|
Fashion
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 08:03 Written by Rosemary Zhu Super model Mo Wandan talks about fashion week at her photo shoot. Golden eye shadow, boyish thick eyebrows, a simple ponytail perfectly matched with golden leggings and punky, sky-high shoulder pads - that's how Urbanatomy found Mo when we sneaked into her shoot last Friday. Once again, Wandan will serve as Shanghai Fashion Week (April 8 - 13) ambassador. Many autumn and winter predictions were integrated into the shoot with renown Hongkongese photographer KK Fong.
     1/5     Why did you choose to become the ambassador of Shanghai Fashion Week again? Add comment (3)
Hits: 130
Uncategorised
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 07:03 Written by Urbanatomy Q&A with former public relations manager, Ma Yongzhang, who started working at the hotel as a lift boy in 1964. He retired in 2007 when renovations began. Why do you think people are fascinated by the building?  People have strong emotions towards it. Everyone knows about the Peace Hotel. Even when I traveled abroad, when I mentioned where I worked to some foreigners, people had heard of it. The location of the Peace Hotel is very important. Positioned at the center of the Bund, it’s the symbol of Shanghai. The architecture of the hotel is outstanding, especially the pyramid shaped roof. When people come to Shanghai from Wu Song Kou, the first thing they recognize is the Peace Hotel. In the early years, many people called it ‘the roof of Shanghai.’ The shape makes people feel curious and makes them want to know what’s behind it. Did you realize how significant the hotel was when you started working there at the age of 17? I’d heard a lot about the Peace Hotel. It was very secret, because it was not open to the public. I was quite proud of working there at that time. My mother was especially happy about my new job. When I first started I was paid only RMB40 a month and shared quarters with four other hotel workers. What’s your most vivid memory of working at the hotel? It was during the Cultural Revolution in 1967 or 1968. There was one particular guest - a black woman from American. Her name was Garvin. She was a professor and worked in a Shanghai Foreign Language Institute. At that time the university was shut for the holidays, but the students who lived on campus had a huge fight. The school’s manager sent the teacher to the Peace Hotel, as it was safer for her while the rest of the school was closed. During her time in the hotel she found that the waiters and staff couldn’t speak English very well. So she said, “Since I’ve got nothing to do, I have time to teach you English.” I was her interpreter. She was nearly 50 years old and her generosity left a lasting impression on me. I want to get back in touch with her, but if she’s still alive she would be in her 90s now. What was the atmosphere like? Foreign guests thought the Peace Hotel was magnificent. Some said the architecture of the Peace Hotel was well preserved. Although there were others who said they thought it was just an old hotel which was not modern enough. Were there any secret rooms in the hotel? There were no secret rooms, but sometimes the workers on the 11th floor (the top floor) said they heard noises when they were resting. They believed there may be a ghost. But I don’t believe that. The noises could have come from the hotel guard patrolling the area. What were the guests like? There were many kinds of guests. Most of them were VIP tourists and businessmen. At that time, there were not as many hotels as there are now. But in the later years dozens of new hotels were built, so businessmen weren’t so attracted to the hotel - they moved to the modern ones. Then the Peace Hotel’s business went down. Actually, I remember in 1968 or 1969, during Chinese New Year holiday, there was only one guest in the hotel. This guest was a foreigner. The staff could have gone on their holiday, but 70 staff still worked to serve this single guest. This is also why the hotel needed to be opened to the public. When China reformed, the opening-up began, and then more people came. What was Shanghai like when you first joined the hotel? On the Bund there were few people. In the evening, the street outside the hotel was empty, people were happy. The guests in the hotel were all well dressed, though their style has changed a lot since 1964! How has the interior design changed since 1964? There were not too many changes, but when I left the design was no longer completely original, although alterations were few. There were many suites in the original hotel, after the first restoration, they were kept, and then during the second restoration they cut the amount of suites and added twin rooms.
Hotels
Monday, 15 March 2010 08:03 Written by Urbanatomy The Peace Hotel Reopens It came to define cosmopolitan Shanghai in its 1930s heyday, hosted some of the world’s most famous people during its decadent decades and survived an aerial assault during the Japanese invasion of World War II, before festering in relative obscurity following  Liberation. And this month, after a three-year renovation, the Peace Hotel will throw open its distinguished doors once more.“We are going to bring the hotel back its old grandeur,” promises General Manager Kamal Naamani of the now renamed Fairmont Peace Hotel. Speculation has been rife as to whether the Fairmont group, who own a string of historic hotels around the world, would faithfully restore the Peace Hotel to its glory days. Rumors that some of the hotel’s original fittings had been looted during the renovation and ended up for sale in some of Shanghai’s antiques markets fueled concerns that the refurbishment was not being taken seriously. But Kamal is confident that the restoration has been faithful to the original: “Over the years lots of beautiful features have been hidden for one reason or another. What you will see is what the hotel looked like back in 1929 when it was first opened.”
glasswork created by designer René Lalique has been taken into consideration. Not at by compromising modern convenience mind you, “It was the most high-tech hotel back in 1929,” says Kamal, “so we will bring that part of the experience back by today’s technology.” CEO Michael Bedner agrees: “We want to recreate the old world charm that the hotel exuded when it first opened, yet provide for today’s sophisticated and discerning travelers a new level of elegance, luxury and comfort that will keep them coming back each and every time they’re in Shanghai. We anticipate that people will be fascinated by the hotel’s colorful past, but charmed and attracted by its countless modern comforts.” The newly refurbished hotel will include the original ‘nine nation suites’ - China, England, America, Italy, India, Japan, Spain, Germany and France – all restored to their original condition. Chinese restaurant Dragons and Phoenix retains its original name, but with four additional private dining rooms. The hotel’s famous dancehall where Shanghai partied on while the city lay under siege in World War II retains its original sprung floors and décor. The new owners are also working on getting the original Peace Hotel jazz band to perform (they currently perform in the Huating Hotel in Xujiahui and are all over 70 years old). The cigar room and wine room will remain, while a new edition is expected to draw a lot of attention: the hotel museum, which is open to the general public. The hotel will have a soft opening at the end of March. Fairmont Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Xi Lu. 
Travel
Friday, 12 March 2010 03:03 Written by Urbanatomy China’s top airlines - rated With no published safety record for China’s domestic airlines, it’s tough to decide who to fly with. So we’ve dug up the dirt on the 10 most popular, surveying over 200 people and trawling through stacks of news sources on China’s domestic flight service. And if that isn’t enough, we even contacted each airline to see what you actually get for your bucks. So whether you be a jet-setter or an aviophobic, read on for China’s airlines rated…  10. Air China Safety record: Their last major accident was in 2002 on an international flight to South Korea when the plane crashed into a hill killing 129 people onboard.  Price: Low
In-flight service:  Customers are generally happy with the food, and the staff are friendly.
In-flight entertainment: Large main screens are positioned at the front of each cabin section, plus there are a couple of small monitors for those unsighted of the main ones. Additionally, soundtracks are played through sockets in the armrests. Leg room: 86.36cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×50cm3
Meals and refreshments: There’s a choice of vegetarian, religious and healthy meals (including diabetic, low fat, low protein, etc.) as well as children’s meals. Fact: Air China Ltd. is state-owned and the second-largest commercial airline after China Southern Airlines. Their phoenix logo was autographed by Deng Xiaoping. 9. China Eastern Airlines Safety record: On November 21, 2004, on a flight from Baotou to Shanghai their small passenger jet crashed in Inner Mongolia one minute after departure, killing all 53 passengers on board. Price: Medium  In-flight service: Those surveyed state that the food is pretty good, and the staff are friendly but the airline has a problem with tardiness. In-flight entertainment: Economy Class has comfortable, 18-inch seats with 32-33 inches of space around them. There is built-in audio entertainment and communal televisions throughout the cabin which show either Western or Asian movies. Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×55cm3
Meals and refreshments: They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of Western and Asian cuisine.
Fact: Their staff organized a mid-air labor strike over pay and work conditions on March 31, 2008. They flew 21 domestic flights back to their departure airports in southern Yunnan province. 8. China Southern Airlines  Safety record: On March 7, 2008, an attempt to crash a flight en route to Beijing from Urumqi was averted when the crew found a 19-year-old Turkic woman trying to spill gasoline in the toilet. The last crash was in 1997 on the third approach to the runway in a heavy storm at Shenzhen airport. 35 passengers were killed. Price: Low
In-flight service: Scored high in various categories from service to food, and even for attractive stewardesses. In-flight entertainment: Seats are installed with 31-32 inch pitches and minimal recline. There are no personal TVs. LCD screens are dropped from the ceilings every three to four rows. There are no personal screens. Most of the movies are Chinese with English subtitles. Audio entertainment is also available. Leg room: 83.82cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×55cm3
Meals and refreshments: Drinks, other than coffee, tea and water, are charged on flights less than 180 minutes. Snacks include cookies, crackers, mixed nuts and instant noodles.
Fact: It’s been the largest airline in China for 30 years and connects to more than 80 cities around the globe. 7. Spring Airlines Safety record: No recorded accidents since 2004  Price: Very Low
In-flight service: They are known for their delays, but their crew are exceptionally hard-working. In-flight entertainment: In-flight hawking (if that counts).
Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×50cm3
Meals and refreshments: Snacks include peanuts, buns and candy-bars. Hot meals – available by purchase only - come in the form of rice, vegetables and meat with drinks. Choices depend on the departure airport. Fact: By far the cheapest airline, with prices as low as RMB99. 6. JuneYao Airlines  Safety record: No recorded accidents since it was founded in 2005 Price: Low
In-flight service: Passengers are generally happy. In-flight entertainment: Magazines and newspapers (both English and Chinese). Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: Basic size (20×40×50cm3)
Meals and refreshments: Flights over two hours include meals. Choices include smoked beef, salmon and spaghetti. Local food such as mahjua is served in Tianjin, Hainan noodles served in Sanya and pepper with beef in Chengdu. Juneyao also offers green and red bean drinks produced by JueYao Dairy. Fact: China’s youngest domestic airline. The traditional ‘Chinese-style’ uniform worn by stewardesses has the reputation of being the best outfit among the domestic airlines. 5. Xiamen Airlines Safety record: The last crash was in 1990, when a hijacker detonated a bomb on landing causing a crash with a parked plane. Eighty two people died.  Price: Medium
In-flight service: The general consensus is that service is basic, but customers are satisfied because the flights are reasonably priced.
In-flight entertainment: They offer Chinese magazines and newspapers. Particular flights have TV sets showing Chinese programs.
Leg room: 86.36cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×50cm3
Meals and refreshments: Snacks include peanuts, buns and candy. Hot meals are free and include rice with vegetables and meat, plus a selection of drinks. Fact: Xiamen Airlines was the first private airline in China. 4. Sichuan Airlines  Safety record: Last recorded accident in 2003. A passenger detonated a bomb in the cabin, but fortunately nobody was injured except him. Price: Low In-flight service: They offer textbook check-in and have friendly, helpful staff.
In-flight entertainment: China Daily and bilingual magazines. Passengers can also watch TV in the cabin. The staff does in-flight exercise demonstrations, urging passengers to relax their muscles and prevent deep vein thrombosis during long flights. Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: Basic size (20×40×50cm3 )
Meals and refreshments: Snacks includes peanuts, buns and candy bars. During dinner time, local hot spicy sauce is provided. They serve hot meals with rice, vegetables, meat and drinks, but charge for them.
Fact: Their slogan is: ‘Safety is Our Priority.’ 3. Shenzhen Airlines Safety record: No accidents on record as of yet, though they’ve only been around since 1991. Price: Low 
In-flight service: Customers are indifferent as prices are low. In-flight entertainment: They have a well-designed English magazine with a monthly circulation of 68,000. It features business, lifestyle, leisure and entertainment articles about Shenzhen and Guangdong.
Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: Basic size (20×40×50cm3 )
Meals and refreshments: An impressive choice including bread, salad with pork sausage, a pack of preserved vegetables and fruits. Fact: Currently owned by Guangdong Development Bank, Shenzhen Airlines recently employed the first foreign female jet captain for a Chinese airline. 2. Hainan Airlines Price: LowSafety record: No accident record since being founded in 1989. 
In-flight service: Seating is flexible, especially for passengers traveling with family. The staff are helpful and announcements are in Chinese and English. Cabins are clean, in a good condition and surprisingly warm.
In-flight entertainment: Chinese magazines and newspapers. Leg room: 81.28cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×55cm3
Meals and refreshments: They have an in-flight meal ordering system so passengers can reserve special food. The service offers around 19 meal options. This includes religious meal options and seafood choices, if booked in advance.
Fact: Hainan Airlines is China’s largest private carrier and the only airline to receive the coveted Skytrax ranking. It also sponsored Feng Xiaogang’s 2009 film If You’re the One. The lead, played by Taiwanese actress Shu Qi, is a stewardess who works for Hainan airlines. 1. Shanghai Airlines Safety record: Since 1985 there have been no accidents and it’s previously received a Jinyan Cup Award for safety. Price: Low
In-flight service: General comments are good - friendly staff and super punctual. 
In-flight entertainment: They are famous for entertaining their passengers around holiday times offering best wishes and activities to evoke the festival spirit. On each flight, there’s also a ‘Family Emissary,’ who provides special service to disabled, sick or pregnant passengers. Leg room: 86.36cm
Overhead storage space: 20×40×50cm3
Meals and refreshments: Meals available include cold dinner, breakfast, hot meals and desserts, plus special festival snacks. If traveling to Hong Kong you get a choice of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and they’ll even give you a cake if you travel on your birthday. Fact: They won first prize for flight punctuality in China (In the China Aviation Customer Satisfaction Annual Survey). That said, Shanghai Airlines has just merged with China Eastern Airlines who are notoriously late. * All ratings are based on economy class seats 
Fashion
Thursday, 11 March 2010 07:03 Written by Urbanatomy In January Lan Jewellery launched its flagship Shanghai store at Hilton Shanghai. Talk show hostess Yang Lan and veteran pop My-Heart-Will-Go-On diva Celine Dion teamed up in 2009 to launch the brand. The opening cocktail party attracted an array of Chinese celebrities, including singer Faye Wong; Wong's husband actor Li Yapeng; Taiwanese model Pace Wu; and many others. Have a gander at the goods. Tempting, I must say.
     1/5 |
|
MORE ARTICLES
|
|
Page 1 of 33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It has taken years of scrupulous research by design company Hirsch Bedner Associates to dig out clues, source photos and gather stories from guests and locals in order to get the refurbishment exactly right. Everything from the colors, to the
