Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Dec 17-22
We take a break after a fun-filled, and perhaps slightly askew, weekend, putting down our drinks to take a more productive look at the days ahead in Beijing. Here is our top pick of this week's Events That Won't Leave You Hungover...
Tuesday, Dec 17
Sweat for Charity With Jindafit
Every Tuesday in December, Jindafit dance studio is collecting donations for the Magic Hospital Magic Moments project, which helps children in need of medical treatment. A full-body dance workout based on African moves and rhythms, Jindafit is open and inclusive, with the philosophy that no matter what shape you're in, you can enjoy a high-intensity workout! Free (suggested donation). 7.30-8.30pm. BActive Dongzhimen
Wednesday, Dec 18
Play Soccer in Beijing
Realizing "China's Soccer Dream," the plan for Zhongguo to dominate the world's game by 2050, isn't just for nationals! If you're keen to get back on the pitch or level up from your current casual game, Forbidden City FC might be what you're looking for. The club has two 11-a-side teams in the IFFC (Beijing's top amateur league) and a five-a-side team in the CIFL 5s league. The diverse club (members have come from 50 different countries) train every Wednesday night and pride themselves on their strong social spirit. Check out the event listing for info on how to register. Free. 8-10pm. Lido Side Park
Thursday, Dec 19
SlayBelles - Haus of Lily Xmas Show
Forget sleighbells, this Thursday night the only show we're interested in is SlayBelles, the annual Haus of Lily Christmas drag extravaganza. Some of Beijing's finest drag queens, including TigerLily, Slayme Winehouse, Miss Hymn, Jacup Straightu, and Lola Du Jour will take the stage for a night of holiday seduction and debauchery. RMB 50. 9.30pm. Anchor Bar
Friday, Dec 20
One Hour Pottery Creativity Challenge
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create the most interesting work of clay art you can, in one hour. You'll have two pieces of clay, three cups of tea, and whatever kinds of glaze you like to make this dream become a reality! The winner of the challenge (which is announced the following Tuesday, after the works have been glazed and fired) will win a free bottle of wine. The brainchild of Fangjia Hutong's Majiang Studio promises to be a lot of fun and a great way to get involved in the highly addictive art of pottery. Drop by any time during opening hours on Friday to participate. RMB 96. 10.30am-6.30pm. Majiang Studio
Saturday, Dec 21
Get Your Submissions in for FAN字
FAN字 is a zine project started by two local art lovers who, by reaching out to "artist friends, Instagram baes, or any other visually compelling creators," set out to create works around a central theme. The duo also welcomes submissions via their open call, and for this, their fourth issue, they are looking for creations about magic, mysticism, and the divine. Submissions can be old or new works, and the scope is very broad: send in your images, poems, short stories, photographs, songs, drawings, paintings, collages, renderings, even dreams. Free. Submission deadline Dec 31
Sunday, Dec 22
The Surrealist Art of Hajime Sorayama
Best known for his "superrealist" sexy cyborg pin-ups, Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama's airbrushed beauties are the stuff of sci-fi fantasies run wild. You can catch some of his iconic works at the newly opened Wrong Gallery, sister gallery of their original Taipei location, in the heart of Workers' Stadium until Jan 21. This is only the second exhibition by the gallery here in Beijing, so we're excited to see what other high-caliber shows arrive in months to come. RMB 50. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm. The Wrong Gallery
READ: How to Update Your Entire Wardrobe Guilt-Free With the Clothing Auction Network
Images courtesy of the organizers, SCMP, Krys Alex (via Unsplash), sorayama.jp
