Jay Chou’s Latest Side Quest: Curating an Art Exhibition

Jay Chou, known as the revered “King of Mandopop” worldwide, is on another side quest — this time, he’s taking on the world of fine art. Chou’s latest collaboration with WEF EEL ART is an exhibition of “masterpieces,” in a series dubbed Art Color With Artistes. The inaugural exhibition of the series, curated by Chou, is poised to debut in Shanghai in 2023. In a short promotional video, Chou speaks casually and freely about his thought process, and about being introduced to art by his mother who worked as an art teacher. “As a curator, I hope to bring everyone a new and refreshing experience,” says Chou. “I was so excited when I saw the tickets go live,” reads one top comment. “I thought it was for a concert, I went crazy.”
Jay Chou discusses his journey as a curator in an interview with Sotheby’s
In 2022, Chou’s album “Greatest Works of Art” didn’t just earn acclaim; it took the world by storm. The music video for the title track pulled in an astonishing 140 million views on Weibo in a single day, and Chou was even crowned among the highest-selling global artists of 2022 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Now, the mandopop legend is completing a victory lap that’s laden with side quests. Recently, Chou graced the cover of L’Officiel’s September issue. In a revealing interview, he discussed how the culture of France shaped his artistic journey, alongside other themes like kung fu, basketball, and magic, all of which have captivated him since youth. Chou’s affinity for magic is nothing new — remember when he took on a role in Now You See Me 2? And who could forget his 12-episode series on Netflix, J-Style Trip? The latter saw Chou hosting a travel show with friends, performing street magic for strangers along the way. But music is still the main dish. The Jay Chou Carnival World Tour 2023 hits Shanghai tomorrow, and just added a second concert to its next stop in Bangkok. Images via WEF EEL ART

Bboy Shigekix Beats out Hong10 at Hangzhou Asian Games, Earns Olympic Spot

Bboy Shigekix earned himself a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, narrowly edging out scene legend Hong10 in the finals to secure an Olympic spot in Paris next year.


“I’m just happy about the championship, winning a gold medal,” Shigekix said. “Mentally, physically it was not easy but I managed to channel what I could into a good performance here.”

“I thought I was in the right state of mind for the final. Breaking’s not only about technique but also an art form. You feel the energy flow from within and I think that came out to the fullest in the final.”


Hong10, competing in spite of a recent injury, pulled out some tight and dynamic rounds, earning props from judges and the audience.


“Thanks everybody who believes in me,” he wrote on Instagram. “And sorry to my body for those pains. One more step till Paris.”

Chinese breakers held it down on home turf — Lithe-ing won bronze, and rising 17-year-old star 671 fought off Japan’s Ami to secure the B-Girl gold, as well as an Olympic placement of her own.


“It’s always an exciting time when Shigekix and Hong10 face off,” breaking analyst Jason Pu tells RADII. “They’re world-class breakers from different generations, but have a good deal of similarity in their styles. Compared to their encounter at the 2023 Asian Breaking Championships earlier this year, Shigekix performed with more composure and took his time to edge out the win.”


“Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to seeing more of Hong10 on the world stage,” he added. “The same goes for Lithe-ing, who has been on an absolute tear this year.”


Athletes at the Asian Games put on a strong performance for their respective National Olympic Committees, who hold the exclusive authority to select each country’s Olympic representatives at Paris 2024. However, it’s uncertain whether breaking will continue as an Olympic event in 2028.


Cover images via Instagram (@bboyshigekix)


For more about the rise of China’s breaking scene, check out the RADII Voices documentary about Shanghai pioneer Bboy Danny.



Fan Bingbing on Mugler Catwalk, is Bodyshamed Against Black Models

On October 2, Fan Bingbing closed out the catwalk for the Mugler Spring/Summer 2024 women’s wear series, marking one of the actress’s most significant appearances since her bombshell 2018 tax evasion scandal.


However, Fan’s return received a mixed response.


Continuing Mugler’s signature tight-fitting style, Fan Bingbing donned a tulle jumpsuit that clung to her figure. The floor-length gauze, connected to black tights, reflected an orange hue under the lights.

But instead of focusing on the fashion, some netizens were critical of Fan’s aging appearance and body shape in comparison to supermodel Anok Yai.


“I have admired Fan Bingbing’s appearance since I was a child,” one user posted on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform similar to Instagram. “I dream of becoming someone like her. However, when Anok Yai and Bingbing walked side-by-side today, it instantly highlighted the incredible proportions of black models.”


“There’s nothing we can do about racial advantages,” reads one highly-upvoted comment. “Just like we Asian people are more resistant to aging.”


“Black people are more resistant to aging,” replied another user.


“Black people have the best proportions, followed by white people, followed by Asian people,” reads another top comment. “This is determined by genetic and racial traits. Fan Bingbing still looks very good.”


American South Sudanese fashion model Anok Yai


Not all Chinese netizens held a negative viewpoint. Some hailed this show as “the most exciting” of Fan’s three post-scandal public appearances, describing the actress as “a black fox demon who has been practicing for thousands of years and finally transformed into a human.”


“Although her physical attributes may not compare to those of supermodels, her charisma and presence are undeniable,” commented one Weibo user.


This is one of Fan’s most significant appearances in the public eye since her major tax scandal. Starting in May 2018, tax authorities in Jiangsu investigated her tax records, revealing a long-running tax evasion scheme. Later in October, Fan publicly addressed the issue, apologizing for her and her company’s debt of 883 million yuan (127.4 million dollars) in order to avoid criminal charges.


Cover image via Twitter, additional image via Wikimedia Commons

China Calls Out India, Welcomes Collaboration on Moon Mission

China is aiming high with its lunar exploration program. The upcoming Chang’e-6 mission, slated for 2024, will make history by returning the first samples from the mysterious far side of the moon — but this milestone is just one step in China’s journey to become a major space power by 2030.


The unmanned Chang’e-8 expedition, scheduled for 2028, is taking an international, collaborative approach. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is inviting partners worldwide to jointly operate explorations on the moon’s surface, allowing other countries to “piggyback” off the mission. The data from these missions will support China’s goal of building a permanent international research station at the moon’s south pole.


These missions signal a shift in space exploration dynamics. China’s open invitation to global partners for Chang’e-8 is a big step forward in advancing space science through cooperation, in an era where lunar activities are no longer the domain of only a few space powers.

China’s bold lunar initiatives are the source of both excitement and controversy. Recently, Chinese scientists may have been getting a bit competitive, or even petty, after India’s Vikram lander claimed to touch down on the moon’s south pole.


Ouyang Ziyuan, the chief scientist of China’s first lunar mission, challenged the claimed landing site of India’s Vikram module, suggesting it fell short of the lunar south pole.


He told the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Science Times newspaper that the landing site of India’s mission “was not at the moon’s south pole, not in the polar region of the moon’s south pole, nor was it ‘near the Antarctic polar region.’”


The region is coveted for potential water ice deposits, making it a high priority for multiple space agencies.


That being said, there’s significant truth to these critiques. Vikram, now frozen in place, landed at a latitude of 69.5 degrees south. While Ouyang’s definition of the moon’s polar region (between 88.5 and 90 degrees) is stricter than NASA’s (anywhere between 80 and 90 degrees), 69.5 degrees definitely falls short of both ranges.


China’s space ambitions are also tied into popular culture, particularly Chinese science fiction — themes of space exploration are particularly appealing to the public imagination in the wake of a sci-fi renaissance initiated by Liu Cixin, author of works like The Three-Body Problem and The Wandering Earth.


With each successive mission, China is rewriting the playbook for space exploration. The upcoming Chang’e-7 rover will scout lunar resources at the south pole, laying groundwork for the International Lunar Research Station in the 2030s.


Cover image via Unsplash

Fall is Here: 10 New Music Picks

New Music is a monthly RADII column that looks at new Chinese music spanning hip hop to folk to modern experimental, and everything in between. This month, we introduce you to new offerings from Pu Poo Platter, The Twenties, Little Wizard, and more!


China’s indie music scene continues to thrive, with exciting new releases spanning genres from indie rock, hip hop, jazz, to electronica. Here’s a sampling of some of the most noteworthy albums and EPs from Chinese independent artists this month.

WaChi – 郊游

Dongguan indie darlings WaChi return with their exhilarating debut LP ‘郊游.’ Impassioned lyrics and soaring melodies showcase the band’s signature sound, while playful instrumentation and diverse influences from math rock to folk map new territory. The single “郊游” gets a gorgeously shot music video on the lush greens of Guangzhou’s Changzhou Island.

DalDa GO!东九 – 不适应

Dalian/Qingdao synth pop outfit DalDa GO!东九 simmers with retro synthwave grooves on their latest funk-laced EP ‘不适应.’ Echoing Metronomy’s oddball pop and Daft Punk’s sleek electronic, they turn mundane daily life into danceable tunes with sublime reliability.


Pu Poo Platter – A Chilling Winter Night

Brooklyn-based jazz collective Pu Poo Platter serves up soulful funk with their new release ‘A Chilling Winter Night.’ Heavily influenced by NYC’s erstwhile creative melting pot, their pastiche of smooth instrumentation and choppy flows perfectly channels the city’s erstwhile hip eclecticism.

AZ 阿哲 – Breathe

Rising hip-hop wordsmith AZ catches his breath on the breezy new single “Breathe.” The Shantou-based rapper muses cleverly on fame and success over mellow beats, even poking fun at his own dialect rapping on the hilarious accompanying video.

The Twenties – Mindful Chaos

Beijing fuzz rockers The Twenties return with their harmony-laden sophomore album ‘Mindful Chaos,’ which refines their ’90s alt-rock predilections into punchy pop-rock anthems fit for endless car listening. Retro synths complement their trademark vocal hooks for a record that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.


Acid Accident – 酸性事件

The debut from Beijing instrumental rockers Acid Accident fuses atmospheric patience with explosive rhythms for a dynamic first statement. Their electrifying sound welds diverse influences into a seamless, full-bodied trip.


Thermostat – 一个柳絮很多的下午

Bedroom lo-fi project Thermostat crafts hazy, woozy dream pop on the serene ‘一个柳絮很多的下午.’ Jangly guitars and sparse beats leave enough space for the intimate vocals to shine.

Little Wizard – 对峙

Psych rock collective Little Wizard gets confrontational on their new double EP ‘对峙,’ merging math rock instrumentation with trance-like vocals and electronics. Two remixes from Xie Yugang and Rainsoft further push their expansive, evocative soundscapes into new territory.


Hugjiltu – 还童

Inner Mongolian folk artist Hugjiltu explores his ancestral roots through a modern lens on ‘还童,’ including three touching duets recorded with his late father. Psychedelic and electronic embellishments update but never obscure the music’s traditional essence and familial soul.


Mice – Run Mice Run

Hangzhou electronic producer Mice’s full-length debut ‘Run Mice Run’ provides the perfect auditory stimulation for running, with warm, textured tracks intended to flood the senses. Released through new synesthesia-focused label offscript.



Mixes of the Month

There’s never been a better time to listen to mixes by Chinese DJs online. Not only are new radio stations launching, like 8m2 in Guangzhou, but more and more Chinese DJs are playing music or even hosting their own shows on established overseas platforms like NTS and HÖR Berlin. Sadly, Shanghai Community Radio — one of the first of a new wave of online radio stations to launch in the Chinese mainland — recently announced its closure, but there is still plenty to hear, in almost every style of music imaginable.


This column will showcase recent notable mixes from DJs in Greater China and Chinese-speaking communities around the world, along with other radio shows with a special connection to China. This edition includes slo-mo dance music, intense electronic rap, futuristic pop, and vintage funk and ambient, showcasing the diversity of DJ culture in China and the diaspora.

Jascer – Meridian Sounds, Radio AlHara

Jascer is a Guangzhou-based DJ who has recently been gaining attention for his broad musical knowledge and sets at Shenzhen’s excellent Oil Club. In this mix for Xiamen label Meridian Sounds’ show on Palestine’s Radio Alhara, he opts for the hazy, slow-burning side of dance music —a breakbeat here, an acid bass line there, and occasional organic-sounding percussion that seems to nod to the episode’s broadcast location. Things gradually build in intensity, equally suited for an afternoon at home or the opening hours of a club night.


Lumi – Water Margins: Rap of Greater China, NTS

As part of NTS’s global rap showcase series “Rapmania,” Eastern Margins collective founder Lumi has presented a mix of Sinophone rap. As he describes it in his introduction, “Cloud Rap, Plugnnb, New Nu Metal, 网易-core, whatever you want to call it.” [网易 referring to streaming service NetEase Cloud Music].


That pretty much sums it up: angst-filled, auto-tuned goodness that will have you double-checking the definition of “yawenhua” (subculture). Highlights include tracks by Beijing emo rap king Bloodz Boi (who also hosts his own show on NTS) and 潮州土狗 (Chaozhou Tugou), a rapper of Aboriginal heritage from southern Taiwan, who offers an unhinged ode to betel nut.


D A N D I – Shy People Mix

Shanghai-based DJ D A N D I joins Beijing multidisciplinary label Shy People for their long-running mix series, sharing some of the music she played at a special event she staged last month at Shanghai’s 19th century Union Church, just north of the Bund. Shy People describes this as D A N D I’s “emo set,” which is apt — the DJ mixes glassy, high definition synthetic tones with sentimental melodies and vocals before unleashing more beat-driven tracks in the last 20 minutes.


Endy Chen – Digging Deep, LYL Radio

Jinhua’s Endy Chen is many things: DJ, crate digger, record label boss, bar owner, and a wine seller. This introspective mix for the show Digging Deep on Lyon’s LYL Radio ranges from jazzy, downtempo 1990s Mandarin pop to abstracted ambient and up-tempo synth pop by Caslean, an artist on Chen’s label 1asia. Head to FOND/SOUND, the website of Digging Deep host Diego Olivas, for an interview with Chen. (As a bonus, the site hosts an intriguing collection of rare Cantopop and forgotten 1980s new age from Taiwan.)


DJ Wife – Innocent Feelings: Mid-Autumn Festival, Baihui

DJ Wife is also a restaurateur, previously running 纯情商店街 (Chunqing Shangdianjie), a recently closed Beijing izakaya that was a key hangout spot for the city’s techno scene. Not surprisingly, this Mid-Autumn Festival special for her show on homegrown station Baihui skews towards Japanese music, from laidback funk to sophisticated electronic pop. But best of all, her selection of urbane pop draws upon music from the rest of Asia too, featuring tracks by Hong Kong’s Shirley Kwan and Singapore’s Dick Lee.


DJ Wife on Baihui

Listen on Baihui


Cover image of dv, Suzhou, via Endy Chen / LYL Radio; other image via Baihui.