More Holidays

In the past eight years, problems have emerged from "Golden Weeks," including traffic congestion and exhausted public facilities, have aroused more comments on the inconvenience of long holidays. Recently, the China National Tourist Administration stated that there could be an increase in legal holidays or more Chinese traditional holidays added to the Golden Week calendar. China initiated the three "Golden Weeks:" the Lunar New Year Holiday, the Labor Day Holiday and the National Day Holiday in 1999, aiming to stimulate consumption and promote tourism, hospitality and other related industries.

Live Music Meets Thai

Delicious music to our ears–and mouths? Starting the end of May, Bar 288 The Melting Pot, a popular live music venue, will pair up with Thai Food Station, a popular Thai food delivery service. Bar 288 The Melting Pot will open its doors for lunch and dinner, then the kitchen will close at 10 p.m., when the live music starts.

Time to Chill

Many have tried and none have succeeded when it comes to ice bars in Shanghai. However, with an international vodka brand backing up the project, The Absolut Icebar could prove to be the winner in the group. At a temperature of minus five degrees Celsius, the bar made entirely of ice will feature sculptures and ice figures in its 100 sq. meter interior and sit approximately 60 guests. Parkas and caps will be given to those attending to the chilled vodka served at the frozen lounge. The Absolut Icebar, opening in June, will be part of the Scandinavian entertainment complex Aurora, inside Infiniti Plaza on Huaihai Lu.

Let the Music Endure

One of the best live music venues in Shanghai, Yuyintang, was reportedly closed earlier in May. After hearing rumors from promoters, bookies and people from the actual site, the audiences were confused as to whether this rock-spot would continue, well, to rock. Everything's uncertain as to what the future of Yuyintang will be. With an apparent new location in The New Factories and concerts to be held at other venues throughout town, we hope to keep hearing from this local favorite.