Intimate Art Space and Venue Yichang Café Turns One With Courtyard Anniversary Bash, May 19

Finding your groove as a new business in Beijing can be tricky. Double that as a new business located in the fragile hutong ecosystem. Triple that if your business is live music, something that (despite the pessimists) this city is chock-full of. So when Elie Rosenberg, show booker at Yichang Café, says they ‘have a slightly better handle on things’ after one year in operation you know he’s being modest.

Over the course of last year, the cozy café space, located in the plum hutong area of Dengshikou and nestled in the larger 27 Yuan compound, has become a beacon for folk singers, experimental artists, cinephiles, and even game board enthusiasts. They celebrate their one-year anniversary this Saturday, May 19 from 1-6pm, with a music-filled afternoon featuring an array of DJs and musicians. 

As Rosenberg explains, "The space evolved a lot from our original intent which was to be a café by day, and a place for intimate acoustic music on weekends. We've learned to be creative within constraints, so I think we're turning into a bit of a spot for a broad community of people with a general interest in arts."

While live concerts are still held every weekend in the intimate space, hosting everyone from prominent Inner Mongolian singer Tulegur to electronic producer and composer Wen Liang, Yichang has also made room for theme-based film screenings on Sunday (their current theme: ‘Don't Give It to Me Straight! Time Twisters, Shifting Points-Of-View and Other Narrative Sleights of Hand’) as well as ‘a nascent board games group’ which gathers every Wednesday night. They also hold several punctual events every month, which included last week's celebration of Tagore's birthday held in collaboration with the embassy of India, and various masterclasses with visiting artists. 

For the occasion, Rosenberg promises a "very colorful and very chill" afternoon with great music throughout the day – with ADDJ and Boss Cuts spinning some prime cuts from their extensive catalog of soul and reggae tunes from 1pm to 4pm in the middle of the yard, with plenty of stands and activities surrounding them. And then from 4pm there will be live performances from DJ Wildwata and thruoutin in the main room.

It’s this all-encompassing approach – an openness and adaptability to folks of all ilk, that has made visiting the café on any given night or afternoon a delight. A sense of discovery, a sense of community, and a sense of commonality that has propelled the space into something that stands out from the rest. And with their plan to develop even more workshops and classes run by local artists, it’s clear Yichang Café’s spirit has only deepened since last May. Shine on we say.

Yichang Café
Daily 10am-7pm (later for events). 27 Neiwubu Jie, Dongcheng District (130 5113 5589)
朝阳区内务部街27号

Images courtesy of Elie Rosenberg