Tan Yifan cicitan2011@gmail.com CARRYING the gene of creativity and living in such a fast-changing world, people who are staying in Shenzhen are more likely to start anew than keep up their cultural tradition, let alone promote it. But for Jean-Marc Poli, the newly appointed general manager of Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, and his team, their resolution for the coming Year of the Dog is to retain the tradition of Shangri-La and create a platform to present Chinese heritage through their work. It is nearly impossible to associate Poli, an Africa-born French-Italian with a neat quiff and a sharp suit and tie, with Asian cultural traits upon first sight. But beneath his crisp shirt cuffs are carefully braided bracelets that were given by Myanmar monks, and in his pocket he keeps several tiny damask-made hop-pocket amulets that he got from Chinese temples. “I have lived all my life in different cultures as a foreigner. Culturally, I feel closer to the Japanese and Chinese,” he said. Long before coming to Asia, Poli was fascinated by Asian culture, especially by Chinese culture. “When I was young, I could always enjoy Asian movies from the window of my room because almost every night the concrete open-air screen that was not far from my house showed either Indian or Chinese movies. And when I grew up, I was influenced by literature that describes China,” he said. “China has such a long history, rich cultural tradition and hard-working ethic; I felt I had come to the right place when I relocated to China.” Poli’s determination to work in the hospitality industry was reinforced when he traveled with his parents throughout his adolescence in Asia and stayed at a fancy hotel in Hong Kong. Ten years later, when he came back to China, he has a lot to learn in order to catch up with the fast pace of the Asian giant and distinguish between new inventions and traditional remains, which together make up his idea of the real China. “I think tradition has its merit. Luckily, the drive to preserve and showcase the heritage and traditions of the culture is increasing. Being traditional doesn’t necessarily mean to be outdated or reserved. On the contrary, things can be done in an innovative way,” Poli said. “In Shangri-La, we are proud of ourselves to be able to provide hospitality from the heart, excellent cuisine and excellent service throughout the group,” he said. Poli added that being at Shangri-La also means to adapt to the changing environment and to integrate into the local community. Poli received his professional education in Switzerland. He has served in the industry for more than 30 years. He has worked as general managing director at hotels in Japan, Singapore, Spain, Myanmar and in Chinese cities such as Shanghai. | 