2010 Jun 23 ChinaDoll Back and Ready to Play
Tonight marks the soft opening of the new and improved ChinaDoll in Sanlitun 3.3. If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. First opening in December of 2006, ChinaDoll has been through location changes, renovations, and several re-openings. Now it’s back, bigger and sexier than ever. We spoke to Ai Wan, former Miss Chinese International U.S.A. winner, model, actress, film producer, designer, and owner of ChinaDoll, about the club’s latest reincarnation.
What was the reason behind the last closing of ChinaDoll and why did you decide to bring it back?
Other than being a club owner, I am also a film producer. In 2006 I began work on a documentary called Yasukuni which forced me to temporarily part ways with ChinaDoll. The movie premiered at the Pusan Film Festival and went on to win “Best Documentary” at the Hong Kong Film Festival, with nominations for the "Best Picture" at Sundance and the Berlin Festival. But back in Beijing, the managers of ChinaDoll ran into a bit of bad luck and decided to close. We knew we wanted to keep the philosophy and ideals of ChinaDoll alive so at the end of last year they asked me to rejoin and reopen the club.
How has ChinaDoll changed with every re-opening?
China Doll has always been a trendsetter and a role model; from the very beginning, we looked for creativity and beauty in our design. The first version of China Doll debuted in 2006 with “Birth” as its theme. It featured erotic underwater images of nude models and red-light district lighting, creating an aquatic fantasy land that won ten awards.
The second reopening of ChinaDoll stressed “Kissing.” This time around, its design was inspired by the paintings and sketches of several renowned Chinese artists. It was the place to be during the Beijing Olympics, averaging between 500-800 guests every day.
It was also the winner of the world’s top 18 “Design Inspired” Clubs in Black Book magazine in 2008. Our latest reopening is the most provocative yet, with the theme “Bite the Forbidden Fruit,” an idea inspired by the story of Adam and Eve. The club will continue its tradition of sex appeal that focuses on artistic creativity and sensuality.
We will be showing a five second preview of my new short video at our Soft Opening of the Sky Bar Terrace on June 23 and then be playing the complete video at our Grand Opening on July 16. Trust me – it’s something you won’t want to miss.
What can we expect the new China Doll to look like? What events are you planning to hold?
We have a new 1000-square-meter rooftop deck, in the center of which sits a shallow wading pool where party-goers can dip their feet. It’s the perfect place to come watch the 2010 World Cup Final on July 11, and also a place for people to come enjoy outdoor barbeques every Sunday at 4pm.
In addition, we are starting Love Fever on Wednesdays, which is a combination singles and ladies night. Come join us for an evening of free selected house drinks for the ladies and a romantic night out in the city for everyone.
What kind of crowds are you hoping to attract?
Our slogan is the “Art of Play” – not the “Art of Money,” “Art of Power” or “Art of Fame”. We want our partiers to be free spirited, happy, creative people who are looking for a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy themselves and let loose their inner child. Here at the dollhouse, everyone is equal and everyone is welcome to come play.
ChinaDoll’s Soft Opening is tonight (Wednesday, June 23) from 9pm, on the Fifth Floor of the 3.3 Building, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang. Free. The Grand Opening Party will take place on July 16.
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Dawn of a New Era?: The House Opens Tonight
Heard anyone complain lately about the lack of decent places to go clubbing in Beijing? Probably you have. If you’ve just arrived here, or read an expat listings magazine recently, you’ll have heard misty-eyed reminiscences about White Rabbit and Lantern, and wonder what these magical places were like. Forget them. The House opens tonight, and is set to lead us into the future of clubbing in Beijing. Super club Mix has the money, Acupuncture Records the ideas and aesthetic to take Beijing beyond Chivas, green tea and KTV. We spoke to Acupuncture Records head and all-round spiritual leader Miao Wong as she got ready for tonight’s opening party.When it became clear that Lantern was going to have to close, how did you feel? What was your first reaction?Well, first it came as a surprise. I was disappointed and a little upset.Talking Pints: Ian Brown, Kevin Saunderson, Acupuncture 3rd Anniversary
Still working? The wheels of industry in our office are slowing to the faintest of hums as the holiday comes close. (Yes, the holiday that means we have to work on Saturday and Sunday …) Well, if we’re going to have a few days off forced upon us, there should at least be some fun stuff to do tonight, right? Better believe it.Hip-hop Hong Kong-style: DJ Yeodie plays ChinaDoll Thursday
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Starting off with some - if it's true - morbid news, we wanted to comment on the rumored “murder in Sanlitun.” In early June, several eyewitnesses claimed to have seen a local Chinese woman brutally murdered on Sanlitun bar street. This Global Times’ article reports on the incident, but seems to cast some doubt as to whether the attack truly took place. If it did indeed happen in and around Bar Street, it seems likely no matter what time of day it took place that there would have been enough witnesses around to make sure we'd have heard a lot more gossip on the subject. If the incident took place away from the main bar strips, it may just have been possible to keep chatter to a minimum, but it's all really just speculation so long as the police continue to deny that any such incident took place. However, there does seem to have been an increase in violence - albeit mostly petty - around Sanlitun Houjie in recent months. Maybe it's just the summer heat bringing bigger crowds outside, maybe it's people getting tanked on ten-kuai drinks full of suspect alcohol, but it's a while since we've heard of fights going on with such regularity. Stay cool, people.Win Tickets to ChinaDoll’s Opening Cocktail Party!!
After their “soft” open a few weeks ago (see the pics 
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