Guangdong

Movie on Dongguan’s notorious sex industry to be released

Posted: 09/11/2012 11:30 am

Photo: SCMP

When one says they’re going on a trip to Dongguan, it’s often greeted with a wink-wink, nudge-nudge. Such is the reputation of the city; while it has world-class golf courses and famous shopping markets, the PRD city has become synonymous with sex.

Reporter Vivienne Chow with the South China Morning Post has published a story (behind a paywall) on a new movie coming out called Due West, which is based on a book of the same name. It documents Hong Kong men who seek sex on the Mainland, particularly Dongguan.

“Simon” serves as one of the extras in the film, and explains why men head north for sex, even when they’re married:

“You know, tenderness is not to be found from your wife,” he says. “A wife is not as good as a concubine; a concubine is not as good as a secret affair; and a secret affair is not as good as one that you desire, but who’s beyond your reach. It is this excitement that makes men want to go to these places. In here, you can enjoy the lifestyle of a king that you will never have at home with your woman.”

Interestingly enough, the men interviewed in Chow’s article seem to indicate they are seeking more than just sex. They also blame Hong Kong women for their attitudes, which they claim are forcing them to go elsewhere for affection.

Despite all the hassles - and the risk of getting caught - some men cannot resist making the trip to Dongguan every now and then. “That’s because you don’t find this tenderness in reality… such as feeding you a piece of melon,” says 34-year-old “John”, another extra in Due West.

“You can never get that [from Hong Kong women]. Men are egoistic. We need to be respected, and these venues give us the respect that we need. It’s true that I pay for it. It’s a kind of service. It’s fake. But it’s worth it,” John says.

“Men are afraid of being controlled. Many Hong Kong women suffer from the ‘princess syndrome’. They want to tie their men down, but it never works,” Simon says.

Sex can cost anywhere from RMB300 to RMB1,100 depending on the girl, venue, and service provided, the article said. Many are paraded out for men to select as though they were picking players for a middle-school flag football team.

Prostitution is rampant in China, but one wonders how Dongguan became one of the country’s sex capitals. Its proximity to Hong Kong certainly doesn’t hurt, but Shenzhen is even closer (although it, too, has a large-scale sex industry). Aside from what is on offer in Dongguan, it would be interesting to read how the industry developed to such a degree in the city.

No word on when the movie will be released.

Tagged: DongguanGuangdongkaraokeKTVProstitutionsaunaSexsex industry

China experiments with Guangdong again, this time to reduce red tape

Posted: 08/23/2012 2:32 pm

When it comes to large scale Chinese reform, Beijing often looks to Guangdong as the guinea pig. According to a story in today’s South China Morning Post, Beijing is once again looking to the south, this time in an attempt to reduce bureaucratic red tape and over-regulation. The paper reports Guangdong has been chosen to pilot what has been officially dubbed “The administrative examination and approval system”. It was approved yesterday by the State Council.

Commencing immediately and running till 2015, the reforms will include eliminating or simplifying 314 types of government approval; most notably, small business and private investment.

The decision is something of a victory for Guangdong party boss Wang Yang, who remains a contender to enter the Politburo Standing Committee later this year. An outspoken proponent of political and legal reform in China, the pilot program suggests the central government is warming to Yang and his push for change: “To solve the problem of vested interest groups holding up reform, we must first perform surgery on the party and the government,” Wang told the National People’s Congress in March. It would appear as if they have listened.

How deep the reforms will run remains to be seen but for now at least, it appears Guangdong is to be front and center of something potentially very big in China.

Tagged: GuangdongLegal ReformPolitburo Standing CommitteePolitical ReformWang Yang

Need a late night eat? Looks like Denny’s is coming to the PRD

Posted: 07/10/2012 3:14 pm

Renowed across North America as a late-night drunken pit stop or a brunch spot with grandma, US greasy spoon Denny’s is heading our way.

Denny’s has signed an agreement with Great China International Group (CGIC) to open 50 Denny’s restaurants across South China in the next 15 years, including here in Guangdong. It plans to open the first one as early as next year.

The Wall Street Journal‘s MarketWatch has a few comments on the development:

Sharon Huang, Business Director for GCIG, commented, “As the brand’s first franchise partner in China, we are honored to have the opportunity to introduce local residents to Denny’s everyday value and craveable menu items served in an inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Today’s Chinese consumers are hungry for the variety, quality and value a brand like Denny’s represents around the world. Denny’s history of success internationally gives us confidence that this partnership will provide both GCIG and Denny’s a significant growth opportunity.”

Denny’s Senior Vice President of Global Development Steve Dunn added, “Denny’s will be the most recognized American family dining brand to enter China. Denny’s has very high standards when it comes to selecting the right franchisee and is excited to be partnering with GCIG, an experienced, dedicated and talented organization uniquely qualified to expand the Denny’s brand in China. We will work closely with GCIG to ensure Denny’s becomes the family dining brand of choice in southern China.”

For those that have never been to Denny’s, picture an American version of famous Hong Kong cha chaan teng Tsui Wah: it’s fast, greasy, has a large menu, big portions, and is a popular stop on the way home for those that had a few too many.

Breakfast at Denny's

The question is, is there a market for Denny’s in the PRD? Perhaps, considering other American chains, like Papa John’s, have made a go of it. The presence of Denny’s will probably have a bigger impact on local establishments which serve up similar fare, like Gail’s Place in Guangzhou. While Denny’s plans to open its first location next year, it’s still not clear where in South China it will be. Guangdong is on the list though, and Shenzhen or Guangzhou definitely make the most sense considering their large populations of laowai.

It will be interesting to see if Denny’s localizes some of its dishes or introduces some Chinese options, considering much of its menu isn’t exactly geared for Chinese culinary tastes. For the rest of us, we’ll finally be able to order Moons Over My Hammy right here in the PRD.

Tagged: Denny'sGuangdongMoons Over My HammyPRDSouth China

Two Nigerians accused of stealing RMB11k from Foshan taxi drivers

Posted: 06/22/2012 2:43 pm

African expats - and Nigerians in particular - seem to be dominating PRD news this week. Only days after Nigerians staged a large scale protest against Chinese police in Guangzhou and called for a Nigerian consulate in the city, two Nigerians have been arrested for robbery in Foshan.

Sina is reporting there were six robberies last week targeting taxi drivers in Foshan’s Nanhai District, all of which were alleged to have been committed by Nigerian expatriates. The robberies totaled RMB11,000 in value, according to the Guangzhou Daily. So far one of the suspects, a 33-year old Nigerian man, has been arrested.

It’s believed the spree of robberies began on June 12. In the early morning that day, a taxi driver, Ah Long, drove two African passengers to Guangfo Trade Mart. After they arrived at the destination, the two passengers asked Ah Long to help them open the trunk to retrieve their luggage. When he did so, one passenger grabbed him by the neck while the other threatened him with a knife, ordering Ah Long to turn over his belongings. They are alleged to have taken RMB4,020 worth of property from Ah Long before fleeing.

Just one week later, local police received reports of several robberies from taxi drivers who described a similar scene, with losses adding up to RMB11,000 in total.

According to captured surveillance video, the police identified the suspects as two tall black men who spoke fluent Mandarin, probably between the ages of 25 and 30. They tended to act late at night, often getting taxis from around Huangqi Road and alighting near Dali Lingnan crossroad.

Police finally had a breakthrough on June 18, when a taxi carrying two black passengers caught the attention of policemen who were staking out the targeted area. After following the taxi all the way to its destination, the police spotted one passenger getting out of the car and looking around. The police the swarmed and took the man down, seizing a sizable blade the man was carrying. Unfortunately for police, the other man was able to run away.

The man who was caught, Onwuatu, was identified as one of the two suspects by Ah Long. Police are still looking for the second suspect.

Tagged: FoshanGuangdongNigeriaNigeriansRobberyTaxi

Nanfang TV: Road rage, Guangdong style

Posted: 01/3/2012 5:04 pm

We’ve all witnessed road range in some form or another, but this guy takes the cake.

Police tried to stop a vehicle in Meizhou, Guangdong but the driver eluded the check. The police officer banged on the car with his fists as the car drove off. Unfortunately for the driver, traffic ahead was heavy, and chaos ensued as he destroyed everything in sight in an effort to escape.

(H/t to Shanghaiist)

Tagged: CarsDriverGuangdongMeizhouRoad Rage

GZ tries to get the riff raff off the streets

Posted: 09/15/2011 8:00 am

Chengguan cleaning up (from Southern Metropolis Daily)

It appears that Guangzhou is about to get serious when it comes to cleaning up the streets. Anybody who’s walked through the city has likely tripped over trinkets splayed out on sidewalks, as well as sprawling shops and restaurants which seem to swallow up the available sidewalk space. But that could all be coming to an end.

This is a translation from this story in the Southern Metropolis Daily:

Although chaotic hawking is a long-standing phenomenon in most Chinese cities, Guangzhou has decided it won’t let it continue as it always has.

From 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Guangzhou’s Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau sent more than 5,000 officials, commonly known as chengguan, to crack down on unlicensed street vendors all over the city in about 230 forbidden areas.

Determined to fix the street selling business, the bureau is adopting a “zero tolerance” policy and is trying to rid the streets of all illegal hawking according to law. This special action will last until early October.

The law enforcement officials will write an inquisition notice to unlicensed vendors requiring them to report to a designated place in 15 working days and go through an investigation. A maximum of RMB2,000 could be issued in a fine.

In addition, temporarily detained items and goods during the crackdown will be kept for a limited period of 150 days, while those over 150 days will be handed over to the finance bureau for auctions.

As of 9 p.m. last night, a porridge restaurant around Haizhu Square was spotted by officials. The restaurant occupied most of the sidewalk with tables and chairs, with a width of less than one meter for passers-by.

According to law enforcement officials, this porridge restaurant has been fined five times in the past two years. Some of its tables and chairs and other operation hardware were sold in the latest action.

Tagged: ChengguanCrackdownGuangdongGuangzhouHawkersStreet Seller

Charms of Guangzhou showcased on American TV series

Posted: 07/31/2011 7:26 pm

US viewers got a taste of shopping in Guangzhou

A special travel television series which aired on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States has aired two shows on our region: one on Guangzhou in particular, and one on Guangdong in general.

The show, called Weekend Explorer, took viewers to locations all around the world, such as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Conwy, Wales; Taipei; and Victoria, British Columbia. Hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeffery Lehman, the program aimed to bring viewers the sights, sounds and smells of both lesser-known locales and more famous ones.

While in the City of Five Rams, Lehman took his US viewers along with him on a Pearl River cruise, a stop at Five Ram park, and, of course, on a shopping and eating tour (no visit to Guangzhou would be complete without either). The Guangdong program featured a history of the Diaolou house castles at the Kaiping World Heritage Site, the unique circular houses of the Hakka people, and the residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

The People’s Daily reports many US viewers were fascinated by the two shows on Guangdong:

“Thanks for the enjoyable half hour. The scenery, the food, the music, and the history, China really is wonderful. Best show ever!” wrote Fred K Carr, one of the PBS viewers.

“Loved this episode. Once again your historical perspectives brought China to life,” wrote Bo Hart, another viewer.

“The gardens, the castle, the countryside …China is such a fantastic country … can’t wait to go,” wrote Julie Fine.

You can visit the Youtube page of the Weekend Explorer program here (VPN needed in China), but each show will set you back US$2.99.

Tagged: Five RamsGuangdongGuangzhouPBSWeekend Explorer

Pills promising twins a hot seller in Guangdong

Posted: 07/25/2011 11:32 am

Pills in Guangdong that promise twins

We told you earlier that the Chinese government is looking at allowing parents to have more than one child in Guangdong Province, the first large-scale easing of the official one child policy in China. Even though it appears this policy may be coming down the pike, eager parents in our region are unwilling to wait.

The Guangzhou Daily has learned that “medicine” being sold online and at hospitals is promising parents that it will greatly enhance their chances of conceiving twins, which is one way to get around the one child policy. The newspaper sent a reporter into one of the hospitals undercover to learn more about the drug.

Partial translation courtesy of @MissXQ.

—————————-

The Chinese government has chosen Guangdong Province as the pilot province to allow parents to have two children, yet young couples in Guangdong can’t wait for final approval from the government to have more kids. Thus, a medicine has surfaced called “Duo Zai Wan” (多仔丸 - Multiple Kids Drug) which is a hot seller online and in some hospitals in Guangdong Province. Netizens can purchase the drug without a prescription.

A Chinese reporter hid his identity and investigated the case in a local hospital.

Reporter: Is there any way to make sure I have twins?

Hospital Customer Service Representative (CS): Medically speaking, there isn’t any solution. But we’ve helped six couples in the past 15 years successfully have twins. It is common to have twins, but ordinary hospitals just won’t help you.

Reporter: How can you do it ?

CS: Just take our medicine, you won’t feel anything different.

Reporter: How much does it cost?

CS: If you had a body check already, you just need to take the medicine. A couple hundred will cover it.

Reporter: How many times do I need to go to the hospital?

CS: After you come and meet our experts, we will give you the medicine to take. You need to come back three times afterwards.

Reporter: How many people are like me who wants twins? How many people have called to ask about it ?

CS: Many, many people. So many. I don’t have concrete statistics. It is confidential.

Reporter: Are there any side effects?

CS: Don’t you worry. We are professionals and we know how to monitor the whole process so there won’t be any side effects.

There are several online stores selling this kind of medicine for RMB 60-70 per package. They advertise the produce by saying it will help ensure the couple will have twins and appear to be welcomed by those online. The reporter saw one online store sell 210 packages in a month.

The number of twins conceived with human help has been increasing in recent years. More than 200 twins were born in five hospitals in Jiangxi Province, according to provincial statistics.

Tagged: GuangdongMedicineOne Child PolicyPillsTwins

Hail, thunderstorms rock Guangdong — 17 people dead (check out the video)

Posted: 04/18/2011 2:49 pm

Day turned into night yesterday afternoon in southern Guangdong for one of this area’s famous thunder and lightning storms.

The storms left 17 people dead, according to this report from UPI:

The death toll from the weekend storm had risen to at least 17 with another 118 injured by Monday in the southern province’s Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing and Dongguan cities, flood control officials said.

Lashing rains were accompanied by gale force winds of more than 101 miles per hour and hailstones, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Most of the victims were killed or injured by collapsing structures and flying objects, the report said.

Some cities were harder hit than others. But to get an idea how bad it was, take a look at this Youku video (h/t to @youkubuzz) shot in Guangzhou.

Tagged: DongguanFoshanGale Force WindsGuangdongGuangzhouHailLightningStormThunderThunderstormWeatherYoukuYouku Buzz

Guangdong to crack down on illegal foreigners

Posted: 04/3/2011 1:24 am

If your employer hasn’t applied for a proper work visa for you, or you haven’t registered your home with the local police office, you’d better get on it.

As we can all see by looking around us, Guangdong is growing fast and the opportunities here are drawing people from all over the world. This is creating some headaches for the Guangdong Provincial Government, which is trying to keep track of everything. With more and more laowai making Guangdong their home, the government has decided to enlist locals to help it police the comings and goings of foreign residents. In a move that is reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution, the government has a new policy implemented effective May 1 that encourages residents to report any malpractice by foreigners, such as overstaying their visa or working without a proper one. From the venerable China Daily:

The regulation, approved by the provincial government on Jan 21, was posted on the local government website recently and is the first of its kind concerning management of foreigners on the mainland.

The six-chapter, 67-article regulation stipulates that no one is allowed to provide accommodation for foreigners who have overstayed or are without a valid passport.

Property owners violating the rule will be fined three times the amount of the monthly rent they charge.

The regulation came as the booming province has attracted a growing number of foreigners seeking employment and trade opportunities.

More than 63,000 permanent foreign residents are registered in Guangdong and more than 4 million foreigners visit the province annually. But the province has witnessed a growing number of illegal immigrants working or doing business.

To be fair, this stuff should be common sense for anybody that intends to live here, but a good reminder to get your proverbial stuff in order lest your workmate or neighbour rat you out.

Especially in Shenzhen, which will see the Universiade arrive this summer, it’s best to make sure that all your paperwork is in order should anybody come to check up on you.