That's Beijing - February 2018

The Rural Chinese Town Becoming a Global Skiing Hub

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4 0 0 8 2 0 8428 城市漫步北京 英文版 2 月份 国 内 统 一 刊 号: CN 11-5232/GO China Intercontinental Press

ISSN 1672-8025

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

THE SUPRISING HISTORY OF RAMEN It’s From… Where?

AFRICANS IN YIWU

GOING FOR GOLD

Zhejiang’s Tight-Knit African Community

Chinese Athletes in the Winter Olympics

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 1

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 邮编 100045 Published by China Intercontinental Press Address: 11th Floor South Building, HengHua linternational Business Center, 26 Yuetan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, PRC http://www.cicc.org.cn 社长 President of China Intercontinental Press 陈陆军 Chen Lujun 期刊部负责人 Supervisor of Magazine Department 邓锦辉 Deng Jinhui 编辑 Editor 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili 发行 Circulation 李若琳 Li Ruolin

Editor-in-Chief Noelle Mateer Deputy Editor Dominique Wong National Arts Editor Erica Martin Digital Content Editor Justine Lopez Designer Iris Wang Contributors Dominic Ngai, Mia Li, Gabriel Clermont, Chang Qian, Holly Baer, Francis Mok, Sid Gulinck, Adam Robbins, Stephanie Wang, Annie Atienza

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Editor’s Note

FEBRUARY 2018

DEALS We're giving away tickets to some of

I don’t ski. I always thought you had to be crazy to willingly spend all day outside in the winter. I became certain of this last month, when, on the coldest day of the year (-20 degrees Celsius!), I stood on top of a mountain in Zhangjiakou’s Chongli county, for this month’s cover story.

I’m not the only shivering newbie on Hebei’s slopes. China is currently experiencing a snow sports boom of colossal proportions, and this is especially true in the rural county of Chongli, which will host several Olympic events in 2022. Just 10 years ago, most residents were farmers – but now, the area is fast becoming an international skiing hub. I went to Chongli to ask residents: How does it feel to watch your home transform? Are you, like, cool with all this?

If you can’t wait until 2022, Dominic Ngai has put together a guide to athletes to watch in this month’s Olympics in South Korea (p. 48). Elsewhere in the magazine, Dominic interviews the creator of new documentary Africans in Yiwu (p. 10); Erica Martin chats with Chinese indie rockers in honor of influential label Maybe Mars’ 10th anniversary (p. 28); and Dominique Wong explores the Chinese origins of ramen (yes, really, p. 54).

Happy Spring Festival,

the very best Beijing parties, openings, shows and talks all month, alongside free meals, drinks, discounts and prizes.

All you have to do is scan the QR code below, follow us on WeChat and keep an eye out for your chance to win. You'll get some other great stuff on your phone too.

Noelle Mateer Editor-in-Chief

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ThatsBeijing t w i t t er. c om / T ha t s B eijin g facebook .com/ ThatsBeijing

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 3

6 CITY 7 CHINA TOO The #MeToo movement comes to China

8 BIG PICTURE This month’s Beijing snapshot

13 URBAN DICTIONARY The Chinese term for apathetic millennials

7

14 LIFE & STYLE 16 ON TREND

The latest in Chinese fashion news

20 DESIGN OF THE TIMES The inspiration behind Beijing’s hippest book store

22 SEEING RED 16

Fashionable red items to buy… for good luck, of course

24 ARTS 25 FEEL THE BYRNE A Q&A with songwriter Julie Byrne

28 MUSIC FROM MARS

China’s leading indie rockers on Maybe Mars’10th anniversary

30 XX-RATED Tracks by The xx to stream before their Beijing gig

30

50 EAT & DRINK 53 OPEN UP New restaurant openings, in 100 words or less

57 RAVING ABOUT CRAVINGS Chaoyang Park’s coolest new restaurant

57 4 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

60 A HIGH BAR A chic new cocktail lounge in Sanlitun

36 SLIPPERY SLOPES Can a former farming county create a ski hub in time for the Olympics?

10 A LONG WAY FROM HOME The fascinating story of an African community in Zhejiang province

54 MADE IN CHINA Why some say ramen isn’t from Japan WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 5

CITY AFRICANS IN YIWU

The city that’s home to one of China’s largest African communities, p10

Generation Gap p8

Bluegogo p8

Chinese Urban Dictionary p13

TALES OF THE CITY

#METOO GATHERS STEAM IN CHINA

by Adam Robbins and Bridget O’Donnell

Last month, a Beijing university professor, Chen Xiaowu, was fired after an investigation found he had sexually harassed female students. The 45-year-old was the first person in China to be disciplined as a result of the worldwide #MeToo movement, a phrase used to show the pervasiveness of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace, that went viral last year after several highprofile allegations.

Accusations against Chen, who also served as vice president of Beihang University's graduate school, became public following a Weibo post by Luo Xixi, who now lives in the US. In her open letter, Luo wrote that in 2004, while she was a doctoral candidate, Chen drove her to his sister’s home so Luo could “tend to the plants.” Once there, he indicated that he was not sexually satisfied with his wife and attempted to seduce Luo before “throwing himself” at her. When she burst into tears, Chen allowed her to leave, but not before he warned the student not to tell anyone and claimed that it was all a “test” to see if she was “well-mannered.”

Luo’s open letter was inspired by both the #MeToo movement and a post on Q&A web-

site Zhihu “in which several anonymous users accused Chen of sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and stealing credit for students’ work,” Sixth Tone reports.

The university’s investigation found that Chen had “seriously violated” the school’s code of conduct. Chen told Beijing Youth Daily that he had “never done anything in violation of laws and regulations.”

In a Weibo post announcing Chen’s dismissal, Beihang University wrote: “The school will draw lessons from this... and improve.”

China’s Ministry of Education issued a statement of “zero tolerance” for sexual misconduct among teachers. It also immediately revoked its funding for, and Changjiang Scholar contract with, Chen. The Ministry says it is now working with other agencies to check for such behavior in the future.

Alumni from more than 20 Chinese universities have penned similar letters in the wake of Luo’s viral message. Since the #MeToo movement gained traction last year, nearly 100 powerful American men have lost their jobs. Chen is the only one in China – so far.

However, Guangzhou-based feminist Xiao Meili is hopeful that more men will be held to account, as she tells That’s Beijing: “Some

schools have responded to the letters and said they are thinking about [implementing better reporting channels]. So, change is happening. It’s a long process – a lot must happen before we see real progress.”

Luo has called the firing an “initial victory” and hopes to see more women come forward and measures put in place to stop such abuse.

Meanwhile, People's Daily has indicated its support for the #MeToo movement in a recent post on its Weibo account.

“Break the silence,” the post reads. “When more and more victims come forward and say ‘Me Too,’ we’ll see more abusive teachers be exposed and fewer cases of sexual harassment on Chinese college campuses.”

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THE BUZZ GENERATION GAP

What do you think about the pink, extra-large parking spots for women that have recently popped up in some cities in China?

DUAN, 22

THE BIG FREEZE Fences prevent residents from skating on thin ice in Shichahai.

photo by Francis Mok

“The most important part isn’t the color. If it’s a larger space, there’s more leeway for female drivers to park, so they might feel more confident about parking. I think that guys are naturally skilled at driving. I don’t think girls are worse drivers, of course, but skills improve with practice and girls probably don’t drive as much as boys. But I do think that women like the color pink, and marking the spot pink clearly shows where the larger space is and so women will be more inclined to park there.”

ZHANG, 35

THE GOOD NEWS...

“I don’t think it’s necessary. Everyone has to take a test when they sit their driver’s license, so everyone has the same driving ability. Men and women are equal now. In fact, I think women are even more skilled than men! [laughs] And regarding the special color, even though I’m a woman, I don’t like the color pink.”

As told to Dominique Wong 8 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Bike-share service Bluegogo is back from the brink of bankruptcy thanks to a partial takeover by ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing. Didi launched bike-sharing services in Beijing last month, allowing residents to search for and unlock Bluegogo and Ofo bikes using the Didi app.

Former Bluegogo users won't get their deposits back, but they can opt to receive Didi coupons of equivalent value until July 17.

...THE BAD NEWS

At the time of writing, the bike-sharing option was only available for mainland Chinese citizens. According to Didi customer service personnel, the system, which requires real-name registration, only accepts Chinese IDs. Mobike it is, then.

E DI T E D B Y D OMINIQ UE W ONG / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m

1,288

…is the amount, in USD (RMB8,000), that a retired woman earned in five days on livestreaming quiz apps. On the quiz apps, live hosts present questions, viewers answer within 10 seconds by tapping their screen, and money is awarded for the correct answer. The Beijing resident, surnamed Zhao, uses two mobile phones: one to watch the quiz and the other to voice search the answers, as it is faster than typing, reports the Beijing Morning Post.

"In Beijing, the rooms are so warm – I only need to wear one layer of clothing.

This is the first time I've come across heating, it really is a miracle” Wang ‘Ice Boy’ Fuman on the joys of central heating during a trip to the capital last month, sponsored by CCP website China Peace.

Photos of the 8-year-old boy’s ice-covered hair and eyebrows went viral after they were posted on social media in January. The pictures were taken after Wang walked 4.5km in freezing temperatures from his home in rural Yunnan to his school. His plight drew attention to China’s 61 million ‘left-behind’ children of migrant workers.

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

A F RICA N VOICE S W I T H A N Y I W U ACCEN T

S cholar and Filmmaker Hodan O s man Abdi on Doc umen t in g Af r ic an s Li v in g in t he Wor ld’s L ar g e s t Small Commodi t y Mar ke t interview by Dominic Ngai

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F E AT URE | CIT Y

Above: an African-Chinese family featured in the documentary Africans in Yiwu

The city of Yiwu, in Zhejiang province, makes everything from socks to refrigerator magnets, shipping billions of RMB worth of merchandise to the farthest corners of the world every year. African nations are some of the city’s largest trading partners, and in 2015 alone, Yiwu exported more than RMB48 billion of commodities to the continent.

As a result of the ever-growing trading ties between China and Africa, Yiwu is home to one of China’s largest African communities. Local authorities estimate some 3,000 people from 50 African nations have settled in the city – though experts say the number could be 10 times as many.

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia to Somali parents, Hodan Osman Abdi (pictured left) originally came to Yiwu to visit her uncle, a longtime resident. She’s now spent over a decade in Zhejiang, where she works as researcher and lecturer at Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies.

She and her colleague, Zhang Yong (pictured right, with Abdi), recently released Africans in Yiwu, a multi-part documentary that follows 19 African resi-

dents in their home away from home.

We caught up with Abdi to learn more about the project.

That’s: Where did the idea for Africans in Yiwu came from?

Hodan Osman Abdi: The idea actually came from my co-director, Zhang Yong, who did his PhD in African cinema studies. We first met at a conference a few

years ago, and then reconnected in 2015, which was when he first told me about the idea of making a documentary about the African community in China. The following March, the project was given the green light, and I was asked to be a part of it due to my connection to the African community in Yiwu, where I’ve lived for most of the past 12 years.

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CIT Y | F E AT URE

What spiked my interest in the project was my desire to increase the presence of Africans in Chinese media. As China becomes more and more globalized, diversity needs to be seen as a positive thing for people to embrace.

Who are the most memorable characters in the film?

The story of Harvey (pictured above) is interesting, as he came to China to learn Chinese, but found himself struggling to blend in with a bunch of college-aged kids in the classroom – Harvey is in his 30s. He found refuge in the city square and connected with the seniors there through a common love of singing old Chinese songs, which became an unconventional way for him to pick up the language and culture.

Another is a romance between a young Tanzanian man named Yusuph and his Chinese wife. They’d been dating for six years, but the girl’s parents only found out about their relationship when they decided to get married. At first, they faced a lot of objections, but Yusuph, who’s fluent in Chinese, eventually won over his in-laws – the process of going from rejection to acceptance was quite touching to witness.

On the other end of the spectrum is the story of Zain, a Sudanese barbershop owner who married a young girl from an ethnic minority group. To this day, his wife’s family still refuses to speak to them, which is quite painful for her, because she doesn’t quite understand why her own parents would cut ties with her. But like all of the characters featured in the film, they’re able to balance the struggles of their daily lives with the hap12 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

As China becomes more globalized, diversity needs to be seen as a positive thing to embrace piness. The scene with them and their son waving goodbye to us and riding off on their motorcycle is one of the most memorable and moving images of the film for me.

You’re also one of the 19 characters featured in the film. Can you tell us about your story?

I’m featured in the first part of the six-part documentary, and the theme of that episode is ‘education.’ The day I graduated from my doctorate program was actually the very first day of filming. There was a scene in which Zhang asked about my biggest achievement since arriving in China, and I said, “learning to drive,” which is something that women

aren’t allowed to do in Saudi Arabia.

As a Muslim black woman teaching at a leading university, I’m defying a lot of stereotypes. I’m not sure if I would be able to get to where I am today if I were to be in any other country. China has offered a lot of opportunities… [You learn to] manage the struggles along with the fulfillment.

Struggles?

Oftentimes, locals make casual comments like, “Hodan, although you’re black, you’re very beautiful!” Things like that give me this sick feeling in my stomach, but you know they don’t mean any harm, and these comments are stemming from their lack of exposure to the outside world.

Where do you think this is coming from? And what can be done to change this?

It has to do with the way Africans are portrayed in the media – both Chinese and international. For decades, coverage of the region has always focused on the negatives – poverty, diseases, famine, war and instability.

In order to change the image of Africa and its people among the public, I think the media should tell more human stories, rather than always just focusing on the sensationalized, attention-grabbing headlines.

Where do you consider to be your home?

That’s probably the toughest question to answer. Although I know I can’t stay here permanently, China is where most of my friends are, and the place that I miss when I’m traveling. I consider China to be my second home, but as for my first home, I think I still need to find that.

CHINESE URBAN DICTIONARY | CITY

foxi/ fó xì / 佛系 adj. buddha-like, having no desires and indifferent to everything, apathetic Every stage in life is exhausting – doing well in school, finding a job, buying a house. I'm stressed out just thinking about it.

I know. Fo xi is the only way to go.

Agreed. Let's go take a nap.

Now that the post-00’s generation are entering adulthood, how are the post-90’s kids doing? Well, they’ve already given up and are ready to become hermits in caves.

They are fo xi, people who have seen through the nihilistic nature of our material world, abandoned all desires and now live like buddhas.

In a series of viral posts in the first month of 2018, a member of this generation described the fo xi philosophy. People who are fo xi don't set any professional goals, and therefore have no anxiety about not achieving them. They post photos on WeChat but don't care about how many people ‘like’ them. They don't really mind what they have for lunch or dinner because food is just food.

If socks show up when they order pants from Taobao, they just keep the socks, because arguing and complaining is unthinkably exhausting. “Okay” and “sure” are their answers to almost anything.

This nihilistic attitude is the latest addition to a long list of traits of the post-90’s generation that annoys the heck out of the post-80’s generation, who call them lethargic, unenthusiastic and soft. While most of these post-90’s kids don't even care to defend themselves, some have cited the lack of social mobility as the cause. Class solidification only happened after the post-80’s generation had already made their fortunes. Nowadays, the social status of the family you are born into very much determines your life trajectory. Changing that trajectory is nearly impossible and highly costly.

If you don’t hope, you don’t get disappointed; if you don’t fight, you don’t get hurt. “I’m not from a rich family, nor am I super smart,” one of them wrote in his post. “How my life will turn out is very much up to chance. Why exert any effort?”

Mia Li

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LIFE &

STYLE

A NEW CHAPTER

A traditional Beijing home becomes an artfully designed book shop, p20

Style News p16

Celebrity Fashion p18

Festive Accessories p22

SPOTLIGHT

KIM LEITZES

Founder & CEO of ParkLU interview by Dominic Ngai

Influencers, known as KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), are an essential element of Chinese social media today. But how can marketers use them to their advantage? Kim Leitzes helps companies sift through the cluttered Internet with ParkLU, a platform that pairs brands with KOLs. Tell us why you started ParkLU.

I started a fashion blog called ParkLU, where I’d write about cool things that I found on Taobao, and a few months into blogging, American fashion brands started approaching me to do some sponsored content. By 2015, ParkLU morphed into a platform that makes it easy for marketers, designers and brands to discover the right influencers or KOLs to work with.

How does the pairing process actually work?

We took what we were doing manually, and built a website and an app around it. The matching process is based on the content and engagement data of over 15,000 KOLs across 11 social media platforms. To make sense of it all, we depend on our own bilingual, proprietary database that includes profiles of 80 fashion, beauty, lifestyle and travel brands.

What are some qualities of a ‘good’ KOL?

Regardless of the size of their following, good KOLs tend to have high engagement and a loyal following. They bring value to their followers with their consistent, authentic and quality content. Having a thousand super fans is more important than having a million followers.

How do you measure the effectiveness of a collaboration with KOLs? That depends on the goals of the brand.

Besides click-through traffic data, marketers should also be looking at whether their search rate has increased on Tmall, WeChat or other relevant platforms, meaning whether the collaboration has generated more awareness and if it had prompted people to do more research.

What are some common missteps that you see with collaborations between KOLs and brands?

terms of what they are looking for. The blank slate of ‘do whatever you think is best’ doesn’t work well either, as most people don’t really mean it when they say that.

What advice do you have for people who are becoming a KOL or starting their own content creation business?

Pick a format and platform that you’re able to create content for and post everyday – consistency and frequency matters more than perfection in today’s digital world.

Find out more at parklu.com

There’s often a mismatch in expectations regarding how much creative freedom the brand is offering the content creator. It’s important that this is clear before the collaboration starts. Marketers should trust that the KOLs know what their audience wants, but at the same time, they must offer some guidance and instructions to the content creators in WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 15

STYLE RADAR COVET

UNDER THE LENS

NEW DOGS, OLD TRICKS

A DRESSING DOWN

Among all the CNY-themed sneakers released last month, the adidas Ultra Boost ‘Year of the Dog’ seems to be the most tasteful in design. Forgoing the stereotypical hongbao red, embroidered floral, and animal prints, the designers went with intertwining hues of red and black for the Primeknit upper, while a special logo with the Chinese character ao (meaning ‘Tibetan mastiff’) is placed on the tongue as a nod to this year’s zodiac animal. adidas.com.cn

16 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Known for her androgynous image, singer Chris Lee has become a favorite of everyone from famous European fashion houses to streetwear brands. So when she showed up at an awards ceremony dressed in a black qipao, leather gloves and a pair of white Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, netizens flooded social media with comments.

While some praised the look as a “daring” and “avantgarde” take on the traditional Chinese dress; others said it’s a complete mismatch with her image.

OVERHEARD

“Guess I should think about going back to being a designer?”

...writes actor Daniel Wu on Instagram, after finding out that a Mongolian yurt-inspired library in Chengde he co-designed with Shanghai architecture firm HDD received a nomination for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ International Prize 2018. Since October, the 43-year-old Chinese-American actor, who holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, has been traveling across rural parts of China for interior design and remodeling projects for the popular Chinese reality TV series, Dream House. Wu is best known to Western audiences for his leading role in AMC’s Into the Badlands.

E DI T E D B Y D OMINIC NG A I / bje di t or @ ur b a n a t om y.c om

COVET

A Dog Eat Dog World It’s not uncommon for brands to roll out products inspired by the zodiac animal during Chinese New Year, but Gucci gone crazy this year with its 38-piece dog-themed collection, which includes bomber jackets, polo shirts and handbags. The cheapest item on the list is a keychain that features a cartoon Boston terrier named Bosco – that, however, will still cost you RMB1,900. gucci.cn

SCENE&HEARD

CORIANDOLO HAMLEY’S The world’s biggest and oldest toy store (or so their marketing goes), has opened a location in Beijing. Hamley’s was founded in London in 1760, but its super-sized megastore fits right in on Wangfujing, where kids and their overwhelmed parents explore floor after floor of toy options. Buy stuffed animals, toy racetracks, princess outfits – even dancing robots. It’s all there for playing (and spending) purposes.

Daily, 10am-10pm; 255 Wangfujing Jie, Dongcheng 东城区王府井大街255号 (6526 6108)

‘Coriandolo’: It's Italian for ‘coriander.’ But it also an attractive new lifestyle boutique in Shuangjing’s art mecca Pingod. The compact store is spread over two floors: goods on the ground floor and an art space above. Pinterest-worthy floral arrangements take center stage, but you can also pick up candles by Australian brand Plain & Simple. And if you spend RMB299, you get a free coffee. (Looking at the prices, this should not be hard to achieve.) Coriandolo does have a Taobao store, so you don’t even need to set foot in store, but the ambience and friendly staff make it worth the trip.

Tue-Sun, 11.30am-8.30pm; 3-28, Art Street, North Pingod, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang (next to Today Art Museum) 朝阳区百子湾路32号院苹果北区22院街艺术 区步行街底商B座3号楼28号 今日美术馆旁边) (5826 3385)

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TRADITIONAL

SPORTY

CELEBRITY: EDDIE PENG T RAITS:

Casual, comfortable, youthful

W HAT TO WEAR:

Energetic colors, stripes, subtle patterns

CELEBRITY: ANDY LAU

The Chinese Celebs That Best Represent the Seven Universal Style Types

by Annie Atienza and Dominic Ngai

Shanghai-based stylist Annie Atienza guides us through the ‘Seven Dominant Style Types’ – an important principle in the world of image consulting – and we pick the Chinese celebrities who best represent each style. Which one are you?

18 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

CELEBRITY: CARINA LAU T RAITS:

Subtle, sophisticated, timeless

W HAT TO WEAR:

Understated colors, few accessories, top-quality fabrics

W HAT TO WEAR:

Neutral colors, minimal prints, woven fabrics

ELEGANT

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

T RAITS:

Conservative, formal, serious

ROMANTIC

CELEBRITY: FAN BINGBING Gentle, sweet, feminine

W HAT TO WEAR:

Pastels, floral prints, flowing silhouettes

CREATIVE

CELEBRITY: CHRIS LEE T RAITS:

DRAMATIC

T RAITS:

CELEBRITY: ZHANG ZIYI T RAITS:

Bold, eye-catching, fashion-forward

W HAT TO WEAR:

Artistic, exciting, confident

Bold colors, structured lines, standout details

W HAT TO WEAR:

Bright happy colors, mixed prints, statement accessories

ALLURING

CELEBRITY: SHU QI T RAITS:

Sexy, provocative, powerful

W HAT TO WEAR:

Dark colors, leather, animal prints

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 19

LIFE & STYLE | INTERIORS

FINE PRINT

The Artfully Designed Magazine Library Proving that Print is Not Dead words by Dominic Ngai, photos courtesy of FON Studio

Project name: Spring Whispers Book Club Location: Dongcheng, Beijing Area: 70sqm

Design company: FON Studio

The brief: Spring Whispers Book Club bills itself as a ‘magazine library’ with publications spanning popular design, art, music, lifestyle and film.

Converted from an abandoned traditional sankaijian (three-room house), the owners enlisted FON Studio to oversee the restoration project, creating a modern, minimalistic interior that echoes the house’s serene surroundings.

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Steel and teak reinforce the frame of the decaying structure, while wood is featured throughout.

INTERIORS | LIFE & STYLE

Wooden shelves and white steel shelves line the store walls.

Wooden panels installed on the west-facing windows allow sunlight to create dramatic shadows each afternoon.

Communal and individual tables are placed next to the windows, where readers can enjoy ample natural light and a view of the nearby river.

Independent magazines serve as art displays for the space.

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 21

LIFE & STYLE | FASHION

IN THE

RED

Dressed for the New Year

compiled by Dominic Ngai

Red is a color that stands for many things, but during Chinese New Year, it’s all about happiness, good luck and prosperity.

Nike RMB699 nike.com

Zara RMB299 zara.cn

Beams RMB1,050 beams.co.jp

Burberry RMB2,200 burberry.cn Visvim RMB6,690 farfetch.cn

FOR HIM 22 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

FASHION | LIFE & STYLE

FOR HER H&M RMB699 hm.com

Zara RMB79 zara.cn

adidas Originals RMB899 adidas.com

Comme des Garcons RMB1,164 farfetch.cn Louis Vuitton RMB3,150 louisvuitton.cn

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 23

ARTS MAYBE MARS TURNS 10 The legendary record label releases an anniversary compilation album, p28

Film p26

New Music p31

Books p33

DRUMROLL

JULIE BYRNE

The US Folk Musician on Travel and the Natural World

by Erica Martin

Originally from Buffalo, New York, folk artist Julie Byrne left her hometown at 18 and spent several years traveling through the US, putting down temporary roots everywhere from Louisiana to Kansas. Her acclaimed 2017 album Not Even Happiness chronicles this period with spare acoustic guitar and Byrne’s affecting lyricism.

Why did you decide to return to your hometown, Buffalo, to record Not Even Happiness?

Well, I had been living in New York for about two years at that time, and I don’t think that my nature was really ever able to reconcile the pace and the demands of living in a place like New York City. My good friend and collaborator Eric Littman, who produced the album, and I began the recording process at an apartment in Brooklyn, and we ended up deciding to scrap the whole thing.

We decided that we needed to be somewhere that could offer more peace and quiet and spaciousness. So Eric took a hiatus from his job and we moved to Buffalo and worked day in and day out recording Not Even Happiness.

What made you decide to leave Buffalo and travel around the US to begin with?

I just never felt a very strong sense of belonging to the town that I grew up in. I love the land that my parents have and the house that I grew up in and being in their company, but I never felt a very strong connection to the community. I was just always dreaming of travel and learning through experience. For better or for worse, I’ve always been guided by my dreaming.

As someone who’s traveled extensively, what do you feel is different about visiting

somewhere as a tourist versus living there full-time?

I’ve never lived in a country other than the United States, so I can’t really speak to what that experience is like – I’m sure that it’s very thrilling and exhilarating in many ways, but there must be times where you just long so deeply for home, and the places and people that you’ve known the longest.

When I’ve lived in different cities, I’ve found that starting over is always very difficult. It is such a long process to even get a sense of direction in a new place, let alone a sense of community or work that is fulfilling.

I think there have been very uncomfortable periods of my life when I’ve lived in a new place.

How much influence did your father’s style of fingerpicking guitar have on your own music?

[My father] was definitely my primary influence. It’s his guitar that we used to record the album, and it’s his guitar that I tour with.

And I actually realized recently that the first instrument that I’ve ever heard was him playing the guitar. So I think that the impact that his playing has had on me probably reaches much farther than I’m even conscious of.

Several of your songs fluctuate, lyric-wise, between descriptions of nature and personal relationships. How are these two themes connected for you?

I think that love and the feeling of being in communion with the natural world – those two things have brought me the greatest sense of peace in my life. So I’ve never really thought about it that way, but it makes sense that they are interwoven throughout my creative life.

What are you looking forward to about this Asia tour?

Well, it feels so surreal to even have the opportunity to play my music there. I don’t really have any expectations – I rarely ever do when I’m visiting a new place. I’m just happy to be guided by the experience and the mystery of that. I hope to make new friends, to have the opportunity to meet people at the shows. That’s my favorite part.

Tue Feb 6, 9.30pm; RMB100 (advance), RMB120 (door); DDC (see Listings for details)

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 25

COLLAGE TRANSCRIBED

COMING SOON

Market My Words

FEBRUARY 1

The Greatest Showman

This musical biopic tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus, and his rise to fame in 19th-century NYC, as he begins working with many of his most famous performers like the Bearded Lady and Tom Thumb. Critics have praised Hugh Jackman’s charismatic performance as Barnum and the film’s visual effects, while it also recently won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

The real Barnum & Bailey ceased operations last year after 146 years.

Happy Death Day

FEBRUARY 2

With many critics describing this acclaimed horror flick as “Groundhog Day meets Scream,” Happy Death Day centers on college student Tree Gelbman, who is stuck in a time loop, reliving the day she was murdered over and over. She must try to solve her own murder and save herself before having to begin over again the next day. With a star turn from relative newcomer actress Jessica Rothe, Happy Death Day has been praised for pairing selfaware jokes and parody with classic slasher film tropes.

26 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

News about China overtaking the US to become the world’s largest film market (based on the number of movie screens and box office sales) first began circulating back in 2012.

The projection has resurfaced again after a statement by the SAPPRFT (State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television) that China would produce 800 films across 60,000 cinemas by 2020. Some industry experts agree with the prediction, citing China’s record-breaking RMB55.9 billion (USD8.6 billion) box office revenue in 2017, thanks in part to major hits like Wolf Warrior II. Because international films often find success in China (from Hollywood films like Coco to Indian film Dangal, which earned more in China than it did in its home country), the nation can further bolster its sales by importing more foreign films in a way that the US cannot. Paired with the slow yet steady rise of the domestic film market, China is in a good position to take the top spot.

Hao The #MeToo movement, embraced in Hollywood circles and beyond last year due to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, has begun to make modest progress in China (see p7). The movement’s success overseas, coupled with the release of films like Angels Wear White, which tells the story of an assault set in Xiamen, has inspired Chinese women working in the film industry, media and academia to tell their stories via social media. Subsequently, a student from Beihang University started a local version of the movement with the hashtag #WoYeShi.

Bu Hao

Despite the relative success of its predecessor The Force Awakens, which garnered a respectable RMB331 million in its opening weekend in China back in 2016, Star Wars: The Last Jedi failed to find its footing at the Chinese box office last month. The film earned RMB182.8 million during its opening weekend, which was well below the studio’s expectations considering it was heavily promoted in China, including a partnership between Disney and Wanda Cinemas that led to Star Wars-themed art exhibitions in 55 movie theaters across the country.

E DI T E D B Y E R IC A M A R T IN / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m

‘20%’ (2017)

‘Superman’ (2015)

‘Soulful Times’ (2017)

A dreamy start to the Beijing rockers’ debut album, ‘20%’ floats by with its simple piano arrangement and breathy vocals.

Hip-hop producer and MC Diamond D raps over a jazz sample of ‘Industrial Power,’ by Keith Mansfield, like they’re made for each other.

A breezy, easygoing track from the composer and his ensemble, ‘Soulful Times’ is indeed that, with groovy horns and keys adding to the fun.

‘Follow My Voice’ (2017)

‘I’ll Call You’ (2017)

‘Yun Yi’ (2016)

Acoustic guitar, strings and a voice that worms under your skin and into your heart – we’ll follow you, Byrne.

The tempo and drops are all there, but this trance track strikes a more subdued than celebratory tone. For late summer nights.

The rising Chinese indie band nails it with the perfect combination of jangly guitar and Joy Division-like bass.

She Never Sings Our Songs

Julie Byrne

Diamond D

Jay Guedz

Kyle Eastwood

Backspace

Our favorite tracks from artists playing in Beijing this month.

For full nightlife and gig listings, visit www.thatsmags.com

GIG POSTER OF THE MONTH Catch the lead singer of Beijing band The Sands, Liu Donghong, at Moguspace this month. With 20 years of guitar-playing under his belt, Liu won’t disappoint.

Sat Feb 10, 9pm; RMB80 (door), RMB66 (advance); Moguspace, 66 Jiaoda Donglu, Haidian 海淀区交大东 路66号 (6224 9830)

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 27

ARTS | MUSIC

ILLUSTRATION BY ZHENG DONG, DESIGNED BY GUO ZHEN

compiled by Erica Martin

Record label Maybe Mars is celebrating 10 years of unique and uncompromising releases with a 38-track compilation of songs from bands whose work has defined the label over the past decade. We asked artists involved in the project to share their thoughts on the label’s impact on China’s underground rock scene.

28 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

MUSIC | ARTS

AV Okubo

Genre: punk/noise/experimental Hometown: Wuhan Song on album: ‘Uncle’ “AV Okubo’s music adventure began a decade ago when we signed a contract with Maybe Mars. Since then, our touring has spanned more than half the world. In 2013, we toured with legendary [English post-punk band] Gang of Four through China and Europe. Recently, we successfully invited Dave Sitek [of TV on the Radio] to produce our third full-length album.

One by one our dreams have come true. Long live Maybe Mars!”

Hiperson

Genre: rock Hometown: Chengdu Song on album: ‘Curtain’ “We met a lot of friends from working with Maybe Mars. For example, we’ve gotten to know Fazi from Xi’an and The Fallacy from Xinxiang [Henan province], and in 2016 we planned a concert together called ‘The Spirit of the Scene.’ For Maybe Mars’ 10th anniversary show in 2017, we invited Lonely Leary and Birdstriking to play the first song with us. It was very energetic with a bunch of boys screaming onstage! Maybe Mars’ more improvised and lax cooperation is very much in tune with indie music, and we are very grateful for their support.”

Fazi

Genre: post-punk/surf-rock Hometown: Xi’an Song on album: ‘Borderless’ “Maybe Mars has a good system – they clearly understand the ideas of their bands and provide their full support, including a focus on overseas expansion, which is very important to Chinese independent music. Many new Chinese bands are getting more exposure as a result of this.”

Dirty Fingers

Genre: punk Hometown: Shanghai Song on album: ‘Diaosita’ “The artists who sign with Maybe Mars have something very clear in mind, and when you join the label you are not joining a commercial company, but a family. That’s the reason the label is so careful about signing artists. Once they like you, they spoil you. They support us, give us freedom and help us on a personal level if we are in a difficult moment. They are cool.”

Alpine Decline

Genre: psych-rock Hometown: Beijing via LA Song on album: ‘Pre-Columbian Artifact’ “To us, Maybe Mars seemed like an organic manifestation of the scene that had flourished at [Beijing live house] D-22. When we came to Beijing in 2010, we were only in town two nights. We went to D-22 and saw The Molds, whose set led to no fewer than three fights in the crowd, Ourselves Beside Me, and P.K. 14 perform. It was real jaw-on-the-floor-type stuff. To us haggard lifers from the music circus, there was clearly something powerfully vital happening under the aegis of Maybe Mars and D-22. We returned to the US, got married, quit our jobs and promptly moved to Beijing.”

Birdstriking

Genre: noise rock Hometown: Beijing Song on album: ‘25’ “Whenever foreigners talk about Chinese bands, they will inevitably mention one or two Maybe Mars bands. In this sense, Maybe Mars is fantastic! Rock’n’roll fans from the post-80s and -90s generations basically grew up with Maybe Mars’ music, which is why Maybe Mars is right when they describe themselves as the voice of the Chinese youth.

They are more focused on the development of a band, rather than thinking about how well your album is selling, or how much money you can make in one show. They don’t consider these short-term goals, because good works of art must pass the test of time before they can be proved to be authentic.”

Chui Wan

Genre: psych-rock/noise rock Hometown: Beijing Song on album: ‘One Eye Closed’ “For me and the band, Maybe Mars is not just a record label, but also a family. It’s aesthetically first-class and inclusive, and musicians in the bands have been spared no support and help. We are very fortunate and proud to be a part of Maybe Mars.”

Maybe Mars 10 Year Compilation Album is available at www.maybemars.com.

Top to bottom: AV Okubo, Hiperson, Fazi, Dirty Fingers, Alpine Decline, Birdstriking, Chui Wan

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 29

ARTS | MUSIC

THE XX

An Essential Playlist Ahead of their Beijing Show compiled by Dominique Wong

British indie electronic group The xx (R-L: Oliver Sim, Romy Madley Croft and Jamie Smith, AKA Jamie xx) stop by Beijing early this month, to promote the their latest album I See You. It’s the band’s only mainland China gig, so grab your tickets and get ready by checking out our essential playlist.

COEXIST (2012) ‘Sunset’

The band perfects its restrained, borderingon-house sound to deliver an epic post-break up song, as Madley Croft sings: “After all that we had, we act like we had never met.” The track retains a sense of urgency thanks to Jamie xx’s tight production.

‘Try’

I SEE YOU (2017) ‘Dangerous’ (2017)

And with one unexpected note – trumpets! – the first track off third album I See You signals the trio’s triumphant and decidedly more upbeat return after a five-year hiatus between albums. A brave and brilliant move, considering the years of minimalist goodwill the band had built up.

‘Replica’

Can you move forward by looking backwards?

‘Replica’ seems to ask, as Sim confronts his past in this beautiful track. Piano adds another layer of dimension while plodding bass brings depth.

30 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

Despite the track’s opening, which sounds like the start of a club banger, Sim soon drops in, as does Madley Croft, and the two lament failed relationships. But don’t worry, the club beat manages to sneak its way back in a few times before the otherwise relatively straightedge electronic track peters out.

XX (2009) ‘Crystalised’

The song that started it all. You know how it goes: the guitar, the build up, the back-andforth vocals. It’s a bit rough around the edges – the band, which then included guitarist Baria Qureshi, were in their teens at the time – but the song sounds just as unique as it did when it was on repeat back in 2009.

THE NOTORIOUS XX (2010) ‘Dead Wrong Intro’

Producer Wait What’s mash-up album (what ever happened to mash-ups?) of tunes by The xx and The Notorious B.I.G. blew up the Internet in early 2010. New York magazine called the album, “really great stuff,” and even members of The xx claimed to have enjoyed it.

‘Dead Wrong Intro’ is the perfect, well, intro to the ingenious album, as the guitar riff seamlessly merges with Biggie chanting “B-I-G.”

Sat Feb 3, 7.30pm; RMB4480-1,680; Beijing Exhibition Center, 135 Xizhimen Dajie, Xicheng 西城 区西直门大街135号 (tickets via songkick.com)

Scan the QR code to listen.

MUSIC | ARTS

FOR THE RECORD Three New Homegrown Albums on Our Radar This Month

by Erica Martin

LOVE IS ILLUSION

by Joy Ginger

Beijing producer Joy Ginger offers up an EP of liquid, loungy R&B. Earnest and romantic, the songs feature twinkling, future-forward sounds laid over classic R&B grooves. He also braids in the types of ambient sounds that are appearing more and more in downtempo electronic music, with a charcoal pencil scribbling noise at the end of ‘Luv Letter’ and a few plaintive cat meows throughout the effervescent ‘Stay in My Arms.’ On the remixes, fellow producer sususu seamlessly weaves a horn section into ‘Moonbow,’ adding layers of funk to the vocal samples.

Listen at babelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-illusion

INTO ONE NAME

by Organ Tapes

Formerly based in Shanghai before relocating to London, producer and vocalist Organ Tapes released this record with Genome666MBP. With a pop sensibility that approaches romantic balladry, Into One Name is engaging from the first hums of its lovely opener ‘Rust’ to its closing track’s final twang. In between, Organ Tapes overlays dancehall-like beats with a dizzying array of experimental sounds, including Christian choir samples and the babbling of a brook. His autotuned vocals, mumbling about broken hearts and missed connections, sound like an emotionally present cyborg. Into One Name’s sci-fi and avant-garde elements allow it to fit squarely in with the rest of the label’s philosophy.

Listen at genome666mbp.bandcamp.com/album/gnm005-into-one-name

SPROUT

by Sound & Fury

Shenzhen’s Boring Productions proudly announces on their Bandcamp page that “bedroom pop rules the world,” so it makes sense that they’d end 2017 by releasing the debut of lo-fi pop band Sound & Fury. Hailing from Chengdu, the four-piece group toured and experimented for six years before recording Sprout. Vacillating between sugary pop and brooding shoegaze, the albums features a lo-fi grittiness throughout. Several of the best tracks, like the shambling ‘It’s All Ok,’ shine thanks to the mumbling vocals. The album as a whole has a sun-kissed, reflective quality, ending on a strong note with the stirring track ‘Candy Memory’ and seven-minute shoegaze closer ‘Snow Song.’

Listen at boringproductions.bandcamp.com/album/sprout

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 31

ARTS | F E AT URE

Got time to fill over Spring Festival? Erica Martin has got you covered with a list of Chinarelated books and podcasts to keep you busy.

S

EP

S HOW

Sinica Podcast Sinica is the longstanding leader in podcasting about Chinese current affairs. Hosts Kaiser Kuo and Jeremy Goldkorn interview a range of journalists, academics and policy makers to find compelling stories about the state of China today.

ISO

DE

Maeve in America – ‘The Roz Episode: 37 Round Trips from Shanghai to San Mateo’ In this episode of the comedian’s podcast, Maeve Higgins interviews Roz Koo, an activist and businesswoman who grew up in occupied Shanghai.

China Tech Talk A weekly podcast for those interested in technology and startup culture, this show covers a wide range of topics, including a recent mini-series chronicling China tech trends for 2017.

PODCASTS

The Ezra Klein Show – ‘Evan Osnos Interview on the North Korea Crisis, Trump’s Mental Health, and China’s Rise’

The China History Podcast One for the history nerds, historian Lazlo Montgomery has been running this deep dive into 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture since 2010. His latest mini series focuses on Chinese philosophy.

32 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

S

Vox’s editor-at-large Ezra Klein takes a look at current affairs in China in this interview with Age of Ambition author Evan Osnos.

StartUp: ‘Make China Cool Again – Season 6, Episode 4’ This episode of the entrepreneur-focused podcast chronicles China’s mission to amp up its soft power and cultural cachet, focusing specifically on the music industry and pop idols.

F E AT URE | ARTS

BOOKS

The Wangs vs. The World When boisterous businessman Charles Wang loses his wealth in the 2008 American financial crisis, he concocts a plan to return to China and start over, taking his entire family on a road trip across the States before they go. This debut novel by journalist Jade Chang found massive success last year thanks to its dark comedy and compassionate exploration of ChineseAmerican identity.

Little Reunions The latest book by celebrated Shanghai novelist Eileen Chang to be translated into English is this bleak doomed romance set during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai.

After growing up in a wealthy but unhappy family, a young woman begins an affair with a man who collaborates with the Japanese regime.

The Boat Rocker With the release of its paperback edition last fall, this latest work by notable Liaoning-born novelist Ha Jin centers on Feng Danlin, a fiercely principled journalist and Chinese expat in New York. The darkly comic novel follows Feng as he attempts to write an expose skewering his ex-wife, a financially corrupt novelist.

Little Fires Everywhere

Notes of a Crocodile

Written in 1994 and translated into English for the first time last year, this cult classic by notable LGBTQ+ writer Qiu Miaojin chronicles a group of teenagers in ’80s Taiwan exploring their identities and sexualities. The experimental work combines diary entries and vignettes with satirical prose.

The Golden Hairpin This newly translated book and audiobook debuts right at the tail end of CNY on February 20, just in time to tuck into on a plane ride home. Written by Hangzhou-born novelist Qinghan CeCe and set during in dynastic China, the suspenseful tale opens with teenage bride-to-be Huang Zixia being framed for the murder of her family, who authorities believe she killed to get out of an arranged marriage. She sets off to find the real killer and prove her innocence.

A follow-up to her best-selling 2014 debut about racism against overseas Chinese in America, Everything I Never Told You, this new work by novelist Celeste Ng chronicles a rule-following family in a wealthy suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, whose lives are upended when a freethinking mother-daughter pair become tenants at their house.

Little Soldiers: An American Boy, a Chinese School, and the Global Race to Achieve For fans of nonfiction, this examination of China’s school systems debuted last fall to much acclaim.

American journalist Lenora Chu is raising her family in Shanghai, and after enrolling her son in a state-run school, she began exploring both benefits and drawbacks to China’s approach to academics compared to the US. WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 33

ARTS | PICK OF SIX

Yin Xiuzhen, ‘Back to the End’ Through Mar 3; Pace Beijing

Yu Fang, ‘The Scene of Awareness’ Through Feb 11; Link Gallery

Sun Yu, ‘Luminary’

Through Feb 11; Tong Gallery+Projects

For gallery information visit www.thatsmags.com/beijing

Zhan Chong, ‘Moulds’

Through Mar 11; Gallery Yang

André Komatsu, ‘When the sun falls down Cont(IN)una project’ Through Feb 28, Galleria Continua

Group exhibition, ‘Infinite Rehearsal’

Through Mar 11; MOCUBE

34 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

HOT OFF THE GRILL

Chatting with Grill 79 Chef Deivid Paiva Executive Sous Chef Deivid Paiva, of Grill 79, talks the importance of family and supporting local farmers.

How did your upbringing influence your notion of food and cooking?

only want to give the best and send out only the perfect plate of food to our guests. It takes tremendous hard work to strive for perfection and excellence in everything that we do.

Growing up in Portugal and Brazil, I have always been surrounded by food. At home, my grandmother would always cook for the family and prepare feasts from the region during weekends.

I grew up in a family that loves cooking and really appreciates good food, which made me realize that cooking is about nurturing people. This is how I came to understand the true meaning of hospitality.

It has been [just] over a year since I moved to Beijing and I have really fallen in love with the place, the people, the food and the hospitality. The vegetable and meat markets here in Beijing are amazing.

When creating new dishes for the restaurant and the hotel, I try to infuse traditional Chinese flavors and ingredients in my European cuisine to bring a sense of familiarity to my guests and also to support our local farmers and producers.

What are the highlights and most challenging aspects of your job?

For the past 10 years, I have been working in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury 5-star hotel companies, spanning different countries including Ireland, South Africa, Portugal, Qatar, and now, China. It takes a really determined person to survive working in such high-pressured environments. Every day presents a challenge because we

A Q&A WITH...

Timothy O’Driscoll, General Manager of InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun

How has living in Beijing influenced you?

What is special about dining at Grill 79 at China World Summit Wing?

Grill 79 is an exceptional restaurant. It has views reaching all the way to the rooftops of the Forbidden City, [which makes it] a captivating destination for anyone in search of a memorable dining experience. During my tenure as its Chef de Cuisine, the restaurant has won a lot of accolades and awards including Best Restaurant for 2016,

Originally from Australia, Timothy O’Driscoll has worked in six hotels in China – though he’s also managed properties everywhere from England to Nigeria. We caught up with him while overlooking Sanlitun from the top floor of his hotel.

How does it feel to be operating such an iconic hotel?

It’s very exciting. Coming into a landmark property that people already know and taking charge of it from after the opening – it’s a dream for any general manager. It’s also exciting, from a hotelier’s point of view, to have that checklist of location, property, and market, and I think that this hotel ticks all those boxes. It’s amazing to be part of InterContinental’s 70 years of history, and this property is a fantastic milestone in its journey throughout the world as a global brand.

The hotel is on one of the busiest intersections in the city. What are the challenges of working in this location?

Every challenge has positives. This is my sixth hotel in China, but this one is its own destination, and that’s a huge plus. As soon as you mention Sanlitun, everyone knows it. If you open a hotel in a part of the city that isn’t as well known, you’ve got a harder job. There’s nothing worse than when you’re staying in a hotel and then you step outside and there’s a freeway. We’re in the middle of this fantastic lifestyle hub, and you can walk and explore and really discover what’s out there. The

Best Steakhouse for 2016, Award of Excellence for 2016, and many more.

How do you like to unwind?

I recently became a father to a beautiful daughter. And I really look forward to the part of the day where I get to hold her and take care of her.

Spending time with my wife and daughter at home is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Grill 79 (see Listings for details)

challenge for us now is how we really rise above the offerings, and how we enter that whole lifestyle center. We want to compliment the area, and we also want to do something that’s new.

What are you doing that’s new?

We’re launching a whole new enhancement in Char Restaurant. We’re showcasing 55 different types of bubbles – Champagnes, sparklings and cavas, from the very very top end, but also down to the fun drinking, very reasonable prices, what I call scoffing wines [laughs].

We’re also enhancing our grill. We are showcasing the very best Australian beef. After the 14-year ban on American beef was lifted, we were the first to launch US beef in Char Restaurant. Now we are bringing the first South African beef to the city.

What would you say to Beijingers who’ve walked past the hotel but haven’t gone in?

Step inside! A lot of people get excited about the lights on the outside of our building, but the magic really starts on the inside. We’ve got a wonderful third floor, with great restaurants and bars. We don’t just want to be a luxury international hotel – we want to be part of the community and enhance Sanlitun as Beijing’s lifestyle hub.

InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, No. 1 South Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区南三里屯路1号北京三 里屯通盈中心洲际酒店 (6530 8888)

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 35

MOVING

MOUNTAINS The Rural Chinese Town Becoming a Global Skiing Hub words by Noelle Mateer additional reporting by Chang Qian

36

cover story

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cover story

Hebee doesn’t like winter sports.

“I don’t really care for skiing,” she tells me, at the base of one of China’s finest ski slopes. “I’ve only done it a handful of times in my past three years here. I’m too busy.”

Hebee is just here to work. The restaurant manager had originally left her home city of Zhangjiakou, Hebei, after university, to work in Shenzhen. (“It's Chinese-English,” she says of her unu-

sual name, with a smirk.) The opportunities in Shenzhen were greater, the city had a fun, international feel, and it was warmer. She loved it.

But then Zhangjiakou was announced as the home of the 2022 Winter Olympics, alongside Beijing.

Hebee felt the pull of opportunities close to home. And so she went to Chongli, a rural district of Zhangjiakou, where, she’ll admit, she’s kind of bored.

“Are you happy here?” I ask.

“Sure,” she says with a shrug.

“Are you looking forward to the Olympics in 2022?”

“Sure… I guess,” she says with a laugh and another shrug.

Hebee pours me a beer from behind the bar where she works, an Americanstyle brewpub at Thaiwoo Ski Resort.

Thaiwoo is one of China's nicest resorts, but today, the temperature is -20 degrees Celsius, the coldest of the year. I'm one of three customers.

“What about your friends and family, do they ski?” I ask.

“Not really,” she says. “Well, actually, I do have one friend who likes to ski.

She came up here once to try it, and now she loves it.

“She’s from Beijing though.”

The mountains around Chongli are a ruddy brown, and snow must be produced artificially for them to be skiable at all. Skiing is not native to this region – in fact, the first ski field didn’t open here until 1996. Residents of Chongli did not grow up learning to ski. They

38

grew up, mostly, farming.

Only now, Chongli is in the midst of a jaw-dropping transformation, as China experiences a boom in winter sports facilities. In 2000, China was home to 50 ski resorts. As of 2015, the country had 568, according to China Ski Industry White Book, by industry veteran Benny Wu. Nowhere has been more impacted by this transformation than Chongli, where a small population of 126,000 now supports seven ski resorts. Before Thaiwoo took over one of its mountains, a tiny farming village existed at its base. The average income there was RMB600 per month, making it one of the poorest regions in China. Since the Olympic announcement, however, Chongli has seen investment in local ice and snow tourism reaching nearly RMB88 billion as of last summer, and last winter (2016-17), Chongli received 2.77 million visitors, according to China Daily.

The story of fast-paced development is one that has played out in countless towns in China before – except in

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Clockwise from left: Children learn to ski on Chongli's slopes; construction continues at Thaiwoo Ski Resort; the Olympic logo is dysplayed in downtown Chongli

I don’ t really care for skiing. I’ ve only done it a handful of times. I’ m too busy Chongli, the Olympics will introduce more than GDP-boosting infrastructure projects: They’ll give the town a new identity. Chongli residents, many of whom had never skied before the Winter Olympics announcement, are now the backbone of the country’s finest ski resorts.

And even those who don't ski are finding ways to profit off the recent push.

Liu Juan, for example, has lived in Chongli for 20 years, but only recently learned to ski. She’s making money from China’s ski boom nonetheless.

In early 2015, Liu invested in property along downtown Chongli’s main strip, and opened one of the town’s first coffee shops. (Today, there’s a Starbucks at Thaiwoo.)

“It was a big gamble,” she says.

But it paid off, when later that year, Zhangjiakou was announced as an Olympic host.

From her cafe, whose decor looks conveniently similar to popular Korean chain Maan Coffee, she tells me there were hardly any foreigners in Chongli before the announcement. Now, the

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Most of our customers are Beijingers. We give some free passes to locals, but they often prefer to work

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former vice premier of Croatia is a regular.

“He’s some sort of ambassador for the Winter Olympics. He came and drank my coffee,” she says. (Ante Simoni was the Croatian ambassador to China from 2008 to 2013, and was quoted by Xinhua as saying: “Chongli boasts of high quality snow and the best skiing coaches, so welcome to Chongli for skiing fun.”)

Few people know Chongli better than Liu. As president of the Chongli Photographers’ Association, she’s dedicated the past two decades to documenting the county with her camera. She gives me a copy of Charming Chongli, a book of photos that she produced with fellow photographers.

“See this?” she says, pointing at a photo of a lush, verdant valley on its pages. “I took this photo in 2007.

Today, it’s just a highway.” She flips the page: “This one is a ski resort now.”

Since the Olympic announcement, Liu has shifted her focus from nature shots to documentarian ones, focusing on the changes happening in her region.

“I take pictures of houses being demolished and apartments being built,” she says. “Because I think it’s important to document the changes.”

Residents who’d had their land taken away and given to resorts were, for the most part, compensated generously, as well as given new apartments downtown. According to Summer Zhou, a

director of Thaiwoo, these farmers are first in line for jobs on the resort.

“We offer training for locals,” says Zhou. “We give some free passes to locals, but they often prefer to work.”

According to Liu, that’s because: “Ski culture is something that was introduced to Chongli. It’s not original.”

To see a part of Chongli’s past that predates its snow sports, Liu recommends something unusual: A Catholic cathedral.

“There’s a Catholic history of this town – it’s been around for 300 years,” she says.

Today, Chongli boasts a sizable Catholic minority – left over from missionary visits that occurred centuries ago. In the 18th century, the town, then known as Xiwanzi, was a hub for Catholicism in Northern China, according to Xinhua.

Xiwanzi was designated as a diocese in 1946, and outlawed shortly thereafter, when the People’s Republic was founded.

“That church is rebuilt,” says Liu. “The original one got burned down during the Cultural Revolution.”

Catholicism is no longer banned by the Chinese government, but the Diocese of Xiwanzi is. Priests in the unrecognized diocese refused to officially register as members of the Patriotic Association – thus rendering their practice illegal. Several priests have been arrested in Hebei in recent years, according to CNN.

Opposite page: A staffer watches the ski lift at Thaiwoo Ski Resort; This page, top to bottom: A statue of a winter athlete stands tall in Chongli's main square; Photographer and cafe owner Liu Juan holds her photo book, Charming Chongli; Chongli's cathedral displays the town's long history of Catholicism

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Liu, meanwhile, is not Catholic. She just thinks history is important.

“The Great Wall was built here during the Ming dynasty, and Chongli also has this religious culture,” she says. “The local government isn’t showing the full character of Chongli.”

Skiing may not be from Hebei, but many claim that it is from China. The world’s oldest documented skiing culture can be found in Xinjiang, where cave paintings in a remote town show ancient dwellers sliding down hillsides on fur-coated planks of wood.

“You know, we say skiing started in China,” says Benny Wu, chief strategy officer of Vanke Group’s ski resort devision. “But this is not that kind of skiing.

This ski culture comes from Europe.”

Wu is one of the world’s foremost experts on China’s ski industry. He began working in Chongli in 2008 (“During that period, ski resorts were very poor,” he says), and later joined Wanda Group to develop a European-style ski town, complete with two golf courses, in Jilin province, home to what is arguably China's finest skiing terrain. “I had Olympic thoughts for there,” he says, smiling. “But now the Olympics are coming to Beijing.”

Today, he’s turned his attention back

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to Hebei. But while Wu is an old hand in China’s ski industry, he only started skiing when he was an adult.

“I started skiing when I was 30 years old,” he says. “But my children are 9 and 11, and I’ve already got them learning on the slopes.”

The China National Tourism Administration expects to see over 300 million people involved in winter sports by 2022. Wu believes China’s young people will make this possible.

Liu Juan’s son, for instance, is currently studying winter sports management at a sports academy in Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital.

Unlike his mother, he grew up skiing – Liu sent him to ski camps each winter.

“He thinks Chongli is great, and would like to come back to work, but maybe after some exchange programs to the West,” she says. “A lot of families here are in the same situation. My friend’s son just graduated high school, and started working as a ski coach.”

Recently, Zhangjiakou University introduced a mandatory skiing instruction program for freshmen, the first of its kind in the country.

Wan Bo is a university student who spends his winters in Chongli, in between semesters in Tianjin.

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Counterclockwise from far left: Hebee stands in the brewpub at Thaiwoo Ski Resort; a lift provides at scenic view of Thaiwoo Ski Resort; Chongli's Ice and Snow Museum stands in downtown Chongli; the mountains of Hebei are coated with artificial snow

“All my friends love to ski,” he says.

“I want to learn to ski and go skiing with them.”

“The market is largely Beijingers, and increasingly, people from Shanghai and South China, who travel North to ski,” says Benny Wu. “And now many people from Beijing are investing in Chongli. Many have already moved there.”

Beijinger Cui Bo invested in Chongli property five years ago, before the town was announced as an Olympic host. Cui, by the way, goes by ‘Skymaster,’ because he wears a Storm Trooper costume to Star Wars events in his spare time. “He’s part of the official storm trooper army,” his business partner, Xin, tells me.

Both Skymaster and Xin have been passionate skiers for years – though Xin says that, when he first started skiing in Chongli in 2007, there was just one guesthouse, and only one hot pot restaurant in town. When I ask Xin what he would have thought had someone told him then that Chongli would one day host the Olympics, he laughs.

But by 2015, the tides had changed.

Ski culture is something that was introduced to the city.

It’ s not original

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The Great Wall was built here during the Ming dynasty, and Chongli also has a religious culture.

The local government isn’ t showing the full character of Chongli Skymaster opened a store on Chongli’s main strip, and waited patiently for his new home to be announced as Olympic hosts. (If there’s one paradox I come across again and again while talking to Chongli residents, it’s that everyone was surprised Chongli got the Games – but also, no one thought they’d go to the runner-up: Almaty, Kazakhstan.)

Today, Skymaster and Xin fix ski parts and sell sporting accessories in their shop, Nordica Lounge, one of the most successful stores in the area. “We have more and more foreign customers,” Skymaster says. “But mostly people from Beijing, some Shanghai.” Chongli residents? Not so much.

Skymaster believes life has improved in Chongli over the past few years,

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Top left: Skymaster and Xin stand in their Chongli workshop; above and right: skis and skiing equipment are displayed in Skymaster and Xin's store

and even mentions seeing traffic jams form on the street outside his shop – a brand new phenomenon.

Of course, development isn’t always good. On the country road winding between downtown Chongli and Thaiwoo Ski Resort, my cab driver complains about the cost of living. “Everything is more expensive here now,” he says.

That’s certainly the case for real estate – housing prices have doubled in Chongli since the Olympic bid, according to China Daily.

But overall, people speak positively about the changes. Hebee tells me her seasonal coworkers can still continue farming over the summer, essentially doubling their salaries. “Starting from March, they’ll go back to the field,” she says.

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You know, we say skiing started in China. But this is not that kind of skiing

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“In the past, there was nothing to do in the wintertime,” Benny Wu explains. “Now people can improve their income.”

For investors from Beijing, the opposite is true – there’s nothing to do in the summertime, when the tourists leave, and Chongli becomes quiet again.

And yet, Skymaster tells me that’s when Chongli is best. Liu Juan says the same, and so does Summer Zhou.

Hebee had mentioned that she’s from an area famous for its meadows, which I absolutely must visit, in the summertime. And even the real estate pamphlets I’d picked up read: “The average temperature in Chongli in the summertime is 18 degrees.”

It is perhaps telling that everyone in Chongli seems to prefer the summer – it’s when their town is theirs again. But as long as there’s profit to be gained from China’s snow sports boom, they’ll go along for the ride in the colder months.

Then in the spring, when the city dwellers these slopes were built for all leave, Chongli residents can have their town to themselves, in the nicest time of year.

above and below: ski resorts in Chongli

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NOW YOU SKI ME A Quick and Dirty Guide to China’ s Ski Areas Chongli (Hebei)

Why Go: Some of China’s best slopes, in easy striking distance of Beijing.

Slopes: Vary. Everything from easy to difficult.

Facilities: Top-notch. Thaiwoo has multiple high-end hotels operating at the base of its slopes; Wanlong Ski Resort has been known to throw music festivals.

Yabuli (Heilongjiang)

Why Go: To hit up the Harbin Ice Festival afterward.

Slopes: Passable.

Facilities: Average. Yabuli is one of China’s longest-running ski areas… but that also means it’s less than modern.

Beidahu (Jilin)

Why Go: Arguably the best snow in China.

Slopes: High-quality.

Facilities: As tricked-out as Dongbei gets. Wanda’s Changbaishan International Ski Resort is in the style of an Alpine ski town, and a Club Med offers all-food-and-booze-inclusive packages.

Guangzhou (seriously)

Why Go: You’re in Southern China; you’re curious about what an ‘indoor ski resort’ looks like.

Slopes: In a temperature-controlled dome; slated to open in 2019.

Facilities: Under construction.

Beijing

Why Go: You live in Beijing.

Slopes: Mild. The ones in Nanshan aren’t thrilling, but they aren’t awful either – bonus points for being an easy daytrip.

Facilities: Average. But hey – at least you can be downtown with a craft beer in your hand in an hour.

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GOING FOR

GOLD

by Dominic Ngai

Wu Dajing Short Track Speed Skating – Men’s

Having earned a silver (Men’s 500 meters) and a bronze medal (5000-meter relay) at his Winter Olympics debut in 2014, this 23-year-old speed skater from Heilongjiang just claimed victory at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup. Will his winning streak lead him to his first-ever Olympic gold?

Eight Chinese Athletes to Watch in This Month’ s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea 48

Sui Wenjing & Han Cong Pairs Figure Skating

While this is the duo’s first time representing China in the Winter Olympics, Sui and Han have been collecting accolades for years, including a gold medal at the World Championships in 2017.

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Jia Zongyang Freestyle Skiing – Men’s Aerials

China may be a snow sports underdog, but this Liaoning native’s victory in the Freestyle Ski Aerial World Cup last December is giving Chinese sports fans hope. Pyeongchang will likely to be Jia’s final Winter Olympics – will the 26-yearold be able to add a gold medal to his name before retirement?

Zhou Yang Short Track Speed Skating – Women’s

At just 26 years old, the Changchunborn speed skater has won Olympic gold three times, finishing first in the Women’s 1500-meter race during both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Games. The pressure is on for Zhou to defend her title this month.

Han Tianyu Short Track Speed Skating – Men’s

Han was just 17 when he picked up his first silver (Men’s 1500 meters) and bronze (Men’s 5000-meter relay) medals in Sochi. Four years later, and with more international trophies under his belt, many hope that Han will earn his first Olympic gold in Pyeongchang.

Fan Kexin

Short Track Speed Skating – Women’s Originally a favorite, Fan fell down during the 500-meter race in Sochi and failed to claim any medal in the event – though she ended up taking home silver in the 1000-meter just days later. Will Fan finally be able to pick herself up and dust herself off?

Xu Mengtao Freestyle Skiing – Women’s Aerials

Having just won gold in the FIS Freestyle International Ski World Cup last month, the 2014 silver medalist arrives in Pyeongchang with great momentum. Xu will be competing on the first day of the Year of the Dog, which also happens to be her father’s birthday.

In a recent interview, the 27-year-old skier has expressed her hope to bring home gold as a gift for Papa Xu.

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EAT &

DRINK

IN TRANSIT

The Sichuan favorite is back and boozy, p59

Ramen in China p54

Japanese Coffee p58

Cocktails p60

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GETTING MODERATELY DEEP WITH...

A Noodle Shop Owner

interview by Stephanie Wang, photo by Dominique Wong

This month, we speak with Chen Cheng, who owns a noodle restaurant on Chunxiu Lu. How are you feeling today?

Really great – I just got back from Japan.

What’s the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?

I have to walk my dog. Every morning, that’s my first thought.

Who is your best customer?

When and where are you happiest?

What is your motto?

We have a lot of lovely customers – some are very loyal and come here every day. Their support really reinforces what we’re doing.

When I was in Japan. I like the smaller, quieter areas that have kept their traditional culture and nature.

Probably people from my hometown. Our signature noodle dish is reganmian [hot dry noodles], which comes from Hubei province.

When people from my hometown come here, they don’t understand why it’s 20 kuai a bowl. They forget we’re in Beijing. Everything is more expensive here, like rent and wages, and we only use the best ingredients – like chilies from Sichuan. But I get that they want to try the dish out to see if it’s any good, because I would do the same.

The ability to fly.

It’s this… [shows us his tattoo] ‘If you view desire as a demon, it will be a hindrance; if you think of it as being a part of yourself, you will find relief; if you see it as being empty, you will be free.’ It means you shouldn’t become sick with desire and instead be satisfied with what you have.

The Japanese artist Takehiko Inoue. This artwork I painted [points behind him], was inspired by his style. I like him because of his rich mind and heart. It took him 10 years to finish one work. It reminds me that I should live simply and try to do everything well.

My health.

Who are your worst customers?

Which living person do you most admire?

What is your idea of the perfect day?

I often do things I enjoy – like, riding my motorcycle or painting – so I’ve already had many blissful days.

Which talent would you most like to have?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being completely independent. I have financial and personal freedom.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

I’d like to buy my own house.

What is your most treasured possession?

What trait do you most value in a person?

Honesty.

What is it that you most dislike?

I don’t let things bother me. Two sentences I’ve learnt this year that have been particularly useful are: it’s none of my business, and it’s none of your business.

What always makes you laugh?

Whenever I’m having fun.

What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened to you?

How my life has turned out. It’s so different than when I first came to Beijing in 2005, when I was only earning RMB1,500 a month.

Which era of Beijing’s history would you most like to have lived in?

I’d like to go back to the future.

Who is your hero?

Iron Man. Try Chen’s reganmian at Morning, 10 Taiping Zhuang, Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外春秀 路太平庄10号

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 51

GRAPE VINE SNACKS AND THE CITY

NEWS BITE

Drama. That’s the word that comes to mind this winter. Intrigue on Maizidian. Suspense in Sanlitun. Not only did Migas (Sanlitun) suddenly close forever (!), so too shuttered the doors of many other restaurants across our fair city.

Palms LA Kitchen & Bar announced the closure of its original Gulou location, so it’s official: Everyone’s evacuating the hutongs. By the end of 2018, all that will be left in Gulou will be a lone beer fridge and a handful of sad, confused English teachers. (Palms is keeping their Sanyuanqiao location open, though – so don’t freak out, kimchi burrito fans.)

Andingmen bar Ron Mexico is also set for the chopping block – or shall we say the blender? New ownership plans on mixing it up, and while we know little about the new management’s plans, we do know that the place will no longer go by an NFL player's sordid nickname (Google it).

Why the big change? We’d venture a guess that it has to do with Adam Gottschalk, the bar’s former owner and personality, who has since decamped to Queenie’s – you know, that sandwich-shop-turnedbar on Yonghegong that’s never not crowded. Gottschalk has helped open the second Queenie’s (AKA QS) in Chaoyangmen (#reviewcomingsoon).

The good news is some restaurants cannot be killed. Punjabi, Beijing’s favorite Indian restaurant, and one of its longest running, announced its closure last month, when owner Giresh Padrurry decided he’d be leaving for India in 2018. Public outcry was swift, and new ownership and funding soon saved the restaurant from closure. The restaurant will live on (though sadly without Padrurry’s antics).

But where are things opening?! you ask. Weirdly, Wangfujing. Beijing’s very first Cheesecake Factory is almost open. Happy Spring Festival to us all.

Omelette You Finish, But...

52 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

At New York City’s Mr. Bing, jianbings are sold for USD11-30. Who would pay that kind of money for a street crepe, you ask? Answer: pop star and bona fide ‘little fresh meat’ Kris Wu. The Chinese-Canadian celebrity was spotted at the food cart, shooting a video for food news site First We Feast. Wu and cohost Sean Evans attempt to make bings themselves – and Wu quickly fails, a trail of egg yolk dripping off the edge of his stove.

Fans loved the stunt: “OMG HE’S SUCH A KLUTZ I LOOOOVE HIM,” writes one commenter.

And New Yorkers appear to be loving Mr. Bing’s (New York-priced) bings – the shop plans on opening its second Manhattan location this spring. Mr. Bing’s less-than-authentic jianbing fillings include cheese and Nutella.

OFF THE BEATEN PLATE

Ready to meet your matcha?

Lay’s ‘Matcha Flavor’ potato chips are conquering 7-Eleven shelves across China. We tried them and can tell you: Well… they’re better than the yogurtflavored ones, at least? The highest praise overheard in our office upon our taste test was: “I guess it’s not that bad, the matcha flavor isn’t too strong.” Try the matcha chips – and Lay’s new cherry blossom chips! – at your own peril.

RMB6.70, 7-Eleven stores

E D I T E D B Y NOE L L E M AT E E R / bj e di t o r @ ur b a n a t o m y.c o m

MIFAN/MAFAN

We Tell You if the Rice is Worth the Hassle

Wonderwall Wonderwall is an Oasis (get it?) in the constant shifting scene of hutong bars. It’s easy to pass, with a glowing sign that looks more like an advertisement than entrance, but the cocktails are nice – and tiny. Our Wonderwall (vodka, strawberry, lemon and pineapple) and Champagne Supernova (sparkling rosé with popping candy) are RMB100 each, so if you want to save, grab a beer (RMB35).

Daily, 7pm-late; 2 Qianyuan Ensi Hutong, Jiadaokou Nandajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道 口南大街前圆恩寺胡同2号 (138 1158 1196)

Gertz The latest cafe-bakery to take on Sanlitun has some serious cred: founders Frank Nielsen and Uffe Gertz have been making bread for 30 years in their native Denmark. The Beijing branch is the pair’s first in China but – going by the rye bread and delectable pastries – probably not the last.

We’re not sayin’ fellow Taikoo Li cafe Baker & Spice should be worried or anything… but Gertz is pretty great, especially for those who can’t be bothered walking north 100 meters.

Daily, 10am-10pm; Shop 2-11, 1/F, Bldg 2, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号院2号楼1层S2-11单元

Bracket Gongti club meets coffee culture in this massive, Top 40-blaring cafe just west of Mix and Vics. So if you’ve ever thought, I could use a lovingly crafted latte, but I hate exposed brick, or I would love some single origin beans, but I detest hearing indie rock and light jazz, then you’re in luck. Also – is getting coffee before the club going to be a thing now?

Bldg 3, Gongti North Gate, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门北工体北路3栋 (186 1194 0409)

Kuma Café Do you ever wish that you could hang out with your favorite WeChat stickers in real life? Would you like to enjoy an overpriced latte with them? Then Kuma Café is for you. The store-and-cafe dedicated to Japanese mascot Kumamon features more photo ops than any sane person would have time for – but if there’s one thing this cafe and purveyor of RMB100 Kumamon phone cases proves, it’s that we, as a society, have all gone raving mad. Enjoy taking a photo of your Kumamon cake – because that’s pretty much all it’s good for.

Daily, 10am-10pm; 3/F, Beijing APM, 138 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区王府井大街 138号北京apm3层 (6559 9521)

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E AT & DR INK | F E AT UR E

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RAMEN

Wait, ramen is from where?

Dominique Wong dives into the Chinese history behind the beloved Japanese meal.

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F E AT UR E | E AT & DR INK

I never really ‘got’ ramen, the quintessential Japanese comfort meal of wheat noodles in umamirich broth. The first time I tried the dish was on exchange in Hong Kong in 2011. (In fact, coming from small-town New Zealand, which isn’t exactly a bastion for cultural diversity, that was the first time I tasted a lot of dishes.)

When a friend suggested Ajisen way back then, I wasn’t keen. To me, ramen was what you ate after a night in town, and it came in two flavors: chicken or mi goreng. Though Ajisen, with its tasty broth and cute winking girl logo, was admittedly a few cuts above the ramen of my youth, I remained somewhat skeptical.

Now, over half a decade – and several bowls of noodles – later, I have come to appreciate the steaming dish of starchy goodness and was surprised to learn recently that, according to historians, ramen may have actually originated in China. The name itself is derived from the Chinese word lamian, which means ‘pulled noodles.’

Historian George Solt delves into three competing origin stories in his book The Untold History of Ramen. The first theory dates back to 1665, naming legendary feudal lord (and udon noodle soup lover) Tokugawa Mitsukuni as the first person to eat ramen, after his Chinese advisor Zhun Shun Shui introduced toppings, such as garlic and green onions, to his simple kelp noodle soup.

The second story is set a little later. Following a treaty with the US in 1854, Japan’s ports opened up and increased trading was made possible. Foreign foodstuffs, like pork and wheat, both integral ingredients to ramen, were more readily available than before. Most Chinese traders migrated to treaty ports. There, they would cook simple chicken noodle soup with scallions that would later be served

by Chinese chefs working in Western-style restaurants. The dish was referred to as Nankin soba (Nanjing noodles), named after China’s then-capital.

We enter the 20th century for our third story. The year is 1910, and Rai-Rai Ken restaurant has just opened, where founder Ozaki Kenichi has kept the plain noodle soup of the late 1800s but added a soy sauce seasoning and toppings like roast pork, boiled spinach and seaweed, to form a dish that most resembles the ramen we know today.

Whichever origin story strikes your fancy (I’m personally a fan of the first one, because lords), it’s clear that ramen has evolved to become not only a

national staple of Japan, but also a cherished dish of any food buff.

Take self-described “ramen addict,” screenwriter Nicolas Tong, who has been eating ramen for over 18 years, though he first became addicted in 2013.

“It’s all about the soup,” the 30-year-old Beijinger says. (Check out Tong’s top picks on the next page.)

Tong’s aunt already opened a ramen joint in Harbin, but Tong hopes to open his own cartoonthemed one in Beijing one day. “Maybe I’ll make it buffet style and the restaurant characters [I feature] will be from my movie,” he says. Tong’s restaurant won’t open for a few years, yet he’s adamant that when the time comes he “must go to Japan to learn.”

When I ask Tong whether he’s heard of the origin story, he scoffs: “China claims that everything is originally from them. Maybe ramen really is from China, I don’t know, but the Chinese government [may as well] scream that whole universe is from China.”

According to Tong, the main difference between ramen in Japan and China is the quality of the broth.

“Some restaurants [in China] are not authentic at all – the soup is definitely not made from chicken and pork bones. It’s more like instant soup.”

After eating at various ramen joints in Beijing over a two-week period, I concur. There is good soup (Menya Musashi) and then there’s not-so-good soup (Ajisen). There’s an art to eating ramen: you must slurp up the noodles – the distinctive sound is called zuzutto in Japanese – to get the full taste and sensation down your throat. But my favorite part is when a layer of fat settles on top of the broth – then, I know it’s the real deal.

I see office workers, couples, a man who demands “miantiao [Chinese noodles] without soup” and even a person adding vinegar to their noodle’s rich tonkotsu broth. I overhear a waitperson exasperatedly explain to a customer: “The noodles are the same, and the meat is the same, but the soup is different.”

At famous restaurant chain Ippudo in the CBD, the waitperson tells me that yes “of course” ramen came from China, originally. However, for further inquiries I should refer to the contact form on the Ippudo website, thanks.

Meanwhile, the waitperson at Menya Musashi tells me that the restaurant’s Chinese cooks have all received training from a certified ramen expert from Japan. “I heard that ramen originated in China,” I say, to which she replies: “No, it’s from Japan.”

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 55

E AT & DR INK | F E AT UR E

HAKATA ITIKA Where Wangfujing Our That’s Beijing review says “The noods are authentic and delicious” (July 2017 issue) Who goes there Anti-social people, who like ordering off the touch-screens and eating in the cubicles Order The almond pudding for something sweet after your salty carbs Daily, 10am-11pm; 11-15 PW3 Building, Beijing Oriental Plaza, 1 Dong Chang’an Jie, Dongcheng 东城区东长安 街1号北京东方广场东方新天地商场平台层 PW3号店铺11-15 (5607 5290)

IPPUDO Where Kerry Centre Lonely Planet says “The most famous tonkotsu ramen shop in [Japan]” Who goes there People who read about it in Lonely Planet or other ‘top’ lists (including this one, we suppose) Order Any ramen, add on a barbecue pork bun if you’re not worried about extra calories (you are eating ramen, after all)

WU SHENJIA

HAKATA IKKOUSHA Where Parkview Green Known for Long-ass lines and friendly staff that loudly announce every customer’s arrival and goodbye Who goes there Solo diners – Hakata’s bench seating makes dining alone seem less awkward Order Blindly (there is no English menu or photos) Daily, 11am-9.30pm; LG2-10, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草 地B2楼LG2 (8561 9618)

Where Liangmaqiao Looks like A 12-year-old boy’s room meets traditional Japanese restaurant Who goes there Japanese expats and serious ramen eaters Order The fried chicken and super-strong Wu Shenjia special, a sesame oil barbecued pork noodle

Daily, 11.30am-11pm; 12 Xinyuan Xili Dong Jie Community, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源西里社 区东街12号楼后院 (6461 5745)

WHERE TO EAT RAMEN IN BEIJING

Daily, 10.30am-10pm; B23a, Beijing Kerry Centre, North Tower 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心地下一 层B23a (8529 8771)

KOYAMA Where Taikoo Li North That’s Beijing readers say That’s Beijing’s Sushi of the Year (Readers’ Choice, 2016) Who goes there People looking to impress their date Order The miso ramen and the sushi

Mon-Fri, 11:30am-1:30pm, 5:30-11pm, Sat-Sun, 11:30am11pm; NLG16B-17, B1/F, Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯太古里北区地下1层 NLG16B-17 (6417 5952)

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WUDI JIA Where Taikoo Li South ‘A TripAdvisor China Member’ says “The best ramen in Beijing” Who goes there People looking for a quick fix Order The golden barbecue pork ramen and fried dumplings

Daily, 10.30am-10.30pm; 3/F, Taikoo Li South, 10 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里 屯北路19号三里屯太古里南区3层 (6416 6891

R E S TAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK

CRAVINGS Back for More

by Noelle Mateer

When Nathan Zhang’s former restaurant was bricked amidst Beijing’s citywide renovations, he had some choice words.

“It’s violent and forceful, and unfair because we don’t get a say in it,” he told That’s in August, after local authorities bricked over the windows of his popular Xiang’er Hutong restaurant, White Tiger Village.

“Businesses here are forced to go out of business, and we don’t have a voice in the situation […] It’s not the same hutong – it’s not even a hutong anymore without these quirky businesses.”

But Zhang is not one to sit around complaining. Instead, he went to work building a new concept. Enter Cravings, his newly opened place just south of Chaoyang Park.

Ironically, the new spot is just across

another strip that fell prey to 2017’s widespread ‘brickings’ (nowhere is safe). Liulitun Zhonglu was home to Napa, before it was shut in the same manner as White Tiger Village. But Cravings is on the opposite side of the street, in the comfort of a mall. And what the new place loses in hutong charm, it makes up for accessible, all-ages fun.

Cravings strikes a rare balance: It is both family-friendly and hip. Its lemon-yellow walls feature street-art-style paintings by local artists and designers. Its menu offers sophisticated sharing plates, kid-friendly nibbles, and a robust list of beer and wine.

And during the day, Cravings transforms into a haven for brunchers, with reasonablypriced, creative brunch plates.

While kids romp in a seriously tricked-out play area, the adults take part in the equally serious business of eating. White Tiger Village was known for its ‘upscale chuan’r’ concept, but the idea here is less obvious – Cravings makes simply good, shareable plates with Western and Asian flourishes.

We start with a pot of mushrooms, topped with an onsen egg and Yunnanese ham (RMB52), and thrice-cooked crispy potatoes smothered in a tangy sauce made with popular local spice brand, DaQian (RMB48).

But the stars of the meal are the seafood dishes. Our tuna tartare (RMB98), featuring egg yolk and thin slices of crispy sourdough,

is like a sinfully good poke bowl minus the rice – which is the lamest part of any poke bowl to begin with, are we right? And we’re at a loss of words for how to describe the Hokkaido scallop tataki (RMB118) – drizzled in a hazelnut vinaigrette and burnt macadamia. Impress your date with this.

Dishes run the gamut from comfort food to seriously impressive cuisine. But what really makes them is the atmosphere in which they’re served: a gastrolounge for hutong hipsters, smack in the middle of Chaoyang.

Daily, 10am-2pm (brunch) and 6-11pm (dinner); 50m West of South Gate, Park Avenue Compound, Chaoyang 朝阳区公园大道生活广场喷泉北侧 (5719 2684)

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E AT & DR INK | R E S TAUR A N T S

MAEDA COFFEE The One Where We Pay RMB100 for Coffee words and images by Dominique Wong

We’re going to be honest with you: Maeda Coffee isn’t exactly new. The first branch was established in Kyoto way back in 1971.

Located on the second floor of Caochang, a hip building and courtyard opposite the US Embassy on Tianze Lu, Maeda’s Beijing branch is low-key cool. Decor is kept fairly neutral – and natural – featuring wood, stone and ambient window-blinds. The place is so serene that upon settling down on one of the sofas we feel utterly content – and we haven’t even ordered yet.

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According to the menu, founder Takahiro Maeda was 26 when he opened the first location, though his third son Ken is now in charge. Between them, that’s over 40 years of experience. Maeda also roast, grind and brew fresh coffee on site. Basically, Maeda wants you to know that it is a legit operation.

There’s a lot to consider here: original blend coffee (RMB58-98), Dutch coffee (RMB88), cinnamon milk tea (RMB68) and even soda floats (RMB58), all of which share little in common other than the fact they all cost over 50 kuai.

We go for the Benkei, a bold, and expensive AF (RMB98!), Yirgacheffe from south Ethiopia, plus the

‘matcha experience,’ which is pretty much a DIY – fun! – matcha, sold at a similarly premium price (RMB78).

Served on a tray in a ceramic cup that’s a work of art in its own right, our Benkei is accompanied by a cookie and name card, which reminds us of the blend’s complex flavors. It’s incredibly rich with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It’s costly, sure, but, to be fair, the same price as a cocktail in one of Sanlitun’s nicer bars. In saying that, we will probably order a cheaper blend next time but, hey, you do you.

We do indeed have fun whisking the matcha powder with hot water – it tastes far superior to the stuff you find in your average mall. Our Kyoto banana chocolate cake is also a delight, and at RMB58, significantly cheaper than our coffee.

Despite our bill, it’s hard to find fault with Maeda’s quality drinks and zen vibes. Our only regret is not ordering more dessert. But that’s on us.

Daily 9am-9pm; 201, 2/F Caochang, Tianze Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区天泽路草场201 (5623 4368)

R E S TAUR A N T S | E AT & DR INK

BODENSEE KITCHEN Heavy Hitters

by Holly Baer

TRANSIT

Beijing is drowning in German restaurants – overpriced bratwurst platters are almost as ubiquitous as brick piles in the hutongs. But Bodensee Kitchen ups the game with a menu full of flavorful options, all worth their price.

Bodensee feels homey from the moment you walk in. Located on the second floor above Maizidian’s South German Bakery, its warm, wooden space features cutesy kitsch and German-speaking staff at all hours.

We begin with Bodensee’s seasonal game meat menu (available through Feb 15), which features deer.

The deer goulash with poached pear (RMB138) is a succulent, flavorful rendition of the meat, with none of the gaminess that wild meat is prone to. Our garlic cream soup with fresh forest mushrooms (RMB38) is meaty and creamy, while not being too heavy. The

chestnut cream soup with roasted pumpkin seeds (RMB48) is similarly hearty, with a silky texture that makes us want seconds. If you like wild game, this is the place to go.

The deer specials are over after Chinese New Year, but not to worry – the regular menu is a treat as well. Just don’t come here if you’re looking for a light snack. Our Tyrolian schlutzkrapfen (RMB88), an Austrian dumpling filled with spinach, parmesan and brown butter, is as light as it gets. Our beef roulade (RMB126) comes with spaetzle and red cabbage. And as if that weren’t enough calories, we finish with a vanilla-and-raspberry Bavarian mousse (RMB48).

But most importantly, beer – what is a German restaurant without it? We sample everything from Bitburger draft (RMB54, light and refreshing) and Weihenstaphan wheat (RMB40, a tad darker) to Schoefferhofer grapefruit wheat (RMB38, sessionable and almost soda-like) and a lumbumba (RMB40, hot chocolate with Meyer’s Rum). The drinks are classically German, with some unexpected twists – kind of like Bodensee Kitchen.

Daily, 8am-midnight; 27 Lucky Street, 1 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园路1号好运街 27号 (131 4685 2613)

Going Places

by Noelle Mateer

Transit has reemerged after a painfully long hiatus – a hibernation that left Beijingers woefully lacking a restaurant that could pair wine with koushuiji. If you’ve never been to Transit, you ought to go. If you simply haven’t been in a while, it’s time get reacquainted.

But first, a rundown, because the gist remains the same: Transit serves modern, elegant takes on traditional Sichuanese dishes.

Also, drinks. Really good drinks.

Transit 2.0 has reopened without Cicada Ultralounge, the sister (ultra) lounge next door – but the lounging lives on in a new space, positively dripping in chic 1930sShanghai vibes, where we sip on gin and tonics mixed with huangjiu (RMB80 and surprisingly smooth).

Nothing is traditional – what other restaurant mixes gin and yellow wine? – and yet, everything is deeply inspired by tradition.

Owner and founder Catalin Ichim traveled

to Zigong, a salt-mining town outside of Chengdu, to research the miners’ unique diet. Following tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, the cuisine is meant to protect miners from the ills of working in steamy, salty places – and therefore uses fresh chilis rather than dried. This culinary history is on show in our Zigong-style fava beans (RMB58), as well as in our Salt Miners’ Wild Eel Stew (RMB188) – two remarkable dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Beijing.

At Transit, spice is not violent – but neither is it mild. It starts as a gentle tingle that slowly builds into a buzz, and no, Transit does not spike its sauce with opium like the notorious Sichuan restaurants of Gui Jie. Yes, you can get high off of excellent cooking.

(And also off of huangjiu gin and tonics.)

Daily, noon-2pm and 6-10pm; N4-36, Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号 三里屯Village北区N4-36号 (6417 9090)

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E AT & DR INK | B A R S

SCANDAL Making a Scene

words and images by Dominique Wong

New Sanlitun bar Scandal is a bit of a misnomer. It’s less political thriller, more tropical funk fest – perhaps the biggest scandal is that it’s not another speakeasy (the reigning Beijing bar trend).

Scandal’s arrival confirms that we’ve entered the era of prestige cocktail bars. The space is big and shiny. There is no cheap Taobao accessory or generic cocktail in sight.

It feels fresh, or, as our drinking companion says, pointing to one of the bar’s black marbled tabletops: “Very Instagrammable.” Search the hashtag #scandalbeijing on the social media app and a photo of said tabletop indeed shows up.

Yet the Courtyard 4 spot has other ’grammable features. Like velvet green walls, palm trees and a pink neon sign at the entrance. There’s also a DJ booth. Aesthetically, it reminds us of a Wes Anderson film – all symmetry and tightly controlled color palettes.

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daring and complex.

We are big fans of the earthy sweet, yet spicy, ‘Rosemary,’ a mix of rosemary-infused cachaca, almond syrup, green pea puree, pineapple juice and – wait for it – yellow mustard. Our friend is taken by ‘Coffee Bean’ – cold brew coffee with tequila, Mezcal, passionfruit and lime – whereas we are less enthralled. Basically, order to your taste, and you won’t be let down.

There is a method to the madness: The bar uses a sous-vide machine, whereby cocktail ingredients are sealed in a bag, placed in a water bath, and slowly cooked at a set temperature for hours. It sounds like a hipster fad, but it ensures the taste of each infusion is consistent.

Trend or not, it’s working for Scandal. Even during soft-opening, the place is packed by 10pm. Come springtime, it’s what everyone at work will be talking about on Monday morning, and will likely inspire countless selfies in front of Scandal’s pink sign.

Daily, 7pm-2am; Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang (next to Izakaya Hashiba) 朝阳区工体 北路4号院 (桥长居酒屋旁边) (6508 5150)

CITY SCENES Tiny, teddy-bear hugging human does not appreciate when men tell women to smile, at Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing’s Christmas Appreciation Party.

Man on right suddenly realizes he’s wearing the same exact outfit as Chef Federico Zanellato in the TIAGO Global Star Chef Program.

Woman gives a thumbs up sign, mans gives tentative signals that he’s OK with being photographed, at WOO Space’s ‘Genius at Work’ pop up.

Iron Chef contestants have no idea that the poster behind them has already chosen the winner, at an event with Executive Chinese Chef Kenny Chan in China World Hotel.

After years of meditative practice, man and woman finally reach state of nirvana, at China World Summit Wing’s New Year Concert.

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EVENTS

Backspace and Agoraphobia / Concert

Zhang Jing Trio Gig

HEAR

Diamond D DJ NYC hip-hop legend and MC Diamond D plays a DJ set at Yue Space, alongside local MCs Purple Soul, Half a Blunt, DJ Kut Daily and Believe.

Sat Feb 3, 8pm; RMB150 (advance) RMB200 (door), Yue Space, 7 Banqiao Nanxiang, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng 东城区北新桥街道板桥南 巷7号人民美术印刷厂内

Check out a double-header of Chinese indie rock with Backspace and Agoraphobia.

Backspace is a newly-founded outfit, but they’ve already recorded with local legend Yang Haisong. Meanwhile, Agoraphobia’s cred comes from opening for Birdstriking last year.

Sun Feb 4; 9-11.30pm; RMB50 (advance), RMB60 (door); Dusk Dawn Club (DDC, see Listings for details)

Zhang Jing is an acclaimed guitarist who composes jazz tunes with elements of funk and rock. He’ll be playing alongside bassist Dan Zylinski and drummer Victor Bastidas.

Tue Feb 27, 9pm; RMB50 (advance), RMB60 (door); Dusk Dawn Club (DDC, see Listings for details)

B’Rock Orchestra Concert

youANDme / DJ

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine Concert

Celebrate the Spring Festival with none other than the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, who will be performing a special New Year’s Concert.

Fri Feb 19-Sun Feb 21, 7.30pm; RMB100-880; Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, 9 Tianqiao Nandajie, Xicheng 西城区天桥南大街9号楼 (tickets via en.damai.cn)

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Celebrate something opening on Sanlitun Bar Street, rather than getting bricked up, with the launch party of new Sanlitun club Aurora. Berlin DJs youANDme, who have played their acclaimed brand of techno the world over, will perform. Support comes from Pancake Le, Mario Yu, Tucoco and Sunk.

Fri Feb 2, 10pm-late; RMB50 (advance), RMB80 (door); Aurora, 3/F Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯同里三层302室

B’Rock is making baroque music cool again. The punks of the Early Music world will play selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with their innovative style alongside soloist Rodolfo Richter.

Sun Feb 25, 7.30pm; RMB80-400; NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西 城区西长安街2号

EVENTS

Bingo / Gaming

The Hidden Bar Party

DO

Hand-Pulled Noodles and Dumplings Cooking We know you love eating noodles and dumplings but we bet you a dozen jiaozi that you don’t know how to make ‘em. Discover how to do just that at China Culture Center’s cooking class, where you will learn how to pull thin noodles and prepare dumpling skins and fillings.

Sat Feb 10, 4-6.30pm; RMB250; China Culture Center, The Victoria Gardens D4, Chaoyang Park West Road Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳公园西路维多利亚花 园D4 (6432 9341)

Games-and-burgers enclave Arcade cranks it up with its last-Wednesday-ofevery-month Bingo nights. The fun-filled event, which has been certified by the Beijing Bingo Association, is a great way to get you through the middle of the week, what with plenty of beer, DJs, competition and tasty food alike. The team also promises awesome prizes and, as bingo is a game of luck, you’ve only got to be in it to win it. And if you think bingo is just for old people, you’re missing out. Arcade: challenging stereotypes since 2017. Food and drink specials include half-price mussel pots from Common Burger, RMB30 Jing-A pints and BOGO cocktails.

Wed Feb 28; free; 8pm; Arcade, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大 街1号 (6500 2884)

Family Day / Reading

Beijing Experience invites you to the soft-opening of a new space in Sanlitun. The multi-use area is ideal for events or use as a photo studio, bar, cinema and more. The digs are so underground that it’s pretty hard to find, though it’s about half a kilometer north of Hujialou subway.

Once you find it, expect chill beats, dancing and discounts on selected drinks.

Sat Feb 3, 7.30pm-late; free; 550m north of Hujialou subway, Chaoyang 朝 阳区离呼家楼地铁站北550米 (for venue details and to pre-register, add WeChat ID: 13071139166)

Mental Health Peer Support Group Wellness

Storytelling Thursdays Culture

Itching to get something off your chest? Got a really funny story to share?

4corners’ Storytelling Thursdays are made for you. Regale viewers with your stories, poems and ramblings and receive a free drink. Or, conversely, if you’re looking for a laugh or good performance, this one’s for you, too. The theme changes weekly.

Thursdays, 9.30-11.30pm; free; 4corners, 27 Dashibei Hutong, Xicheng 西 城区 大石碑胡同27号 (6401 7797)

The folks at Slow Boat are at it again – and by ‘at it’ we don’t mean serving up delicious suds, because they do that every day, but hosting fun family-friendly events for you and your kids. Following the success of their Christmas-themed Family Day, the crew this time around is focusing on books. Activities include bilingual story time, book crafts and a free kids’ brunch.

The event is free for all to join, but registration is encouraged to ensure there are enough books for all. Hang on. Is your child a picky reader? Do they turn their snotty noses up at The Hungry Little Caterpillar? It’s OK; families are welcome to bring their own books to share, too.

Sat Feb 3, 12-3pm; free; Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub, 6 Sanlitun Nanlu Chaoyang 朝阳区 三里屯南路6号 (register via https://yoopay.cn/ event/07649213)

If you’re feeling stressed or just need to talk to somebody, check out CandleX’s bi-weekly support groups. The international community-focused groups provide a safe space for people to share their experiences in a confidential setting. The sessions are held in English, with a maximum number of seven people per session. CandleX is a Beijing NGO focusing on mental health.

Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 7.30-9pm; free (donation-based); CBD in Chaoyang (location open to confirmed participants, register via https://sojump.com/ jq/13246056.aspx)

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EVENTS

Jing-A’s Big Hongbao Holiday

Chinese New Year at NUO / Holiday

TA S T E

Specials at The Great Wall Hotel Dining The Great Wall Hotel is offering up lots of tasty options this February.

Come by on Valentine’s Day for a romantic French meal featuring steak and raspberry tiramisu. Or, wait until the Lunar New Year and enjoy group meals for 4-10 people.

Feb 14-Mar 2; The Great Wall Hotel (see Listings for details)

Staying in Beijing over Chinese New Year? Then you can win a year of free beer. Each beer you drink at either Jing-A location over the holiday will enter you into a raffle to win their Big Hongbao: a Mug Club membership, plus the ability to come in for a free pint every day for a year.

Feb 15-22; Jing-A Taproom 1949 and Jing-A Brewpub Xingfucun (see Listings for details)

NUO Hotel Beijing is offering several Lunar New Year dinners to help you ring in the Year of the Dog. Enjoy a traditional ‘family reunion dinner’ of home-style meals with Cantonese twists, fit to serve 8-10 people. If you’re thinking a la carte, tuck into Chef Ho’s signature Poon’s Choice, a big bowl casserole. And if you’re thinking really big, you can even order a roasted suckling pig with crispy skin.

Tue Feb 15-Sun Feb 18; NUO Hotel Beijing (see Listings for details)

Valentine’s Day at EAST / Holiday

Hot Pot Festival Dining

Chinese New Year at Yue Feng Ge Dining

Yue Feng Ge has 10 exclusive set menus for Chinese New Year. Dine in style with symbolically lucky dishes, and slide your way into the Year of the Dog with prosperity.

Thu Feb 15; Yue Feng Ge, V-Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel, 8 Bei Sihuanzhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区北四环中路8号 (8498 2288)

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The Westin Beijing Chaoyang is serving up four different kinds of hot pot across its restaurants – though we’re most excied about the creamy cheese fondue at Grange Grill, which features raclette, gruyere and Emmental with ham.

Through March; The Westin Beijing Chaoyang (see Listings for details)

The ever-enjoyable EAST, Beijing is serving Valentine’s Day specials for every taste.

At Feast, enjoy their signature Surf and Turf buffet, featuring the finest steaks and seafood, plus free-flow wines, beer and roses. If you’re craving sushi, hit up Hagaki, where the special menu includes sashimi, star rolls and a special Valentine’s Day desert. And no matter where you go for dinner, keep the romance going at Xian, where they’ll be offering ‘Bubbly Love Champagne’ packages, featuring Perrier-Jouët and damn tasty oysters.

Wed Feb 7, Feb 15; RMB388-688; EAST, Beijing (see Listings for details)

EVENTS

'Fallen Blossom – Whispering' / Art

Turner Sparks Comedy

SEE

Super Bowl Sports It’s Super Bowl time and you know what that means: An early morning wake-up call to watch American gridiron in your favorite pub until noon.

This year, Justin Timberlake returns (he previously performed with Janet Jackson, or should we say, left her for dead, in 2004) with his new lumberjack beard to provide the halftime entertainment. Expect drinks and breakfast specials at venues playing the game.

Mon Feb 5, 6.30am-12pm; price varies; multiple locations (for a complete list of places to watch the game visit www.thatsmags.com/ beijing)

Artist Giovanni Ozzola examines themes of nature and construction, and how the two intersect, in his latest solo exhibition, ‘Fallen Blossom – Whispering.’ The multidisciplinary artist explores stories through the use of photography, sculptures and videos with the aim of engaging the public through sensory and cognitive experiences. Viewers may even recognize familiar scenes as Ozzola’s latest exhibition includes imagery of Beijing, such as the Beijing skyline and construction sites.

The artist is originally from Italy but currently lives and works in the Canary Islands. Ozzola has exhibited all over the world, including Chelsea Art Museum in New York and Mori Museum in Tokyo, and is the recipient of several awards, such as the Premio Cairo (2011).

Through Feb, Tue-Sun, 11am-6pm; Galleria Continua (see Listings for details)

Comedian Turner Sparks brings the lolz to The Local this month, thanks to Comedy Club China. The NYCbased joker used to be a mainstay at Shanghai’s Kung Fu Komedy club and is a multiple finalist in the Hong Kong International Comedy Competition.

Sparks’ booking, CCC’s first show at the Courtyard 4 bar, bodes well for future shows at The Local.

Fri Feb 9, 7.30pm; RMB100 (includes a free drink) ; The Local (see Listings for details)

Celtic Legends Dance

The Nutcracker Ballet

The Guangzhou Ballet breathes life into timeless classic The Nutcracker with a two-day performance at NCPA. Since its premiere in Saint Petersburg in 1892, the two-act ballet has charmed audiences worldwide with its grand music, including Tchaikovsky’s famous score, and charming choreography.

Fri Feb 9-Sat Feb 10; 7.30pm; RMB100-1392; NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (tickets via http://en.damai.cn)

Check out Irish dancers Celtic Legends this month as they put on an amazing show of live traditional Irish dance, music and song. Established in 2001, the team has years of touring experience under their belt. Irish culture plays out to the sound of fiddles, pipes and moving ballads.

Sat Feb 17-Wed Feb 21, 7.30pm; RMB280-1080; Opera House of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号 (tickets via sales@theatrebeijing.com)

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LISTINGS OPEN DOOR

Expensive...................................¥ Expense Account ....................¥¥ Highly Recommended ..............* Top Ten ....................................**

RESTAURANTS The Hot One Hundred

About This guide represents our editors’ top 100 picks, and includes some That’s Beijing advertisers. Restaurants rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our experts, and scored according to the cuisine, experience and affordability.

CHINESE Contemporary & Mixed Cuisine 8 Qi Nian 祈年8号 (Cantonese/Sichuan) The New World Hotel’s flagship restaurant has classic Chinese cuisine in abundance, as well as some vitality-restoring medicinal soups. (Their decent wine list is just as effective.) > Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5:30-9:30pm, Sat/Sun 12-2:45pm, 5:30-9:30pm; 2/F, New World Hotel, 8 Qinian Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区祈年大街8号新世界 酒店2层 (5960 8822)

Din Tai Fung 鼎泰丰 ¥ (Taiwanese) This Taipei-based franchise impressed Ken Hom enough to call it one of the best 10 eateries in the world, back in 1993. Famous for its dependably delicious xiaolongbao or little steam buns. Book ahead, there’s always a long wait. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5-10pm, weekends 11.30am-10pm; 24 Middle Street, Xinyuanxili, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源西里中街24号 (近渔阳饭店) (6462 4502) > Additional branches in Shin Kong Place; Parkview Green; Grand Pacific Mall Xidan; Modern Plaza Zhongguancun; see www.dintaifung. com.cn for details

Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 (Chinese, Peking Duck) Resembling something between a nightclub and a theater, the Opposite House’s basement restaurant proves to be more than just style over substance with their range of expertly prepared classic dishes.

> Daily 12-10:30pm, B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号 楼瑜舍酒B1楼 (6410 5230)

Peking Duck The Horizon 海天阁 (Cantonese Beijing Duck) ** Kerry Hotel’s Chinese restaurant has widened its predominantly Cantonese and Sichuan horizons to include dim sum, double-boiled soups and Peking duck – and the roast bird here really is fabulous. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5:30pm-10pm 1/F, Beijing Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路 1号嘉里中心1层 (8565 2188)

Honglu 红炉

Da Dong 大董 Among the city’s most famous haunts, Da Dong guarantees slick cuts of Beijing-style roast duck and delectable wrap fillings. The venue’s a class act and the plum sauce is hard to follow.

> Daily 11am-10pm; 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四十条甲22号 (5169 0328); see www.dadongdadong.com for more locations

Duck de Chine 全鸭季 ¥ * Good duck is meant to show your guests how wonderful you are, as much as the food. Duck De Chine does that in spades, with fantastic presentation of its crispy, succulent duck (RMB188).

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm; Courtyard 4, 1949 The Hidden City, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区工体北路4号院 (6501 8881) ; 98 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng 东城区金宝街98号 (6521 2221)

Xihe Village Restaurant and Bar

> Mon-Fri Lunch: 11am-2.30pm; Dinner: 5-9pm; Sun: 11am-9pm, S9-33, 3/F, South Area of Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19 号三里屯太古里南区三层S9-33(6417 6082)

Shanghai Shanghai Min 小南国 Many swear this chain has the best Shanghai-style hongshaorou north of the Yangtze. The jury’s out, but its popularity remains. > 0505, 5/F Raffles City Mall, 1 Dongzhimen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街1号来福士 购物中心5楼0505号铺 (400 820 9777)> Additional branches in Financial Street; Jinbao Jie; Oriental Plaza; Sanlitun Soho; Xinyuan Nan Lu (see www. online.thatsmags.com for details)

Wang Jia Sha 王家沙 Modern Shanghai cuisine – popular with Hong Kong celebrities – famed for its crabmeat dumplings. Try the spiced-salt ribs (RMB62) for a bit of Adam action. > Daily, S1-30a Taikoo Li Sanlitun (on the third floor of i.t shop) 朝阳区三里屯路19号院太古里1号楼3层 S1-30a号商铺 (6416 3469)

Sichuan/Hunan Chuan Ban 川办 * This bright, modestly decorated dining hall is frequently cited as Beijing’s best Sichuan restaurant.

> Mon-Fri 7-9am, 10.50am-2pm, 4.50-9.30pm; SatSun 7am-10pm; 5 Gongyuan Toutiao, Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区建国门内贡院头条5号 (6512 2277, ext. 6101)

> Daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30-10pm; 3/F, Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古里19号 院南区三层S9-30 (6415 3535)

On Top of the World

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> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10:30pm; 3F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店 3层 (6597 8888)

Karaiya Spice House 辣屋 * Bold and fiery Hunan cuisine in the most serene of restaurant interiors. Don’t miss the dry roasted duck with a dozen spices and stir fried bullfrog with shiso leaves and ginger. Peanut milk is there to soothe the palate: you’ll need it.

GRILL 79 No table in the city offers quite the same view and dining experience as China World Summit Wing’s Grill 79. Located on the tower’s 79th floor, the restaurant’s superior view – it looks out across the sprawling metropolis – is matched by refined cuisine and service. We have spent many hours unashamedly ensconced in the restaurant’s comfy interior and our most recent visit was no different.

The Alaskan king crab salad with caviar is a ridiculously indulgent entrée, while the restaurant’s star dish, roasted pigeon, combines tender meat with tangy fruit compote. Off the grill, we love the duo de beef, which partners slow-cooked wagyu beef cheeks with grilled beef tenderloin. These are all excellent. Yet Grill 79 also makes a killer dessert – we gobble up the coconut rock in record speed. It’s all rather extravagant but when dining at such a height, we wouldn’t expect anything less.

Grill 79 (see Listings for details)

Beijing’s resplendent Northern Chinese restaurant serves elegant Hebei fare unlike you’ve ever had. Excellent peking duck is on offer as well.

Quality Peking duck on the cheap?Cuisine Oh yes, Beijing HongLu it’s possible – thanks to Honglu. The popular restaurant serves traditional Beijing food with a stylish twist (which is exactly why it’s so crowded at lunchtime). >Daily 11am-9.30pm, Sanlitun: Daily 11:00am10:00pm, 60 Meters Of No. 6 Building Sanlitun South Road Chaoyang 三里屯店: 朝阳区三里屯南 路6号楼南侧60米 (6595 9872; 6593 8970) Raffles: Daily 11:00am-10:00pm, 5 Floor Of Raffles shopping center Dongzhimen Dongcheng 来福士店: 东城区东 直门来福士购物中心5层 (8409 8199; 8409 8234)

Country Kitchen The name ‘Country Kitchen’ may sound like a diner, but a diner this is not. Rosewood

South Memory 望湘园 This restaurant chain is the Hunan staple in the capital. The trademark shilixiang niurou (fragrant beef), duojiao shuangse yutou (dual-colour spiced fish head) and meltingly tender frog dishes are among the favorites with locals. > Daily 11am-10pm; 2/F, 230-232, Fenglian Plaza, 18 Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街 18号丰联广场2楼230-232号 (6588 1797); see www. southmemory.com for more locations

Yu Xin 渝信川菜 Open since 1993, Yu Xin’s authentic Sichuan dishes have earned a loyal fanbase. Their liangfen – a jelly-like substance cut into chunky strips and dressed in an addictive spicy sauce – hits the spot. The rustic, intimate setting of bamboo cubicles and swift, friendly service complete the experience. > Daily 11am-10pm; 5A Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福一村西里甲5号 see www.yuxin1997.com

LISTINGS for other locations.

Yunnan Dali Courtyard 大里院子 * If you like authentic Yunnanese food, you’ll have to trust the staff: there’s no menu, it all just arrives in an intimate courtyard setting. The price (RMB120/person) matches the rustic ingredients. > Daily 12-2pm, 6-10.30pm; Gulou Dong Dajie, 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大 街小经厂胡同67号 (8404 1430)

Lost Heaven 花马天堂 (Yunnan, SE Asian) An emphasis on Yunnan characterizes this menu’s fresh journey through the SE Asia passage, with a grandiose yet dark teak interior. > Daily noon-2pm, 5pm-10.30 (bar open till 1am).

Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区前门东大街23号(8516 2698)

Middle 8 Restaurant 中8楼 *

specialties in their purest form with chefs hailing from Hong Kong. Using the freshest ingredients from NUO’s very own green farms, NUO Hotel Beijing provides an alternative green gourmet option in town.

OPEN DOOR

>Mon-Fri: 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; Sat-Sun: 11am2.30pm, 5.30-10pm; 1/F, NUO Hotel Beijing, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路甲2号北京诺金酒 店一层（5926 8281）

Da Gui (Guizhou) Guizhou’s famed hot-and-sour cuisine nestled into a charming traditional alleyway.

Munch happily into pickled greens and don’t miss the salty-sweet deep-fried black sesame balls. They’re sensational. > Daily 10am-2pm, 5-10pm; 69 Daxing Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东城区交道口大兴胡同69 号 (6407 1800)

Makye Ame (Tibetan) Determined to prove that Tibetan cuisine consists of more than just yak-butter tea, the Beijing branch of this nationwide chain serves up nomadic classics such as curried potatoes and roast lamb.

> Daily 10-midnight; 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Jianguomenwai, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外秀水南街 甲11号 (6506 9616)

Xinjiang Red Rose (Xinjiang) * One of Beijing’s most famous Xinjiang restaurant, Red Rose serves some of the tenderest lamb skewers around, matched by enormous servings of classics like dapanji (a chicken, potato and pepper stew), latiaozi (noodles with a spicy tomato sauce) and nang (baked flatbrea). > Daily 10.30am-11pm; Inside 7 Xingfuyicun, opposite Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区 工人体育场北门对面幸福一村7巷内 (6415 5741)

An oasis at the top of Taikoo Li, Middle 8 is the go-to destination for fresh authentic Yunnan cuisine. The restaurant, stylish yet understated, has plenty of flavorsome wellpriced dishes and a killer view to boot. > Sanlitun: Daily 11am-10pm, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South South Area F4, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯太古 里南区4层(6415 8858); Indigo: Daily 11am-10pm, Jiuxianqiao Road No.20 Indigo F2 , Chaoyang 朝阳区 酒仙桥路20号颐堤港2层(8420 0883); Zhongguancun: Daily 11am-10pm, Zhongguancun Plaza Pedestrian Street, No.R17, Haidian海淀区中关村广场步行街R17 号(5172 1728); Fenglan: Daily 11am-10pm, Xizhimen North Street No.32 Maples International Center Blok B, 1 Floor, Haidian海淀区西直门大街32号枫蓝国际中 心B座1层(6223 5583)

Youyun > Daily, 10am-11pm, 63 Babaokeng Hutong, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng 东城区北新桥八宝坑胡同63 号 6407 2050 / 185 1092 0709

Yun’er Small Town 云洱小镇 Folksy and affordable Yunnanese fare on Beiluoguxiang. Fragrant dishes including the jasmine bulbs with scrambled eggs, lemongrass shrimp and banana leaf wrapped bolete mushrooms will keep us crawling back. > Daily 10am-11pm, 84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城区北锣鼓巷84号 (8404 2407)

Dumplings Baoyuan Jiaoziwu 宝源饺子屋 Famous for their rainbow of dyed dumplings, Baoyuan have their jiaozi (six, under RMB10) wrapped in a larger yuanbao silver-ingot shape, with creative vegetarian options and authentic Sichuan food. > Daily 11am-10pm; north of 6 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街6号楼北侧 (6586 4967)

Mr Shi’s Dumplings 老石饺子馆 Since recieving a Lonely Planet recommendation the prices have risen and the walls are covered in backpackers’ scribbles, but the fantastic dumplings – boiled and fried – are still fantastic. > 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同74号 (8405 0399, 131 6100 3826)

Regional Crescent Moon (Xinjiang) * Roast mutton enthusiasts go over the moon at this reputable Xinjiang Muslim restaurant. Eastern European and Central Asian influences are evident throughout, with peppery and cumin-spiced dishes livening up traditional Chinese favorites. > Daily 10am-11:30pm; 16 Dongsi Liutiao, Dongcheng 东四六条16号 (6400 5281)

Hejia by NUO Hotel Featuring modern Ming elements with inspired paintings from Xu Wei, a painter, calligrapher and food and wine connoisseur, the quintessentially authentic house of agriculture produces, Jia Chinese restaurant serves exquisite traditional Cantonese

WESTERN Fine Dining Barolo ¥¥ (Italian) * Average Italian abounds in Beijing: not here, though. Quite the opposite, in fact, meaning Barolo is as well-regarded as the Piedmont wine it is named after.

> Mon-Sun 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm. Ritz Carlton Hotel, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路甲83号华贸中心丽思卡尔顿 酒店内 (5908 8151)

Maison Flo ¥¥ (French) * Marble slabs, mosaic floors and brass fittings establish the Parisian bona fides; dishes like snails (RMB78), oysters (RMB48 each) and steak tartare (RMB158) confirm.

The grandeur is matched only by the service, and the prices reflect the authenticity of the experience.

> Daily 11am-midnight; 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区霄云路18号 (6595 5135)

The Georg ** This hutong mansion has an elegant restaurant, leather-couched lounge area, sleek bar and sick location near Houhai. But most importantly, it has some of the most thoughtful, innovative cuisine in town. Go for a dinner you won’t forget. >10.30am-midnight (dinner 6-10.30pm), closed Mondays; 45 Dongbuyaqiao Hutong, Dongcheng 东 城区东不压桥胡同45号 (8408 5300)

Héritage ¥¥ A French country-style chateau in the heart of Beijing. A chef de cuisine with Michelin star restaurant experience and an extensive wine cellar make this Sofitel Hotel restaurant one of the best French dining experiences in town.

BRASSERIE 1893

> 6F Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场 C座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666)

As Good as Nouveau

TRB (Temple Restaurant Beijing) ¥¥ ** Setting is everything here, especially if it’s fashioned inside a restored Buddhist temple. The bold contemporary European cuisine is fitting in majesty and the service alone is worthy of worship.

When, seconds after we sit down, we’re served a tuna canapé from a moveable carving station, we know Chef Addison Liew means business. The newly appointed chef is shaking things up in Brasserie 1893, Waldorf Astoria Beijing’s signature French restaurant. And the results are delicious.

We enjoy a beautiful sustainable salmon, with a cornucopia of mushroom, veg and roe on top, as well as succulent pork cheek. We also taste perfectly cooked frog legs, and, most surprisingly, an onsen egg with coconut foam. All are exquisite.

“Since my background is in French cooking, I do a lot of classics. Most of the items on the menu are classically French,” Liew says. “But I like a little bit of an Asian touch, like the coconut foam.”

Thanks to Liew’s arrival, more innovations are in store for Brasserie 1893. He tells That’s he’s currently looking forward to unveiling a new Spring menu, featuring lighter fare and even more bold, creative takes on French classics.

Until then, diners can enjoy everything from lavish multi-course dining experiences to quick business lunches – whatever Liew’s making, you’re in safe hands.

Brasserie 1893, Waldorf Astoria Beijing (see Listings for details)

> Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm; 23 Songzhusi Temple, Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng 东城区沙滩北街嵩 祝寺23号 (8400 2232)

Mio ¥¥ Glitzy Italian fare at the Four Seasons, with a mobile Bellini cart, wheeled straight to your table.The Chef crafts a superb squash tortellini by hand, and pampers diners with desserts like the deconstructed tiramisu. >Daily lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm, dinner 5.30pm -10.30pm, Four Seasons Hotel, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang, 朝阳区亮马桥路48号北京四季酒店 (5695 8888)

Grange Grill ** Located in the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Grange Grill serves up some of the city’s best steak, seafood and grill offerings. The restaurant’s welcoming decor provides a

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LISTINGS

OPEN DOOR

relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of fine vintage from the extensive wine collection. Be sure to try the ‘luxurious oyster feast,’ where you can enjoy the delicacy raw, grilled or with cheese. > Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, Sat and Sun 11.30am-3.pm; Dinner: Daily 5.30-10.30pm; The Westin Beijing Chaoyang 7 North East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang 东三环北路7号 (5922 8888)

Contemporary Western Chi (Organic, Fusion) Hutong set-menu dining par-excellence, with organic ingredients all locally sourced.

From the owners of neighboring Saffron.

>Daily, 8am-8.30pm; 1/F, Tower A, East Gate Plaza, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门东环广场A座 一层幸福咖啡馆 (6418 1096)

JF Royal Teahouse

>Daily 10am-9:30pm;B215 China World Trade Center Tower 3, Jintong East Road,Chaoyang Beijing 北京市朝阳区国贸商城区域3 地下二层B215(8535 1625)

Mosto (European, South American) ¥ * A perpetually busy lunch and evening spot, thanks to chef Daniel Urdaneta’s skill for modernising South American-style dishes like ceviche and risotto in his open kitchen.

> Daily, opens 10:30am, last order 9:30pm, 67 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 67号 (6445 7076)

> Sun-Thu noon-2.30pm, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat noon2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6030)

COMBAL盉by Tiago

The English Tearoom英国茶房

>127-129, 1/F, Tower C, Cofco Plaza, 8 Jianguomen Neidajie, Dongcheng District 东城区建国门内大街8号 中粮广场C座一层127-129单元 (6528 2280)

Lin’s Dining Lounge

>Daily 10am-9.30pm; 101, Bldg 10, North area of Xiangyun Town, 9 Antai Dajie, Shunyi 顺义区安泰 大街9号院中粮祥云小镇北区10号楼101(8047 9661 / 8047 9661); Daliy 10am-7pm Creativity Garden,1 Shunhuang Lu，Sunhe xiang,Chaoyang 朝阳区孙河 乡顺黄路甲1号创意园内(8459 4407)

Sizzler Sizzler invented ‘casual dining’ in Australia when it introduced the first soup, salad, pasta and fresh fruit concept. Since those pioneering days, it has expanded its ‘classic grill’ to include, not only steak and seafood, but also delicious chicken dishes, BBQ ribs, combination meals and burgers.

‘Variety’ and ‘freedom to choose’ set Sizzler apart from other dining experiences. At Sizzler customers are free to control the volume, nutritional balance and variety of each meal by ordering from the grill and helping themselves to our famous soup, salad, pasta and fruits. > Daily 11am-10pm, 2/F, New Grand Dynasty Hotel, 58 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街58号新大 宗饭店二层(6500 6766)

Feast (Food by East) Bustling café with a philosophy of ‘Simple things, done well’. International favorites, using freshest ingredients , cooked on the spot.

>Daily 6am-10.30pm, 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒 店2层 8414 9820

C Pearl (Oysters, Seafood) ¥ * This slick oyster restaurant imports fresh shells from Canada, South Africa, France, USA and more – and they are well worth the price. The fries are the best we’ve had in Beijing, beer and wine selection also excellent. > Tue-Sun 5.30pm-2am; 14-2, Bldg 14, Shunyuanli, Xinyuan Jie, Yansha Qiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区燕莎桥新 源街顺源里14号楼14-2号 (5724 5886)

Alfie’s ¥ (British) What’s all this about, then? British gastropub classics, (like pukker fish and chips, RMB188), a swanky gentleman’s club interior, and located in a chic modern art gallery-cum-mall. That’s what, mate. > Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm, brunch served on weekends; Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号芳草地L1-22 (5662 8777)

Bistrot B Rosewood Beijing’s exquisite French restaurant is the sort of place chefs like to eat.

Expect lavish luxury.

BLUE FROG Warmer, Warmer...

Beijing’s most popular burger chain is at it again with a tasty, comforting new menu. And, most importantly: beef. blue frog has upgraded their steaks with 200-day dry-aged Australian wagyu, cooked just the way you like it, and served atop mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

But that’s not all – this winter, blue frog is offering all sorts of limited-edition items, and there’s something for everyone. Try the curried lamb with pita – flavorful New Zealand-sourced lamb in a rich brown sauce, accompanied by lightly toasted pita bread. Or, if you can’t fathom leaving blue frog without eating a burger (totally reasonable), order their cheesiest version yet – a patty topped with three varieties of cheese.

We also love the new canapés, which you can order to share in sets of three or six. Slices of toasted baguette come with a festive assortment of toppings – our favorite is the chicken Waldorf toastie.

Getting warmer? Heat things way up with blue frog’s seasonal mulled wine.

You’ll forget it’s winter in no time. blue frog locations throughout Beijing (see Listings for details) 68 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

> Daily, 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-10:30pm; 1F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang 朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中心北京瑰丽酒店 3层 (6536 0066)

Caribeño (Latin) Heavy Cuban influence, but there are dishes from all over the Latin continent here. The Ropa Vieja (shredded beef on potato) is excellent – as are the Mojitos. > Daily 11:30am-9:30pm, 1/F, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华东里8号中 海广场北楼1层 (5977 2789)

Grill 79 (Steak) With views this good, Grill 79 would probably make it onto the list even if the food was terrible. It’s something of a bonus then that the kitchen is superb, and supported by one of the most extensive wine lists in town.

> Daily 6.30-10.30am, noon-2pm, 6-10pm. 79/F, China World Trade Center Phase 3, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒店 79楼 (6505 2299 ext 6424)

Miss K Cafe (Xing Fu Cafe) Whether it’s a rainy morning or a sunny afternoon, relax with your favorite novel and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Experience a quiet moment of serenity amid the hustle and bustle of Beijing.

>All stores open daily, 10am-10pm ;Wangfujing Oriental Plaza Store 王府井东方广场店 (8518 6315); Chongwenmen Glory Mall Store 崇文门国瑞购物中 心店 (6714 0399); Wangjing Capital Mall 望京凯德购 物中心店 (6471 3876); Wanliu BHG 万柳华联商场店 (8258 9405) Wan Shoulu Crystal Capital Mall 万寿路 凯德晶品店 (6826 086); Xizhimen Capital Mall 西直 门凯德购物中心店Mall (5830 2199); Sanlitun Shimao Gongsan 三里屯世茂工三店 (8400 4014); Changying Paradise Walk 常营龙湖天街店 (8539 0438); Tianjin Joy City 天津大悦城店 (8728 1620)

Tomacado Tomacado is indeed a mash-up of ‘tomato’ and ‘avocado’ – and while you’ll certainly find these ingredients on the menu, you can also expect pleasant drinks, light soups and heartier main courses from this charming cafe. Fowers are also available for sale.

> Daily 10am-10pm (Lunch start from 11am, Only afternoon tea served on Mon-Fri 2.30-5pm), No. 19/20, B1/F, Jia Ming Center, 27 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路27号嘉铭中心地下一层 19/20号(6500 3354)

VIC Not to be confused with the notorious nightclub of the same name, this VIC is the Sofitel Beijing’s casual dining restaurant. All the major world cuisines are in attendance here – make sure you pay special attentions to the French-inspired breads and pastries – as is the customary Sunday champagne brunch. > Sofitel Wanda Beijing, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C 座索菲特酒店6层 (8599 6666)

Yi House (Contemporary Western) Nestled in the confines of 798, Yi’s great tasting brunch is bettered only by their wide range of cocktails. Sundays offer jazz brunches with lobster and champagne.

> Daily 11am-3pm, 6pm-12am; 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798 Yishu Qu, No.1 706 Houjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥 路2号院798艺术区706后街1号 (6436 1818)

Wood

>Daily 10.30am-11pm, Lakeside Gourmet Street, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾南边湖畔美食街 近南边地面 停车场 5726 8255

Stuff’d (Contemporary Western) The concept of Stuff’d is to simply stuff one kind of food in another. From sausage calzone pizzas (RMB68) to scotch eggs – it all works. On-site micro brewery a bonus.

> Wed-Mon, 11:30am-2:45pm, 6-10pm, 9 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区箭厂胡同9号 (6407 6308)

Café/Deli/Sandwich Café Zarah (Café) * A smart new interior and menu for this longstanding cafe has propelled it from hipster hangout to Gulou institution. Large, airy and with a terrace for summer, the only downside is it’s always packed. > Daily 9.30am-midnight，42 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街42号 (8403 9807)

LISTINGS Domain 域 A blend of café, business center and lounge, it has a gentle buzz all of its own.

For privacy, Domain also provides workstations equipped with computers and ipads. >Daily 7am-8pm, 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒店2层 (8414 9830)

Café Flatwhite

Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区湖畔美食街 朝阳公园路6号院蓝色港湾 (5905 6259)

OPEN DOOR

American/BBQ/Grill Eudora Station 亿多瑞站

> (Near Lidu place))No 6,Fangyuanli Chaoyang 朝 阳区 芳园西里6号(丽都广场对面)(6437 8331, 6437 8334)

Home Plate BBQ * Scruffy looks and laid-back staff belie the popularity of this entry-level brick-smoker barbecue joint, that blossoms in the sunny months. Pulled-pork sandwiches are the favorites, followed by baby-back rib racks. Beer and bourbons are taken care of, too. > Daily 11am-10pm. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard (20m north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection, first right), Chaoyang District 朝阳区霄云路35号院过霄云路路口, 往北走20米,到第一个路口右转(5128 5584) > Additional location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see www. thatsmags.com for details)

Hailing from New Zealand, Café Flatwhite uses fresh and healthy ingredients in its tasty selection of sandwiches, pizzas, salads and brunch options, all served alongside some of the best coffee in Beijing. > Open Daily, Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm; 798 Dashanzi Art District Store: D09-1, No.4, 798 Dashanzi Art District, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号 798艺术区D09-1 (5978 9067 / 13051771436); Jianguomenwai Media Center Store: No.13 Bldg, Jianguomenwai DRC, 1 Xiushui Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水街1号建国门外外交公寓13 号楼1层东北角 8532 2633 ；Jianguomenwai DRC Store: Building 7-1-11, 1 Silk Street, Chaoyang 朝阳 区秀水街1号建国门外外交公寓7-1-11 (8532 2633 / 18701092189); FFCStore:-107,B1/F,Fortune Financial Center,5 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu,Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环中路5号楼财富金融中心1层107 (6596 9108); China Central Mall Store:L315,China Central Mall,Chaoyang District朝阳区华贸中心写字楼三层 L315单元 (8588 7978)www.cafeflatwhite.com, cafeflatwhite@hotmail.com, WeChat username: CafeFlatwhite

Ricci Named after a 17th century Italian Jesuit (duh), this creative café has a funky, kookymeets-organic vibe and serves up some of the best casual western food in town, and a great brunch at the Wudaokou location (Chaoyang branch closed weekends).

> 1/F, Building D, Tsinghua Science Park, 1 Zhongguancun Donglu, Haidian 海淀区中关村东路1 号院清华科技园D座1楼 (8215 8826 )

The Rug (Contemporary Western, Organic) * With ingredients supplied by local organic farms like Dahe and De Run Wu, and an emphasis on sustainability, this café’s wide ranging menu has something for everyone, especially green types, bored foreign moms and freelance Macbook types. > Mon-Fri 7.30am-10:30pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am10:30pm; Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite Chaoyang Park South Gate), Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4 号楼(朝阳公园南门对面) (8550 2722) > Additional location in Sanlitun Nan Jie (see online.thatsmags. com for details)

TRIBE * Salads, wraps and sandwiches, and noodle and grain bowls are as tasty as they are holistic, and there are more superfoods in one single dish than we even knew existed.

Come hungry, leave basking in the warm glow that comes from knowing that you are eating well. Kombucha is the icing on the (organic, locally-sourced) cake. > Daily 8am-10.30pm, 1/F, Building 3, China View Plaza, 2A Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 体东路甲2号中国红街大厦3号楼1层大厅入口南侧 (8587 1899)

Wagas (Contemporary Western) Quality eats with minimal pretension. This stylish, no-fuss Shanghai rival to Element Fresh offers some of the best and most affordable Western lunch options in town.

The zesty carrot-and-zucchini cake is a crowd pleaser.

> Daily 8am-10pm; S8-33, 3/F, Bldg 8, Taikoo Li South, 19 South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区三 里屯太古里南区三层 (6416 5829) > Additional locations in The Kerry Centre, Raffles Mall Dongzhimen (see www.thatsmags.com for details)

MOKA Bros (Contemporary Western) * Power bowls, salads and wraps are the kind of fare on offer at this trendy Nali Patio space, which also has a great selection of cakes and pastries if you’re feeling more indulgent. > Sanlitun: Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm, Fri/Sat 11am11:30pm, B101b Nali Patio South, 81 Sanlitun Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号B101B南楼 (5208 6079) ; Solana: Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6

NOLA N’Orleans finds a dark-wood home in the leafy embassy area, with a jazz soundtrack, shrimp and grits, gumbo, fried chicken, jambalaya and decent-enough po’boys – yes’m. Excellent Cajun snacks, craft beers and cocktails also make NOLA a popular watering hole. > Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang 朝阳区秀水南街11号 (8563 6215)

The Big Smoke * Taking the Home Plate BBQ concept and upscaling was a gourmet masterstroke. Full menu evenings only (also delivers rotisserie chicken via Uncle Otis).

> Daily Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-10pm.

First Floor, Lee World Building (opposite Frost Nails), 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村 中路 57号楼利世楼 (6416 5195, 6416 268, www. uncle-otis.com)

The Woods * New York native-owned, Manhattan-style restaurant, tucked in amongst the skyscrapers of CBD: you can’t get more Big Apple than that. > Daily 12pm-10pm, Central Park Tower 1, Suite 101, No. 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6号 新城国际1号搂101 (6533 6380)

Burgers Blue Frog Blue Frog is pleased to introduce a creative new Drinks Menu. As the new year begins, this new menu will wake up everyone’s taste buds with a bevy of specialty and original cocktails, mocktails, shots, beer, wine and healthy drinks inspired by popular ingredients.

> All open Daily 10am-late; S2-30, Level 3, S2 Tower, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三 里屯太古里南区三楼S2-30 (6417 4030) ; No.167, 1/F, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号1层167号 (8426 0017) ; No.125, 1/F, Bldg 1, Sanfeng(North), Chaoyang 朝阳区三丰北里1号楼1层 125号 (8561 2665) ; Unit 15-16, 1/F, Bldg AB, Ocean International Center, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座一层15 16单 元 (8590 3168)

Mexican/Tex Mex Taco Bar Rising from the ashes of its deceased hutong location, the new Taco Bar is hip, popular and able to produce some of the most authentic Mexican fare in town. Only RMB45 for three and great cocktails to complement.

> Tue-Thu 5.30pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-2.30am, Sun 11am-1am; 1/F, Unit 10, Electrical Research Institute, Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南路机电研 究院内10号1层 (6501 6026)

Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar * (KoreanMexican fusion) Tucked away near Gulou, this hip little hutong concept is truly one of a kind in Beijing. Quesadillas with kimchi and bibimbaps with melted cheese and hot sauce.

Guess what? It works. Killer range of classic Cali’ cocktails, too. > Daily 11:30am-midnight (closed Mondays); 14 Zhangwang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区旧鼓楼大街 张旺胡同14号 (6405 4352)

Q Mex Bar & Grill

> Sanlitun Courtyard (across from Salsa Caribe, nearby Bookworm), Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 机电研究院餐饮街内 6585 3828

Steak Morton’s of Chicago (American) ¥¥ * Meat so tender the knife falls through it: ritzy Morton’s deserves the worldwide praise. Expensive, but where else are you going to get steak this good? (Try the RMB550 set menu if you want to save cash)

TREAT TrEat Yo Self TrEat has launched a new set lunch menu – so consider your power lunching needs covered. The signature restaurant of Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing serves both its own residents, and anyone who’s in Chaoyang and hungry.

For just RMB78 for two courses or RMB88 for three, the deal features a menu of French staples. Start out with a healthy salad or soup (your choice, but nothing warms us up in the winter like a bowl of minestrone), before selecting a hearty main. Meat lovers rejoice, for options are: hearty lasagna bolognaise, mustard chicken with shallots and baby potatoes, beef bourguignon, grilled salmon, and grilled steak.

Still hungry? Choose tiramisu, black forest cake or lemon cheesecake for dessert. Then head back to work, satisfied.

Mon-Fri, 11.30am-2pm; TrEat, Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing (see Listings for details) > Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm, Sun 5-10:30pm; 2/F, Regent Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng 东城区金宝街99号 丽晶酒店二层 (6523 7777)

O’Steak A well-cooked steak in Beijng isn’t all that rare anymore, and here we have affordable but quality cuts. Don’t be fooled by the Irish sounding name, it’s an authentic French bistro – not a Guinness in sight.

> Daily midday-midnight, Xingfu: No.55-7 Xingfucun Zhonglu, opposite of April courmet, Chaoyang 朝 阳区幸福村中路55-7杰作大厦底商绿叶子超市斜对 面 (8448 8250) ; Central Park: No.o103 building 20, Central Park, No.6 Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang 朝 阳区朝外大街6号新城国际20号楼103 (6533 6599); shunyi: No.11-102 Shine Hills, No.9 Antai Avenue, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪安泰大街9号祥云小镇南门 11号 楼102 (8048 5080)

29 Grill (Contemporary Western) * Top-notch steak, along with just about every other cut of meat found in the barnyard in this well-priced meat-eaters’ mecca. > Mon-Fri lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm; Mon-Sat dinner: 6-10.30pm (closed Sundays); Conrad Beijing, 2/F, 29 North Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路9 号2层 (6584 6270)

Italian Assaggi ¥ * This fine Italian spot in the leafy embassy district has one of Beijing’s best terraces for summer dining. The tagliata steak is worth a return visit.

> Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号 (8454 4508)

Bocca Della Verita ¥ Good-value homestyle Italian is the order of the day at this little-known spot in Beixinqiao.

> Dinner: 5-10pm; Lunch: 10am-3pm; 3/F, 277 Dongzhimen Nei Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门内 大街277号三楼 雍和宫大街和北新桥头条交叉处的四 层商业楼三楼 (6455 3832, 1391 0969 240)

Bene ¥ * Chef Ricci will have you singing like a soprano with his pork ravioli and prize-winning tiramisu. Excellent set menus (RMB588) and extensive wine selection. > Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng, 36 Northeast Third Ring Road, Dongcheng District 东城区北三环东路36号(5798 8995)

BK’s Tavern BK’s Tavern shares your tiredness and serves you leisure with surprises. Good drink for an old friend of since.

>Daily, Mon-Sun 11am-10.30pm, 39 Maizidian Street by the side of Liang Ma River, Chaoyang District 朝阳 区麦子店街39号亮马河南畔(8595 9609)

Annie’s ¥ * Now a certified Beijing institution, Annie’s serves up the city’s most reliable Italian fare. Delivery is free anywhere between Line 5 and the the Fifth Ring Road (call for delivery prices outside this area), and can be ordered in English between 10.30am and 10.30pm from www.annies.com.cn.

Alternatively, drop in to your local branch.

> All open Daily,10.30am-11pm; Beijing Riviera: opposite west gate of Lane Bridge Villa, Shunyi 朝 阳区来广营东路5号长岛澜桥别墅西门对面尚古城一 楼 (8470 4768); Lido: Jiangtai Lu, opposite United Family Hospital 朝阳区将台商业街4号楼2楼和睦家 医院对面 (6436 3735); Wangjing: 2F, beside the Daimler Tower, LSH Plaza, 8 Wangjing Jie 朝阳区利星 行广场A座戴勒姆大厦裙楼2层近望京商业中心 (8476 0398); Chaoyang Park: West Gate of Chaoyang Park 朝阳区朝阳公园老西门南侧 (6591 1931); Sanlitun: China View Building, opposite East Gate of Workers’Stadium 朝阳区工体东门对面中国红街一楼 (8587 1469); Ritan Park: Ritan High Life, 3F, north of Ritan Park 朝阳区神路街39号日坛上街3-108号 (8569 3031); The Place: East of the Place, south of Central Park 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际中心AB座1 层 (8590 6428); Guomao: Ruisai Business Building (southest of Guomao subway) 朝阳区东三环南路2 号瑞赛大厦商务楼1层 (6568 5890); Sunshine 100: Guanghua Lu, opposite Sunshine 100 Building 朝阳 区光华路阳光100公寓对面首经贸南门 (858 98366)

Cepe ¥ In a city inundated with Italian offerings, Cepe manages to stand out thanks to its attention to the smallest detail – everything from the vinaigrette to the Parma ham is import quality, and the wine is superb. > Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. The RitzCarlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Jinrong Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街 丽思卡顿酒店大堂 (6601 6666)

Florentina 翡冷翠意大利餐厅 Florentina serves authentic Italian fare in low-key, yet elegant surrounds. Cuisine is high-end, the environment is relaxed. A beautiful outdoor terrace makes this place a godsend for Lido residents.

> Daily 11-late (Kitchen serves until 10pm), 1/F, Bldg

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LISTINGS 2, No. 6 Yard, Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园 西路6号院2号楼1层(8431 0027)

Mercante ¥ * Old World family charm in an intimate hutong setting. Time (and, occasionally, service) slows with a rustic menu from Bologna offering an assortment of homemade pastas and seasonal mains. > Tue-Sun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区方砖厂胡同4号 (8402 5098)

Tiago Home Kitchen Even the most exacting palettes are delighted by TIAGO, whose team prepares globally sourced ingredients and sustainably grown produce. TIAGO’s dining experience is distinctly Italian, but its menu also offers such classics as Australian steaks and Boston lobster - plus a wide selection of salads, pizza, pasta and desserts. >Indigo: Daily 11.30am-10pm, Shop L173, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号颐堤港购物中心L173商铺(6438 8772); Chaoyang Joy City: Daily 11am-10pm, 5F50/6F, Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳北路 101号朝阳大悦城5F50/6F(8558 3892)

Opera Bombana ¥ Head chef Umberto Bombana boasts three Michelin stars to his name, earned at his wildly successful Hong Kong restaurant Otto e Mezzo. He’s the only Italian chef to do so outside of his native land, and certainly the only to have opened a restaurant in Beijing. > Daily, 12pm-10:30pm; LG2-21 Parkview Green Fangcaodi, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大 桥路9号侨福芳草地地下2层21号 (5690 7177)

Pizza La Pizza Among the upper echelons of Beijing pizzerias is this Sanlitun goldfish bowl with a wood-fired oven and Neapolitan manners. Further branches in Solana and pasta/salad/mains-buffet restaurant in Sanlitun 3.3

> Sanlitun Branch: daily 10.30am-3pm, 6-11pm. 1/F, 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯 路33号3.3服装大厦西北角底商(5136 5582); Solana Branch: SA-48, 1/F, Bldg 3, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang 朝阳公园西路6号蓝色港 湾3号1层 SA-48 ( 5905 6106) > SOHU Shangdu Branch: SH1112, SOHO Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东大桥路8号SOHO尚都 SH1112号(5900 3112); La Pizza Buffet: 4F, Sanlitun 3.3 Mall, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯3.3服装大厦4层 (5136 5990)

Tube Station Nowhere does gigantic toppen-laden pizza quite like Beijing, and these guys claim to be the biggest in town. > Sanlitun 3.3 Branch: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat/Sun 10am-11pm, delivery Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-11pm 3/F, 3.3 Building, No. 33 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang 三里屯北街33号3.3服 装大厦3层3008号 ( 5136 5571, delivery 8989 177) > Additional branches in Gongti, Beida, Beitai, Yayancun, Solana and Weigongcun, see www.online.thatsmags.com for details)

setting and unique brand appeal, Brotzeit is distinct from the traditional-style German restaurants still seen in Germany and other parts of the world.

Indian curry house provides the perfect post-match culinary accompaniment. Or put another way: it’s what you’ll be craving after eight pints of beer.

Hacker-Pschorr Brauhaus If you’re looking for authentic German fare and, most importantly, German-style beer, then you can’t go wrong with HackerPschorr Brauhaus. Made from centuries-old recipes – and in accordance with the 1516 German Beer Purity Law – the brews here are some of the finest in Beijing. Prost!

HAGAKI 叶书 * Serves up a selection of signature maki rolls, as well as classics like tonkatsu, tempura and udon, Hagaki specializes in Californian-inspired Japanese cuisine and has a lively sushi bar.

Paulaner Brauhaus The grand old man of Beijing brauhauses, Paulaner delivers the Teutonic goods in the hands of lederhosen-clad staff from the provinces. It can be pricey but is usually worthwhile, especially during Oktoberfest.

Hatsune ¥ * (California Japanese) As much a California roll joint as true Japanese, Hatsune is now an old favorite among the sake-swilling, sushi-swallowing set, though less so among sashimi purists.

> Daily 11am-late; F109, Grand Summit, bldg 5, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东方东路19号 楼(DRC外交办公大楼)一层F109 (8531 5166, www. brotzeit.co)

> Room 3, Building 3, No 12 ,Xindonglu Chaoyang 朝阳区 新东路12号院3号楼3门(5323 3399)

> Daily 11am-1am. Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基饭店 (6465 3388 ext. 5732)

Spanish Agua ¥ * Occupying the high end of Nali’s Spanish invasion, Agua excels with reasonably priced classics like suckling pig, chorizo and jamon. Winner of the 2014 Golden Fork Editors’ Pick for best restaurant. > Daily Midday-2pm, 6pm-10pm. 4/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花 园 (5208 6188)

Casa Talia by Tiago

>Daily 11.30am-9pm, 01B, 4/F, Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门南大街1 号来福士购物中心4层01B 8409 4009

Niajo ¥ * With homely Mediterranean influences and a charming management, Niajo is prime Sanlitun smart-casual dining. Order the paella (their star dish) together with some tapas and be automatically transported to Spain (minus the constant sunshine). > Daily noon-10.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层 (5208 6052)

Migas ¥ * The boys at Migas have turned a concept bar into a thriving Mediterranean restaurant, bar and party venue, and one of summer’s rooftop destinations.

> Daily 10am-3pm, 5pm- late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园 6层 (5208 6061)

Asian Indian Indian Kitchen

German Drei Kronen 1308 * Authentic (truly – when they say 1308 they mean it) displays of armour and brewing kits draw regular evening crowds for the superb pork knuckle and heavy-duty helles (pale lager), wheat and dark beer (brewed on-site).

>2/F, South German Bakery, 27 Lucky Street, Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳 公园路好运街27号德南面包房二楼 (1314 685 2613)

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant 博璨德国啤酒餐厅 Brotzeit offers its customers a unique experience with authentic German cuisine and world famous German beers in a casual environment. Coupled with its contemporary

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Japanese

>Daily 11am-2.30pm, 1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒 店1层 8414 9815

> Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路甲8号 和乔大厦C座2层 (6581 3939) >Additional locations in Sanlitun Tai Koo Li South; Kerry Centre Mall (see www.online.thatsmags.com for details)

Inagiku * This Beijing branch of one of Tokyo’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants is as near to perfection as you’re likely to find.

Deceptively simple yet finely crafted, the handmade Inaniwa udon (RMB80) is not to be missed.

> Daily 11am-3pm, 6-10.30pm; Rm 315, 3/F, Park Life, Yintai Centre, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街2号银泰中心悦生 活3层315室 (8517 2838)

Sake Manzo * The barmen here are serious about their sake. Boasting one of the best stocked drinks cabinets in town with over 60 different sakes on offer, this super-cool little eatery is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s toil.

The sashimi is fresh to the cut, and the beer-marinated chicken is out of this world. One of the very best and least appreciated restaurants in town.

> Daily 6pm-midnight. 7A Tuanjiehu Beisantiao, Chaoyang 朝阳区团结湖北三条甲7号(6436 1608

Yotsuba ** It doesn’t come cheap (tasting menu RMB1,000), but what would you expect from some of the best sushi in town?

Buttery and meaty fatty tuna sashimi is a cut above.

> Dongcheng: Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm. Sanlitun branch: 2 Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区 三里屯北小街2号 (6464 2365); Lido branch: 2F, No.9-3, Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路 9-3号2层 (8420 0998)

Sui Ka Is this what after-work hangouts are like in Japan? We’re not sure, but we hope so: This charming izakaya nails it when it comes to sake selection and fried delights to munch alongside it.

>Daily 5pm-1am, Ichibangai First Avenue Food Court, Zaoying Nanli, Maizidian, East 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang朝阳区东三环农展馆北路宾都苑 东侧一层底商一番街内 (137 1692 7543)

South-East Asian

> Daily 11am-2am. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体东路中国红街5号楼1 层(6503 5555)

Bodensee Kitchen Bodensee Kitchen is a new German Restaurant in Beijing, located at the 2nd Floor at South German Bakery (Lucky Street).

At Bodensee Kitchen, two Germans, and one Austrian, aim to bring back authentic, traditional, home made German-AustrianSwiss cuisine from around the beautiful Lake of Constance region. You will find top quality German-Austrian-Swiss cuisine and a large variety of German beer and wines.

And all this in a traditional and comfortable German restaurant setting with friendly and warm service. Bodensee Kitchen also offers great Catering Packages and Offers – no matter whether you need a small or big Catering, Bodensee Kitchen can help you out!

> Daily 11am to 10.30pm; Dongzhimen Branch: 2/F, 28 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门 外大街28号2层 (6417-0900) > Additional branch in Sanlitun, see online.thatsmags.com for details.

Cafe Sambal (Malaysian) When it comes to Malay-style food in a hutong, nowhere does it better. Admittedly, it’s something of a niche category, but then so is the food on offer. The spicy Kapitanstyle chicken is pricey, but worth it.

The go to curry house among Beijing’s homesick Indian community, this ever popular no-nonsense restaurant has built up a solid reputation thanks to its wide range of quality dishes and particularly friendly service. Looking good after a recent rennovation and very available on JinShiSong online delivery. > Daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm, 2/F 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北小街2号2楼 (6462 7255)

Raj Tucked away in musty old building just underneath the drum tower, this curryhouse may look Chinese but everything on the menu is authentic Indian, espcially the rather fine naan. > Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, 31 Gulou Xidajie Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼西大街31号 (6401 1675)

Ganges Conveniently located above popular Irish sports bar Paddy O’Sheas, this solid

> Daily 11am-midnight. 43 Doufuchi Hutong (just east of Jiugulou Dajie), Xicheng 西城区豆腐池胡同43 号旧鼓楼大街往东走(6400 4875)

4Corners (Vietnamese, Fusion) The definitive hutong bar/restaurant? Chef Jun Trinh took a break from his celebrity TV work to host this part-Vietnamese venue, serving up steaming bowls of pho with zesty, fresh rolls, as well as a great bar, with frequent live indie performances. > Tue-Sun 11am-2am, 27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng 西城区大石碑胡 同27号烟袋斜街西口附近) (6401 7797)

Purple Haze (Thai) Given Beijing’s lack of white sand beaches and backpacker bars, Purple Haze has to make do for the best Thai experience in town. Has all the classics like veggie spring rolls (RMB40), papaya salad (RMB46) and curries (RMB44-180) – but our pick’s the seafood pad Thai (RMB45). > Daily 11am-11pm, 55 Xingfu Yicun, Chaoyang 朝 阳区幸福一村55号 (6413 0899)

Nyonya Kitchen (Malaysian, Nyonya) This chain specializes in Nyonya style cooking – ostensibly Malaysian but with a mix of Chinese, South-East Asian and European influences resulting in lots of bold flavors and bright colors. The interiors are just as loud as the flavors – this place is colorful – and we love it. Nyonya goes beyond the requisite laksa and satay. >NL5008, 5/F, North Phase, Bldg 17, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国门外大街1号院17号楼国贸商城北区五层 NL5008 (8415 0863)

Malacca Legend Malaysian food with a view, this spacious and airy restaurant sits on the banks of Shunyi’s Roma Lake and at a new unit in the heart of the city at The Place, making a great spot for their beef rendang or green curry prawns.

> Daily 11am-10pm; 6 Roma Lake: 6 Luodong Lu, Luogezhuang Village, Hoshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义 区后沙峪镇罗各庄村罗马湖东北三路6号C院 (8049 8902); Signature: Shop L203, 2/F, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶2 层L203 (6587 1393)

Makan Kitchen A unique restaurant offering varied Southeast Asian flavors and Chinese cuisines.

Tuck into a buffet featuring regional Asian stations, a dedicated fresh juice bar and live stations to whet your appetite. With a beautiful private dining room for functions or meetings in comfort and style, Makan Kitchen is the perfect venue for a relaxing get-together or a delightful weekend brunch.

>Mon-Fri, Breakfast: 6-10am, Lunch: 11.30am2.30pm, Dinner: 6-10pm; Sat-Sun, Breakfast: 6-11am, Lunch: 12-2.30pm, Dinner: 6-10pm, 2/F, Main Tower, Hilton Hotel, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号北京希尔顿酒 店2层 (5865 5020)

Singapore Seafood

> China World Shopping Mall Branch: Daily 11am10pm, NL4010, North Area of China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国 门外大街1号国贸商城北区NL4010 (8595 0251/8595 0361); Parview Green Branch: Daily 11am-10.30pm, 1/F, Tower C, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地购物中心C 座1层(东大桥地铁站) ( 8518 8811)

Susu (Vietnamese) The first step is finding it. Follow that up with a dreamlike renovated courtyard, extensive wine list and a listing of top-notch Vietnamese curries, banh mi sandwiches, stews, soups and la Vong fish. > Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm; 10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号 (8400 2699)

Korean Ai Jiang Shan This upscale seafood restaurant proves that chargrill and composure can go together. Their RMB58 bibimbap lunch is an absolute bargain. > Daily 11am-10pm, Sat and Sun until 9.30pm; 5/F, LG Twin Towers (East Tower), 12 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建 国门外大街乙12号双子座大厦东塔5层 (5109 6036/6037) see www.thatsmags.com for other locations)

Vegetarian Lotus 莲花空间

> China World Shopping Mall Branch: NL4006, North Area of China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商 城北区NL4006 (8527 4868); Financial Street Branch: Daily 11am-9pm, L220, 2/F, Seasons Place Mall, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng 西城区金城坊街2号金融街 购物中心2层东侧L220 (6622 0515)

Tianchu Maoxiang (Asian) Like many arrivals to Beijing, this place started out in Wudaokou and it’s since made a successful migration to Chaoyang. Great range of veggie fare, reasonably priced and they offer cooking classes as well. > Daily 10am-10pm; 19 Rm 0260, 2/F, Bldg D, Chaowai SOHO, 6B Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳门外大街乙6朝外SOHOD座2层 0260 (5900 1288)(see www.online.thatsmags. com for details)

Veggie Table (Western, Asian) * Proving that Beijing-style vegetarian cuisine is by no means the exclusive preserve of Buddhist monks and soppy Jack Johnson fans, this superbly honed eatery offers some of the very best sandwiches – vegetarian or otherwise – found anywhere in the city. > Daily 10.30am-11.30pm (last order 10.30pm); 19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区五道营胡同 19号 (6446 2073)

LISTINGS

BARS TOP 40 BARS AND CLUBS

About This guide represents our editors’ top 40 picks, and includes some That’s Beijing advertisers. Bars rated(*) have been personally reviewed by our experts, and scored according to the cuisine, experience and affordability.

Arrow Factory The newest craft beer taproom on the block, Arrow Factory is a rustic hideaway brimming with good Anglo-Scandinavian vibes (courtesy of the brew-masters) and the brand’s distinctive Chinese brewed ales.

A winning combination > 38 Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区箭 厂胡同38号(6407 6308)

8-Bit Drinking alongside multiplayer retro gaming – why didn’t anyone do this sooner?

Megadrive, Super Nintendo, N64... some real gems make up an ever-growing collection. Draft Kirin goes for a reasonable RMB25 a glass.

> Daily 1pm-2am; 13 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东 城区北锣鼓巷13号 (159 1025 6538)

China Bar ¥¥ Top views from the 65th floor and flash drinks are the attractions on offer at this hip hotel bar.

> Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. 65/F, Park Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国 门外大街2号柏悦酒店65层 (8567 1838/40)

El Nido * The first hutong hang-out to patent the fridge-full-of-cheap-imports formula, El Nido inspires a loyal following, particularly in summer. The roast leg of mutton place next door is one of the best locally. > Daily 6pm-late, 59 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng 东 城区方家胡同50号(158 1038 2089)

First Floor First Floor is like that friend who’s too popular to properly enjoy their company.

At weekends, it gets aggressively full, with regulars and the passing tourist trade all baying at the bar. A good place to meet new friends, perhaps.

> Daily, 4pm-late, Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang 朝阳 区三里屯北小街 (6413 0587, first.floorbeijing.com)

Great Leap Brewing 大跃啤酒 ¥ * The bar that began the whole Beijing microbrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes in idiosyncratic, local-style brews (RMB2540) with intriguing flavors – their Sichuan peppercorn ale was memorably good.

Reservations used to be recommended for their original hutong brewhouse, but the opening of a wildly popular new pub on Xinzhong Lu has shifted most drinkers there instead.

> Gulou: 5pm-late, Tue-Fri, 2pm-late Sat-Sun 2-10pm, 6 DouJiao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区豆角胡同6号 (5717 1399) ; Sanlitun: Daily 11:30am-2pm; Sun-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri /Sat 5pm-1am, B12 Xinzhong Street 新中街乙12号 (6416 6887, www.greatleapbrewing.com)

Heaven Supermarket A purgatory of bottles, bongs and bedraggled English teachers, Heaven sells the cheapest alcoholic takeaways in town. You can also hang around and appreciate the afterlife (clientele) if you want. Caveat: the food is straight from Hell’s own kitchen. > Daily 11-4am. 14 Xindong Lu (next to The James Joyce), Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路14号 (6415 6513)

Hidden Lounge * Although frustrating to find, Hidden Lounge rewards the intrepid with good artwork and comfortable seating, suggesting a Kasbah, plus well-made drinks at great prices (wine from RMB100 a bottle, mix drinks from RMB25). You’ll probably have to call them to find it, though.

> Daily 6pm-1am. Room 101, Bldg 8, CBD Apartments, Shuanghuayuan Nanli Erqu, Chaoyang 朝阳区双花园 南里二区CBD公寓8号楼101屋 (8772 1613)

Jane’s & Hooch ¥ * Acclaimed by some foreign press as one of the best bars in the world (cough), this not-so-plain Jane has been at the vanguard of the South Sanlitun gentrification. It serves RMB60-80 measures of your favorite Prohibiotion-era hooches in a fanstastic speakeasy atmosphere, with attentive staff and unimpeachable cocktails.

> Daily 8pm-2am, Courtyard 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院 ( 6503 2757)

Jing-A Taproom ** In just a few years, these guys developed

from shady guerrilla brewers to upstanding publicans with their own range of souvenir T-shirts. Their bar is a peach: a bricks-andmortar taproom, which is large, warm and sociable, and has up to 16 different beers on tap. > Building B, 1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路4号院

Mao Mao Chong ** The cocktails at Mao’s – such as their sublime ‘Mala’ Mule, a Sichuan peppercorninfused vodka drink that’s a long way from Moscow – are unique infusions using local ingredients and know-how. Grungey without being grimey, Mao’s eschews flash while still keeping it real. And those pizzas. > 12 Banchang Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng 东 城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 (6405 5718, www. maomaochongbeijing.com)

Mesh ¥ Whether it’s an early evening cocktail or a late-night infusion, Mesh’s moody interior and underground soundtrack draws the bright young things (and on LGBT Thursdays, quite a few old things, too). > Daily 5pm-1am. Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼 (6417 6688)

Maggie’s ¥ A notorious sausage fest (we refer, of course, to the hot-dog stand outside), Maggie’s has been providing its special comforts for so long, it’s practically a timehonored Beijing brand – although it’s also a bastion of Mongolian culture. > Sun-Thur 8pm-4am, Fri-Sat 8pm-5am, Ritan Park South Gate, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛公园南 门 (8562 8142)

Parlor Learn a few quotes from Gatsby before heading to this 20s Shanghai-style speakeasy and you’ll fit right in.

> Daily 6pm-2am, 39-8 Xingfuercun, Chaoyang 朝阳区 新东路幸福二村39-8 (8444 4135)

Mai Bar * Understated hutong hideaway with a long list of some of the best cocktails in town.

> Daily 5pm-late, 40 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng 东城 区北锣鼓巷40号 (6406 1871)

Revolution * Sanlitun doesnt really do hipster bars but if it did, this cramped ode to Maomorabilia would be it. The East may be red but their cocktails (RMB45) are fit for a Chairman.

> Daily, 12pm-late, west of Yashow, Gongti Bei Lu, 朝 阳区工体北路雅秀市场西侧 (6415 8776)

The Brick A Cheers-style atmosphere ensures you’ll find this neighbourhood drinking hole-inthe brick-wall faux dive bar either cliquey or inclusive. The heavy-duty cocktails (including the devastatingly boozy RMB80 Terminator) are probably needed for the bizarre Wednesday pub quiz.

> Daily 4pm-late. Unit 2-11, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子 2号楼底商2-11 (134 2616 6677)

The Irish Volunteer Everything – from the red-faced owner to the grub – is authentically Irish: tinged with alcoholism, doggerel and drunken regret. A good place to down a pint and a pizza before heading into town, then. > Daily 9pm-2am. 311 Jiangtai Lu (opposite Lido Hotel East Gate), Chaoyang 朝阳区将台路311 号 (6438 5581)

Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub ** This popular microbrewery is a Beijing classic (if you haven’t tried the Zombie Pirate Pale Ale yet, then what are you doing?). Other things to love: quality ales that change each season, a massive threestory space, and some of the best burgers in town.

> Daily, 11am-late; 6 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳 区南三里屯路6号 (6592 5388)

Glen ¥ Experiences can vary at Glen (we’ve endured poor service and drinks that are scandalous at the price), which is located in a decidedly downbeat compound. But whisky lovers have been known to swear by its selections and dark, intimate atmosphere.

See for yourself. >Daily 6.30pm-2am. 203, 2/F, Taiyue Suites Hotel Beijing, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区南三里屯 路16号泰悦豪庭2楼203室 (6591 1191)

Glen Classic ¥ Tucked away in the grounds of Face hotel, Glen Classic is a Japanese-owned whisky bar where discerning drinkers can sink into an arm-chair, glass in hand, and while away the hours. Huge range of whiskies

and rums are personally selected by expert owner Daiki Kanetaka – let him recommend you something special. > Mon-Sat, 7pm-2am, reservation required, minimum spend RMB200, Face Hotel Courtyard, 26 Dongcaoyuan, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体南路东草园26 号 (6551 6788)

Trouble Bar Beijing’s leading venue for imported craft beers. Stocks a large draft selection and an even larger selection of bottles. Also does a nice line in creative cocktails, if brews aren’t your thing. Conveniently located next to Gung-Ho, hosts a full-sized foos-ball table, darts, and plenty of TV’s to accommodate any event, meetings, and gatherings. > 2-101, China View Building, 2B Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang (Next To Gung-Ho) 朝阳区工人体育场东 路乙2号中国红街2-101叫板比萨隔壁 (8590 0390, troublebar@gmail.com, www.trouble.bar)

10 Best Livehouses Dusk Dawn Club (DDC) 黄昏黎明俱乐部 Great little livehouse near Meishuguan with a focus on jazz, folk and indie rock.

Craft beer and whisky means you won’t get bored of the drinks list quickly. > Tue-Sun 1pm-2am; 14 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号 (6407 8969)

School Bar 学校酒吧 * Crap drinks and regular, unscheduled fights: no wonder the cool kids adore this alternative livehouse/ DJ bar, founded by Beijing and Shanghai rock n’ rollers.

> Daily 8pm-late. 53 Wudaoying Hutong, Chaoyang 朝阳区五道营胡同53号 (6402 8881, 6406 9947)

Jianghu 江湖酒吧 This former Qing Dynasty courtyard home is exactly where you’d take that friend from out of town to prove you’re cool. Its cozy atmosphere is also its downfall – any show with under 40 people and you’re stuck looking through the windows. Hip and casually familiar, the jazz and folk bookings keep things low-key enough for the gethome-for-the-babysitter crowd.

> 7 Dongmianhua Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区交道口南大街东棉花胡同7号 (6401 5269, site.douban.com/jianghujiubar, jincanzh@ gmail.com)

Hot Cat Club 热力猫 A true stalwart of the Beijing scene, Hot Cat is the type of hard-working venue that helps cement a city’s music scene. > Daily 10am-late, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng 东城区方家胡同46号 (6400 7868)

The Post Mountain 后山 Built into a man-made hill in the center of the MOMA Complex, this new addition to Beijing’s growing livehouse empire is The Hobbit meets Manhattan.

With as much vibe as a sterile modernart gallery. Its imported sound system and ramped floor makes for decent sound and sightlines.

> Bldg T8, MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng (next to MOMA Cinemateque) 东城区东直门外香河园路1号当代 MOMA园区T8楼北百老汇电影中心北侧 (8400 4774)

Temple 坛 * Probably the manliest venue in town, this dimly lit and unventilated space is owned by rockers (Gao Xu, Gao Jian and Clement Burger) and known for late sets of hard rock, punk and ska, with weekend gigs and DJ sets every fortnight. It offers a long drinks menu, with plenty of cheap pastis and shooters, but you’ll probably stick to the RMB15 draught. > Daily, 7pm-late. Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼202 (131 6107 0713)

Yugong Yishan 愚公移山 * We’ve lost more body weight than we’d care to remember in YY’s mosh pit. Fortunately, almost all the acts – usually hip-hop DJs, emo rocks and obscure indie outfits from across the globe – were worth it. The upstairs bar area is a refuge from the sweat glands below. > Daily 7pm-late. 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu (100m west of Zhangzizhong Lu subway station), Dongcheng 东 城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711）

Sports Bars The Local * Formerly Brussels, this beery bar has come into its own, with large (yet strangely unobtrusive) screenings of sports and political events, a pub quiz, quality fare and a nice selection of draughts and cocktails.

Try the Bourbon Street Ice Tea – you won’t need another.

> Daily 11-2am. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工 体北路4号院 (6591 9525)

Paddy O’Shea’s * An entire Irish-themed pub, which could easily been trasnsported, untouched, from a back alley in Limerick and gently deposited in central Beijing. With plenty going on, including pub quiz and sports.

> Dongzhimen: Daily 10am-late, 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区东直门外大街28号 (6592 6290); Sanlitun: 2/F, Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Back Street 三里屯北路43号同里二层 (6415 0299)

V Sports Spacious, comfortable, huge screens and no rowdy drunken cretins, V Sports makes a claim for the champion of Beijing sports bars. > Daily 5.30pm-6am, Gongti North Gate East side, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北门内东侧 (5293 0333)

Nightclubs Chocolate It’s impossible to discuss Chocolate without mentioning gold leaf, dwarves, cabaret dancers and oddly-friendly Russian women.

Timed right, a visit can be raucous fun, with bottles of spirits from around RMB200, cocktails under RMB50 (including the absinthe-based Flaming Armageddon) and regular floor shows. > Daily 7pm-6am. 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区日 坛北路19号 (8561 3988)

Dada * It hasn’t been on the Beijing scene for too long, but already Dada is the hippest hangout in town. Their cosy Gulou confines under rock house Temple offer an intimate place to nod along to an eclectic range of all things electro from the best names on the underground scene. > Daily 9pm-late, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B栋101室 (183 1108 0818)

Lantern * Founded by now-defunct Acupuncture Records, Lantern is a beacon of light in the strip of truly ghastly nightclubs and bars known as ‘Gongti.’ Serious about its music, it also makes good drinks and attracts international electronica DJs. > Thurs-Sat 9pm-6.30am. 100m north of Worker’s Stadium West Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场西 门向北100米 (139 119 77989)

MIX A bit like a trip to the Forbidden City, Mix is one of those places in Beijing you have to experience before you leave. Not much is forbidden in this underground hip-hop disco palace and if you don’t leave with hook-up in tow then you’re doing something very wrong.

> Daily 8pm-6am, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (6506 9888, 6530 2889, 150 1138 2219, mixclub@sohu.com)

The Bar at Migas * A place to dance and prowl, perhaps, rather than a drinks destination, TBAM, as no one calls it, focuses on upscale local DJs to get the party started. Good-enough cocktails range from RM55-70 but mostly it’s about the music, man. > Sunday to Wednesday 6pm-2am, Thursday to Friday 6pm-late. 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路81号 (5208-6061)

Vics Separated at birth from its identical twin brother, Mix, this is the definition of Gongti sweatbox meat-market chic at its very finest. The Chinese love it – as do moody Russians and jailbait students – helping Vics to become one of the most infamous clubs in the capital.

> Daily 8.30pm late, Inside Worker’s Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育场北门内 (5293 0333)

Hotel Bars Atmosphere ¥¥ Beijing’s highest bar, on the 80th floor of the 1,082-ft China World Tower, offers 300+ swanky cocktails from RMB65 with 360-degree views of the 700AQI PM2.5. > Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat and Sun noon-4am. 80/F, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号北京国贸大酒店80 (6505 2299 ext. 6433)

Centro ¥ Although it’s no longer quite the go-to place for beautiful people it once was, Centro still draws a cute crowd with its nightly jazz performaces, spacious and recently renovated lounge areas and classic drinks like the blue-cheese martini. > Open 24 hours. 1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里大饭店1层 (6561 8833)

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LISTINGS MEI One of the livelier hotel bars in town, MEI has a nightly band, serves creatively delicious cocktails and overlooks the CCTV ‘trousers.’ Don’t leave without trying the frightfully delicious Panjiayuan Bramble.

Mon-Wed 6pm-2am, Thu-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 5pmmidnight; 5F Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District朝阳区呼家楼一号京广中 心北京瑰丽酒店3层 (6536 0083)

O’Bar With both a fantastic cocktail menu and one of the finest terraces in the city, NUO Hotel’s O’Bar is a sure bet for classy evening drinks in the city. >Sun-Thr:6pm-1am;Fri-Sat:6pm-2am;2 Jiangtai Lu,Chaoyang朝阳区将台路甲2号(5926 8888)

Xian 仙 Bold multi – element bar Xian on the ground floor mixes a pub, whiskey bar, live music venue and games room into one vibrant entertainment hotspot. >Daily 5pm-2am, 1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu,Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅酒店1层 (8414 9810)

BEAUTY & FITNESS Black Golden Tanning Studio 古 铜日晒中心 Beijing is hardly the best place to pick up a natural tan. When it finally reaches the warm summer, the sun’s rays struggle to penetrate the smog. Thankfully, Black Golden Tanning Studio is on hand to give you that golden glow with its quick, safe and effective technology. With a membership card, enjoy a 50-minute session for RMB400 and come away with natural, healthy-looking color.

> Sanlitun: 11am-9pm, 2/f, Bldg 3, Sanlitun SOHO, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路三里屯 Soho3号楼2层217 (5785 3711, jusonghao@hotmail. com); Wangjing: 11am-9pm, Rm T5, 3/F, BOTAI International Building, 36 Guangshun Bei Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区望京广顺北大街36号博泰国际商业 广场3层T—5 (8472 2855)

with discounts for members. Cost includes hiking guide, transportation, tickets, food and water. We’ve also got adventures all over China.

> For more information, visit www.beijinghikers.com

Shang Xia

>L118 & 119, L1 China World Mall, China World Trade Center 1, Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang 朝 阳区建国门外大街1号中国国际贸易中心国贸商城1楼 L118 & 119 (6505 3446)

Lily Nails A long-time favorite among locals and expats alike, Lily Nails is much more than a nail spa; they eyelash services, of pampering treatments and waxing too.

>U Town store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop 19B, 4/F, U town Plaza, Chaoyang朝阳区悠唐购物 中心一期4层19B号 8561 5875 ; Fulllink store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop 29/B1, Fulllink Plaza, Chaoyang朝阳区丰联广场B1-29 6588 3633 ; Yansha store: Daily 10am-22pm, 09/B1, Ping An International Finance Centre, Chaoyang朝 阳区平安国际金融中心商业B1层9号 5601 9664 ;WDK store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop16/F4, WDK Shopping store, Haidian海淀区五道口购物 中心4层1415号 6266 6070 ; Heshenghui store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop B1-19, Heshenghui Mall, Chaoyang朝阳区合生汇B1层19号 5601 9664 ; Pingan store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop 09/B1, Ping An International Finance Centre, Chaoyang朝阳区平安国际金融中心商业B1层9号 8444 2483 ; Taiyanggong store: Daily 10am22pm, Shop B1-09, CapitaMall Taiyanggong, Chaoyang朝阳区太阳宫凯德购物中心B1-15A号 8443 0619 ; WeLife store: Daily 10am-22pm, WeLife store, Shop B1/F, WeLife Shopping store, Chaoyang朝阳区远洋未来汇购物中心 B1-116号 8588 6896 ; Wanliu store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop 19/F4, Wanliu BHG, Haidian 海淀区华联万柳购物中心4层 8258 9517 ; Hongmei store: Daily 10am-22pm, Shop 38241, Shanghai上海市长宁区老外街虹梅路3824-1号 021-6215 5192

HAIR SALONS Laurent Falcon

Alona Pilates Studio Pairing up traditional Pilates with an innovative, full-body workout, Alona Pilates offers classes designed to tone and whip you into shape fast. It also provides a personalized experience for all its students, regardless of fitness, strength and flexibility levels.

Narcisse Beauty Brands Encompassed One of a kind! A 600 m2 brand-new concept of beauty salon——Narcisse, encompassed with professional brands on skincare, manicure and hair removal. Not only can we guarantee to give you the highest quality of products and treatments, but also an impressive one-stop beauty experience.

Beijing Hikers Want to experience the wild, unrestored Great Wall, away from the tourist masses?

Or do you just want to get out of the city for some exercise? Beijing Hikers offers hikes in the countryside of Beijing every week all year round. Hikes for all fitness levels! Regular hikes are priced from RMB380, 72 | FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM

> East Avenue BLD Ground Floor, No.10 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路10号逸盛阁首层(8442 5120, 135 2147 3492, eastavenue@catherinedefrance.com, Wechat: CDFSalon, www.catherinedefrance.com)

Sport Broadwell International Tennis Academy Located inside Chaoyang Park’s Tennis Center, this indoor club boasts a complete state-of-the-art air-supported structure for all-weather year-round indoor tennis, with an advanced lighting system and controlled climate. Ideal for peeps looking to perfect their service and batting a few balls. > Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区农南路1号朝 阳公园网球中心(400 6406 800/ 6595 8885, www. broadwell.cn1)

California Fitness Beijing Club California Fitness Beijing’s Group X program is among the best in the region, and with membership you have access to over 150 weekly Group X classes and a team of professional personal trainers in Asia. Your membership also includes free towel usage and a fitness assessment. >South Tower, L4, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang (4008 100-988,www,californiafitness.com)

Cycle China Inc. 北京非常之旅 Cycle China provides organized cycling and hiking tours in and aroundBeijing as well as longer tours throughout China.

Some of their more popular tours take cyclists through the Olympic Green, Tian’anmen Square, and Beijing’s traditional hutongs.

As China’s first REAL French hair salon we promise each and every one of our customers that we’ll treat your hair like it’s our own. We use only the finest imported products to guarantee that your experience with us is as relaxing and professional as possible. Come in and meet our specialist stylist and visit our facilities. Your hair deserves a true touch of French sophistication. Man cut 115RMB up; Women cut 165RMB up; Color 500RMB up; Highlight 610RMB up. > SanLiTun salon: No.43 Building, SanLiTun Beijie South, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯北街南43号楼 (6409 4243, 1350 137 2971); GuoMao Salon: 209, 2/F, Phase 3 China World Shopping Mall, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北 区3L209(8535 1002, 1314 667 9913)Catherine de France

Blow+Bar This salon is equipped with more than shampoo – the team here provides haircuts, dye, updos, hair treatments and more. With prices for almost everything listed under RMB1,000, Blow+ is a haven of reasonably priced good taste in Sanlitun’s 3.3 Mall. They have champagne and a wellstocked bar, so bring your friends and make

services and transportation assistance, Amcare provides a trustworthy experience.

English-speaking services include pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics.

> 9 Fangyuan XiLu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区芳园西 路9号 (6434 2399, 24hr hotline 800 610 6200, www. amcare.com.cn)

Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics 北京和睦家医院 > Wi-fi internet. Lido, Emergency Room is open 24/7/365, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm; 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区将台路2号. (5927 7000 / 5927 7120 Emergency Hotline);United Family CBD Clinic和睦家朝外诊所 Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm, Suite 3017, Building AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street, Chaoyang, 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号万通中 心AB座2层3017室(5907 1266); Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center和睦家建国门保健中心, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sun 8:30am-5pm, 21 Jianguomen Dajie, B1, The St. Regis Residence, St. Regis Hotel 朝阳区建国门外大街21号北京国际俱乐部饭店 ( 8532 1221 / 8532 1678 Immigration Clinic ); Shunyi Clinic 和睦家顺义诊所, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Fri, 9.30am5.30pm, Sat and Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm.Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 806, Tian Zhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场806 号(8046 5432); Shunyi Dental Clinic顺义牙科诊所, Wi-fi internet, Mon-Sat, 9.30am-7.30pm, Pinnacle Plaza, Unit 818, Tian Zhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818号 (8046 1102) ; Liangma Clinic亮马诊所 , Wi-fi internet, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm, 2nd Floor Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang East Road朝阳区东方东路19号1号楼会所 27号 外交人员公寓B区官舍16号 (5927 7005 www. ufh.com.cn, patientservices@ufh.com.cn)

Raffles Medical International SOS and Raffles Medical Group have formed a joint venture to enhance and expand the services of its China Clinics. From March 30 the International SOS clinics in China will be branded and operated by Raffles Medical with expanded services to all patients and privileged access for International SOS members. Patients of the clinic will continue to have access to the same doctors, the same facilities and same level of high quality care.

Raffles Medical Group is a leading medical provider in Singapore and has been operating for 40 years with over 100 clinics and hospitals in Asia. The joint venture is committed to maintain the high standard of quality with a focus on innovative and expanded clinical services and excellent patient care.

Heyrobics “Sweat like a Swede!” they say with annoyingly smug grin and toned abs. The only fitness craze worth following in Beijing, Heyrobics is all about a punishing full-body workout set to pumping beats – not forgetting the fluorescent spandex. Differing classes for all abilities, check online for the full schedule.

> Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, No.16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源里16号琨莎中心1 座105室(6462 9112/ 6462 9100, www.internationalsos.com)

Yihe 42° Hot Yoga 2 locations in Beijing: the best Yoga for Beginners! No previous experience necessary - and if your body is a bit stiff – that’s okay!

Yihe knows it can be a little intimidating to begin your journey into Yoga, so they are available to answer any questions you may have. It’s a great workout for the body and calming for the mind. Call them today on (5905 6067, 8599 7395)

> Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 8.30am12.30pm; 24 Hour Emergency Bldg C1, 9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号C1 栋 (400 876 2747, 5985 0333, www.oasishealth.cn)

> Daily 10am-8pm. 3/F, No. 2 South Building, Blue Castle, Dawang Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区大望路蓝堡 国际中心南写字楼2座3层 (8599 7395/96, www. yh42.com); 3/F, Bldg. 14, Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西路6号,蓝 色港湾14号,三层 (5905 6065/67, www.yh42.com)

Deep Facial Cleaning- 880rmb/once

> Daily, 10am-8.30pm, Rm301, Building B,Sunshine100 International Apartment, Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华东路2号阳光100国际 公寓B座301室 (5100 0556 / 0557, www.daisysbeautysalon.com)

Catherine de France Awarded best expat salon in 2014/ 2015, with a trained team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians, this salon welcomes all ages and budgets in a modern and relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, include manicure, pedicure and waxing.

Wella, SP, INOA, TIGI Language: French, English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian.

> www.heyrobics.com, info@heyrobics.com

Brands inside Narcisse： Youngfo: Facial Cleansing Center Clean Out What’s Deeply Buried In Your Skin 10+10: Minimal-Design Nail Chic Workaholic’s Luv! Edelweiss: Laser Hair Removal Latest Technology, Safe&Permanent

Daisy’s Beauty Salon Since 2001, Daisy’s beauty salon has catered to thousands of Beijing expats and locals and is renowned for its premium waxing services and imported wax that smells like hot chocolate. If waxing isn’t your thing, the salon also specializes in an array of other treatments including IPL Facial Rejuvenation and lifting, a 90-minute treatment that uses a laser to stimulate collagen production and soften lines. Laser and IPL permanent hair removal treatment is also proving popular and effective.

>3/F 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang朝 阳区三里屯路33号3.3服3/F (for appointments, call 5136 5432)

>12 Jingshan East Street, Dongcheng 东城区景山东 街12号 (6402 5653 ,139 1188 6524)

> Daily, 7.30, late. 5/F at Heavenly Spa by Westin, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新源南路1号威斯汀 酒店五层 ( 139 1029 0260, www.alonapilates.com)

> 10.30am-10.30pm, Bldg. 1,No.6 West Fangyuan rd, Chaoyang (inside Narcisse Beauty Brands Encompassed)朝阳区芳园西路6号院1号楼水仙美容品 牌集合店内(5365 9418)

a night of it.

HEALTH SERVICES American-Sino OB/GYN/Pediatrics Services 北京美华妇儿医院

> 18 anyuan road,chaoyang district,Beijing 北京市 朝阳区安苑路18号 (8443 9666, bj.americanobgyn. com)

Beijing International Medical Center (IMC) Established in 1993, the International Medical Center-Beijing counts on an expert team of foreign doctors, offering a wide range of medical services, including family medicine, psychological services, dental, ob/gyn, pediatrics and TCM. Drop-in services for travelers; x-rays and ultrasounds are also available. English, Farsi, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Russian spoken. > 24hours. Room S106/111 Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎 中心写字楼1层S106 (6465 1561/2/3, 6465 1384/28, www.imclinics.com)

Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital With a zero waiting-time policy, top-quality inpatient facilities, home visits, night

OASIS International Hospital OASIS International Hospital specializes in serving the expatriate community with the latest world-class technology and a broad range of services, all in a pristine facility designed to provide patients with the utmost comfort, care and privacy.

Beijing HarMoniCare Women and Children’s Hospital 北京和美妇儿医院

> Wi-Fi available. Chaoyang: 2 Xiaoguan Beili, Beiyuan Lu 北苑路小关北里甲2号 (6499 0000. contact@hmcare.org, en.hmcare.net)

Hongkong International Medical Clinic, Beijing 北京港澳国际医务诊所

> Dongsishitiao: 9/F, Office Tower, Hongkong Macau Center-Swiss Hotel, 2 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie 朝阳门北大街2号 港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层 (6553 9752, 6553 2288/2345/6/7; service@hkclinic. com; www.hkclinic.com)

DENTAL PrettySmile Dental If you are looking for professional and comfortable dental care, PrettySmile Dental ishighly recommended by many patients.

The clinic is standing out because of the professional team, all doctors are from the dental hospital of Peking University and most of them got professional training in USA. The strictest sterilization processes and high-end imported equipment and materials all help guarantee the highest quality of all dental services. >Mon-Fri, 9.30am-6pm (closed Thu); 5-105-1, Building 5, Sanlitun SOHO Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯SOHO 5号 商场1层5-105 (5785 3689/5785 3898, www.prettysmiledental.cn, psd3898@163.com)

Joinway Dental A reputable and trusted dental practice, Joinway Dental provides the perfect combination of cutting edge technology and comfortable treatment, while maintaining the strictest sanitary and sterilization processes.

The clinic uses high-quality imported materi-

LISTINGS als, and its professional, US-trained staff offers a personalized and private service.

> Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm; 11D, Building D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza (Ginza Mall), 48 Dongzhimen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外大街48号东方银座D座 11D (8447 6092/93, mobile:1326 181 6708, joinway@ dentalcn.com, www.dentalcn.com)

180-day student visa.

>R202 East Building, No.78 Maizidian Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店街78号一幢二层202室(6500 8201. WeChat:1381 186 4656,www.gloriachinese.com)

The Frontiers School

Arrail Dental Affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, Arrail Dental has access to top-class equipment. Its well-trained staff, multiple locations across town and excellent facilities make it one of the best dental providers in Beijing. English-speaking staff. Dental services including examinations, whitening, root-canal treatment, orthodontics and implants.

>Rm 201, the Exchange-Beijing, 118B Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国路乙118号国贸桥东南角京 汇大厦201室 (6567 5670); Rm 208, Tower A, CITIC Building, 19 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳 区建国门外大街19号国际大厦A座208室 (6500 6473); Rm 308, Tower A, Raycom Info Tech Park 2 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Haidian 海淀区中关村科学院南路2号融科资讯 中心A座308室 (8286 1956); Rm 101, Bldg 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区建国 路89号华贸中心公寓16号楼101室 (8588 8550/60/70); 1/F, Somerset Fortune Garden, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路46号燕莎东侧盛捷福景苑 1层 (8440 1926)

SDM Dental 固瑞齿科 The full spectrum of dentistry. Services include teeth cleaning, root-canal treatment, porcelain crowns, dental implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, fillings, pediatric dentistry, extraction, teeth-whitening and veneers. Credit cards accepted. >Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. NB210, 2/F, CBD, Guomao, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie建外 大街1号国贸商城地下2层 (6505 9439/31/93, www. sdmdental.com); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.Olympic Area,F0186B, Sunshine Plaza, 68 Anli Lu(east of Sunshine Plaza)亚运村安立路68号阳光广场东侧 (6497 2173,6498 2173) ; Mon-Sun 10am-19pm.LB07-08, Euro Plaza, No.99 YuXiang Road,Shunyi 北京顺义区 天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场LB07-08号 (8046 6084); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm. FC222, 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liang Maqiao Lu,Sanyuanqiao 亮马桥40号21世纪饭 店2层 (6466 4814, 6461 2745); Mon-Fri 9am-8pm.

4076B, 4/F, New Yansha Mall, Yuanda Lu,Haidian 远 大路金源燕莎购物中心Mall4层4076B (8859 6912/13); Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm, Rm 5, 3/F, North Tower, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dongli 北京朝阳区光华 东里8号中海广场北楼3层05号(5977 2488)

United Family Shunyi Dental Clinic The Beijing United Family Dental Clinic in Shunyi is a satellite of the main hospital in Lido (which has its own dental clinic onsite). A comprehensive range of services are at hand, including restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call ahead for all appointments.

> 818 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi 北京和睦家医院牙科诊所, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818 (8046 1102)

> Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm, South Side, 9 An Hua Street, Shunyi 顺义区安华街9号南侧 (8047 3558, www.britishschool.org.cn, admissions@britishschool.org.cn)

Join the friendly and professional team at Frontiers, who’ve been teaching Mandarin for 11 years. > 3/F, Bldg 30, Dongzhongjie, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng 东城区东直门外东中街30号三层 (6413 1547, www.frontiers.com.cn, frontiers@frontiers. com.cn)

Hutong School Learn Mandarin with Beijing’s best Mandarin school, Hutong School. Our experienced teachers will customize your classes and help you learn in a fun environment. >Room 1501, 15/F, Zhongyu Plaza, A6 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦1501室

Beijing Mandarin School Established in 1998, Beijing Mandarin school is the city’s top institute for teaching spoken and written Mandarin as a second language, more than 5,000 students from over 66 countries and more than 80 companies and embassies have successfully learned with us each year. Also recognized and recommended by BBC News as one of the most professional Chinese language school. Also awarded as the ‘the best Mandarin school in Beijing’ by That’s Beijing magazine. >E-Tower School(Guomao Area): Room 904-905, 9/F E-tower building 数码01大厦904-905 (6508 1026/1126); Guangming Hotel School (embassy area): Room 0709, 7/F, Guangming Hotel (near US embassy) 光明饭店7层0709室美国大使馆附近 (8441 8391, info@beijingmandarinschool.com, www. beijingmandarinschool.com, Skype ID: beijingMandarinschool1998, Wechat: BJMS-Etower)

The Bridge School 北京桥汉语言学校

>The Bridge School Head office, Room 503, 5/F, Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝 阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室(186 1244 1282 Grettchin)

Vista Medical Center 维世达诊所

Beijing Juncheng Language School 北京君诚语言学校

Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic

> 1) Room 208, 1 Panjiapo Hutong, Chaoyangmenwai, Dongcheng District 东城区朝阳 门外潘家坡胡同1号东城区职工大学208办室 (6525 9932/6526 7539) 2) Gucheng Village, 15 Huosha Lu, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙 路古城段15号 (8049 0307)

> 24hours. Wi-Fi internet. 3/F Kerry Center. 1 Guanghua Lu 光华路1号嘉里中心商场3层 (8529 6618, vista@vista-china.net, www.vista-china.net)

> Shunyi, K-01, Building No.19, Harmony Business Centre, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Town 天竺镇丽苑街荣 和商业中心19号楼K-01 (6456 2599; harmonypeds@ ncich.com.cn, www.ncich.com.cn)

Beijing Passion International Medical Center This full-service international clinic provides 24-hr general medical care and a patient-centered attitude. Beijing Passion International Medical Center is equipped with the latest in medical technology and is designed to support the comfort, safety and privacy of patients.

> 24hours, B1/F, Borui Building, 26 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路26号博瑞大厦B1层 (6517 7667, www.passion-medical.com)

Parkway Health Clinic

> Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm; CBD, 1-2/F, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street 朝阳门外大街甲六号万通中心AB座一 二层 (4000 662 -882, 24hrs; enquiry@parkwayhealth. cn; www.parkwayhealth.cn); No.101-201, Beijing link, block2, No.6 Yuan, Jing Shun Dong Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区京顺东街6号院2号楼北京Link101-201室

IDC Dental

>Daily: 9am-6pm, Room 209, Bldg 7, Richmond Park Clubhouse, Fangyuan Nanli, Chaoyang 朝阳区芳园 南里丽都水岸会所209 (6538 8111, info@idcdentalbj. com)

EDUCATION Mandarin Schools Gloria Chinese School Focusing on teaching Chinese, making sure your improvements, organizing taskbased. practical activities and providing

The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校 The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, has campuses in Shunyi (primary & secondary) and Sanlitun (primary). BSB offers an enhanced English National Curriculum to 1,500 expatriate students, aged 1 to 18, beginning with Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, IGCSE exams in Year 10 and 11 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme in Year 12 and 13. Admission & Fees: RMB102,993246,057. Contact our Admissions team to arrange a school tour.

The Bridge School 北京桥汉语言学校 > (The Bridge School Head office)Room 503, 5/F, Guangming Hotel, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店5层503室 (15321793321 Grettchin)

International Schools Canadian International School of Beijing 北京加拿大国际学校 Located in the Third Embassy Quarter of downtown Beijing, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) opened its doors in September 2006. This world-class facility offers an internationally recognized Canadian & IB PYP, IB MYP and IBDP education. The Canadian International School of Beijing develops the whole child in an environmentally sensitive school within a kind, caring community to become a citizen of the world. > 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路38 号 (6465 7788,www.cisb.com.cn)

Springboard International Bilingual School 君诚国际双语学校 Springboard International Bilingual School is a place where children, staff and parents work in partnership to enable all their students to realize their full potential. They are offering a stimulating and full international curriculum as well as an exciting after school program, which will include Kung Fu, calligraphy, health and fitness and football. > 15 Gucheng Duan, Huosha Lu, Houshayu Town, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪镇火沙路古城段15号 (8049 2450; www.sibs.com.cn, office@sibs.com.cn)

Western Academy of Beijing 京西国际学校 The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a creative and innovative IB World School built upon a solid foundation of core values and our mission to Connect, Inspire, Challenge; Make a Difference. Our students exemplify these values through their awareness of the world around them, service to others, can-do spirit and commitment to excellence. WAB graduates are accepted into world-class colleges and universities across the globe. > 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Chao Yang 朝阳区来广 营东路10号(5986 5588)

Beijing City International School 北京乐成国际学校 Located in Beijing’s Central Business District, Beijing City International School (BCIS) lives by its motto: “Empowering and Inspiring through Challenge and Compassion.” This non-profit, independent co-educational day school offers an international curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and is authorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme). > 77 Baiziwan Nan’er Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区百子湾南 二路77号 (8771 7171, www.bcis.cn)

Beijing BISS International School 北京BISS国际学校

> Building 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili Chaoyang 朝阳区 安贞西里4区17楼 (6443 3151 www.biss.com.cn)

3e International 北京3e国际学校

>9-1 Jiangtai Xilu Chaoyang 朝阳区将台西路9-1号(四 德公园旁) (6437 3344 , www.3eik.com)

The International Montessori School of Beijing 北京蒙台梭利国际学校 Founded in 1990, MSB is Beijing’s first fully registered international Montessori school.

The school also boasts an unsurpassed dual Mandarin/English program geared towards helping students achieve fluency in either language from an early age. Curriculum aside, MSB boasts spacious classrooms, a high teacher-student ratio and impressive staff longevity. Tuition: RMB98,000 - RMB177,000/year. > Bldg 8, 2A, Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区香 江北路甲2号院8号楼 (6432 8228 ext. 800, www.msb. edu.cn, admissions@msb.edu.cn)

Beijing World Youth Academy 北京世青国际学校 Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) is an international school for students of all nationalities ages 6 to 18, offering programs on its campuses conveniently located in Wangjing and Lido. An IB World School since 2001, BWYA values holistic education and seeks to give students ample opportunity to develop as globally-aware critical thinkers. A wide varity of co-curricular activities are offered to further enrich student life. Graduates of BWYA have been accepted at prestigious universities around the world. Age range: 6-18. Tuition: RMB 100,000- 140,000/year.

> Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm. 18 Huajiadi Beili, Wangjing, Chaoyang Inside 94 Middle school 北京市朝阳 区望京花家地北里18号(6461 7787 ext.32, 8454 3478/0649, admissions@ibwya.net, www.ibwya.net)

La Maison Montessori de Pekin 北京中法双语蒙氏儿童之家 The first bilingual French-Chinese Montessori kindergarten in Beijing, it welcomes children between ages 2 to 6 years old.

The kindergarten is located in a beautiful courtyard in the hutongs. Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 3:30pm. After class activities also offered. > 50 Dongsi Shisitiao, Dongcheng 东城区东四十四条 50号 (131 2025 0341/ 8401 3974; lamaisonmontessoripk@gmail.com; www.lamaisonmontessoridepk. com)

Beijing Mandarin School Established in 1998, Beijing Mandarin School is the city’s top institute for teaching spoken and written Mandarin as a second language, more than 5,000 students

from over 66 countries and more than 80 companies and embassies have successfully learned with us each year. Also recognized and recommended by BBC News as one of the most professional Chinese language school.

> E-tower School(Guomao Area): Room 904-905, 9/F E-tower Building E数码世界9层904-905(6508 1026/1126); Guangming Hotel School (Embassy Area): Room 0709, 7/F Guangming Hotel(near U.S Embassy) 光明饭店7层0709室 美国大使馆附近 (84418391, info@beijingmandarinschool.com, www. beijingmandarinschool.com, Skype ID: beijingmandarinschool1998)

Harrow International School Beijing 北京哈罗英国学校 www.harrowbeijing.cn Harrow International School Beijing prides itself on its high academic standards, a close-knit school community, a rich extracurricular activity program and the quality of its pastoral care provision. Leadership skills are promoted school-wide, with a range of enrichment activities to help students develop teamwork and creative thinking skills, as well as independence and responsibility. Students graduating from Harrow Beijing have won places at a range of universities across the world including Princeton, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge. > Address: 287, Hegezhuang, Cuigezhuang County, Chaoyang 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村 287 号 (8610 6444 8900 Ext. 6900 Fax: 10 6445 3870 ,enquiries@ harrowbeijing.cn)

Yew Chung International School 耀中国际学校 Located in downtown Honglingjin Park since 1995, Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) offers a truly international curriculum for children of foreign nationals in China. The school follows the National Curriculum for England but also integrates an extensive Chinese language and culture program, allowing foreign nationals to get the best out of their time in China. YCIS Beijing is one of only five schools in China accredited by three separate accreditation organizations and has a 100 percent pass rate within the IGCSE and IB programs. In addition, YCIS Beijing is the only international school in China to receive the Cambridge Award for Excellence in Education from the University of Cambridge International Examinations. > Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园 (8583 3731,www. ycis-bj.com)

Kindergartens House of Knowledge International Kinde garten (HOK) House of Knowledge International kindergarten (HOK) has locations in both Shunyi and Chaoyang. Both locations offer a Kindergarten program for children aged 10 months to 6 years (Pre-school). Students are treated as competent learners and the school emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration skills, in an environment where children “Lean to Learn”. In additional, the Shunyi location also has a elementary school starting from grade 1 in September 2014. > Quanfa Gardens Campus: North gate of Quanfa compound, 15 Maquanying, Chaoyang District 朝阳区马泉营15号泉发花园北门 (6431 8452, www.hokschools.com);Victoria Gardens Campus: 15 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳公园西路15号维 多利亚花园公寓(6538 2624, www.hokschools. com)

EtonKids International Kindergarten 伊顿国际幼儿园 > LidoRoom C103 Lido Country Club, Lido Place Jichang Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区蒋台路机场路丽 都广场 (6436 7368 www.etonkids.com) ;3/F, Block D Global Trade Mansion Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路世贸国际公寓D座3层 ( 6506 4805) ; Southwest corner of Beichen Xilu and Kehui Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区 北辰西路与科荟路交汇处西南角(8437 1006); Kehui Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing 朝阳区科荟路大 屯里社区(8480 5538) ;Bldg 19, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街6 号新城国际19号楼 (6533 6995); Palm Springs International Apartments 8 Chaoyang Park Nanlu Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈 泉国际公寓 (6539 8967); Bldg 21, Guangqu Jiayuan, Guangqumen- wai, Dongcheng东城区 广渠门外广渠家园21号楼 (6749 5008); Baoxing International Phase 2, Wangjing Chaoyang朝阳 区望京宝星园国际社区2期 (8478 0578); Block 1, Arcadia Villas, Houshayu Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪罗 马环岛北侧天北路阿凯笛亚庄园1座(8047 2983); 20A Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区西大 望路甲20号首府社区内 (5870 6779)

Beanstalk International Bilingual School 青苗国际双语学校 > Kindergarten: 1/F, Tower B, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区亮马桥路40号B座一层 (6466 9255); Primary School: Block 2, Upper East Side, 6 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 东四环北路6号阳光上东二区 (5130 7951);Middle & High School : 38 Nan Shiliju, Chaoyang朝阳区 南十里居38号 (8456 6019)

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CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION

Ascott Beijing >No.108B Jianguo Road,Chaoyang District,Beijing 北京市朝阳区建国路乙108号 (6587 0888) Ascott Raffles City Beijing Located in Dongzhimen, one of the most vibrant areas, Ascott Raffles City is near the second embassy district, which is rich in cultural heritage and is only a 15 minute drive to The Forbidden City.

Other nearby leisure attractions include Food Street (Gui Jie) and Sanlitun nightlife district. > No.1-2 Dongzhimen South Street Dongcheng District Tel: 8405 3888

commercial,shopping and recreation areas.

Fully equipped apartments with impeccable quality offer you a cozy living system and will meet all of your requirements for room decoration, furniture, electric appliances etc..

Unique sky garden with golf practice field and barbecue area is another symbol of GTC Residence. > sales@gtcresidence.com, website: www. gtcresidence.com Tel:56756666 Beijing Lianbao

Ascott Raffles City Chengdu > No. 3, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China Post code: 610041,Telephone:(86-28) 6268 2888 ,Facsimile:(86-28) 6268 2889 ,GDS Code: AZ, Reservations Telephone:400 820 1028 (China toll-free) ;(86-512) 6763 1021 Email:enquiry.china@the-ascott.com

Oakwood Residence Beijing Oakwood Residence Beijing offers 406 fully equipped luxury apartments ranging from studios to four bedroom penthouse and terrace apartments, all exquisitely furnished in elegant and stylish decor. Each apartment is fitted with a state-of-the-art air purification and air conditioning system which ensures 99.9% pure, triple filtered air, so you can trust in Oakwood and breathe easy. > No. 8 Dongzhimenwai Xiejie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, China reschaoyang@oakwoodasia.com Website: www.oakwoodasia.com/resbeijing Tel: 5995 2888 Fax: 5995 2999

Ascott Riverside Garden Beijing With a stunning east-meets-west architecture, the residence provides spacious studios, stylish one-bedroom apartments as well as unique two-bedroom penthouses and luxurious three-bedroom premiers.

The lifestyle amenities and unparalleled recreational facilities offer the residents various options for relaxation and entertainment > No.33A Zhou Zhuang Jiayuan Dongli, Chaoyang District, Beijing Telephone Number: (86-10) 8783 1666 Website: www.ascottchina.com Email:enquiry.beijing@the-ascott.com Beijing Kerry Residence Whether you’re a single business executive or a busy family, Beijing Kerry’s fullyfurnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments will feel just like home. As well as enjoying all the comforts of modern living – including a well-equipped kitchen, entertainment systems, high-speed broadband and much more – residents are just moments away from the Kerry Centre’s shopping mall and sports facilities. The rest of the CBD is on your doorstep too. >1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路1 号 (8535 6888, www.beijingkerryresidence. com) Lee Garden Service Apartments A newly renovated high-end premier living residence in a central location next to the shopping and cultural sites of Beijing’s Wangfujing, suites range from studios to 4-bedroom apartments (60-610sqm in size) and are tastefully furnished with specially selected materials. > 18 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng (100m East of Sun Dong An Plaza) 东城区 王府井金鱼胡同18号 (新东安东侧100米); 24hr front desk: 6525 8855, Fax: 6525 8080, general.manager@lgapartment.com, www. lgapartment.com) FraserSuite CBD Beijing The ultimate luxury in apartment living, Fraser Suites CBD Beijing epitomizes style and comfort, that surpasses the service level of many Beijing hotels. The 357 Gold-Standard Beijing apartment features contemporary concepts designed for luxury living. > 12 Jintong Xilu Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 5908 6000 GTC RESIDENCE BEIJING One of the top residences in Beijing, GTC Residence is located beside the third ring road with 5 minutes’ walk to subway line 5 , 10 minutes’ drive to Hou Hai . It is also within easily reach of CBD, embassy area, Financial Street and other urban

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contemporary fully serviced apartments from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four bedroom suites available, measuring 64 to 260 square meters. There is a 24-hours guest reception, and housekeeping is offered twice a week.

Nestled within the landscaped gardens of the Ocean Express commercial and residential complex, Oak Chateau Beijing is very close to the third Embassy Area and shopping and dinning services at the Beijing Lufthansa Center. There are only 19 kilometers to the Beijing Capital Airport. >北京市朝阳区东三环霞光里66号远洋新干线 D座 邮编 100027 Block D, Ocean Express, 66 Xiaguang Li, Third East Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, P.R.C Tel: (86-10) 84465888 Fax: (86-10) 84465999 Email oak.chateau@oakchateau.com Website: www.oakchateau.com

> Unite 1C, Building 7, Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang District 朝阳区幸福一村西里 7号楼1C (6415 8001, 138 1093 6118, hanxingyue1127@126.com) Lusongyuan Hotel A traditional compound of quadrangle composing of 5 courtyards which lies in the "hutong" area of Beijing. The hotel building is famous for its imperial living taste of the Qing Dynasty with a history of nearly 170 years. The original owner of this large private house was the Grand General SenggeRinchen, who lived here while he carried out top official duties, such as defense minister. > Tel: (86 10) 6404 0436, Fax: (86 10) 6403 0418 , Address:No.22 Banchang Lane , Kuanjie, Dongcheng District 东城区宽街板 厂胡同22号 www.the-silk-road.com, E-mail: webmaster@the-silk-road.com Marriott Executive Apartments Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing area where the prestigious business, commercial, entertainment, and shopping center of Beijing. The Imperial Mansion, Beijing – Marriott Executive Apartments reflects an exceptional level of luxury. > Gate, No. 1 Xiagongfu Street, Dongcheng District Tel: 6564 9999 The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza The Millennium Residences of the Beijing Fortune Plaza is located in the heart of the Beijing CBD which bears the most momentously potential of development and value elevation. While 25 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport, the Millennium Residences is walking distance from nearly all Embassies. > 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu Chaoyang District. Tel: 8588 2888 Oak Chateau Beijing Oak Chateau Beijing has 236 stylish and

Oakwood Residence Damei Beijing The only serviced apartment in the city that has its own in-house supply of natural hot spring water supply. Expansive city views are available from floor to ceiling windows with the apartments situated from level 23 to 35 in the building complex.

The 171 stylish contemporary serviced residences range from studios to threebedroom apartments and offer an elegant range of amenities and facilities to ensure each resident’s stay is comfortable and well taken care of.

Building No.1 Damei Center, 7 Qingnian Road, Chaoyang District Beijing北京市朝阳 区青年路7号达美中心1号楼 Tel: 86-10 8585 2211 (8:30am-5:30pm) 86-10 8585 2888 (5:30pm-8:30am) Fax: (86-10) 8585 2666 website OakwoodAsia.com THE WESTIN EXECUTIVE RESIDENCES The Westin Executive Residences at The Beijing Financial Street offer an array of world-class cuisine options and Westin’s signature amenities designed to elicit personal renewal. Just 40 minutes from the airport, the Westin Executive Residences provides direct access to Beijing’s business, entertainment and shopping district and close proximity to cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Each apartment is also fitted with contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, home entertainment system and LCD flat screen televisions. > Email: reservation.beijing@westin.com Website: www.westin.com/beijingfinancial Tel: 6606 8866

BUSINESS CENTER Regus Serviced Office 雷格斯服务式办公室 •Flexible office leases from 1 day to 1 year •Quick and easy to set up for 1-200 people •Prices from RMB180 per month •Find more on Regus.cn •Tel: 400 120 1207 >> BEIJING (20 LOCATIONS) << Lei Shing Hong Plaza [New] 北京利星行广场 5/F, Tower C, Lei Shing Hong Plaza, No.8 Wangjing Street, Chaoyang District

北京市朝阳区望京街8号利星行广场C座5层 Sun Dong An Plaza [New] 北京新东安广场 7/F, Office Tower 2, Sun Dong An Plaza, No.138 Wangfujing, Avenue, Dongcheng District 北京市东城区王府井大街138号新东 安广场写字楼2座7层 Zhongyu Mansion [New] 北京中宇大厦 6/F, Zhongyu Mansion, No.6 North Workers Stadium Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦6层 Diplomatic [New] 北京亮马桥外交办公大楼 17/F, Tower E, Liangmaqiao, Diplomatic Office Building, 3rd Embassy District, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区第三使馆区 亮马桥外交办公大楼E座17层 Kerry Centre - South Tower [New] 北京嘉里中心-南楼 10/F, South Tower, Kerry Centre, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心南楼10层 Landgent Building [Coming Soon] 北京乐成中心 5/F, Block A, Landgent Center, No.20 East Middle 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东三环中路20号乐成中心A座5层 China World Tower 3 北京国贸三期 15/F, China World Tower 3, No.1 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸中心3座 15层 China Central Place 北京华贸中心 9/F, Tower 2, China Central Place, No.79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国路79号华贸中心2号楼9层 Lufthansa Centre 北京燕莎中心 C203, Lufthansa Centre, No.50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心C203 Kerry Centre 北京嘉里中心 11/F, North Tower, Kerry Centre, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心北楼11层 Pacific Century Place 北京盈科中心 14/F, IBM Tower, No.2A North Workers Stadium Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区工体北路甲2号IBM大厦14层 Parkview Green 北京侨福芳草地中心 15/F, Office Building A Parkview, Green, No.9 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区东大桥路8号芳草地办公楼A座 15层 China Life Tower 北京中国人寿大厦中心 5/F, China Life Tower, No.16 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大 厦5层 China Life – West 北京中国人寿大厦-西 West, 5/F, China Life Tower, No.16 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大 厦5层西区 IFC 北京财源国际中心 10/F, IFC East Tower, No.8 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国 门外大街甲8号财源国际中心东座10层 Prosper Center 北京世纪财富中心 6/F, Tower 2, Prosper Center, No.5 Guang Hua Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区 光华路5号世纪财富中心2号楼6层

CLASSIFIEDS Financial St. Excel Centre 北京金融街卓著中心 12/F, Financial Street Excel, Centre, No.6 Wudinghou Street, Xicheng District 北京市 西城区武定侯街6号卓著国际金融中心12层 NCI Centre 北京新华保险大厦中心 15/F, NCI Tower, No.12A Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区建国 门外大街甲12号新华保险大厦15层 Taikang Financial Tower 北京泰康金融大厦 23/F, Taikang Financial Tower, No.38 East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District 北京市 朝阳区东三环北路38号泰康金融大厦23层 Zhongguancun Metropolis Tower 北京中关村欧美汇大厦 7/F, Metropolis Tower, No.2 Dongsan Street, Zhongguancun Xi Zone, Haidian District 北京 市海淀区中关村西区东三街2号欧美汇大厦7 层 Servcorp Smart businesses understand that flexibility is the future of the workplace. They choose the world's finest Serviced Offices to grow their businesses, run critical projects and give their people flexibility.

Level 26 Fortune Financial Center, 5 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 东三环中路5号财富金融中心26层 (Servcorp. com.cn; tel: 5775 0310; fax: 5775 0350) Need flexible and affordable ready workspace to enhance your business or register a representative office for your temporary projects in Beijing? We have the perfect solution. Located within a Grade-A building in the popular Lufthansa Business Area, our work-spaces provide you, or your company, with the ideal business identity, and most importantly, come with the most competitive rates to minimize your cost and risks. > Gateway Plaza, Tower A, Suite 16D , NE 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环 北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座16D T:01084400606 M:15910782518 Cynthia LU CSO (Singapore) Beijing Business Center We have 10 years experience in managing serviced offices in the Asia and Pacific region, and our headquarters is in Singapore. CSO Beijing is our first business center in China . We are mainly providing fully renovated and equipped offices to clients for immediate use, and all the serviced offices can be used as incorporation purpose, and we offer maximum flexibility and complete smart office system to help our clients save cost. We also provide virtual offices, meeting room and conference room, video conferencing, incorporation services and many other services.

Level 6, Sun Palace Building, Taiyanggong, Beijing Ms. Stephanie Yan, Mobile: 18210080591, Email: sales.beijing@ corporateso.com, Website: www.csochina. cn, Tel: 86 10 64697000

BEAUTY SERVICES Black Golden Tanning Salon Sanlitun Branch Grand Opening Black Golden Tanning Salon is the only fivestar China flagship store by Ergoline. As the 2011 model of Ergoline Esprit 770’s, to bring a continuous tanning effect 25% above standard machines with unique aquacool and aroma functions, we provide customers with the safest and most comfortable tanning space. > Open time:11:00-21:00 Sanlitun SOHO Branch 2rd Floor Building 3, Sanlitun SOHO,Chaoyang District Tel: 57853711; Wangjing Branch Add: Room T5 3rd Floor, BOTAI International Building, No. 36 North Guangshun Street, Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Website: www.bjtanning.com Tel: 84722855 LA BELLEZA La Belleza means Beauty and Aesthetics in Spanish. Professional hair-designers from Hong Kong ,Korea and China gather here.

LA BELLEZA is the hairdressing salon for you with its pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, and finest products.

New haircut! Good mood! Excellent life!

Add: F4 No.408, Jinbao Place .Jinbao Street No88,Dongcheng District, Beijing, china.

Website: www.labelleza.com.cn Tel: 010 8522 1626

MegaSun Tanning Salon As the only flagship store for this popular German tanning salon, megaSun Tanning will provide for each client the finest sun tanning experience.

Our center has prepared the newest functional 7900 alpha and pureEnergy chamber systems, combined with easyCare optical testers. At megaSun, enjoy our professional UV and tanning services. > 8 Dongdaqiao Road, sShangdu SOHO North Tower, Rm. 2302 Chaoyang District, Beijing Website: www.imegasun.com e-mail: 1019771453@qq.com Sina Weibo: @麦肤堂 Tel: 5900-2236/2238

STORAGE China Self Storage Co. Ltd As a member of SSA and SSAUK, China Self Storage Co. Ltd. introduces an international industry standard to professionally developed Self Storage for private, family and business. Safe, clean, air-conditioned, 24h access, flexible size. To learn more, visit www.selfstorageinchina.com. To make a reservation, contact 400-600-6378 info@ selfstorageinchina.com.

Jin’an Building, Tianzhu Garden West Rd., Shunyi District, Beijing.

Koala Ministorage Koala Ministorage is the first professional self-storage provider in Beijing. To learn more, visit our website www.koalaministorage.com. To make a reservation, call us toll free at 400-017-8889, email us at questions@koalaministorage.com, or visit one of our stores.

FURNITURE Crossover Crossover Center Flagship Store, is mainly marketing international super home furnishing brand products.

Our agent brands include Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Moroso, Cappellini, Timothy Oulton, Tom Dixon etc, over 20 international super home furnishing brands.

Our products are covered with all of fields in daily-life home furnishing, including furniture, furnishing, lighting, dinning, and office supplies etc.

Website: www.crossovercenter.com NO.81 North Road San-Li-Tun Bar St. ChaoYang District.Beijing.100027,P.R.C. Tel: 5208 6112/6113 Fax: 8610-5208 6123

HOUSEKEEPING JNY Home Service JNY Home Service was established in 2007, supplying foreign families with English speaking/non-English Speaking nannies(maids), either daily or live-in.

As a part of our service,we make sure all references and ID cards are thoroughly checked to guarantee the safety and health of your family.

Email : jieniyou@hotmail.com Mobile: 13426362833(24h) Beijing EX-PATS Service Healty, reliable, experienced, Englishspeaking housemaid/ nanny. Free agency and 24- hour English service. Medical and Accident insurrance covered. EXPATS Life Group also serves with Mandarin, car leasing, English-speaking driver, Chinese driving license, vehicle registration. service@expatslife.com Website: www.expatslife.com Tel: 64381634 Mobile: 13501237292

MOVING AND SHIPPING Rex Service Moving and Relocation Is a dedicated and professional removals company based in China, Established in 1995, which operates worldwide.

•Free of Charge Pre-Move Survey •Professional Packing Material •Professional Packing & Loading •Special Crating •Efficient Customs Clearance •Shipment Forwarding •Destination Delivery •Unpacking and Set-up •Transit Insurance for "All-Risks"

•Global Network in more than 200 Countries As a respected member of global organisations such as the International Association of Movers (IAM), Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI) and Japan International Movers Association (JIMA), we have sought and established relationships with over 2000 companies from around the world which gives us successfully logistics network worldwide.

Contact us: Hotline: 400 8821 060 Tel: (86) 18222169211/ 15010058549 E-mail: sales1@rexmovers.com; ew@ rexmovers.com Website: www.rexrelo.com

REAL ESTATE AGENTS JOANNA REAL ESTATE RELOCATION SERVICE We are one of China’s leading real estate agencies boasting an extensive database of high-end properties for rent. We have helped thousands of expatriates find their homes as well as hundreds of companies re-locate their employees. Once we have found you your ideal home we will be on hand to deal with any post move issues and our dedicated after sales team will be contactable 7 days a week to help you with any queries you have throughout your stay in our country. > For more information please contact us:Email: paulquin@joannarealestate. com.cnWebsite: http:>beijing. joannarealestate.com.cn/ (Tel: 84585667 ; 13501358971) Replus-Benchmark “Replus-Benchmark” is one of the leading real estate agencies and relocation service provider for expatriates in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen.

• Residential Home Search Service • Visa Application • Commercial Office Space Search Service • Buying and Selling Property Service E-mail: marketing@replus-benchmark.com Website: www.replus-benchmark.com > A-1509,Xiaoyun Center, No.15 of Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District Beijing Tel: 84467119 Fax: 84467577 Silk Road Travel Management Ltd. Silk Road Travel is a pioneer in organizing Silk Road tours and other classic routes in China. Founded in 1997, we are specialized in tailor making travel packages that allow travellers to truly experience the local cultures and explore the amazing heritages. Whether you are a small group of 2-9 persons or a corporate group, our professional staff will tailor make the tour programme based on your needs.

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WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 75

tj Tianjin reviews, events and information

EVENTS

Both Ends Art

‘Both Ends’ showcases oil paintings by Wan Dawei, a professor of painting at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts (TAFA). The artist, who cites Edward Hopper and Luc Tuymans as his major influences, favors the “intermediate state between pastoral and modern civilization” in his works. His later artworks illustrate secluded suburban scenes with adept use of color and omission of narrative.

Through Feb 13, Tues-Sun, 10am5pm; Sun Sun Gallery, MIAN 3 Creative Blocks #2-27 (200m South of Cathay Pacific Bridge), Haihe Donglu, Hedong 河东区海河东路国 泰桥南200米棉3创意街区2-27 (189 2038 3870)

Chinese New Year at Hyatt Regency Tianjin East Holiday

Gather your family together at Hyatt Regency Tianjin East for tailor-made Chinese New Year set menus, with their selection of gourmet holiday dishes.

All month; from RMB4,888/table; 126 Weiguo Dao, Hedong 河东区卫 国道126号 (022 2457 1234)

The Emperor’s New Clothes Theater

Chinese New Year at Wanda Vista Tianjin / Holiday

Zhen Chinese Restaurant at Wanda Vista Tianjin is ready to host you and your loved ones this Spring Festival. Culinary delights on offer include braised pork feet, stewed duck in spring water, pan-fried beef with foie gras, hand-made dumplings and more.

Thu Feb 15-Fri Feb 23; RMB3,288 per table (10 people); Wanda Vista Tianjin, 486 Bahao Lu, Da Zhi Gu, Hedong 河东区大直沽8号路486号 (022 2462 6888)

Super Bowl Watch Party Sports

Spring Festival at Hai Tien Lo Holiday

Enjoy a Chinese New Year family gathering in Hai Tien Lo Chinese restaurant, where master chefs have several set menu options to suit every taste.

Thu Feb 14 to Sat Feb 24 and Fri Mar 2; RMB1,988-3,288/table; 2/F Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Tianjin Hotel, 1 Zhangzi Zhonglu, Hongqiao 红桥区 张自忠路 1 号 (022 5863 8888)

Treat your kids to a production of fairytale classic The Emperor’s New Clothes.

The Hans Christian Anderson tale follows a foolish emperor who is tricked into wearing an invisible costume – in reality, he is naked, for all to see. The allegory is about hypocrisy, treachery and exposing the ugliness that sometimes befalls those in power.

Sat Feb 3-Sun Feb 4, 3pm; RMB40120; 21 Art Space, 21 Xinhua Lu and Jinyun Dao intersection, Puzili, Yujiapu Zimaoqu, New Binhai Area 滨海新区于家堡自贸区新华路与金蕴 道交口堡子里21号 (tickets via damai. cn)

Rey de Gambas is streaming the Super Bowl live – and yes, that means it’s very early on a Monday morning (thanks, time difference). Not to worry: there will be breakfast, burgers and coffee. And if that doesn’t wake you up, they’ll also be showing a recorded version that night, at the much-more-reasonable hour of 7.30pm.

Mon Feb 5, 5.30am live screening, 7.30pm recorded screening; RMB100 (morning), RMB150 (evening); Rey de Gambas, 138 Xinhua Lu, Heping, 和平区新华路138号 (022 2331 9870)

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | NOVEMBER 2017 | 77

Ten years ago, Tianjin native Liu Jun – or ‘Black Bear,’ as he’s often called – was at the helm of nowdefunct live house NIC Club, which helped shape the city’s underground music following. Today, he owns a record store called Sonic Candy, Tianjin’s heaven for crate-diggers.

Where does the name Sonic Candy come from?

It was inspired by two of my big musical influences. One is Sonic Youth, the other is the album Psychocandy by The Jesus and Mary Chain.

You used to run a live house?

A Q&A WITH...

LIU JUN owner of Sonic Candy i n t e r v i e w a n d p h o t o by S i d G u l i n c k

I ran NIC Club from 2008 until 2012, and put all my money in it. It was called Ni in Chinese, meaning ‘soil.’ Incidentally, nique means ‘f**k’ in French [laughs]. People still take pride in having attended gigs there. We were the first to book a lot of underground acts. Kode9 played there back in 2009 to 50 people, 20 of whom were my friends.

What do you listen to?

I’m a grunge-head, so I like grunge-influenced stuff: noise, heavy metal, punk, sludge, shoegaze, lo-fi. I’m also obsessed with old Chinese 78rpm records: swing jazz, rockabilly, blues, country... China had it all back in the day.

Who’s your clientele?

Most of my sales happen on WeChat. A lot of customers are friends who trust my judgment. I give them tips based on their preferences, much like a pharmacist prescribing medicine. Think of me as a pimp for music – I can hook you up with a lovely companion.

What’s the Tianjin music scene like?

I help support the scene, but there aren’t any bands of note. As a satellite city of Beijing, Tianjin got stuck in rock and heavy metal.

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What’s your take on the resurgence of vinyl?

I think it’s a superficial fad. Vinyl shouldn’t have disappeared to begin with. A lot of forgotten gems exist only on vinyl. In China, the scene is really small though, because there’s no real money in it.

How did you amass your collection?

I began to buy tapes and CDs in the late 90s from vendors under the Balitai bridge, near the universities. I started my own shop in 2003. By now I’ve amassed over 200,000 LPs from all over the world. Most are stashed in a friend’s basement.

In the summer of 2016, about 10,000 LPs got destroyed in a flood.

What’s your most prized record in the shop?

It has to be this one [pulls out a pristine vinyl copy of the Velvet Underground & Nico’s debut album].

In 1999, that pop art banana cover was all the rage. I was 14 and didn’t know the band, but I got the tape for RMB50, a fortune back then. I tried in vain to bargain 50 cents off the price, for my bus fare home. At first I hated it, because it was unlike my idea of rock. But it opened the door to a life of music.

What does the future have in store?

I might open a little watering hole where people can listen to records. Friends have suggested I branch out to Beijing or Shanghai, where the action is. These days, music is at your fingertips when you need it. But when music needs me, I’ll be right here in Tianjin. That’s enough for me.

Sonic Candy is open daily, 11am-7.30pm; A19, 8 Miles New Culture Plaza, Nankai 南开区八里台新文化 广场 一楼A19 (022 2333 1511)

WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 | 79

That’s

g

Beijin

Horoscopes

Finally, a horoscope that understands your life in Beijing.

by D o m i n i q u e Wo n g

Aquarius

Pisces

1.21~2.19

2.20~3.20

You may regret agreeing to be a bridesmaid at your friend’s wedding after you discover that she just wants to set you up with the best man. Give it a chance – he’s also into Chinese rockers P.K. 14.

Do what you always do: swim deep, but not too deep, or else you will get hypothermia and maybe die.

Houhai is still freezing and you’re no laobeijing . Check out your local pool instead.

Gemini

5.22~6.21 You’re feeling a little anti-social and moody this month. Change your WeChat handle to your name and ‘ – away until forever,’ and spend every evening guiltily binge-watching whatever TV program Angelababy is starring in on Bilibili.

Cancer

Aries

3.21~4.20 The Lunar New Year has got you second-guessing yourself. Should you stay in Beijing? Adopt a dog or a cat? Relax; just remember that nothing you do really matters in the end. Happy New Year!

Leo

Taurus 4.21~5.21

When your Chinese girlfriend’s dad keeps refilling your baijiu glass during CNY, don’t try and be a hero: Just say no. You may lose face but you will keep your liver. Double the hongbao amount you planned to give.

Virgo

6.22~7.22

7.23~8.23

8.24~9.23

Chinese New Year is all about family.

Sadly, yours live on the opposite side of the world and don’t celebrate the holiday, anyway. Shame. Hang around your neighbor’s apartment until they invite you to join in their festivities.

Turn that self-loathing into selflove. Start taking yoga classes but drop out after you realize the teacher only speaks Chinese. Buy a gratitude journal. Throw it out after you’re repeatedly at a loss for what to write.

Become addicted to watching Chinese beauty vloggers but refrain from buying anything they promote. You’re too broke for that. Wear activewear every day but never go for a run or step foot in a gym.

9.24~10.23

10.24~11.22

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Don’t worry if you find yourself feeling off-balance. It’s to do with the Lunar New Year, or scales, or something. Hit up Dada, or First Floor, depending on what kind of Libra you are, and you’ll be in equilibrium in no time.

Your roommates are annoying, but leaving aggressive notes on their dirty dishes and throwing loud parties isn’t the answer. Neither is advertising for new roommates in all your WeChat groups. Or selling their crap.

Where you at this month, crazy Sag? Someone is looking for you. That someone may or may not be your landlord, whom you owe two months of backpay rent. Get your sh*t together.

This month is just like Forrest Gump’s mom always said. Life is like a box of baozi ; you never know what you’re going to get. Pork? Vegetables?

Choose jiaozi .

Libra

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11.23~12.21

12.22~1.20