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Trivia -Back to top-
 Congrats to Derek Tanner who answered correctly the question: The Official Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem has appeared in some weird and wonderful incarnations recently, which of the following 'interpretations' of the emblem is fictional? The correct answer was B: Formed by the patterned parking of 214 QQ cars in a parking lot in Guangzhou Derek won two bags of coffee, courtesy of Arabica Roasters Coffee.This Week's Trivia Challenge This week Olympic lanes for the exclusive use of Olympic vehicles will be policed on major thoroughfares throughout the capital. How much will drivers without Olympic credentials be fined if they are caught driving on the Olympic lanes?
the Beijinger's Bar of the Week -Back to top-
 Super Bar Street is evolving into the drunken gamer’s headquarters. Escape has that old school arcade machine, and 5:19 used to host those video game tournaments on their projector. Now Cylinder, which takes its name from the shape of the edifice it inhabits, joins the club with a hefty game chest that holds Monopoly, Scrabble, Mastermind, and Jenga (boozy Jenga = good idea) as well as classics like checkers, chess, and backgammon. There’s even a Twister board in there, with the space to set it up on the second level (boozy Twister = great idea). A huge projector played sports during my visit, and in the future may host a Wii. Other future plans include drinking-game parties (one of the owners is a big fan of flip cup and beer pong) or movie nights. An old-fashioned rock-and-roll soundtrack and a woodsy interior contribute to the tavern vibe, but a rooftop terrace and a lakeside patio provide a serene alternative to the bustle indoors. Cylinder’s drink menu offers standards like Carlsberg on tap (RMB 25), and bottles of Boddingtons and Newcastle Brown Ale (RMB 40). A sampler 151 shots (RMB 30 each) proved to be very real alcohol. Even teetotalers can enjoy this venue with a handful of virgin cocktails (RMB 30). However, pursuant to my duties as your Nightlife Editor, I feel obliged to remind you that virgin cocktails = dumb idea. Cylinder Daily 1.30pm-late. Nüren Jie Super Bar Street 20D, Chaoyang District. (6468 2388) 朝阳区女人街星吧路12A号 Search for more Beijing bars by name in our online directory of venues the Beijinger's Restaurant of the Week -Back to top-
 It's Austin Powers time at Bobo, with its mish-mash retro decor and staff dressed in kitschy sailor outfits. The menu is composed primarily of serviceable Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes. We started with a delicious version of the classic Taiwanese dish, sanbeiji (RMB 42) – chicken braised with basil – subtly sweet and garlicky. A tasty Taiwanese-style rice noodles (RMB 25) with bean sprouts and scallions came next, its clean flavor was a good antidote to the sanbeiji. The recommended fried shrimp balls (RMB 58) were a tad overpriced, and would perhaps be better suited to a light dim sum meal. Nothing ends a Taiwanese meal better than a shaved ice, and the towering mango shaved ice with condensed milk, watermelon, and kiwi (RMB 30) cleansed the palate with its sweet flavors. The slow 15-minute waiting interval between each dish was the only hiccup in the meal. Due to its location in the Gongti club district and late opening hours, Bobo will attract worn-out clubbers looking for grub after all-night partying. Bobo Daily 11–5am. 3/F, Coco Club, 8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District (6551 8637) 情调餐厅, 朝阳区工体西路8号Coco酒吧三楼 Search for more Beijing restaurants by name in our online directory of venues The Beijinger Podcast -Back to top-
 Editors from Beijing’s biggest English magazine give you the lowdown on the best events going on in the capital this weekend. Best of the the Beijinger blog-Back to top-
 An impressive fireworks display lit up the Bird's Nest last night. The fireworks offer up yet another clue as to what the opening ceremony is going to involve.  Two weeks after the opening of the world's largest Adidas store at the Village in Sanlitun, China's first official Apple store is set to open in the same development. The store, which is split over two floors, will officially open at 10am this coming Saturday, July 19.  All three of the new subway lines (phase one of line 10, the Olympic line and the Airport Express or ABC) will open before July 20 - the day on which the city's odd-even car restrictions, as well as a series of other major security and air quality provisions, come into effect. the Beijinger Classifieds of the Week -Back to top-
Work for China's Economist Work for Bejing Today Work for Sinofile Work for a Design Magazine Find who and what you're looking for in our free classifieds at www.thebeijinger.com Work for True Run -Back to top-
Urbane Editorial Assistant Into design, architecture and urban development? Fascinated by the ever-changing fabric of our city? Urbane magazine is looking for a talented Editorial Assistant. Qualified applicants should be able to write and speak English fluently, possess native Chinese speaking ability, and have an eye for design and extensive contacts in the fields of design, art, architecture, lifestyle and travel. Previous editorial experience is also preferred. Send a CV and English writing samples to editor@truerun.com. Immersion Guides Editor Immersion Guides, Beijing’s leading publisher of English language maps and guidebooks, seeks an outstanding editor. Qualified candidates will be native English speakers with excellent writing and editing skills, several years of relevant editorial experience, mid- to high-level Mandarin proficiency and strong familiarity with Beijing. Creativity, humor and collegiality are also highly valued. Challenging and rewarding, the job involves conceiving and producing books, maps and other products, as well as expanding the brand’s reach outside of China. Please send a CV, personal statement and writing samples to shelleyjiang@immersionguides.com True Run Media’s newest magazine, agenda, is looking for interns Successful candidates will help contribute to features, carry out interviews, compile and format event listings, and contribute ideas for content. Interns will gain valuable experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced publishing environment and will benefit from the opportunity to be part of a small editorial team shaping a new publication. Ideal candidates will have previous experience in journalism/writing, and should be energetic, organized and full of ideas. In-depth knowledge of Beijing and Chinese language skills are a bonus, but not essential. Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply, but candidates require excellent English speaking and writing skills. If you’re interested, please e-mail your resume to iainshaw@truerun.com For more opportunities to join True Run, visit our recruitment page. Things You Should Know -Back to top-
 This Sunday, July 20, marks the beginning of the odd-even car restriction provisions, a tightening of the rules governing air polluting industries, the implementation of stricter security controls at the Capital International Airport and the introduction of new bus lines that will service the Olympic venues.Bookworms have something to look forward to with the second phase of the National Library of China set to open up in a funky new building on Sep 9 this year. After failing to qualify for the finals of the 2010 World Cup, the Chinese national football team decided to not renew the contract of coach Vladimir Petrovic. He's since taken over coaching duties at China Super League club to coach Changchun Yatai. Links of the Week -Back to top-
Given that Beijing's weather has finally decided to behave itself on the weekends, it's the perfect time for a trip to the Great Wall. Before you go, take a look at this well researched and nicely designed Great Wall Blog. Looking for images of lao Beijing? Start by browsing photos from the Sidney Gamble collection recently made available on the Duke University website. After that, check out the China-related photos over at the Library of Congress. Need to get your head around where all these new subways are going, take a look at the interactive map over at Explore Beijing. Another bilingual guide to eating and shopping in the capital. For dozens of other links to all things Beijing, see our thebeijinger.com links page Last Week's Events of Note -Back to top-
 The Stone Boat and D-22 are the latest high profile causalities of the pre-Olympic tightening of rules related to public, and especially outdoor, performances (although we've just heard news from the Haidian club, that if all goes to plan, they'll be turning the speakers back on next weekend). Fortunately, music fans affected by the recent downturn in the number of live offerings in Beijing can still take solace in Mao Livehouse. Last Saturday it was packed for the expansive bill of The K, Snapline, PB33, Linga, and The Scoff. Openers The K have been gaining momentum recently, though their take on ska doesn't offer much besides a danceable beat. Liberal use of organ adds a touch of originality and catchiness to their sound, but sits uneasily with their music. Similar to The K, pop punk band PB33 have a ways to go before they own stage, seeing as most of the audience saw fit to head to the bar during their set. In fact, it was Snapline, incongruously playing second, who gave the performance of the night. Drum-machine driven and poised between catchy synthpop and icy punk, Snapline skip posturing and head straight for intensity. Introverted bassist Levis and guitarist Li Qing purposefully avoided any contact with the audience, tracing precise lines on their instruments instead, while frontman Chen Xi twisted and sang to their music, a smile always on the edge of his lips. Since releasing their debut album Party is Over, Pornostar last year, Snapline have continued to write new material, as evidenced to electrifying effect towards the end of their set, when Levis switched over to synthesizer to emit pulsating tones, over which Li Qing spread thick, distorted arcs and Chen Xi used as a backdrop for spoken story telling. After that excellent performance, the remaining bands had a hard task ahead of them, but actually compared well. The unfortunately named Linga’s surf tinged rock was catchy and technically sound, but let down by gruff shouted vocals. Perhaps dropping their obsession with male power would allow the band's strengths to be emphasized. Though the closing act, The Scoff, began their life playing twitchy rock not far from Linga, they have since progressed into a more dark psychedelic sound produced by the rhythm section forming a driving shuffle to back wandering guitar solos and frontman Leo's creepy intonations. Through an eclectic bill, Mao Livehouse managed to remind the audience of the best and worst of the Beijing music scene. For every band recreating the music of Western groups ad infinitum, there’s another group taking old sounds to new places, or creating a new style almost from scratch. Hopefully bands like The Scoff and Snapline won't be too hard to catch in coming months. Take a look at images from the show over at the Beijinger blog. Shots from Beijing Boyce -Back to top-
French restaurant Maxim's will open on Sunday in Solana near Chaoyang Park, and a flood of other restaurants and bars should follow. Stores are also opening left, right and center in Sanlitun's Swire project, though the wait is still on for Blue Frog and Hatsune, as it is for Project H in nearby Nali Studio. And look for Second Floor (formerly L’Etage) to open this Friday around the corner from Le Bistrot Parisien in Tongli Studio. For more, visit Beijing Boyce's blog at www.beijingboyce.com or get the latest Beijing Boyce newsletter hot off the press by e-mailing beijingboyce@yahoo.com with "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" in the subject line. Listen to 7 Days on the Radio -Back to top-
 Listen to CRI’s China Drive program from 5-7pm every Friday to hear the pick of the events taking place over the next 7 days. If you want to catch the 7 Days entertainment report as it first goes to air, tune in to CRI at 91.5 FM between 5-7pm on Friday night or click on this link to hear an online broadcast. (May require Windows Media Player). The Indispensable Immersion Guides -Back to top-
The Beijing Taxi Guide  The Beijing Taxi Guide features addresses, descriptions and phone numbers of over 400 of Beijing’s best hotels, eateries, nightclubs, shops, sightseeing spots, hospitals and more – in an attractive, durable booklet that fits in your pocket. For more information, visit the Taxi Guide page. The Immersion Guides Mandarin Phrasebook Immersion Guides super-helpful Mandarin Phrasebook is a companion volume to the popular Insider's Guide to Beijing, and is packed with essential phrases, vocabulary and Beijing slang. This indispensable book gives you the confidence to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations, from ordering a meal and bargaining in the markets, to renting an apartment and interviewing an ayi. For more information about how to get your hands on a copy, visit this site. The Insider's Guide to Beijing Excursion Guide Over 70 day & weekend trips Camp, hike, cycle, climb, shoot, sail, swim, ski, spelunk, drink or gawk - no matter how you choose to explore the greater Beijing area, your journey begins with the Excursion Guide. The Insider's Guide to Beijing 2008  Updated, sassy, and informative: The 2008 edition of the Insider's Guide to Beijing is better than ever and is out now. The new guidebook includes everything you need to know about living in Beijing, from learning which songs will melt hearts in a Beijing karaoke bar, how to take your landlord to court, and why Beijing has four bars named "Pure Girl.” The new edition also comes with a pull-out bilingual map of Beijing and its Olympic venues, so you'll know exactly how agonizingly close the Bird's Nest is when you're stuck in one of Beijing's traffic jams. See this site for details of which stores stock The Immersion Guides Mandarin Phrasebook, The Excursion Guide and The Insider's Guide to Beijing 2008. Call our Distribution Manager Zoe Wang at 5820 7101 or e-mail for more details. Urbanatomy -Back to top-
 Urbanatomy Shanghai 2008 Shanghai is opened up as never before in this lavishly illustrated 600-page book. Combining the advantages of a practical guidebook with that of a trusted reference work, Urbanatomy Shanghai 2008 presents a comprehensive portrait of Shanghai by experts from the city and abroad, and from over 25 of Shanghai’s most respected locally based photographers and illustrators. For more information call Urbanatomy Marketing at 021 5238 5403 or e-mail marketing@urbanatomy.com. |
Friday, July 18 to Thursday, July 24
 With less than twenty days to go until the fireworks explode over the Bird's Nest on August 8, the city is readying itself in anticipation of the big event. Although security concerns have meant that some venues have had to close their doors for the duration, there are still plenty of great events going on in town. Some quality stage acts from around the world light up the NCPA, and Beijing's art galleries pull out the big exhibits to display to an Olympic-sized audience. Although D-22 and the Stone Boat remain quiet, you can still find plenty of great music at 2 Kolegas, Yugong Yishan and Mao Livehouse, to name but a few, with this week's HOTB tenth anniversary show, the Banana Monkey show on Friday night at Mao and the various Thee Stranded Horse shows all good picks. Greening the Beige wraps up tonight with a big blow out on the Boat and there a plenty of good options for avoiding the summer heat; sailing, a pool party and a tour of the Yanjing Brewery. Friday, July 28 -Back to top-
 » Greening the Beige Closing BlowoutAcupuncture and S.O.S. DJs play green electronica. A green film double feature: More Shoes, a documentary following Lee Kazmir's journey from Madrid to Kiev on foot and The Bike Lane, documents LA's cycle lanes. Upstairs, two brothers from Montreal make some experimental noise. More information here. RMB 50. 9pm. The Boat (6468 0735)  » Banana Monkey, Gala, The Scoff, TookooThe Shanghai-based Monkey take a trip up north to strut their stuff - a solid bill of local rockers makes this a worthwhile gig to check out. RMB 50. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)  » Thee, Stranded HorseIndie band straight out of Bristol, sharing their so-called "pyschobilly" glam rock with China. They'll be playing seven Beijing dates - see their MySpace page for more details. RMB 30. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (8196 4820)  » Opera: Tosca One of Verdi's most successful works, done in traditional Opera Roma style, presented by the Rome Opera House. Until Jul 20. RMB 180-880. 7.30pm. NCPA Theatre (6655 0000)  » Musical: Tang ConcubinesThe story of two legendary Tang dynasty women, presented by Sight, Sound & Action Ltd., as part of their “action musical” series, with an emphasis on music and movement. RMB 80-700. For VIP tickets or more information visit this site. 7.30pm. Century Theatre (6466 4805) Also worth catching on Friday night: Barry Brake Trio at OT Lounge Indie Night at Obiwan Hummingbird at Room 101 DJ Anthony Pappa at Cargo Club Ma Tiao at Jiangjinjiu DJ Rafik at Angel Club Saturday, July 19 -Back to top-
 » Black Cat BoneHardcore blues. RMB 30. 10pm. 2 Kolegas. (8196 4820)  » New Pants Fun set from Modern Sky's purveyors of poppy rock . RMB 40-50. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)  » Carsick Cars, Ourselves Beside Me, 8 Eye Spy, MoldsThe Maybe Mars label contingent gather for what should be an excellent night of Velvet Underground worship. RMB 50. 9pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711)  » Acupuncture Monthly Sonic VoyageDJs Gao Hu, Pancake Lee, Xiao Feng, and Terry Tu spin. Dress like sailors, fishermen, pirates, or sea monsters. RMB 50. 11pm. The Boat (6468 0735)  » Our Future: The Guy and Miriam Ullens Collection The owners of UCCA show their collection of more than 90 works by 60 Chinese contemporary artists, including almost all the big names, such as Chen Zhen, Gu Wenda, Huang Yongping, Wang Du, Wang Guangyi, Zhang Xiaogang, Cao Fei, Chu Yun, Qiu Zhijie, Shen Yuan and Wu Jicong. For those who are not very familiar with the history of Chinese contemporary art, pay 30 kuai and learn all you need to at this show. Until Oct 12. RMB 10-30. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (6438 6576)  » 2008 Mitchell's Aussie Rules China Cup After last year winning the China Cup for the first time, the mighty Beijing Bombers will be out to defend their title against the Shanghai Tigers. Following the Bombers game, the Beijing Bombshells will be having their first ever hit out on grass at around 6.30 in what could quite possibly be the first game of women’s footy ever to be played on Chinese soil. Post game will be held at Paddy O’Shea’s who will be hosting a buffet dinner and all you can drink beer, wine, basic spirits and soft drinks between 8.30 and 11 pm for RMB 150 (members), RMB 180 (non-members). The Bombers are always welcoming of new players or supporters so if Aussie Rules Footy is your thing contact them at www.beijingbombers.cn4.30pm. Xiao Wuji Football Ground (6738 7163)  » Party SailingFeeling landlocked? Tired of the sand blowing in your face, rather than between your toes? Get away to the scenic Beidaihe beach with Crocs, NLGX and Beijing Sailing Center. Sailing and volleyball competition, then party hard with music, sangria and a seafood barbecue. No experience required. Contact NLGX on 6408 8088 or Beijing Sailing on 1500 118 9580 to register (a free pair of Crocs go to the first five people to register). RMB 1,200 (all inclusive). Jul 19-20. Beijing Sailing Center (150 0118 9580, 33 5856 0916, sailing@beijingsailing.com)  » National Ballet of China: Swan Lake Another near-monthly staple in the NBC's performance schedule. RMB 20-200. Jul 19-20. 7pm. Peking University Hall (6275 1278)  » Yanjing Beer Factory tourA visit to Beijinger's favourite local Yanjing Beer factory. RMB 200, RMB 150 for a group of 10 people or more includes transportation, English-speaking guide, some snacks and sample beer tasting. Leave at 9am from Spaces International Center (Shangdu) (5870 2833) Other events worth noting include: German Night at Obiwan Hotpot at Song The Apostle Quartet at The Boat Peking Opera at Chinese National Peking Opera Experimental Theatre Night of SCO at NCPA Cooking Cantonese at The Hutong Sunday, July 20 -Back to top-
 » Hang on the Box, Speak Chinese or Die, Mingtian jiujiesanLoath to not be in the spotlight, “HOTB” front-woman Gia has reformed the pioneering all-girl punk band for their 10th anniversary, but she risks being upstaged by energetic openers. RMB 50. 8pm. Yugong Yishan (6404 2711) » Thee, Stranded HorseSee Friday night listing above for more details. This night is presented by Wangba Records and Sugar Jar. RMB 30. 9.30pm. Jiangjinjiu (8405 0124)  » DeliciousBoss-man and mixologist George Zhou gets behind the turntables for some nu-jazz house. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)  » Reggae SundayFree Jamaican BBQ and reggae tunes by DJ Tootles. Free. 5pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)  » Flying at Midnight, 23, Perdel, Rubber Phonograph NeedleMAO’s own house bands, performing regularly at the venue every month – pay attention to the sharp new wave of Rubber Phonograph Needle. RMB 30. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)  » Olympic Documentary: Boomtown BeijingCatch this rare glimpse of the authentic Beijing, its people and their Olympic dreams. A boy wants to beat the odds to become an Olympic torchbearer. A road sweeper dreams of staging his own mass Olympic performance. An aging blind athlete makes one last stab at medal before he retires. Their stories, together with scenes of everyday life in the city give a poignant snapshot of China's capital the summer before the Olympics. More details about the film available here. Repeat screenings every Sat and Sun through to Jul 20. Proceeds go towards The Library Project Earthquake Relief Fund. RMB 50 (get 20 kuai off the ticket price if you show up with the July issue of The Beijinger). 3pm. Salud (6402 5086)  » 3rd Beijing International Art BiennialNot surprisingly, the theme of the show is "Colors and Olympics", but the exhibition is much more than a line-up of Fuwas "passing on the humanist message of the Olympics in an artistic way". Among the 747 pieces from 81 countries, are a few that provide a well-timed reminder about one of the basic functions of sports – fun. Head up to the third and fifth floors to check out the impressive Ming and Qing painting exhibition - although, unfortunately, no English introduction to the individual works is provided. More information available here. RMB 20, students RMB 10. Daily 9am-5pm – last ticket sold at 4pm. National Art Museum of China (6400 6326)  » Barbeque Brunch BlissThe Asia Bistro offers a sumptuous Sunday Barbeque Brunch buffet with free flow of draft beer, Moet & Chandon and wine. Food includes freshly made delicacies from India, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and China, as well as a selection of salads, appetizers and desserts, with a very special chocolate selection. Booking in advance is recommended. RMB 388 (includes alcohol), RMB 268 (no alcohol), half price for kids between 6 and 12, free (for kids under 6). 11.30am-3pm. The Asia Bistro, JW Marriott (5908 6688) Monday, July 21 -Back to top-
 » The China National Acrobatic Troupe: SplendidOffering a new, updated performance of their traditional acrobatics show, in celebration of the upcoming Olympics. Thirteen new acts have been added to the typical plate-spinning and body-twisting, including actors leaping over vertical poles and a kind of ballet-palm dancing scene. RMB 180-1,280. Until Aug 31. 7.30pm. Poly Theatre (6500 1188 ext 5126/5127)  » Life Drawing ClubA chance to meet other budding artists and draw live models. Bring your own art materials or purchase materials at minimal cost. Beginners welcome. RMB 50. 7.30pm. The Hutong (8915 3613)  » Zeng FanzhiZeng, who has impressed the world with his paintings of people in masks, now has a new show, entitled Tai Ping You Xiang - a quote from Chinese poet Lu You (1125-1210). It's also the name of a traditionally auspicious Chinese decorative design that features an elephant carrying a treasure chest on its back. In this series, we see the elephant - and its restlessness - hiding under over saturated, wet colors. Until Sep 2. ShanghART Beijing (6432 3202) Tuesday, July 22 -Back to top-
 » Ballet: Moon Reflected in Two Springs (Erquan Yingyue)The tragic story of two lovers: When a local landlord forces Yue Er to become a concubine, she kills herself, and her lover goes blind. Price and time TBA. Jul 22-25. Tianqiao Theatre (8315 6300)  » Red Cliffn the first of two installments, Red Cliff - John Woo's latest film - focuses on a massive battle from the Three Kingdoms period. If the film is as good as the promotion sounds, this could be the epic to beat all epics. Director Woo has gone on record saying that this will be China's Gladiator. See the Beijinger blog's regular Tuesday film post for screening times and more info.  » HancockAfter the Pursuit of Happyness and I am Legend, this film marks Will Smith's third appearance on China's big screens in 2008. This time he's playing a down and out superhero who gets little in the way of moral support from his wife, played by Charlize Theron. Early reviews are not promising. You can find a synopsis here and trailer here. See the Beijinger blog's regular Tuesday film post for screening times and more info.  » Kungfu PandaDespite what appear to be rather self-serving attempts by Zhao Bandi to persuade Chinese people to boycott the film, it's still proved very popular taking over RMB 50 million over the first three days of screening. Reviews have also been good - most settling for the "it's all good fun" kind of appraisal. Aficionados of Chinese traditional painting have also enjoyed some of the in jokes and one review in a Beijing newspaper compared the films melding of East and West to one of KFC's "Lao Beijing" Chicken wraps. You can view the trailer here and visit the official site here (Chinese version here). The complete copy of the film is available here. See the Beijinger blog's regular Tuesday film post for screening times and more info. Wednesday, July 23 -Back to top-
 » Illustrated Talk: Peering into the Mystery of I Ching A talk for all those who nod knowingly when The Book of Changes is mentioned, but in fact know nothing about it. Researcher and teacher Ma Ning will provide a basic introduction of I Ching, and discuss the philosophy behind the most ancient of Chinese texts. The talk will be conducted in Chinese with English translation. RMB 50. 7.30pm. China Culture Center (6432 9341)  » Humming BirdXinjiang salsa sextet - dancing required. Free. 9.30pm. Salud (6402 5086) » Cross Contintent Networking Meet friends from around the world at this networking event jointly hosted by the Canadian, European and Italian chambers. More details available here. RMB 100 members, 150 non-members. 6-9pm. Yin Bar (6402 5080) Thursday, July 24 -Back to top-
 » Dance: Riverdance This world-famous show features some of the most cherished aspects of "Oirish" culture, and of course, some amazingly fast tap dancing: At times, the feet of these Irish dancers hit the floor 32 times per second - really! Go and count for yourself. RMB 180-1,280. Until Jul 27. 2pm, 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)  » Wang WenDalian alternative rockers. RMB 40-50. 9pm. MAO Livehouse (6402 5080)  » Beethoven Piano RecitalsTBA pianist(s) perform late works by the great composer, including Op. 109, 110, and 111 all in a row on the 24th, and the E Minor sonata (No. 27), A Major (No. 28), and the Hammerklavier (No. 29) on the 26th. Both nights are part of an ongoing concert series, presenting all of Ludwig's 32 piano sonatas. RMB 30-380. Jul 24, 26. 7.30pm. Forbidden City Concert Hall (6559 8285)  » Lost in TranslationStarring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, Lost in Translation is director Sofia Coppola's touching tale of two lonely individuals trying to make sense of their lives while staying in Japan. In the case of rain, the movie will be screened downstairs. Free popcorn. Free. 8pm, 10pm. Obiwan (6617 3231)  » Ladies Wine ClubThis month will highlight wines of strong grape varietals with a focus on white wines (Jul 10) and red wines (Jul 24), to match a five-course meal. Also, don’t forget Thursdays are Ladies Nights at Block 8 so enjoy more free alcohol after dinner at the lounge. Reservations required so e-mail kristen@block8.cn or call 132 4011 4868. RMB 150. 7-9pm. The Med (6508 8585 ext 206). Upcoming & Ongoing -Back to top-
 » Jul 24-27Dance: Riverdance This world-famous show features some of the most cherished aspects of "Oirish" culture, and of course, some amazingly fast tap dancing: At times, the feet of these Irish dancers hit the floor 32 times per second - really! Go and count for yourself. Tickets at 6417 7845. RMB 180-1,280. 2pm, 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)  » Jul 25Zhang Weiwei Former member of Wild Children and Glamorous Pharmacy, Weiwei's equally adept at guitar and accordion. Produced by MicroMu Records. Free with RMB 20 drink purchase. 8pm. Jiangjinjiu (8405 0124)  » Jul 25-30Musical: Hairspray Big hair, bright colors, and dramatic dancing give life to this 1960s musical comedy, originally a film by John Waters and now a Broadway staple, garnering eight Tony Awards in 2003. The story features Tracy Turnblad, a bubbly teenager who gains popularity after attaining a coveted dance spot on the Corny Collins Show. Tickets at 6417 7845. RMB 180-880. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater (6835 4455) |
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