Events Watch: Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Dec 19-23
Our Events Watch series aims to highlight events 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, December 19
Western Populism Through the Prism of Chinese Public Opinion
ThinkIn China hosts the last of its 2016 talks concerning the topic of "Western Populism Through the Prism of Chinese Public Opinion." Ma Tianjie (马天杰), author behind the blog Chublic Opinion, will explore how the election of Donald Trump and the refugees situation in Europe stirred up intense debates in the Chinese cyberspace. To understand just how these debates are framed, one needs to know who is influencing public opinion in China, what has shaped its views and why some ideas 'stick' and others don't. Come join the talk to explore the implications of this new landscape on social governance, policy-making, and international relations. 7pm. Free. The Bridge
Wang Hui in Dialogue with Colombia University Professor Mahmood Mamdani
This dialogue will begin with a reflection on the tension that marks the vocation of the intellectual: that between the scholar and the public intellectual. Professor Mahmood Mamdani will think through the challenges of decolonization from this theoretical vantage point. The starting point is the year 1994, marked by two radically different but epochal events: the transition from apartheid in South Africa, and the genocide in Rwanda. What do these events tell us about the quest for justice in the context of decolonization? Professor Wang Hui will discuss these issues with Mamdani from an Asian perspective. 7pm. Free (RSVP here). Tsinghua University
Tuesday, December 20
China Big Data Conference
On Tuesday, head to this Chinese language conference exploring the big data industry, with several experts set to speak on topics spanning big data in finance and urban development as well as exhibits from companies in the industry. Speakers in attendance come from prominent companies like IBM China and China Telecom. The conference will be held in Chinese. 8am-5pm. Free (RSVP here). New Century Hotel
Wednesday, December 21
Beijing Food Revolution Series: Mindful Eating Mini Dinner
Join the last mindful eating practice of 2016 with Dalida and Beijing Food Revolution and enjoy an unforgettable eating experience to help boost a better version of yourself through to the new year. There will be lots of healthy food, all supported by Farm to Neighbors Farmers' Market, and focuses on smaller portions to help you become more conscious of what you are eating. 7.30pm. RMB 100. Beijing Mindfulness Center
Thursday, December 22
French Cultural Center World AIDS Day Screenings: Leviathan
Embarking on a trawler to depict of the one of the oldest human enterprises, Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor witness, in a stream of astonishing images, the clash between man, nature, and machine. The Leviathan documentary is made with 10 digital cameras that are buffeted by the wind and the waves and strapped to the bodies of fishermen and the ship’s ropes. Going beyond all existing benchmarks to a place where sea and sky appear as one, the film both warns us of the dangers of intensive fishing and reveals the staggering beauty of the ocean. 7pm. RMB 20 (Tickets here). Institut Francais of Beijing
Friday, December 23
CBA: Beijing Ducks vs. Xinjiang Flying Tigers
Fresh off their impressive 105-101 road win against defending CBA champs Sichuan Blue Whales, Stephon Marbury and company look to derail the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, owners of an impressive seven-game win streak. Expect the Ducks' frontcourt to have their hands full guarding 2.18-meter-tall Zhou Qi, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 2016 NBA draft, but for whatever reason decided to stay in the CBA. 7.30-10pm. RMB 60-1,200 (Tickets here). LeSports Center Wukesong
And if that wasn't enough, it's all leading up to Christmas this Sunday! Click here for our full Christmas events listings.
More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Images: justfunfacts.com, ugandandiaspora.com, wallpapercave.com, courtesy of the organizers
