The good concubine’s guide

Back in the 1990s, tens of thousands of Hong Kong men kept their mistresses in concubine villages in Guangdong province, just across the border from British-administered HK. Today's mistresses prefer to be looked after by one of the growing army of affluent mainlanders. Here's what a good concubine in Shanghai might expect: LOVE NEST A one-bedroom luxury flat in the Top Of The City development - close to glitzy shopping malls like Plaza 66 - is currently on the market for £143,000 (2m yuan). For furnishings, Ikea might cut it if she comes from the countryside. But a city girl with aspirations will want to shop at the Danish furniture store Bo Concept, where a sleek red-leather sofa costs £850 or so. RUNAROUND She'll needs wheels to get to her salsa classes and yoga club, and public transport is a status-conscious no-no. Cars are expensive in China due to high import duties and taxes. A Mini Cooper in canary yellow on the road will set her man back around £27,000. COMPANION Fluffy little white dogs, once essential concubine kit, are so yesterday; even the laobaixing (ordinary people) parade them in Hengshan Park today. She'll want a pedigree Dalmatian or a Siberian Husky (at least £850). The mutt will get its exercise courtesy of the maid (£85 a month). ACCESSORIES Though China is awash with fake designer goods, concubines avoid them like SARS. When she's sharing afternoon tea with other mistresses at the plush Portman Ritz-Carlton, she'll want her latest handbag to be from Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Prada - all around £1,400. AND FINALLY... Idle hands make the devil's work, and with no job, no live-in lover and no children, a secret lover needs to be kept occupied. A small business of her own - a nail salon or up-market florists on trendy Changle Lu - will cost around £21,500 to start up. Gary Jones FIRST POSTED MARCH 7, 2007