Small Talk With...The Project Guy

After five years, Handel Lee, the man behind Shanghai's Three on the Bund, unveils one of Beijing’s most anticipated spaces-the Legation Quarter. Lee explains the concepts behind his most ambitious project to date.

From lawyer to real estate developer to restaurateur, people have called you many different things. How would you describe yourself? I cringe when people say I'm a lawyer, and I'm not a developer. Sometimes people say “Oh! So you’re a restaurateur!” But I’m not. I have my goals and what I try to do—I guess I'm a "project guy." So, how is the Legation Quarter similar to previous "projects"? Two common threads run between my projects. First, they are in the most important historical location in the center of the city. Second, they are projects that form a gathering place for society, combining art and cultural venues and bringing a new level of elegance and cultural refinement. The Legation Quarter includes an art gallery, restaurants with Michelin chefs, a nightclub connected with London’s Boujis and a vast underground theater. Which of these excites you most? Art is the most significant part of this; it holds everything together. There will be a repertoire of plays, screenings, workshops and talks, as well as an art bookshop and café. It is about putting people in an environment missing in China, one where you can be engaged physically and emotionally, and can truly experience the art. Here, you're always in the art space. Like the ICA in London, you could walk in and spend the entire day here. How will this affect the arts scene in Beijing, especially in 798? 798 is great but it's a satellite—a hermetically-sealed island in the suburbs. The city has always had the push of society and culture, so art must emanate from here. Art doesn't come from Long Island, it comes from Manhattan. It doesn't come from Manchester, but London. Contemporary art must affect contemporary culture. 798 and Caochangdi are gains, but the relevancy is different. We're here in the literal center of a historical capital of China, right next to the National Museum, making a gathering place for creative dynamics. Would you agree that the Legation Quarter is more ambitious than Three on the Bund? Yes. Shanghai was easy. Do you think that Beijing is ready for a space like this? I was asked this over and over again for Three on the Bund. People would ask, “Are you sure?” In Beijing, I get that question less. In fact, I get, “It's about time; Beijing's so ready for this.”

Everyone Is Talking About ...Olympic-ology

Everything you wanted to know about the Olympics but were afraid to ask
Beijing has been undergoing major changes in the lead up to the Olympic Games, but too often those changes have been revealed as they happen rather than beforehand. So, City Weekend is here to give you a more definitive look at what you should expect once we reach 08/08/08.

The major concern for most Beijingers is traffic. Even without the 3 million visitors arriving for the Olympics, Beijing’s roadways are perpetually gridlocked, but starting July 20, traffic should flow a little easier as privately owned cars will be restricted to driving every other day. Combined with the opening of the “Olympic Spur” and Line 10 subways in early July, the commute around town should be at least bearable come game time.

In terms of actually watching the Olympics, the best choice is obviously to find tickets. Depending on how creative-and risky-you're willing to get, there are still options. However, there are also ways of experiencing Olympic fever without setting foot inside the Bird's Nest. For starters, 19 “live sites” will be set up in public squares across the city for fans to mingle and watch their favorite athletes compete on super-jumbo screens. Those who aren’t in it for the sports can take part in the Olympic atmosphere by buying passes on to the Olympic Green. Ticket in hand, you'll get up-close views of the venues, check out glitzy performances on the official Olympic stage and wow out over the amazing sponsor houses (the GE Imaginarium, for example).

Just as Beijing transforms into an Olympic city, City Weekend becomes an Olympic magazine. Our next three issues-from July 17 to August 27-will be your one-stop guide to all people, places and things Olympic. Also, for up-to-the-minute news, go to the City Weekend website and log on to our Olympics Blog at http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/olympicblog.

DIGITS

➜ 43%
Expected reduction in number of vehicles on the road once new government controls come into effect.
➜ 63%
Estimated reduction in air pollution brought by the government’s new traffic and emissions control policy.
➜ 9,999
Cost in RMB of a set of books on Shaolin martial arts, sold on Shaolin Temple's official website.
➜ 1
Cost in RMB of a text message containing one's gaokao score.

BEIJING PERSPECTIVE: Alphabet Soup

New Standards for Old Eats
If English translations of Chinese menus set your stomach grumbling, you'll appreciate the recently released book of official English translations for 2,753 Chinese dishes. Beijing's Foreign Affairs Office and Tourism Administration consulted foodies and language experts for names that are more appealing than, say, "Chicken Without a Sexual Life"—the official translation is now "Steamed Spring Chicken." Most translations describe principal ingredients and cooking method ("Stewed Tofu with Chicken Blood Cakes" for Jixiedoufu) or use pinyin ("Mapo Tofu"). The book will be handed out to high-end dining venues hosting Olympic tourists. Yet, some lament the loss of creativity and tradition found at many restaurants. Who wants "Stewed Pork Ball in Meat Sauce" when you can have "Lion's Head Meat Balls"?