Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jan 21-27

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, Jan 21

The Analects of Confucius Talk
A book that we've all heard of but very few have probably read, Confucius' Analects has been hugely influential in molding Chinese culture and the country's interaction with the rest of the world. Muyuan Liu, founder of the International Exchange Center for Confucius Studies, will explain the various moralistic themes of the book as well as its lasting influence over 2,000 years on. RMB 100 (includes a drink). 7.30pm. The Bookworm
 

Tuesday, Jan 22

Traditional Homemade Dumplings
There are only two weeks to go until CNY, which means, well, that you should probably be fasting. If you don't have a Chinese surrogate family to pamper you with unending food and fire water then why not do the next best things and treat your friends to homemade dumplings. This class at the hutong will teach you everything you need to know, from kneading the dough to preparing the fillings as well as the all-important rolling method. RMB 300. 7pm. The Hutong
 

Wednesday, Jan 23

Individual Income Tax Reform
What's all this news about the new tax policy in China? Beats us. Luckily, there are not one, but two talks this Wednesday from some smart people who do know what the hell is going on - what are the chances? Head over to the German Industry and Commerce Beijing for a lunchtime discussion (midday-1.3pm) or an evening presentation at WeWork (7-9pm) where you'll learn everything you need to know to keep your finances in order.
 

Thursday, Jan 24

US-China Trade Tension Update: What Progress Can be Made in 90 Days?
With a looming tariff increase from 10 percent on USD 200 billion worth of American products to a whopping 25 percent, the American Chamber of Commerce is asking what can be done to help resolve this ongoing battle between the world's two biggest economies. If nothing is settled within the agreed timeframe of 90 days of Jan 1, then things only look to get worse. In light of such, this discussion will focus on topics such as "What is the current trade conflict really about?" "Why is IP such a focus for the Trump administration?" as well as "What longer-term issues are American companies facing in China and how can those be resolved quickly?" RMB 550. 1-4pm. WeWork, Pacific Century Place
 

Friday, Jan 25

Joe Wong: One Man Standup Comedy Show
Arguably, scrap that, definitely China's most famous comedian, Joe Wong has built a career touring the States and China with family-friendly content that speaks to both cultures. It also helps that he's a loveable goofball. Wong has performed his act in front of such heavyweights as Ellen Degeneres (see above), David Letterman, and even Barack Obama. Join him this Friday with a special show and buffet at the Ritz Carlton. RMB 200. 7.30pm. The Ritz-Carlton
 

Saturday, Jan 26

Photo Exhibition: "The Last Ladies With Bound Feet"
Drop by Zarah this weekend, or any day for that matter, for their new exhibition by British photographer Cameron Hack. The Last Ladies With Bound Feet details the fruit of Hack's ongoing project to find a photograph every last remaining Chinese lady with bound feet. Once a fairly common practice, involving breaking the bones of the feet so that they could be curled into a point, some of these ladies have "suffered awful amounts," says Hack. Despite that, he captures them here long after their forced disfigurement, allowing them to detail the good and bad as their lives played out. Read our recent interview with Hack here. 9am. Till Mar 13, 9am-midnight. Zarah
 

Sunday, Jan 27

Hike: White River Ice Hike
Join Beijing Hikers on Sunday for a hike that zig-zags by a frozen river in Miyun District, northeast of Beijing. When you're not slipping and sliding on the ice, you'll have time to take in the surrounding scenery: the canyon and its overhanging cliffs. RMB 420. 8.30am. Beijing Hikers

Looking for even more events to do this week?
Absolutely everything you need can be found via our events page here.

Images: lifecoachcode.com, courtesy of the organizers