Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Dec 11-17

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, and dinners etc.
 

Monday, Dec 11

Poetry Night With Eleanor Goodman and Edward Ragg
With the blues of the working week being at their strongest, and the last of 2017's calendar pages filling up with tasks big and small, you either need a serious high-intensity interval workout or some poetry. For those who prefer the latter, drop by The Bookworm to spend this frigid Monday night with two critically acclaimed poets: the writer, poet, and translator Eleanor Goodman, Research Associate at Harvard University's Fairbank Cente and Peking University Fulbright Fellowship recipient, and Edward Ragg, an award-winning poet living in Beijing who has had work published in a variety of literary magazines and translated into Chinese. 7.30pm. RMB 50 (includes one drink). The Bookworm
 

Tuesday, Dec 12

Open Muay Thai Class
Speaking of that high-intensity workout, forget that gym membership with its endless ellipticals and running machines and try something a little more involved. Bmax welcomes you to join a free Muay Thai trial class (plenty of time slots available) at their Shangdu Soho gym. Kick some bags and then kick some butts (obviously only in a play-fight mode, nothing too violent). Three classes a day available. More info on WeChat BMAX极限体能 (BMAX jíxiàn tǐnéng).
 

Wednesday, Dec 13

King of Peking Film Screening
The award-winning movie King of Peking, a comedic drama detailing a father and son's bonding over the pirating of movies in Beijing in the '90s, will be shown here for the first time on Wednesday. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the director and producer of the film. Check out our recent interview with director Sam Voutas, in which we discuss the Chinese entrepreneurial spirit as well as the hardships of making a movie in the Middle Kingdom. 7pm. RMB 50, RMB 40 (members). The Hutong
 

Thursday, Dec 14

Networking With Headhunters
Networking. Even though it induces fear– and even disgust– for many of us, it's still an essential part of adult life, unless that is you inherited your dad's company. Once the initial gut-wrenching awkwardness and small talk have been overcome, it's only uphill from there. For tips to make the process easier, join representatives from several top employment agencies, investment firms, start-ups, and fellow opportunity seekers for a mingle this Thursday. Applicants from IT, marketing, international trade, engineering, and accounting are especially welcome. 7pm. RMB 50. Beijing Fang (south of Qianmen subway station)
 

Friday, Dec 15

Free Family Portrait
There's still time to design your own Christmas cards (as that very American of traditions calls for) and if you need a family portrait, Apus in Wangjing is currently offering portraits absolutely free of charge. So. whether it's your annual tradition or the first time in front of the camera with your loved ones, give it a try! (We're not entirely sure what benefit the organizers are receiving from this whole shebang unless they love nothing more than the awkwardness that comes from such photoshoots.) Add rain-time4 on WeChat for more information and to arrange the photoshoot.
 

Saturday, Dec 16

Salsation Class and Full-Body Workout for Charity
It's the time for giving. And if giving comes with physical improvements, we're in. While charity's gift is a gentle, self-congratulatory stroking of the soul, this event at Ms. Uptown will also benefit your muscles. Ladies can head over on Saturday to shake their hips safe in the knowledge that each bead of sweat is helping, with proceeds going to Ms. Chen's Stray Dogs Project. 4pm. RMB 120 (donation). Ms. Uptown
 

Sunday, Dec 17

Lecture and Discussion at Crossboundaries
After this year, Seemingly every Beijinger, old and new alike, has become an expert in the field of hutong destruction, but what about restoration? While it is easy to walk around, shaking fists at piles of bricks, the actual conservation that goes into preserving these beloved-hutongs is much more painstaking. This Sunday, four Beijing-based architects will talk about the difficulties and challenges when working to maintain these sensitive historic sites in the city. Get real answers to questions that you've been chewing over pints with pals throughout The Great Brickening of 2017 and hear what the future may hold for Beijing's landscape. 4pm. RMB 50, RMB 25 (students). Crossboundaries

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Images courtesy of the organizers, Pexels