THE COMPANY
Founded in 2003, REDSTAR Times Media is the only English language publishing company in Qingdao, and one of the very few in Shandong province in the north east of China (total population is about 100 million, the second largest in China).

We specialise in English language monthly magazines, innovative city guides and bespoke graphic design solutions.

STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
Initiating and developing relationships with innovative organisations has always been important to us. These relationships now add significant value to the REDSTAR organisation. Strategic partners include:

CREATIVE / CITY GUIDE
redBANG International - Beijing, Localnoodles.com - Beijing, Alfemax Films - London, Expat9.com - Zhuhai, Zhuhainights.com - Zhuhai, MoreHangzhou.com - Hangzhou, DalianXpat - Dalian, QingdaoExpat - Qingdao, HaoShandong.com - Qingdao

MUSIC
Hotpot Music - Beijing, YGTwo Music - Beijing, Kadenza - Qingdao, Creative Music In China - Hong Kong, Tag Team Records - Beijing, Maybe Mars - Beijing, Red T Music - Beijing, FOSTAIR - London

PERFORMING ARTS
Punchline Comedy Club - London

VISUAL ARTS
Kalavuika Gallery - Qingdao, Koryo Group / VeryMuchSo Productions - Beijing

LITERARY
Bookworm - Beijing

SAILING
China Yachting Business Partnership (CYBP) - Holland, Clipper Ventures - UK, Team GBR - UK, Royal Yachting Association - UK

PROFESSIONAL
British Embassy - Beijing, UKTI - Beijing

FIVE YEARS
September 2003. Qingdao is a city with amazing potential. Coastal, charming, with a German heritage, an annual beerfest, a handful of bars and restaurants, and lots of brands. It has been designated China's Sailing City, but lacks a sailing culture or regular sailing events. A rising number of residents flee to Shanghai and Beijing for entertainment, seeing Qingdao as a wonderful place to live but not a great place to play.

Fast forward to September 2008. Qingdao has become a regular destination for international musicians, from the jazz stylings of Brubeck Braid (May 2008) to the infectious rock and roll of Playmaker (March 2007). Indie acts from Beijing and Kunming and Guangzhou think of the city as a haven in the midst of a busy touring schedule, where beer-fuelled audiences provide an appreciative welcome. While several of China's best underground acts have some Qingdao connection, it wasn't until REDSTAR's MAX 07 that Qingdao was seen as a viable location for any kind of performance scene. Since then, our repertory of events has blossomed to include the hilarious bimonthly Punchline Comedy Club (April 2008) and regular ensembles of creative instrumentalists from all over the world.

REDSTAR has eagerly charted Qingdao's sailing developments, focussing on the events that will lend staying power to the sport in the wake of the Olympics. This month is actually the second time that Chinese sailing gold medallist Yin Jian has graced our cover - the first was in December 2004, when we helped bring her to the city for a reception and a Hash run. We have proudly provided logistical support and media coverage for two Clipper stopovers (March 2006, February 2008) and had the pleasure of interviewing the intrepid Dame Ellen MacArthur, solo round-the-world sailor (April 2006).

All the while, our international team has been guided by a mission to enable our readers to access the culture, services, events and destinations that surround them. A major part of our role involves sourcing the very best of what's around and bringing it to our readers, either in words and pictures or live, in person. But our basic duty is to provide helpful, non-sponsored information on restaurants, bars and businesses that continue to enhance our quality of life. Qingdao is a terrific place to live, and to grow, and to play.

What a difference five years make. We love this city, and will continue to bring it to you in these pages, and at www.MYredstar.com, and in your Pocket.

REDSTAR reflects, August 2008