Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Nov 13-19

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, Nov 13

Old Beijing Dinner Tour
Is there any better way to get to know Beijing than by stuffing it in your stomach? With all the mysterious, curious, and sometimes frightening food on offer, we often don't know which alleyway to turn to for a comprehensive experience. To keep from stuffing yourself with roadside dust or incense from the temples, hit up Untours and embark on a food adventure in old Beijing with their bilingual experts. You may find a new favorite hot pot or dumpling spot, or get a taste of cuisines from different corners of China (why not both?). The groups are kept small and food is plenty. Meeting place and date negotiable. RMB 450.
 

Tuesday, Nov 14

Global Governance and China: Book Talk with Scott Kennedy
The Bookworm hosts yet another event for professional China watchers and the China-curious among us. Join this talk featuring Scott Kennedy, deputy director of the Freeman Chair in China Studies and director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at CSIS) and moderated by Ian Freeman of the New York Times for a discussion about the new volume of Global Governance in China. The volume hopes to shine a light on China's growing engagement in global governance institutions and its transition from being an outsider, to an observer, to an insider. 7.30pm. RMB 50. The Bookworm.
 

Wednesday, Nov 15

2017 Autumn ChinaFit Vegan Conference
Rejoice and replenish soul and body by entering the world of plant-based diets! A major vegan-themed event in Beijing, the Vegan Conference looks to answer and inform any questions you may have regarding the diet and is composed of conferences on the environment and ethics to bodybuilding, to (drumroll, please ...) the food! How does a 300-sqm food court sound to you? The conference will occupy four floors for two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) with art exhibitions, forums, and classes. Go for the food, leave with the knowledge and motivation for a better lifestyle and a better world. 9am-6pm. Free entry (except for classes and forums). China National Convention Center (CNCC).
 

Thursday, Nov 16

The Art of Ink: Marrying the Ancient and the Contemporary in Chinese Art
The Beijing International Society has set out on a mission to explore the importance of ink in both contemporary and ancient art. Craig Yee and Christopher Reynolds, co-founders of Beijing-based contemporary art gallery INK Studio, will speak about the philosophical aspects of ink in Western and Chinese teachings and present their upcoming group exhibition, Luminous Shadows. 7.30pm. RMB 60 (RMB 30 for students with a valid ID). Embassy of Iceland.
 

Friday, Nov 17

Asia's Reckoning: Book Talk With Richard McGregor
While the understanding China's geopolitical past and future does not come easy and requires constant and intense curiosity, an encounter with "Asia's reckoning" could be a great leap in motivation and excitement. Richard McGregor, author of The Party; The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers, comes to The Bookworm to talk about his new book Asia's Reckoning. The book gives a detailed account and analysis on 'widening geopolitical cracks' in Asia – more specifically, between China, Japan, and 'the power of the US in the Pacific century.' The Bookworm. 7pm. RMB 50 (Includes a drink).
 

Saturday, Nov 18

Shuangjing Winter Fair
Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping this Saturday at the Shuangjing Winter Fair where there'll be arts and crafts, Christmas items, organic cosmetics, embroidery, jewelry, and more. Stay warm with mulled wine and food. Roundabout Charity will be collecting donated items: clothing for all ages, children's books, toys, socks, and blankets etc. and there'll be donation boxes so that you can give to those in need this holiday season. Free. 11am-6pm. Pingod North, Shuangjing.

Playing for a Better World
Swedish social entrepreneur Soledad Piñero Misa discusses the ways to include environmental responsibility and sustainability with a focus on creating businesses from such endeavors. The world is divided when it comes to how best to utilize environmentalism and Chinese business models often seemingly completely dismiss sustainability in favor of unfettered growth. This discussion looks to serve as a real-life tool to answer the questions entrepreneurs are facing or a window-shopping experience for those simply curious. Networking and mingle time is included. 4pm. Free (registration required). Crossboundaries.
 

Sunday, Nov 19

Gourmet Carnival of the Silk Road Brands Collection
Top off this already food-heavy week with Sunday's Gourmet Festival at the Park Hyatt Hotel, stocked with delicacies from the Silk Road countries. The food on offer shall not only be an adventure for your taste buds but also serve as a medium for cultural exchange. After a day of tasting, learning, and talks, the event will end with a "cultural dinner," prepared from the products presented and awards for crowd favorites. Organizers also promise a feature film series similar to A Bite of China to be produced afterward and broadcast on foreign networks. 10am. Free. Park Hyatt Hotel.

If none of these events tickle your fancy then remember that Maovember is ongoing all this week. However, we can't promise you'll leave any of the events sober.

Images courtesy of the organizers, Merigs, Asia Society