Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Sep 26-30

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 26

Screening of the 1959 classic The Big Circus
Pop-Up Beijing continues its weekly classic cinema screening series with this showing of 1959's The Big Circus. It stars Victor Mature, Red Buttons and Rhonda Fleming. A synopsis describes it as the story of "A circus owner tries to keep his financially troubled circus on the road, despite the efforts of a murderous saboteur who has decided that the show must not go on." Free. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Pop-Up

Partyfit Dance Workout
Anyone bored with treadmills or weightlifting can try this alternative, which according to coordinators involves an "hour-long intense dance workout designed to suit everybody and bring people together to sweat in on." Classes are held every Tuesday and Saturday. RMB 50. 6.45pm-7.45pm. Destination

Tuesday, Sep 26- Thursday, Sep 28

The International Pet and Aquarium Fair
A statement from the coordinators says: "This Fair brings domestic and international pet care brands together from around the world. Be part of this burgeoning market in China with exhibitors like top pet food and care brands, animal spa providers, training experts, and pet-related magazines and ‘new media,’ as well as aquarium and fishing gear purveyors." Free. 9am-5pm. China National Convention Center (CNCC)

Wednesday, Sep 27

Violinist Ning Feng
This Chengdu-born violinist has won several honors, including the Hanover International, Queen Elizabeth, and Yehudi Menuhin International violin competitions. At this engagement, he will play a programme of Brahms and Tchaikovsky. RMB 160-280. 7.30pm. NCPA

People Using Business as a Force for Good: B Corps Movers Monthly Hangout
This socially concious business-themed event will feature insider speakers and a buffet dinner. RMB 50. 6.30pm. Gung Ho Pizza

Thursday, Sep 28

Red Diaper Babies: A Talk With Foreign Maoists
The coordinators describe this second talk from a very special pair of expats thusly: "From the '50s through the '80s, when China was still a mystery to the rest of the world, a small community of international 'red experts' were living and working in Beijing. They all shared sympathy for the struggle of the Chinese people and were following an ideal to build a better world. The two charismatic foreign red guards, Antonio Ochoa and Andy Friend, will share a glimpse into their fascinating childhood and that politically charged era." RMB 60 (RMB 30 for students). 7.30pm. Embassy of New Zealand

Friday, Sep 29

Yoga Therapy and Healing
Aches, pains, and all that ails you can hopefully be soothed with some stretching and deep breaths at this weekly Friday yoga session. The organizers say teacher Nasim is "a certified yoga therapist (Yoga+Ayurveda) and holistic coach with experience in individual and group settings. She teaches this restorative yoga class which focuses on healing for the body, mind, heart, and spirit every Friday." RMB 130 per class. 10am-11.30am. Yoga Yard

Classical Guitarist Göran Söllscher
This award-winning classical guitarist has been hailed as a virtuoso and will regale us with songs from the 19 albums that he has recorded over his -decades long career. RMB 180-580 (RMB 30-80 for students). 7.30pm-9.30pm. Beijing Concert Hall

Saturday, Sep 30

Tana, French String Quartet
Nypan is a guitar player born in Trondheim, Norway. After playing rock as a teenager in the local music scene, he turned to jazz. He eventually studied music at the University of Agder in Kristiansand and the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, playing in different groups and projects. He eventually moved to Paris he became a member of the Fredrika Stahl band, recording and touring around the world for a couple of years, leading to new musical relationships, new albums and new tours. See for yourself the results of these musical ties at this concert. RMB 180 (RMB 80 for students). 7pm-8.30pm. La Plantation

Photos: The coordinators