What's On in Beijing: July 2016

That's Beijing takes a look at the best of the month:

July 1-3: HOPS International Premium Beer Festival 

Beijing’s first-ever International Premium Beer Festival is just around the corner. HOPS is hosting the three-day festival, which will be held at the stunning MGM Beach (formerly Uper+) from July 1-3. There will be 80 types of premium global beers – from Belgium, Italy, Germany, England and more – to knock back on and enjoy during the event. And, of course, there will also be plenty of mouthwatering international foods on offer to pair with your beers. Check out our sneak peek into the food and beer vendors that will be at the festival here and here.

July 1-13: Chen Yu Fan

Artist Chen Yu Fan’s paintings and installation works are given room to breathe at the spacious Ginkgo Space. The exhibition is specially laid out, from upper and ground floors, taking the viewer on a cyclical journey of Chen’s creative state. Expect some deep revelations from the self-described Daoist and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist.

Through Jul 13, Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm; free; Ginkgo Space.

July 1-31: Picasso in China 

Check out the largest ever exhibition of Picasso in China, with 83 of his paintings alongside 84 photographs by Edward Quinn of Pablo’s life. The range here is extensive, featuring works from 1902 to 1969, and a cameo of Qi Baishi’s art, which is said to have influenced Mr. Picasso. The exhibition also has a ‘360 degree video’ to explain a bit more about the method behind the madness. 

Daily through Jul 31, 10-4pm; Riverside Museum

July 2: Kanye West Tribute 

We’re not entire sure what to expect from this ‘Visual Tribute’ to Kanye West. There will be a DJ, projected visuals and, according to the organizer, Beijing’s first chance to “visually experience this social phenomenon and vibe out to the booming bass and sonic sounds of The Life of Pablo.”

Sat Jul 2, 10pm-midnight (closes at 11pm); RMB50; Lantern, see event listing.

July 2: The Radio Dept. 

Swedish dream-pop outfit The Radio Dept. don’t tour often these days. In fact, in our recent interview they told us that this month’s show at Yugong Yishan would probably be “one of the only shows we will play this year” (aside from an upcoming gig in Mongolia, of course). Soe grateful Beijing – this is a rare thing. Expect some fuzz, some floaty synths, and a hearty dose of characteristically soft vocals from frontman Johan Duncanson. As for new songs? The band haven’t released a full-length album for six years, so maybe not. 

Sat July 2, 9pm; RMB200 (advance), RMB240 (door); Yugong Yishan, see event listing.

July 3-4: BBQ & Puppy Presidential Election

American or otherwise, all are welcome at The Local for its Independence Day weekend celebrations.  Kenn and the crew are putting on a two-day BBQ, meaning all the good old classics: burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, iced tea and lemonade with a side of “liberty” and “freedom.” Sweet, sweet freedom.

Plus: puppies. Considering it is a (human) presidential year in the US, there will be puppy presidential elections on both Jul 3 and 4. Open to all pups of all ages and origins, the election will be decided by public opinion. Prizes for the top dogs. Happy 4th of July indeed.

Sun Jul 3, Mon Jul 4, 4-9pm; The Local, see event listing. 

July 4: Jing-A x Dog House Kitchen Takeover 

What’s more American than hot dogs? Washing down hot dogs with beer. This July 4, the team at Jing-A is doing just that. The craft brewery is inviting craft hot dog-slingers Dog House for a kitchen takeover, where they’ll serve their off-beat flavors including the Sichuan Dog, Philly Dog, Mexican Dog and Chili Dog for RMB40 each. Jing-A, meanwhile, will provide the suds at special MiMa Monday prices. Follow jingabeer on WeChat for the password that unlocks beer deals. 

Mon Jul 4, 5pm-late; Jing-A , see event listing.

July 8-9: Waiting for Godot 

Wait no more for Samuel Beckett’s minimalist stage drama Waiting for Godot, thanks to The Deutsches Theater in Berlin (which is in Beijing, actually). The famous play features four actors, zero props or set, a large hole in the middle of everything and implications for the meaning of life. The Deutsches have been padding their resume for years, winning Theater heute’s “Theatre of the Year” in 2005 and 2008, and performing at Berlin’s prestigious Theatertreffen festival in 2010 and 2015. 

Jul 8-9, 7.30pm; RMB200-580; Drama Theatre of NCPA, see event listing. Tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com.

July 9: Jing-A x Hatchery Beijing Bikini 

Cool off this summer with Jing-A and Hatchery’s joint daytime party. Appropriately titled, “Beijing Bikini,” the outdoor party will feature a slip ‘n’ slide, live DJ and special beach and watermelon themed snacks, including Jing-A’s seasonal watermelon beer. There will also be limited free beers for those dressed according to the theme. We are getting thirsty just thinking about it.

Sat Jul 9, 1-6pm; free; Hatchery.

July 9: Sake Carnival 2016 

Beijing may be a beer city, but don’t forget we’ve got other booze, too – and lots of it. This year’s Sake Carnival is shaping up to be huge. You’ll have the opportunity to sample over 100 varieties of fine sake, brought over from Japan especially for the event, as well as talk with some of Japan’s more famous sake makers. Better yet, there will be traditional Japanese performances and finger foods. Who needs to fly to Tokyo? 

Sat Jul 9, 1-5pm; 21st Century Hotel. For more information or for tickets, visit any Sake Manzo location or call 6582 5967) 

July 10: Traditions & Transitions in the Hutongs

Take a more guided walk than you’re probably used to with the ‘Hutongs of Dongcheng,’ a tour about the changing dynamics affecting Beijing’s urban heart. The Hutong’s knowledgeable tour guide will explain why the alleyways grew as they did and the challenges of a rapidly developing China fitting into these traditional spaces. The tour also hits up the dope Drum Tower and Houhai area. 

Sun Jul 10, 1-4pm; RMB260 (RMB220 for The Hutong members); The Hutong.

Jul 11-Aug 29: Evening Chinese

Are you a ‘busy professional’ who wants to learn Chinese but are just too busy being a goddamn professional to find the time? If so, sign up for some evening Chinese classes at language specialists the Culture Yard. The classes offer learning in a small group environment for 2 hours, twice a week in the evening. By the end of the 8-week course you will be speaking Chinese like a pro, or at least will be able to have a chat with your office ayi.  

Beginners classes from Jul 11-Aug 29; Culture Yard, see event listing. Sign up online cultureyard.net. 

July 17: Retro-Future 

Record stores and labels, including Genjing and Fruity Shop, take over School Bar to sell records and gear at the first Retro-Future Music Fair. On stage, meanwhile, three bands represent the 70s, 80s and 90s (The Peppercorns, The Hotline, and Elenore, pictured, respectively). Don’t be fooled by the name, this is all about supporting local bands in the present day. Dress code is Future-Retro, and you can interpret that how you like.

Sun Jul 17, 3pm-late (bands start at 8pm); RMB50; School Bar.

Jul 21-24: The Jungle Book 

Rudyard Kipling’s tale of Mowgli, a boy raised in the wild by (mostly) lovable animals has been a children’s classic since its release 120 years ago. But if Hollywood’s recent live action film adaptation of The Jungle Book isn’t for you, the Chapterhouse Theatre’s version might still be.Since its premiere three years ago, The Jungle Book has toured the UK and Ireland twice. Ben Darlington returns as Mowgli, a role he starred in during the show’s inaugural run. Other Chapterhouse veterans Bryony Tebbutt, Hannah Douglas, Gareth Cary and Louise Mellor will also feature.

Jul 21-24, 7.30pm (2.30pm on Sun); RMB60-570; Nine Theater, Chaoyang District Culture Center.

July 22: Giving a Beat 

Violette & The Hunters head up the lineup for this special charity gig at Yugong Yishan. The show’s organizers hope to “connect good causes and good music” by giving 70 percent of the ticket sales, and all raffle proceeds to Bethel China, a charity helping blind children. 

Fri Jul 22, 8pm; RMB70 (early bird), RMB100 on the door; Yugong Yishan.

July 23: Weiqi/Go

The Sinology Institute is giving lessons in Weiqi/Go, the smart person version of checkers. They’ll show you the ropes, but intelligence is usually a prerequisite for actually being good at the game, so no guarantees there. It’s also free.

Sat Jul 23, 1-2pm; free; Sinology Institute. (RSVP by Jul 22, 6pm, via admissions@sinologyinstitute.com or 6400 0905)

July 23-24: Giselle 

The Guangzhou Ballet, led by ‘famous’ Zhang Dandan himself, is bringing Giselle to the capital. The company puts on traditional Chinese plays, like Lanhuahua, but they also like to dabble in Western works both modern and classical. Giselle is an example of the latter, a French oldie reworked for the Chinese audience. The troupe performs frequently across Europe, Asia and the US, so you may want to catch them while they’re here. 

Jul 23-24, 7.30pm; RMB60-480; Opera House of NCPA, see event listing. Tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com.

July 24: Cuandixia

Spend a day in Cuandixia, a picturesque mountain village that has remained largely untouched since the Ming dynasty. The centerpieces here are twin temples, one for a god and one for a goddess, with nice views of the whole village in all its gloriously dated architecture. You’ll get to hear from the village head why most of Cuandixia’s inhabitants have the same surname and how the village avoided destruction through thousands of years of political turnover and war. Overnight trips are also an option, which include a visit to the Wise Water Village the next morning. 

Sun Jul 24, 8am; RMB400; China Culture Center.