Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Aug 21-27
Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, dinners, and more.
Monday, Aug 21
Poetry Night
Poetry has always been like a slightly misunderstood kid in the art world. While poetry slams (soon to be gracing Beijing stages as well, stay tuned) seem to be having better luck getting the masses to listen to poetry, it still takes some solid marketing to get outsiders interested. The Beijing International Book Fair is doing just that by bringing a well-thought-out roster of events for anyone in the publishing and writing industry, as well as for those who just like books and stories. For the first event on their list, they invite Beijingers to listen to poetry. Since art is a universal language, the reading will be held in Chinese and English in hopes that messages can be conveyed without having a full grasp of a language. 7.30pm. Free. The Bookworm
Tuesday, Aug 22
Mental Health Peer Support Group
City life can be sneakily exhausting and you may only realize its effect when it gets serious. Have you been crawling out of your head lately because of deadlines/kids/missed appointments/breakups? CandleX has been hosting sharing meetings for people with mental conditions or those who are going through hard times. The intimate seven-people-max meetings provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing the pressing issues. 7.30pm. Free (donations appreciated). Location to be confirmed after registration (CBD, Chaoyang)
Wednesday, Aug 23
Action Classes for Film
Honestly, you probably won't be the next Bruce Lee after one class. But you might see the potential of becoming one. Troy's team teaches traditional mainland/ Hong Kong action cinema classes but delivers lessons through a Western approach. The classes are tailored for performers but are suitable for any level of experience – whether you are an actor, a martial arts performer or just curious. They teach acrobatics, combat moves, stunts and even presentation on the screen. 10am. RMB 100. Contact mayelam8 on WeChat for location and more information
Thursday, Aug 24
China Meets Norway on a Bookshelf
Meridian space hosts a collection of picture books from seven Norwegian artists. It offers a deep dive into contemporary Norwegian illustration that even non-artistic individuals will find entertaining. All of the artists come from the town of Bergen but their style ranges from cute to gruesome sarcastic (just look at that majestic MS Paint work we've done to make it suitable for the web). The exhibition is on only until August 26, so get your illustration fix as soon as you have a moment. 10am-6pm. RMB 80. Meridian Space
Friday, Aug 25
The Poem of Artemis: Contemporary Art
New media exhibitions often tend to be a rewarding experience and rarely leave the viewer feeling indifferent. Eager to ride the wave, the Honyo Contemporary Art Center is hosting an exhibition of three innovative contemporary female artists. Chen Zhu creates art based on Western humanistic poetry. Zhao Liying creates sliding multi-media scenes that stir up the audiences and always triggers strong responses and Wang Danyang plays with new media, including VR. 10am-6pm. Free. Honyo Contemporary Art Center
Saturday, Aug 26
Neu Future Forum
The Team of NEUFuture is definitely busy this week. They are hosting a two-day, three-event festival focusing on all things futuristic. The festival seeks to combine technology, art, and music to produce solutions for a better tomorrow. Starting on Friday with the exhibition opening in UCCA, their main event will take place on Saturday. With an impressive panel of speakers from different media and industries (Mobike, Hatchery, Vice Media, Adidas and others among them), the forum will explore new ideas and bold solutions for the future with the help of technology and art. Learn how to create a better you, get more sleep or try to solve other burning questions in new ways. Read more about it here. 10am-6pm. RMB 300 (RMB 400 at the door). UCCA
Sunday, Aug 27
Speed Dating
Dating in a big city is the worst and everyone knows it. With the help of WeChat, it can be a tad easier, but that cute boy you met in the hutongs probably lives in Haidian (which might as well be another country for us East-enders). Isn't it much easier when you all know what you came here for? That's why Tinder works much better than buying someone a drink at the bar, and speed-dating is basically face-to-face Tinder. Join the crowds for a fun-filled Sunday mingle. What's the worst thing that can happen? Even if it goes horribly wrong, the chances of running into your speed-dates again in Beijing are slim. 4pm. RMB 75. Buona Bocca
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Images: Courtesy of the organizers, Instagram
