What's On in Beijing: November 2016

By That's Beijing, November 2, 2016

0 0

Nov 6: Paddy O Sightseeing Club   

Get out and about with Paddy O Sightseeing Club’s autumn ‘Walk and Talk Program.’  The enthusiastic team has organized a great November line up, including a Midnight in Peking Murder Mystery walk on November 6, based on Midnight in Peking – a novel by Paul French about the murder of Pamela Werner in 1937. Become a detective for a day as you sleuth around all the places Werner visited on her last day. There will be a 1937 documentary screening about Beijing at Paddy’s afterwards as well as a video of Paul French explaining his research and writing process. Includes a specially priced Paddy’s late lunch and drink special.

Sun Nov 6, 12pm; RMB100; meet at Beijing Railway Station subway, exit B  在北京站地铁B口 见面 (for more information add 135 2237 7412 on WeChat)

Nov 6-7: TRB Bites Kitchen Takeover by Blend  

The Buysse brothers of the Netherlands are perfectly balanced – one has a knack for cooking, and the other a passion for fine beverages. Hendrik has worked in fine-dining establishments from the Netherlands to Paris to San Francisco, and Kamiel has made a name for himself in the world of mixology while managing several popular clubs. So the brothers joined forces and created Blend, a hospitality consultancy specializing in fine dining, and TRB Bites have invited them to take over their kitchen by the Forbidden City. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal with drinking pairings.

Nov 6-7; RMB680 for five courses and drink pairings. TRB Bites, see event listing

Nov 8: Presidential Pub Quiz   

Do you know your Obama from your Bush (we should hope so)? Is Checkers the name of a game or something else completely? If these questions have got you frothing at the mouth, get your nerdy ass down to Home Plate BBQ Sanlitun for their Presidential Pub Quiz. Strictly US presidents, mind, and just in time for the 2016 US election result (there will even be one full round of Hillary/Trump questions). 

Tue Nov 8, 9pm; Home Plate BBQ (See event listing, limited spots available, sign up at Home Plate Sanlitun)

Nov 9: US Presidential Election Results   

After one of the most bizarre US presidential election cycles ever, it’s finally the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the US presidential election results. Watch it live at The Local. It’s early, sure, but witnessing the first female president win will be worth it, and the bar will keep you refreshed.

Wed Nov 9, from 6am; The Local, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区 工体北路4号院 (6591 9525)

Nov 11: Speed Dating on Draft  

This Singles’ Day the folks at Jing-A and The Big Smoke offering an alternative activity to the usual buying-cheap-crap-on-Tmall: six rounds of speed dating and drinking. We know: awkward small talk with six strangers who may be DTF – does it get any better than this? Yes, yes it does, because six Jing-A beers accompany the six rounds. Each round lasts for seven minutes or until someone finishes their beer. So, get chuggin’ – or don’t, if you’re seriously digging the person opposite you.

Fri Nov 11, 7-9pm; RMB50 (ladies), RMB100 (lads); The Big Smoke, Lee World Building, 57 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区幸福村中路57号楼利世楼 (6416 2683, email emmy@jingabrewing.com to register)

Nov 12: Xiao Yue  

Independent sing-songwriter Xiao Yue stops off at Yugong Yishan as part of his 18-date China tour. Expect plenty of harmonica and sing-alongs (if you know the words).

Sat Nov 12, 8.30pm; RMB100 (presale), RMB120 (door); Yugong Yishan.

Nov 17: Shing02  

You might know Shing02 from his collaborations with the late, great king of Japanese hip-hop, Nujabes. You might know him from the soundtrack for anime cult favorite, Samurai Champloo. Or maybe you may know this Japanese-American rapper for addressing hard-hitting social topics with his own brand of feel-good hip-hop. No? Well, you’re obviously not into Japanese hip-hop. You should be; some of it’s pretty dope (and Shing02 often raps in English, so you’ll catch some of his lyrics, even if you don’t speak Japanese). 

Thu Nov 17, 9pm; RMB100 (presale), RMB150 (door); Yugong Yishan.

Nov 11: Jochen Miller  

The globetrotting electro house, progressive and trance DJ is coming to China. Here’s a vastly shortened version of our interview: Dogs or cats? “I am definitely a dog person.” If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be? “Chris Martin from Coldplay and Sia are on my bucket list, they are both so inhumanly talented in their writing and singing.” If you had to make another genre of music, what would it be? “I like so many styles of music! But I guess then I would choose to make rock/pop music.” Thanks Jochen. Read the full interview online at www.thatsmags.com/beijing

Fri Nov 11, 10pm; tickets from RMB100, Elements.

Nov 11: Swindle  

Beijing party crew Street Kids come through with one of their most exciting bookings to date – funky bass god Swindle. The DJ and producer arrives just months after the release of his outstanding Funk & Grime EP which, as the name suggests, fuses funk and grime to spectacular effect. Expect a healthy dose of bass, sure. But we also suspect that there are going to be some feel-good vibes at Migas for this one. And yes, It’s a complete coincidence that he’s in Beijing in the same month as his label’s bosses, Elijah and Skilliam (see page 30).

Fri Nov 11, 10pm; RMB60 (presale), RMB80 (door), The Bar at Migas, see event listing

Nov 12: German Ball 2016   

Kicking off ball season is the German Chamber of Commerce with its German Ball, the biggest social event for the German community in Beijing. How German. The 16th German Ball will pay homage to the art-infused capital, Berlin, and will be full of eating and dancing, accompanied by a great live band and show acts.

Sat Nov 12, 6pm; Kempinski Hotel Beijing, Lufthansa Center, (contact chen.sarah@bj.china.ahk.de, 6539 6663 for more information)

Nov 17-18: The Taming of the Shrew 

William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is one of the playwright’s most famous and beloved comedies. Classic themes of love, sisterhood and the battle of the sexes all come into play. It’s funny and fast-paced; TNT Theatre Britain brings the laughs while additional live music adds to the whimsy.  

Thu Nov 17-Fri Nov 18, 7.30pm; RMB120-380; TNT Theatre, 17 Jintai Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区金台路17号 朝阳区文化馆 (6835 1383, tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com)

Nov 18-20: ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating  

Figure skating is becoming more and more popular in China for its beautiful dances, technique and overall spectacle. One of the highest-level figure skating series in the world, the Cup of China ISU Grand Prix will enthrall and entice. Competitors include dancers from all around the world, competing in mens, ladies and pairs. 

Fri Nov 18-Sun Nov 20; 3pm (Nov 18), 2.30pm (Nov 19-20); RMB120-680; Capital Gymnasium, 54 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian 海淀区白石桥路54号 首都体育馆 (tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com)

Nov 19-20: Paul Taylor Dance Company   

As part of the NCPA Dance Festival 2016, Paul Taylor Dance Company will present six modern dance programs over two days. The renowned company will perform a dance by Martha Graham for the first time — Diversion of Angels (1948) — plus other classics.  Be inspired by “one of the world’s most exquisite ensembles.”

Sat Nov 19-Sun Nov 20, 7.30pm; RMB100-580; Drama Theatre of the NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Ave, Xicheng 西城区长安街2号国家大剧院 (tickets available via sales@theatrebeijing.com)

Nov 24: Eagulls

English five-piece Eagulls (yep, like Seagulls without the ‘s,’ but also, like, eagles) are coming to China. And get this: Bassist Tom Kelly’s dad wears a trench coat and quit his job to design manga (he’s a goth). True story. With the trivia out of the way, we should probably tell you something about the band’s angst-ridden brand of indie rock. But that’s what Spotify is for. Or QQ Music if you’re that way inclined. Check out new album Ullages for a taste of what to expect. Support comes from local psych-punk trio Lonely Leary.

Thu Nov 24, 9pm; RMB100 (presale), RMB120 (door); MAO Livehouse, 111 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街111号

Nov 24: Thanksgiving Dinner 

You’ve been dreaming about it for months – turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pie. It’s Thanksgiving, and you’re hungry. Our pick of the capital’s varied Thanksgiving feasts is Traitor Zhou’s at Jing-A Taproom. The Zhou’s crew will be serving a Cajun-inspired meal that will warm you up and fill you up, and Jing-A will provide pumpkin ale to get you in the spirit. 

Thu Nov 24, 6pm and 8pm seatings; Jing-A Taproom and Okra (see Listings for details, for reservations call Jing-A at 6501 8883 or Okra at 6593 5087)

Nov 26: Rødhåd  

If you know German techno, you’ll know that Berghain is Berlin’s coolest techno club. And given that Rødhåd has been playing there regularly since 2010, he is – by extension – one of the coolest DJs in Berlin. Ten points if you can tell us how the ø and å change the pronunciation of his name.

Sat Nov 26; Tickets TBD; Lantern.

Nov 26: The Beijing Flea Market: Holiday Edition  

One of the city’s best markets is back – just in time for Christmas. If you’re looking for vintage threads, cool arts-and-crafts from local designers and tasty food and drink, head down to The Bookworm and Pop-Up Beijing (yes, both – they’re basically next door to each other) to get your fill. Or, if you’re feeling generous, to fill up your loved one’s Xmas stocking. With stalls upon stalls of unique homemade goods, the Beijing Flea Market is a great place to pick up a thoughtful present. Add beijingfleamarket on WeChat for updates ahead of the event.

Sat Nov 26, 12-6pm; The Bookworm and Pop-Up Beijing, 4 Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang朝阳区三里屯南路4号 

Nov 27: Tai Chi Fan 

Channel your inner essence with a fan dance lesson at That’s Mandarin. Characterized by smooth, elegant movements, the fan dance is a beautiful way to practice flexibility and strength. In China the traditional dance is usually performed in groups, so it’s also a social activity.

Sun Nov 27, 3-5pm; RMB100; That’s Mandarin, 1/F, Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie Dongcheng 东城区新中街新中园写字楼B座1层

Through Feb 5: ‘Hidden Surface’

Renowned Korean artist Kiwon Park takes over Galleria Continua Beijing with a range of installations focusing on light and color. Park is inspired by space and the interaction between artwork, the area it is presented in and the audience. Park’s site-specific installation Thickness occupies the entire main space of the gallery. Covered in corrugated cardboard, including all walls and floors, it is a perplexing sight. Meanwhile the upper floors of the gallery host a group of paintings, collectively titled Width. It is the first time Park has exhibited in China so be sure not to miss this special opportunity to view the artist’s work in person. In Park’s own words: “I intend for the audience to get relaxed just like when taking a nap on grass. I take the lead for them to spontaneously reach the boundary between reality and unreality.”

Through Feb 5, Tue-Sun 11am-6pm; Galleria Continua Beijing, see event listing


Have an event to list? Head here to list your upcoming event. We’ll choose the best new additions to feature on next week’s edition of ‘What's On in Beijing.   

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsBeijing for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Beijing With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Beijing!

Visit the archives