Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Jul 16-21
We take a break after the weekend, putting down our drinks to take a more productive look at what's going on around Beijing. Here is our top pick of this week's events that won't leave you hungover...
Tuesday, Jul 16
Chinese Culture Weekly Talks
Got a burning question you've always wanted to ask about Chinese culture but have never found the time to do it? This language and culture group meet weekly to discuss a different China-centric topic and give you the chance to practice your Chinese in the process. The group recommends that only those with HSK 3-level Chinese and up attend. Free. 8pm. The Bookworm
Wednesday, Jul 17
The King of Peking: Film Screening and Director Q&A
Set in 1990s Beijing, The King of Peking tells the heartwarming story of a Beijing projectionist who has the bright idea to pirate Hollywood movies in an attempt to make money and keep custody of his son. This screening is particularly special as Australian director Sam Voutas and producer Melanie Ansley will be in attendance and partake in a Q&A following the screening. RMB 60. 7pm. The Hutong
Thursday, Jul 18
Soul Market
Avant-garde and creative minds are invited to attend Soi Baochao's Soul Market this Thursday, where guqin player Wu Zeqi, guitarist Zheng Qiang, rocker Li Eryang, and Kazak guitarist Danek Nuerlan will come together to play and perform a night of "poetry, improvisation, rock and roll, and spontaneous acts." Free. 9pm. Soi Baochao
Friday, Jul 19
China Through Cinema
Want to go out but not go out-out this Friday? Culture Yard may have just the thing with their guided screening of the first film in Ning Ying's Beijing Trilogy, For Fun (找乐, 1993), which follows the life of Old Han, a cantakerous janitor at a Peking opera theater who, following retirement, bonds with fellow senior citizens over their shared love for the art form. The discussion will then head to Side Street afterward, should you want to stay out. RMB 50, RMB 25 (members). 7.45pm. Culture Yard
Saturday, Jul 20
Adventures With Picasso
As part of the ongoing Picasso exhibition at UCCA (read our review here), this performance by choreography duo I Could Never Be a Dancer and screening of Le Mystère Picasso (a still from which is pictured at top) and other Picasso-related documentaries seek to "introduce audiences to the life and work of the great artist in a variety of different formats." RMB 50-80. 1pm. UCCA
Sunday, Jul 21
Tour of Baiyangdian Scenic Area
Bridge School invites you on a tour of the Baiyangdian Lake, the largest lake on the North China Plain. Located by what is becoming the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei, the lake formed in 1517 when the Yang-cun River dike burst, causing nine rivers to flood the area simultaneously. Now, this expanse of water and reed-filled marshland includes 146 smaller lakes and is described as the "Venice of Hebei province," which we assume may be overselling it slightly. RMB 230. 7.30am-4pm. Bus leaves from Dongzhimen Subway Station, Exit C
There are plenty more fun, exciting, and, should you want them, boozy events in our Events section here.
Images: tiff.net, courtesy of the organizers, visiontimes.com
