James Baquet

    THEY say that “the third time’s the charm.” Well, it took me FOUR visits to the new OCT Bay complex before I found anything open. They took time to get it right.

    And right it is. There are still quite a few things unfinished (including the “Happy Mall” itself, the IMAX Theater, and the Creative Exhibition Center), but the landscaping and architecture are spectacular. This is a great time to experience the unfolding of what will prove to be central Shenzhen’s premiere venue.

    Already, several of the swanky restaurants and bars are taking guests. Many of those remain empty, with hordes of staff standing by, a perfect chance to become pampered.

    Most of the restaurants are high-end (one told me an average meal runs to 720 yuan!), and many are East Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese), although Yes Thai is there, and Trattoria Italiano da Angelo is an outstanding exception to the Asian theme.

    Be aware that not all places mentioned are open yet, but those that aren’t will be soon.

    Another exceptional feature which is already open is the “Water Show Theater,” an outdoor lagoon-arena currently featuring a show called “Mangrove Groove.” During soft opening, shows are nightly from 8 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; soon they will change to 7:40 p.m. nightly, with a second show at 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday. (Shows canceled in the event of rain.)

    So head down to OCT Bay, between Baishi Road and Binhe Boulevard, south of Window of the World. It’s like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get!