Our journey through China with global investment firm RisCura was a profound experience, merging business insights with ancient and modern China’s splendour.
The week-long itinerary from 21–28 September last year took us through Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai, offering cultural immersion and a closer look at China’s rapidly advancing venture capital (VC) and corporate ecosystem.
We began in Hong Kong, where we stayed at the elegant Conrad Hotel, a fitting starting point for exploring a city known as a global financial hub. Our stay included a welcome dinner at Jimmy’s Kitchen, which provided the perfect setting to meet with fund managers and economists who immersed us in Hong Kong’s lively financial scene.
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Conrad Hong Kong
This 61-floor hotel in the heart of the city’s business district offers direct access to the Admiralty MTR station and the upscale Pacific Place Mall. The hotel’s 513 guest rooms and suites provide panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and The Peak. The Executive Lounge offers personalised services to enhance business travellers’ comfort. Dining options include Nicholini’s, renowned for its Italian cuisine, and Golden Leaf, offering authentic Cantonese dishes.
After a productive social reception the following day, we travelled to Shenzhen. Here, the Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, where our first meetings took place, showcased a fusion of luxury and business sophistication. The meetings included an AGM and presentations from Cephei, where we dove into China’s A-shares market and explored opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, consumer markets and AI-driven enterprises.
In Shenzhen, we visited companies such as BYD Auto and Tencent, leading players in the automotive and tech industries. Each visit deepened our understanding of China’s innovative capabilities and its vision for global expansion. The tech presentations were compelling, highlighting how service-based consumption and advanced robotics are shaping the future.
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Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen
The Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, which hosted us during our stay in the city, symbolises luxury and modernity. This hotel in the Futian District has spacious rooms with a contemporary design and state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel’s dining venues provide various culinary experiences, from traditional Cantonese to international fare. The spa and wellness facilities offer a serene retreat amid the bustling city, making this hotel an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers.
Beijing provided a historical and contemporary contrast. After a short flight, the Ritz-Carlton Beijing’s grandeur, balanced luxurious accommodations and warm ambience welcomed us. Our agenda in this city included sessions with Future Capital and K2VC, who shared early-stage ventures in healthcare and technology. A memorable moment was our visit to the Forbidden City, a symbol of China’s imperial legacy, allowing us to reflect on the cultural roots that still influence China’s modern dynamics.
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
While in Beijing, we stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, a hotel that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with modern luxury. Due to its location in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to major attractions and business districts. The rooms are elegantly furnished, providing a comfortable and opulent environment. The hotel’s dining options include various restaurants serving Chinese and Western cuisines, and the spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Chinese rituals, providing a holistic wellness experience.
Our journey led us on a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Shanghai. It was exhilarating, giving us a window into China’s infrastructure prowess. In Shanghai, the Edition Hotel was an experience in itself, blending contemporary design with a rooftop that offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. Here, we met fund managers from 5Y Capital and Lilly Asia Ventures to gain insights into early-stage tech and biotech investments.
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The Shanghai Edition
In Shanghai, we experienced The Shanghai EDITION’s contemporary elegance. This hotel in the Bund District combines historic and modern architecture and has 145 guest rooms with views of the city skyline. The hotel’s dining and entertainment options are diverse, including a signature Japanese restaurant, a Cantonese dining venue and multiple bars and lounges. The rooftop bar has a panoramic view of Shanghai, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of meetings.
The celebrations were ever-present, especially as we marked the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party during our visit. Between business meetings, we indulged in exquisite dining experiences, including eating at the renowned Hakkasan Shanghai and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, where our hosts emphasised the importance of strong partnerships and the role of South Africa in China’s global strategy.
This trip was not just about business – it was an exploration of China’s blend of innovation, ambition and heritage. It underscored the depth of opportunity for South African investors in China’s market and left us with a renewed appreciation for this dynamic nation.
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