Events Watch: Beijing's Best Weekday Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jul 3-9

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, dinners and more.

Monday, July 3

Alcoholics Anonymous
What better way to start a dry week than by taking a minute to look back on your weekend and asking yourself if maybe you overdid it a little? AA creates a safe place to discuss your drinking habits no matter how big or small. As the organizers say, "If you want to drink, that's your business. If you want to stop, we can help." Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7.30-8.30pm. Free. Dongzhimen Terminal

Monday Night Swing
Join Hot Cat every Monday night for a beginners' level swing dance class that focuses on Lindy Hop and Charleston, a lively American dance that began in Harlem in the 1920s and has received renewed interest in recent years, especially in Los Angeles, California, and even here in Beijing. The class will focus on the basics of both styles with a moderate repertoire of moves for both dances. Partner is optional as we rotate leaders frequently. 8-10pm. RMB 20. Hot Cat Club

Tuesday, July 4

NYO-China Performance and Discussion on Music and Music Education in China
If you're not partaking in one of the many July 4 celebrations around town, head to this free English-language event that brings together major figures from Yale, NYO-China, and the Central Conservatory of Music for a discussion on the future of music education in China. China's upcoming generation of musicians promises to transform the landscape of classical music over the coming decades. What obstacles and opportunities will they encounter along the way? How might they serve as a bridge between China and the wider world? 6-8pm. Free (register here). IFC Building, Jianguomen
 

Wednesday, July 5

Walled Village to Huanghuacheng Great Wall hike
Head out of the city and hike the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing’s Huairou District, starting off on an unrestored stretch and following it over the hills to a restored section and then up, over, and down a mountain to finish at a countryside restaurant near a scenic reservoir. 8am-5.30pm. RMB 420, RMB 380 (members). Beijing Hikers
 

Thursday, July 6

Smart Home Salon
The Internet of Things has changed how we all live, giving rise to new trends in technology for homes, hotels, offices and schools. Join this Chinese-language industry salon and hear from Smart Home company CEOs, investors and makers on what attracts their users, development areas, pain points and how to find opportunities. 1.30-5pm. RMB 50 (register here). Taikoo Technology Incubator

Bootstrap Business Lecture: Learn About Opening a HK Company and Linking to a Mainland Business
A few years ago, opening a Hong Kong company was the easy alternative to opening a Mainland company. Recent legislative changes have made it harder than ever. But for mainland entrepreneurs, that doesn't mean the difficulties outweigh the benefits. Join Cultural Keys for their final Bootstrap Business Lecture to find out what you need to do to open your Hong Kong company, and how it can help your existing business in China.7-9pm. RMB 200. Sanlitun Soho

Friday, July 7

Building an AI Company from Nothing
Tak Lo, director of Techstars London, comes to Beijing to discuss the success behind his company, one of the pioneers of the startup accelerator movement. Lo has worked with over 50 companies from the Asian, European, and NYC startup communities. He has expierience in angel investing, founding, and mentoring startups, and comes to imbue some of his knowledge and experience to those looking to undertake similar tech-focused business ventures in China. 6.30-10pm. RMB 100, RMB 60 (advance). Naked Hub

Saturday, July 8

ICVS "Departing From China With Pets" Free Information Session
It is never too early to begin preparations for overseas travel with pets, even if you are unsure of your final departure date or destination country. Come join the experts from ICVS as they share step-by-step instructions on the newest exit process for 2017, microchipping, vaccinations, rabies antibody titre testing and other requirements to help you prepare for a smooth departure from China and an easy entry to your next destination country. 11am-12.30pm. Free. ICVS

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Images courtesy of the organizers, ytimg.com