5 Cultural and Historic Online Lectures to Keep Your Brain Box Tickled and Warm
The internet is crammed with delicious online-learning options right now, so how can you pick the one that's right for you? Make it Middle Kingdom, of course! We've rounded up five of our favorite upcoming lectures and events that are all about Beijing and China, certain to tickle your brainbox and give you some tasty tidbits to impress your friends whenever you next get to meet up with people IRL. Some of the events in this list are part of a series, so be sure to keep an eye on our events section for details on all future talks.
Thursday, Apr 9
Post-Pandemic Agriculture in China
The Royal Asiatic Society of China in Beijing invites agro-industry expert Ian Lahiffe to discuss COVID-19’s impact on Chinese agricultural imports, farms, and food, touching upon everything from what struggles agricultural companies are facing due to the outbreak to how long will they take to recover, as well as who in the F&B sector is likely to survive and who won’t. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session. Free (RAS members), signups still available, 7-8pm.
The Last Days of Old Beijing
Yeah yeah, Beijing was waaay better back in the day. While we don't agree with that common sentiment, it is undeniably true that our capital has changed dramatically over the years. Using the Michael Meyers book The Last Days in Old Beijing as a framework, Beijing Postcards will lead this online talk, piecing together the last hundred years of Beijing’s history, tracing the city's story from the abdication of the last emperor until today and the dramatic transformation of China’s capital from within. Supplemented with original maps and photos of the city from the Beijing Postcards' extensive collection, the talk will outline China's warlord period, the Japanese occupation, the Liberation, the Cultural Revolution, and much more. If you like what you hear, you'll be pleased to know that is the first in a series of five planned talks by Beijing Postcards, running between now to Apr 30. RMB 100, 8-9.30pm.
Tuesday, Apr 14
Sojourning in Peking: The Surprising Western Aesthetes That Once Called Beijing Home
If you thought Hutong Hipsters were a modern invention, think again. Back in the 1930s, Beijing's hutongs were home to a surprisingly vibrant and varied community of foreigners – the Peking aesthetes – who lived, studied, played and partied in the ancient streets. In this talk hosted by Bespoke Beijing, historian, author, and regular the Beijinger contributor Jeremiah Jenne along with NYT best-selling author Paul French (of Midnight in Peking fame) discuss some of their favorite foreign residents from this bygone era. This is the first of seven planned online discussions and lectures organized by Bespoke Beijing between now and May 5, so keep an eye out for more to come. RMB 80, 7pm.
Thursday, Apr 16
Who Killed Pamela?
Then again, the 1930s in Beijing weren't all fun and games. On Jan 8, 1937, the mutilated body of young British woman Pamela Werner was discovered at the base of the inner-city wall fortification, the Fox Tower. Her murderer was never found, but the story has fascinated people for decades and was immortalized in Paul French's bestselling book Midnight in Peking. Now, the clever archive-digging folks at Beijing Postcards will present new evidence which they say has never seen the light of day before, including a hitherto unpublished 150-page Chinese police report. So, who did kill Pamela? You'll have to sign up to find out. RMB 100, 8-9.30pm.
All the Tea in China: A Masterclass in Chinese Tea Appreciation
In China, tea drinking is practically a way of life, and just as important and complex as wine appreciation in the West. This online lecture is designed to provide cultural and historical context on the plant that changed the world, as well as give you plenty of practical tips on loose-leaf tea preparation, and how to ensure you've got all the right accessories and don't make a fool of yourself when in the company of Chinese friends. Hosted by Bespoke Beijing and led by certified tea expert Tracy Lesh, if you have any interest in a soothing cha, this will certainly be your cup of tea. RMB 80, 7pm.
Looking for something to do today? Our Events section is back in the game, baby!
Images: Beijing Postcards, upslim (via Shutterstock), courtesy of event organizers
