What to Do in Beijing Next Weekend That Isn't a New Year's Eve Party
Are you one of those people that just can't stand the pressure surrounding New Year's Eve and the neverending options vying for your attention? Fret not, if you don't want to celebrate the coming of the new year in usual debauched fashion, but still want to get out of the house, there's plenty happening next weekend that isn't going to kill brain cells and leave you in the same state you promised you'd seen the back of in 2016.
Music and Stage
Dec 30-Jan 1: Jay Chou’s Jukebox Musical – The Secret
Unfamiliar with Jay Chou's music? This show, packed with more than 20 of his popular songs, is directed by John Rando, the American stage director who won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 2002, and written by Marc Acito, an award-winning American playwright, and should get you up to date the Taiwanese popstar powerhouse. RMB 580-1,080 (tickets here). Various times. Tianqiao Theatre
Dec 31: Tango Lovers in Beijing
Showcasting world-class dancers, musicians, and vocalists with rich international careers combining an exquisite balance of tango salon and tango show. RMB 180-1,080. 7.30-9.30pm. National Center for the Performing Arts
Jan 1: Vienna John Strauss Orchestra
The Vienna John Strauss Orchestra was formed under the auspices of Professor Oskar Goger and the ORF (Austrian Radio) in 1966. Eduard Strauss II, nephew of Johann Strauss III, who carried on the Strauss dynasty musical tradition into the 20th century, was the orchestra's first conductor, and the primary aim of this orchestra is to recreate the touring Strauss Orchestra of the days of Johann Strauss I, who was the founder of the Strauss musical dynasty. The members of the orchestra are selected from leading Vienna orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Radio Orchestra guaranteeing first-rate quality. RMB 180-1,280. 7.30-9.30pm. Poly Theatre
Hiking
Dec 31: New Year's Eve Hike
Finish 2016 with a 14km, four-hour hike. This loop walk follows a park trail, passing freezing streams, pools, waterfalls, and big boulders and caves on the way to an almost-800-meter peak. From the peak we'll get a good view of the surrounding hills and valleys, and a view of the Miyun Reservoir. On the way back down, the group will follow a scenic ridgeline trail through pines and impressive rocky outcrops. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 9am-6pm. Beijing Hikers
Dec 31: New Year's Eve Sunset Hike
Hike the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing’s Huairou District, starting off on an unrestored stretch and following it over the hills to a restored section and then up to a high tower to watch the sun go down. The hike then finishes at a countryside restaurant near a scenic reservoir. RMB 420 (non-members), RMB 380 (members). 11am-6pm. Beijing Hikers
Culture and Language
Dec 30: Cracking Chinese Characters: Explanation of Each Character
Learn about the origins and evolution of Chinese characters with Luo Fu, an expert of the etymology of Chinese characters and a writer of several books on the topic. RMB 120. 6pm. Beijing International Chinese College
Dec 31: Chinese Bird-Flower Painting Class
Come and join the Chinese Culture Center's Chinese painting class. You don't have to have learnt Chinese painting before, only enthusiastic and be willing to hold a brush. The class will be conducted in English. The supplies or the Four Treasures of Study – the ink brush, ink, paper, and inkstone – are provided by the center. RMB 200. 9.30-11.30am. China Culture Center
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Images: courtesy of the organizers
