Renaissance Woman
Submitted by thebeijinger on Sun, 03/15/2009 - 09:00
Shanghai native Ai Wan considers herself a “free spirit,” and rightly so – since moving to Beijing after a tenure in the States, she has immersed herself in a non-stop stream of business and creative ventures, including ChinaDoll, her successful nightclub (now on respite until further notice) in Sanlitun’s 3.3 complex. She recently resumed her acting career with a part in the upcoming romantic comedy Sophie’s Revenge, starring Zhang Ziyi and Fan Bingbing, and has a slew of other media projects in the works. Tbj caught up with Ai Wan recently to talk about her plans for the year, her favorite Beijing personalities and her tastes in the local dining scene.
China Doll was the place to be during last summer’s Olympics, attracting celebrities from the world over. What were some of the more interesting events you recall?
During the games, we made 1,000 gold medals with ChinaDoll logos to give away. Everybody was very happy to wear them while partying and celebrating the Olympic spirit around town. Even Michael Phelps was happy to put on his “ninth ChinaDoll” gold medal – he celebrated with his group in our private club, alongside 20 other Olympic gold medalists. During our second annual “Ai Wan in Jamaica Party,” Usain Bolt showed up with his track team – everybody was getting down and shaking their booties till dawn.
What role did you play in Sophie’s Revenge? How did you find working with Zhang Ziyi and Fan Bingbing?
The film is a modern comedy and my character’s name is Lisa, an influential art curator. It was very exciting for me to work in a domestic film for the first time, and Zhang Ziyi and Fan Bingbing were perfect for this film – I found them very funny and professional.
What other upcoming projects do you have planned?
I will be the producer and host for Fashion TV covering the most exciting and creative new trends in fashion, art, design, lifestyle and culture from China. The shows will also be broadcast on imode (which will launch this spring) and is currently linked with eight major Chinese websites, including Sina, Sohu, and Tudou. I will also continue to act and produce movies this year.
Who are the most interesting personalities in Beijing at the moment?
Li Mengxia (李梦夏), the VP from Modern Media who has an amazing eye for talent, art and media party planning; Gallery owner and curator Cheng Xindong (程昕东); Li Ying (李缨), the award winning film director of the documentary Yasukuni [which I co-produced]; Mark Duval of Motorola, Am-Cham and an Iron Man triathlon winner; Greg Shea, the VP of Blackberry and a cross cultural promoter; Zhang Dachuan (张大川), editor-in-chief of Madam Figaro magazine who I consider a “European man with a Chinese month;” Beaver Kwei, a film producer, ex assistant for Jet Li and the man behind the films like Crazy Stone (疯狂的石头) and Crazy Racer (疯狂的赛车)。
Aside from your own venue, what other places do you frequent in Beijing?
For bars, I like Mesh in the opposite house, 25 Degrees in Hotel G, Song Music Bar and Kitchen, Q Bar and Centro. For clubs I go to Punk, Coco Banana, Bling, White Rabbit and Yugong Yishan. I like to eat at Zhong Ba Lou [Middle 8th Restaurant], Ai Jiang Shan, Huajia Yiyuan, Da Dong, Crystal Jade, Jasmine, Kong Yiji and Mosto; and when it comes to window-shopping, I like Lane Crawford and the Village at Sanlitun. I also like to check out the galleries at 798, or go strolling in the Summer Palace and Tiantan, Ritan and Beihai parks.
And finally, what are your personal pick for “Restaurant of the Year” in both the Western and Chinese categories?
Ai Wan will be hosting the tbj Reader Restaurant awards Monday, March 16.
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