Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Sep 18-24

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.
 

Tuesday, Sep 19

Real Men Do Yoga at Lulu Lemon
Despite being practiced for centuries all around the world, yoga today still occasionally faces some mockery, often coming from those who can't reach their toes without bending their knees. Lululemon, an athletic apparel brand specializing in yoga gear for both me and women, seems to be especially favored by the latter. In an effort to welcome more men into what is often depicted as a female-heavy fitness activity, Lululemon will prove everyone wrong with some badass yoga classes taught by shop ambassador Lin Min and teachers with bodies that will leave no doubt that you can get ripped while you stay zen. Bring your own mat and wear comfortable, loose clothes. Free. 5pm. Lululemon
 

Wednesday, Sep 20 

How to Watch China: A Conversation With John Holden 
The Bookworm has been long been a safe choice for those seeking educational events that hold relevance to today's world. John Holden has been serving as an Associate Dean of the Yenching Academy of Peking University for over three years and is soon heading back to Washington. He presents an often neglected trait – humility – as the one to help you understand China better. John Holden has over 40 years of experience in Asia and is about to step into his new position as CEO of the US-China Strong Foundation next month. Listen to him speak about his past experiences and views on US-China relations and the future of China. RMB 50. 7.30pm. The Bookworm
 

Thursday, Sep 21

Breast Cancer Awareness Health Talk
Beijing often seems determined to make us put our health on the back burner. Questionable air and water, plenty of pizza and cheap tobacco are only a few of the city's contributors to poor health. Beijing United Family Hospital is hosting a breast cancer awareness talk. In the talk, they will discuss methods of self-check and detection, further actions if you are diagnosed and a story from an expat cancer survivor. Participants are required to RSVP by scanning a code (which will also include a raffle ticket to win a health assessment and other goodies). Light refreshments will be provided during the event. Free. 7pm. United Family Oncology Centre
 

Friday, Sep 22

Barash at Camera Stylo
The China Women's Film Festival started yesterday and will be visible around Beijing all week. If you're struggling to find a productive way to spend your Friday night, check out Camera Stylo. As a participating venue, they will be screening at least one festival film every day. This Friday, see the story of Naama Barash. The storyline follows a 17-year old girl, whose liking to alcohol, drugs and bad company takes a pause when she falls in love with a new girl at school. The film has been nominated and won awards for Best Script, Best Actress, Best Feature Film, and more. Free (RSVP by emailing contact.cwff@gmail.com). 5pm. Camera Stylo
 

Saturday, Sep 23

Spittoon Literary Tour
Seems like Spittoon has been popping in conversations all over town (check out our chat with a few of the masterminds behind the collective). Not only are they working on their three-city literary tour and preparing for the new edition of the magazine, but also launching slam poetry competitions (starting September 21 at Hot Cat). The tour starts in Beijing, taking over The Bookworm for two days, with poetry, fiction, some great music and partying until late. Whatever your poison or literary genre, you'll find your niche this weekend with Spittoon. RMB 150 (weekend pass), RMB 50 (single ticket). 1pm. The Bookworm
 

Sunday, Sep 24

Two plays at Yugong Yishan: 'The Grey Life' and 'Relationship'
Theater at Yugong Yishan? You heard right. They are hosting two immersive plays by Martina Morrocchi (author/theatre director/producer) with Alberto Cuellar (music director) / Zou Jiannan (violin) / Xu Peng (sax). The Grey Life tackles existential questions and our modern need for consumption, through which the endless cycle of "buy, use, throw away" makes us question everything we know. The second play, Relationship, explores individuals exposed to relationships and how it can either inspire or discourage us. RMB 100. 9pm. Yugong Yishan

More by the author here.

Images: courtesy of the organizers, Yenching Academy