Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jul 30-Aug 5
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.
Monday, Jul 30
Meatless Monday
Start the week with a meal that's both healthy and good for the environment. Yes, Meatless Monday is picking up steam in the capital, with several of our favorite restaurants offering discounts and promotions at the beginning of every week. Click through to see what's on offer. Various locations
Tuesday, Jul 31
How to Stand Out in Your Next Job Interview
Thinking about making the jump and changing jobs? Despite having the potential skills necessary to flourish in a work setting, do you have what it takes to truly impress in an interview? As we know, this is the first step to securing your perfect job but it's not something we often practice for or know how to navigate successfully. Head to this English-language tutorial at the German Industry and Commerce for a rundown on how to develop your professional career. RMB 20. 6.30-9pm. German Industry and Commerce (GIC) Beijing
Wednesday, Aug 1
Honne
"Honne are the soundtrack to our digital romances, our urban love lives in the 21st century. Their smooth electronic-soul is a widescreen take on modern heartbreak and timeless heartache," describes gig promoter Split Works ahead of the British duo's gig at Tango this Wednesday. Expect gentle swaying, swooning, and crooning aplenty when the "re-inventors of baby-making music" hit the stage. RMB 320, RMB 280 (advance). 8.30pm. Tango 3F
Thursday, Aug 2
Xu Bing: Thought and Method
The master of made-up characters, writing systems, and symbols Xu Bing celebrates his most comprehensive institutional exhibition in Beijing, showing major works drawn from his artistic career since the 1980s, when he cemented himself as one of the most important figures in China's avant-garde scene. As described by UCCA, "While continuing to reflect on traditional East Asian culture, he has also proven a vigilant and farsighted observer of the transformations that are occurring in contemporary society on a global scale. Xu’s layered, interdisciplinary approach is evident in his artworks’ multifaceted depth, offering viewers numerous points from which to explore." RMB 60. Daily 10am-9pm (closed Mon). Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
Friday, Aug 3
DayDayUp Art Class: Watercolor Painting
Do something a little different this Friday and instead of picking up a pint, pick up a paintbrush and let your inner Bob Ross flow free. As part of Day Day Up's community events series, they're inviting anyone and all to join and try their hand at creating watercolor paintings, a form most suited to small landscape paintings for its ability "to produce lively and refreshing effects." RMB 30. 6.30-7.30pm. DayDayUp
Saturday, Aug 4
Beijing Improv Long-Form Performance
Touted as China’s oldest and largest Improvised theater organization, Beijing Improv get creative this Saturday with a dose of script-less, long-form improvisation whereby the audience suggest cues in which the actors must imagine up an extended scene à la Whose Line Is It Anyway? All proceeds will go to the local charity Hua Dan, which benefits migrant workers and children through the performance arts. RMB 85, RMB 75 (advance). 7.30-10pm The Bookworm
Sunday, Aug 5
The Emperor and the Lama: A Walk and Discussion at the Lama Temple and Confucian Temple
Get out and explore Beijing like you never have before with a walking tour by The Hutong around two of the capital's most historic and celebrated sites: the Lama and Confucian Temples. During the tour, you'll learn all about the Buddhist and Confucius underpinnings of Beijing rule up until the fall of the Qing dynasty and beyond as well as how "The historical connection between empire building and Buddhism in Tibet continues to have profound implications for the relationship between the government and the people of that region." RMB 300, RMB 260 (members). 1-4pm. Yonghegong Lama Temple
You can see these and all of this week's best happenings via our Events page here.
Photos courtesy of the organizers
