5 Things to Taste, Smell, Touch, Hear, and See, Oct 15-18

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

Oct 16-18: Big Bang Beer Market
If you can’t make it out to Jing-A’s 8x8 event this weekend, fear not, there’s still plenty of brews to be had at the Big Bang Beer Market, hosted by V.Vision and SOHO China in Sanlitun SOHO. Billed as an “exchange center for craft beer culture” and a “gathering place for international cuisine,” the event will feature more than 30 craft beer brands from around the globe alongside staples of the city’s diverse dining scene such as QMex, Home Plate, and Plan B, set against a backdrop of scorching tunes thanks to DJ CAD73, DJ Yauma, and more. Free. 10am-9pm. Sanlitun SOHO

Smell

Oct 15: Pyro Pizza's Beer Pong Tournament
Remember waking up to the pungent stench of stale beer and a table covered in sticky suds after a debaucherous night of drinking games? Well, now that Beer Pong is back at Pyro Pizza, you can enjoy all the fun without any of the ghastly aroma or cringey cleanup – though you may still awaken with that familiar headache. Sign-ups begin at 8pm and cost RMB 40 per team, with bracket winners taking home an RMB 300 voucher for food, drinks, or entire bottle at Pyro. And rest assured, the game is germ-averse, as each “beer” cup will be filled with water, and side beers will be used for drinking. RMB 40. 8pm-Late. Pyro Pizza

Touch

Oct 16: Swing Connect Dance Party
Reach back to a simpler time and grab hold of your sweetheart, cause Beijing Foodies and Apple Jack Studio are back with another installment of their Swing Connect dance party. With more than 70 hip shakers and toe tappers in attendance during the last event, it’s a great way to connect with old and new friends, all while learning the finer points of swing dancing. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.  RMB 78-158. 7.30pm-Late. 七星岛 8 号 Club (东大桥路尚都 SOHO 北塔西北角临街)

Hear

Oct 17: Haunted Walking Tour
Like a departed soul stuck in purgatory, we’re currently trapped between Gui Yue and Halloween, which means Beijing’s most mischievous spirits are feeling restless and ready to haunt anyone who dares to cross their path. If you’re the type of person who likes to tempt fate and tease the supernatural, then join Bizarre Beijing on their Haunted Walking Tour. Wind through the city’s desolate hutongs as you make your way to such iconic and spooky sites as the Caishikou Execution Grounds and Chinese Opera Guild Hall. To book your spot email info@bizarrebeijing.com. RMB 280. 6.30-9pm. Tour starts at Xuanwumen Catholic Church.

See 

Oct 15: Mudbound Film Screening
Women in Media China and Nova Universal have teamed up to bring you a very special screening of Mudbound at Cinker Pictures in Sanlitun Taikooli. Mudbound is a tale about two women, one black and one white, who find themselves on a Mississippi farm after World War II, where they’re forced to confront the country’s abiding racism – despite post-war national unity – and the difficulties of adjusting to life during peace-time. More than just a harrowing tale of resilience and friendship, the Netflix production netted two Academy Awards, one for director Dee Rees who won Best Original Adaptation and the other for Rachel Morrison, who took home Best Cinematography, marking the first time women had been nominated, let alone won, in these two categories. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. RMB 200. 6-10pm. Cinker Pictures 

READ: Win Tickets: Nugget Records to Host Cassette Store Day Weekend Celebration, Oct 16-18

Images: courtesy of the organizers, Nadine Shaabana (via Unsplash), Stefano Pollio (via Unsplash), Netflix