Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Oct 23-29
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.
In the light of the ongoing Party Congress, the Beijinger is remaining strongly China-focused and tries to untangle the maze of culture, politics, and economics with only a short cultural breather for Monday night.
Monday, Oct 23
The Dawns Here Are Quiet
The National Centre for Performing Arts invites you to honor those who gave their lives for their countries during World War II with an opera commissioned in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the war's end. The spectacle of The Dawns Here Are Quiet is based on the Bori Lvvovich Vasilye's (of the former USSR) novel of the same title. It tells the story of five young female soldiers and their fight against invading German troops. While the setting is grim, the characters yearn for peace and love, which gives the opera both a historical as well as human perspective. 7pm. RMB 100-880. NCPA.
Tuesday, Oct 24
Design Thinking For the Change
As a part of the PKU MBA speaker series, Dr. Ricardo Altimira will attend the Guanghua Schol of management to discuss design thinking. While 'design thinking' may generally warrant an 'uh?' and sound like corporate mumbo-jumbo, it actually encompasses a combination of methodologies that have long been utilized to solve problems in the business world using a focus on generating new ideas in order to satisfy customers' needs. Dr. Altimira holds a Ph.D. from IE Business School, a master's degree from NYU, and a bachelor's from Harvard University. 7pm. Free (registration required). Bridge Café.
Wednesday, Oct 25
Lecture: How To Do Business in China?
The topic of how to do business in China seems to be a deep rabbit hole with a never-ending line of questions. Entering the Chinese market without an understanding of the local ethos can be a recipe for some bitter learning experiences (as well as a potential disaster for your business). In order to give some pointers, Beijing International Chinese College invites Professor Wenwei Lyu to talk about how to do business in China in the ever-changing global context. Dr. Lyu will compare Western and Chinese educational approaches, local business culture, and models for entering China's market. 12.30pm. Free. Beijing International Chinese College.
Thursday, Oct 26
China Outbound: Down but Not Out
The European Chamber of Commerce is tackling the questions of overseas investments in China. The three-hour talk and discussion will address the underlying reasons behind the 2017 outbound investment crackdown and what can be expected from investment in China in the near future. The speakers will cover and try to answer nagging questions about The Belt and Road Initiative, the direction of European Investments, as well as money exchange in Trump's America. 9am. RMB 600, RMB 300 (members). Four Seasons Hotel.
Friday, Oct 27
What's Next? Key Insights – 19th Party Congress Breakfast
Come Friday, the 19th Party Congress will be officially over and Beijingers can once again flood their favorite live music venues. For the big event not to be forgotten and dismissed without deciphering (it's slightly naive to think that would be possible) the outcome, decisions, and key insights made in The Great Hall of People will be mulled over by British Chamber of Commerce during this breakfast. Sip coffee and listen to (or pitch your own) opinions from the expert panel of speakers as they break down the conclusions of the Congress and present it in digestible human language. 7.30am. RMB 350, RMB 250 (members). Sofitel Wanda.
Saturday, Oct 28
Career Fair for International Students
Do something other than nurse a hangover this Saturday morning and instead find Internship and job opportunities with prestigious Chinese enterprises before you're even graduated at the Career Fair for International Students. Mummy and daddy would be so proud! Tickets for the fair can be picked up at the international office of your university or at the fair entrance. Bring your passport along to partake, and a few copies of your CV won't hurt either. Free. 10am-4pm. Peking University (Beida).
Sunday, Oct 29
A Photography, Storytelling, and Live Art Exhibition About Women and the Passing of Time
Meridian is a showcase of photography, live sculpture, storytelling, and dance to explore how women challenge, evade, and embrace the passing of time in their lives (see top image). Over their lifetime, women encounter many mixed messages about getting older: from the coming of age journeys of young women to the pressures to have children and get married to the feeling of needing to redefine yourself after your children grow up. This event will feature the stories and portraits of diverse women and make you rethink your own ideas about women and the passing of time. RMB 100. 2-5pm. 27 Yuan.
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Images courtesy of the event organizers
