Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Nov 27-Dec 3

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, Nov 27

North Korean FIlmmaking 
So close and yet so far, which only makes us more curious and worked up. Even those who have visited North Korea (not that you can freely roam the streets there anyway) have no less of a dark curtain between them and the secrets of the Hermit Kingdom. British North Korea enthusiast Nicholas Bonner will shine some light on the North Korean film industry with his own behind-the-scenes experience. He has been making documentaries and travel shows in North Korea since 1996 and was even able to sneak in a full-length feature film. Tonight, he will be sharing his personal and professional anecdotes and also promises to reveal the photographs and clips from a never-before-seen documentary and feature film, Comrade Kim Goes Flying. 7.30pm. Free. Pop-Up Beijing.
 

Tuesday, Nov 28

Chinese Young Choreographers' Works
Dance shows are often frequented by those who dance themselves. This week, seasoned dancers can break up the monotony and those with two left feet can join together to celebrate the ways a human body can move within the framework of art. The National Centre for Performing Arts is hosting a festival of young Chinese choreographers' work. The event stretches throughout five days with a new performance on stage each day. This Tuesday, head to NCPA to explore the questions of youth and leisure as a tool to experience the present moment with a show comprising five parts, titled "Portfolio of the Slow and Hot." 7.30pm. RMB 120-240. NCPA.
 

Wednesday, Nov 29

How to Boost Your Business on Social Media
Social media is an invaluable tool in our hands to use for good or evil. We no longer hand out flyers with our company's name on them, sales calls are quickly hung up, and emails just go into a spam folder. While it all seems quite straightforward, the amount of content created and consumed online every day is enormous and standing straight and tall in that crowd may not be so breezy. The Israeli Chamber of Commerce is organizing an after-work event to make your passion project a source of enough income to pay your bills. Keynote speakers with more than 10 years of marketing experience will be able to answer your questions and give you tips to optimize the output and the presence of your business on social media. 6.15pm. RMB 120. Naked Hub.
 

Thursday, Nov 30

80 Years of Penguin Specials
You've maybe been drawn to the entire shelf of books that feature a similar style but different colors at The Bookworm. Those curious enough to pick one will know that the recognizable style is the trademark of prolific publishing house Penguin. Their branch in China selects and publishes China-related books, whether it's focused on culture, society, politics, or history. To commemorate 80 years of Penguin Specials, join editor Lena Petzke at The Bookworm to talk about the work Penguin China is doing and the areas they cover. Whichever field of China is your niche, it's likely you'll find a book on it with Penguin. 7.30pm. RMB 50. The Bookworm.
 

Friday, Dec 1

British Embassy Christmas Bazaar
Still have your Halloween costume thrown over a chair in the corner? Are Thanksgiving leftovers still taking up half of the space in your fridge? It's time to move on and make some space for the main event of the holiday season – Christmas. Whether you are heading back home or staying put to wheeze through winter in Beijing, there is a chance you'll need some presents. The British Embassy is organizing a feast with choirs, fish and chips (because that's traditional British Christmas food), mulled wine, and gift wrapping to fill you with Christmas cheer. 3pm. RMB 50 (registration required). The British Ambassador's Residence.
 

Saturday, Dec 2

Maovember Chili Pepper Contest
Maovember has up until this point been all about camaraderie, with a series of gatherings for friends and likeminded people giving back to communities in our adopted home of China. But now, things are heating up and getting competitive. Wake yourself up from a sleepy, dreamy autumn with a mouthful of burning hell fruit. While the list of competitors is already full, come and be thankful for the fact that you decided not to participate, while stuffing your face with spicy Indian food from an all-you-can-eat buffet. Once your belly is full, get some henna tattoos and shake said belly with trained belly dancers. 6pm. RMB 100 (includes buffet). Punjabi Restaurant.
 

Sunday, Dec 3

Handmade Leather Cardholder Workshop
Leather holds a noble place in the craft world and often seems like a craft best left to the pros. With the scary-looking tools and a real possibility of hurting yourself, having a professional to look over your shoulder and guide you through the process might be nice. Head to 798 for a workshop that will not only teach you what's in the books, but provide you with the necessary tools, materials, and know-how to make and bring home a cardholder. If it doesn't turn out as good as you expected, Christmas is the time of giving and hand-made gifts are the most heart-touching, no? 1pm. RMB 588. The Node, 798 Art District.

Images courtesy of the organizers