsheng Lu is this little-known spot, not much more than a hole in the wall with only the essentials. We’ve walked past it a number of times, even stopped by along our drunken stupors, but never had the chance to savor Van’s homemade creations. Van, the young and handsome local proprietor of Mama’s Crackles, lived in Sydney for a decade, and when he needed a quick bite, he resorted to what he loved the most: a filling banh mi, and a piping hot pho to wash it down. Mama’s Crackles feels homely and real; just don’t expect to sit as there are only a couple of plastic stools that masquerade as seating. But not to fret, Mama delivers within a one-kilometer radius until 9.30pm. Everything here is cooked to order, and the bread is sourced from supplier that makes it just the way it should be. Try the lemongrass chicken for just a mere RMB18. Marinated so the flavors are retained, the protein is cooked quickly till white and succulent. A slater of butter, Van’s special sauce and chicken pate follows, and it’s then stuffed with pickled shredded carrots made daily at home by Van’s mother, cilantro, spring onion, cucumber and a thick slice 5 8 | gz | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 | www . t ha t smags . com

of ham. Vegetarians should opt for the mixed mushrooms with black truffle oil and melted mozzarella. Enough said. Like all good beef pho, the key is in the broth, usually filled with fatty flank for maximum depth of flavor. Van lifts the cover to pour the broth in a bowl packed with thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, just-cooked sliced beef and chili, and immediately, the cold air is filled. It’s rich and distinctively peppery, and every bite sates. For a place this quaint, one can only wonder how it all happens, but it does, and therein lies the magic. Mama Crackles makes one believe that yes, anyone can cook. All you need is a dream… and mama’s homemade chicken pate and pickled carrots. Price: RMB20 Who’s going: neighborhood folks, budget-conscious travelers Good for: authentic (and cheap) pho, warm bites

110-115 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴盛路110-115号 (135 3367 8181)

Cafe Lanai Gig

Guangdong National Orchestra Chinese Folk Music

Hear

Fish Leong Concert Malaysian singer Fish Leong is a prominent figure in the Mandarin pop scene in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Famous for her romantic ballads, Leong has enjoyed being named ‘the queen of love songs’ for the last 10 years. If you’re dating a Chinese girl, book tickets and surprise her – you’ll be glad you did! Sat Mar 4, 7pm; RMB399-1,299. Guangzhou International Sports Arena, 2666 Kaichuang Dadao, Huangpu District 黄浦区开创大道 2666号广州国际体育演艺中心 (www. damai.cn)

Cafe Lanai is a Canadian duo formed out of friendship and love of music. Their house and disco music is inspired by the tropical sounds of Hawaii and its rich island traditions. Their debut EP Paradise enlists the spirit of humid rainforests and black sandy beaches, inviting you to close your eyes and escape on a holiday in your mind. Tue Feb 14, 8.30-10pm; RMB50 advanced order, RMB70 at the door. T:union, 361-365 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Yuexiu District 越秀区广州大道中361-365号东方花苑1层 (3659 7623)

One the most renowned Chinese folk music ensembles, the Guangdong National Orchestra emerged from the Chinese Dance and Song Theater in 2002. Having established itself as an independent national orchestra with more than 1,000 works in its repertoire, the orchestra has collaborated with many prominent national artists and has expanded its ranks with top graduates from famous conservatories in China and Hong Kong. Its members span all ages, giving vitality to this traditional Chinese orchestra. The group has also been invited to many an international musical stage such as Art Festival of China, Tokushima Folk Art Festival of Japan, Singapore Arts Festival, Hong Kong Youth Art Festival, Macao International Music Festival and Lisbon Music Week. Fri Feb 10, 8pm; RMB80-380. Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区晴波路33号星海音乐厅 (8735 3869)

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (Thats_PRD) before February 4 with the subject ‘Guangdong Orchestra’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (Thats_PRD) before February 7 with the subject ‘Cafe Lanai’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

Musical Scores on Valentine’s Day Concert

Caravane Rock & Roll

The members of the Quebec rock band Caravane are on the rise! Their debut album Chien Noir earned them an ADISQ nomination in the ‘Rock Album of the Year’ category and the Sirius XM Indie Music Awards for ‘Emerging Artist of the Year.’ Their second album, Fuego, was released to great critical acclaim in fall of 2016. The four guys behind Caravane deliver folk-tinted franco blues-rock, which has been compared to bands like The White Stripes, The Black Keys and The Gaslight Anthem. Caravane will make their China debut this February, performing onstage at The Brew Panyu and Hooley’s on Xingsheng Lu. Get ready to rock! Thu & Sat Feb 23 & 25, 10pm; free entry. The Brew Bar and Bistro (Panyu), Unit 9-11 (next to ICBC), Country Garden South, Yingbin Lu, Panyu District 番禺区迎宾路华南碧桂园碧华商业2街9-11号 (3482 0401); Hooley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, Shop 101, 8 Xingsheng Lu, Tianhe District 天河区兴盛路8号101 (3886 2675) 6 0 | G Z | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 | www . t ha t smags . com

Mark Gibson, music director of the CCM Philharmonia Orchestra at the University of Cincinnati, enjoys a career that has spanned three continents. In this concert, a team of professional musicians will perform under the baton of Gibson to present a number of scores from famous musical like Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate and West Side Story. Come to Xinghai Concert Hall on Valentine’s Day for ‘A Groovy Kind of Love.’ Tue Feb 14, 8pm; RMB100-580. Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区晴波路33号星海音乐厅 (8735 3869)

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (Thats_PRD) before February 7 with the subject ‘Musical Valentine’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

Kui Yuan Gallery 5th Anniversary Exhibition

Ghost Musical

Exhibition

see

Eyes Speak… Just Listen

Exhibition

When focusing on the eyes featured in French artist Pulchérie Dasse’s paintings, you’ll sense a kind of tension and emotion right away. Dasse, who has an excellent grasp of portraying light and darkness, doesn’t just paint with color – she lives, breathes and eats it. Color dominates every aspect of her life and lights up the walls that hold her esteemed works. Of African descent, Dasse comes from a mixed cultural background and speaks French, English and Chinese, which have influenced her works over the years. Daily until Feb 19, 11am-10pm; free entry. Goelia 225, 225 Beijing Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区北京路225号 (8336 0050)

Five years have passed since Kui Yuan Gallery hosted its first exhibition. Since then, the quaint Dongshankou gallery housed in a Western-style mansion has worked with nearly one hundred artists to organize over 60 art exhibitions and activities. The five artists that have been invited to participate in this anniversary exhibition are all regarded as being influential in their respective fields of art. By juxtaposing each artist’s distinct style against the others, the display will create an effect of integration, intensity and contrast. If you’ve never visited the Kui Yuan mansion before, schedule a time to go this month and experience one of the most charming sides of Guangzhou. Tue-Sun until Feb 21, 10am-10pm; free entry. Kui Yuan Gallery, 9 Xuguyuan Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区恤孤院路9号逵园艺术馆 (8765 9746)

Ghost the Musical presents a stage adaptation of the 1990 Oscar-nominated film Ghost. Adapted by the film’s script writer Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost debuted in Manchester in 2011 and went on to light up Broadway a year later. It has been performed a total of 2,500 times worldwide and translated into five languages. If you haven’t seen the film, definitely come check out the musical, and if you are familiar with the story, this particular rendition (performed in English by an international cast) is not to be missed. Tue-Sun Feb 21-26, 2.30pm/8pm; RMB180-980. Guangdong Performing Arts Center Theater, 1229 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District 天河区广州大道中1229号 (3720 6282)

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (Thats_PRD) before February 14 with the subject ‘Ghost’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

Gaelforce Dance Dance

Nanta Musical Comedy

Debuting in Seoul in 1997, Nanta is a non-verbal comedy show that incorporates traditional Korean samul nori – a genre of percussion music. It follows the story of three chefs trying to finish preparations for a wedding banquet after the restaurant manager’s unskilled nephew is appointed to the kitchen staff. Incorporating acrobatics, comedy, magic tricks and audience participation, most of the music in the show is improvised with utensils like cutting boards and kitchen knives. This is an adapted version performed in Cantonese. > Ongoing, 8-9.30pm; RMB160-480. Zhengjia Theatre, Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路正佳广场正佳演艺剧场 (www.damai.cn, 3833 1818)

The driving passion for dance and music is at the forefront of Irish identity, and is reflected in this dancing spectacle. Gaelforce Dance, a celebration of Irish dance and song, is highly acclaimed for its expertly weaved choreography, thundering rhythms, enchanting melodies and compelling storyline. It depicts the story of two lovers who aren’t aware of the passion that will eventually become an ill-fated affair. Tue-Wed Feb 7-8, 8pm; RMB80-680. Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城珠江西路1号 (www.gzdjy.org, 3839 2888)

win!

We have a pair of tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (Thats_PRD) before February 3 with the subject ‘Gaelforce Dance’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.

www . t ha t smags . com | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 | G Z | 6 1

Valentine’s Day Buffet Dinner at Foods Buffet

Dong Yuan Ge Chaozhou Cuisine New Menu

Dinner

Ta st e

Chinese New Year Goodies Themed Menu Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with the Garden Hotel’s traditional New Year goodies! Daily all month, 9am-8pm. Lotus Pond, LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区环市东路368号 (8333 8989 ext. 3649)

Foods restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou is offering a lavish buffet dinner for couples, featuring an extensive array of delicacies such as fresh oysters, grilled seafood, sashimi, pan-seared foie gras, as well as a variety of valentine-themed treats. A romantic photo shoot and a goody bag of sweet macaroons ensure a delightful experience. Tue Feb 14, 6pm; RMB699 per person (including a glass of Champagne), prices subject to 15 percent service charge. Foods, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing’an Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴安路3号 (3813 6668)

Crafted by the new head chef of Dong Yuan Ge restaurant in DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, the latest menu features a special series of Chaozhao dishes. Try pan-fried geoduck, signature pan-fried cod fish prepared with traditional cooking techniques, the healthy and temptingly sweet taro paste with pumpkin and many more delicacies. Ongoing, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm. 3/F, DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, 391 Dongfeng Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区东风路391号 (2833 7225)

I By Inagiku Restaurant Luxurious CNY Collection

Themed Dinner

Ladies Night at The Connoisseur Drink Deals

Enjoy an appetizer and main course for only RMB180 per lady at The Connoisseur in LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. A free flow of house red or white wines, sparklings, martinis and gin and tonics is offered after 10.30pm. What’s more, ladies can enjoy 50 percent off alcoholic beverages at Lotus Pond after the meal. Tue-Sat ongoing, 6-10.30pm; RMB180. The Connoisseur, LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区环市东路368号 (189 2625 8301)

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Chefs at I By Inagiku are once again showing their creativity and conjuring up a stunning, delectable collection designed for the most discerning palates and featuring the finest of healthy ingredients. I by Inagiku specializes in Kaiseki cuisine and utilizes seasonal, fresh ingredients to create artistically presented Japanese specialties on two different menus. All week Feb 7-22, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm; RMB1,388 for a table of 3 (price subject to 10 percent service charge and 6 percent tax). I by Inagiku, W Guangzhou, 26 Xiancun Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城冼村路26号 (6628 6628)

Auspicious Poon Choi at Lai Wan Market

Grandview Mall Fair Market

Cantonese Cuisine

Poon Choi, literally ‘basin dish,’ is a traditional Cantonese dish that holds a variety of ingredients in a large wooden, metal or porcelain basin. Want to give it a try? Head to Lai Wan Market at LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou this month to taste this traditional fare. Ongoing; RMB788 for 4-6 persons, RMB1,188 for 8-10 persons, price subject to 10 percent service fee and taxes. Please contact Ms. Peng at 189 2625 8300 or Ms. Wu at 189 2950 8569 to reserve your table. Lai Wan Market, LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区环市东路368号 (8333 8989 ext. 3649)

Love-Themed Afternoon Tea Afternoon

Tea

It’s the Year of the Rooster and Grandview Mall invites artisans of intangible cultural heritage, folk arts and other crafts to showcase their works in a 15-day fair. With a theme of Cantonese and Chinese culture, the fair will include sugar dolls, sugar paintings, paper cuttings, shadow puppetry and other creative crafts. It’s a great time to check out traditional Chinese artworks and purchase a gift or two. Daily until Feb 14, 10am-9.30pm; free entry. Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District 天河区天河路228号正佳广场 (8550 5330)

Daily Craft Coffee

Experimental Musical Instrument Classes Music

A good cup of coffee starts your day off easy. Why not learn how to brew a better cup with useful tips from professional baristas? Daily Craft offers 5-day and 12-day courses for coffee lovers. May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short. Daily ongoing. For more information, please add Daily Craft (WeChat ID: daily_craft) in your WeChat. Shop W5, Mingyue Er Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区明月二路W5号商铺

Silver Ring Crafting

Workshop

Ever want to learn how to play an instrument? How about read music? These experimental classes are designed for beginners and allow interested students to study everything from harmonica to guitar. Clarinet classes are taught by Professor Wang of the renowned Xinghai Conservatory of Music, while cello and violin are taught by professional musicians from the Pearl River Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music. For more information, contact (133 5280 1866) or (133 5280 3866).

Voies Off Festival Photography

February is the month of love and The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou’s pastry team has decorated afternoon tea desserts with a romantic flair and pink touch in an exquisite cabinet presentation. Guests can nibble on edible decorations and enjoy a sensory experience at Pearl Lounge. All month, 10am-midnight; RMB298 (set for one guest), RMB418 (set for two), RMB788 (set for two with two glasses of Champagne) and 15 percent service charge. Pearl Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing’an Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴安路 3号 (3813 6668)

If you’ve ever thought about fashioning your own ring, this workshop is the answer! Run by Yizhi Ornament Studio, a local company based in Redtory that handcrafts silver jewelry, the workshop offers classes for anyone interested in forging a ring from selected patterns or from one’s imagination. Sat ongoing, 1.30-5.30pm; RMB380 (materials included). Bldg. E2, Redtory, 128 Yuancun Si Henglu, Tianhe District 天河区员村四横路128 号红专厂E2四方馆 (137 1106 5494)

The Consulate General of France invites all photographers, both novice and professional, to participate in this year’s Voies Off Festival. Starting every year in July, Voies Off is a celebration of photography that features the work of 60 selected photographers. It’s a great opportunity for young, aspiring photographers to showcase their works to the world (and winners will walk away with 5,000 Euros). To apply, go to www.voies-off.com. Registration closes on Feb 15 (www.voiesoff.com) www . t ha t smags . com | F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 | G Z | 6 3

HONG KONG & MACAU CALENDAR FEBRUARY 11-12 SAT-SUN

productions of great classics, along with superb contemporary works commissioned by today’s leading choreographers.

FEBRUARY 23 THU

EXO PLANET #3 - The EXO’rDIUM - in Hong Kong, 7pm; HKD480-1,680. AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena (www.hkticketing.com) Seoul-based Exo is one of Korea’s biggest boy bands, having sold millions of records and racking up several hit songs over the years. They are perhaps best known for their breakthrough track ‘Growl.’ In 2014, they had the best selling album in South Korea with Overdose.

FEBRUARY 13 MON

Journey Live in Hong Kong 2017, 8pm; HKD988-1,288. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Hall 5G (www. hkticketing.com) Since its formation in 1973 in San Francisco, Journey has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, earning 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, and has headlined multiple sold-out stadium tours. Journey created some of the best-known songs in modern music, with iconic hits such as ‘Any Way You Want It,’ ‘Wheel In The Sky,’ ‘Separate Ways,’ and the seminal ‘Don’t Stop Believin.’

FEBRUARY 18 SAT

VIXX Live Show in Hong Kong, 8pm; HKD1,380/1,780. AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena (www.hkticketing.com) VIXX means ‘Voice, Visual, Value in Excelsis’ defining the highest degree of voice, visual and value, which implies the boy band’s goal of reaching the highest position in the music industry. VIXX is set to perform their hottest tracks in Hong Kong, including songs from newly released mini album Kratos.

FEBRUARY 21-22 TUE-WED

2017 HKAF Bavarian State Ballet IIMixed Bill, 7.30pm; HKD200-650. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre (www.hkticketing. com) For all dance lovers, this mixed bill from the Bavarian State Ballet II will hit the spot. The past two decades have seen the Bavarian State Ballet win international fame with new

James Taylor & His All-Star Band in Concert - Hong Kong, 8pm; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Hall 5BC (www.hkticketing.com) James Taylor is often credited with setting the golden standard to which countless young musicians aspire. His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music and his distinctive style of guitar playing has been enormously influential.

FEBRUARY 23-26 THU-SUN

2017 HKAF Stereoptik - Dark Circus, 8pm on Thu to Fri, 3pm & 8pm on Sat and Sun; HKD160-280. The Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre (www. hkticketing.com) Paper, ink, sand and silhouettes are all used by the skilled hands of two talented visual artists to create an avant-garde performance. Drawing while playing, the group builds a ‘big-top universe,’ with their striking creations projected on a large screen. The amazing result is cinema without film, mixing arts and crafts with a poetic sensibility.

FEBRUARY 23 THU

Eddie Izzard Force Majeure Live in Hong Kong, 8pm; HKD488-888. Hong Kong Baptist University, Academic Community Hall (www.hkticketing. com) Eddie Izzard, will be bringing his record breaking live comedy to Hong Kong for the first time, with his brand new show, Force Majeure, on February 23 at the Hong Kong Baptist University, Academy Community Hall. Eddie Izzard is noted for beginning as a street performer before eventually becoming one of the world’s most famous and respected comedians.

FEBRUARY 24-25 FRI-SAT

2017 HKAF Dorrance Dance-ETM: Double Down, 8pm; HKD180-380. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre (www.hkticketing. com) Double Down is an amazing fusion of movement and sound, with a specially designed sonic set that responds to the performers’ steps. During the show, dancers and musicians engage in glorious rhythmic dialogue. The show features Michelle Dorrance, one of today’s most sought after tap dancers and choreographers. Dorrance reinvigorates a uniquely American dance form by blending the musicality of tap with the choreographic intricacies of contemporary dance.

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FEBRUARY 18-19 FRI-SAT

Echoes of Our Times, 8pm; MOP120. Macao Cultural Centre (www.macauticket.com) The music of this dance is created with dusty and obscure objects that were once used in daily life. Listening to unfamiliar sounds, the dancers respond to the sounds as children listening to a story told by an old man. As they move closer, a gadget begins to murmur. Echoes of Our Times merges dance, acting and sound installations, which remind audiences of their own daily routines. Prepare to be invited on stage.

FEBRUARY 27 MON

MARCH 4-5 SAT-SUN

Procession of the Passion of Our Lord, St. Augustine’s Church The Procession of Passion of Our Lord is a unique religious celebration in Macau. An image of Christ carrying the cross is taken in solemn procession from St. Augustine’s Church to the Cathedral of Macau for an overnight vigil and then returned through the city via the stations of the cross, accompanied by a magenta-robed escort and crowds of the faithful and curious.

UNTIL MARCH 26 Feast of the God Tou Tei, Pou Tai Un Temple on Taipa Tou Tei is the God of Earth in Chinese folk religion who is believed to be everywhere. Celebrations are held at the Tou Tei Temples on Taipa. Chinese pastries are offered to Tou Tei on the occasion, while Cantonese operas are staged in front of the temple. Lion dances and other traditional shows will also round out the festivities.

MARCH 1 WED

DAILY

Spring Pop-Up Shop, 10am-8pm; free. Macao Fashion Gallery, 47 Rua de S.Roque (www.macaofashiongallery.com) The Macao Fashion Gallery (MFG) is continuously promoting Macau’s fashion. This time, they’re holding another pop-up shop, which will exhibit and sell original apparel and accessories from local designers. The Spring Pop-Up Shop will include six local brands: Auralo Arte, Axoxyxoxs, Jade.L, Lalasimi Wai, Macon and Zics.

ONGOING TUE-SUN

London Symphony Orchestra, 8pm; MOP280-880. Macao Cultural Centre (www.macuaticket.com) Performing over 120 concerts a year, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was named by Gramophone as being one of the top five orchestras in the world. Having an enviable roster of artists, the LSO has enjoyed residencies at the Barbican in London, Lincoln Center in New York, Salle Pleyel in Paris and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. During its March concert in Macau, the LSO will be conducted by Daniel Harding, a regular visitor to the Vienna Philharmonic, Dresden Staatskapelle, Royal Concertgebouw, the Bavarian Radio, Leipzig Gewandhaus and the Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala.

Love of Macao – Photographs by Lee Kung Kim, 10am-7pm; free entry. Macao Museum of Art (www.mam. gov.mo) Lee Kung Kim, an experienced photographer with the Photographic Society of Macao, has helped popularize the art of photography as well as strengthen its creation and exchange on the Chinese mainland. This exhibition features a collection of his work snapped in the city of Macau.

URBAN MOMENTS

Corona S unsets Festival @ CFTC, Jan 7 an d8 .

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hotel news HOTEL NEWS The Ritz-Carlton Enters Hainan Island as First Golf Resort in China

Langham Place Guangzhou Christmas Party Celebrates Art and Fashion

As a thank you to all its clients and members, Langham Place, Guangzhou hosted ‘The Art of the Stay’ – a Christmas-themed party – at the hotel’s Great Hall and Ballroom on December 19. Exquisitely prepared food and fashionable performances were enjoyed by over 400 attendees coming from across China. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company kicked off 2017 with the opening of its first golf resort on China’s island of Hainan. Situated on the world-class golf resort of Mission Hills, which boasts 10 18-hole championship courses, The RitzCarlton, Haikou ushered in a new era of luxury experiences. The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou has 175 rooms and 16 suites and enjoys all-year-long sunshine that spills onto the legendary, 350-acre Blackstone Course. Built atop of a bedrock of ancient lava from extinct volcanos, the hotel is also blessed with beautiful views of a dramatic landscape that features rocky outcrops of jungle vegetation, expansive lakes and wetlands. Wanda Realm Jiangmen Awarded “Top Ten Charming City Hotels”

DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou Appoints New Chinese Head Chef

Chimelong Hengqin Bay Wins WTA 2015-2016 ‘World’s Leading Themed Hotel’ Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel received the ‘World’s Leading Themed Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards in Maldives recently. This is the second time the hotel has been awarded with this honor. Heralded as the travel industry’s version of the Oscars by the Wall Street Journal, the World Travel Awards honor the best names in service and experience worldwide. Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel is the largest dolphin-themed and family friendly hotel in China. With 1,888 spacious guest rooms and suites, guests can have a close interaction with gorgeous dolphins and savor a relaxing weekend outside of Guangdong’s bustling metropolies.

W Guangzhou Hosts Successful Popup Restaurant, Volume 3

W Guangzhou’s Pop-up Restaurant, Volume 3 offered guests sensational delights from Chef Philippe this past December. Part of an ongoing series of pop-up restaurant events at the hotel, Volume 3 attracted dozens of curious foodies from across Guangzhou to join in tasty snacks and mouthwatering surprises.

PROMOTIONS Chinese New Year Celebration Package

Wanda Realm Jiangmen was recently awarded as one of the ‘Top 10 Charming City Hotels’ by the 11th International Hotel Platinum Award Committee. A luxury hotel located in Fazhan Dadao and standing in the new CBD of the city of Jiangmen, Wanda Realm Jiangmen was built according to five-star hotel standards, and has grown to become a landmark in the city. The design of the hotel is inspired by the city of Jiangmen, which is known for being the original hometown of many overseas Chinese.

Dong Yuan Ge’s newly appointed head chef, Shawn Li, boasts over 30 years of culinary experience in several esteemed restaurants. Chef Shawn has been highly recommended by guests, including various celebrities and government officials. With an extensive career dedicated to Chaozhou and Cantonese style, the prominent chef recently crafted a menu at Dong Yuan Ge that features pan-fried geoduck, his signature pan-fried cod fish prepared with traditional cooking techniques, healthy and tempting sweet taro paste with pumpkin and other delicacies.

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Celebrate Chinese New Year in style at LN Hotel Five’s Executive Room for only RMB1,880 per night. The CNY package includes breakfast for two, welcome drinks for two at the Roof Top Bar, tickets for two to enjoy a Pearl River cruise (and free entry for children six years and under), pick up or drop off service at local airport or train stations, as well as 24-hour access to the gym, which overlooks the stunning Pearl River. 277 Yanjiang Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区沿江路277号 (8931 0505)

travel deals Emirates Introduces New Range of Comforts in First and Business Class Emirates Airline has enhanced comfort in the air with a host of exclusive, new products introduced to its First and Business Class cabins. Customers are invited to travel in luxury with a host of new additions including First Class lounge wear, luxury blankets, skincare from Voya and a range of amenity kits from Bulgari. Emiratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ongoing investment in leading products reinforces its emphasis on comfort, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The airline has partnered with experts in the industry to ensure no attention to detail has been spared during its recent luxury product overhaul. For more information, visit www.emirates. com.

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Food & Drink

Element Fresh 1) Shop L302, TaiKoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3808 8506); 2) G/F, 42 Qingfeng Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3828 8482) 新元素 , 1) 天河区天河路 383 号太古汇广场 L302 店 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城清风街 42 号首层

1920 Restaurant 1) 4/F, 1 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District; 2) Shops 67, 69, 72 & 76, The Canton Place, Qingfeng Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (8388 1142); Shop MW01-03, 05, Central Zone, Mall of the World, 89 Huacheng Dadao, Tianhe District (8709 6033) 1920 咖啡厅 1) 建设六马路一号前幢 4 楼 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城清风街 48 号广粤天地 67, 69, 72, 76 号铺 ; 3) 天河区花城大道 89 号花城汇 MW01-03, 05 商铺

Happy Monk 1) Back of Yi’an Plaza, Jianshe Wu Malu, Yuexiu District (8376 5597) ; 2) No. 109, 7Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3877 8679); 3) Outdoor Plaza, Happy Valley Mall, 36 Machang Lu, Tianhe District (3832 5317) 1) 越秀区建设五马路宜安广场后门 ; 2) 天河区珠江新城兴盛路 7 号 109 号铺 ; 3) 天河区珠江新城马场路 36 号太阳新天地户外广场 The Brew Sports Bar & Grill 1) Unit 9-11, Huanan Country Garden, Panyu Dadao (across the road from Chimelong Theme Park), Panyu District (3482 0401); 2) West Section, Bao Lin Yuan, Huaxun Jie, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3408 9549); 3) Shop 11-13, Yuhai Food Street, 1 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District (8382 8299) 1) 番禺区番禺大道华南碧桂园碧华商业2街9-11 号; 2) 天河区珠江新城华讯街保林苑西区加拿大布鲁咖啡馆, 近发展中心; 3) 越秀区建设六马路誉海食街11-13号铺

Aroma Bistro Shop 117, 1/F, Voka Street, 460 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District (185 0200 1416) 天河区天河北路460号沃凯街首层117铺 Bravo Shop 114-115, 6 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城华就路6号114-115铺

In·Side·Out By Threedrops 3/F, 10 Xietianli, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan (0757-8203 1400, 189 885 25470) 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里10号3楼T

Buongiorno 1) 3/F, Yi An Plaza, 33 Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District (8363 3587); 2) A7, Xinshijie Haoyuan Diyi Ju, 168 Dongcheng Nan Lu, Dongguan (0769 2339 6499) 邦奴意大利餐厅 1) 越秀区建设六马路宜安广场 3 楼 ; 2) 东莞市东城南路 168 号新世界豪圆第一居 A7 号 The Eating Table No. 401, 4/F, GTLand Winter Mall, Zhujiang Dong Lu, Zjujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (8398 0502) 天河区珠江新城珠江东路高德置地东商场店 4 层 401 室

Hooley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 1)101, 8 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3886 2675); 2)Section 2, Yijia Yuan, 7 Xingzhongdao, Zhongshan 1)爱尔兰西餐酒吧, 天河区珠江新城兴盛路8号101; 2) 中山市兴中道7号颐嘉苑2卡

Knightship Fusion Restaurant Newly opened in Guangzhou’s CBD and conveniently located in Zhujiang New Town, Knightship Fusion Restaurant provides gourmet food with international favor in an unparalleled atmosphere. We are committed to applying our understanding of what constitutes a quality life to each dish in our boutique restaurant. In addition to Chinese and Asian foods, you can also taste the best of European fare on our‘fusion’menu. Shop No.116，Zhong Hai Jing Hui Huating, No.33, Liede Da Dao, Tianhe, Guangzhou 广州市天河区猎德大道 33 号中海璟晖华庭一期首层 116 号铺电话：020-85162413 M9 Restaurant Lounge Shop 112, 9 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3802 0171)

Cuisine of the Month: French

Chez Max G/F, Central Plaza, 38 Huale Lu, Yuexiu District 越秀区华乐路 38 号广怡大厦首层 (8360 2157)

Jardin d’Olive No. 101, 48 Tiyu Xi Lu, Tianhe District 天河区体育西路 48 号 101 (8750 6440)

La Marina Shop G20, 10 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District 天河区珠江新城兴盛路 10 号兴盛汇 G20 铺 (3888 0805)

Le Saint-Martin No. 13A-17, Jianshe Liu Malu, Yuexiu District 越秀区建设六马路 1 号 13A-17 号 (8388 0411)

Les Trois Gros Bistro 1/F, 5 Xincheng Nan Jie, Tianhe District 天河区天河东路信成南街 5 号 1 楼 (3881 5325)

Orient Express French Restaurant 1 Shamian Bei Jie, Shamian Island, Liwan District 荔湾区沙面北街 1 号之一 (8121 8882)

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McCawley’s Bar & Grill Shop 101, 16 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3801 7000) 天河区珠江新城花城大道 16 号 101 铺

District(3801 5002) 1)苏坦土耳其烧烤餐厅, 越秀区环市东路367号1-3楼(白云宾馆与友谊商店夹位处); 2)广州市天河区珠江新城兴盛路31号中海璟晖华庭二期商铺102 & 114

Oggi Pizzeria 1) Shop 119, 8 Xingsheng Lu, Tianhe District (3805 1282); 4) 1 Tianlun Garden, Jianshe 4 Lu,Yuexiu District (8356 1196) www.oggirestaurant.com 卡布里西餐厅 1) 天河区兴盛路 8 号 119 铺 ; 2) 越秀区建设四马路天伦花园首层

The Tavern Sports Bar Traditional English style bar that fosters a cosy intimate atmosphere. Both Taverns offer an extensive menu of Western favorites and different theme nights throughout the whole week. 1) Poly 108, 6 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (8550 3038); 2) On the right side of the Huanan Country Garden, Yingbin Lu, Panyu District (3482 4882, www.tavernchina.com) 致盛 1) 天河区珠江新城华就路 6 号保利 108 公馆 ; 2) 番禺区迎宾路华南碧桂园大门右侧

Paulaner Bräuhaus L307, 3/F, TaiKoo Hui, 383 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (2808 6333) 宝莱纳 , 天河区天河路 383 号太古汇广场 L307

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Rebel Rebel 42 Tiyu Dong Lu, Tianhe District (8520 1579) 天河区体育东路42号

Ricci Creative Eats Shop 015B, G/F, Popark Mall, No.63 Linhe Zhong Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China (Across the street from IKEA) (3809 6330) 天河区林和中路 63 号东方宝泰购物广场首层（宜家家居对面） Shami House 2/F, Zhao Qing Da Sha, 304 Huanshi Zhong Lu, Yuexiu District (8355 3012 / 8355 3091) 莎米屋 , 越秀区环市中路 304 号肇庆大厦 2 楼

Three Drops Kitchen & Bar 10 Xietianli, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里 10 号 (0757 8203 1400)

Health All Smile - Dr. Lu Int'l Dental Clinic Rm 603-604, 6/F, Metro Plaza, 183 Tianhe Bei Lu (24-hour hotline: 8755 3380). Mon-Sat 9am6pm (other times by appointment) 大都会牙科，天河北路183号大都会广场六楼 603-604 Bellaire Int'l Clinic No. 601, 6/F, East Tower, Times Square, 28 Tianhe Bei Lu, Tianhe District (3891 0511) 贝利尔诊所，天河北路 28 号时代广场东 6 楼 601 Deron Dental 11/F, Ice Flower Hotel, 2 Tianhe Bei Lu (3886 4821,www.kaiyiyk.com) 德隆齿科诊所，天河北路 2 号冰花酒店 11 层

Summer House Directly behind the Marriage House, Xietian Li, Lingnan Tiandi, Chancheng District, Foshan (133 9223 6374, www.summerhouse.com.cn) 佛山市禅城区岭南天地协天里（嫁娶屋正后面）粤天地112-116号铺

Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ 1) 1-3/F, 367 Huanshi Dong Lu, between Baiyun Hotel and Friendship Store, Yuexiu District (8349 4170, 8349 4171); 2) Shop 102 & 114, Zhonghai Jinghui Huating, 31 Xingsheng Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, TianHe

Dr. Sherily Xiao Master of Medicine. 19 years TCM & Acupuncture & Massage & Physiotherapy Experience.Only for appointment. Fu Lai Garden Shui Yin Zhi Jie Shui Yin Road Yue Xiu District Guang Zhou. （Tel: 137 1052 6617. E-mail: xiaoshuilan@ hotmail.com. L5, Zoo station, C exit) 广州市越秀区水阴路水阴直街福莱花园 Eur Am Int’l Medical Center 1/F, North Tower, Ocean Pearl Bldg, 19 Huali Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng (3758 5328, 24hr urgent care: 137 1041 3347, www. eurammedicalcenter.com) 康辰国际医疗 , 珠江新城华利路 19 号远洋明珠大厦北座首层

H&H Dental Center 1/F, Mingmen Building, 4 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (3808 0700, 3808 0729; 24-hour hotline: 139 2516 2826; Email: hnhdental@163.com) H&H 牙科中心（嘉茜医疗门诊 ), 天河区珠江新城花城大道 4 号名门大厦正门首层 United Family Guangzhou Clinic 1/F, Annex Bldg, PICC Bldg, 301 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong (4008 919 191, 24-hr urgent care: 8710 6060) 广州越秀和睦家门诊部 , 广州大道中 301 号人保大厦南塔副楼首层

Lifestyle SO’ O LK (Hair Salon) 1) G/F, 545 Binjiang Dong Lu, Haizhu District (3425 7429); 2) Shop 103A, World Trade Centre, 371-375 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District (8760 6299); 3) Shop101, 712 Binjiang Dong Lu, Haizhu District (8419 1022); 4) Shop101, Fuli Edinburgh Apartment, 2 Huali Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District(3826 3718); 5) Shop 15 2/F, Chateau Star River Hotel, Yingbin Lu, Panyu District(3479 0641); 6) Shop81-82, G/F, New City Plaza, Olympic Garden, Luoxi New Town, Panyu District(3452 1826); 7) Shop 21, Agile Phase II, Fenghuang Bei Lu, Huadu District(3692 8686) 苏豪路易士，嘉玛发廊，1) 天河区天河北路 366 号都市华庭 13 铺 ; 2) 越秀区环市东路 371-375 号世界贸易中心首层 103A; 3) 海珠区滨江东路 712 号 101 铺 ; 4) 天河区珠江新城华利路 2 号富力爱丁堡公寓 101 铺 ; 5) 番禺区迎宾路星河湾酒店 2 楼 15 号铺 ; 6) 番禺区洛溪新城奥园城市花园首层 81-82 号铺 ; 7) 花都区凤凰北路雅居乐二期 21 号铺 True Pilates China

China’s First True Pilates China Studio &True Pilates NY Instructor Certification Training Center. Add: 7F/7 Huacheng Dadao, Zhujiang New Town. www.truepilateschina. com （186 2007 6022）珠江新城花城大道 7 号 7 楼

EDUCATION American Int’l School of Guangzhou (AISG) 1) 3 Yanyu Nan Lu, Ersha Island (8735 3393); 2) 19,Kexiang Road Luogang District,Science Park, Guangzhou (3213 5555) 1) 广州美国人，二沙岛烟雨南路 3 号 ; 2) 广州罗岗区科翔路 19 号 Canadian Foreign Language School Cambridgshire Garden, Panyu District (39191868 ext. 0) 广州市番禺区剑桥郡加拿达外国语学校，广州市番禺区剑桥郡花园 Canadian International School of Guangzhou Cambridgeshire Garden, Nancun Town, Panyu District (3925 5321) www.cisgz.com 广州加拿大人国际学校，番禺区南村镇雅居乐剑桥郡花园内 Canadian Internatioanal Kindergarten Agile Garden, Yinbin Lu, Panyu District (8456 6551). 加拿大国际幼儿园，番禺区迎宾路雅居乐花园 Clifford School International International Building, Clifford School, Clifford Estates, Shiguang Lu, Panyu District (8471 8273; 8471 1441; 8471 1694) 祈福英语实验学校，番禺区市广路 Eclipse English Education 18D, No.368, Tianhe Bei Road, GZ (Tel:38780382,18922769713) 爱誉英语, 天河北路, 368号, 18D Guangzhou Nanfang International School No.1 South Industrial Park, Yinglong Lu,

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Longdong, Tianhe District (3886 6952, 3886 3606, Fax: 3886 3680). www.gnischina.com 广州南方国际学校，天河区龙洞迎龙路龙山工业园南1号 ISA International School Guangzhou Block C2-2, 128 Yuancun Siheng Lu, Tianhe District 广州爱莎国际学校, 天河区员村四横路128号红专厂创意园C2-2 (8890 0909, info@isaschool. com ) The British School of Guangzhou 983-3 Tonghe Lu, Baiyun District (8709 4788) 广州英国学校 , 白云区同和路 983-3 Utahloy Int’l School www.utahloy.com 1) 800 Shatai Bei Lu, Baiyun District (8720 2019, fax 8704 4296); 2) Sanjiang Town, Zeng Cheng (8291 4691 fax 8291 3303) 广州誉德莱国际学校，1) 白云区沙太北路 800 号； 2) 增城三江镇

HOTEL Chimelong Hotel Panyu Dadao,Panyu District (8478 6838, gz.chimelong.com) 长隆酒店 , 番禺区番禺大道 Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 8888, www. chimelong.com) 长隆横琴湾酒店 , 珠海市横琴新区 Chimelong Penguin Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 3366, www.chimelong.com) 长隆企鹅酒店, 珠海市横琴新区 Chimelong Circus Hotel Hengqin New District, Zhuhai (0756-299 3399, www.chimelong. com) 长隆马戏酒店, 珠海市横琴新区 China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel 122, Liuhua Lu (8666 6888) www.MarriottChinahotel.com 中国大酒店 , 流花路 122 号 DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou 391 Dongfeng Lu, Yuexiu District (2833 7215; 2833 2888) 广州希尔顿逸林酒店 , 越秀区东风路 391 号 Grand Hyatt Guangzhou 12, Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (8396 1234 www.guangzhou.grand.hyatt.com) 广州富力君悦大酒店 , 天河区珠江新城珠江西路 12 号 Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (6108 8888) 广州正佳广场万豪酒店，天河区天河路 228 号 Langham Place Guangzhou 638 Xingang Dong Lu, Haizhu District(8916 3388) 广州南丰朗豪酒店 , 海珠区新港东路 638 号 LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou 368, Huanshi Dong Lu (8333 8989, www.thegardenhotel. com.cn) LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Yuexiu District 广州花园酒店 , 越秀区环市东路 368 号花园酒店 (8333 8989) LN Hotel Five 277 Yanjiang Zhong Lu, Yuexiu District （8931 0505）广州岭南五号酒店，越秀区沿江中路 277 号 Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou 389 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3808 8888) 广州文华东方酒店 , 天河区天河路 389 号

Town, Tianhe District (6628 6628) 广州 W 酒店 , 天河区珠江新城冼村路 26 号 White Swan Hotel 1 Shamian Nan Jie, Liwan District (8188 6968) 白天鹅宾馆 , 荔湾区沙面南街 1 号

Consulates Argentina 2405, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (3888 0328, cguan@ mrecic.gov.ar) 阿根廷共和国领事馆 , 天河区天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 2405 单元 Christian Fellowship Hilton Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe , 215 Lin He Xi Heng Lu, Tianhe District (6683 9999) (Foreigners only. Please bring ID) Worship Hours: 10am11:30am.every Sunday. 广州天河新天希尔顿酒店 , 广州天河区林和西横路 215 号 Guangdong Int’l Volunteer Expatriate Service (GIVES) Contact Rosaline Yam (8778 2778; givescn@ yahoo.com) www.gives.cn Guangzhou Women’s Int’l Club (GWIC) For contact information, visit www.gwic.org Brazil Rm 1403, 10 Huaxia Lu, R&F Center, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (02083652236; cg. cantao.itamaraty.gov.br) 巴西驻广州总领事馆, 珠江新城华夏路10号富力中心1403室 Australia 12/F, Zhujiang New City, Development Centre, 3 Linjiang Lu (Tel: 3814 0111; Fax: 3814 0112) www.guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au 澳大利亚领事馆，临江路 3 号珠江新城发展中心 12 楼 Belgium Room 0702, 7/F, R & F Center, Unit 2, 10 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (Tel: 3877 2351; Fax: 3877 2353) 天河区珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 7 楼 0702 室 Cambodia Rm 802, The Garden Hotel (Tower), Huangshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8333 8999 - 805; Fax: 8365 2361) 柬埔寨领事馆，环市东路花园酒店大楼 808 室 Canada 801, Office Tower, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel ,Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8611 6100, Fax: 8667 2401) www.guangzhou.gc.ca 加拿大领事馆，流花路中国大酒店商业楼 801 室 Colombia Unit 12, 36/F No 5, Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou (8883 4826, cguangzhou@cancilleria.gov.co) 哥伦比亚驻广州总领事馆，珠江西路 5 号广州国际金融中心主塔写字楼 36 层 12 单元 Cuba Rm 2411, West Tower, Huapu Plaza, 13 Huaming Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 2238 2603 / 2238 2604; Fax: 2238 2605) 珠江新城华明路 13 号华普广场西塔 2411 Denmark Rm 1578, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8666 0795; Fax: 8667 0315) 丹麦领事馆，流花路 122 号中国大酒店写字楼 1578 室

Guangzhou Narcotics Anonymous Meetings: Monday 6.30pm and Friday 7pm. (For help: 188 9857 0042 (French, Chinese & English), 133 3287 0750 (Persian), 185 8876 4470 (English), www.nachina.com) India 14/F, Haichuan Dasha, 8 Linhe Zhong Lu, Tianhe District (8550 1501-05) 印度领事馆，天河区林和中路 8 号海船大厦 14 楼 Indonesia Rm 1201-1223, 2/F, West Building, Dong Fang Hotel, 120 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8601 8772; fax 8601 8773; kjrigz@public.guangzhou. gd.cn) 印度尼西亚领事馆，流花路 120 号东方宾馆西座 2 楼 1201-1223 室 Israel 19/F, Development Center, 3 Linjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (8513 0509) 以色列领事馆，天河区珠江新城临江大道 3 号发展中心 19 楼 . Guangzhou.mfa.gov.il Italy Rm 1403, International Finance Place (IFP), 8, Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3839 6225; Fax: 8550 6370) 意大利领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 8 号合景国际金融广场 14 楼 1403 室 Japan 1/F, East Tower, The Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8334 3009; Fax: 8333 8972) www.guangzhou.cn.emb-japan.go.jp 日本领事馆，环市东路 368 号花园酒店东塔 1 楼 Korea (Republic) 18 Youlin Lu, Chigang Consulate Area, Haizhu District (Tel: 2919 2999; fax 2919 2980; Guangzhou@mofat.go.kr) 韩国领事馆，海珠区赤岗领事馆区友邻路 18 号 Kuwait 10A-10D, Nanyazhonghe Plaza, 57 Lingjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3807 8070; Fax: 3807 8007). 科威特国总领事馆，珠江新城临江大道 57 号南雅中和广场 10A-10D Malaysia Rm 1915-1918, 19/F, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu ((Tel: 3877 0765; Fax: 3877 2320) 马来西亚领事馆，天河北路 233 号中信广场 19 楼 1915-1918 室 Mexico Rm2001, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 2208 1540; Fax: 2208 1539) 墨西哥领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 20 楼 01 单元 Netherlands 34/F, Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 3813 2200; Fax: 3813 2299) www.hollandinchina.org 荷兰领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 34 楼 New Zealand Rm C1055, Office Tower, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liuhua Lu (Tel: 8667 0253; Fax: 8666 6420; Guangzhou@nzte. govt.nz) www.nzte.govt.nz 新西兰领事馆，流花路 122 号中国大酒店商业大厦 1055 室 Norway Suite 1802, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu (3811 3188 Fax: 3811 3199) 挪威领事馆，天河北路 233 号中信广场 180 室 Peru Unit 01 on 32/F 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe (Tel: 6184 6244; Fax: 6631 1804) 秘鲁驻广州总领事馆，珠江西路5号广州国际金融中心主塔写字楼32层01单元 Philippines Rm 706-712 Guangdong Int’l Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8331 1461; Fax: 8333 0573) www.guangzhoupcg.org 菲律宾领事馆，环市东路 339 号广东国际大酒店主楼 706-712 室

Park Hyatt Guangzhou 16 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (3769 1234) 广州柏悦酒店天河区珠江新城华夏路 16 号

Ecuador Room 1801, R&F Building, 10 Huaxia Lu, Zhujiang New Town (Tel: 3892 7650; Fax: 3892 7550) 厄瓜多尔共和国驻广州领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 1801 室

Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou 1, Huizhan Dong Lu, Haizhu District (8917 8888, www. shangri-la.com) 广州香格里拉大酒店 , 海珠区会展东路 1 号

France Rm 810, 8/F, Main Tower, Guangdong Int’l Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (2829 2000) www.consulfrance-canton.org/ 法国领事馆，环市东路 339 号广东国际大酒店主楼８10 室

Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich 988 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District (3883 8888) 广州圣丰索菲特大酒店 , 天河区广州大道中 988 号 . www.sofitel.com

Germany 14/F Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 8313 0000; Fax: 8516 8133) www.kanton.diplo.de 德国领事馆，天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 14 楼

Spain Rm 501/507/508 5/F, R&F Center, 10 Huaxia Lu, Pearl River New City (Tel: 3892 7185 / 3892 8909; Fax: 3892 7197). www.maec. es/consulados/canton 西班牙驻广州总领事馆，珠江新城华夏路 10 号富力中心 5 楼 501/507/508 室

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou 3, Xing’an Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District (3813 6688, www.ritzcarlton.com) 广州富力丽思卡尔顿酒店, 天河区珠江新城兴安路3号

Greece Rm 2105, HNA Building, 8 Linhe Zhong Lu (Tel: 8550 1114; Fax: 8550 1450; grgencon.guan@mfa.gr) 希腊领事馆 , 林和中路 8 号海航大厦 2105 室

Switzerland 27/F, Grand Tower, 228, Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 3833 0450; Fax: 3833 0453) www.eda.admin.ch/gz 瑞士领事馆，天河区天河路 228 号广晟大厦 27 楼

W Guangzhou 26 Xiancun Lu, Zhujiang New

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Poland 63 Shamian Da Jie (Tel: 8121 9993; Fax: 8121 9995) 波兰领事馆，沙面大街 63 号 Singapore Unit 2418, CITIC Plaza, 233 Tianhe Bei Lu (Tel: 3891 2345; Fax: 3891 2933) 新加坡领事馆，天河北路 233 中信广场 2418 室

Thailand Rm M07, 2/F, Garden Hotel, 368

Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 8385 8988; Fax: 8388 9567) 泰国领事馆，环市东路 368 号花园酒店 2 楼 M07 室 The Russian Federation 26/A, Development Centre, 3 Linjiang Dadao, Zhujiang New Town (8518 5001 Fax: 8518 5099 (office)/ 8518 5088(visa section)) 俄罗斯联邦驻广州总领事馆 , 珠江新城临江大道 3 号发展中心 26/A United States 43 Huajiu Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (Tel: 3814 5000) http://guangzhou-ch.usembassy-china.org. cn/   美国领事馆，天河区珠江新城华就路 43 号 Vietnam 2/F, Hua Xia Hotel, Haizhou Square, Qiaoguang Lu (Tel: 8330 5911; Fax: 8330 5915) 越南领事馆，侨光路华沙大酒店 B 座 2 楼北部

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE American Chamber of Commerce Suite 1801, Guangzhou International Sourcing Center, 8 Pazhou Dadao Dong, Haizhu District (Tel: 8335 1476; Fax: 8332 1642; amcham@ amcham-sunthchina.org) www.amchamsouthchina.org 美国商会，海珠区琶洲大道东 8 号广州国际采购中心 1801 室 Australian Chamber of Commerce Rm1714 -15, Main Tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (Tel: 2237 2866; Fax: 8319 0765; mail@austcham-southchina.org). www.austcham-southchina.org 澳洲商会，环市东路 339 号广东国际大厦主楼 1714 – 15 室 BenCham, Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) Chamber of Commerce in China, Pearl River Delta, Floor 34, 208 Teem Tower, 208 Tianhe Lu (155 2118 2708 ). 荷比卢商会 , 天河路 208 号粤海天河城大厦 34 楼 www.bencham.org British Chamber of Commerce Unit 2201B, International Financial Center, 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Tianhe District ( Tel: 8331 5013; Fax: 8331 5016; events@britchamgd.com) 英国商会，天河区珠江西路 5 号国际金融中心 2201B European Union Chamber of Commerce Rm 2817, Tower A, Shine Plaza, 9 Linhe Xi Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 3801 0269; Fax: 3801 0275) 中国欧盟商会，天河区林和西路9号耀中广场A塔2817室 French Chamber of Commerce in South China (CCIFC) Room 802, 8/F, Leatop Plaza, 32 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Zhujiang Xincheng, Tianhe District (2916 5535) 天河区珠江新城珠江东路 32 号利通广场 8 层 02 单元 German Chamber of Commerce 1903 Leatop Plaza, 32 Zhujiang Dong Lu, Tianhe District (Tel: 8755 2353; Fax: 8755 1889; chamber@gz.china.ahk.de) china.ahk.de 天河区珠江东路 32 号利通广场 1903 室 Italian Chamber of Commerce Rm 948, Office Tower, the Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Dong Lu ( Tel: 8365 2682; Fax: 8365 2983) 意大利商会，环市东路 368 号花园大厦 948 房 www.cameraitacina.com China-Philippines Chamber of Commerce Rm 1613, Main Tower, Guangdong International Hotel, 339 Huanshi Dong Lu (8331 1888-71613; Fax: 8331 1983; E-mail: cpcc2005@21cn.com) 中国菲律宾商会，环市东路 339 号广东国际大酒店主楼 1613 室 Spanish Chamber of Commerce Rm 1814, 18/F, Guangzhou International Sourcing Center, 8 Pazhou Dadao Dong, Haizhu District (Tel: 3892 7531; Fax: 3892 7530) 海珠区琶洲大道东 8 号广州国际采购中心 1814 室

ACCOUNTING FIRMS

2) Setting-up WFOE, JV, Representative Office in China mainland 3) Accounting, Taxation, HR, Visa & Trading service Tel: 852 8102 2592 /  86 21 58362605       86 10 65637970 Website: www.AsiaBS.com www.Stringbc.com E-mail: info@stringbc.com CENTURY, a Comprehensive Office Services Company 1. Office Relocation, Personal Relocation 2. Second-hand Office Furniture Resell 3. Office Cleaning Services 4. Landscaping/Indoor Plant 5. Carpet Cleaning 6. Pest Control Tel: (86 20) 2816 5345 Email: guangzhou@centuryrelo.com

Harris Corporate Solutions Ltd Guangzhou | Shanghai | Beijing | Hong Kong Established since 1972 • WFOE & Rep. Office Set Up • Accounting & Tax Compliance • Payroll, HR & Visa Solutions • Hong Kong & Offshore Company Registration • Hong Kong & China Bank Account Opening Serving all your business needs for investing in China. Call us for a free consultation. Tel: (86)20-8762 0508 Mobile: 135-703-48815 Email: info.gz@harriscorps.com.cn Romeo Lau & Co. work visa, WFOE, JV, RO, HK company, auditing, car rental,driver license. www.romeolawoffice.com Mobile: 13570993252, 020-38865269, dmc_canto@yahoo.com

BUSINESS SERVICES Asiabs & B.string Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai 1) Setting-up HK, BVI and other offshore company

Cleaning SERVICES

classifieds South China HR English Website (English.job168.com) China's most famous & professional job hunting website 8/F, Nanfang Jingdian Building, No. 198 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 1/F,Huapu Building, No.104 Tianhe Road,Guangzhou (Tel: 85584676) 南方人才网英文站(english.job168.com) 广州市天河路198号南方精典大厦八楼广州市天河路104号华普大厦西座一楼

MOVING & SHIPPING

Ausca Home Service Specialized Home Service Laundry, Ironing & Cooking Professional Staff training English Customer Service Contact Us: 15323314200 E-mail: 1746651900@qq.com

jobs offered Eclipse English Education Native English teachers wanted. Competitive pay with flexible scheduling. Free Chinese classes for employees.Tianhe location. 13902273359 or (020) 38780382 Mrs.Wong

AGS Four Winds is leading international moving company offers a full range relocation, moving, and storage services. Our global network of over 300 offices worldwide plus 40 years experience in the moving industry, we know your concerns and have the ability to serve you anywhere in the world. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the FAIM and FIDI. Contact us for FREE survey and quotation: Tel: +86 20 8363 3735 Email: manager.guangzhou@agsfourwinds. com Website: www.agsfourwinds.com Rayca Moving & Transportation Services With 10 years experience, Rayca provides international, domestic, local moving services & pet relocation service. We can effectively move you anywhere with competitive price! You move, you save! Service hotline: 400-048-9099 Email: info@raycatrans.com Website:www.raycatrans.com

CHURCH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Expatriates welcome! Large group multinational, non-denominational expatriate Christians hold English services Sundays 10.00am to 11.30am. Need foreign citizenship proof. Website: www.gicf.net Tel: 137 1043 2474.

E-mail: general.can@asiantigers-china.com Website: www.asiantigers-mobility.com

TRAVEL Asian Tigers Mobility Is an international relocation specialist started in 1988 handling visa and immigration, orientation, home finding, international, domestic and local moves and settling in services in China. We are FAIM & ISO 9001-2008 accredited, members of the OMNI and FIDI which gives us the global representation. Contact us: Tel:(8620) 8326 6758 / 8666 2655

Free N Easy Travel An International Travel Agency in GZ, offers you the most competitive airfares, best discounted hotels worldwide and great getaway packages. Call our Toll free no.800-830-2353 or Tel 3877 2345 or email us at Guangzhou@ fnetravel.com or visit us at our travel center at 218 Sky Galleria, CITIC PALAZA, 233 Tianhe North Road or check for more details at our website---www .fnetravel .com

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