Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Sep 4-10

Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, dinners, and more.

Monday, Sep 4

Nature Follows Abstraction
Art finds its way into the CBD. KWM Art Center is hosting a collection of exhibits from 14 artists under the title Nature Follows Abstraction. The exhibition is inspired by the 4th century B.C. philosopher Zhuang Zi's essay, "On leveling all things," in which he refers to the space within a circle. The circle in the essay represents the real world, while the space within refers to the abstract one. It is believed that if one can understand the essay, he can better understand nature. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm. KWM Art Center

Tuesday, Sep 5

Sexy Lady Camp
With the recent spate in end-of-summer poolside parties, you may be feeling the burn of having failed to meet your summer fitness goals. Now is the time to start training for next summer! Glo Kitchen and Fitness is starting a series of classes that promises immediate results in building your new, lean and flexible body. (Or as immediate as they come with getting fit.) Bust the old wives' tale that lifting weights makes you bulky and trust the qualified coaches at Glo Kitchen and Fitness to work their miracles through your sweat. The morning classes combining gymnastics, cardio, and weightlifting start this Tuesday, and you can choose to pay for one class (RMB 150) or get it cheaper by paying for a bundle of 10 classes (RMB 1,300). 10-11am. Glo Kitchen and Fitness

Wednesday, Sep 6

Flamenco Classes
The character of your average Beijinger varies from socially anxious and shy to obnoxiously loud, bubbly and feisty. However, if the heat of the south is something that still feels missing from your colorful China life, head to Casa Flamenco for baston technique classes. The baston looks like a walking stick but serves as a rhythm-producing instrument for flamenco performers to convey the intensity and aggression in their show. Classes will be held every Wednesday starting September 6. Contact 139 1091 4251 on WeChat for more information or to sign up. 6.30-7.30pm. RMB 200. Casa Flamenco

Thursday, Sep 7

Walk Around Beijing's Lakes With The Hutong
The weekly walks from The Hutong are quite essential for any curious Beijinger. This week, they are inviting us to stroll around Qianhai and Houhai. The walk starts with a visit to the former house of author, artist and one of the most influential scholars of 20th-century China, Guo Moruo. The walk will then stop by the palace of Prince Gong, who helped defend Beijing from the Anglo-French Expeditionary Force in 1860 after his brother, the Xianfeng Emperor, fled the city. The final stop will be the Beijing lakes, where you will visit the house of the widow of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. 10am-1pm. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for The Hutong members). Meet at the Prince Gong Mansion

Friday, Sep 8

Sports teams sign-up night at Paddy O'Shea's
Beijing is going nuts for fitness and sports these days. As a preface for Beijing Health Week, go check out the local teams that are looking for new members. Pop by Paddy O'Shea's to meet the members of 11 sports clubs of Beijing including, but not limited to, football, rugby, darts, Gaelic Football (even better if you have never heard of it before). If going to the gym has never been your jam (oh, the endless excitement of staring into a high-rise in front of your elliptical, trying to get those miles going), go find yourself a team to either revive your skills from high school or develop new ones. 8pm-late. Free. Paddy O'Shea's

Saturday, Sep 9

Devils Rugby Club registration night
More rugby! Seriously, if this week is not going to make you start playing rugby, probably nothing ever will. Devils Rugby Club is hosting a registration night at Groovy Schiller's with free pizza (and beer, but you don't have to have more than one) for prospective new (male and female) and returning members. The Devils Rugby Club is also proud of their charity work, most recently donating and organizing a day of bowling with the Chi Heng Foundation, which provides care for AIDS patients and their children, and is involved in prevention work. 8pm-late

Sunday, Sep 10

Virtual Reality Exhibition
After all the radiant bouquet of sports events, give a little something to the soul and brain for the end of the week. The Faurschou Foundation is hosting an exhibition of virtual reality art that will be exciting and enjoyable even for total art newbies. This VR exhibition is structured as five sub-shows, where the work of each artist is displayed for a period of one month. You will have the opportunity to see the work of Christian Lemmerz, Erik Parker, Paul McCarthy, Tony Oursler, and Yu Hong. The exhibition started on August 27 and will remain open until early February (closed on Mondays).

Images: courtesy of the organizers

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