Busy Holiday: Stuff To Do Around Beijing Today, May 1
Happy Labor Day! Kick off the May holiday with some of these things to do around Beijing, perhaps with a jaunt out to Tongzhou for jazz, history, and maybe a bit of barbecue or other treats.
Taihu Jazz Festival
Back for its fifth year, the Taihu Jazz Festival is bringing over 200 musicians to the Taihu Stage Art Center in Tongzhou, with all kinds of styles and acts in store for the entire May holiday. Happening across seven stages, there will be everything from dance to jazz, film screenings, plus a food and arts market alongside the music.
The 5th Taihu Jazz Festival is happening from now until May 5 at the Taihu Stage Art Center. Tickets range from RMB 99 to 600 depending on the performance, and can be purchased via the QR code below.
The Taihu Stage Art Center 国家大剧院台湖舞美艺术中心
About 50 meters east of the intersection of Y605 and Taihu Xilu, Tongzhou District
通州区Y605与台湖西路交叉路口往东约50米
Grand Canal Museum
While you’re in Tongzhou, immerse yourself in one of the biggest waterworks projects in history at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum. The museum is one of the newest in Beijing, and provides various exhibits chronicling the canal’s creation along with its use in ancient and modern times. Entry to the museum is free with an ID.
The Beijing Grand Canal Museum 北京大运河博物馆
Hall 5, 1 Lyuxin Lu, Tongzhou District
通州区绿心路5号院
Hours: Tue-Sun, 10am-8pm
Contact: 010 8812 1227
Berry Beans “Coffee Tower”
If you’ve not gotten coffee at the jazz festival’s market – or if you’d like to have a bit before attending – the best place to do it is Berry Beans at Zhongtu Culture and Creative Park, where the coffee chain has converted a disused water tower into a spot for tasting flights of premium cold brew coffee.
Guests have the chance to try seven different coffee varieties, pick their favorite, and have it brewed to their liking. It’s by appointment only, so best to call in advance for openings. If there’s no space, Berry Beans has a more traditional brick-and-mortar shop in the same park with their full range of coffee and food.
Berry Beans (Xinhua Xijie branch)
Inside Zhongtu Cultural and Creative Park, South Gate, 15 Xinhua Xijie
通州区新华西街15号中图文创园区南门
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11.30am-7.30pm; Sat-Sun, 10.30am-7.30pm
Contact: 199 1015 8685
Burning Wood BBQ
For something of a more substantial meal prior to or after your jazz listening, there’s bona fide Texas barbecue right in the neighborhood. Opened in 2024, Burning Wood BBQ offers up everything from smoked brisket to beef ribs and pulled pork to handmade sausages. They’ve also got an expansive patio, which is great for sitting outside in the springtime.
Burning Wood BBQ 灼木熏房
2/F, Beitou City Central Green Vita Block, Tongzhou District
通州区北投城市绿心活力汇运动馆二层
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11am-9.30pm
Contact: 156 0023 0273
Bear Hugs the Earth
Burning Wood doesn’t offer much in the way of vegetarian or vegan options. Thankfully, though, there’s a nice spot in Tongzhou that fits the bill called Bear Hugs the Earth. This self-proclaimed vegan eatery offers a variety of takes on Chinese classics with faux meat as well as a selection of fine teas to go with their dishes.
Bear Hugs the Earth 熊抱大地 咖啡蔬食馆
108, Bldg 2, Courtyard 4 Guanyin'an Nanjie, Tongzhou District
通州区观音庵南街4号院2号楼108号
Hours: Daily, 10am-8pm
Contact: 182 1036 8117
READ: Fest Fever! A Few Festivals to Hit Up Over the May Holiday
Images: Uni You, Dianping, theBeijingers, courtesy of the venues
