Small Talk With... Visa Vagabond

In the face of new visa restrictions, teachers, translators and other freelancers among Beijing's expat “floating population” are heading home. One of them, Ivy Goldstein, talks to us about her visa experience.

How did you first find out about the new visa restrictions? When I was trying to extend my previous F visa, my agent first said it would be no problem. Then we met up and he said they could only extend it until July 1. What did you feel when heard? I was frustrated because it interfered with my plans to stay in the summer. So, what are your plan for the summer now? I'm going home to Philadelphia right before my visa expires to stay for two months. Then I'm starting grad school in China in September. It sounds like a big change. How long have you been living in Beijing? I've been in BJ for three years. I first came here with the goal of learning Chinese after living in Jiangsu for two years. Then, I started working as a teacher and soon got into freelance editing and writing. What are you going to miss most about BJ? It's an exciting city. You can always go out and find something interesting. Just taking a walk and people-watching is interesting. I have heard about people buying Z visas for ￥13,000 and up. Did you ever think about buying one? An agent quoted me that price for a student visa. I thought that was ridiculous. It's more expensive than a round-trip plane ticket home! What's the craziest thing you'd do for a visa? I have heard about people setting up a company in their home country to get themselves and friends visas. That's pretty crazy... Or maybe it isn't. I guess those who'd do anything to stay will always find a way. If you had a friend thinking about moving to Beijing, would you recommend it? I'd say I like it here and that I'm coming back. But, you have to be prepared to go with the flow and realize that things don't work the same as in the West in terms of policy and transparency. But if there's something drawing you to China—the language, culture or history—then, yes, you should come. Any words of advice or comfort for all the other expats similarly stranded? It sounds corny but everything happens for a reason. I know my family misses me. And there's always a good side to going back home.

Everyone Is Talking About... Valley of the Dolls

Months of controversy and confusion find closure on the eve of ChinaDoll's opening

After Club China Doll (in Tongli Studios) was taken over by Paul Cui in September of last year, gossip about the shift in ownership and debates over the rights to the brand reached a fever pitch. Yet as a new ChinaDoll (without the space between "China" and "Doll") opens in 3.3, on June 19, the fuss will soon be irrelevant for clubbers simply seeking a dose of fun.

Opened by key members of the creative team behind the original Tongli operation, ChinaDoll promises to amaze with art and elegance, and the always stylish Club China Doll will continue to draw crowds with international DJs and a beautifully decadent atmosphere.

"We have no negative wishes for anyone. The new ChinaDoll is for happy, positive, creative and fun people," assures Ai Wan, co-creator and creative director of ChinaDoll.

By the looks of it, people will have no choice but to be happy, positive and fun-loving at Sanlitun's sexy new entertainment opus. The decor is erotically multi-themed, the management is hip and experienced, and the music aims to break the Beijing sound barrier. As Ai Wan puts it, they are creating "The Art of Play."

Just as ChinaDoll is focusing on moving ahead, Club China Doll also claims not to have any more beef. "Whenever you do something new, there's a bit of misunderstanding," says Cui. "There's no impact on us, we just keep on being positive, doing what we do." On top of bringing in top-name international DJs, the Tongli establishment has a bevy of progressive ideas on its summer agenda.

Change is an inevitable facet of life in Beijing. Sometimes disputes and confusion arise. However, as both venues opt for optimism, so should Beijing clubgoers. Come June 19, there's no looking back for us libertines. Just two fantastic clubs for two different tastes.

Michael Engstrom

DIGITS

➜ 49,291
Number of “Supporters” who've joined the Facebook site of China's Premier, Wen Jiabao.
➜ 16,000
Amount in RMB it cost to enjoy May's Robert Parker wine dinner on the Great Wall
➜ 200
The asking price, in Euros, for Olympic basketball tickets, as posted on a Jenny Lou's bulletin board
➜ 157
Number of Nightlife events on the CW website eligible for publishing in this issue.

BEIJING PERSPECTIVE

Room With a View: Beijing hotel explosion
With the Olympics just a month away, Beijing is gearing up for August's estimated 500,000 visitors by opening lots and lots of hotels. By the time the crowds arrive, The Park Hyatt, Legendale, Four Points Sheraton and Westin Beijing Chaoyang will have opened their doors, as well as a new Courtyard by Marriott and Intercontinental. If you're looking for a last minute place to house your Olympic guests, though, beware–the city's four- and five-star hotels have been booked for months already. Those thinking of turning their own apartments into Olympic lodging to take advantage of the influx of visitors may have a harder time than expected though, since we hear that even Piet Bos of the famed http://www.homestaybeijing2008.com has been unable to confirm any guests through his much-publicized subletting service.