Mr. Hinde insists Yao Family Wines isn't a short-lived bid to capitalize on China's wine boom and the star's celebrity before either of them wane.

WSJ: Yao Ming Takes Aim at China Wine Boom

The city has experienced a recent boom of five-star restaurants, cafes, and even hip nightclubs.

CNN: This month on Inside the Middle East

Meanwhile, the poster child of the boom, Ratio, has seen its star fade after authorities launched a criminal probe of the company's relationship with an Israeli wanted by the U.S. on racketeering and conspiracy charges.

WSJ: Big Gas Find Sparks a Frenzy in Israel

Kyle Ching, an American who came from L.A. to China to chase China's business boom, is working on the debut album of Red Star, a Shanghai-based, multinational hip-hop trio.

NPR: Made in China: Hip-Hop Moves East