5 Things to Taste, Smell, Touch, Hear, and See, Apr 20-21
Beijing can be an overstimulating place to live, to say the least. Let’s be real: sometimes even our sixth sense (the one that tells you when that stick of chuan'r will make you sick for the next two days) gets a decent workout. With such a wide variety of events, restaurants, and gigs to attend, we suggest bathing each of your five senses in one, if not all, of the nourishing goings-on below.
Taste
Apr 20-21: Hot & Spicy Festival
Finally! China's greatest spicy food festival has arrived, and we hope you're hungry because over 40 food and drink vendors are preparing more spicy goods than you could reasonably handle. Besides the combustible comestibles, there will be dancing, exercising (with a chili twist), our Hot Chili Pepper Eating and Hottest Song Karaoke competitions, and much more. You can read all about the weekend's entertainment here, what drinks will be on offer here, and a run-down of what grub will be available here. RMB 35, RMB 25 (advance). Sat-Sun, 11am-8pm. Galaxy Soho, Chaoyangmen (click here for details on how to get there)
Smell
Apr 20-22: Gung Ho! Earth Day Festivities
We Beijing urbanites are all guilty of ordering too much plastic-riddled waimai, but this weekend is your chance to cleanse your sins by giving back to Mother Earth. That's because Gung Ho! has organized a series of environmentally friendly events, starting with a clean-up hike in the mountains, followed by a screening the 2016 documentary A Plastic Ocean on Sunday. Finally, they've prepared a gluttonous (though eco-friendly!) feast of mock meat to celebrate a successful and packed Earth Day weekend come Monday. Various times and locations
Touch
Apr 21: The Bookworm Earth Day fair
Earth Day is not necessarily about stopping consumption entirely, but learning how to do it consciously. To that end, The Bookworm is throwing this fair of all things green, handmade, unique, and delicious. Get your hands on face oils, tea blends, or homemade snacks – just remember to bring your own bag! Free. Midday-6pm.The Bookworm
Hear
Apr 20: Sexual Assault Awareness Event at Hatchery Arcade
As part of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Arcade organizes an event to shed light on sexual assault in the Chinese capital and further afield. By highlighting stories from the community, criminal cases from around the world, and discussing broader issues surrounding consent and sexual violence, the organizers look to break the stigma around misconduct and crimes of a sexual nature. Proceeds from the event all go to the Beijing Gender Health Education Institute (BGHEI). RMB 65. 6.30-10.30pm. Hatchery Arcade
See
Apr 21: Kung Fu Comedy presents Adam Alexander Hamilton
This Sunday, Adam Hamilton, star of just about the only tolerable foreigners-in-China skit channel Mama Huhu, graces The Bookworm with his solo stand-up show. Hamilton has also performed at clubs in New York, LA, and Shanghai and reportedly such travels have rendered him pretty chill and approachable, so be sure to chat him up after his set. 8pm. RMB 150, RMB 120 (advance). The Bookworm
READ: Easter Services in Beijing: Where to Celebrate This Weekend
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Email: tautviledaugelaite@thebeijinger.com
Images courtesy of the organizers, Unsplash, Kung Fu Comedy