Coming Up In July: Things to Do and See In Beijing next Month

We’re almost through the hump-month of the year, and we’re moving on to the midsummer. Some of you may be tempted to stay home and cling to your air conditioner, but fight that urge because there’s plenty going on in the month of July! Check out what’s happening below:

Exhibitions honor 20th and 21s Century Greats

Dali exhibit

Some of the most important surrealist artworks of the 20^th century are headed to Beijing’s Mocha Art Centre from Jul 10 – including the original The Persistence of Memory painting, also known as the Melting Clocks, along with up to 10 other Dali originals.

Given that very few of us are likely to be headed to New York this year, this is a great chance to catch a view of the Clocks while you can. Early bird tickets start from just RMB 89. Scan the QR code in the poster below to book.

Miyazaki exhibit

Moving into the current century, the creator of Spirited Away is having his work shown off next month at the Today Art Museum. Miyazaki and Ghibli's World, as the exhibition is called, launches earlier this month, but it’s running through the summer and into the fall, closing Oct 10. So, if you haven’t been in yet to see sketches and drafts from Miyazaki classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle, then don’t worry, there’s still time!

Tickets are RMB 98 on weekdays and RMB 128 on weekends. More information here.

Light shows at Olympic Park and other spots

In celebration of the anniversary of the CCP, several major spots around town, including Beijing’s Olympic Park, the Sailong International Cultural and Creative Park, Wangjing neighborhood, and Zhongguancun Neighborhood will be having light shows in addition to fireworks every night from now until Jul 4.

The shows last around eight to ten minutes, but unfortunately, official time schedules for most of the shows have not been released, so would-be spectators will have to stick around in the dark hours until the show starts – likely sometime around 8pm. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather if you plan on heading out, as showers may be expected this week.

Wolfwalker’s China Release

After picking up a handful of international awards, the celebrated animated film Wolfwalkers is getting a Mainland release, Jul 3, allowing us to catch this Irish folklore fantasy on the big screen.

The story follows Robyn Goodfellowe, living in Ireland at a time when wolves are seen as menace to local farmers. As such, Robyn’s father makes a profession out of hunting the wolves, and she fancies herself following in his footsteps – until she befriends a girl who turns out to be a wolf herself.

July 4^th events

Americans in Beijing will be looking to celebrate their Independence day. So far, the Murrica group has stepped up, holding a barbecue at Jing A Sanyuanqiao. Scan the QR code in the poster below to sign up. Tickets are RMB 268.

AmCham China will also be holding a celebration, with a barbecue the Lufthansa Center. Scan the QR code below for tickets, RMB 550 for adults and 250 for children.

Cocktails for a Cause Party

Our sister publication Jingkids International are going to be drinking for a good cause, Benefiting the Library Project on Jul 9. A donation of RMB 150 will land you freeflow drinks and bites at Xian Bar at EAST Beijing. Heck, that's a deal in itself, not to mention that it helps fill rural school libraries with books! 

There will also be prizes for attendees, provided by TRB, the Brickyard, and more. Scan the QR Code below to sign up. 

READ: These Water Parks Are Open To Help You Stay Cool This Summer

Images: The Irving Penn Foundation, Courtesy of the Organizers