Events Watch: Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, May 9-14

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.


Through May 26

Raindance China Virtual Reality Film Festival
Raindance is supported by the British Film Association and has an authoritative review process and a rigorous accreditation system. Their latest festival focuses on the world of virtual reality, exploring the artistic possibilities and uses of one of the most exciting up-and-coming technologies. Various times (schedule here). Various prices. Various locations


Tuesday, May 9

The Emerging Wealth of China and How These High Net Worth Individuals Spend Their Money
Nicholas Holt will present Knight Frank’s 11th Wealth Report, giving insight into emerging trends on how China’s high net worth individuals spend their money, defining opportunities for the emergence and influence of wealth in the country and discussing trends in property markets. 12.30-2pm. RMB 100 (sign up here). British Chamber of Commerce in China

Czech Film Festival
Mogu Space begins their ongoing Tuesday Czech film night, celebrating the work of Czech directors. The first film screened will be Cutting It Short, a film by director Jiří Menzel, which follows a family of brewery owners and their experience of having a number of relatives come to visit. A different film will be featured each week and films are subtitled. 8pm. RMB 35 (advance, tickets here), RMB 50 (door). Mogu Space


Wednesday, May 10

Can Confucianism Save the World?
Stephen C. Angle, the Mansfield Freeman Professor of East Asian Studies and Professor of Philosophy at Wesleyan University, and Daniel A. Bell the Dean of the Faculty of Politics and Public Administration at Shandong University and professor at Tsinghua University (Schwarzman College), speak on Confucianism’s revival in China and in what ways the rise of the great Chinese sage is a good, and potentially bad, thing for China and the world. 6.30-8.30pm. RMB 80 (advance, here), RMB 100 (door), Free (students). Yale Center Beijing


Thursday, May 11

German Centre Lecture Series: How China’s Cultural Heritage Serves to Pave the New Silk Road
Dr. Patrick Wertmann, a research fellow in the Department of Chinese Classics at Renmin University, will speak on how China’s cultural heritage serves to pave the wave for Xi Jinping's economic baby, the New Silk Road. The talk, in English, will focus on discussing the history and future of cultural, political and economic interaction along this ancient trading route. 6.30pm. Free. German Center for Industry and Trade Beijing


Friday, May 12

Women in Leadership: Mentor Walks Asia
Mentor Walks Asia in Beijing brings together established and emerging women leaders in the community for a morning walk to discuss professional and personal successes, challenges, and aspirations. This event aims to provide women in the workplace a platform to share their experiences and help them progress in their careers. 7.45-9am. Free (register here). Ritan Park

In Conversation with "Australian Living Treasure" Tom Keneally
Tom Keneally is one of Australia’s most beloved authors, well known for his prize-winning Schindler’s Ark – the basis for Academy Award-winning film Schindler’s List – as well as his outspokenness on all matters political as well as rugby league. He appears at The Bookworm as part of Australian Writers Week in China. Read our interview with him here. 7.30pm. RMB 50 (includes a drink, tickets here). The Bookworm


Saturday, May 13

Glo Community Event: Hiking on the Great Wall
Glo hosts a community event: hiking on the Great Wall, a medium-to-advanced hike along Jiankou, one of the most beautiful sections on one of the most famous sights on the planet. Wear good shoes and get ready to get your sweat on with other fitness enthusiasts. 7am-5pm. RMB 350 (non-members, sign up here), RMB 298 (Glo members). Glo Kitchen and Fitness

JingJobs Job Fair
Unlock your potential by visiting the JingJobs fair, where a myriad of career opportunities, the potential to expand your professional networks, and chances to talk to key influencers and entrepreneurs awaits. 1-4pm. Free (register here). Soho Guanghua Lu


Sunday, May 14

Behance Portfolio Reviews Beijing
Enhance your artistic portfolio with professional and peer feedback at the Behance Portfolio Review. Held twice a year at hundreds of locations around the world, this event is a great chance to get inspired by new art and design ideas. Advanced registration is required. 2-6pm. Free. LxU

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos courtesy of the organizers