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NBA fans gather to watch a game at Wei Zhi Lan, a basketball-themed restaurant in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, Dec 11. [Photo by Zuo Jianan/chinadaily.com.cn] |
The first floor, which measures about 120 square meters, consists of a viewing area, a tea-tasting corner and, surprisingly, a Karaoke zone –– all adorned with sports memorabilia, including jerseys from NBA stars, basketball-themed lamps, and even basketball-shaped toothpick boxes.
For those who prefer a quieter environment, the second floor offers four VIP dining halls –– named after some of the most popular NBA teams, a relaxation lounge, and a recreation room for guests to play mahjong and card games.
Wei Zhi Lan has become a top local hangout for basketball fans, especially when live games are being broadcast.
"I visit this place quite a lot. I can watch games and be with my buddies," says Lu Hui, a businessman who lives nearby.
Basketball has created a real bond between Liang and his friends. They are of all ages, and come from different walks of life, but all share one key belief –– you are never too old to play!
"We aren't just armchair fans. We actually play a lot," says Liang,
"We play simply because it's fun –– some of us didn't even pick up a ball until we were in our forties."
Indeed, the serious-looking entrepreneur admits that his business is his life.
"I hope my restaurant can bring sports fans together and enable them to bond over their shared interests," he says.
And with someone like Liang at the helm –– no doubt it will.
