5 Things to Taste, Smell, Touch, Hear, and See, Jun 5-7
Beijing can be 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
Mulu Hutong’s All-You-Can-Eat Kopitiam Brunch
One of the most intimate and original brunches on this list, Mulu Hutong have updated their all-you-can-eat kopitiam brunch – a long-time Malaysian Chinese tradition – to include several new dishes. The menu chock-full of favorites such as their signature sarawak laksa, bakcho mee pok (flat noodles splashed with oil and topped with mincemeat), nasi lemak, kaya butter toast, and bubur cha cha (various fruit and sweet potato in coconut milk). The best part is, when you find a dish you're particularly fond of, you can just re-up to your heart's content. Additionally, check out all the best new summer brunches right here. RMB 168, add RMB 88 for free-flow beverages. 11am-2.30pm. Mulu Hutong
Smell
Jun 6: Silent Blind Date at Camera Stylo
In 1994, a Swiss zoologist named Claus Wedekind conducted an experiment to see if men and women could find their perfect partner based on olfactory introductions alone. The results were, shall we say, up to snuff. So! With that in mind, what better way to find your ideal match than to limit your vocal abilities, kick your nose into overdrive, and sniff out the love of your life through writing poetry and other means at Camera Stylo's Silent Blind Date. RMB 45. 7.30-10pm. Camera Stylo
Touch
Daily: Experience Pottery Workshop
Local potter, Lulu, is opening her studio near Yonghegong Lama Temple to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty, learn about the culture of pottery making, and walk home with a fully fired piece of their own. With five years of experience throwing clay in her home studio, Lulu can teach you how to make housewares like cups, plates, vases, and bowls, or something a bit cuter and more decorative like a cat, dog, or rabbit. Classes last about one hour and can be booked one day in advance by contacting Lulu directly via WeChat (ID: 18810880740). RMB 198. 10am-10pm. 64 Beixinqiao Santiao
Hear
Jun 6: SUBS at Jing-A
Drench your ears and guts in distortion and beers this Saturday as stalwarts of Beijing’s punk scene, SUBS, rip the lid off Jing-A’s Longfusi taproom. The show will kick off Jing-A’s Bie Nao series, which will see them team up with local bands to create beers that are as unique as China’s independent music scene. For this first installment, they'll have a limited edition candyfloss IPA called Boy Toy, named for SUBS frontwoman Kang Mao’s old venue. Space is limited due to standing coronavirus regulations, so it’s best to arrive early. Free. 4pm-late. Jing-A Longfusi Taproom
See
Jun 6-7: 77 Cultural and Creative Life Festival
Throughout the month of June, the folks behind Mazaar Bazaar will bring their artisanal market back to Meishuguan’s 77 Theatre. They'll have an eclectic mix of vendors hawking everything from handmade jewelry to leather goods and books to records, as well as a lineup of musical performances from the likes of Zhang Qianqian and Pegasus with Night Bass, an experiential drama workshop, and a screening of Li Xin’s short film Zhengyang Gate. Free. 11.30am-8pm. 77 Theatre
But wait, that’s not all...
Jun 6-7: Rumble in the Jumble at El Nido at The Other Place
Another staple of Beijing’s art market scene, Rumble in the Jumble, is heading up their first event of the year at their usual home in Beiluogu Xiang’s neighborhood bar, El Nido. Billed as a "hutong bazaar of epic proportions," the market will be a goldmine for anyone looking to stock up on new art, summer fashions, and baked goods. What’s more, there will be a fortune teller on-site, so you can find out what other madness 2020 has in store. Free. 12pm-6pm. El Nido at The Other Place
READ: Taikooli Selected as Ground Zero for Beijing's Nighttime Economy Push
Images courtesy of the organizers, Ian Dooley (via Unsplash), the Beijinger
