KC + CK
I’m Feeling Yellow
The lack of ‘cool’ shops is definitely one of the things that I dislike about being back in Hong Kong. It was all fine and dandy when I was at university in London, because then I could shop to my hearts content, and come back on holidays knowing full well that people would most likely NOT have the same clothes as me. Currently, with my money situ, and well .. yeah the money situ, the ‘high street’ shops that I can actually afford to shop at atm are erm .. H&M, Zara and Cotton On. All of those are GREAT for basics, but you just DONT want to actually buy something that is any more than basic, because 9/10 someone else will be wearing it. Someone that you probably know….
One of my favourite shops in London was ‘COS’ visit here: http://www.cosstores.com/Albeit a tiny bit pricy, I almost always found ‘cool’ lookin stuff in there, and when I did take the plunge and buy my GRAND TOTAL of 3 items, they are definitely my trusty go - to pieces. I wear them ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
I present you my final purchase before I left back to the Asian Continent.
It’s BRIGHT. Slightly Crumpled Looking (it’s supposed to be that way okay). And I love it.
Unfortunately COS doesn’t have an online store that is ASIA friendly (not that I could buy anything anyway). I guess we will have to wait a while before we can purchase anything from this side of the world. TIK TOK COS. Get us that online shop plz! :)
luv karl.
(via sallynstuff)
Light up Lantern
Beijing weekends seldom fall short of epic standards due to a good party crowd and an array of locations to choose from. Luckily, the “posse” i am with this semester is comprised of diverse nationalities all born to be nocturnal, relentless creatures of the night. Your party crowd/comrades will definitely affect your Beijing nightlife experience and it also depends on each persons preferred genre of music. If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m not a great fan of mainstream pop or hiphop though, i shamefully know most lyrics from hearing the same singles being played like a broken record, in the past 2 years.
They are still playing Black Eyed Peas “I gotta feeling” and all i can say is: no.
Beijing has a variety of club venues which usually have more than one dance floor to cater to electro and hiphop lovers. However, it is still quite mainstream and crowded. The classic examples are: Vics and Mix (notice the rhyming scheme eh? ) which are opposite each other at: Worker’s stadium, North gate - Gong Ti Bei Men (mer) 工体北门
Both clubs require entrance fees which range from 50-90RMB. The lowest price for a typical mixer is 40RMB. If you feel like being extravagant, you can book a table for 1000RMB which includes Grey Goose or Smirnoff Vodka with chasers, shisha and even a random fruit platter.
Now, time for my favourite: Club Lantern
Free entrance, Free coat/bag check except for special events. Music: House, techno minimal.
Lantern is located at the Worker’s Stadium West gate - Gong Ti Xi men (mer) 工体西门. If you happen to be around Vics or Mix and are up for a walk, you can walk in the opposite direction of Sanlitun (bar district) and turn left once you reach the end of the block. If you’re terrible with directions jump into a pedi-cab with a couple friends and negotiate a 15-20RMB ride, no higher or they’ll be ripping you off. Some taxi drivers will charge less if you’re lucky but are usually reluctant to travel such a short distance.
You will be able to identify the club from the gleaming, white light box exterior with this logo:
This underground club/lounge has a fantastic sound system and bass which almost goes right through your chest. Its high ceilings and long interior feels like a safe hideout and the spacious dance floor gives you comfort knowing you have an escape route, if you have a grease bag attempting to grind on you. The best time to head over to Lantern is around 1am onwards. I would also recommend pre-drinking before heading over as the drinks list is quite pricey with mixers starting at 50RMB and beer ranging from 20-30RMB.
PROPAGANDA
Student bar in Wudaokou 五道口
Monday,Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday : 30-40RMB entrance fee
Wednesdays: 30RMB open bar for females 50RMB open bar for men
Thursdays: Ladies night.
After a couple weeks of Beijing ‘freshers’ my body has finally, officially given in to exhaustion. Don’t get me wrong, i’ll still be out and about at some point next weekend and so forth. The first student club i would like to introduce is the overrated Club Propaganda. The best description i can give is that it’s like being packed like sardines in a tin filled with terrible mainstream shite. For the gay society, this is not the same raunchy gay Club Propaganda of HK. Although Club P of Beijing is an ensured sausage fest, the majority are straight. I was quite puzzled as to why Club Propaganda has been so hyped up over the years in student guides including Lonely Planets Beijing guide, when there are so many bars and hidden clubs in Wudaokou with more to offer.
The only thing i do enjoy in that club are the films they play on the flatscreen tv overlooking the bar (with English subtitles for the deaf and drunk). Just last week, i watched half of ‘STREET FIGHTER The legend of Chun Li’. Had i not gone on Wednesday as a spur of the moment kind of thing i would never have discovered this C-list gem featuring Kristen Kreuk from Smallville as the lead, Chris Klein from the very first American Pie and a whole bunch of actors who haven’t been doing so well in films. I was fixated on this action flick and the ridiculous script as i downed a few vodka redbulls. The plot also became abstract the tipsier i got. Nevertheless, entertaining and worth 30RMB open bar and entertainment. Later on, i found myself downstairs with less than a square metre of space on the dance floor dancing..or swaying..the same thing no? So that really sums up my clubbing experience in Propaganda. One more note, if you’re female you will not be able to escape the horny snare of pushy men. My suggestion is to make sharp, gyrating movements or make sure you’re in a group.
If you’re up for cheap thrills, fake cheap-ish alcohol and crowded spaces. This is the place for you!
Both ladies and gentlemen can receive a free “VIP” card which specifies privileges below.
hihihi
Welcome to our …… Lifestyle blog ? Filled with .. EVERYTHING
from places to shop, eat, go out, get a wax …. etc
from Beijing (Karina) to Hong Kong (Catherine) .. and wherever else we end up
(PS; look out for the hashtags which will tell you who wrote what, and from where it was posted)
:)
Karina: Hello! I’m currently in Beijing having already spent half a year here educating my mind with the language of the future: Mandarin. Beijing has become increasingly popular after the Olympics and as a result, the city has become populated with Translate text or webpage外国人 waiguoren (foreigners) eager to immerse themselves in the culture, broaden work opportunities or find a nice home-girl Chinese wife/girlfriend. ;) With the rapid development of the city yet strong culture and tradition, Beijing has given birth to a unique,thriving nightlife with a modern and traditional fusion of design and concepts. I will be covering hidden hideouts, eateries and essentials for the Beijing student or anyone on budget up for discovering new places that are not in typical guides.
