Amazin' Staycation: The Top Beijing Events to Help Salvage Your National Holiday
Uh oh! You put it off too long, the ticket prices shot up too high, and now you're stuck. But being stranded in Beijing over the National Holiday doesn't have to be disastrous, by any means. On the contrary, there are plenty of fun events happening over the break to keep you entertained. Here's a roundup of our favorites:
Sunday, Oct 1
Most Girls Smell Good Presents Free DJ Workshop With DJ Wildwata
This one's for the ladies, but in a way better sense than your typical "ladies' night." The event is dubbed as a "DJ workshop ... (for) aspiring female and female-identifying DJs" that will be followed by a showcase from DJs WildWata and JustSYD and "after that, an open slot to any lady that would like to play a set, an instrument or showcase any talent." That means empowering sounds should abound. Free. 7.30pm. Fruityspace
Monday, Oct 2
Knxwledge
He's not yet a household name, but this burgeoning hip-hop star has all the qualities to attain such breakout success before long. For proof, look no further than Yes Lawd!, the collaborative album he made with his more famous pal, singer Anderson Paak under the moniker NxWorries. 8.30pm. RMB 150 at the door, RMB 100 (advance). Yue Space. See all of the live music happenings taking place this weekend here.
Tuesday, Oct 3
Nervo
Talk about girl power. The Australian duo Nervo is comprised of DJs Miriam and Olivia Nervo, and they are some of the world’s highest-paid female EDM stars. To top that off, they've worked with other dance music stars like Afrojack, Avicii, David Guetta and others. RMB 150. 10pm. Sir Teen. See all of the city's nightlife happenings taking place this weekend here.
Wednesday, Oct 4
In the Footsteps of the Emperors: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven
Highly regarded historic tour group Granite Studio coordinates this guided walk around the Temple of Heaven. In a promotion for the tour, they note that the site "contains some of the most iconic architecture in Beijing. It is also a gathering place for Beijingers of all ages. Nowhere does Beijing's past and present exist so prominently side by side. We will look not only at the Temple of Heaven complex and its ritual and historic significance, but we will also discuss the connections between present and past and between historical and contemporary Beijing." That means this tour will appeal to both history buffs and those of us who enjoy a lovely stroll. RMB 240, RMB 200 (members). 9am-11.30am. Temple of Heaven
Thursday, Oct 5
Hike: Sunset Over the Huanghuacheng Great Wall
What could be better than a pretty sunset? One where those fading orange rays of light are in view of the Great Wall, of course. The hike up is also a great way to stretch your muscles and enjoy some of Beijing's most scenic sights during the year's most comfortable stretch of weather. RMB 420, RMB 380 for members. 11.00am Liangmaqiao subway area pickup; 11.30am departure from Lido Hotel Starbucks. Bound for Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
Friday, Oct 6 - Saturday, Oct 7
Maybe Mars 10th Anniversary Showcase
Not only will this be a milestone celebration of Beijing's best indie-rock label, it'll also just be a star-studded night of music, with Maybe Mars roster taking the stage over two nights. RMB 160, RMB 120 (advance). 9.30pm. Yugong Yishan
Saturday, Oct 7
Slow Boat Brewpub 1-Year Anniversary Party
How quickly time flies! It's already been a year since Slow Boat opened its massive Sanlitun brewpub. Mark the occasion with an all-day happy hour that put an RMB 10 discount on all their beers, a 50 percent discount on their t-shirts, a free pint of Monkey's Fist IPA from 4pm onward until their two kegs sell out, half off burgers from 6pm-11pm, and other food discounts throughout the evening. Free. 4pm. Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub. Alternatively, check out all of the best beer deals across town in this nifty beer round-up blog.
Of course, you can see all the events taking place over this year's October National Holiday here.
Photos: DJs In the World, courtesy the organizers
