March has arrived in Shanghai, and that means we can declare spring to have (pretty much) arrived too. And the city is getting back to its best this month, delivering a jam-packed roster of events and activities to get your teeth into.
CSL 2016 kicks off
The Chinese Super League kicks off this weekend after what has probably been the most exciting winter transfer period in its history, with big names including Ramires, Alex Teixeria (pictured) and Jackson Martinez all making big-money moves to the league. Astoundingly, this transfer window saw China outspend the English Premier League, hardly known for its fiscal conservatism, with total outlay surpassing 200million GBP (1.86billion RMB). Keep an eye on our website for a full preview of the upcoming CSL season.
The 2016 Chinese Super League season begins on Friday 4, with Shanghai Shenhua at home to Yanbian Funde on Saturday 5. Shanghai SIPG’s first home game is the Shanghai derby against Shenhua on Saturday 12.
Bloomin' great blossoms
If you look down the street and see a flurry of white in the wind and wonder why its snowing in March, you'll be relieved to hear it's almost certainly not snow but blossom. And there's lots of it in Shanghai, with a plethora of festivals and parks for you to see the blooms at their finest. Check out our full rundown of the best places to see spring blossoms in Shanghai on our website.
Go for a spin on the Sky Ring
Calling the new Sky Ring atop the Joy City mall 'Shanghai's answer to the London Eye' smacks of delusions of grandeur, but it's only 60RMB to go for a spin and the views do about enough to justify that price (you can also get afternoon tea on board over the course of two cycles for 298RMB per couple if you prefer). It also feels a bit more secure than Shanghai's other big wheel at Jinjiang Amusement Park. It's certainly worth giving the Sky Ring a whirl if you're in the area and bored of traipsing around the shops.
The Sky Ring is at Joy City, 180 Xizang Bei Lu, near Qufu Lu, Hongkou district.
John Grant
Former frontman for alt-country act The Czars John Grant performs in Shanghai for the SSO and Split Works' Contemporale series. Grant's witty, heart-breakingly honest songs are something to behold and this ought to be a special show. Ahead of his performance here, he spoke to Time Out about coming to Asia for the first time, writing deeply personal songs and the chances of Donald Trump becoming president - you cand find the interview on our website.
John Grant plays the SSO Chamber Concert Hall on Tuesday 8. Tickets are now sold out - enjoy if you managed to get your hands on one.
Design Shanghai 2016
Having doubled in size last year, Design Shanghai returns to the Shanghai Exhibition Centre once more with a collection of design and art installations, exhibitions, talks, stalls and more. Ahead of its kick-off, Time Out spoke to creative director Ross Urwin about the designers to look out for, and what we can expect from the world of design at the festival and beyond - you can read all about it on our blog.
Design Shanghai 2016 is from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.
DJ Spinna
Having worked with the likes of Eminem, De La Soul and Mary J Blige, Spinna moved into house production in the early 2000s. He remains a key figure in New York hip hop however, as well as helping organise regular tribute parties to Stevie Wonder, one of his musical heroes. He hits Shanghai this month for an all-45s set. What can we expect from the show? He told us: 'I like to be unpredictable in my sets so the people will just have to see and hear!' Read our full interview with DJ Spinna online.
DJ Spinna plays The Shelter on Saturday March 12.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Avant-rock act Godspeed You! Black Emperor return to QSW after their barnstorming 2013 show at the same venue. Founded in 1994 in Montreal, the fiercely independent nine-member post-rockers have only released a handful of albums over the past two decades, yet have built a cult following and are one of the biggest names in a genre that always draws big crowds in Shanghai.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor play the QSW Arts Centre on Saturday 12.
Go for a drink at Oji
Don’t be too quick to say Shanghai doesn’t need another speakeasy, because Oji doesn’t feel quite like the others. From Japanese bartender Naoji Oji, this intimate and cosy destination reminds us of Tokyo’s cluster of hidden cocktail bars that make imbibing in Japan’s capital so entertaining. Speakeasies done well are fun, and although Shanghai’s been inundated with them over the past two years, Oji feels refreshing. With good drinks and an unpretentious atmosphere, it’s well worth dialling in here for a visit, especially earlier in the night before the bar area gets busy.
Oji is at Third floor, Bldg 3, 99 Taixing Lu, near Wujiang Lu, Jingan district.
Juliana Huxtable
In the space of just four years, Juliana Huxtable has gone from putting together club nights in her spare time while working as a legal assistant, to a celebrated ‘it-girl’ on New York’s arts scene. Huxtable’s debut appearance here will see her joined by Zurich underground leading light Asian Eyez, as well as Shanghai’s own Tzu Sing, ChaCha and Howell. Expect a night of high-quality off-kilter and alternative sounds.
Cloud with Juliana Huxtable is at The Shelter on Friday 18, entry 80RMB.
Something fishy
PSA’s retrospective of avant-garde artist Datong Dazhang’s work continues until April 10, but look out for this new show from Huang Yongping too, featuring his extraordinary pairing of a giant fish head and a train carriage in ‘Leviathanation’.
Baton Serpent III is at the Power Station of Art from March 17 until June 17.