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2017
China's Year in Review
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城市漫步珠
国内统一刊号: 三角英文版
that's guangzhou that's shenzhen CN 11-5234/GO JANUARY 2018 01月份
that’s PRD
《城市漫步》珠江三角洲 英文月刊
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编辑 Editor: 朱莉莉 Zhu Lili 发行 Circulation: 李若琳 Li Ruolin
Senior Digital Editor Matthew Bossons
Shenzhen Editor Adam Robbins
Guangzhou Editor Daniel Plafker
Shenzhen Digital Editor Bailey Hu
Senior Staff Writer Tristin Zhang
Digital Editor Katrina Shi
National Arts Editor Erica Martin
Contributors Ned Kelly, Betty Richardson, Lena Gidwani, Dr. Adam Koh, Mia Li, Katrina Shi, Dominic Ngai, Erica
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2 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
Editor's Note JANUARY 2018
WIN
China made global headlines on seemingly endless occasions over the past 12 months: a
high-profile visit from the ‘Tweeter-in-Chief,’ the boom of shared bikes, China’s inaugu-
ral Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a lackluster performance by Apple’s iPhone 8, a sev-
enth consecutive Chinese Super League title for South China’s powerhouse Guangzhou
Evergrande, the list goes on. Simply put: 2017 was a doozy of a year, both in China and
beyond. We're giving away tickets to some
As such, we’ve decided to start 2018 off with an in-depth look at the year that was. of the very best events in the Pearl
On pages 36-45 we recap social media, arts, sports, fashion and food in China in ’17. River Delta, alongside a host of free
In our City section, That’s Shanghai Editor-in-Chief Dominic Ngai explores drone meals and other goodies. Follow our
photography and the folks documenting China’s ever-changing rural and urban land-
official WeChat feeds and sign up
scapes from the sky.
for our weekly newsletter for your
Elsewhere in the mag, Jewelz & Sparks, the handsome German DJ duo that col-
chance to win major prizes! To stay
laborated with Quilla on ‘Unless We Forget,’ tell us about their upcoming debut show in
up to date, visit www.thatsmags.
Canton. And, on page 29, American college dropout turned Chinese social media sensa-
tion Jonny Long fills us in on his past successes, present projects and future goals.
com or scan the QR codes below and
While many of you may be in the initial thrust of a soon-to-be fruitless New Year’s follow our WeChat accounts.
resolution (perhaps one involving food and/or booze…), we nonetheless have a spread
of mouth-watering and intoxicating new F&B establishments to introduce. Turn to our
city-specific food and drink section in the second half of the magazine to indulge your
foodie fascinations.
This issue marks a new page for the That’s PRD team, as we welcome two new
ThatsGuangzhou
members to our editorial department: Guangzhou Editor Daniel Plafker and Shenzhen
Editor Adam Robbins. Our entire operation looks forward to bringing you more break-
ing news, informative features, event info and foodie-focused goodness in the year to
come!
Until next month,
ThatsShenzhen
Matthew Bossons Hourly updates on news,
current affairs and general
weirdness from around the
PRD and China.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
facebook.com/ThatsPRD
twitter.com/ThatsPRD
youtube.com/thatsonline
#THATSPRD
4 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
WINTER WONDERLAND IN THE PARK
spacious outdoor swimming pool.
Winter Wonderland in the Park is
priced at RMB50 including two game tokens.
Admission tickets are available at the hotel’s
outdoor garden.
For a more immersive experience,
treat yourself with the Winter Wonderland
Room Package (available until February 24).
Starting from RMB1,080, the package offers a
one night stay in a Deluxe Room, a generous
RMB400 daily dining credit applicable at all
hotel restaurants, plus three admission tick-
ets (each with two game tokens) to ‘Winter
Wonderland in the Park’. High-speed internet
access is included and kids under 12 enjoy an
L
extra bed (subject to availability).
ooking for some family-friendly fun to see you and your loved ones through the winter
season? Despite the days getting shorter and the weather colder, there's no reason that Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou 1, Huizhan Dong Lu,
Haizhu District (8620 8917 8888, www.shangri-la.com)
wholesome outdoor activities should come to an end. The Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou
has you covered, with the welcome return of their ‘Winter Wonderland in the Park’, running
until February 25, sure to bring big smiles to rosy cheeks across the city.
The hotel’s 5,800 square-meter outdoor garden is once again playing host to the popular
fun-fair concept, complete with games and activities for young and old alike; a perfect destina-
tion for young families seeking a stress-free break from the daily hustle, right here in the heart
of the city.
This year, 19 well staffed and meticulously designed activities have transformed the
beautifully landscaped space into an engaging carnival of exploration and family bonding.
Activities include giant bowling, a hotly anticipated augmented reality puzzle solving
game, a trampoline station and pedal boat mini games that will take place on the Shangri-La’s
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 5
8 CITY 36 COVER STORY
CHINA'S YEAR THAT WAS
9 REPRODUCTION
A look at the dizzying highs and spectacular fails that made 2017.
PAINTER
Master of his craft.
12 ABOVE AND BEYOND
Drone photography
takes off in China.
18 LIFE &
STYLE 46 COMMUNITY
THE WRAP
19 KEY CHOW & JARNO
LEPPANEN
Designers of KA WA KEY.
21 DAYTRIPPER
Night hiking in Shenzhen.
68 EVENTS
28 ARTS
GZ
29 JONNY LONG
From cultural cosmonaut
to live-streaming
sensation. JAN 13
32 JUST FOR KICKS Glory of Heroes
Getting acquainted with
Foster the People. HK
56 EAT & JAN 25-28
Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic
DRINK MO
57 A CULTURED BEVERAGE...
Rio's bizarre new yogurt-
vodka drink.
60 SIN CITY DINING
A look at Dongguan's JAN 13-22
most enticing eateries. Macao City Fringe Festival
6 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COM
CITY
Fly Over China
Drones give Chinese photographers an
eye in the sky, p12
Shenzhen's Walled City Chinese Urban Dictionary
P10 P11
8 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMMAN ON THE STREET
REPRODUCTION PAINTER
Master of His Craft
By Adam Robbins
N
estled near the Guanlan River in the the door. What do you call that in English?” bered fondly for protecting relics during the
northern reaches of Shenzhen, past We have to explain that we don’t have a Cultural Revolution. But not here.
the bustle and din of construction name for that. He looks at us with pity in his “They’re different prices, based on size.
and traffic, the urban explorer can rest a mo- eyes. Of course the larger ones are more expen-
ment with the ‘Master of Eternal Happiness From his little refuge, Chen has watched sive,” she explains. “Come on.”
Studio.’ Guanlan Village change through the years, But it’s only the rare neighbor or tour-
That’s the oh-so-modest pseudonym invaded by the encroaching city. And when ist who stops in for an icon of the Great
of Chen Shengxian, who opened shop in Beijing named its new leader, he dutifully Helmsman. “We mostly sell to businesses and
Guanlan Village nearly 20 years ago. A Hakka added the man’s portrait to the mix. But rich people,” she confides, looking up at the
from eastern Guandong, he married a prag- though we saw it unobtrusively stationed huge canvasses that support the family.
matic Cantonese wife and settled into the outside the shop last month, now we spy Countless reproductions of photos and
artist’s life. him tucked high on the wall behind the door. famous paintings might not be the most crea-
“That’s guohua” (native style), he ex- ‘Why’s that?’ we inquire. tive output, but Master of Eternal Happiness
plains, gesturing to the wide canvasses of Chen’s wife now joins us, with a tiny boy Studio is clearly proud of his work.
horses and rolling mountains detailed with in tow. He sits behind the wide table like his Yet when he considers his meticulous,
calligraphic flourish. They dominate the small grandpa, kicks off his Mickey Mouse sandals photorealistic portrait of Qi Baishi, with
studio’s walls, hung vertically or horizontally and starts to play with a tape measure. Chen wrinkles curving in soulful depth around the
as space allows. Taitai just laughs. eyes, he’s all modesty. “I’m nothing like this
Closer to the entrance hang the faces of “There’s no room to put all the paintings!” guy – his paintings sell for millions!”
Zhou Enlai, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. She gives us the low down on the market
“That’s tanjinfen” (charcoal). Colored char- for the portraits, who’s in and who’s out.
THE DIRTY DETAILS
coal dust gives a soft-focus depiction of the “Mao, of course, [is the most popular] and
faces of the old leaders, their black eyes and Deng. Both of those are really good. Nobody Monthly salary: approx. RMB12,000
the blues of the old Zhongshan suits. wants Zhou Enlai.” There’s a pause to reflect.
Days per week: 6
“That’s for a customer whose father “People do want Xi, too.”
passed away.” The face on the easel with the At RMB600 for an 8x10 of Zhou, we can’t Hours per day: 8
Mona Lisa smile is nearly complete, nearly really blame them. His caption lists him as
identical to the photo it was created from, as a diplomat, stateman and “respected mem-
are all the portraits in the studio. ber of the proletariat.” Elsewhere in China Man on the Street is a monthly feature where we talk
to someone doing an everyday job to gain insight into
“This paper is for couplets on the side of Mao’s longtime premier might be remem- the lives of ordinary Chinese people.
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 9THE BUZZ
RANDOM NUMBERS
CITY SNAPSHOT
11
Fade to Black
American expat Yoel Taomas
is an English teacher who
has been living in China for
… is the number of stations on six months. The photo we’ve
Guangzhou’s newly opened Metro Line chosen to feature this month
9, which connects the city center with was captured by Taomas
the peripheral district of Huadu. Line in Guangzhou’s vanishing
9 has six-carriage trains and shares a Xiancun area, which is located
transfer station with Line 3 at Gaozeng between Tiyu Xilu, Shipaiqiao
Station. Line 9 also stops at Guangzhou and Liede. Taomas says:
North Railway Station, which runs “[The urban village, Xiancun]
trains from Guangzhou to Qingyuan, has fascinated the urbanist
Wuhan and Beijing, among other cities. in me since my first visit to
Construction began in 2011 and the line Guangzhou.”
covers a distance of 20.1 kilometers.
Tag #thatsprd on Instagram for a
chance to be featured on our feed
and in the magazine.
1,965
BEHIND THE CONCRETE
Shenzhen’s Historic Walled City
Legend says that Shenzhen grew from fishing village to megalopolis in just a few decades.
… feet. The imperial height of
While pithy, it’s false: the area that Shenzhen encompasses was once home to multiple towns
Shenzhen’s Ping An Finance Center,
and hamlets, not to mention an ancient walled city dating back to 331 CE.
which hosts 115 floors and is now the
Over the last couple millennia, it’s held several names, hosted hundreds of imperial troops and
fourth tallest building in the world.
administrators and even served as the site where Hong Kong was signed off to the British following
The building was crowned the tallest
the first Opium War.
building to finish construction in 2017,
Nowadays Nantou Ancient City is an urban village filled with densely-clustered ‘handshake
as per the Council of Tall Buildings and
buildings,’ although detritus of a grander past still lie scattered around.
Urban Habitat’s annual report.
The South Gate constructed in 1394, for instance, still stands, although it’s seen multiple
renovations during both Ming and Qing dynasties. Another part of the city’s wall is preserved in
Zhongshan Park, just north of the modern-day Nantou neighborhood.
The former stronghold also sports the odd temple and restored historical building, while the
free-to-enter Nantou Museum offers a crash course on local history for those fluent in Chinese.
To cap it off, Nantou also serves as the main Shenzhen venue for the ongoing Bi-City Biennale of
Urbanism/Architecture 2017, playing host to various exhibits and activities. It’s yet another reason
to set foot in this ancient gem and see how it’s changed with the times.
25 Zhongshan Dong Jie, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 深圳市中山东街25号南头古城
10 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COME D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M
I
f you are having your carpets “re-assigning seats” when a pas-
cleaned and your floor washed senger was forcefully beaten and
at a time that's not spring dragged off a flight.
cleaning, something bad has prob- Since the person or organiza-
ably happened in your house, and tion’s bad behavior is already out
now you are trying to cover it up. of the bag, they have lost all cred-
It could be anything from adultery ibility. Those who xidi for them
to murder. No one orders a full instantly lose their credibility
car detailing for fun. Such is the too. In fact, the act of xidi implies
logic of xidi. Literally meaning “to that the latter is an accomplice of
wash the floor,” xidi refers to the the former, getting paid to wash
act of cleaning up to cover up a the floor for the offenders. This is
crime. But in Chinese slang, it has clear in the origin of the word: xidi
come to mean the act of defending comes from Stephen Chow's 2004
or excusing someone of a crime film Kung Fu Hustle, in which
that he or she probably has com- policemen are paid off by gang
Xidi/ xǐ dì / 洗地 verb. to defend someone who is most likely guilty, to mitted. members. Every time the gang
defend something inexcusable. Xidi can be trying to find ex- kills someone, they yell “officer,
cuses for people’s bad behaviors, come xidi” and the police cleans
I'm only saying that if I was a Wall Street banker, I’d
like when people say “she prob- up the scene.
totally grab the opportunity to make millions, too. ably came on to him,” when a pub- That's why ‘xidi’ is such an
lic figure is accused of sexual har- emotionally charged word—
assment. Or it can be excusing bad sometimes it seems like you can
Look at you xidi for the bankers who caused the
recession! How much did they pay you?
things by trivializing them, like be called ‘xidi’ no matter who
saying, “it’s just a lack of wind” defend. Or, when you’re angry,
when AQI is above 500 again. any defense can sound like xidi to
Would you have left money on the table, if it had In public life, xidi often hap- you. It makes ‘xidi’ one of the most
been you?
pens when a spokesperson of an used words in online arguments
organization is defensive after – and probably the most abused
You disgust me. a public scandal, such as when one as well.
United Airlines said they were Mia Li
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 11CIT Y | F E AT URE
A erial photography has revolutionized the way we see the world. Now with much easier access to drone cameras, photographers eve-
rywhere are reaching new heights with their lenses, capturing breathtaking images of places we know so well from higher vantage
points than ever before.
China, a country where colorful spreads of natural landscape and futuristic cityscape are readily available in close proximity
to one another, is home to large and growing numbers of drone photographers. They are discovering the genre’s equal potency to showcase the
intriguing rhythms that flow between the multifaceted topography in the heartland of the Middle Kingdom and its rapidly growing metropolitan ar-
eas. Naturally, the country is also a breeding ground for innovation, with DJI, the world leader in the civilian-drone and aerial imaging technology
industry, establishing its headquarters in Shenzhen in 2006. But is the sky the only limit for growth for drone photography in China and beyond?
12 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMF E AT URE | CIT Y
‘秋收旋律 (THE HARVEST MELODY)’ BY 1385230… (SKYPIXEL)
ke s
y Ta
rone raph
D tog ina
Pho in Ch
Off
W
hen Gaspard-Félix Tournachon founded the company in 2006, DJI has been
produced the world’s first ever aerial at the forefront of aerial imaging technol-
photograph from a hot air balloon ogy innovation, and one of the most obvious
by
os
over Paris in 1858, never could he have beneficiaries is the world of TV and movie
o t
, Ph
guessed how his actions would change the production.
7
N gai , @nk o course of history over the next century-and-a- “Almost everything that we watch to-
in i c ex t ot
o m o c o a n xe l P h
half. day includes some aerial footage. Some
y D i
First popularized during World War I as that have reportedly used DJI drones in-
r d s b g , @ c S ky P a form of reconnaissance by military forces, clude Transformers, Spiderman and Game
Wo C h e n f r o m aerial photography has since allowed industry of Thrones. Our aerial systems are also
o s
Tu g n t r i e
leaders across multiple business sectors to being used by media outlets such as the
e find new ways to further their technological BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery
and est development efforts. From infrastructure, Channel,” says Kevin On, DJI’s Director of
t
Con agriculture and transport to security and film-
making, drones – or camera-equipped UAVs
Communication.
Last year, the Chinese tech company
(unmanned aerial vehicles) – have become was awarded an Emmy for Technology and
essential tools to accomplish various tasks with Engineering by the National Academy of
greater efficiency and effectiveness than ever Television Arts and Sciences in the US, which
before. recognized DJI for providing cinematogra-
According to a July 2017 report by BI phers with “an affordable and accessible
Intelligence, Business Insider’s research ser- platform to create low-altitude aerial images,
vice, the global sales of drones (consumer, opening up creative possibilities and facilitat-
‘DRYING CLOTHES IN AUTUMN’ BY 菜鸟视觉 (SKYPIXEL)
commercial and government drones com- ing the distinct looks of some TV shows.”
bined) reached USD8.5 billion in 2016, and According to an article by the South
the number is expected to increase to USD12 China Morning Post, the privately-held firm’s
billion by 2021. sales topped RMB10 billion (USD1.4 billion)
Headquartered in Shenzhen and now in 2016, with overseas markets contributing
with hundreds of thousands of employees in to three quarters of its revenue. On credits
Asia, Europe, North America and beyond, DJI the location of DJI’s headquarters to be one
(Da-Jiang Innovations) owns about 70 per- of the main reasons for its rapid growth and
cent of the market share of the consumer and dominant position in the consumer drone
commercial drone market. Since Frank Wang industry.
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 13CIT Y | F E AT URE
YOU CAN NEVER
BE BORED WITH
IMAGES CAPTURED IN
SHANGHAI
@cocoanext
‘PARADISE’ BY @COCOANEXT AND @ROOFERCYRIL
“Many have referred to Shenzhen as the Silicon Valley of the East, and the
city offers a huge pool of engineering talent, as well as easy access to manu-
facturing. This allows us to innovate faster than anyone else,” he explains.
“We’re also seeing tremendous growth across the board, and a growing inter-
est from emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America.”
In addition to the fostering innovation in the commercial world through
their aerial imaging technology, DJI is also committed to cultivating a com-
munity of both amateur and professional aerial photographers. The company
is a major driving force behind SkyPixel, one of the largest online platforms
dedicated to aerial photography with six million users worldwide. Its popular
annual photo contest attracts tens of thousands of entries each year and the
winners of the 2017 edition will be announced on January 31.
One of the entrants this year is a Henan-born photographer who goes
by his Instagram handle, @cocoanext (‘Co’ for short). Having bought his first
drone in December 2016, the 25-year-old says camera-equipped UAVs have
become an essential weapon in the professional photographer’s arsenal.
Co, who has been based in Shanghai for four years, says his current
home is hands down his favorite city to shoot with a drone. “You can never be
bored with the images you can capture in this city,” he says. “Even if you’re
shooting from the same place, altitude and angle, you can get very different
shots depending on the time or weather. The buildings create all these wacky
shapes of shadows in every shot.”
‘SHANGHAI VIEW’ BY @COCOANEXT AND @ROOFERCYRIL
14 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMF E AT URE | CIT Y
Similar to Co, @nk7’s Instagram feed is peppered with bird’s eye view
cityscapes from Shanghai, Guangzhou and other metropolises in and around
China. With more than 206,000 followers on his account, the Guangdong na-
tive says the releases of DJI’s Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro models in mid- to late-
2016 were game changing events that caused the popularity and demand for
drones to skyrocket in China and beyond.
“The quality of the camera and the stability of these drones improved
dramatically from previous models,” says NK on why he started shooting with
drones a little over a year ago. While both photographers admit that Google
Maps’ satellite function is great for scouting out locations and angles before fly-
ing their drones, NK, who recently relocated from Guangzhou to Shanghai, says
it was especially helpful for shooting in his former home.
“In Guangzhou, the sheer density of the buildings and highways throughout
the city center and the suburban area, and the way these structures produce
all these interesting points of symmetry, is what I like to explore with a drone
camera,” says NK. “In Shanghai, on the other hand, I like to build the shot
around the iconic skyscrapers in Lujiazui, so it’s all about finding an interesting
foreground, which you can pretty much do from any angle on both sides of the
Huangpu.”
In Guangzhou, the sheer density of the buildings throughout
the city center and the suburban area, and the way these
structures produce all these interesting points of symmetry,
is what I like to explore with a drone camera
@nk7
‘HIGHLAND CITY’ BY @NK7
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 | GZ | 15CIT Y | F E AT URE
THE AESTHETIC PURSUIT
IN THE FIELDS OF
‘CITY PATTERNS: FREEDOM’ BY TUGO CHENG
ARCHITECTURE AND
PHOTOGRAPHY ARE
STRONGLY RELATED
TUGO CHENG
it safely. “If something major happens, it would
NK and Co have covered a lot of ground While it’s now much easier for aspiring pho-
be much harder for everyone to fly.”
with their drones in various cities, but one thing tographers to acquire drones, the importance
NK concurs, and points to DJI’s BBS as a
they both hope to do more of is document the of obeying basic government regulations must
good source of information for amateur pho-
vast rural areas of China from the sky. These be underscored. In spring 2017, three separate
tographers to do some homework on the best
expeditions, however, are something that Hong incidents involving drones near Chengdu’s
places to fly drones, tips on operating different
Kong-based photographer Tugo Cheng goes Shuangliu International Airport caused dozens
models, as well as the basic regulations before
on quite often. Over the past few years, he’s of flight delays, affecting tens of thousands of
investing in one. “Compared to some Western
already been to Daocheng Yading, Tianshan, travelers.
countries, there’s a lack of clarity and a central
Inner Mongolia, Fujian and parts of rural On the Chinese mainland, all drones are
source for drone users in China to get all the
Guangdong to produce visually impactful im- subject to the country’s No Fly Zones, which
information they need,” NK comments, referring
ages with his drone, winning multiple awards include areas around airports, military facilities
to the fact that the community in China usually
and recognition from National Geographic, and specific cities like Beijing, as well as politi-
hears about the newest regulations from various
Sony World Photography Awards and the cally sensitive areas like certain parts of Xinjiang.
media outlets.
International Photographer of the Year competi- Real name registrations are required for UAVs
“There’s no doubt that the regulations in
tion along the way. that weigh more than 250 grams, while drones
China will only get stricter as the number of
An architect by trade, Cheng credits his pro- that are over 7 kilograms must be licensed
drone users increases,” he concludes. “Before
fessional training for giving him the foundation by the Civil Aviation Administration of China
that happens, fly more, and fly responsibly.”
for developing a good eye as a photographer. (CAAC). In addition, rules for maximum altitude
“The aesthetic pursuit in the fields of both archi- and distance are also outlined.
tecture and photography are strongly related,” “When I’m asked to offer advice for aspir-
Cheng explains, referring to the relationships ing aerial photographers, the first thing I say is
between light and shadow, as well as lines and to read the instruction manual of their drones
geometry in both disciplines. carefully,” Cheng comments. “It’s important to
“Many people can produce good images,” understand your equipment and how to properly
he adds. “But I think the ones that truly stand out control it before unleashing your creativity.”
must be thought-provoking, and have some sort While the rising popularity of drone pho-
of surprising element to the composition or the tography is a good sign, the Hong Kong-based
angle. Most importantly, they must also create photographer thinks the community might be
an emotional connection with the audience.” growing a little too fast. “A lot of inexperienced
In his acclaimed photo series ‘City Patterns,’ flyers treat drones like toys. In a densely popu-
Cheng chose to fly his drone at a low altitude lated city like Hong Kong, there are a lot of
and tilt the camera 90 degrees downward to hazardous obstacles in the city center… I think
capture the everyday lives of Hong Kongers on there should be some sort of mandatory training
the street level. “I wanted to shy away from the courses for operating drones before people are
‘typical drone shot,’” says the photographer of allowed to fly them.”
the concept. “In the photo titled ‘Freedom,’ for “New users need to realize how dangerous
instance, there’s the sharp contrast between an accident caused by drones can be,” adds
the people in the swimming pool and the lone Co, who recalls an incident in which the sudden
swimmer in Victoria Harbour... that’s more change in direction of wind during the typhoon
interesting to me than just a panoramic view of season almost caused him to lose his UAV in
‘THE BOTTLE OPENER’ BY @NK7
the city.” downtown Shanghai, before he was able to land
16 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMLIFE
CI T Y | P HO T O E S S AY P HO T O E S S AY | CI T Y
&
STYLE
What's Your Type?
Understanding the seven universal
style types, p22
Rambling in the Dark Streetwear Chic
P21 P20
1 8 | | GGZZ | | J JAANNUUAARRYY 22001 188 | | WWWWWW. .TTHHAATTSSMMAAGGSS. .CCOOMMSPOTLIGHT
KEY CHOW
& JARNO
LEPPANEN
Designers of KA WA KEY
Interview by Dominic Ngai
Founded in 2015 by Royal College of Art
graduate Key Chow, menswear label KA WA
KEY’s design concept is all about showcasing
soft masculinity and Asian male identity
through the interplays of Eastern and Western
aesthetics and traditional textile crafts and
the latest fashion technology. In 2017, the
Hong Kong-born designer teamed up with
Finnish artist Jarno Leppanen to enrich the
label’s design language through various
artistic media. Here, the London-based duo
tells us more about the their brand and the
concept behind their SS2018 collection, ‘Fried
Rice in the Closet.’
How did the two of you meet and start
working together?
“Designing is an inner conversation, but at the same
time, it’s also a collective process for us”
JL: We met while working on a project, which
eventually led us to collaborate on the KA
WA KEY SS17 presentation during London
Fashion Week Men’s. Our aesthetic and ideas tions, live performances, music, movies, silhouettes are based on classic sportswear
matched, so it felt quite natural to start work- books, magazines, and things that we see, and streetwear pieces like hoodies and jog-
ing together. taste and smell on the streets of London, as ging pants, and we also incorporated some
well as during our travels. Designing is an traditional sportswear fabrics like nylon in
For Key, how different is it to design by inner conversation, but at the same time, it’s our windbreakers.
yourself versus doing so with Jarno? also a collective process for us. It’s like a liv-
ing organism that never stops moving and What has the feedback been like for the
KC: When I was working alone, sometimes it
evolving. brand in China?
was quite difficult to find a solution to cer-
tain challenges by myself. Now, Jarno and I The feedback has been great. China is a great
Tell us about the concept and inspiration
discuss most of the designs and bounce ideas country to visit, seek inspiration and create
behind your SS18 collection, ‘Fried Rice in
off each other and solve problems together. I as there are so many up-and-coming talents
the Closet.’ What does the title mean?
much prefer this collective design process. who are very experimental and fashion-for-
‘Fried rice’ is a Chinese slang for sex. The ward, yet they still very much respect certain
Do you each have specific roles or respon- story behind this collection is about a young traditions.
sibilities? man who tries to hide his sexuality by dress-
ing in sportswear to blend in, and the collec- What are you guys working on in the new
JL: Key’s main area is more on the techni-
tion is a reflection of his dreams. The concept, year?
cal aspects of design, while I focus more on
however, goes beyond his sexuality; it’s about
PR, but everything is kind of done together. We are currently developing our AW18 col-
being true to oneself.
During the design process, we talk about in- lection, and we are going to be a part of the
This is all translated with our interpreta-
spirations, themes and things like that. Even Men’s Fashion Weeks in Paris and London, as
tion on streetwear and sportswear with a
though our aesthetics are very similar, there well as New York Fashion Week. We are also
strong focus on the choices of material. With
are always some differences in opinions and really hoping to show our AW18 collection
fabric development and treatment being an
taste, which allows us to think about our at Shanghai Fashion Week’s Labelhood again
essential part of our label’s DNA, we added
ideas from a different perspective. in April.
our own twists to create a see-through and
layering effect with our own house-made
Where do you draw your inspirations?
fabrics. The material is practical but light, www.kawakey.com
KC: Our inspirations come from art exhibi- and we used lots of soft colors as well. The
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 19STYLE RADAR
TAP THAT APP INSPECT-A-GADGET
Untappd Color Changing Bulbs
Beer lovers of the world rejoice. The
social app that you’ve been waiting for Oh, smart home: your promises grand, and
is here! only – as always – ‘a few years’ away. There’s
Untappd is an app with similar the milk-ordering fridge, the self-adjusting
features to our ubiquitous social media thermostat and ‘smart’ lights.
sites, but unlike Facebook and Twitter, Despite corporate commercials, that’s not
Untappd is entirely centered around the the home we live in – though some tech has
consumption and ‘collection’ of your fa- made inroads on the domestic abode, namely
vorite suds. color-changing lighting in the form of remote-
Untappd’s user interface is incred- ly controlled bulbs.
ibly easy to use and allows you to update Of the dozen or so prominent options, the
your profile by checking in with your features are similar: dimmable bulbs packing
most recent brew, the location of the bar 16 million colors and controlled via Bluetooth,
and, perhaps most importantly, your rat- Wi-Fi or ZigBee.
ing of the drink with a score out of five. After getting hands on with a few color- of your stirring, while ‘sex mode’ sets the bulb
We presume this is intended to keep changing competitors, the Heelight didn’t at a red glow, adding color to your … louder
bars and venues honest, but more impor- impress us with what it did, but what it didn’t: moments.
tantly, it serves as a reminder of where no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth. Yes, the Heelight reacts almost instantly
to avoid ordering a dreadfully watery Like the telephone systems of the ’60s, the to audio, but being sound-centric comes at a
Guinness. standard-sized bulb is controlled via sound price: commands from your phone might go
One feature we were particularly played at specific frequencies – a chirp emit- unheard in a loud room, forcing you to turn off
impressed with was the app’s ‘Wish ted by your smartphone. the music to adjust the bulb.
List’ which allows users to keep track of While controllable via mobile-friendly Overall, the Heelight is fun, and at times le-
sought after craft beers and flavors, or website (scan a QR code and a controller loads gitimately useful – though it won’t have a place
even popular venues and breweries you in your phone), the app offers more options, next to the robo-butler, if he ever gets here.
are keen to visit. ranging from the normal to the naughty:
RMB48 on Taobao. Search Heelight.
The creators of Untappd appreciate ‘nightlight mode’ brightens with the sounds
the commitment of seasoned drinkers
who chase after rare beers and give users
the opportunity to level up and earn new COVET
badges with every beer style tried.
“Everything that
Best of all, people on either side
of the bar can enjoy the app together,
as venues can also add their menus to
the Untappd app to attract nearby hop- I’ve been doing [at
heads.
We came across Bravo in CLOT is branded as]
Guangzhou’s Tianhe District during our
exploration of Untappd, but it seems like made in China, and
the rest of the city’s bar scene has yet
to catch on. For more listings you can creatively designed in
explore Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai,
where the app is more prevalent.
China from a Chinese
Untappd is available on iOS and Android devices. Says Edison Chen at a speaking engagement
perspective”
Visit untappd.com for more info. in front of a group of NYU students in the then we cannot be operating at a barom-
Big Apple last month. During his 32-minute- eter of saying, ‘this is good for China.’
long talk, the singer, actor and co-founder of Everything has to be good on an interna-
streetwear label CLOT shared his insight and tional level, and only then will we be able
experience of developing a brand in China. The to stand proud and say, ‘this is Chinese
Chinese-Canadian star stresses the importance made.’” Watch Chen’s full-length speech by
of never sacrificing on quality just because one scanning the QR code.
is operating in a developing market like China:
“If China is going to be the next super power… https://v.qq.com/x/page/i0511snw40t.html
20 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COME D I T O R . P R D @ U R B A N A T O M Y. C O M
DAYTRIPPER
Night Hiking in Shenzhen
In need of a moderate challenge to spice up us is a murky brown, making the outlines of distance on either side, with a single pavilion
your routine? Try night hiking in the city. trees, pavilions and other hikers faintly visible visible atop a faraway-looking peak.
In a way, the less daunting peaks in even at 9pm. It’s a beautiful view, and for the half hour
Shenzhen almost seem designed for it: well- From the park entrance near the or so that we linger there, we have it all to our-
paved paths reduce safety concerns, and light Taoyuancun subway station the path slopes up selves – another benefit of hiking at nighttime.
pollution helps illuminate the trail. gently. Besides the occasional hiker blasting Finally, we begin our descent. It’s less stren-
Plus, you can beat the worst of the subtrop- EDM, it’s a serene, leisurely climb. uous, if more careful; a slip in the dark could be
ical heat during Shenzhen’s long summer. In some ways, the dimness even works inconvenient, not to mention painful.
Convenience aside, urban night hikes have in Tanglang’s favor. For one, it helps mask the Luckily, we conclude the roughly three-
the benefit of feeling adventurous: under the areas above the trail still shrouded in green net- hour night hike without mishap. It may not
cover of semi-darkness, familiar scenery and ting, where concrete appears to have recently have been much of a getaway from the city but
cityscapes are rendered fresh and exciting. been laid. it makes for a nice diversion, and an alternative
For a change of pace, we decide to tackle It also helps the more appealing scenery to way to spend a weekend night. BH
Tanglang Mountain in Nanshan District, a climb pop out. Every once in a while, we round a bend
Northwest gate, Tanglang Mountain Park, Longzhu Liu
that typically takes one to two hours in the and catch a glimpse of glimmering highways Lu, Nanshan District 南山区龙珠六路塘朗山公园西北门
daytime. and skyscrapers framed by branches. The oc-
We come equipped with flashlights, cell casional pavilion makes a dramatic silhouette
phones and even a headlamp (available at against the sky.
Walmart and online) but soon find they aren’t It gets darker and less scenic as we begin our
necessary, at least for the first part of the trail. ascent to one of the peaks, however, with trees
As we walk along the paved road, the sky above surrounding the path and blotting out the light.
For safety’s sake, we break out the flash-
lights as we begin the first of several unforgiv-
ing flights of stairs. At a viewpoint, a middle-
aged park employee in a windowed booth
points us towards the peak and yet more stairs.
Not long afterwards, we emerge to find a
large paved space with a tall pavilion, satellite
How to get there:
equipment and a terrace overlooking a broad
Take Shenzhen Metro Line 7 to
slice of the city.
Taoyuancun station, Exit D. Turn right
Below us lamp-lined roads sprawl in all
onto Longzhu Liu Lu and walk ap-
directions and miniature cars flit between toy-
proximately 13 minutes to reach the
sized buildings. Framing the vista is proof of
park’s northwest gate.
how far we’ve come: dark slopes roll into the
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 21LIFE & ST YLE | F E AT URE
T RAITS:
SPORTY
Casual, comfortable, friendly, reliable, youthful
W HAT TO WEAR:
Energetic colors (navy, red,
green), stripes, subtle patterns
CELEBRITY:
TRADIT
EDDIE PENG
Known for his good looks and
well-toned body, the Taipei-born,
TY
Vancouver-raised star is a
highly sought-after com-
OR
modity in the commercial
world and film industry.
SP
Besides acting as the
face of high-profile
brands like adidas,
L’Oreal and Longines,
Peng is also known
for his well-received
and physically de-
manding roles in a
number of sports-
themed films. DRA
WHAT’S
MATI
YOUR TYPE?
C
CRE
ATI
VE
The Colors, Prints and Celebs That Best
Represent the Seven Universal Style Types
By Annie Atienza and Dominic Ngai
The ‘Seven Dominant Style Types’ is an important principle of image consulting that stylists often use to build looks for clients in order to achieve the
desired image they want to project. The three classic style types (Traditional, Sporty and Elegant) and four non-classic style types (Feminine, Alluring,
Dramatic and Creative) all have dominant colors and themes associated with them. When mixed and matched in proper proportion, the chosen style types
can tailor the non-verbal message one projects by accentuating certain qualities. Most people generally belong to two or three style types, with at least one
of the classic style types represented. Your preferences are influenced by your upbringing, personality and occupation. Together with international stylist
Annie Atienza, we analyze the images and bodies of work of several Chinese celebrities who best represent each style type, and offer a quick guide to the
colors, patterns and fabrics you should wear based on your type.
22 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMF E AT URE | LIFE & ST YLE
TRADITIONAL
T RAITS:
Conservative, business-oriented, knowledge-
able, educated, formal, serious
W HAT TO WEAR:
Neutral colors (black, grey, beige),
solid colors or minimal prints, woven
fabrics
TIONAL CELEBRITY:
ANDY LAU
Active in the entertainment
EL
world since the 1980s, Andy Lau
is one of the highest grossing
EG
Chinese actors of all time. In
recent years, Lau has often
AN
been cast as an authorita-
tive figure in movies –
T
characters that require
him to wear a tailored
suit or a full uniform.
IC
NT
ELEGANT
MA
RO
T RAITS:
Subtle, sophisticated, worldly,
NG
rich, timeless
U R I
ALL
W HAT TO WEAR:
Understated colors (off-white, powder
blue, burgundy, forest green), very few
accessories, top-quality fabrics, richly
textured jacquard, monochromatic
CELEBRITY: CARINA LAU
The always glamorous Suzhou-born actress is known for
starring in strong female lead roles, the most memorable
being her portrayal of Wu Zetian (China’s only female
emperor in history) in the Detective Dee film series. In ad-
dition, Lau also makes frequent appearances at various
luxury brand events throughout the Greater China Area.
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018 GZ | 23LIFE & ST YLE | F E AT URE
ROMANTIC
T RAITS:
Gentle, sweet, caring, girly,
non-authoritative
DRAMATIC
W HAT TO WEAR:
Soft pastel colors (pink, lavender, but-
tercup yellow), floral prints, flowing
silhouettes, fluid fabrics
CELEBRITY:
FAN BINGBING
Perhaps one of the best-known faces
in Chinese showbiz, the Qingdao native
rose to fame during the early 2000s.
Often cast to play the traditional ‘girl-
friend’ or ‘wife’ role in male-dominated
films or TV series (especially in her
early years), Fan’s soft, feminine image
has won her numerous endorsement T RAITS:
deals from FMCG, cosmetics to high-end Bold, mysterious, eye-catching, fashion-forward
fashion labels throughout her career.
W HAT TO WEAR:
Bold colors (emerald green,
CREATIVE
sapphire blue, magenta,
T RAITS: black), structured lines,
Artistic, exciting, confident, spontaneous standout details, mono-
chromatic or high contrast
colors
W HAT TO WEAR:
Bright happy colors (orange, yellow, purple), print
and color mixing, bold statement accessories
CELEBRITY:
ZHANG ZIYI
CELEBRITY: CHRIS LEE Dubbed one of the most
versatile Chinese actresses
Back when Lee won the Super Girl singing contest
of modern times, the
on national TV in 2005, she was often criticized for
Central Academy of Drama
her boyish looks. Thirteen years later, the now ac-
alumnus has won numer-
complished singer-songwriter from Chengdu has
ous awards and nomina-
managed to use these unique androgynous qualities
tions internationally for
in her music and image to her advantage, attracting
her performances. Zhang is
brands like Chanel, Givenchy, Gucci, Alexander Wang
most recently featured as a
and Diesel to cast her in various ad campaigns over
judge and instructor on the
the past few years.
popular acting workshop-
inspired reality TV series,
The Making of an Actor. She
is much more selective in
her commercial endorse-
ments, and works almost
exclusively with world-class
ALLURING
T RAITS: brands (i.e. Omega and
Maybelline).
Sexy, provocative, instinctual, powerful
W HAT TO WEAR:
Seductive colors (black, red, deep purple), hour-
glass silhouette prioritized, leather, animal prints
CELEBRITY: SHU QI
Though Shu Qi started off her acting career as the star of a soft porn movie, she has since
proven herself as a serious actress over the years, winning several awards and recogni-
tions. Known for her iconic full lips and curvy figure, Shu Qi has appeared on various ads
for lipstick brands, as well as fashion labels like Emporio Armani, Bulgari and Kenzo.
24 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMLIFE & STYLE | FASHION
FOR HER
B3,5 00
Be am s, RM
be am s.c o. jp
49
H& M, RMB2
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gap.cn
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Compiled by
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26 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMARTS
Jewelz & Sparks
We chat with the German duo about
their Guangzhou debut, p33
Pumped Up Kicks Sounds from Guangdong
P32 P36
28 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMDRUMROLL
JONNY LONG
From Cultural Cosmonaut to Live-Streaming Sensation
By Matthew Bossons
ies and the company that I am with is helping
When he arrived nine years ago, Jonny Long
me to find more film roles. If I can get on the
had no idea where his China adventure would Spring Festival show in Beijing, that would be
take him. Originally from an area north of amazing. Obviously that is ‘pie in the sky,’ but
Detroit, Long was still a junior studying IT at it’s a goal and it’s not impossible. So yah, mov-
ies are the goal right now – as well as releasing
Central Michigan University when he was
an album in the next few years.
approached by friends asking if he wanted
to join a year-long cultural exchange in Tell us more about this album, what genre
Guangzhou. of music are you looking to tackle?
Soon, ‘one year’ in China had turned into Upbeat pop music, you know, like Bruno Mars
two as Long decided to stay and take a crack and Maroon 5. Ideally, half the songs would
be sung in Chinese and the other half in
at entertainment. Starting as a performer at
English. I’ve been wanting to do this for years,
Guangzhou’s China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, so I’d like to actually make it happen.
Long went on to win the city’s prestigious
Battle of the Bands and eventually to shine If you had to offer one piece of advice to
aspiring live-streamers, what would it be?
in his current gig as a Chinese Internet and
television personality. Consistency in your live-stream time: choose
a time that you can consistently do and stick
Now, with over 140,000 subscribers on
to it. Try to put the time in, because for the
popular live-streaming site YY Live, Long has a first little bit you might not have a lot of peo-
heap of TV and film appearances to his name, ple [watching], but over time you will connect
including Guangzhou Running Man, Big Bang morning at about 8am and go till 11am, and with people.
in the evening 4-6pm.
and 2017 rom-com Love Contractually. We
And now for some fun questions. If you
caught up with Long to chat about his time in Tell us a bit more about these ‘gifts’ your had to ‘bro out’ with one Chinese celebrity,
China and, as always, ask some silly questions. online viewers give you? who would it be?
It’s all virtual gifts. For example, if someone Wang Leehom, because he is awesome. He
Tell us a bit about your first real job in gives you a ‘piece of candy,’ that is worth was actually born in New York state and is
China, post cultural exchange days. RMB0.1. But the [monetary] value varies de- famous in China. He is super talented and I
pending on the gift. love his music.
I ended up working at the China Hotel, at the
martini bar by the pool, but I was singing and
Have you had anyone recognize you from Are you a bigger fan of Xu Zheng’s Lost in
playing guitar, not bartending. It was tough, it
your media appearances while you’ve Thailand or Lost in Hong Kong?
was a lot of work, time-wise. I had to do four
been out on the town?
45-minute sets, six nights a week. I was sing- I am going to go with Lost in Thailand, that
ing 50 or so songs a night. Yes, actually, I have quite a few times. We was a great movie. I loved both of them, but
used to have a lot of billboards around the Lost in Thailand was my favorite.
What’s your current live-streaming gig city advertising for Guangzhou Running Man,
with YY Live like? so people recognized me from that. A few Favorite place to visit in China?
days ago when I was in the train station,
So, mostly I’m just chatting with people on- I spent a month in Haikou before and I really
someone came up to me and was like, “Aren’t
line, singing and playing drums. I have a pret- liked it. Sanya is a little bit hot, but Haikou is
you Long Ze, you’re from America and have
ty cool setup now that allows me to switch on the northern part of Hainan and it’s a little
been in China nine years?”
cameras – I’ve definitely put my IT skills to breezy, I really liked it.
good use. Anyone that wants to visit YY Live
Any plans to leave Guangzhou for Beijing
can watch my live-stream. I don’t know ex- Least favorite Chinese dish?
or Shanghai?
actly how many people are there watching,
There is a ton of stuff I love, but for dislikes I
but it’s a decent amount of people and I can I have no plans to leave for the time being. I
would have to say bitter melon, because I en-
chat with them and they can send me gifts, will hopefully be traveling more, but for now
counter it a decent amount and I just can’t do
and they can ask me to sing songs, or I can I am happy where I am at and have no plans
it. See, I don’t particularly like chicken feet,
just sing songs if I want to. to leave. Career-wise, Beijing would be the
but I can handle those. Bitter melon I just
best place for me to be and if I have to move
can’t get down.
How many hours a day are you live- to Beijing then so be it, but no plans for that
streaming? as of now. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
I do about four or five hours a day, roughly Watch Jonny live on yy.com (search ‘Jonny龙泽’).
What’s next for your career?
two to three hours in the morning and two
hours in the afternoon. I usually start in the My big focus now is trying to get in more mov-
WWW.THATSMAGS.COM | JANUARY 2018| GZ | 29COLL AGE
SINO CELEB
Liu Ye CANVASSED
There was a time when those in mainland
China had little understanding of homo-
New Floating City Episodes Now Online
sexuality. Liu Ye, who daringly played a Floating City, a comedy web series
male prostitute in Lan Yu (2001), helped that satirizes Shanghai expat living
change that. by American writer and actress Leah
In the film, Liu portrayed a man who Churchill, returns after a hiatus with
sells his body for a living, eventually falling two new episodes. In Episode Four, pro-
in love with a client. The role earned him tagonist Jenny learns just how seriously
the Best Actor Award at Taiwan’s Golden expats take their brunch, yoga and
Horse Awards in 2001, the year after he pumpkin spice lattes while doing re-
graduated. search for a lifestyle article along with
Born in the northern city of Changchun, jaded freelance photographer Amir. The
both of Liu’s parents worked in the city’s fifth episode, arguably the best so far
film industry – which was once considered in the season, was filmed at essential Shanghai nightclub The Shelter just a few weeks before
the ‘cradle of film’ in the PRC. it shut down. Jenny heads there alone after her roommate bails on her to watch movies with
Formally trained at the Central her new boyfriend and meets a colorful cast of characters who will make anyone familiar
Academy of Drama in Beijing (the most with the club feel nostalgic. Watch both episodes on Bilibili or YouTube.
prominent institute of its kind in China), Liu
has acted in 55 Chinese productions.
Most recently, he has transitioned to
‘tough guy’ roles, with plots predominantly
set in 1920s to ’40s China. In 2009’s City HAO BU HAO
Hao
of Life And Death, he depicted a military
officer who was killed defending Nanjing
during China's War of Resistence Against
Several Chinese drama series are going to be getting
Japanese Aggression.
international attention in a big way this year, thanks
While domestically famous, he has
to deals that Netflix made with both Youku and iQiyi.
also starred alongside Oscar winner Meryl
Youku’s massively popular police procedural Day and
Streep in 2007’s Dark Matter.
Night will be the first Chinese series to be officially
During Liu’s busy shooting schedule for
released overseas via the American-owned entertain-
The Founding of an Army (2017), in which
ment subscription service. It will be joined shortly
he plays Founder of the People’s Republic
after by iQiyi’s series Burning Ice (pictured), in which
of China Mao Zedong, he visited France on
a dishonored policeman tries to catch a serial killer in
four occasions to visit his expectant wife,
Harbin, and Tientsin Mystic, a whodunit with a super-
French national and former Beijing-based
natural twist. The shows will be available in all 190
journalist Anais Martane.
countries that Netflix serves.
The couple’s relationship turned high-
profile in 2015, when they appeared in a
Chinese reality TV show.
Currently, Liu serves as a judge slash
Bu Hao
tutor on the controversial TV program The
Birth of Performers.
Though it was once China’s most promising video
Kind of like:
streaming platform, le.com and its founder and CEO
Tom Hanks
Jia Yueting have been blacklisted by the nation’s top
Famous for:
court because of exorbitant unpaid loans and bills.
portraying Mao
Financial analysts believe that Jia dug himself and the
Zedong
company into debt as a result of overexpansion and
See him in:
over-spending on broadcasting rights for its various
Lan Yu (2001)
streaming sites, especially its sports platform LeSports.
Blacklisted individuals are not allowed to visit hotels,
nightclubs or golf courses and cannot purchase proper-
ties, cars, or any kind of luxury products.
30 | GZ | JANUARY 2018 | WWW.THATSMAGS.COMYou can also read
