Fah Thai Magazine Jul-Aug 2018

HAPPENINGS
CHINA
CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU
SPOTLIGHT
High Up for High Tea
Located in the upper levels
of Guangzhou’s IFC Building,
the Four Seasons Guangzhou
is a perfect place to enjoy a
birds-eye view of Huacheng
Park, the city’s Central
Business District, and the
iconic Canton Tower. After
a leisurely walk in the park,
take the elevator an earpopping
70 floors up to the
Four Seasons Atrium Lounge.
Enjoy a delectable afternoon
tea complete with finger
sandwiches and petit fours
for 438RMB plus service
charge for two people. For
those looking for a night out,
head up to the Tian (Sky)
Bar on the 99th Floor for a
craft cocktail overlooking
the Pearl River. On the
weekend, be sure to call
ahead to reserve a window
seat, as this chic bar is
a popular place. Drinks
from 150-200RMB, view
is free! +86 20 8883 3888,
fourseasons.com
GUANGZHOU OPERA HOUSE
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the Guangzhou
Opera House is a gorgeous example of modern
architecture in an urban setting and inspired by
river valleys.
The building’s shape resembles that of two
pebbles on the bank of the Pearl River. Inside in
1,800-seat theatre with a 400-seat multifunctional
hall, rehearsal rooms and entrance hall.
Major shows coming up include the Danish
drama “Andersen’s Fairytale Life” July 7-8, followed
by “Kinky Boots” August 9-19, and the criticallyacclaimed
musical “Cats” August 30 - September 16.
gzdjy.org
FLAVOURS OF SICHUAN
For over a thousand years, Sichuan food has been known for being
flavourful and sweet. It was only around 300 years ago that international
traders introduced the hot pepper to Sichuan, which, along with numbing
peppercorns, became the heart of Sichuan cuisine and the province’s
characteristic “Ma La” flavour. Traditional Sichuan dishes layer flavours,
showcasing the region’s complex sweet and spicy history.
For a taste of Sichuan beyond hot pot, try the delicious food at
Shītúqíng Rénmín Shítáng ( 师 徒 情 人 民 食 堂 ) in Chengdu. This local
restaurant serves up traditional dishes like spicy mashed eggplant, delicately
spiced and liberally fried potatoes, sweet Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao
Chicken), and fresh cucumbers layered with coriander and red peppers.
Come with a group and order a variety of dishes to share.
Glory North Road, No. 86, 28 87769215
CI QI KOU — CHONGQING’S
PORCELAIN PORT
Located on the Jia Ling River, the ancient village
of Ci Qi Kou, or Porcelain Port, has been a wellknown
market and trading centre for centuries.
Famous for its porcelain during the Ming and Qing
Dynasties, today Ci Qi Kou has been restored into
a tourist-friendly window into ancient Chongqing.
Its walking streets offer teashops, Shu embroidery
workshops, and artist studios. Local restaurants
serve Sichuan specialties like Mao Xue Wang,
a spicy duck blood stew. Climb up to Baolun
Temple’s observation deck to take in the contrast
of the ancient city and backdrop of distant
skyscrapers. From Chong Qing, take metro Line 1
to Ciqikou station.
CRAFT COFFEE AT LAIHUI
Entrepreneurial, daring, and delicious, Guangzhou’s coffee
culture has firmly taken off. Tucked into a quiet, tree-lined
neighbourhood just next to the bustling Grandview Mall, Laihui,
or “Back and Forth,” is the ideal place to sip a perfectly poured
latte, expertly crafted pour-over, or refreshing cold brew. With
beans imported from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Peru but roasted in
Zhaoqing, Guangdong, Laihui offers customers a mix of exquisite
coffee and local charm. Sit a while or enjoy walking around the
quiet neighbourhood, a treasure trove of boutique clothes shops,
Japanese and Korean restaurants, and small salons.
Tianhe Road No. 84, 20 29847242
ART AND CULTURE IN
CHENGDU
In the heart of Chengdu’s historic
district, Chengdu Culture Park
contains a wealth of Sichuan history
amid scenic walks and sculpted
gardens. A highlight is the famous
Taoist Qingyang Palace that dates
back to the Tang Dynasty. As night
falls, head over to the Shu Feng Ya Yun
Theatre to see traditional performance
arts. Guests sip tea while watching
a dazzling display of Sichuan opera,
puppetry, acrobatics, comedy, magic,
fire breathing, and the ancient art of
face changing. shufengyayun.com.cn,
28 66008875
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