Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Feb 12-17
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, Feb 12
Aikido Shinryukan
New year, new non-aggressive martial art skills to master! Aikido puts an emphasis on integrating body, mind, and spirit through techniques of self-defense. Under the instruction of Stefan Sklenka, a practitioner of aikido for more than 20 years, you will learn how to converse with your body in a way that emphasizes defense while also protecting the attacker from injury. Newcomers are welcome to attend and participate in three free trial classes or for RMB 150 a month otherwise. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 27 Yard or every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Haidian. RMB 300 (full membership), RMB 150 (limited membership)
Wednesday, Feb 13
Aphrodisiac Delights with Pauline’s Cuisine
If you're planning to pull out all the stops this Valentine's Day, why not do your significant other proud by at least whipping up a surprise dinner before you iQiyi and chill. Longtime chef and former beijingkids editor Pauline van Hasselt will elevate your usual go-to grub with her "Aphrodisiac Delights" cooking class, featuring a step-by-step course in cooking a four-course meal of caprese salad, roasted figs, seafood risotto, and chocolate mousse. You may not need iQiyi at all. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. Pauline's Cuisine, Lido
Thursday, Feb 14
Love: Intimate Art
Not so into the lovey-dovey foodie stuff happening around town this week? Well, Today Art Museum may have the antidote for you: an exhibition dedicated to works of art on that most elusive of emotions, love. The show includes works from big-name international artists like Yoko Ono, Marina Abramovic, Tracey Emin, and Yayoi Kusama (including the first mainland showing of the documentary Infinity; a screenshot from her exhibition Infinity Mirrors is pictured above) as well as local artists Wong Ping, Cheng Ran, and aaajiao. RMB 180. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Today Art Museum
Friday, Feb 15
Glades
The biggest international act to hit Beijing this week is the indie-pop trio Glades. These young Aussies have risen from being an electronic and guitar bedroom band to being signed by EMI, releasing their debut album To Love You late last year. Now they embark on their first Asian tour, including this stop in Beijing. Read our recent interview with the group here. RMB 150, RMB 120 (advance). 8.30pm. DDC
Saturday, Feb 16
Ning Feng and the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra
On Saturday, head to The Egg to catch one of China's best-known and revered violinists, Ning Fen (pictured above). Born in Chengdu but now based in Berlin, Ning has been praised for his "great lyricism and emotional transparency, displaying tremendous bravura and awe-inspiring technical accomplishment." He'll be orchestrated by Marin Alsop, the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize, and play alongside the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra. RMB 100-580. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA)
Sunday, Feb 17
Sunday Market
Riviera Country Club holds its monthly market this coming Sunday, packed with the usual mix of food, drink, fashion, and trinkets vendors. There'll also be a bouncy castle and numerous kid-friendly activities, all for free. Free. Midday-5pm. Beijing Riviera
Looking for even more things to do this week?
Absolutely everything you need can be found via our events page here.
Images: high.org, food52.com, courtesy of the organizers
