Shanghai Watchdog: Gangster Tours, Death Cabs and More

With Valentine's Day over, it's only a matter of time before the cold weather gives way to spring time in Shanghai. Until then, there's plenty happening to keep you occupied through the last chilly stretch.

Photo: lovelypackage.com

Opening…

Not so much a new venue, as a venue doing something new. M1NT has just launched M1NTcellars.com, an online drinks store selling high-end alcohol. The launching selection is decent, with Cloudy Bay, Dom Perignon and Kim Crawford among some of the more famous names. Prices range from a very reasonable 160 RMB to close to 30k for the most expensive cognac, and there's no VAT during February as an introductory offer. Minimum orders are 500 RMB, and delivery is free inside the Middle Ring Road.

Newman Tours have just launched a brand new walk – the Gangster Tour, revealing Shanghai's seedy past and shady characters. The two tour guides don the guise of wheeler-dealing criminals as they take you through the French Concession, pointing out the former mansion of “Big Ears” Du Yuesheng, and stopping off at the Song mansion (Sasha's) for a drink. Tack on a trip to a shooting range to learn how to handle a pistol like the pros. The tour alone costs 260 RMB, or 490 RMB with the shooting.

A brand new super-club is soon to open on Huaihai Lu in the form of Boom. It's a collaboration between the Hong Kong club of the same name, and Beijing promoters The Cool DJ Agency. These guys are responsible for bringing Paul Van Dyk, Fatboy Slim, Tiesto, Deep Dish, Digweed and Sasha to China, and they've signed Frankfurt techno DJ Sven Väth to play the opening night on February 18th.

If that doesn't float your boat, February 18th is also the night of the Fairmont Peace Hotel's Cin Cin bar re-opening. It's going to launch with something of a fanfare, as two-time Grammy award winning singer and pianist Diane Shuur performs from 18:00 to 21:00.

Closing …

Redtown staple Node Lounge has closed its doors, leaving the southerly environs of Huaihai Xi Lu without a decent club. Its spacious terrace will be missed come summer.

Another very premature closure is Shanhai. Barely open for half a year, the livehouse has bowed out. The management are looking for a more central location, so time will tell.

Moving…

El Willy has finally completed its move from Donghu Lu to the Bund, with the new premises now open at the SBund22 complex at 22 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu. More changes are afoot further west as City Deli abandons its Nanjing Lu locale with plans to reopen on Fenyang Lu near Fuxing Lu in mid March. The menu will be streamlined, offering just 12 favourites from the original.

Photo: last.fm

What's On…

On February 25th, Shanghai concert promoters Trash a Go-Go are throwing one last gig at Yuyintang before they disband. The headline act is an Italian garage rock quintet called the Barbacans, supported by Friend or Fo, The Macaronians, The Instigation and DJ B.O. Tickets are 50 RMB.

As part of this year's Jue Festival, indie band Death Cab for Cutie are paying us a visit on March 9th. They'll be playing at the Yunfeng Theatre (tickets 280 – 360 RMB).

Swedish band Roxette are coming to Shanghai on March 14th to play at the Shanghai Grand Stage (tickets from 280 – 880 RMB). With 33 singles and over 75 million records to their name, they have garnered worldwide fame. This tour comes in conjunction with new album "Charm School", and has sold over a million tickets during 70 concerts so far.

In the news…

Starting from February 3rd, several subway station exits will be closed for the installation of rain canopies. The following Line 6 stations will be affected: exits 2 and 4 of Jinqiao Lu station, exit 2 of Yunshan Lu station, exit 3 of Mingsheng Lu station on Shanghai Subway. Line 8 stations affected are: exit 4 of Huangxing Lu station, exit 1 of Anshan Xincun station, exit 4 of Xizang Bei Lu station, and exit 2 of Qufu Lu station.
 

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