The 5 Best Things to Do This Week in Beijing
Oct 23-29: Oktoberfest @ Paulaner Brauhaus
Beijing has an inordinate number of German brauhauses. Seriously, it’s insane. What with Beijing’s massive population, there are probably just as many steins of lager consumed here as there are in some German cities. Yeah, we said it. No hate mail, German expats. Mediocre bratwurst is everywhere. But there’s nothing mediocre about Paulaner Brauhaus, one of the city’s finest German pubs. And as one of the longest running beer halls in Beijing, Paulaner knows a thing or two about Bavarian-style boozing – and that’s why their annual Oktoberfest celebration is one of the most rollicking events of the year. For over two weeks, the Brauhaus will serve freshly-brewed beer alongside classic Bavarian food in a traditional German tent. An original Oktoberfest band will be on hand to entertain with dances and lively music. Revelers can get a special treat on Sundays, when Paulaner will offer a special Oktoberfest Sunday Brunch, featuring a massive variety of German dishes and – you guessed it – free-flow German beer.
Thu Oct 12-Sun Oct 29; Sun brunch on Oct 15 , 22, 29 (RMB290 per person, RMB428 with free-flow beer); Paulaner Brauhaus, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, 1/F, Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, by Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基饭店1层 (6465 3388, 6410 4257)
Oct 23-24: The Dawns Here Are Quiet
An opera commissioned by the NCPA, The Dawns Here Are Quiet is based on the eponymous book by former USSR writer Boris Lvovich Vasilye and sees five female soldiers fighting German troops during WWII. Expect an atmospheric production: dark forests, big battles and the coming-of-age of young people.
Sat Oct 21-Tue Oct 24, 7.30pm; RMB280-880; Opera House of NCPA, 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000)
Oct 27-29: Shoot the Moon Ballet
Shoot the Moon with the Nederlands Dans Theater 1, a premier contemporary dance company. The renowned Dutch troupe brings its graceful dance to NCPA’s Opera House this month. With folk songs in Hakka, one of the oldest existing Chinese dialects, and arias sung in Western-styles as well, Shoot the Moon is a special production that’s sure to impress.
Fri Oct 27-Sun Oct 29, 7.30pm; RMB180-680; Opera House of NCPA (tickets via sales@theatrebeijing.com), 2 Xi Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000)
Oct 29: Public Halloween Ghost Tour
If you’re looking to get a little freaky this week check out Newman Tours’ special Halloween ghost tour. The popular tour will take you around haunted hutongs and Prince Gong’s Palace. This month, all proceeds will go to the ICVS Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Dress up in costume for extra spook points. English language guide available.
Sun Oct 29, 7-9pm; RMB260 (RMB190, children under 14); Newman Tours (138 1777 0229, www.newmantours.com).
Oct 29: Halloween Beer Mile @ Jing-A
It's Halloween, which means it's time for Jing-A's annual Halloween Beer Mile! You can register now (RMB150). Registration gets you a spot in the race, four beers and a t-shirt for finishing the race. Spaces are filling up quicky, so we urge you to sign up ASAP if you want to participate in the booziest race in town (just scan the QR code on the poster above). Oh yeah, you have to dress up to participate.
Sun Oct 29, 3pm; RMB150. Jing-A Taproom 1949, Building B, 1949 The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区工人体育馆北路4号院 (6501 8883)
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