Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jan 2-7
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.
Tuesday, Jan 2
Christopher Nolan movie night
Settle in and dedicate a winter evening to tension and mystery filled neo-noir from Christopher Nolan, the director of Dunkirk, Memento, and The Dark Knight trilogy. The now established auteur's 1998 debut, Following, is the story of a young unemployed writer who turns to strangers in the streets of London for a muse. Unfortunately he fails to maintain a professional distance and, before long, finds himself sucked into a world of crime. Tonight's screening is the first of three Tuesday showings that will be followed by Nolan's 2000 cult classic Memento on Jan 9 and his 2002 follow up Insomnia on Jan 16. 8pm. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). Mogu Space
Wednesday, Jan 3
Swing Nights
Swing, swing, and swing once more to burn those alcohol calories away! There's no better place for such dancing than Modernista. The checked floor will heat up every Wednesday with twisting, turning couples. While the bar is close by, it is certainly easier to be elegant and swift without a drink. 8.30pm. Free. Modernista
Thursday, Jan 4
Storytelling night
When was the last time you listened to strangers tell stories in a cozy little room? 4Corners has been hosting storytelling nights for as long as I can remember, and even if you go every week it will never be the same, thanks to the variety of tales told by those bold enough to step up to the mic. The topics are different every week and the microphone is free for whoever wants to regale the crowd. Best of all: with every story told you get a free drink. 9.30pm. Free. 4corners
Friday, Jan 5
Billy Branch at Yue Space
Chinese hip-hop was huge in 2017, and Gongti is still oozing with techno beats even as Latino rhythms have gone silent at Sanlitun's Migas. But what about the blues? The good, old, front porch blues. Thankfully harmonica master Billy Branch is coming to Beijing and he is carrying plenty of surprises up his sleeve. Having been on stage since the '70s, Billy has seen trends come and go, even as the blues always remained. Warm up your chilly Beijing evening with this portion piping hot of Chicago blues. 9pm. RMB 220, RMB 180 (advance). Yue Space
Saturday, Jan 6
Stand Up Comedy night
If the New Year blues are getting you down, pick yourself up with local talents cracking jokes on stage. Nothing is funnier than bits we can all relate to, which is where these talented stand up comedianss come into the picture. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to keep yourself warm and a handkerchief to wipe away the tears from busting a gut. 8pm. RMB 50. US-China Comedy Center
Sunday, Jan 7
Zine Party
Zai-n? Zeen? Zai-nee? It's time to figure out what a zine is (pronounced zeen) and why it's amazing. These little self-published limited edition magazines tackle and observe personal or local issues with great illustrations and other creative flourishes. The Great Outdoors is hosting a zine-making party, where the creative minds at Loreli will make a new issue in 24 hours. You will also be able to purchase other zines, that range from cute to offensive and hilarious. 5.30pm. Free. The Great Outdoors
Images courtesy of the organizers, La Bible Urbaine
