过年How?: How Pink of Temple Bar Rocks Out During CNY

We quiz some long-term Beijingers on how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way. 过年 How, y'all?

If you're one of the few Beijingers stuck in the capital during the typically quiet Spring Festival break, there's no need to despair. Why envy friends who properly planned their CNY beach getaways, or who are feasting on homemade dishes with relatives in their hometowns? Instead, Temple Bar manager and co-founder Pink invites you to stop by the dive-y Gulou livehouse for what she calls a "sanctuary" from the 春节 blues. Below, the famed "leather-clad mistress of Beijing's music scene" tells us more about how she has a rockin' good time during CNY.    

What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year?
I usually spend CNY working at Temple Bar, as it's like a shelter for all the people still staying in Beijing over the holiday for whatever reasons.

What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that CNY is defined by?
It's very easy to overload on food and drinks during Spring Festival, as people are gathering and celebrate together all the time. I'd say just go with the flow. After all, it's a special period of the year where you can finally relax and enjoy.

How do you deflect awkward family questions?
By not seeing them!

When are you getting married?
It's not on my calendar.

Do you think this year’s New Year Gala will include: racism, sexism, ageism, or all of the above?
I don’t really care. I won't be watching it.

What do you predict the Year of the Pig holds for you?
Keep carrying on in life.

Read more about Pink, Temple Bar's Leather-Clad Mistress of Rock, here.

Photo: Kipp Whittaker