Apparently there’s never enough beer in this beautiful town we call home, which is why the Second China International Craft Beer Festival, held by Imbeer and CIEC, comes to us this weekend (Jul 8-9, 9.30am-6pm). The event takes place at the same location as last year, the China International Exhibition Center (next to Carrefour) near Sanyuanqiao.    

It may be at the same place but this year's festivities will be markedly more ambitious, with more than 80 craft beer brands from all over the globe in attendance, and more than 300 beers on site in total, as well as several beer launches, games, and even a homebrewing competition.

Those to participate, listed by region, include:

America

• Boulevard
• Nebraska
• Cismontane
• Founders
• Flying Dog
• Brooklyn
• Ballast Point
• Coronado
• Firestone Walker
• Black Market
• Lost Coast
• Karl Strauss
• Rogue
• Great Divide
• Belching Beaver
• Goodse Island
• Fish Tale
• Russel
• Empire

Europe

• Harviestoun
• Fruli
• Brains
• Charles Well
• Brewdog
• ACE
• Triporteur
• Gouden Clrolus
• Kasteel
• La Chouffe
• Vedett
• Maredsous
• Lindemans
• Karmeliet
• Mikkeller
• Einstok
• De Molen
• Kees
• Ayinger
• Lervig
• Haacht
• Alvinne
• Mystic
• Bertinchamps
• Samuel Smith
• Dupont
• Liefmans
• To ol
• de Namur
• Solo
• Pohjala
• Theakston
• Sambrooks
• Badger
• Brothers

South Pacific

• Little Creatures
• Tuatara
• Zeffer
• Temple
• Kaiju

China

• Jing-A
• NBeer Pub
• 40+
• Harvest
• No. 18
• Bubble Lab
• Bravo
• Antbrew,
• Taichi
• Ubrau
• Taihu
• Panda
• Reberg
• Wenshan
• Zinnbach

Regarding those tasty beer launches, Jing-A will release a raspberry Berliner weisse, infused with cardamom; Taihu will launch a gose, brewed with orange peel; Harvest will have their New England IPA; Wenshan will provide a Belgian Double; and beers from 40+, Bravo, Zinnbach will also make their debut over the course of the weekend.

Unlike last year, whereby you could drink unlimited beer at a fixed price, this year, RMB 20 will get you in and RMB 50 will get you vouchers for three tasters, or RMB 100 gets you 10, each measuring 200ml. If you purchase the vouchers online, you can save on the RMB 20 entry fee.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos: CCCF, Tracy Wang

Congrats on surviving the steaming hot drizzle-dazzle of this past week, now brace yourself for the forecasted sunnier skies and fresher air of a well deserved weekend. The suds scene of the immediate future looks equally promising, with a beer festival during the weekend with 300 kinds of beer, some new brews, a few takeovers, and more.

As we mentioned previously, the second China International Craft Beer Festival is back at the China International Exhibition Center from July 8-9 (9.30am-6pm). It will be held by Imbeer and CIEC, and there will be over 300 beers on site from over 80 craft breweries from all over the world, along with several beer launches, and a homebrewing competition. Unlike last year, which had a fixed price for unlimited tastes, it is RMB 20 for entry, and you will need to buy tokens for each 200ml of beer. Click here to buy the ticket online.

READ: 300 Beers Are The Answer! China International Craft Beer Festival, July 8-9

Today (Jul 7), No. 18 Brewing from Wuhan will take over seven taps at Jing-A Taproom, with RMB 100 getting you three pints throughout the night. The beer list includes Guozao Breakfast Stout, Tiaodongwho IPA, Film G Milk Stout, Fog and Haze Wheat, Nine-Head Phoenix Imperial IPA, The Bloody Blade Imperial Stout, and Guanyin Tea Berliner Weisse. Then there's the Guozao Breakfast Stout, a collaboration stout that is brewed by No. 18 Brewing and Jing-A, and is named after a Wuhan traditional breakfast (see the Beijing take on it here). True to its name, this stout is brewed with sticky rice and black sesame, making for a creative mix that should lure curious beer lovers before quenching their thirst.

Also on Saturday, Jing-A will release their Han Meimei Raspberry Saison (6 percent ABV) at the China International Craft Beer Festival, which has been infused with cardamom for a summery scent. The taproom will be closed next Monday (Jul 10) for team building. Also, as we mentioned last week, The Big Smoke will be closed after this weekend, so grab your last chance to take advantage of their closing promo, which is strangely yet TBD.

Slow Boat will take over Out of Step on Saturday (July 8), starting 3pm. The brews available include Torpedo Juice Coffee Kölsch, Riptide Raspberry Pale Ale, White Cap IPA, Monkey’s Fist IPA, Helmsman’s Honey, and S.O.S. Belgian Wit. Each pint will be RMB 35 all night long. Go there and take advantage of the deal, and don’t forget to try the Taiwanese hearty guàbāo (they call it tiger bao here, RMB 28-33 each), or their newly-released nachos (see the top image).

Today is the last day of Slow Boat Brewpub’s special deal on the takeaway cans (RMB 25 each). Head to their Sanlitun location to hoard your favorite draft beers (up to four cans for each person) until 8pm.

Great Leap has the Honey Ma White back on tap at all three locations. It is a Belgian-style witbier with a Chinese twist, which was brewed with dried Buddha’s Hand fruit and Sichuan peppercorns, instead of the orange peel and coriander, and local honey from the apiary near the Great Wall. Their Sleeping Murphy Mango Saison, meanwhile, will be released in a limited bottled version (750ml for RMB 128), which was on tap in May if you can remember. This collab brew with Lervig from Norway was inspired by Sri Lankan salted mangos, with aromas of citrus and ripe mango aroma, a spicy kick and a juicy mouthfeel.

Beersmith at Hotel Jen will release a new seasonal beer– Tropical Gold Pineapple Beer on July 11 (RMB 55 net for 450ml), which is an American-style wheat ale, and was brewed with freshly crushed pineapple, American hops, and tropical fruit juice. The sweet aroma of pineapple is balanced with a dry finish.  

Last but not the least, if you are a true beer lover, maybe working in this industry is a bright choice? Currently Peiping Machine will join the ever-so-dense Sanlitun area and open its second taproom at 8 Gongti Xilu with over 400sqm space. That means they'll need plenty of new employees to keep opperations humming along-- they are hiring multiple positions like store manager, bartender, waiter, and chef. Send your CV to Zhao Zhenggang, 13901393123@139.com

Unfortunately, Little Creatures’ little launch party was postponed yesterday for another two weeks due to the annoying rain. Stay tuned for more information on that, but for now, cheers me dears!

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos courtesy of venues, Tracy Wang

First off – it’s gonna be a lighter batch then usual as I’ve spent half of my week either on an overnight layover stuffing my face in food, or on a overseas flight, stuffing my face with food once again. So apologies for not mentioning that experimental trombone gig at your neighbor’s co-work space, or that indie pop cover band from the Fengtai brand of the Agricultural Bank of China. You’ll live. So enjoy this abridged version of your weekend gig guide.
 

Friday, July 7

Splashh (UK), Last Goodbye at Yugong Yishan
UK psychedelic noise band Splashh whose 2013 debut Comfort was the critic’s darling that summer, continue their global invasion as with an Asia tour in support of their follow-up Waiting for a Lifetime, which ain’t too shabby either. It's a bleached out beach album that’ll have you bopping your head. Support from Beijing neo-psychedelic shoegazers Last Goodbye. 160 RMB

ZenSoul, Ichabod, NoFlex, Stan P.B, Fresh Jah at Modernsky Lab
Soul Squad Records and Monkey Business bring you some of the rising stars of the Chinese hip-hop scene. The label was founded by students studying abroad in the United States, joined together by their love of hip-hop and rap culture. Their artists all embrace this attitude but work in their own unique styles. 120 RMB

Zhege, 星星Star Band at Yue Space
Melodically pleasing and pop rock outfit Zhege join up and coming expat troupe XingXing Star Band for some upbeat high-octane fun. 60 RMB

La Pulpa (Columbia), The Hunters at DDC
Future calentano music at DDC as Colombian electronic quartet La Pulpa bring their mix of electronica and small town folk music to shake things loose at the hutong fave. 60 RMB

The Tek Dead, Goodbye Sunset, Soul Mate, Mechanism Evolution, The Last Resort at 13 Club
Bring your moshing shoes for this stacked evening of high hat hitting rockers – from hardcore outfit The Last Resort, pop punk group Goodbye Sunset, and melodic metal scrappers The Tek Dead, there’s no shortage of rip-roaring numbers tonight in Wudaokou. 70 RMB

Ma Xiao, Cheng Yafei at Jianghu Bar
Cuddle up with some nice folk tunes at tcozy Jianghu Bar as Cheng Yafei is joined on stage by guest Ma Xiao. Expect the two to be playing some of their current hit singles including "Libra and Pisces" and "Youth Ballad". 60 RMB

Liu Donghong
Blues-ridden singer-songwriter Liu Donghong gives a special unplugged performance this evening at the hutong space. 80 RMB

Wu Gui at Rockland
Southern China folk singer-songwriter Wu Gui brings his poetic full of bite and ridicule to the record store in Gulou. 120 RMB

Qi Ming at Mogu Space
Folk singer-songwriter who claims Leonard Cohen as her influence performs at the Xizhimen space. 60 RMB

Silent Speech, Antitune, Lattice, Mons. Boulevard at School
Zhengzhou to Shijiazhuang to Beijing – tonight's showcase at School Bar would only be a journey for the listeners but for the bands as well as Shijiazhuang's Antitune joins Zhengzhou's Mons. Boulevard for some Britpop-laced indie rocking. 50 RMB 

Dr. Liu & Human Centipede, Duff Beer, MC Dawei at Temple
Temple gets down and dirty with local promoters (and School bar regulars/owners) D.O.G for a rambunctious evening of deviant rock and roll that'll have grandma rolling in her grave – from the hardcore aerobatics of the Human Centipede to the ruffian punk rock of Duff Beer plus a special appearance from provocative rapper MC Dawei – it's a murderous evening for Temple. Free

Saturday, July 8

Life Awaits, Awake Mountains, Collision Dreamer, Miluan, The Skin I Live In, The Falling Ashes of GODs at Mao Livehouse
Some serious heavy hitters repping over on Gulou Dong Dajie – hardcore, electronic core, easy core, emo core, deathcore – it’s all for the taking as some of the scene’s most exhilarating characters including Life Awaits, The Falling (rebranded now), and more. 100 RMB

Glow Curve, Dr. Liu & Human Centipede, Larry’s Pizza, Pacalolo, Joy Ginger at School
Get silly over at School with this explosive lineup courtesy of platform/promotion trope Eclipse – with post-rock groovers Glow Curve joining hardcore stallions Human Centipede and a DJ set from Joy Ginger, looks like a killer eclectic lineup. 80 RMB

Peng Jiayi (TW) at Omni Space
Using the harmonica, guitar, folk, and rock, Taiwanese Golden Melody Award winner and singer Peng Jiayi brings his infectious storytelling tunes to Omni Space. 100 RMB

P.O.E, Jinsfake, Southside Samurai, Truis, Dirty Moss, Missy at Yue Space
Keep hip-hop alive and real with P.O.E – a Chinese rapper from Anhui will be releasing his latest EP at Yue Space alongside a host of rappers and producers keeping the beat fresh throughout the evening. 150 RMB

Hua Zhou at 13 Club
90s generation folk singer Hua Zhou, whose unique, foul-mouthed yet oh so sweet brand of folk music has generated quite the fanbase gives an intimate, surely banter-filled, night of tightly-woven storytelling at the university center. Expect a packed house for the beloved artists. 90 RMB

Zhang Qianqian, Nick Parsons at 69 Café
"Known for her strangely imaginative, stubborn and idealistic works," veteran sing-songwriter Zhang Qianqian, a staple of the folk scene since her debut in 1996, gives a special showcase courtesy of Mogu Space. 80 RMB

Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine at DDC
Audience favorites, Tavey Lean and The Solid Gold Dream Machine bring their impressive repertoire of classic soul, RnB, 3-piece horn section, rock and roll fun to DDC. 50 RMB

Liu Peiyi at Jianghu Bar
Saxophonist and jazz veteran Liu Peiyi invites his quintet to play at the hutong spot in celebration of his latest release Fifteen Years, which he released back in Boston last year. 80 RMB

Alpaca, Hitobashira, Never Before, Tumor Boy at Temple 
Sludge metal doom from Shanghai – yes please. Groove metal from Shanghai. Throw it on the bill already! Alpaca and Hitobashira make the trek up north and look to lay down the law at Temple alongside Beijing's own Never Before and Tumor Boy. A heavy evening for the heavy kind of bud. Free
 

Sunday, July 9

Dark Haze, Song of Chu, Chaos Kills The Pain, Anduril, Collision Dreamer, Lost Gravity, The Skin I Live In at Modernsky Lab
Screaming Battle Volume 2 brings melodic death metal group Dark Haze, folk metal act Song of Chu, hardcore band Chaos Kills The Pain, power metal/melodic death metal act Anduril, post-hardcore group The Skin I Live In and several others to the stage for an epic metal and hardcore show. 100 RMB

Macondo, Jurat, Li Eryang at Yue Space
Get out those glow sticks and nerd out to Pink Floyd as three Beijing outfits pay tribute to the psychedelic juggernauts including power rock instrumentalists Macondo, Xinjiang raised singer-songwriter Jurat who integrates Urumqi and psychedelic rock, and Li Eryang. Expect screenings, and other Floyd related geekery. Free 

Windsor Forest, Mr. Qing & Swinging, Siberia Cocklebur, Cui Longyang at Omni Space
Beijing Britrockers pay tribute to the one and only Manchester brat Liam Gallager and Oasis with an indie-popping Britrock flaunting showcase at Omni Space. 80 RMB

TST, Kuso Eyes, Sha Fa, Bai Jianqing at School
Rock, acoustic, emo – School gets offbeat for their Sunday evening showcase with a bit of everything for those letting for some late weekend action. 40 RMB

Huang Yuqin at DDC
Known for her sincere and poetic lyrics, both delicate and strong, singer-songwriter Huang Yuqin brings heartwarming indie pop to DDC. 60 RMB

Nick Parsons at Rockland
A piano-led folk night featuring the talents of regular scene hitters Nick Parsons Paying homage to all the greats - Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Pink Floyd – folk scene regular Nick Parsons performs at the record shop. 120 RMB 

Randy Abel at Caravan
Randy Abel says bon voyage to Beijing with one last hoedown at Caravan – man's been a staple of the scene for some time so it's only right he goes out with a band for his swan song before shipping off to the UK. Free

Phew! Still hungry for more? For events, videos, and photos from Beijing's thriving music scene, head over to Live Beijing Music or check out all of our live music listings here.

Images: Live Beijing Music, courtesy of the organizers

Beijing can be overstimulating to say the least. Let’s be real, sometimes even our sixth sense gets a decent workout, the one where you know that stick of chuan'r will get you sick for the next two days (but you gobble it up anyway). With the variety of events, restaurants, and gigs to attend, below we suggest bathing each of your five senses into one, if not all, of the nourishing cultural goings on below.
 

Hear

July 7: Soul Squad Label Showcase
Didn’t think you could enjoy the music you don’t get the lyrics of? Well, try some Chinese hip-hop. It’s not only going to make your jaw drop but leave you desperately craving for more and going through your Spotify account, wrecking ‘similiar artists’ section (which I can prove pretty fruitless for music from China). While Higher Brothers are changing the face of trap music and we are hopefully getting to see Bohan Phoenix at the end of July, dive into some serious Chinese hip-hop in Modernsky lab, laced with English interventions. Maybe it’s time to attend an event that doesn’t have an English description. Live a little. Who knows, you might just be the only foreigner there and who doesn't like that. More information here. If that doesn't suit you, there's plenty more aural fun happening.
 

See

July 7: "Summer Park" Film screening
Camera Stylo not only rocks my world for cute and usually empty rooftop terrace with a view over the roofs of less-explored Zhangzizhong Lu hutongs but for intimate movie screenings as well. This Friday they are inviting us to peek into the adventures out in Beijing suburbs in Summer Park. This short film follows a 17-year-old summer when she explores the outskirts of Beijing with a goodhearted teenager Park. The film has been accepted to over 20 international film festivals so stay for a Q&A with a director after the screening. Warning: the film might inspire a repressed urban (or suburban) explorer in you so have a vehicle ready right outside Camera Stylo. They usually host film-related events every day of the week so drop by any night. Screening starts at 8pm.
 

Smell

July 8: Sinology Institute Hutong Tour
Beijing crowd seems to have fallen even deeper in love with the hutongs once the city masters started shaking them and taking it apart brick by brick. Pay a proper tribute to apparently-not-eternal alleyways. Smell the herb gardens and two trees (yes, they have to be two and you’ll learn why) in siheyuans or the homely aromas of rubbish sorting stations followed by a fresh breeze of shampoo in HouHai Lake. Join the Sinology Institute for a free and nicely personal two-hour-long hutong and siheyuan tour on Saturday at 1.30pm. It will take you around the old courtyards and factories while also telling stories about Chinese chives and why broken bikes are locked tighter than new ones. Walks take place every Saturday but RSVP to make sure there is enough crowd for the tour. Check out their other free events while you are at it. 
 

Touch

We are definitely looking forward to pet the new soft sleepers on the trains to Shanghai and see how soft they actually are. End-to-end bunks look pretty cozy to sink in and the window helps if you are not a fan of tight spaces. The D311 train takes almost 12 hours to get to Shanghai, but with a tiny compartment of your own and a phone charging port might as well be five days. Tickets for the soft sleeper go for RMB 732, so go book your bed while they're still nice and padded and sunflower seed-free.
 

Taste

"You will not break our spirit" and "We stand with our hutongs" should be the slogans of this summer in Beijing. A more specific one could be ‘for hummus we pray’ when we visit Moxi Moxi in their new spot on 22 Beixinsantiao. With several outdoor tables, staring into a majestic hotel (that I suspect is just a cover some serious business) Moxi Moxi got themselves into a fairly comfortable and wide street. Promising to open a rooftop in a little while, they still serve possibly the best hummus in town. Bonus round: you can also sip some homemade lemonade and maybe spice it up with a shot of vodka if your weekday night needs a little kick. Show your support for Moxi Moxi by paying them a visit and help bring some livelihood and good will to Beixinsantiao and the surrounding hutongs.

Images: PCOnline, Unplash, Baidu and courtesy of organizers

After a bad day in China, expats usually turn to a friend as a way to make meaningful sense of cultural differences. But for those who don't want to make any sense, there's Reddit's online community China Circle Jerk 2 (CCJ2).

CCJ2 is not a place for rational discourse or for the faint of heart, but where behavior and content too extreme for the r/China subreddit gets hidden away. But for all of its antagonistic and caustic views towards China, it's clear CCJ2 users don't take themselves too seriously, something made clear by the group's name and its users' seething self-loathing.

And yet, CCJ2 is taken very seriously by Vice China, as seen in their article by Ricky Liu called "When laowai talk about China on Reddit," with "laowai" standing for "non-Chinese."

Despite the reputation of its parent company for edgy content that no one else will touch, Vice China has engaged in populist, reactionary tabloid writing. As problematic as it is to select such a generalized topic, Liu selects fringe groups with extreme points of view like CCJ2 to present to his readers as "what laowai think about China."

Needless to say, it isn't pretty. As a fringe group, CCJ2 finds delight in the absurd and juvenile, sharing a specialized way of speaking that only regular users can understand. One example (that can be reprinted here) makes fun of the way Chinese speak into their phones, yelling "Hello" numerous times before a conversation begins.

But instead of giving a report, Liu goes out of his way expose CCJ2 members, going so far as to translate one member's username as a "Hong Kong compatriot" even though it's not there. Liu also arms his readers with an explanation of CCJ2 vocabulary so that his readers can go engage the fringe subreddit on their own.

But it's not clear how much Liu understands about the group of people he's trying to explain. Liu admits in his article that he doesn't understand what the "2" in CCJ2 means even though the subreddit's own FAQ explain that a previous version of the group had been banned. Liu also explains the CCJ2 term "Tim Budong" with explaining that it's meaning of a "clueless foreigner" comes from the pinyin of 听不懂 (tīngbùdǒng), which means "I don't understand."

Liu's suspicion that foreigners are making fun of his culture becomes flat-out paranoia when he misconstrues a popular South Park meme in the r/Chineselearning subreddit as an insult towards China, flummoxed as to why 太太 ("wife") was used:

But when Liu wasn't using the extreme opinions of fringe groups to represent average opinions, he was quoting casual responses to a casual question as a way to judge entire cultures.

Liu made a popularly-received post on r/China titled "Yo, I'm Chinese and anything to ask?" and used the responses in his article. With many Redditors choosing to poke fun at Liu for making such an open-ended question, Liu's analysis quickly spiraled out of control.

In his article, Liu said the question "Can you use knife and fork?" was "a perfect manifestation of imperialist cultural hegemony" while the question "Is hot water good for healthy?" showed that "laowai's impression of China are still stuck at the initial impressions." Liu also took the question "Do you prefer the squat toilet or the Western throne" as an example of "Western contempt."

Liu says he wants to find out what "laowai" think, but he's already made up his mind.

Right at the beginning of the article, Liu explains his reason for going online to find answers:

I have grown weary of English teachers from abroad or those laowai sitting in front of hutong bars. Aside from smiling at me with alcohol on their breath, they will never open up about their true feelings towards China.

But that's not all. In his first sentence introducing CCJ2, Liu flat-out describes them as "imperialists" while the URL of his Vice China web article reads: "I do fuck with these Reddit guys." And if Liu's grudge with CCJ2 isn't clear enough, he has posted a photo to their group showing himself flipping the bird and as well as featuring the fake CCJ2 subreddit at the top of the Vice China article.

But despite all of Liu's efforts, his adversary remains unfazed. The attention brought by the Vice China article has been warmly received by the CCJ2 community, welcoming the same people they seek to annoy, legitimized by "China Edgelord Hipsters" who had sought to expose them.

Vice China joins other media is criticizing of the anti-China subreddit. Global Times has condemned CCJ2 for its "scathing insults and mocking stories" and its "homophobic slurs," while Half-Asian has singled out CCJ2 members for "racist viewpoints ... despite the majority of their posters being married to Chinese women."

On the other hand, CCJ2 also has its admirers like Arthur Meursault who finds it "absolutely hilarious." Due to its 4chan-esque anarchic atmosphere, CCJ2 has created numerous memes that carry far beyond its community.

It's fair to say that China Circle Jerk is not a nice place, and harbor racist and hateful views towards China. But Vice China and Ricky Liu's strategy of using blind hatred to fight back is not the answer in confronting a marginalized group that craves attention.

The message of CCJ2 is one that China doesn't want to hear, but it's one that is represented by a number of people smaller than one of the country's own villages. By engaging with a fringe group, Chinese media is looking to strengthen its position by making its enemies stronger.

More stories from this author here.

Twitter: @Sinopath

Images: Reddit (1, 2, 3)

What better way to stave off the fiery spice of Thai cuisine than knocking back a cool, boozy cocktail? That's the thinking behind Purple Bar, an excellent new cocktail joint that shares the space with Purple Isle, a Sanlitun stalwart for affordable Thai food.

Formerly known as Purple Haze, the recently rebranded venue's drink menu is one of the freshest entries of 2017. Chalk that up to the cheap prices (around RMB 50-70 per glass), generous pours and, above all, the creativity of the mixes. None of this should come as a surprise given that the menu was created by Lin Bai (pictured above with bartender Xiao Hai), a very promising up-and-coming bartender who got her start with cocktail veteran Douglas Williams at the now closed (but rumored to soon return) Bottle Boot and Cigar (BBC). Bai since went on to cofound The Crib last fall with Hsu Li (of FatFace Catering and Smokeyard).

Bai's professionalism was evident from the first sip of our Li Bai cocktail (RMB 65). Made with her very own Gold Yunnan tea-infused vodka, as well as gin, tequila, silver rum, lime and lemon juices, pineapple, cherry, an aromatic and tantalizing sour Italian liqueur called maraschino, and elderflower syrup. It had a dynamically sweet and sour flavor, its Yunnan tea gave it an exotic twist, and the combination was crafted just carefully enough to make it go down smooth, despite its abundant amount of alcohol (slurp this one carefully). It's served in a traditional Chinese clay pot, giving it a tropical vibe that aptly suits its Yunnanese ingredients and the Purple Isle's Thai food and ambiance.

Meanwhile, the Kwai Feh (RMB 50) proved to be a fitting counterpoint to the Li Bai. This drier, fizzier, and more bitter drink wowed us with its distinctively strong flavor, a product of its greater heaping of Golden Yunnan tea. It'll quench your thirst almost instantly during these steamy summer days, and serves as an excellent foil for the equally hot Thai dishes served up at Purple Isle.

Other highlights on the 20-odd cocktail menu also include the Fu Thai (RMB 50; made with gin, craft lemongrass lychee syrup; fresh lime juice and mint); the Monkey King (also RMB 50 and comprised of silver rum, peach fennel infused syrup, lemon juice and basil); the Final (RMB 60; featuring bourbon, sweet vermouth, clove, grapefruit and orange bitters, and Cointreau triple sec orange-flavored liqueur), and the Mojito George (RMB 45, named after Bai's friend who steadfastly orders mojitos wherever he goes, and made with silver rum, lime juice, a simple syrup and mint).

These drinks go down well with many of Purple Isle's mainstay dishes, such as the gobsmackingly good hot chicken green curry (RMB 52), the prawn-rife tom yum seafood soup (RMB 40 for a small, or RMB 58 for a large), and especially the cushy deep-fried shrimp cakes (which double quite well as a bar snack; RMB 58).

In short, there's plenty of exotic and intoxicating flavors to be had at both Purple Isle and Purple Bar, amounting to an impressive upgrade on an old favorite that should not only help reinvigorate it, but also stretch on its longevity for many more years to come.

More stories by this author here.
Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle

Photos: Kyle Mullin, courtesy of Purple Bar

Every issue's P.S. We Ate You, we like to shine a spotlight on the most delicious dishes we’ve stumbled upon recently in Beijing. Chow down!

seasonal bento
Obentos, RMB 78

The main attraction of this season’s bento (pictured at the top) is a portion of seared sashimi tuna laid on a bed of salad and dressed with yuzu. The bento box is rounded off with your choice of rice and three sides of veggies.

chicken scotch egg

Beyond Yakitori, RMB 32
A scotch egg made of chicken instead of the usual pork, the yolk perfectly runny, comes into its own when dipped in the spicy mayonnaise and paprika sauce.

duck breast and basil pesto pizza

Tube Station, RMB 64-196 (depending on size) 

A new, localized offering on the Tube Station menu, the coating of juicy Peking poultry chunks makes this pie juicy, hearty, and satisfying. The red and yellow bell peppers add a little crispiness, while the gooey mozzarella binds all of the ingredients together.

beef mango salad
Barn, RMB 80

A Thai-style salad presented beautifully, filled with mixed veggies, little Thai peppers, and, of course, beef and mango.

New York soho tower brunch
The Rug, RMB 388

A three-layered brunch tower with both an American and an Asian twist, the set includes a fish burger, a shrimp and avocado roll, a sweet strawberry and mango spring roll, and cakes to share.

This article first appeared in the July/August issue of the Beijinger.

More stories by this author here.

Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
Instagram: s.xuagram

Photos courtesy of Obentos, Barn

Although numerous Beijing livehouses have struggled – and all too frequently failed – to stay open in recent years, Yue Space has made a noble effort to fill the void for avant-garde musicians, folky singer-songwriters, and everything in between. The Beixinqiao-adjacent venue also boasts a strong collection of vinyl and cassettes. Then there’s the bar, managed by the team behind Fang and El Nido, meaning you can expect great cocktails and a quality beer selection.

Below, Shao Qiang, Yue Space’s manager, and Susan Wang, who handles the venue’s English media relations, detail the playlist that soundtracks their adventures in Beijing’s unstoppable music scene.

What song soothes you through a hangover after a night of booze and live music?
Susan Wang (SW): Actually, I don’t think any music can help me recover from that [laughs]. But if I really had to choose then it would be Radiohead’s OK Computer, especially the song “No Surprises.” It might help to heal me while I’m in my dark apartment, even though it’s probably already light outside.

Shao Qiang (SQ): The last time I got really hungover was after going to Yah Lab, near Yue Space. I listened to Otomo Yoshihide’s experimental noise music the next day to help me feel better, but it just made me feel even more intoxicated.

What is one of the best songs you’ve heard performed at Yue Space?
SQ: Liu Donghong recently played here. He’s so poetic, like the Leonard Cohen of China, and his song “Everyone,” really touched me.

What new LP’s at Yue Space's record shop are your favorite?
SW: I love The xx’s I See You. I wasn’t into this album at first, until I heard the song “I Dare You.” It has really universal lyrics that helped me realize that we are all the same.

Susan, you spend a lot of time in both Beijing and Guangzhou. What songs best represent each city?
SW: Guangzhou is more relaxed than Beijing. People there are used to taking a nap after lunch, so I think dub and reggae music feel so right there.

I’ve been listening to a band called 3Step (三跺脚) recently. They blend dub and reggae into Yunnan traditional music. I like their song “Zhujiang Beer,” named after a local Guangzhou beer, even though I don’t like drinking it because it tastes awful.

I’d choose “Se de xin” (色的心) from Birdstriking to be my Beijing song. I really like one lyric in particular: “You were born on the yellow land but they give you a red heart … Mom you said my heart should be blood red.” It’s very powerful – about a young generation singing loud and wanting to change the world.

Photos: Uni You, crypticrock.com

Being a woman in Beijing can be a downright hostile experience, especially considering the crowded Beijing Metro and its reputation for unwanted touching and molestation. And yet, taking the subway may get a little safer for women now that local police are specifically targeting "subway perverts" and making arrests.

Plainsclothes police arrested a man right in the middle of a crowded Batong Line subway car during rush hour last Friday morning.  

China Youth Daily reported the police are from the local detachment of the Sihui transportation police, and had caught the man in the act of molesting a female subway passenger on the train near Gaobeidian Station, just a few stops away from Guomao.

According to Weibo user "明日潘多拉" who was present at the scene, the man had unzipped his pants and was accosting the victim when someone suddenly shouted, "Stop! I am the police!" after which two men in civilian clothes confronted the man.

READ: Ride the Beijing Metro by Swiping Your Phone... As Long as It's Not an iPhone

Pixelated photos taken at the scene show a man being subdued by two other men, his arms pressed behind his back.

The eyewitness also said police officers were overheard telling the suspect that they had been investigating him for days before he was captured. Arrested is a 32 year-old man named Zhang from Handan, Hebei.

The heat and the crowded interiors of the Beijing Metro have made summer a peak season for cases of unwanted touching and sexual molestation, and it's a big problem. A Chinese survey had previously indicated 33 percent of women 16-25 years old reported some kind of sexual harassment.

Many cases go unreported due to the social stigma attached to being a victim, but there are still many publicized cases in which the accused are often brazen and shameless about their crimes. A man caught molesting a woman on the Beijing Metro in May defended himself by saying, "I'll touch whomever I want."

Instances of unwanted touching and molestation are not few, even when considering arrests made by police in the month of May alone.

The arrest of famous economist Zhong Dajun captured the most attention after he assaulted a female Beijing subway passenger who said Zhong had inappropriately touched her. Then there was the young man who was arrested at Wangjing Station after he was accused of groping a woman's buttocks on the station escalator. And then there was the time a subway molester just happened to be apprehended by Liu Jianbo, the assistant to the prosecutor of the economic crimes Department of Beijing Procuratorate.

Friday's arrest by undercover police signifies a rare instance of authorities taking proactive action towards the problem of "subway perverts". It's not known if Beijing police will continue to go undercover and make these sort of arrests. 

READ: Beijing Subway Now Staffed With Safety Stewards for Your Own Protection

The city had previously proposed the idea of "women-only" subway cars back in 2015, but only Guangzhou and Shenzhen have followed through on the idea with less than ideal results (shown below):

Taiwan introduced women-only subway cars in 2006 but got rid of them just three months after they were implemented.

More stories from this author here.

Twitter: @Sinopath

Images: QQ News, Weibo

If you’re looking for an excuse to dine out this week, why not make it a slap-up meal at a French restaurant in honor of Bastille Day on July 14. Bastille Day (know in France as Fête Nationale or Le 14 Juillet) commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which was a turning point in the French Revolution. In the spirit of égalité, we have organized the restaurants by price range, so you can go out and enjoy fabulous Gallic fare, whatever your budget.

Budget

O’Steak
From the team behind the equally wallet-friendly Café de la Poste, O’Steak is a great choice for affordable steaks, which are brought in from Inner Mongolia and available in a range of sizes. The rest of the menu includes classic dishes such as garlic butter snails and savory tartines. Weather permitting, be sure to grab a seat on the patio.

Daily 11.30am-11pm. 1/F, Jiezuo Dasha, 55 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (8448 8250)

朝阳区幸福村中路55号杰座大厦1层

Café de la Poste
For many people, Café de la Poste will be more associated with late night bad decisions than gourmet food, but they actually serve a pretty mean steak. For around RMB 100 plus change, you can get a good steak, served how you like it, and accompanied by salad and sautéed potatoes. The steak tartare is also a highlight.

Daily 6pm-midnight. 58 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District (6402 7047)

东城区雍和宫大街58号

Crepanini
This Sanlitun stalwart (with another location in Parkview Green) serves up some of Beijing’s best sweet and savory crepes. We’re particular fans of the buckwheat galette (as savory crepes are known) with goat’s cheese, apple, and walnuts. They also serve sweet and dry French cider — a nice drink to enjoy on the street-side terrace. 

Daily 9am-22.30pm. 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5208 6093)

朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园1层

Mid-Range

Bistro 108
This low-key bistro in an unlikely location opposite the US Embassy serves top-notch French dishes. Among the best are a delectable filet de boeuf au sauce poivre (made with juicy Australian beef), the mouthwatering fish tartare, a crisp confit duck leg and more. Desserts like creme brulee and chocolate lava cake are also very much worth trying.

Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. 104, Caochang Plaza, 19 Tianze Lu, Chaoyang District (5710 8106)

朝阳区天泽路19号草场商业广场1层104室

F Bistronome
This new, mid-range concept from Maison Flo focuses on classic French dishes to be enjoyed and shared between friends. Menu highlights include smoked veal short ribs and Grand Marnier soufflé. The views over the CBD from the floor-to-ceiling windows are almost as much of an attraction as the food.

Daily 11am-9pm. 7/F, China World Mall (north zone), 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District (8595 9597)

朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区7层
 

High-End

Bistrot B 
Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B serves contemporary French bistro cuisine out of an open island kitchen helmed by Boulud protégé Jarrod Verbiak. The menu features a wide selection of French dishes, from homemade charcuterie and pâté to seafood platters to boeuf bourguignon. There is a good value weekend brunch priced at RMB 390 for three (very substantial) courses. 

Daily 6.30-11am, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 1/F, Rosewood Beijing, Jingguang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District (6597 8888)
朝阳区呼家楼京广中心瑰丽酒店1层

Héritage
Set in that most French of hotels, the Sofitel, Héritage offers classic French dishes with modern touches. The interior is plush and the atmosphere refined, making it a good place to entertain guests or celebrate a special occasion. 

Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-9.30pm. 6/F, Sofitel Wanda Beijing, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (8599 6666 ext. 6528)

朝阳区建国路93号万达索菲特大酒店6层

Maison Flo
The grande dame of French restaurants in Beijing, Maison Flo has been serving classic French brasserie cuisine (think garlic butter escargots and imported French oysters) to Beijing diners since 1999. Fans come back for the belle époque interior, expansive terrace, and slick service. 

Daily 11am-11pm. 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (6595 5135)
朝阳区霄云路18号

Instagram: @gongbaobeijing
Twitter: @gongbaobeijing
Weibo: @宫保北京

Photos courtesy of the restaurants 

According to an unverified rumor, former Beijing Ducks player Stephon Marbury will return to Beijing to close out his career – with the Ducks' crosstown rivals, the Beijing Beikong Fly Dragons.

Quoting an unidentified source, Chinese news media like Sina and iFeng are reporting that Marbury and the Beikong Fly Dragons have all but formalized the deal and that only minor details need to be ironed out.

No official word from either party has commented on the rumors.

If true, Beikong's signing of Marbury may have huge dividends for both sides.

READ: Marbury Departure Sparks Angry Fan Backlash Against Beijing Ducks

By signing with Beikong, Marbury can continue to live in Beijing without disruption, and can even live in the same residence for which his permanent residence is registered. And with Beijing still serving as his host city, Marbury's proclamations and tattoos regarding his love for the city won't have to change.

For the Beikong Fly Dragons, Marbury is a strong marque player that can bring a lot of experience to the young team. The Fly Dragons were founded eight years ago in Guangzhou before moving to Chongqing in 2012. In fact, the team is so new that some Beijing residents don't even know the city has a second basketball team two years after they arrived. 

However, what looks like a win-win situation for Beikong and Marbury comes completely at the expense of the Beijing Ducks. By losing its most famous player to another team that shares its market, the Ducks are at risk of losing its fans to Beikong should this rumor be true. 

One way to appreciate this sensational rumor is to suppose if Mickey Mantle decided to end off his career by leaving the storied franchise of the New York Yankees in favor of the new baseball team across town, the New York Mets.

READ: Dear Stephon Marbury: If You Love Your Fans, You'll Retire

After bringing the team to three championship seasons, Marbury parted ways with the Beijing Ducks when the two sides couldn't agree on how to end off the final year of his contract. In order to allow the 40-year-old Marbury to fulfill his dream of playing for "just one more year," the Ducks have graciously let Marbury out of his contract. 

The rumor is the latest thing to go bad for the Ducks since the departure, which sparked an online backlash by outraged fans who called it a "betrayal." The Ducks are currently trying to turn their fortunes around by focusing on its future with younger talent after having missed the playoffs last year.

In his statement to fans after leaving the Ducks, Marbury wrote: "No matter where I am, I am a Beijinger. Beijing is my home forever." And so it will for the next year. 

More stories from this author here.

Twitter: @Sinopath

Images: Sina Sports

The Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (IUP) has a rich history as the school for those wishing to advance their Chinese language skills. It used to be known as the 'Stanford Center,' which was initially set up in Taipei in 1963 before moving to Beijing’s Tsinghua University in 1997. This year it enjoys its 20-year anniversary in the city.

IUP currently offers a number of programs to students, including a 32-week academic year program, a 16-week semester option, and an eight-week summer intensive program. All of the programs are located on the prestigious Tsinghua University campus in northern Beijing.

Last year, we featured an IUP student who shared their experience of learning Chinese at the school. This year, we talk to one of their longest serving teachers, Kuoman Hua (better known as Hua laoshi among his students), about his impressions of the school. 

The 39-year-old Beijing-born Hua laoshi epitomizes the center’s strongest attributes of hiring instructors with the long term in mind. "This provides a consistently high-quality language program for serious students," Hua states. He has been with the school for 16 years, teaching IUP’s “Comprehensive Course 主干课 zhǔgàn kè,” ”Classical Chinese 古文课 gǔwén kè,” ”Chinese Literature 中国文学课 zhōngguó wénxué kè,” and “Student-Selected Materials Seminar 自选材料课 zìxuǎn cáiliào kè.”

Hua graduated from Beijing Normal University, majoring in Chinese language and literature, and despite not initially envisioning himself as a teacher at the beginning of his career, he soon changed his mind. That change came when Hua was recommended to the school by a previous senior colleague, who mentioned how attractive IUP was, saying that it's a “place for romantics and the perfectionists.” That mix would prove the perfect match for Hua.

“It’s because of my major. At the beginning, I didn't think teaching was my career, but instead just a job. But when I started to teach Chinese at IUP, I found my calling because the students in our program whose spirit and desire to learn Chinese encouraged me. After communicating with so many smart and thoughtful students, I began to accept that teaching Chinese at IUP was in fact my career.”

The IUP program is a super intensive course that features four hours of class time followed by four-six hours of preparation per day. Students who pick this program are part of a growing alumni network that comes with an abundance of opportunities given that the average caliber of their student’s Chinese is so high.

The program's uniqueness lies in its instruction; highly individualized classes with a teacher to student ratio on 1:2 make for lessons that are tailored specifically to the students' needs. The student will also be taught and tested in all aspects of Chinese language comprehension. The success of this approach is apparent through the consistently positive results over the program's nearly 55-year history. 

"As students improve and reach higher levels in the course of the program, they will have more flexibility to choose more specialized materials to help them achieve their personal language learning objectives. The course is structured so that all students need a high level of competence in speaking, listening, and reading to meet their academic and professional goals," said Hua Laoshi.

The program has a totally immersive Chinese environment to help students maximize and cultivate a habit of using Mandarin in their day to day lives. There's an expectation for the students to only speak Chinese within the program's premises in order to get the most out of the course and experience different situation-based conversations. In the student's progress report, a commitment to this policy will be recorded as the program insists on maintaining this Chinese-only environment. 

"Every teacher in our program has a high degree of experience, and most have experienced teaching Chinese at top American universities for at least one year. A highly professional team of teachers, rigorous placement testing and course arrangement, non-commercial teaching purposes, and customized course teaching are the four main areas that set IUP's program apart from all the rest," explained Hua Laoshi. 

Hua Lasohi's tips for picking a school/program/center include:

1. Choose a school where a language pledge is necessary. 
2. Teachers that will correct your mistakes clearly and concisely.
3. Teachers that have a good measure of experience in teaching Chinese as a second language. 
4. Find out about the program's alumni network, which should provide opportunities after completing a course. 
5. The program should have rich educational resources and supporting facilities such as access to libraries etc. 
6. Based on the characteristics of language teaching, the lower the proportion of teachers to students, the better. Small class size is very important, as they allow for more opportunities to speak Chinese. For example, at IUP the teacher to student ratio is currently 1:2 and course schedules include at least one daily private tutorial and several small group classes per student. 

Mandarin Monday is sponsored by Sanfine International Hospital. 

This post is paid for by IUP. 

Images courtesy of IUP

He makes purists instantly turn up their noses, provides snobs with endless fodder, and he even prompted his genre's most famous figure to cast shade at him.

Yes, R&B and hip-hop heavyweight T-Pain (playing at Sir Teen on July 21) has arguably been as divisive as he's been successful. And that's saying something, considering the gazillions (that's the correct, highly technical music critic's term) of records he's sold airwaves he's dominated thanks to hit singles like "Low,""Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')," among others. Yes, especially circa 2008, the sound of this Florida born artist's outer space sounding, autotuned drawl was inescapable.

Critics, uppity music fans and even rap giants like Jay-Z all famously dissed him because of his overreliance on such computerized vocal effects (if you're drawing a blank, just imagine a robot cooing at you flirtatiously). But the shtick was so successful that it prompted legions of copycat acts. At this point, most listeners seem to have gotten more than their fill of it and moved on, leading to a serious decline in T-Pain's single and record sales (along with even more derision from haughty critics).

But no matter how much the most stringent among us may claim to hate him, there's bound to be at least one T-Pain song out there that will get their bodies gyrating. That is, in part, because of the sheer breadth of his output, collaborating with a who's who of rap and R&B stars that appeal to a spectrum of tastes. Aside from that, there are instances of him shutting the autotune off, which reveals a supple, dexterous voice that proves he's no gimmicky slouch. I also have to confess – despite my annoyance with his shrill "Kiss Kiss," collaboration with Chris Brown, and his clunky "Low," team-up with Flo Rida, both of which were inescapable upon release – that he had a hand in some all-time favorite hip-hop tracks, along with a few guilty pleasures and outright goof fests that leave me grinning from ear to ear every time I hear them. In fact, I'm so confident that the list below will convince you to reconsider your T-Pain hangups that, if you still hate him after listening to these five tracks, I'll buy you a draaank.

"Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')" (2014 live version)
This more recent, stripped down version of T-Pain's early hit was part of NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert," series. It showcases the considerable talent that has always laid underneath a mountain of studio gimmickry on much of the rest of T-Pain catalog, which explains why many of us couldn't resist grooving to some of his hits even as we rolled our eyes and pretended to be too cool for them. That explains the astounding six million views the clip garnered on YouTube when NPR posted their corresponding interview with T-Pain. It's also a good read, and offers insight into the nuanced trials of a man who's too often been dismissed as a shallow showboat.

"I'm On a Boat," The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain
Talking of boast, this go-for-broke goofy parody song and video shows T-Pain's eagerness to not take himself too seriously, all the while sounding great while doing so. In it, he embraces many of the barbs that his haters have leveled at him in suitable comedic fashion.

"Good Life," Kanye West feat. T-Pain
This one isn't a guilty pleasure for me. I categorically love every second of it, and will defend it from any snob who argues against T-Pain's autotune usage. It's joyous, stratospherically upbeat, and hypnotically catchy, making it my favorite track on an album (West's 2017 blockbuster Graduation) that's full of longtime faves.

"Blame It," Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain
When T-Pain partnered with showbiz vet Jamie Foxx for this slow burning, sultry club number, it became a fixture of every weekend night out for months after its release. It's quintessential T-Pain – hooky, electronic, sexy, but without all of the wince-inducing trappings that bog down some of his other major hits (see the aforementioned "Kiss Kiss," or "Low").

"Bartender," T-Pain feat. Akon
This is an early single that, while cracking the Billboard 100, was very much overshadowed by bigger T-Pain hits like "Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')." That being said, "Bartender," is way better – sporting smoldering instrumental and soothing vocal turns from both T-Pain and Akon (the latter of whom otherwise irks me to no end). It's a slow jam that's fun and unfussy from an artist then known for borderline spastic club bangers, and it laid the groundwork for the much more popular (but not quite as sonically textured or layered) "Blame It."

T-Pain will play Sir Teen on July 21. Tickets are RMB 180 and can be bought here.

Photo: ratedmd.com, Just Flippin, NPR, fanpop.com, justjared.com, contactmusic.com

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, July 10

China and Black Internationalism in the Early 20th Century
The Bookworm kick off the week with a look at the emergence of black internationalist thought in the early 20th century and China’s place within this discourse. Through examining the writings and utterances of prominent black US intellectuals, this talk hopes to offer an overview of their varied responses to China’s progress from the end of dynastic rule to the founding of the People’s Republic. The talk will be headed by Aaliyah Bilal, a fiction and non-fiction writer, and a recipient of the Shansi Memorial Fellowship at Yunnan University where, for two years, she conducted ethnographic research among Huizu Muslims. A graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, she is currently at work on a book about her experience as an African-American woman living in Asia. 7.30pm. RMB 50 (buy tickets here). The Bookworm

Tuesday, July 11

Classic Movie Tuesday: Notorious (1946)
In the heat of a Beijing Summer, Pop-Up Beijing explore what is lurking in the shadows, as Alfred Hitchcock – one of the greatest film writers and directors of all time – takes us on another journey into the darkness of film noir … Notorious, starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains explores how far a female spy is willing to ingratiate herself with a group of Nazis in South America. 7.30pm. Free. Pop-Up Beijing

Wednesday, July 12

The Cocklebur Band
Rock group The Cocklebur Band creates original, variable works, focusing on different facets of life, love, and sorrow. The band is made up of businessmen who, many years ago, were young rockers, and now come together to play from time to time, like a Cocklebur in the wind. 9.30pm. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). Jianghu Bar
 

Thursday, July 13

World Music Thursday – Tribal Belly Dance
Join Modernista for a night dedicated to cultural influences and fusions from all the around the world blended into music, dance, theater, and stage performances. This week they welcome their old friends, the amazingly talented crew dedicated to tribal belly dancing. 9pm. RMB 50. Modernista
 

Friday, July 14

National Theatre Live at UCCA
National Theatre Live is jointly staged by the National Theatre of China and the Royal National Theater. The program brings top productions from the stages of London and New York to Beijing and UCCA via high-definition screenings. The use of slide rails, close-ups, and other features offers audiences a detailed audiovisual experience that heightens the unique charms of the theater. After the successful run of Political Circle in spring, UCCA brings back two titles from the screening series – Coriolanus and Hamlet– for a second showing, together with the new screening series, New Classic, which includes Man and Superman, The Deep Blue Sea, The Threepenny Opera, and One Man, Two Guvnors. 1.30-9.30pm. RMB 200 (for two tickets, buy here). UCCA
 

Saturday, July 15

The Ming and the Manchus: A Walk and Discussion at the Forbidden City
For nearly 600 years, the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties governed China from behind the high red walls of the Forbidden City. This walk and discussion looks at what life was like in the palace for the men and women who lived and worked there. 10am-1pm. RMB 300, RMB 260 (members, includes all entrance tickets). Forbidden City
 

Sunday, July 16

Farm to Neighbors Farmers' Market 3-Year Anniversary
Farm to Neighbors Farmers’ Market turns three years old this Sunday and to celebrate invite all their regular producers and vendors of organically grown produce, meats, and eggs to natural skincare, eco-friendly products. After three years, F2N has built a lively local community that is filled with stories and inspiration by providing a platform for a “small and beautiful” lifestyle experience in this fast-changing city. There'll also be live music, games, and many prizes to be raffled off in a lucky draw. Free. Noon-6pm. Grand Summit

More stories by this authorhere.

Email:tomarnstein@thebeijinger.com
WeChat: tenglish_

Images courtesy of the organizers

Following my last visit to the hairdressers, it was time for my monthly trim. Or at least monthly is what people claim is adequate. Being the fashion-conscious British gent that I am, I prefer to allow my mane to reach mop-like proportions until a combination of profuse sweating, constant brushing out of the eyes, and ever-so-slight bending of the neck due to an imbalance of hair at the rear of my head force me inside.

That time had come and it was to take me to Sanlitun's London Loft in Gongsan Mall, and specifically to Ken's Barber, an anterior chamber and male-centric addition to the main stylists.

Now, if you've ever seen someone walking around town looking like a unicorn shat on their head, having just eaten a particularly exquisite rainbow, then there's a significant chance that they've been by London Loft. I'm pretty sure owner and manager Scarlet won't mind me saying that too much as she's quite bonkers, and ultimately, it's her wacky and brilliant mind that has founded these larger-than-life styles.

My very serious job at the Beijinger unfortunately does not allow me to undertake such coiffed psychedelic trials, so I politely declined a fuchsia mohawk and made a beeline to Ken's safe haven (and to also prove that London Loft can just as easily create low-key cuts).

As it turns out, Ken is not from the East End but is in fact a softspoken hairdresser from Dongbei, trained in the British hair cutting institution that is Toni & Guy, where he and Scarlet met. After a quick and adept consultation and wash, Ken quickly put my mind at ease that nothing too drastic was about to occur.

In all fairness, I can't comment all too much on the RMB 380 haircut I received other than it was exactly what I wanted, with a style that suited summer and much of the heaviness that had been allowed to cultivate taken out. I knew because the tell-tale crick in my neck had vanished. With the hair out of the way, it was onto the shave (RMB 180).

A good, close shave is reliant on a few factors: opening up the pores of the face and softening the hair, a well-kept razor, and the barber's technique. The first part of the process involved Ken carefully placing a hot towel on my face, gently wafting it so as to cool it down and ensure that it was comfortable, before being completely wrapped around my head and padded down for about half a minute. That is then repeated with a second hot towel following an application of shaving oils, which will assist the blade.

If you've never had a shave before, this part is about as close to bliss as Beijing will allow. Not only does the towel cover your eyes so you're left in complete darkness, with just a small hole to breathe through your nose, but the warmth completely soothes your head and soul. The shaving cream is then applied and the shave commences using a straight-edged razor. You're wiped up, given one final towel, and then slapped back into reality with a healthy dose of wince-inducing aftershave.

I came out of Ken's with a face that felt, as I hear it, as smooth as a baby's bum (expect to catch yourself admiring and caressing your face, no matter the place or appropriateness, throughout the day), and for a one-off treat there's nothing quite like the menthol cooling sensation that a good shave leaves you with. It should be said that if you go on a summer's day like I did, you'll also have a fair amount of life-affirming stinging for the next 12 hours as your sweat pores open up.

For what is still considered somewhat of a rarity in Beijing, a visit to London Loft and the adjoining Ken's Barber make for a great way to partake in the centuries-old tradition of a close barber's shave, or a one-off to brush up for a special occasion, or as they're known to say in East Larndarn, spruce up for a gay and hearty.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tomarnstein@thebeijinger.com
WeChat: tenglish_

Photos: Tom Arnstein

Although MoxiMoxi was among many of the popular hutong venues that shut down after vast stretches of those alleys were recently bricked up, the small Israeli pita and falafel vendor has since reopened on the quieter, but hopefully more stable Beixinqiao Santiao. Better still: the restaurant now has far more indoor seating on its first and second floors along with a forthcoming rooftop terrace (a considerable improvement over the tiny counter and smidgen of streetside folding tables and chairs at their old digs).

That expansion also extends to the menu, which includes new dishes like the fantastic arias (RMB 50), a pita sliced in quarters and deep fried until the outside is crunchy, a perfect counter to the soft beef inside. There are also sides like fried cauliflower, crispy pita cruch (similar to chips) and chicken schnitzel (RMB 30).

MoxiMoxi's old favorites like hummus (RMB 45), falafel (RMB 30) and, of course, its pitas (ranging from RMB 30-40) are also all still on hand. We tried the shakshuka option (more conventional falafel and chicken varieties are also available, along with a fried eggplant and boiled egg sabich-style pita). Slow-cooked tomato, peppers and assortment of spices are baked into a pair of pillowy fried eggs, making for a filling and meatless option for vegetarians or for those of us looking to try something healthier.

Longtime customers who also enjoyed the no-frills fun of sitting at one of MoxiMoxi's folding tables, gobbling up some of the restaurant's grub, and knocking back a few too many brews, will also be happy to see that the outdoor seating remains much the same at the new location, which will be furthered by the bar inside and the soon to be opened terrace (the lack of other boisterous, Western-style businesses on Beixinqiao Santiao, will also hopefully mean MoxiMoxi can operate without any chafing culture clashes or complaints from neighbors, an issue that constantly hung over Fangjia).

That means a visit here will likely lead to a longer stay for patrons than at its original spot. While Fangjia regulars will remain nostalgic for the days when they could grab a quick pita at MoxiMoxi after hours of hopping between the alley's many beloved bars, this new reiteration of the Israeli restaurant is sure to still hold up well thanks to its expanded seating and the new items on its menu.

MoxiMoxi
22 Beixinqiao Santiao, Dongcheng District
东城区 北新桥三条22号

More stories by this author here.
Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle

Photos courtesy of MoxiMoxi

If you were to guess the drink of choice for any road weary characters from Easy Rider or Sons of Anarchy, fancy cocktails might be the last thing that springs to mind. And yet Beijing bikers can easily get their fill of both at a nondescript Sanyuanqiao garage, where mechanics and bowtied bartenders practically work side by side.

Yes, Beijing’s Japanese speakeasy mastermind Moto Uchiyama has found the quirkiest setting yet for his latest bar, Mokihi 1%ers. The now six-month-old venue (we'll be the first to admit it took a while to venture this far out) ups the ante on its already tough to find predecessors like Mokihi No: 3 in a dingy corridor at 3.3 Mall and the original Mokihi on Lucky Street (he’s also very well known for founding pioneering Apothecary a few years back when such establishments were a rarity in the capital).

And while 1%ers may live up to its name for unadventurous Beijingers, he garage is located on a side road directly across from Mason Flo, those of us willing to venture out will be not only be amused by the novelty of it all, but also gleefully buzzed by the deservedly well reputed cocktails to be had at every Mokihi.

That being said, it’s easy to almost ride past it – the bar has Rider’s Club in the window, rather than the Mokihi logo, in reference to the entire garage and not just the bar. But once your step inside, in full view of a row of bikes, and pop open the door immediately on the right, you’ll ride to a whole other world. That entirely different setting is, of course, on par with the other oasis-in-strange-places Mokihis – a woodgrain bar and walls, jazz and folky country playing from the speakers, a pair of vested and bowtied bartenders at the read, with top-notch spirits in hand.

1%ers also has the good fortune of being manned by Zoey, a soft-spoken mixologist who maneuvers her shaker with the speed and force of a piston. She speaks English fluently, meaning that she can direct your cab to this tough-to-find bar if you call for help.

A few of her favorite cocktails include the PPGP (RMB 90), made with Smith & Cross rum, fresh pineapple juice, ginger and honey syrup, along with fresh lime juice and a pineapple leaf (which makes for an quaint aesthetic touch). It’s not quite tart and booze-loaded enough to make you sputter like a bike that won’t start, but almost, making for a strong and citrusy cocktail that won't leave you licking your teeth.

A solid alternative is the milder Asakusa (also RMB 90). This Pandan vodka-based cocktail includes fresh cucumber slices and cucumber liqueur, along with lemongrass syrup and fresh lime juice, all of which exude a light and refreshing slice of summertime.

The Hell’s Angels wannabees might instead prefer the perfectly named Not Beer (RMB 90), which features Hob dark rum, maple syrup, egg white-esque Aquafaba chickpea brine, and a splash of IPA with soda, making for a comparatively rugged combination, at least after the Asakusa. An even stronger choice might be the Smoky Sour (RMB 100), made with Mcarthy’s whiskey, malt syrup, fresh lemon juice and an egg white (proving that, hey, even road warriors like frothy, fluffy textures).

There’s also dozens of high-end spirits on hand, be they Japanese blended malts like 17-year-old Tsuru (RMB 130 for a glass, or RMB 2080 for a bottle) and 21-year-old Taketsuru (RMB 280 per glass, or RMB 4480 for a bottle); Japanese single-grain whisky like Chita (RMB 110 per glass, or RMB 1760 for a bottle); a range of gin and vodka, and plenty more. It’s as solid a booze list as an upper-tier Beijing cocktail bar, squeaking the very snazziest of Sanlitun haunts.

After all that, you might be too tipsy to knock back the kickstand, let alone zoom off into the sunset on your hog, so we recommend you track down a designated driver to help weave you back home. While it may be a bit far to find, 1%ers will more than satisfy your booze cravings and your thirst for adventure once you hit the road to find it.

Mokihi 1%ers
Daily 6pm-2am. 8 Xiaoyun Lu Chaoyang District (152 1040 0589)
朝阳区 朝阳区霄云路8号

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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle
WeChat: 13263495040

Photos: courtesy of Mokihi 1%ers, Kyle Mullin

Deep in the heart of the hutongs, removed from the trendier alleys near Beixinqiao and Andingmen that are rife with Western businesses, resides one of the capital’s grandest new venues, sitting in sharp contrasting to its immediately rough-and-tumble lao Beijing surroundings. And while the Beihai-neighboring Fab café and bakery exudes chic and cosmopolitan trendiness, its selection of top-notch pastries is surprisingly cheap enough to suit even the most steadfast of hardened hutongers.

Fab is part of the newly opened Vue Hotel, the rest of which is far more expensive and luxurious – from its sleekly designed sweets and hotel rooms, to the classy Moon rooftop bar and Pink Rabbit upscale dining restaurant.

Fab, by contrast, serves pastries and other café eats that vary from the high RMB 20’s to low RMB 50’s, not bad when you consider the surrounding glamor. The café's atmosphere is equally accessible and much snazzier than nearly all nearby options thanks to its futuristic furnishing and design. All that could make Fab an elegant oasis from the fun, but occasionally overwhelming, hutong hustle and bustle, especially for foreigners living nearby and looking for a place to impress friends or work remotely (the hotel’s other venues, meanwhile, appear aimed at upper-tier travelers who want to be close to the local action).

And though the prices are low, many of the pastries on offer very much impress – especially the RMB 20 almond croissants, which boast a subtle nutty flavor and fluffy-yet-flakey texture that all but melts on your palate, barely needing a couple of chews. The RMB 18 pain aux raisins is a little sweeter and heftier, making for an ideal side to your coffee or takeaway treat as a daytime snack.

Slightly more indulgent options include the creamy and delectably sugary RMB 36 blueberry cheesecake, and the even sweeter and more unique to Beijing RMB 42 Saint Honore cakes. This was the first time I’d even heard of, let alone had a chance to try, this classic French sweet, and it didn’t disappoint, with cotton-soft puff-pastry bits encasing and giving way to a mountain of cream and caramelized sugar inside. While those are the highlights, dozens of other baked goods round out the menu, such as raspberry white chocolate, baguettes, rose macarons, and more, along with a pretty standard range of coffees, juices, and smoothies (around RMB 25-35).

The talent behind these excellent pastries – not mention the froie gras and other high-end options at the adjacent Pink Rabbit restaurant – is Ignasi Prats. Though he hails from Barcelona, the executive chef is well versed in French pastries after years of working in bakeries, as well as at the three-star Michelin restaurant and twice-named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine El Celler de Can Roca in Catalonia. Members of his staff have also worked at high-grade Beijing restaurants, including the favorite splash-spot Temple Restaurant Beijing.

That craftsmanship and skill make Fab a fun, upscale, yet high-value destination in one of Beijing’s most rugged neighborhoods.

Fab (Vue Hotel)
Daily,10am-8pm. 9 Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District (5385 9000)

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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle

Photos: courtesy of Vue Hotel, Kyle Mullin

An American overseas student received thunderous applause for criticizing his own country's president in a valedictorian speech given at Peking University.

The crowd on hand cheered its loudest when graduating Yenching Academy international student Cody Irwin likened US President Donald Trump to Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China:

One reason that the new president of my country likes China lies in his admiration for the Great Wall of China. Not just for its cultural legacy, but because he fancies himself to be like Qin Shihuang (the first emperor of China) and construct a barrier that will completely isolate the American people from outsiders. [Crowd cheers wildly]

Qinshihuang occupies a controversial role in Chinese history. There are accounts of him burning down libraries and massacring scholars, leading some to call him a tyrant.

Trump had brought up the Great Wall in defending his proposal to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. "You know the Great Wall of China, built a long time ago, is 13,000 miles," Trump told former Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly. "I mean, you're talking about big stuff. We're talking about peanuts, by comparison, to that."

Irwin's disrespect of his own country's leader in front of a Chinese crowd came at the end of a speech that was free of any politicizing. Dazzling the audience with his fluent Mandarin and classical Chinese references, Irwin bookended his speech with Confucius' famous quote "A gentleman seeks harmony, but not uniformity" to explain that communication is vital to transcend cultural differences. 

READ: UK Tourism Ambassador Labelled "Foreign Male Scum" as a Warning to All Chinese Women

"The reason why there are countless conflicts that are occurring throughout the world is that there isn't enough dialog between people," said Irwin.

And that was not the only instance of "panda pandering" in his speech. During the address, Irwin told the first of many anecdotes, beginning with one about "learning." It featured Irwin recalling how he was indoctrinated into various arcane Chinese medical practices by a student who insisted on justifying them (one of which Irwin demonstrates to the delight of the audience, the "beggar's pose," shown above), but doesn't elaborate on what he gave in return.

In his second anecdote about "understanding" (that was edited), Irwin said he eventually complied with the overly strict regulations of the school's extra-curricular clubs even though he didn't understand at first.

READ: Beijing Expat's "Love of the Hutongs" Used to Promote High-End Restaurants

In his last anecdote regarding "friendship" (also edited), Irwin said he was able to make friends with people from all walks of life at the university including the poor, whereas the same thing is "not possible" in the USA because its people and their opinions are irrevocably split into two immutable political parties.

Irwin said true dialog is only possible in China, a country in which official political parties are limited to just one.

Criticism of its leaders is not common in China, where speech on the Internet is closely monitored and regulated.

Irwin's ability to cater to his Chinese audience did not go unnoticed. Chinese netizens praised Irwin with some calling him "handsome," One person said, "He truly understands the essence of Chinese culture."

Others appreciated Irwin for making fun of his own president. Another person wrote, "When he first mentioned Trump, I thought he was a supporter. But when he ridiculed him. I laughed my ass off."

READ: Red Dress Charity Run Attracts Online Controversy as Animosity Towards Expats Grows

Others thought that Irwin, who was commonly referred to as a "laowai" by the Chinesemedia, may have gone too far in catering to his audience. "Don't know if Americans who see his speech will think he's given up his principles in favor of other cultures," said one person.

Others still see him as part of the propaganda machine. "In its development, Great China has inoculated talents from all over the world; I am a retarded fan of China!" said another person.

Back in May, a valedictorian speech given by overseas Chinese student Yang Shuping at the University of Maryland in which she criticized China for its heavy pollution caused an uproar with nationalists back home.

Watch Irwin's video here (spoken completely in Mandarin).

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Twitter: @Sinopath 

Images: Miaopai

The oldest member of the Tribe Organic family, Tribe Sanlitun (pictured above), is turning three and, of course, they are celebrating with a big party. The theme of the party is "food play" and they are promising games involving "food, your body, and lots of laughter." There will be a prize of RMB 500 for the best-dressed guy and girl (although if there's going to be food involved maybe don't get out your very finest glad rags ...). They're also taking advantage if the occasion to launch their new summer menu; details are being kept hush-hush for now but we do know that they'll be giving out free samples throughout the evening, starting at 7pm. Entry in free but we recommend signing up here to guarantee a spot. 

On a slightly less healthy, but equally delicious note, Bistrot B has just refreshed their Sunday brunch offering, relaunching it as the "Bistrot B Chef's Brunch." The concept hopes to conjure the feeling of a casual brunch in the chef's own home, that chef being Boulud alumni Jarrod Verbiak. What that means in practice is access to a selection of hors d’oeuvres made for sharing, including fresh seafood on ice, charcuterie and homemade pâtés, and artisan cheeses, followed by your choice of entrée including classic egg-based brunch dishes, bistro favorites, and specialty brochettes (that's kebabs to you and me) from the grill. The brunch is rounded out with unlimited desserts, including “croffles” (croissant waffles) made to order, freshly baked fruit tarts and cheesecakes, and an artisan ice cream bar. All of that will set you back RMB 390 per person, with the option to add free-flow wine and cocktails for RMB 280 or free-flow Champagne and sparkling wine for RMB 580. We can attest that Chef Jarrod's homemade pâtés and charcuterie alone are worth the spend.  

Finally, if our review of the recently-opened Q Mex Taqueria wasn't enough to tempt you over to their new Xinyuanli space, then their new half-price daily deals are sure to push you over the edge. There is a different half-price deal (5pm-close) every weekday –burritos on Monday, tacos on Tuesday, nachos on Wednesday, and Uruguayan steak and habanero chicken on Thursday – as well as a daily happy with deals on draft beer, margaritas, and more until 9pm. 

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Instagram: @gongbaobeijing
Twitter: @gongbaobeijing
Weibo: @宫保北京

Photos courtesy of Tribe, Rosewood Beijing, Q Mex