The Best Things to Do in Beijing This Labor Day Vacation
Sticking around Beijing this May vacation? Thank your stars that you don't have to deal with nightmarish traffic, and can instead enjoy the relative calm of the city, while also diving into some of these awesome events that are going on all week...
Monday, Apr 29
Learn To Swing Dance
Having trouble getting into the swing of things at the start of the week? This fun beginners dance class just might help. Every Monday night, join a group of swing-dancing, lindy-hopping jitterbugs and learn the basics of an American dance classic that began in Harlem in the 1920s and has since spread all over the world. At the very least, you'll learn a few moves to supplement your two-step shuffle for the next time you're at a wedding. RMB 30. 8-10pm. The Great Outdoors
Tuesday, Apr 30
Boiler Room Beijing
After a two year hiatus, the Boiler Room is back in Beijing! Lantern is going to boil over on Tuesday night, with an impressive roster that includes New York up-and-comer Volvox, seasoned Macedonian vet Tijana, and beloved domestic acts like L+R Wang Lu alongside guzheng player Yu Miao, Chengdu erhu-wielding DJ Temple Rat, resident Zhao Dai DJ (and co-founder) Zhiqi, and Shanghai’s DJ Doggy (AKA Mingyu Sheh). Don't miss this one. RMB 100. 10.30pm. Lantern
Wednesday, May 1
Hike: Great Wall Spur
Celebrate Labor Day by putting your legs to work on this day trip with the Beijing Hikers. This trip will visit a remote stretch of the Great Wall that was completed around 1580 AD, during the reign of Emperor Wan Li. Keep your fingers crossed for clear weather so you can enjoy the speccy views to the max, but be aware that due to Labor Day traffic, the group may be a little late getting back into town. RMB 420 (non members), RMB 380 (members). 8am onwards. Departs from Liangmaqiao subway area
Thursday, May 2
Skrillex at Sir Teen
What's going on this week? First Boiler Room, and now Skrillex is in town! It's going to be bang(arang)ing at Sir Teen on Thursday, May 2, when the world-famous DJ takes over the turntables. The American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer and DJ got his start with the band From First to Last before turning to EDM and dubstep and will be bringing it all home to us right here in Beijing for what promises to be an epic night. RMB 580. 9pm. Sir Teen
Friday, May 3
Sejin Bae Jazz Quartet
Sejin Bae Quartet is a recent project led by Korean Jazz Pianist Sejin Bae with some of the finest international musicians based in Beijing including Nathaniel Gao on sax, Wang Chenhuai on bass and Antonio Fusco on drums. Featuring original compositions, the project aims to let the musicians express their own individuality through solos and collective improvisation. Catch the quartet (who will be releasing their first album soon) at La Plantation. RMB 180 (adults), RMB 80 (students/children), 7.30-9pm. La Plantation Concert Hall
Saturday, May 4
The Centennial of the May Fourth Movement and the Birth of Modern Discussion: Lecture and Discussion
Been snoozing in history class? Why was the May Fourth Era so important? Why was it such an intellectual dynamic period? How did the May Fourth Demonstrations of 1919 change the intellectual climate and set the stages for the political divisions which would soon tear China apart? If you're a bit hazy on these points, then this event by The Hutong is for you. Writer, historian, storyteller and regular the Beijinger contributor Jeremiah Jenne will lead a special lecture and discussion in which you'll learn all about the intellectual revolution that began a century ago in Beijing and which would go on to play a major role in China' turbulent 20th century. RMB 60, RMB 40 for members. 2-3.30pm. The Hutong
Sunday, May 5
B-hopping at the Boers Li Gallery
If you haven't gotten to the Boers-Li Gallery exhibition 'B-Hopping*' yet, then this Sunday is a great time to do so. The exhibition, which opened on Apr 20, features works by an all-female group of artists including Michele Abeles, Pan Shuwang, Sun Yitian, Yuan Keru, and Amalia Ullman, whose work run the gamut of mediums. Expect paintings, photographs, sculptures, light-signage, video-installations, and live performances. The exhibition reconceptualizes the gallery space as a shopping mall, and takes a close look at gender and consumption in modern society. Free. 4-9pm. Boers-Li Gallery
READ: Beijing's Best Markets, Bazaars, and Fairs During May Day Holiday
Images: courtesy of event organizers
