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Hot Date: China’s Guangzhou Ballet

OCTOBER 18 The contemporary dance of China steps delicately into Toronto this month, as the Guangzhou Ballet presents its exquisite Return on a Snowy Night. This four-act ballet spins a mystical story about a 20-year relationship between a Peking opera singer and the concubine of a high-ranking official. Incorporating traditional Chinese dance and opera along with more exploratory, modern elements, the production evokes a dramatic range of emotions while the dancers’ precise movements relate a poignant love story. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $45 to $175; call 1-855-872-7669 or visit here for more information and to buy.

Interview With Travelfix Blogger Timothy Chan

Timothy Chan in India earlier this year.

Timothy Chan has traveled all over the world: India, China, Uganda, and Peru, just to name a few. He started tracking his experiences and inspirations on his travel blog, travelfix.ca over a year ago, and has been working at Gap Adventures Toronto HQ as a Public Relations Specialist for about a year. Travel, for Toronto-raised Chan, is a way to immerse himself in a “completely foreign country where chaos reigns and the culture, food, transportation, language and everything in between are virtually unfamiliar.”

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Hot Entertainment: Let There Be Light

Fireworks over English Bay photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver

Summer nights in English Bay heat up with the Celebration of Light (Jul. 30, Aug. 3 and 6). This year’s international fireworks competition features spectacular pyrotechnics synchronized to music from past winners China, Spain and Canada. Bring a blanket to Sunset Beach or Kits Beach for the best views.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Entertainment: Under the Skin

Under the Skin photo by Donald Lee

March 11 and 12

For the first time in two decades, Vancouver-based dancer-choreographer Wen Wei Wang returned to China. The result of this trip to Wang’s homeland is Under the Skin, a full-length collaborative work between Wen Wei Dance and Beijing Modern Dance Company. It explores the common ground of cultural and personal identity shared by performers from Canada and China. See this thought-provoking show at the Vancouver Playhouse.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: A Taste of China

Lauded by Where to Eat in Canada as “the best Chinese restaurant in Halifax,” Cheelin is one of those rare restaurants adored by neighbourhood regulars and visitors alike. The Lower Water Street restaurant serves Szechuan and Beijing cuisine betwixt the worn stone walls of the historic Brewery Market building. The Friday buffet lunch is a favourite of the downtown business crowd.

Hot Date: Shen Yun’s Asian Artistry

JANUARY 13 TO 16 Travel through five thousand years of Chinese history with Shen Yun Performing Arts. The renowned troupe explores the country’s diverse regions and the legends underpinning its culture with a program that combines traditional dance and music with beautiful costumes and impressively elaborate settings projected on a six-storey 3D backdrop. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Thursday to Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m., $60 to $280; call 416-248-1168 or click here for more information.

2010 Where to Shop Awards

We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop

By Jennifer Patterson

'Tis the season for holiday chocolates at Purdys. Photo by KK Law

CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
For over 100 years Purdy’s has delighted sweet tooths with hazelnut truffle–filled Hedgehogs, Mint Melties and gooey Sweet Georgia Browns. Just in time for the holidays: decorative tins of assorted chocolates and peppermint bark. Yum!
Honourable Mentions
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie;
Chocolate Arts.

SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
Downtown’s largest shopping mall houses some of the biggest labels: H&M, Teenflo, Aritzia, Harry Rosen and Sephora. It’s also home to high-end retailer Holt Renfrew.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal;
Oakridge Centre.

FINE ART
Heffel Fine Art
Head to the gallery to purchase works by Canadian, American and European artists, or visit the website to bid in the online auction house.
Honourable Mentions
Inuit Gallery;
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.

DEPARTMENT STORE
Sears
The downtown location is hard to miss thanks to its bulbous white exterior. Inside find high-end cosmetics, apparel for the whole family, and small and large home appliances. There’s also a Starbucks on the main level.
Honourable Mentions
The Bay;
Holt Renfrew.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Vancouver Architectural Antiques
VAA specializes in 19th- and 20th-century lighting. Find everything from art deco sconces to early Victorian lamps. Sculptures, furniture and paintings, too.
Honourable Mentions
Guild House Antiques;
Antique Warehouse.

EYEWEAR
Sunglass Hut
Keep those peepers protected from harmful rays with a pair of quality sunshades. Fashionistas favour Fendi, Burberry and Ray-Ban, while sporty types pick up Oakley and Bollé.
Honourable Mentions
Art Face Optical;
Eyes on Burrard.

Colourful yoga mats and apparel at Lululemon. Photo by KK Law

ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
Lululemon Athletica
This local success story first opened shop in Kitsilano, and the yoga-inspired athletic apparel, which ranges from hoodies and jackets to pants and bags, has become a wardrobe staple for Vancouverites.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
SportChek.

LINGERIE
La Jolie Madame
Opened in 1971, this ooh la la lingerie shop carries high-end European intimates as well as daywear and nightwear. Sizes range from 32A to 46H.
Honourable Mentions
Dianes Lingerie;
Scarlet.

LADIES’ APPAREL
Aritzia
Fashion-savvy women head to Vancouver’s own Aritzia for edgy designs and must-have wardrobe staples. In-house lines include Wilfred, TNA, Community, Talula, Wilfred Free and Talula Babaton.
Honourable Mentions
Roots;
Wear Else.

MEN’S APPAREL
Boys’ Co
This hip shop carries everything for the stylish man. Brands include J. Lindberg, Hugo Boss, G Star, True Religion and Justin Timberlake’s line William Rast.
Honourable Mentions
Dunn’s Tailors;
Harry Rosen.

CHILDREN’S APPAREL
The Children’s Place
Find fashionable clothing and shoes for newborns, babies and kids size four to 14.
Honourable Mentions
Dandelion Kids;
Please Mum.

FOOTWEAR
Freedman Shoes
For over 75 years this Vancouver company has been helping locals on the hunt for the perfect shoe. Brands include Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors and Frye.
Honourable Mentions
Ecco;
Sterling Shoes.

Brilliant baubles line the glass cases at Blue Ruby. Photo by KK Law

BOOKS
Chapters
Spend an hour—or two—exploring this palatial, multi-level bookshop. Everything from cookbooks to self-help to art to language has a dedicated section, as do the hottest best sellers and the multitude of magazines. Great gifts ideas such as candles, calendars, blankets and music complete the space. In-store Starbucks cafe.
Honourable Mentions
Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks;
Book Warehouse.

CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
Find the perfect hostess gift, such as timeless Waterford Crystal and delicate Fabergé eggs, or style your own abode with dinnerware by Versace and Wedgwood. Linens, pottery, home decor and fragrances, too.
Honourable Mentions
Chintz & Company;
Herzog.

JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Blue Ruby
This local shop highlights jewellery designers from around the world but focuses on both Canadian and Vancouver talent. Find items great for gifting at a variety of price points. Pyrrha talisman necklaces and sterling silver Tashi earrings are eye-catching additions to any outfit.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Spence.

SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its citywide locations. Let your mind wander during the relaxing aromatherapy massage, or enjoy the toning and hydrating rose and tonic facial. It’s a hot spot for celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Janet Jackson, Chris Rock and Megan Fox, so you never know who you might run into.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Willow Stream Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.

2009 Where to Shop Awards

We asked. Where readers voted. Here are your top spots to shop

By Jennifer Patterson

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Antique Warehouse
226 S.W. Marine Dr. 604-324-3661.
Find lovely French, Belgian and English period pieces at Antique Warehouse. The owners make regular trips to Europe and carefully select and inspect each piece before bringing it back to Vancouver. With over 1,100 sq m (12,000 sq ft) of space, the store has something for everyone.
Honourable Mentions
Second Time Around Antiques;
Vancouver Architectural Antiques.

ATHLETIC SPORTING GOODS
SportChek
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-687-7668.
Canada’s largest sporting goods store has departments dedicated to biking, hiking, golf and more. Test out brands such as Nike, North Face and Columbia before getting properly outfitted for an outdoor adventure—a must on the West Coast.
Honourable Mentions
Mountain Equipment Co-op;
Atmosphere.

Kid-friendly Chapters

BOOKS
Chapters
788 Robson St. 604-682-4066.
Gardening, homeopathy, travel, teen fiction, cooking—you name it, Chapters probably has it. This massive chain offers a huge selection of books, magazines, gift items, calendars and music. Purchase a new read, then enjoy a cuppa joe in the adjoining Starbucks.
Honourable Mentions
Book Warehouse;
Thompson Rare Books.

CHILDREN’S APPAREL
GapKids
1121 Robson St. 604-683-0906.
Big-name designer Stella McCartney has already created two GapKids collections, adding a too-cool-for-school factor to the shop already popular for classic kids’ clothes. Cute corduroys and summer dresses are perfect for a picnic or a day at the beach.
Honourable Mentions
Please Mum;
The Children’s Place.

CHINA & CRYSTAL
Atkinson’s
1501 W. 6th Ave. 604-736-3378.
Posh tableware, linens, crystal decor, high-end fragrances and pottery line the shelves in this chic shop located in the South Granville neighbourhood. The timeless Waterford crystal champagne flutes and delicate Fabergé eggs are great for gifting.
Honourable Mentions
Birks;
Herzog.

CHOCOLATE
Purdy’s Chocolates
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-683-3467.
This Vancouver company has been making tasty treats since 1907. The store is famous for its hazelnut truffle-filled hedgehogs and Sweet Georgia Browns and offers souvenir-worthy boxes of goodies.
Honourable Mentions
Daniel Le Chocolat Belge;
Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie.

DEPARTMENT STORE
The Bay
674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211.
The Hudson’s Bay Company, or The Bay, as it’s more commonly known, is the world’s oldest continuously operating trading company. What started as a fur trading and blanket-making operation is now a department store chain located throughout Canada. Housewares, cosmetics, designer fashions and footwear fill the spacious, multi-level location in the city centre.
Honourable Mentions
Sears;
Holt Renfrew.

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

EYEWEAR
LensCrafters
Oakridge Centre, 650 W. 41st Ave. 604-263-2485.
This chain stocks a huge selection of prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses for men, women and children. Drop by for an eye exam, then choose a new spiffy pair of frames based on your face shape.
Honourable Mentions
Sunglass Hut;
Eyes on Burrard.

FINE ART
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery
1024 Mainland St. 604-685-9298.
With two gallery locations—one in Yaletown, the other in Gastown—there’s plenty of space to show off the museum-quality artwork and jewellery by Northwest Coast First Nations artists. Ceremonial masks, hand-carved totem poles and argillite boxes make up just part of the collection. Find pieces from Maori and Inuit artists, too.
Honourable Mentions
Heffel;
Art Works Gallery.

FOOTWEAR
Aldo
1025 Robson St. 604-683-2443.
Founded in Montreal in 1972, Aldo has grown into an internationally recognized brand. There’s footwear for everyone in these bustling shops: ballet flats, sky-high heels, loafers, waterproof boots, flip-flops and more. Each store carries an assortment of trendy bags and jewellery—a new foray for this ever-growing Canadian company.
Honourable Mentions
Browns/B2;
Freedman Shoes.

JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Birks
698 W. Hastings St. 604-669-3333.
Founded in 1879, this Canadian jeweller and watchmaker stocks covetable accessories. The display cases are filled with diamond-encrusted watches and other finery, while the upstairs is stocked with deluxe items for the home. Splurge on gold and rubies at the Van Cleef and Arpels counter.
Honourable Mentions
Tiffany & Co.;
Blue Ruby.

LADIES’ APPAREL
Wear Else
2360 W. 4th Ave. 604-732-3521.
This local boutique chain carries well-edited, high-end clothing, accessories and footwear. A Vancouver fashion institution, it features a range of labels: Badgley Mischka, Cole Haan, Longchamp, Theory, True Religion, Kate Spade and Pink Tartan—a Canadian fave. The staff is happy to help with your hunt for the perfect black dress or summer sandals.
Honourable Mentions
Banana Republic;
Aritzia.

Pacific Centre's main entrance

LINGERIE
La Senza
1143 Robson St. 604-685-4201.
Canada’s answer to Victoria’s Secret carries everything from sassy leopard-print negligees to cute ruffled bras and undies.
Honourable Mentions
La Vie En Rose;
Dianes Lingerie.

MEN’S APPAREL
Harry Rosen
Pacific Centre, 700 W. Georgia St. 604-683-6861.
Style-savvy men have been heading to Harry Rosen since 1951 for custom-made suits, classic casual wear and colourful ties.
Honourable Mentions
Banana Republic;
Staccato.

SHOPPING CENTRE
Pacific Centre
700 W. Georgia St. at Howe. 604-688-7235.
Fashion-forward shoppers flock to Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver to stores such as Sephora, Aritzia, H&M, the Apple Store, Holt Renfrew and Club Monaco. It also offers direct access to SkyTrain lines.
Honourable Mentions
Metropolis at Metrotown;
Park Royal.

SPAS & SALONS
Absolute Spa
1015 Burrard St. 604-684-2772.
A perennial winner, Absolute Spa continues to charm locals and visitors alike at its 10 citywide locations. Relax with a peppermint body wrap or indulge in the Absolute Diamond facial. A hot spot for celebrities—Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck and Will Ferrell are former clients—this chain also boasts a male-oriented spa in The Hotel Vancouver. Yes, women are still more than welcome.
Honourable Mentions
Spa Utopia;
Vida Spa.

To vote for next year’s winners, please click here.

Hot Art: Warrior Emperor Invades the ROM

OPENS JUNE 26 Deep within China’s northern Shaanxi province 2,200 years ago, Emperor Ying Zheng was laid to rest in a tomb surrounded by nearly 8,000 life-sized warriors and military horses fashioned in clay. Uncovered in 1974 and considered one of history’s greatest archeological finds, artifacts from this UNESCO World Heritage Site have now marched into the Royal Ontario Museum. Its landmark exhibition, The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, presents more than 250 pieces related to this ruler, including 10 full warrior figures, each a unique example of craftsmanship and preservation. The Emperor’s enormous tomb was originally constructed to reflect his achievements, and the ROM’s exhibit—the largest such display ever to be shown in North America—is sure to maintain that legacy.

Hot Entertainment: Feel the Beat

Dragon boat racing is an exciting sport to watch. Photo copyright LethalWeapon Photography

On Jun. 19 and 20, head to False Creek shores to cheer teams in the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. What started as a fertility ritual in ancient China is now a popular race with precision paddling to the rhythm of a drum. Don’t miss performances, food and retail vendors.—Kristina Urquhart

Hot Shopping: True Colours

Locals love Roots for its soft fabrics and classic style

Keep warm and show some national pride in a hoodie (pictured) from the Canada Collection or a sweater from the new International Collection, featuring countries such as China, Finland and France, all by Roots. This heritage brand has channeled northern lifestyle since 1973 and made a name for itself thanks to classic designs and leather bags. It’s definitely souvenir-worthy.—Jennifer Patterson