Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Oct 30-Nov 5
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, Oct 30
Bridging Asia-Europe
The Parkview Museum is hosting a second Bridging Asia-Europe exhibition comprised of works by Chinese and Central European artists that "are each artist's personal presentation, not limited by a medium or visuals, but rather their own interpretation of contemporary narratives and issues of modern culture and society." For examples as to what that means exactly, the usage of logo-like and conventional images in László Fehér's (Hungary, see above) work address the constant transit of modern society while Wang Yuping creates suggestive and emotional scenes about cultural-historical constructs and art clichés. 11am-7pm. Free. Parkview Museum.
Tuesday, Oct 31
Lu Yang: Encephalon Heaven
Lu Yang is one of the leading voices and minds between China's contemporary media artists. Her solo exhibition is the first one of a Chinese artist in the gallery and consists of sculpture, video, installation, computer programming, and video games. Expect a multisensory environment, with Lu Yang being inspired and influenced by hip-hop, Goa trance, punk, gothic style, anime, and gaming. Lu Yang tends to satirize the scientific exploration of human nature with overly-enhanced colors and cartoonish gaming culture-inspired characters. Daily 11am-6pm (closed Mon). RMB 60. M Woods.
Aikido Shinryukan
Beijing’s Shinryukan Aikido opens a new class at 27 Yard. Head over every Tuesday to practice this non-aggressive martial art with an emphasis on integrating body, mind, and spirit under the instruction of Stefan Sklenka, who has been practicing Aikido for more than 20 years. Newcomers are welcome to attend and participate in three free trial classes. Arrive 20 minutes in advance to each class, and wear comfortable clothing. Every Tue, 7-9pm. RMB 300 RMB 150 (students). 27 Yard.
Wednesday, Nov 1
Huang Rui＋Rong Rong: Photo Symbiosis
The mystery and romance of film photography is finding ways to get back into our daily instant-gratification-filled routine. This joint photography exhibition displays objects from Huang Rui and Rong Rong's personal collections shot between 1994-2001 and presents symbols of love, life, and nature. The work takes a look at the artists' separate output but gives clues as to their friendship and collaborative overlap. Most of the photos here are being exhibited in public for the first time. Daily 10am-5pm (closed Mon). Free. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre.
Thursday, Nov 2
China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections
Ambassador Susan E. Rice will be the national webcast speaker for the 11th annual China Town Hall, as announced by the Yale Centre in Beijing. Her experience developing and executing policies toward China under Obama's administration gives her a unique perspective and deep insight into modern US-China relations. After the webcast, Travis Tanner, president of the US-China Strong Foundation will lead an off-the-record panel discussion on the future of US-China relations with leaders from the business and academic community. 6.30pm. RMB 60-100, free (students). Yale Center Beijing.
Friday, Nov 3
Pilates at Park Apartments
It's Friday and if Halloween parties have got you too intoxicated throughout the week, go sweat it out with Pilates in the Park. Getting all the nasties out of our bodies can be a real struggle, but choosing the right class makes it easier. Join a few (most likely) health freaks for a Friday morning Pilates session to get you all set up for an active weekend. 8.30am. RMB 100. Park Apartments.
Saturday, Nov 4
Chi Fan for Charity 2017
The ninth Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) is here! This year, the funds collected from diners are going to Education in Sight, who work to help rural Yunnan residents and seek to build a new vision center. CFFC has already donated RMB 4,600,000 to the local beneficiaries through their previous events, which comes from attendees choosing one of the many dinner parties happening at a participating venue with varying price brackets. The dinner is followed by an after-party mingle and talks with diners and supporters alike. Various venues. RMB 500-1,500 per person.
Sunday, Nov 5
Storm Xu at The Great Outdoors
After an art, networking, and food-intensive week, there is no better way to put a full stop before Monday approaches than comedy. Shanghai-raised Storm Xu is to have his first Beijing show, after putting together successful performances overseas. So as to not leave anybody out, Xu comes equipped with one Mandarin and one English set, allowing for you to get a taste of Chinese comedy no matter your mother tongue. With his Chinese upbringing and outlook on Western culture, Xu looks to make fun of and possibly offend both sides. 6.30pm (Chinese show), 8.30pm (English show). RMB 80-120. The Great Outdoors.
Images courtesy of the organizers, Hint Magazine, Cobosocial
