SW French Concession Walk with Spencer Dodington
Date: Saturday, April 3
Time: 10:15am registration; tour begins at 10:15am
Venue: Corner of Hengshan Lu & Wulumuqi Lu, in front of the Community Church
Cost: RMB 200 Please bring your membership card to the event
In April, 1849, the French Consul to Shanghai, Charles de Montigny, obtained a proclamation from the Governor of Shanghai which conceded certain territory for a French settlement. During the 1920s, this settlement, the French Concession, was developed into the premiere residential area of Shanghai. Avenue Petain, now Hengshan Road, was a major boulevard linking Xujiahui with the center of the French Concession and represented the pinnacle of the settlement's high-end residential district. This Southwest corner of the Old French Concession - one of the last parts of pre-WWII Shanghai to be developed-boasts many luxurious single-family homes and stately tower residences along its tree-lined streets. Today, much of the area maintains a sense of solitude, somewhat removed from the rest of the city. Today's walk will focus on the history and architecture of this area.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by April 1.
Under subject, please type: "Hengshan" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are welcome!
SEA Coffee
Date: Monday, April 5
Time: 10am
Venue:J.C. Mandarin Hotel, 1225 Nanjing Xi Lu
Cost:RMB 50 members, RMB 100 non-members
Reservations not required.
T8 Luncheon Talk: Chinese Cinema, Past & Present
Date: Thursday, April 8
Time: 10:45am registration; talk begins at 11am
Venue: T8 Restaurant & Bar, No. 8 Xintiandi (North section), Lane 181 Tai Cang Lu
Cost: RMB 200 (includes 3-course luncheon with tea or coffee & champagne)
Please bring your membership card to the event
Please join us as Richard Hughes introduces us to the history of film in China, from the Golden Age in 30s and 40s, to the rebirth of film as China opened up during the 80s and 90s, to the present day. Chinese blockbusters are making an impact around the world but the future of the industry is still far from certain. Richard will introduce the country's major filmmakers and their films, and provide a list of 'must-see'Chinese films that will give a flavor of the industry's development in China as well as enhance the experience of living here.
Richard Hughes'interest in China began at an early age, and continued as he majored in anthropology at Oxford University. After graduate studies in documentary filmmaking, Richard moved to China where he has been working as a producer and director of documentary and fiction films. He worked on such mainstream movies as Mission Impossible 3 and The Painted Veil, and on television documentaries for the History and National Geographic Channels. His own independent projects have won awards at international film festivals. His fiction film, Maid In China, shot in a Shanghai slum in the summer of 2008, is winning acclaim at major film festivals overseas.
Today's talk will be followed by a 3-course luncheon (with champagne!) at T8.
MENU
Organic mixed salad greens;
Main: Roasted duck breast with carrot kumin puree, braised spinach and orange reduction
OR
Seared sea bass with roasted beets, brandade and saffron bisque
OR
Mushroom and truffle risotto with asparagus, parmesan ice cream and balsamic reduction;
Dessert: Warm chocolate cake with fresh mango and raspberry sorbet
OR
Lemongrass brulee with coconut sorbet, pineapple chutney and mint syrup.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by April 5.
Under subject, please type: "Film" and include your choice of main course & dessert. Please include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are welcome!
Weekender: Historic Suzhou Creek with Spencer Dodington
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 9:30am registration; walk begins promptly at 9:45am
Venue: Astor House Hotel lobby (Shanghai Pujiang Hotel)
15 Huangpu Lu
Cost: RMB 200
Please bring your membership card to the event
Please join us for this fascinating tour, led by Spencer Dodington, to historic Suzhou Creek-one of Shanghai's Twelve Conservation Areas. From the 1930s, Suzhou Creek was an important trade route and has witnessed the dramatic changes throughout Shanghai's history.Bustling sails and busy water transportation, a multitude of warehouses, mills and factories along its banks-these were all once part of the Suzhou Creek neighborhood. Originally, most of these old buildings were planned for demolition to enable new construction; however, due to initiatives by Shanghai's artists in the late 1990's, the riverside was designated as a protected heritage zone and many buildings were preserved. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are a must.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Thursday, April 8.
Under subject, please type: "Suzhou" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Shanghai's Old Lanes with Gangfeng Wang
Date: Sunday, April 11
Time: 9:30am registration; walk begins promptly at 9:45am
Venue: The Four Seasons Hotel (lobby lounge), 500 Weihai Lu
Cost: RMB 300
Please bring your membership card to the event
A very popular SEA event is back! Award-winning photographer, Gangfeng Wang, will take us on a tour of some of Shanghai's fast-disappearing lanes and alleyways. We'll meet at the Four Seasons Hotel and visit several interesting nearby neighborhoods, perhaps entering people's homes to see a true glimpse of local life in our city. This is always a sell-out, so please book early. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as is your favorite camera-there will be numerous photo opportunities along the way.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Friday, April 9.
Under subject, please type: "Lane Walk" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
SEA Day Trip: Jinze Town & Grand View Garden
Date: Tuesday, April 13
Pick up: Portman hotel (Starbucks)
Time: 8:30am
Return: Approximately 5pm
Cost: SEA members: RMB 250, Non-Members/Guests RMB 300 (Guests must be out-of-town residents and foreign passport holders. Children under 12 not allowed.)
Jinze is an ancient town in the southern region of the Yangtze River. It flourished in the Song Dynasty and furthered its prosperity in the Yuan Dynasty. It has beautiful bridges constructed of densely-packed stone. Jinze has not been commercially developed, making it a hidden jewel and a great place to enjoy a lovely day. The Grand View Garden is a replica of Da Guan Yuan, the magnificent imperial family garden described in the well-known Chinese novel, A Dream of Red Mansions.
Bring a packed lunch and wear comfortable walking shoes.
For reservations, contact seadaytrips@yahoo.com. Please provide name, SEA membership number and mobile number. Reservations will be confirmed by email. For detailed booking rules, see April Courier pg. 11
Catholics & Intellectuals: a French Concession Walk with Spencer Dodington
Date: Wednesday, April 14
Time: 10am registration; tour begins promptly at 10:15am
Venue:Sinan Lu at Nanchang Lu, southwest corner (by the shop that sells 'peasant' paintings)
Cost: RMB 200
Please bring your membership card to the event
New SEA walk!This walking tour by Spencer Dodington takes you through the heart of Shanghai's lovely old French Concession, focusing on the influence of Chinese intellectuals and Catholicism on the city's history.Stops along the way include: the old French government-run grammar school, several old Catholic monasteries, Fuxing Park, and the historic homes of Zhou Enlai and Sun Yatsen. Comfortable walking shoes and your camera are a must!
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Monday, April 12.
Under subject, please type: "Intellectuals" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Chinese Button Knots with Valerie Wu
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 10am registration; class begins promptly at 10:15am
Venue: Valerie's apartment: Unit 801, Block 2; Xiang Mei Garden Phase I; 1650 Jin Xiu Road (near Shanghai Science & Technology Museum), Pudong
Cost: 200 RMB (materials included)
Please bring your membership card to the event
We see them everywhere in Shanghai - those cute little Chinese button knots - on clothing, cuff links and jewelry.Here's your opportunity to learn how to make them.In this class, Valerie Wu will show us this Chinese knotting technique by teaching us how to make a simple corded necklace. The closure will be the button knot. (The necklace is yours to take home).Valerie has taught jewelry classes in Shanghai and Hong Kong and designs jewelry with a mix of semi-precious stones, jade and pearls. During today's class, light refreshments will be served.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Tuesday, April 13.
Under subject, please type: "Button Knot" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Gang of One Portrait Day
Date: Sunday, April 18
Time: 15-minute sessions, from 8:30am to 4pm
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel lobby (coffee lounge), 500 Weihai Lu
Cost: RMB 600 (includes several large photos & color proofs)
Looking for that memorable photo of your family's stay in Shanghai?Award-winning photographer Gangfeng Wang, of Gang of One fame, will be taking single or family portraits-unique and striking images in color. Come dressed in your favorite Eastern or Western attire and capture a special China moment on film. The portraits will be taken in the colorful old lanes of Shanghai. If you've seen one of his family portraits, you know how wonderful they are.Spouses, children (and visiting family members) are welcome! We negotiated a special rate for a fraction of the usual sitting fee, so book early, as this event is always a sell-out!
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Thursday, April 15.
Under subject, please type: "Portrait" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
IMPORTANT:SEA will book reservations on a "first-come, first-served" basis. We'll take one reservation per SEA household. The SEA has held this event before, and Gangfeng produces beautiful images in the 15-minute session. We ask that you come 15 minutes early in case we can accommodate you early. You'll be met by Gangfeng's assistant in the lobby and taken to the alley where the photo shoot takes place. The assistant may be en route, so please wait patiently in the lobby - you will be met. Photos will be available to pick up approximately one week after the event at Snap Printing, 1808 Huai Hai Zhong Lu.Please call Linda Hoenig before you drop by to ensure your photos are there.
The Women's Kingdom of the Mosuo People: Luncheon and Talk by Betty & George Barr
Date: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 10:30am registration; talk begins promptly at 10:45am
Venue: Jean-Georges Shanghai, 4F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
Cost: RMB 250 RMB (includes talk, 3-course luncheon with champagne, tea & coffee)
Join us for this fascinating talk on the ancient Mosuo people of Southwest China - one of the country's most interesting minorities and possibly the last matriarchal society in the world (the women make most of the major decisions and control the household finances).
The majority of Mosuo families-whose daily lives center on tending to crops and livestock - live around Lugu Lake, a region that was isolated from the rest of the world until the 1970s. Each household, or clan house, is usually made up of several families, with the eldest woman elected as the clan mother (head of the family). The names, as well as the common ownership of the house and the land, are exclusively inherited through the female line. (At about thirteen years of age, after an initiation ceremony, girls are considered to be full members of the clan and are given the key to their own rooms.) The head matriarchs of each village govern the region by committee, with villages bartering between them for basic needs.
The Mosuo are best known for their tradition of zouhun, or walking marriage, in which youths who have gone through a coming of age ceremony, at the age of 13, are permitted to choose their own axia, or relationship. This nontraditional union means that men visit their lovers only by "walking" to them at night and leaving in the morning (this topic alone is sure to spark lively questions!)
Betty & George Barr, one of Shanghai's most interesting couples, recently toured the region and have written about their journey in the upcoming book, Our 25th Summer: a Trip to China's Southwest. Today, they'll discuss their visit with the Mosuo people-their ancient traditions, concepts about love and marriage, and their adaptation to the encroachment of airplanes, tourism and satellite television.
MENU
APPETIZER: Warm asparagus salad with avocado and hollandaise
-or-
Sea scallops w/caramelized cauliflower and caper-raisin emulsion
MAIN: Red snapper crusted w/nuts and seeds, sweet and sour jus
-or -
Parmesan crusted organic chicken with artichokes, basil and lemon butter
-or -
Potato gnocchi with mushroom, tomato sauce and basil
DESSERT: Jean-Georges chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream
Petit Fours
Champagne, Coffee or Tea
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Friday, April 16.
Under subject, please type: "Barr" and include your membership number and choice of appetizer and main dish.Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Golf Lessons at David Leadbetter Golf Academy
Dates: Wednesday, April 21 (Beginner Level)
Time: 10am registration; class begins promptly at 10:15am
Venue: David Leadbetter Golf Academy, 1366 Hu Qing Ping Lu (meet at the entrance to the driving range)
Cost: RMB 100 RMB (includes lesson & lunch)
Please bring your membership card to the event
April is a great time to be outside and golf is a fun way to enjoy the weather. We're offering two different levels of golf instruction by Robbie Sherwin, an instructor with the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA).The DLGA has academies in over 25 international locations and teaches techniques that can be applied to golfers of all levels-from complete beginners to seasoned pros.
Beginner's Class: Robbie will teach you the basics of golf in this small, intimate 2-hour class. This event is a fun introduction to the sport.Clubs will be provided for the lesson.
After the class, a light lunch will be provided: Grilled chicken with salad buffet, apple strudel and one soft drink, tea or coffee.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Monday, April 19.
Under subject, please type: "Golf," specify which class and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Golf Lessons at David Leadbetter Golf Academy
Dates: Thursday, April 22 (Intermediate Level)
Time: 10am registration; class begins promptly at 10:15am
Venue: David Leadbetter Golf Academy, 1366 Hu Qing Ping Lu (meet at the entrance to the driving range)
Cost: RMB 100 RMB (includes lesson & lunch)
Please bring your membership card to the event
April is a great time to be outside and golf is a fun way to enjoy the weather. We're offering two different levels of golf instruction by Robbie Sherwin, an instructor with the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA).The DLGA has academies in over 25 international locations and teaches techniques that can be applied to golfers of all levels-from complete beginners to seasoned pros.
Intermediate Class:In this 2-hour class, Robbie will video your swing and teach you techniques to improve your golf game.Golf clubs for the class are provided upon request.
After the class, a light lunch will be provided: Grilled chicken with salad buffet, apple strudel and one soft drink, tea or coffee.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Monday, April 19.
Under subject, please type: "Golf," specify which class and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Introduction to Tai Chi with Rose Oliver
Date: Friday, April 23
Time: 10:30am registration; class begins at 10:45
Venue: Hu & Hu Sofa, 201 Anfu Lu (between Wukang Lu & Ulumuqi Lu)
Cost: RMB 150 (includes class & light refreshments)
Originally developed in ancient China as a martial art, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and to help with a variety of other health conditions.Tai chi is described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements-connecting the mind and body and incorporating the Chinese concept of yin and yang (opposing forces within the body) and qi (life force). These rhythmic patterns of movement are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm.
Rose Oliver, a qualified teacher of tai chi, originally came to Shanghai in 2000 from the UK. She will take us through the history and elements of tai chi and teach us some movements as we practice this ancient art form. Please wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled/comfortable shoes.Light refreshments will be served.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Wednesday, April 21.
Under subject, please type: "Tai Chi" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Badlands & West End Walk with Duncan Hewitt
Date:Saturday, April 24
Time:9:45 registration; walk begins promptly at 10am
Venue:Meet at the main (south) entrance to Zhongshan
Park on Changning Road, near the junction of
Changning, Dingxi and Yuyuan Roads.
Cost:RMB 200
Yuyuan Road extends through what was, in the 1920s and 30s, one of Shanghai's most upwardly mobile areas, known as the "West End." Attempts to incorporate into the International Settlement never quite succeeded. That didn't stop some of Nationalist China's wealthiest business people from building their mansions there, and Yuyuan Road's smart "garden longtangs" became home to many foreign residents and members of the local middle class. The proximity of the prestigious McTyeire School and St John's University, as well as Zhongshan (Jessfield) Park, were part of the attraction. The area was also home to spies and revolutionaries. Following the Japanese takeover of Shanghai became known as the Badlands. Home to the puppet government, it gained notoriety for its many casinos and dancehalls where crimes and assassinations were commonplace.
Starting at Zhongshan Park, we will pass the Museum of the Underground Bolshevik Printing Press, the former headquarters of the puppet government, see the house where Rewi Alley and Soong Ching-ling kept in touch with the communists in Yan'an by secret radio transmitter, and wind through various lanes, passing the residences of famous merchants, literati and villains, before heading towards Ulumuqi Lu and Jing'an Temple.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Thursday, April 22.
Under subject, please type: "West End" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
Brushless Painting: Acrylics and Collage with Stefanie Vallee
Date: Monday, April 26
Time: 10am registration; class begins at 10:15
Venue: Origin, Tai House 39, Lane 155 Jian Guo Zhong Lu (near Rui Jin Lu) T: 6467- 0100
Cost: RMB 250 (includes class, materials & snacks)
Please bring your membership card to the event
Last month's event was great fun, and we've decided to host another brushless painting class with Stefanie to take your creativity to the next level. Anyone can create a colorful painting by pouring yellow, red and blue straight from the paint palette to the paper. Even those who cannot draw can experience "painting" and unleashing their intuitive artistic talents. Stefanie will give us a step by step lesson on how to create a simple abstract collage painting. No prior drawing or painting experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.This is an easy and fun introduction to acrylics and collage.
Today's class will be followed by a selection of fresh organic items from the Origin menu. Origin is situated in a 3-storey historic lane house, one of Taikang Lu's most impressive buildings. This area's architecture is a combination of lofty factory spaces and typical shikumen style houses for which Shanghai has become so well known.
Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Friday, April 23.
Under subject, please type: "Collage" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!
SEA Day Trip: Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha Tour
Date: Tuesday, April 27
Pick up: Lobby of Holiday Inn Hotel (Great Wall Wing)
Address: 585 Heng Feng Lu
Tel: 6353-8008.
Time: 8am (promptly-no latecomers)
Return: Approximately 5:30pm at train station near the Holiday Inn Hotel
Cost: SEA members: RMB 250, Non-Members/Guests RMB 350 (Guests must be out-of-town residents and foreign passport holders. Children under 12 not allowed. Bring a packed lunch)
For this special trip, we will take a train to Wuxi followed by a coach to Lingshan overlooking Taihu Lake where the Buddha resides. The bronze Sakyamuni Buddha, at 88m high, is the tallest bronze Buddha in the world and can be seen from miles away. There is a massive set of terraces leading up to the statue, with fountains, prayers wheels, and temples. The grounds are very large and (thankfully) not crowded. We will have a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant followed by a sailing trip on a seven-sail ancient style boat, where we will enjoy the beautiful scenery around the lake.
For reservations, contact seadaytrips@yahoo.com. Please provide name, SEA membership number and mobile number. Reservations will be confirmed by email. For detailed booking rules, see April Courier pg. 11.
...And don't forget to check the tour schedules for SEA China Tours and International Tours:
Please contact Country Holidays at 3222-0616
...And every...
Monday 1pm to 5pm, Fun Bridge
Second Tuesday, 10am, Art & Architecture Group
Wednesday, 10am to 12pm, Badminton Group
Thursday, 9am to 1:45 p.m., Intermediate Duplicate Bridge
Thursday, 10am to 2pm., Craft Group
Thursday, 11am to 3pm, Quilt Group
Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm, Mahjong
Third Sunday for brunch, Book Group