Events Watch: Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, May 1-6

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 etc.

Monday, May 1

Pussycat Dance Open Day
Pussycat Dance's open day is on May 1, when all dance classes are free. You can either book in advance by calling 188 0011 9314 or drop by on the day. Check here for a full schedule of classes. Free. 2.30-5pm. Pussycat Dance

Tuesday, May 2

Amcham China Clean Teach Forum 2017 Kickoff Event
The US-China Green Technology Research Institute (part of the US-China Green Fund) invites experts to share their insights on current market opportunities, challenges they face and the policies governing and supporting green technology. Zhu Wu, the President of the fund, and Jiafang Zhan, the Executive Director, will speak. RMB 90-600 (tickets here). 6-8.30pm. The American Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, May 3

Young Professionals Interchamber Spring Mixer
The American Chamber of Commerce in China, in conjunction with the German Chamber of Commerce in China, the Canada-China Youth Association, Interns in Beijing, Swedish Young Professionals, and the Association of Young Italians in China will co-host their quarterly interchamber networking event at Kokomo. Everyone is welcome. RMB 100 (includes two beers and finger food, get your ticket here). 6.30-9pm. Kokomo

Thursday, May 4

Cliff Inscriptions to Jiankou Great Wall Stretch HIking
​On this hike you will visit a part of the Great Wall which was built in Ming Dynasty, more than 500 years ago. You'll will start this hike at the Cliff Inscriptions Natural Park, and then head on a relatively easy hillside path to get to the Great Wall. The climb isn’t steep and it will take about 50 minutes. From there you will go east along the Great Wall. RMB 450. 8.30am-6pm Jiankou

Friday, May 5

Joe Woo Trio at the Living Room
The Joe Woo Trio appears Fridays at the Living Room. Featuring French vocalist Rani Geroult, Italy’s Simone Schirru on guitar, and Dan Callaghan, from Ireland, on bass, the group’s sweet vocals float on a cloud of classic jazz trio standards. Free. 8-10pm. Chao

Saturday, May 6

Imperialism, Opium, and Nationalism: A Walk and Discussion at the Summer Palace
The Old Summer Palace contain the ruins of Yuanmingyuan, one of a series of lavish imperial gardens destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Today the shattered pillars, stone foundations, and abandoned archways are a vivid reminder to visitors of the “Century of Humiliation” and the tragedy of imperialism in 19th-century China. The events of that century continue to play a role in shaping how China views the world today. A walk and discussion. 10am-1pm. RMB 300 (book here), RMB 260 (members of The Hutong). Old Summer Palace

Burbex: Atlas Obscura Scavenger Hunt 2017
Burbex invites urban explorers for a double scavenger hunt. Explore an abandoned People’s Liberation Army Hospital and a spooky Catholic School, both of which are supposed to be haunted. Wear dark clothes and be prepared to run around. USD 35 (register here). 11am-1.30pm. Anheqiao Subway Station

Smart Air DIY Workshop
Put together your own air filter, and learn more about how this DIY air filter works. Smart Air knows you don't have to spent thousands of RMB to create a safe space. RMB 200 (includes filter to take home, register here). 3-4pm. Xinhua Culture Mansion

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Photos courtesy of the organizers