Hong Kong celebrates Olympic gold with pineapple pizza, the return of Carsick Cars, and more

Hong Kong celebrates Olympic gold with pineapple pizza, the return of Carsick Cars, and more

After somewhat muted expectations for this year’s games, it seems that everyone has caught Olympic fever. Excitement is particularly high in Hong Kong, which has already picked up three medals. What’s more, yesterday fencer Cheung Ka-long inadvertently sparked a culinary flame war when he vanquished Italy’s Filippo Macchi in the men’s foil final: After Italians questioned decisions by the match referees, Pizza Hut Hong Kong and Macau announced that it would offer free pineapple toppings for a day.

As a Canadian, I’m obliged to point out that Hawaiian pizza was invented in the early 1960s by a Greek immigrant in Canada, who was actually inspired by the savory-sweet combo found in some Chinese cooking. So, pineapple on pizza in Hong Kong? It’s all coming full circle.

Here’s what else was happening around China last week:

Despite mixed reactions overseas, some Chinese netizens thoroughly enjoyed the carefree, très Français Olympic opening ceremony.

A new film by documentarian Wang Bing will feature in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival in August, along with a thriller from Singaporean director Siew Hua Yeo.

Intrigued? Keep scrolling, my friend.

New Chinese Music: The Return of Carsick Cars, Wuhan Ska, and More

The big news on the music scene this month was the return of indie trio Carsick Cars, but that’s not all: their labelmates Muzzy Mum showed that the next generation of Chinese post punk bands are hard at work, while Shanghai’s An Corporation and Beijing’s ShallowEnd both delivered intense doses of post rock. On the more mellow side of things, Wuhan’s Sky King Jack offered a rare taste of Chinese ska, and techno veteran SHAO released an excellent ambient album — Editor.

Check out the full list on our website.

Future Of X Launchpad: Omate Crystal

If you don’t already own a smart ring, would a transparent one entice you? At BEYOND Expo 2024, RADII checked out the world’s first transparent smart ring, the Omate Crystal. According to Shenzhen’s Omate, it’s a tricky device to manufacture, but a big step forward for the smart ring industry.

Keep Beijing weird? Students in the experimental arts program at the Central Academy of Fine Arts are doing their eccentric best.

Sean Wang’s Joan Chen-starring internet era coming of age film Dìdi is picking up rave reviews.

The New Yorker took a look at how Japan is becoming an unexpected hub for Chinese literature.

Kevin Nguyen tho...

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