It may feel like it’s been nothing but rain this summer – but great things are still happening in Chengdu: from exciting exhibitions, new menus to more direct flights and high speed rails, so read on for latest this summer:
New Direct Flights:
London, Tel-Aviv, Boston
Montevideo Becomes a Sister City
Pick Pockets and Phone Theft
Dozens of cases of pick pockets around Tongzillan and Europe City have been targeting women who are riding or getting off rental bikes – especially getting on or off bikes near the metro station. They operate in teams of two, with one person on an e-bike. Be careful.
QR Code Payment Now on Buses
Since May, individuals can pay for their bus journey by scanning a QR code. After registering on the App “天府通 (Tianfu Tong)”, passengers are able to use the service on buses running along more than 20 local routes. This is a welcome addition to the QR code-based payment throughout the city’s metro system that was introduced this year.
The Niccolo Kitchen‘s Steak Experience
Niccolo Kitchen has launched the Steak Extravagance with 4 different types of steak, served with seasonal fresh vegetables and special homemade sauce, to create a wonderful experience for meat lovers. Enjoy this summer feast better with a healthy organic salad and fine selected red wine.
Opening Times: 6:00am-10:30pm
Address: Tower 3, Chengdu IFS, No.1, Section 3, Hongxing Road, Jinjiang District
锦江区红星路3段1号国际金融中心3号楼(IFS)L1 (成都尼依格罗酒店, 欣厨)
Increased Police Checks
Since May, the Chengdu Public Security Bureau have begun increased checks of visa documents, business licenses and permits. They stated that this was because of ‘increased crime rates’ but the purpose of heightened security is unclear. According to reports there has been a focus on entertainment service establishments like KTVs and bars, however offices and small to medium businesses have also had their business licenses checked.
We recommend if you are not already, to ensure you are registered at your local police station, have a photo of your passport and current visa on your phone – and if you have your own company, ensure your business licenses are in order and on the premise.
Hanging gardens + Peppermint Exhibition
British artist Martin Boyce and Chinese artist Chen Qiulin are currently showcasing their works at the LUXELAKES·A4 Art Museum. Boyce who won the Turner Prize in 2011 has sculptures, installations, and works on the wall which create poetic but fragmented landscapes, displaying images like abandoned city parks, gardens and indoor courtyards. Comparatively Chen Qiulin’s creations focus on human beings—the memories of them and their present vibrant lives.
Until July 29th at Luxelakes ·
A4 Art Museum, Chengdu
A4 当代美术馆
The Temple House Wins Best City Hotel
For the second year running The Temple House has won the award for Best City Hotel in Asia by lifestyle and travel publication Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2018. This Chengdu based Boutique hotel was also ranked 8 in the world in the 2018 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
This good news comes alongside the in house bar JING Bar launching Miami Nights, a themed cocktail party every Thursday, and their new menu launching in Italian restaurant TIVANO. Moreover they are celebrating their third anniversary this week, so a big congraultions to the whole team.
The Temple House, 81 Bitieshi Street, Jinjiang District 锦江区笔帖式街81号
Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Tel.: (028) 6297 4190
Did the Rhino Cause Extreme Weather?
Severe rainstorms have continued to cause problems in Sichuan province, causing billions of renminbi in damages. For the first time in five years, the local authorities have activated a level 3 emergency response.
There are superstitions this has been caused by the removal of an ancient rhino statue – dating 256 BC, the statue, which now sits in the Chengdu Museum, was unearthed from its original spot in the city’s Tianfu Square in 2013. According to local legend, the statue was placed there by famed irrigation engineer Li Bing to protect the area from flooding. On Wednesday, authorities punished a woman for “spreading rumors” that the flooding in Sichuan was triggered after archaeologists removed the rhino from its original place. Nevertheless, the rain continues.
We hope that however you’re spending your summer, despite the rain, you’re having a great time.
See you in the fall!
