5 Things to Taste, Smell, Touch, Hear, and See This Weekend
Beijing can be overstimulating, to say the least. Let’s be real: Sometimes even our sixth sense gets a decent workout, the one where you know that stick of chuan'r will get you sick for the next two days (but you gobble it up anyway). 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
Baozza
What does a champion taste like? To find out, track down Baozza, the freshest king in town. Think if street baozi had an affair with pizza, Baozza is their love child and it's divine. As the word on the street goes: "The concept that every foreigner has probably thought about," it's an all-around satisfying bundle of joy. Baozza has just won the Beijinger's crown of the Best Alternative Pizza so grab them while they're hot. Or while they are frozen, since the company has just announced the release of frozen Baozza buns that you can pop in the oven yourself.
Smell
Eco and More
Beijingers often struggle with finding soap and shampoo that will not pollute the water or turn their hair into a science lab full of harmful chemicals. Known by few but loved by many, Eco and More is a pioneering Chinese-made brand making waves in the world of natural products. The Shanghai-based company uses organic components and does not test on animals, which is a rare find in China. Surround yourself with the aromas of lavender, rosemary, or lemongrass, and fend off the drying effects of Beijing's air. Find them on Tmall.
Touch
Spittoon Magazine Launch
Does the Spittoon team ever sleep? Apparently not if the avalanche of events they host and organize and the side projects each member seems to be juggling is anything to go by. In addition to their printed magazine, the collective has recently rejigged their regular poetry and fiction reading nights, adding a slam poetry competition to the mix. This Saturday, come and celebrate the launch of the third issue of Spittoon Literary Magazine with fellow word-lovers. Nothing beats the feel of the freshly printed word, be it books or magazines alike, and here's your chance to get your hands on a glossy new copy. Check out our chat with Spittoon's Matt, Steve, and Simon about their ambitious goals before the big night approaches. Jan 13, 8pm. Free. The Great Outdoors.
Hear
Foster the People
What happened to those kids with the pumped up kicks? This is your chance to find out, as Foster the People, the group behind that 2011 mega-hit, come to Beijing. Expect strong indie vibes, dance-evoking rhythms, synth blends, and a sprinkle of nostalgia when the LA trio hit the stage. Beijing's live music scene has been glowing with fresh energy lately and that excitement looks to continue into 2018. Jan 14, 8:30. RMB 480-680. Tango 3F
See
Beijing Bicycle
This film by Sixth Generation Chinese director Wang Xiaoshuai tells an evergreen story about a country boy, Guei, trying to make it in the big city. Guei soon finds a job as a bicycle messenger, only to encounter further obstacles and challenges. Described as an "artful, yet depressing film," and winner of the Berlin International Film Fest Jury Grand Prix in 2001, it's exactly the kind of thing to sink into on a chilly Sunday evening. Sunday, 5pm. Free. Yichang Café
Images: Scenewave, Pyramide films, Chuchumingming, Film Press Plus, courtesy of the venues
