July 2009

Agenda July 30th to August 12th

Anyone who lives in Beijing will be familiar with the sight of elderly couples dancing in parks and even on the street – notably at the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium – but eager dancers have plenty of options besides joining in with the old folks. Read about the variety of dance classes held regularly at bars and dance centers around Beijing in this issue’s cover feature.

Among the openings we cover in this issue’s Try These:
Prima Taste/Swensen’s
– Singaporean street food with a side order of burgers, fries and shakes;
Dongjing Fandian
– simple Chinese lunchtime sets at Jianwai Soho;
Peppes – the pizza remains, but they’ve beefed up the menu, redecorated and introduced new family-friendly facilities

In Spotlights: we talk to Tamarind (Beijing Marriott Northeast Hotel) chef Mangilal Kurly about cooking for the stars of Bollywood; Stumble Inn owner Shane Neill reflects on the bar’s first six months; Douglas Kobernick from Solaire Bistro talks fashion and food; and we talk to Commune by the Great Wall general manager Ulf Pauschardt about the luxury retreat.

Our Lists feature roundups of the best in Mediterranean dining, sports bars and Beijing temples. Last but not least, you’ll find 14 days of great events in our Day-by-Day event listings.

agenda is looking for interns with ideas and energy to contribute features and interviews. Some knowledge of Beijing’s dining and nightlife scenes is essential, and candidates should have previous experience in journalism/writing, be self-motivated and able to take initiative on the job. Excellent English speaking and writing skills are essential. Chinese language skills are a bonus, but not essential. E-mail your resume to iainshaw@agendabeijing.com

The Beijinger July 2009: Beijingers Bust Out

If you’re reading this, then you must not have seen the latest issue of the Beijinger. Had you seen it, you'd be well on your way adventure-ing.

Still reading, are ya? Then you might as well go pick yourself up a copy of the magazine and live vicariously through our cover feature writers, Shelley Jiang and Gabriel Monroe, who recently spent two months navigating the uncharted frontiers of China.

And they're about to do it again ...

But that's not to say there isn't plenty to explore right here in good ol' Beijing. In fact, there's mystery just about around every corner – or up a wall for that matter (rock climbing anyone? See Sports). Or you can let choreographer Yang Liping introduce you to his upcoming show, The Sound of Yunnan (Stage). Plus, we've got Beijing's Top 5 waterparks, beer gardens, cheese dives and ways to get a tan without going anywhere near a beach. But if you do like beaches – and you should, they're great – you can head to Taipei (see Citylite in Explore).

What else is in store for you in tbj's July issue? An interview with the well-traveled DJ Bodycode (Bars & Clubs), that's what, who'll be at White Rabbit on July 3. We also take you back your very first time, in Beijing, and show you how to party like a tourist (see PLA in B&C). Meanwhile, the Fashion Five-Oh break down the key to a clean getaway, while Beijing Eats gives you the lowdown on some of the city's best provincial restuarants.

Also, find out why Zhang Shouwang, the brilliant mind behind Carsick Cars, isn't a rock star, and which Beijing rock stars These Are Powers are MySpace buddies with (Music). Check out some of the latest teeny weeny sexy bikinis in Hot Buys (Style), 18 reasons why we still need superman (Art), the path to finding your Zen with hermit specialist/author Bill Porter, and – as always – all the latest shops, restaurants, bars and clubs opening up around town.