What's On in Beijing: April 2017
Apr 1-6: Legend Beer
Legend Beer is offering a couple of special pre-summer drink deals until Apr 6. Head over to their massive craft taproom in the Gongti complex any day from 5-10pm for killer deals on craft beer. Here’s what they told us: If you spend less than RMB50 just add RMB50 and you’ll get free-flow drinks (including beer and soda). And if you spend up to RMB100, just add RMB38 for the free-flow drink deal. Legend is a 1,500-square-meter space complete with two outdoor seating areas. Considering how nice the weather has been lately, these drink deals come at the perfect time. So head over to Legend, grab a pint and enjoy. They also serve up a variety of German and American dishes, in case you need something to soak up all that booze.
Daily, 11am-3am; Legend Beer, Worker's Stadium West Gate, Chaoyang 朝阳区工体西路工人体育场西门(6551 9026)
Apr 3: The Drifter
The folks at dART are giving you a chance to get wild on a Monday – chill, it’s Qingming Festival – by bringing DJ, producer and singer The Drifter to Lantern. Although the Irishman leans (or drifts?) to a more emotive and melodic side of the electronic music spectrum, he knows how to put on a party. In fact, he spent years in Berlin doing just that.
Mon Apr 3; Price TBD; Lantern, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路33号(137 0138 6017)
Apr 3: Chinese Football
The last time we saw Chinese Football play in Beijing, they packed out School Bar for a sweaty, energetic night of emo (the good kind, we promise). Just over a year later, they’re set to play a far bigger stage – Yugong Yishan. Something must be going well for the Wuhan four-piece, who cite late 1990s emo pioneers like Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie and American Football as inspiration (see what they did there?). Wuhan is known for in-your-face punk bands like SMZB and AV Okubo, but Chinese Football produce a sound that’s altogether more serene.
Mon Apr 3, 9pm; RMB80 (door), RMB60 (presale); Yugong Yishan, 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng 东城区张自忠路3-2号(6404 2711)
Apr 8: Kiwi
Dim Sum Disco have been putting on dope parties in Beijing since day dot. And relative newcomers Club Paradise have injected some much-needed color into the city’s night life. So what happens when they join forces? Well, it’s quite simple really: they book one of UK’s most exciting up-and-comers, Kiwi. Also known as Orlando Boom, the London-based whizz-kid has receiving support from musical big-hitters like Erol Alkan with his unique brand of genre-bending dance music. Bring your own fruit jokes.
Sat Apr 8, from 10pm; RMB50; The Bar at Migas, 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, by Gongrentiyuchang Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园6层(5208 6061)
Apr 13-19: Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel is brought to life by the NCPA. The beloved tale follows the eponymous heroine from orphaned baby and lonely child to passionate and independent young woman. Championed for its strong feminist elements, Jane Eyre combines Gothicism with Romanticism to touch on the themes of morality, social class and love. Led by a Chinese cast, the NCPA’s production of Jane Eyre has played to full houses and high praise.
Thu Apr 13-Wed Apr 19, 7.30pm; RMB200-880; Drama Theatre of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng 西城区西长安街2号(6655 0000)
Apr 15: Organic
Beijing’s most environmentally conscious club night, Organic, put on some of the biggest nights at Dada last year (including a stonking NYE party). Residents Juhstynn and Marc Alexr are back for their first night of the new year, headlined by Beijing’s very own master of the dance floor, 0161.
Sat Apr 15; Price TBD; Dada, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街206号B楼101室(183 1108 0818)
Apr 16: Easter Brunch @ Chapter
Easter rings in spring. But you know what else it rings in? Brunch season. That’s right - warmer weather means more lazy Sunday afternoons spent wining and dining. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves - remember, the grandaddy of all brunches is Easter brunch, and nowhere’s doing a better spread of it this year than Chapter. The library-turned-dining room is offering egg painting for kids alongside a lavish buffet. On the table? Bourbon-glazed ham, roast lamb leg, baked salmon and, of course, hot cross buns.
RMB298 plus 15-percent service tax (add RMB148 for free-flow Champagne); Sun Apr 16, noon-2.30pm; Chapter, Conrad Beijing, 1/F, Conrad, 29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区东三环北路29号康莱德酒店一层(6584 6000; 6584 6270)
Apr 19-May 1: Cavalia
In case you missed out on the horse-dancing show last year, you’re in luck because the Cirque du Soleil-inspired performance is back. And, even if you did catch the show, the equine ballet has been revamped and revitalized for its new run so either way, many thrills are to be had. The unique performance showcases the relationship between horse and man, highlighted by the trust demonstrated between steed and rider. As well as being an impressive athletic feat, Cavalia is a visual extravaganza, making it a great event for the whole family.
Apr 19-May 1, 7.30-9.30pm (matinee performance Sat-Sun, 2.30pm); RMB280-1920; Chaoyang Park, 朝阳公园(400 030 1651) For more information or tickets visit www.douban.com.
Apr 20: Bad Monk
Dusk Dawn Club continues its 3C Jazz series with a performance from local trio Bad Monk. Known for energetic live shows, the band rely heavily on improvisation – which is never a problem for guitarist Simone Schirru, saxophonist Nathaniel Gao, and nimble-wristed drummer Xiao. An initiative founded by Schirru, 3C (which stands for Creative Composers Collective) hopes to bring together the best jazz composers in the city. So as well as offering a night of interesting music, this should also be a chance to connect with Beijing’s creative community. After two shows at DDC last month, the series concludes with a final performance in May.
Thu Apr 20; RMB80, free before 11pm; Dusk Dawn Club, 4 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号(6407 8969)
Apr 21: Rob Smith
He may have one of the most non-descript names in the English-speaking world, but Rob Smith has always stood out. With tastes spanning dub, dubstep, hip-hop and reggae, you can expect a smorgasbord of musical delights at Dada. And given that Smith used to play jungle back in the day, don’t be surprised if he turns up the tempo.
Fri Apr 21, late; price TBD; Dada, Rm 101, Bldg B, 206 Gulou Dong Dajie 鼓楼东大街206号B楼101室(183 1108 0818）
Apr 22: Public Beijing International Film Festival Tour
China has a rich and varied cinema history, from the Golden Age of Chinese cinema in the 1920s and 30s to the Communist-era films used as a vessel for propaganda. Learn more about it at Newman Tours’ one-off Public Tour of the China National Film Museum, a special tour to celebrate the Beijing International Film Festival.
Sat Apr 22, 1.30-3.30pm; RMB190 (adults), RMB120 (children); includes two-hour tour with native English speaking guide and entry tickets; see website for starting point and private tour pricing; tours must be booked in advance (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours.com, www.newmantours.com)
Apr 23: On the Kang
A photo exhibition illustrating shots of rural Chinese life taken by Gilles Sabrié in Gansu in 2015. A book and prints will be on sale during the event with all proceeds going to Children of Madaifu, an NGO providing financial support towards the education of orphans in Gansu and Shaanxi.
Sun Apr 23, 3-8pm; Jiali Gallery, 4 Beijixiang Hutong, Dongcheng 东城区北吉祥胡同4号(138 1022 9370)
Apr 23: Earth Day Cleanup
Do your part to help keep the Great Wall clean this month at Beijing Hikers 9th annual ‘Earth Day Cleanup.’ In the spirit of Earth Day (Apr 22) and to give back to the community, the team is going to try and collect as much litter as they can and carry it out. The hike is run at cost and everyone is asked to help clean up. As part of the Beijing Earth Day Festival, hikers can also enjoy free pizza and beer at the Gung Ho Hut courtesy of Gung Ho Pizza.
Sun Apr 23, 8am-6pm; est. RMB150-200; Beijing Hikers (for more info email reservations@beijinghikers.com or visit www.beijinghikers.com)
Apr 25: The King and I
An homage of sorts to La La Land, this April Pop-Up Beijing’s Classic Movie Tuesdays is bringing movie musicals from the past that were nominated for Best Picture, but lost out. Our pick is The King and I, a classic tale about a widow who accepts a job as a live-in governess for the King of Siam’s children. Fun fact: The King and I was (and remains) banned in Thailand, due to its representation of King Mongkut of Siam.
Tue Apr 25, 7.30pm; free; Pop-Up Beijing, North Side, Ground Level, Building 22, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, South Sanlitun 朝阳区工体北路4号22号楼106室(6502 5725)
Apr 29: Rumble in the Jungle
Head to Rumble in the Jungle for all your craft and thriftstore needs. The monthly hutong market is chock-full of fantastic stalls including jewelry, baked goods, clothes and household items, as well as local entrepreneurs. The bustling market is super popular so make sure you leave plenty of time to look for those killer deals or alternatively get rid of any clothes and home items you don’t need – the organizers collect donations for charity every month, with past charities including Roundabout and the Queennak Foundation.
Sat Apr 29, 2-8pm; free entry (RMB125 stall cost); Hot Cat Club, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie) 东城区方家胡同46号(6400 7868) (For more info add helenisawinner on WeChat).
Apr 29-May 2: Art Beijing
Art Beijing is back for the 12th year. Bringing together hundreds of exhibitors from countries all around the world, Art Beijing is a bona fide feast for the eyes. As in the past, this year’s Art Beijing is divided into four parts: contemporary art, classic art, design gallery and public art. What does that mean exactly? Let us break it down: The classic section presents artworks and objects spanning from the Italian Renaissance to 20th century pop art, while the contemporary section is based around a theme (yet TBA). The design area explores the intersection of art, design and life. Meanwhile the art park is all about urban art and environmental protection. The exhibition area spans over 25,000sqm so lest you tire of the walking and art admiring, take a break and enjoy some of the delicious food and drink on offer.
Sat Apr 29-Tue May 2; RMB100; National Agriculture Exhibition Center (www.artbeijing.net)
Throughout April
Until Apr 25: Hacker-Pschorr Spring Beer Festival
At Hacker-Pschorr, Oktoberfest is never far away. Even in April. This month, the brauhaus is celebrating in style with deals on their freshly brewed beer, plus an authentic Bavarian band every Thursday through Sunday until Apr 25. Buy three liters of beer for only RMB288, or four liters for RMB388. Free entry.
Through Apr 25; Hacker-Pschorr Brauhaus, 3, 12 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区新东路12号3号楼(8424 3827)
"La Feria" Brunch
Migas brunches are always a party. And this spring, they're kicking things up a notch with a brunch concept inspired by one big Spanish party: La Feria, a traditional festival of food, drink and music to celebrate the coming of warmer months. What does this mean for you? A fresh menu of tapas, fried fish, light bites and, of course, paella.
Weekends, Migas, 6F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, by Gongrentiyuchang Bei Lu 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园6层(5208 6061)
Napa New Brunch
Two words: biscuits and gravy. Wait, no, make that three words: biscuits and gravy and eggs. (We’re not counting ‘and’s. You’re not supposed to count the ‘and,’ are you?) Napa may be a fantastic place to eat healthy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get down and dirty with some biscuits and gravy, plus some of the best eggs Benedict in Beijing. Visit for brunch - or don’t, it’s your life.
Weekends, Napa Artisan Cooking, 20 Liulitun Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区六里屯中路20号(186 1115 1686)
Until Apr 29: Break With Convention
Liu Di is an award-winning photographer and artist from Shanxi province. His first solo exhibition in Beijing will debut two new 3D animation videos alongside recent photo works. The artist’s 3D digital video work focuses on his favorite themes; namely, the conflicting relationship between nature and human society. Liu’s images are striking and surreal, with a particular focus on abnormal growth. This idea typically underlies the artist’s work, and is seen as an inevitable by-product of a hyper-fast economy fueled by widespread urbanization. Both weirdly cute and disturbing, Liu’s imagery depicts animals and humans floating in unreal realms, plunked down amidst familiar urban landscapes and monumental buildings.
Through Sat Apr 29; Pekin Fine Arts Beijing, 241 Caochangdi, Cui Ge Zhuang 崔各庄草场地241号(5127 3220)
Sanlitun Mondays
WeiLaugh Comedy Club brings the LOLs to Sanlitun with its new open mic Mondays at Groovy Schiller’s. Buy one get one drink specials plus performers get a free drink.
Mondays, 8.30pm; free; Groovy Schiller’s, 50m west of Sanlitun police station, 50m north of Yashow Market, Chaoyang 朝阳区 三里屯派出所往西50米雅秀服装市场往北50米 (6413 1587)
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