ChinaDoll Back and Ready to Play
Tonight marks the soft opening of the new and improved ChinaDoll in Sanlitun 3.3. If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. First opening in December of 2006, ChinaDoll has been through location changes, renovations, and several re-openings. Now it’s back, bigger and sexier than ever. We spoke to Ai Wan, former Miss Chinese International U.S.A. winner, model, actress, film producer, designer, and owner of ChinaDoll, about the club’s latest reincarnation.
What was the reason behind the last closing of ChinaDoll and why did you decide to bring it back?
Other than being a club owner, I am also a film producer. In 2006 I began work on a documentary called Yasukuni which forced me to temporarily part ways with ChinaDoll. The movie premiered at the Pusan Film Festival and went on to win “Best Documentary” at the Hong Kong Film Festival, with nominations for the "Best Picture" at Sundance and the Berlin Festival. But back in Beijing, the managers of ChinaDoll ran into a bit of bad luck and decided to close. We knew we wanted to keep the philosophy and ideals of ChinaDoll alive so at the end of last year they asked me to rejoin and reopen the club.
How has ChinaDoll changed with every re-opening?
China Doll has always been a trendsetter and a role model; from the very beginning, we looked for creativity and beauty in our design. The first version of China Doll debuted in 2006 with “Birth” as its theme. It featured erotic underwater images of nude models and red-light district lighting, creating an aquatic fantasy land that won ten awards.
The second reopening of ChinaDoll stressed “Kissing.” This time around, its design was inspired by the paintings and sketches of several renowned Chinese artists. It was the place to be during the Beijing Olympics, averaging between 500-800 guests every day.
It was also the winner of the world’s top 18 “Design Inspired” Clubs in Black Book magazine in 2008. Our latest reopening is the most provocative yet, with the theme “Bite the Forbidden Fruit,” an idea inspired by the story of Adam and Eve. The club will continue its tradition of sex appeal that focuses on artistic creativity and sensuality.
We will be showing a five second preview of my new short video at our Soft Opening of the Sky Bar Terrace on June 23 and then be playing the complete video at our Grand Opening on July 16. Trust me – it’s something you won’t want to miss.
What can we expect the new China Doll to look like? What events are you planning to hold?
We have a new 1000-square-meter rooftop deck, in the center of which sits a shallow wading pool where party-goers can dip their feet. It’s the perfect place to come watch the 2010 World Cup Final on July 11, and also a place for people to come enjoy outdoor barbeques every Sunday at 4pm.
In addition, we are starting Love Fever on Wednesdays, which is a combination singles and ladies night. Come join us for an evening of free selected house drinks for the ladies and a romantic night out in the city for everyone.
What kind of crowds are you hoping to attract?
Our slogan is the “Art of Play” – not the “Art of Money,” “Art of Power” or “Art of Fame”. We want our partiers to be free spirited, happy, creative people who are looking for a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy themselves and let loose their inner child. Here at the dollhouse, everyone is equal and everyone is welcome to come play.
ChinaDoll’s Soft Opening is tonight (Wednesday, June 23) from 9pm, on the Fifth Floor of the 3.3 Building, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang. Free. The Grand Opening Party will take place on July 16.
