TGIF: Spring Traditions Party, Haunted Walking Tour, Tea Tasting, Freaks of Beijing Comedy Tour
The weekend is here! Time for fun, relaxation, and recharging the ol' batteries ahead of *gulp* Monday morning's alarm clock. Luckily enough, there’s plenty of fun stuff to keep you occupied over the weekend that doesn't necessarily involve getting blitzed. Our weekend roundup offers you some of the best.
Apr 3: East & West spring traditions party
Black Sesame Kitchen invites you and your family to a fun gathering in celebration of spring's arrival, with an event that celebrates the traditions of Spring Equinox, Norwuz, Easter, and more. Come for crafts, lunch, and baking in their beautiful courtyard, just steps away from the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. RMB 298 (one adult and one child), RMB 149 per additional adult. 11am-2pm. Black Sesame Kitchen
Apr 3: Spittoon Literary Magazine Issue 7 launch party
Celebrate the release of the seventh issue of Spittoon Literary Magazine, one of the leading publications of Chinese literature in translation. There will be readings by the acclaimed novelist A Yi and award-winning writer Wen Zhen, a discussion of Chinese literature and consumerism, live art, a performance by New Age of Decay, and more. Before the event (or after, that's cool too) check out our interview with co-editors Xiao Yue Shan and Zuo Fei! RMB 80, RMB 60 (advance). 3-5pm. Aotu Space
Apr 3: Haunted walking tour through the old execution grounds
Join Bizarre Beijing for a spooky walking tour around Caishikou, formerly Beijing's execution grounds. You'll begin at Xuanwumen before embarking on a tour through the hutongs that finishes up at a haunted Chinese opera guildhall. Each participant will be given “Hell money” for the benefit of the wandering spirits as well as scrolls to protect from possible jiangshi (Chinese Zombie) attacks! RMB 280. 6.30-9pm. Xuanwumen
Apr 3/4: Freaks of Beijing comedy tour
Comedy Club China presents the Freaks of Beijing Weekend Comedy Tour, celebrating the darker side of stand-up comedy with some of Beijing's most eccentric comedians. Hosted by Edson OOOyeah and featuring the likes of Kei Gambit, Carl Rappa, Sarah Qiao, Donnie Fan, and Justin N. Catch them at Haidian Noir Cafe on Friday or Così Così on Saturday (Sunday's show is sold out.) Find ticketing info here. RMB 135 (with drink). 9-11pm.
Apr 4: Chinese tea tasting and brewing
Love Chinese tea but don’t know the difference between the types? Not sure where to start and which tea is most suitable to drink? During this event, you will be introduced to six Chinese traditional teas cultivated and prepared in different styles from various Chinese regions. RMB 260. 2.30pm. The Hutong
Apr 4: History of the Hutong walking tour
Beijing's various hutong neighborhoods are some of its most iconic, but who built these charming maze-like neighbourhoods? “History of the Hutong” is the history of Beijing told through the hutongs. During this tour, you will take on more than 2,000 years of history, using a huge floor map of Beijing, old antique depictions of the city, and other related archival material to penetrate deep in to the urban maze of old Beijing in search of answers. RMB 300. 2-4.30pm. Beijing Postcards
Images: AJ (via Unsplash), Nicole Corbin (via Unsplash), Bizarre Beijing, Tim Mossholder (via Unsplash), Arseniy Kapran (via Unsplash), Beijing Postcards
