Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jul 17-23

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, dinners and more.


Monday, July 17

Game of Thrones Season 7 Premiere
That's right, GoT is back and there's no shortage of venues getting in on the viewing action. Inside, we round up where to catch the Season 7 premiere as well as a couple of marathon viewing sessions over the next few days. Various venues and times.

Salsa Sazón
Every Monday starting at 8.30pm, enjoy a free one-hour salsa lesson by a professional teacher from Sazón ABC. You'll be guided through a selection of salsa moves and a variety of other Latin sounds to leave you feeling tropical. Free. 8.30pm. Migas
 

Tuesday, July 18

Song of the Earth: Zheng Xiaoying Conducts Mahler and Lalo
Legendary director Zheng Xiaoying conducts the NCPA Orchestra, including baritone Sun Li, tenor Wang Feng, mezzo-soprano Yang Guang and cellist Xu Xuanhan, playing a program which will include works by Mahler and Lalo. The 85-year-old conductor is a recipient of the Ordre des Arts and Lettres and two Russia-China Friendship Medals and has worked with major orchestras within and outside of China. 7.30pm. RMB 80-480. NCPA
 

Wednesday, July 19

Concoction Evenings by Split Pea Vegan Cooking
Want to eat healthily but not boringly? Want to introduce more veggies into your diet? Want to eat clean but don't know how? These new Concoction Evenings by Split Pea Vegan Cooking hope to teach all of that and more, all the while popularizing a plant-based diet and show you that eating veggies can be done easily. Whether you are a veg novice, a life-long vegan or a meathead who simply wants to try something new, Concoction Evenings present a place to exchange ideas, share recipes, and sip slow-pressed juices. RMB 88. 7.30-9pm. Mimi e Coco
 

Thursday, July 20

Hacking Immortality: The Science and Science Fiction of Extreme Human Life Extension
After four billion years of existence, our species is on the verge of taking active control of our evolution. The genetic revolution will challenge our traditional notions of nature and alter many aspects of what it means to be human including the way we make babies, the nature of the babies we make, and the span of our lives. Noted futurist and science fiction author Jamie Metzl will join Bookworm this Thursday to discuss the very real science of extreme human life extension and his new novel, Eternal Sonata, "a brilliant exploration of the many challenges and opportunities our species will face as the exponential growth of real-world technology moves us toward immortality.” 7.30-9pm. RMB 50 (includes a drink). The Bookworm

The Dowager and the Dynasty: A Walk and Discussion at the Summer Palace
The Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) was one of the most notorious figures of Modern Chinese history. For nearly a half century, she used her cunning and connections to rule China from behind the throne. Even today, many still blame her for spending money on an elaborate pleasure garden at a time China faced grave threats from without and within. But the real story of the Empress Dowager Cixi – and the Summer Palace she built – is more complicated. Stroll along the shoreline and hillsides of her magnificent creation, and discuss the life and legacy of this fascinating historical figure. RMB 300, RMB 260 (members). 10am-1pm. Summer Palace
 

Friday, July 21

Smart Air Diy Workshop
Summer may have ushered out harsh, winter temperatures, but that doesn’t mean Beijing's air pollution has been kept at bay. That's why you still need to properly protect yourself at home or work, and what better way to do so than by making your own affordable air purifier? The Smart Air crew use open data and citizen science to explain how air purifiers work and how we can protect ourselves from air pollution. Free to attend or RMB 200 to build a take-home purifier). 3.45-5pm. A+ Café
 

Saturday, July 22

Chelsea vs Arsenal in Beijing
London soccer teams Arsenal Football Club and Chelsea Football Club meet for the first time ever outside of London at Beijing's National Stadium (The Bird's Nest) in a pre-season friendly match. Read more about the match from when we first reported here. RMB 199-1,699. Bird's Nest Stadium. 7.40pm

Quantum Technology: A New Era in Computing
This free English-language lecture connects audiences in China with some of the most powerful ideas generated by Oxford research. Hosted by Vice-Chancellor Louise Richardson in Beijing, this year’s lecture by Professor Ian Walmsley will provide an accessible overview of the science and engineering behind quantum computing and the breakthroughs at Oxford that are paving the way for the Q20:20, the world’s first working quantum processor. A panel discussion will explore the future commercial and social impact of quantum technology. Free. 3.15-6pm. China World Summit Wing Hotel
 

Sunday, July 23

Pajama Party at Modernsky Lab
Come dressed to impress at Modernsky Lab’s Sunday afternoon PJ party, which will include all your teenage sleepover favorites such as kissing games, sweet treats, and music by bands like Time Street and Blueso. Admission must be purchased in advance, and attendees must wear pajamas. RMB 99. 3-6pm. Modernsky Lab

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Email: tomarnstein@thebeijinger.com
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Images courtesy of the venues, cloudfront.net