Curated, Opinionated Shanghai Living

News, updates, everything we've got...
- Staycation! Three Exclusive Shanghai Hotel Deals to Soothe Your Travel Burn
  
  It sucks not traveling. Even within China it feels a little scary. What if your hotel won't accept your COVID tests? What if flights get cancelled? How about just staying in Shanghai. But somewhere nicer than your apartment. Boom! Staycations. We've got exclusive deals on three! The Sukhothai Shanghai, Pudong Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt Shanghai all have great deals — deals you'll only find on SmartTicket — for hotel stays within a safe distance of your home. Read on
- No More Binge and Purge: Mukbangs Gets Muk-banned
  
  There’s something fascinating about being able to make money solely on your appetite. We’ve written about mukbang stars before — people who eat massive quantities of food for your viewing pleasure. But that may become a relic of the past following a statement released by the China Association of Performing Arts yesterday, as reported by Xinhua News and CCTV. The branch governing internet performances and livestreams have said that they’re tightening the regulations on livestream content with regards to food in an attempt to establish a healthier perspective on food consumption. This means that food livestreamers are banned from fake-eating, secretly consuming emetics, using clickbait, over-consumption, and exhibiting all-round wasteful behavior. Read on
- European Chamber of Commerce Releases Its Own Statement About the Relaxed Visa Policy
  
  The European Chamber of Commerce has stepped in to the ongoing visa debate with an official release on its WeChat regarding the recent — and incredibly obtuse — announcement regarding visa policy relaxing for certain EU citizens. The statement, released on Wednesday, lays out pretty much what we already knew, with the very welcome confirmation that a special PU invitation letter is no longer necessary for European citizens with valid residence permits not applying via any of the fast-track agreements. They point out that even assuming everyone gets their visas approved and a plane ticket, it would still take 16 weeks to get all roughly 250,000 foreign experts trapped overseas back into China, what with the limited number of seats allowed on airplanes. At the end, a direct quote from Joerg Wuttke, President of the Chamber, calls for "more clarity" and for the policy to be expanded "to all overseas foreign nationals that work for the European Chamber’s member companies." Read the whole statement right here.
- The Camel is Back in Concentrated Form
  
  The Camel re-opens tonight in its new den on Xiangyang Lu, smaller than before but with the same formula of shiny flat screens showing sports, beers on tap, quiz nights (not back just yet though, still deciding the date), and a future of sportsfans screaming at referees. Menu is a mix and match of Camel favorites plus a few from the group’s other restaurants. How long did that take, from closing the original to opening the sequel? Two weeks. It took two weeks. Almost like they’ve done this before…
- ShanghaiPRIDE Announces That It Is Stopping All Activities
  
  In an unexpected statement sent out to volunteers, sponsors and partners on Thursday evening, one of China's largest Pride organizations, ShanghaiPRIDE, has announced that it will be stopping all activities, citing concern for the safety of its members. A statement released on WeChat shortly thereafter confirms that they have cancelled future events and are "taking a break from scheduling any future events." The non-profit community organization has been promoting diversity and the LGBTQ community for 12 years, and is best known for its annual month long celebration, including the Pride Run, and the Pride Film Festival. There's no word at the moment about what comes next for the organizers. Frankly, we don't know how to deal with this information. Goddamn heartbreaking. See the full announcement released on their WeChat after the break. Read on
- The Parrot Closes This Weekend And Other R.I.P. News
  
  Racking up that body count: Al's Diner — the Xiangyang Nan Lu one that was closed for renovation after a fire broke out — never recovered, and closed in July. Long-running modern Malaysian restaurant Cafe Sambal closed its doors back in June as well, putting the full-stop on ten years in Jiashan Market. And this just in, Funkadeli's Donghu discotheque The Parrot is calling it quits after a tight, trim four years. It happens! The space is set to be taken over by another well-known nightlife concept (hot gosssssssssssip), but that's for later; for now, they're throwing a big closing party this weekend. Friday, August 14 is "Free the Parrot," which we're pretty sure is illegal that close to a kindergarten. No cover mentioned for that day. Saturday, August 15, it's "The Last Dance" with music by Alter, starting from 10pm and going till closing. 100rmb to get in with two drinks before midnight. Expect the narrow alley to be rammed with sweaty, blitzed clubgoers. As it was, so it shall be. Parrot wansui.
- Nerd News: Excellent Japanese Bookstore is Opening in Shanghai This Winter
  
  Big, big, really big book news. Beloved Japanese chain Tsutaya Books will open a Shanghai branch. According to an announcement at the 2020 Shanghai Book Fair, this Shanghai Tsutaya Books will not only be a bookstore but also a public space for “cultivating sensibility”, or mei yu (美育). No idea what that means but we sure have high hopes. Tsutaya is the biggest bookstore chain in Japan with 20 locations, every one with splendid interior design. Its Tokyo location at Daikanyama is often said to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Decoration is now happening at Columbia Circle in the main building, the one in the center that used to be the country club. Expect it to open in December 2020, followed by another store in Hangzhou. Reading, hey!
- Ten Questions with the Photographer Behind These Gorgeous Portraits of Chinese Ingredients
  
  Some people take portraits of children. Some take portraits of pets. Others take portraits of dried mushrooms, dessicated squid and preserved fish bought from Chinese wet markets. Nicolas Santa Maria Cea falls into the third category — my kind of people. In 2016, he began photographing ingredients when he and his family were living in Chilean Patagonia. When he moved to China two years ago, he continued, spending inordinate amounts of time at the markets picking out the perfect dried mushroom and then shooting a beautiful, detailed portrait of it (and many other things) against a black background. He's done the same for a whole host of foodstuffs in a series he now calls Chinese Preserves, which he is debuting this weekend at a pocket-sized space on Xingfu Lu. If you're into Chinese cooking and also into photography, or even just one of those two, you'll want to stop by for a close look at his food portraits. I spoke with him about the project and the show. Hit the jump for that. Read on
- Cinemas Are Back Open (with Limits)! Here’s What’s On, What’s Coming, and How to Book
  
  It’s been a while since we’ve seen the silver screen. Now it’s back. With limitations, yes, but it’s a move in the right direction. What type of limitations? No tickets sold at the door, social distancing in the seating chart, a moratorium on 3D films, and mandatory ID registration. But that’s tempered by at least two big blockbusters that look likely to launch in the first week of September. Hit the jump for all the regulations and to see what’s playing! Read on
- Didi Has a Self-Driving Taxi You Can Sign Up For. But....
  
  We're one-fifth of the way through the 21st century and yet we aren't living on the moon, no one's cured cancer, and we haven't received a single jetpack. Imagine the tingles of excitement across our eyeballs as we read that Didi has begun trialing driverless cars! Finally! We're finally in the future. The company plans to have a million robotaxis cruising around, making pentamillion decisions every second weighing the life of its passenger versus pedestrians, by 2030, but they're already on the road up in Jiading. The service, called 未来出行 and currently available as a tab in Chinese-language Didi only, requires you to sign up as a ~~test dummy~~ beta user for their cars, which only operate in Jiading (and also currently still have a human driver on hand in case the car goes haywire). Back in June, we registered, and then we waited! And waited. And waited. And we're still waiting. We suspect we're going to be kept waiting for a while longer, so here you go: Didi Self-Driving Cars. Shine got to try it but we didn't. Sign-up for it under the 未来出行 tab and maybe you'll be luckier than us.
- Important Pizza News: American Pizza Chain Launches, Joe's Expands, and The Camel Group Launches Pizzeria
  
  Crucial news from Planet Pizza. American chain Pieology has launched the first of many planned stores in China, this one near the Shanghai train station. According to this industry magazine, Pieology's "novel menu items targeted to Chinese pizza lovers include but are not limited to Bamboo Charcoal Thin Crust and kimchi as a topping option." Kimchi? Is that Chinese? Don't expect anything traditional from Pieology. Their thing is "California pizzas" with a ton of customizable options. Second store opens next week. In other news, Joe's Pizza has confirmed they will expand to Yanping Lu in Jing'an district; they just signed the lease, so wait a few months for that. Also in Jing'an, Pizza Street, popular for their vegan pie, has opened on Beijing Xi Lu. Finally, The Camel Group is getting into the pizzeria business (well... D.O.C.), taking over the former Pain Chaud space on Yongkang Lu for new pizzeria and bakery and spritz shop La Baracca. A preliminary menu I've seen included a roasted pumpkin and goat cheese option; maple apple and blue cheese with bacon; and a chorizo and manchego. That opens softly, quietly, gently, this month.
- Cult Favorite Sichuan Noodle Shop Finally Expanding to Jing'an
  
  It's been a good ride for aging rocker Jia Xianhong's noodle shop. Since opening Liu Dao Men in 2015, the Chengdu native has built a cult following for his Sichuan noodles; taken over the shop next door; and changed the name to Liu Tang Men. One thing he hasn't done is expand. Until now. Jia has announced that he is opening a second Liu Tang Men in Jing'an on Wanhangdu Lu, and he's opening soon. No more details on menu or any changes. Expect the new shop to be open by the middle of September.
- Here Are Four Restaurants So New, You Might Beat Us To Them
  
  Couple of hot new hotnesses for you adventurous diner-types: four new places have popped up on our radars just recently, and we thought you might want to check them out before even we've had a chance to go. In the Tongji university town, Mi Bolivia has opened up, claiming to be the only Bolivian restaurant in the city. On Danshui Lu, La Barbacoa promises Spanish tapas, paella and a charcoal bar. New Thai restaurant Hidden Thai is having its grand opening this weekend, with up to 30% discount if you jump through some WeChat promotional hoops. Finally, Duli has opened up on Donghu Lu as a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that's actually quite excellent. We know, because we lied a little bit: we've already been to that one. Heartily recommended. But the other three are total mysteries to us! Race ya!
- Educate Yourself: Phoebe Han and UnTour Are Doing a Baijiu Masterclass On Sunday
  
  Fact: Baijiu is more complex than you think it is. Fact: Baijiu is good, actually. Fact: Phoebe Han of HEALER has teamed up with UnTour Food Tours to do a masterclass on the single most popular alcohol in the world (by volume sold), and it's happening on World Baijiu Day — Sunday, August 9. Phoebe Han, one of Shanghai's best proponents for Chinese alcohol, walks nascent baijiu fans through the fascinating history of baijiu and how it became so popular, explain the different styles and aromas, how to infuse baijiu, and how to integrate the... let's say "robust" flavors of some Chinese ingredients into cocktails. Here's your chance to re-examine your biases against the sorghum liquor under Phoebe's capable guidance. It's 250rmb presale, including a baijiu flight and custom baijiu cocktail, or 300rmb on the door. Starts 5pm. Sign-up on the event listing.
- Freezing Bushes: JSquared Does Private, Male-Only and Queer-Friendly Hair Removal Therapy
  
  Fella. My man. Can I share something with you? I wish there was some way to maintain the dolphin-like sheen of my skin without getting sharp objects near my goolies. I am also uncomfortable visiting hair management strategists; most are women, working in spas and clinics which cater to women. Wonder if that has anything to do with the constant, disproportionate pressure on women to keep hair strictly limited to the top of the head and maybe above the eyes. Many men have resorted to shaving with the same razor I — uh, I mean they — use for my — uh, their — morning shave. Not good. Brothers, if you'd like to keep yourself baby-smooth, there's a quiet, low-key little salon behind Jing'an Temple that could be your thing. Read on
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Till I Hear The Folk

Chinese rock goes back to its folk roots with this stacked line-up of musicians. Shanghai Cultural Square has put together a two-day series, featuring Chinese folk musici...

Arts | Shanghai Culture Square

XIA 下

Venus (aka CiCE), Aktüman, Ancient Alias, Nanotech & Johannes will share the decks, and cool visuals by Makadamia.

Nightlife | 3NTRY

Queen Tribute Concert

Queen! Men! Myths! Legends! Mixing stadium rock, metal, glam, and Freddie Mercury's operatic vocals, Queen exploded into the rock arenas around the world with the over-th...

Nightlife | The Pearl
We Are Shanghai Vol. 7 Live Concert

We Are Shanghai is the city's annual non-profit music compilation album, pulling together many of Shanghai's local bands and musicians from every genre. It's like an ice-...

Nightlife | YYT

Breaking Grounds by Common Rare

Following last year's Breaking Grounds pop-up market and art fair, independent designer platform Common Rare is hosting their second installment of Breaking Grounds this ...

Community | SmSh Territory

Queen Tribute Concert

Queen! Men! Myths! Legends! Mixing stadium rock, metal, glam, and Freddie Mercury's operatic vocals, Queen exploded into the rock arenas around the world with the over-th...

Nightlife | The Pearl
Circle of Sages

The Shanghai Writing Workshop is proud to offer its second installment of Circle of Sages. Circle of Sages features top educators from around Shanghai lecturing about top...

Community | My Place Ruin Bar

Film Classic: Crows & Sparrows (194...

Crows and Sparrows is the story of a group of tenants in a Shanghai lilong who face eviction from a corrupt Nationalist official and his mistress, who are ensconsced in a...

Community | Radisson Xing Guo

Input x Mania

Input residents Lina K and Final Request plus guest Temple Rat behind the decks for another Sunday night dedicated to melodic house and techno.

Nightlife | MANIA
Hanggai China Tour: Heading North

Founded in 2004 by Yi Liqi, with members from Inner Mongolia, Qinghai and other north western provinces, Beijing-based Hanggai is one of the most welcomed Chinese bands o...

Arts | Poly Grand Theatre

Melted Monday - BOGO Sandwiches!

Saving on that melted cheese. At both Co. Cheese locations, buy any sandwich and get another one (of equal or lesser monetary value) for free with the purchase of a drink...

Dining | Co. Cheese Melt Bar (Yuyuan Dong Lu)

Super Hours

Free flow drinks start anytime, including beer, wine and cocktails for 150rmb for 2 hours.

Nightlife | Abbey Road
AD Astra

Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our plane...

Community | The Pearl

Free Law Workshop

Jingjian Law firm is offering free law seminar for foreigners who work and study in Shanghai. In a relaxed atmosphere, you will learn some regular law related issues whic...

Community | The Pawon

It's Spritz O'clock!

Buy one get one on spritzes for the month of August.

Nightlife | Goodfellas

ALL EVENTS

GALLERIES

- August 8, 2020
  
  Alter. Connect Ep.8
  
  @ Kee Club
- Sky Garden Opening Party
  
  @ Gaden
- August 2, 2020
  
  SLOW mini-festival
  
  @ Elevator
- June 27, 2020
  
  Alter. Connect
  
  @ Highline
- July 25, 2020
  
  Jingan Courtyard Festival
  
  @ Tonglefang
- October 23, 2019
  
  Shanghai United Family Hospital
  
  @ Shanghai United Family Hospital (Hongqiao)
- October 23, 2019
  
  Shanghai United Family Hospital- Babies & Children
  
  @ Shanghai United Family Hospital (Hongqiao)
- May 30, 2019
  
  SCIS Events
  
  @ Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) Hongqiao Campus
- May 30, 2019
  
  SCIS Campus
  
  @ Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) Hongqiao Campus
- May 28, 2019
  
  BISS
  
  @ British International School Shanghai (Puxi)