Genghis Khan Festival: Run & Bike in Inner Mongolia

The beginning of 2012 and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon brings new aspirations, new dreams, motivation for better lifestyle decisions and a drive to reach new goals.

Among the many new years goals I’ve set for myself, one is to kick myself into shape and train for the half marathon.

I had originally planned to run the Great Wall Marathon in May (which I may very well still run), but I just recently found out about the Genghis Khan MTB Adventure & Grassland Marathon in Inner Mongolia at the end of June (thanks to the adventurous and active Erin Henshaw).

So rather than risk running on a dreadfully polluted Beijing city, you can run on through the fresh and natural grasslands of Inner Mongolia!

“The Genghis Khan Festival consists of two different sports disciplines: mountainbiking and cross country running. Mountainbikers are being offered a 3-day stage competition with a total length of 200km, while runners get the chance of running a full marathon distance offroad. Both events take place in the grasslands surrounding Xiwuqi town and cater for all levels of athletes as shorter distances are also available.”

Eager to sign up? Just follow these easy-peasy steps and you’ll be good to go!

1. Book Your Plane Ticket.  There are round trip tickets from Beijing to Xilinhaote for only RMB 1,280. There is one flight running every day leaving Beijing 07:10AM and arriving at 08:25AM in Xilinhaote Airport. Return flights leave Xilinhaote at 9:25AM and arrive back in Beijing at 10:30AM. You will want to hurry to book your seats as there is only ONE flight per day! You can book tickets on AirChina here.

2. Sign Up on the Genghis Khan Grassland Extreme Marathon website by clicking here to sign up for either the marathon or the MTB Adventure Mountain Bike Competition.  Lock in early bird pre-registration prices now by signing up online.  10K and half-marathon is RMB 150, Marathon is RMB 200 and  MTB Bike Adventures are RMB 200, 300, or 400 depending on how many race days you want to sign up for. Students get a 50% discount and teams of 5 or more also get a cheaper sign-up rate.

3. Your Stay: You can choose various travel packages from 3-6 days and basically everything from transport to accommodation and food is all included!  Transport is easy by Nordic Ways who provide daily airport transport to and from the event site.  Living Arrangements are also accommodating with different travel packages.  Click here for your list of options, but basically you can either stay in a 4-star hotel in the town center or you can choose to stay at Mongolia yurts in the ancient Imperial City of Kharakhorum which is 20 km away from town in the grasslands. Single yurts are first come, first serve but they also have a range of yurts that can accommodate up to 6 people. All daily meals are included including a BBQ and bonfire party. I recommend Travel Package B (4 Days, 3 Nights) so you have an extra day of rest after your marathon and you won’t have to miss the famous local lamb hot pot dinner on Sunday night!

For further inquiries and concerns, you can contact the organizers directly to help you book a yurt, find vegetarian meals, or save you a seat on the bus from the airport:  Jenny.zhao@nordicways.com

Grasslands of Inner Mongolia

If you’re keen to start training for the marathon earlier, you can also sign up here for the North Face 10KM/50KM/100KM Race in May 2012.

If you sign up before March 20, 2012, you can lock in pre-registration fees: 10k (RMB 90), 50k (RMB 300), 100k (RMB 500).

For more info, click here.

Free Preventative Health Talk by TCM Specialist Alex Tan

A qualified TCM practitioner and educator, Alex Tan of Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practicing for over 8 years.

“Immersing himself in ancient traditions embodied in the lifestyles and culture of everyday Chinese people, Alex is well aware of the problems associated with modern TCM in the hospital system in China and aims at providing a more holistic and personal style of healthcare focusing on effective communication and information.”

On Saturday, February 11, The Hutong is offering a unique opportunity to attend an hour and a half discussion led by Alex Tan to learn how we can use both eastern and western ideas to improve our health and how to incorporate these into our daily lives in both a practical and useful way.

“Alex believes the true treasures of Chinese medicine lie in its greater focus on holistic health combined with western natural health concepts, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work, counseling and lifestyle practices. The key focus of his approach is not only to assist the healing process through TCM treatment, but also in learning how we can live in accordance with nature to avoid illness and disease.” 

To sign up for this free preventative health discussion, click here.

How is this class free you ask? Well, this is a lead in to a 5 session “Eat Sleep Breathe” Workshop in the following weeks. More information can be found on The Hutong’s Website.

“In this five-session ‘Eat Sleep Breathe’ workshop we aim to help you to lift the veil on some of the ideas and philosophy behind Asian health and lifestyle practices. The goal of this program is that you will acquire a basic understanding of the concepts of traditional Chinese health & longevity. The aim is to also to become proficient in an authentic set of ancient Qi Gong exercises, leaving you with the motivation and ability to include these positive rhythms into your daily life. ”

Here’s to a healthier new year with long-lasting, new lifestyle practices!

 Alex Tan Teaches Qi Gong at The Hutong

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Time: 10AM-11:30AM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号
• RSVP: Click here to sign up.
• Website: Click here.

About Alex Tan’s Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic: 

Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic is open 5 days a week for acupressure and related treatments.

• Individualised and personal treatment with a focus on holistic health, effective communication & information for English speakers
• Treatment and assistance designed to help you understand your imbalance and what you can do about it using Chinese medicine dietary therapy, Qigong, positive psychology and daily rhythms
• Acupressure, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua-sha & Massage
• Lifestyle Consultation – How to gain greater health & happiness using ancient Chinese health knowledge; for people who want to increase health awareness and discover balance through positive interventions

Click here for Clinic Location and Times.

BJ FOoDiEs ‘Magic’ Dinner & Hilton’s Charity Auction

The first BJ FOoDiEs event of 2012 is setting up to be a double-whammy!  Switching things up, this is one of the very first times that a BJ FOoDiEs dinner will not be held on a Sunday, but on a Friday night. And since most of those in attendance have a charitable heart and generous spirit, it only makes sense to see BJ FOoDiEs teaming up with the Hilton Beijing, The Beijing Beatles, and Hoegaarden for the 2012 Charity Auction!

So mark you calendars for next Friday, February 10 for a night dedicated to the spirit of generous giving and good food. Not only will foodies be spoiled with a special dinner, those who make the highest bids for Beijing’s Dashing Bachelors and Bachelorettes will again be once again rewarded with another dinner at One East!

The night’s rundown is quite packed in, so by signing up for the BJ FOoDiEs dinner, you’re also signing yourself up for a full-on charitable evening with all proceeds going to two very special charitable organizations: Morning Tears and Magic Hospital.

First off, foodies are treated to an indulgent, 3-course contemporary American meal at One East in the Hilton Beijing hotel.

While the restaurant is said to specialize in Steaks & Burgers, the BJ FOoDiEs dinner unfortunately will be serving neither.  But alas, you can enjoy everything from a crustacean sea platter this eatery combines hearty US dishes with a swig of innovative californian flavors

“Be WARNED – This is going to be a night of feasting, drinking, debauchery & party-tastic times.  It’s going to be one of the best TGIF CELEBRATIONS so do join us for the night….we’ll hopefully all remember it the next morning. WoOT WOOT ” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

LDS Hook-Up: Free Craft Beer from Slow Boat Brewery

“Slow Boat is once again introducing new beers to the Beijing’s craft beer scene.”

Slow Boat Brewery will be hosting their next pop-up Craft Beer night at Grinders restaurant in Shuangjing on Friday, February 17 starting at 7PM.

Founded by Chandler Jurinka and and Daniel Hebert, two Americans living in Beijing, they are proud to be tapping fresh kegs to pair with Grinders’ hearty food (click here to see LDS review of Grinder’s ginormous sandwiches), music and friends are all invited to join them in a chilled out and informal environment and try out their specialty craft beers.

“Our beer is fresh and unpasteurized. No preservatives, no chemicals, just purely delicious beer. Carefully selected for their distinctive flavor profile, the beers are classically fermented to produce a smooth, bold taste.”

To learn more about their unique craft beers, click here and learn about their delicate process of hand-brewed craft beers “made from imported German specialty malts, which are regarded as among the finest malts in the world”.

Their current selection of brewed beers includes American Pale Ale, Pacific NW Red Ale, Coffee Porter, Oatmeal Stout, and Brown Ale. Now, here’s where the fun begins.

Curious to try Slow Boat Brewery’s craft beers?  Get hooked up at their next craft beer night at Grinders!

LDS HOOK-UP

Thanks to Chandler Jurinka, one of the two founders of Slow Boat Brewery, a few lucky LDS readers will get the chance to win FREE craft beer at their upcoming Slow Boat Brewery event at Grinders.

For your chance to win FREE CRAFT BEER at Slow Boat Brewery’s next event, answer the following question in the comment section:

From among the 5 craft beers currently being brewed by Slow Boat Brewery, which would you pick and why?

To answer, click here and scroll down to comment section.  Be sure to leave your email address so I contact the winner directly!

Deadline is Friday, February 10 at 12PM Noon.

In other news, Slow Boat Beer is now on tap at SUSU Vietnamese restaurant.  SUSU is where the first Slow Boat Brewery event took place and their concept of quality fresh ingredients and attention to detail perfectly compliments Slow Boat Brewery.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, February 17
• Time: Starts at 7PM
• Location: Grinders
• Address: Near The Brick in Shuangjing, Unit 3-02, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子2号楼底商3-02; Tel: 8775-1847

It’s SUSHI Time: Learn to Make & Eat Your Own Sushi

It’s about that time of year again….it’s SUSHI Time!!

Many of you are probably sushi addicts like me and for us, it’s always sushi time, BUT it’s not every day that you can 1. make your OWN sushi and 2. learn how to make sushi from Alan Wong, the sushi samurai master of the Hatsune Restaurant Group.

Here’s your chance to learn the secrets behind the legendary Hatsune sushi rolls, eat your own creations and you even get to take home essential equipment to start making your own sushi at home!

Hatsune’s next sushi making class will be taking place on Wednesday, February 22nd at the Original Hatsune restaurant in Guanghua Lu.

More About the Event:

Hosted by Alan Wong, the master Sushi Samurai himself, Hatsune presents to you a Sushi Making Dinner Party. This course examines the fundamentals of sushi making and discover some of Hatsune’s secret recipes and get tips on how to make sushi at home. You’ll learn all about the different types of sushi, fish, rice and vegetable ingredients, and then it’s your turn to try it for yourself, preparing THREE different types of sushi rolls, with the expert advice and help from master Sushi Samurai Alan-san. Join us as we show you the path to become a Sushi Samurai.

RMB 300 per person includes the sushi making class, ingredients, dinner and the essential equipment to start making sushi at home!

Limited Seating, RSVP Required: Contact Kristen Lum by Monday, February 20th, e-mail: kristen@lumdimsum.com

Check out More Pics from Previous Hatsune Sushi Making Classes:

• LumDimSummary: Hatsune Sushi School with Alan Wong
• Sushi Samurai Class with Alan Wong

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
• Time: 7-10PM
• Price: RMB 300 per person includes class, materials and dinner
• Location: The Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu Branch)
• Address: 2\F, Heqiao Building, Bldg C, A8 Guanghua Donglu, CBD/Guomao    光华东路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
• RSVP: Contact Kristen Lum by Monday, February 20th e-mail: kristen@lumdimsum.com

The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012

“Every March, The Bookworm is transformed into a hub of literary, intellectual and creative activity as we celebrate all things books with The Bookworm International Literary Festival.”

The International Literary Festival at The Bookworm has grown exponentially each year and 2012 is not only bringing more authors, more booktalks, panel discussions and chances to meet your favorite authors, but also writing and publishing workshops, a Chinese program, a Children’s Programme, International School’s Programme, Migrant School’s Programme, and Footnotes Programme with film screenings, performances, music and special live literature events.

“We seek to showcase the modern voices of Chinese authors to the world and bring some of the world’s leading literary lights to China.” – The Bookworm

Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy.

With so many events lined up, it may seem overwhelming at first to digest the action-packed 2-week festival program.  But thanks to the generous help of Festival Director Kadi Hughes, she has taken the time to explain her top 10 “must-see” events this 2012 International Literary Festival at The Bookworm.

Festival Director Kadi Hughes’s Top 10 Picks:

(listed in chronological order)

1. Sunday March 11 6pm

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry with Gary Shteyngart & Andrei Kurkov

Gary Shteyngart and Andrei Kurkov both write novels that criticize and comment on the ills of modern society. And they are very, very funny. I am a huge fan of humor writing, which often doesn’t get the same respect that more dramatic writing receives. But comedy is something that is often much more difficult to perfect. I am incredibly excited to see these two very talented and funny men in conversation.

2. Monday, March 12 10 am

You Will Be My Friend!  with Peter Brown

Peter Brown writes and illustrates gorgeous picture books that remind me of all the books I loved to read (and read again and again) when I was a kid. His latest is about Lulu the Bear who is trying to make friends with a bevy of other animals.

3. Wednesday, March 14 6pm

Knifepoint with Mai Jia

Mai Jia writes incredibly cool spy thrillers (think a Chinese James Bond, but with more lady trouble). Agents double crossing each other for political and romantic intrigue, all in a glamorous setting of Shanghai during the Republican era.

4. Thursday, March 15 8pm

City of the Dragon with Di An

Di An is a post-80′s generation literary sensation. Only some excerpts and a few pieces of her work have been translated into English so this event will be a great chance to hear from one of China’s most exciting new writers. Like a lot of people, I don’t read a lot in Mandarin so our events with Chinese writers are a way for me to find out more about the literary scene and culture in China.

5. Saturday, March 17 4pm

Sally Kindberg Comic Workshop

Sally Kindberg is a very cool and hilarious illustrator and comic novelist. She will be instructing us how to turn our stories into graphic tales, using the comic strip as a platform. She has a great style and this workshop will be a huge hit. She will be leading a lot of events for kids but this is an adult workshop – because why should the kiddies get all the fun?

7. Sunday, March 18 12pm

Men & Monsters with Carol Birch & Albert Sánchez Piñol

Carol Birch’s Jamrach’s Menagrie was one of my favorite books of 2011, full of all the things I love: adventure on the high seas, exotic animals, Victorian ruffians and really, really dark surprises. Albert Sánchez Piñol’s Cold Skin is so unnerving that I may or may not have needed to sleep with the lights on after I finished it. A young scientist is posted to tint island in the south Atlantic, alone except for the attendant of a light house and an unending army of attacking humanoid reptilian creatures. Both of these writers tackle of the subject of ‘the heart of darkness” and what happens to humans when they are pushed to their moral and ethical breaking point.

8. Sunday, March 18 4pm

Life to the Fullest with Kjersti Skomsvold

Kjertsi Skomsvold is a debut novelist from Norway. Her book The Faster I Walk, the Smaller I Am is a heartbreaking account of an elderly woman at the end of her life. As she reflects back, she realizes that no one will know that she has ever lived, that nothing she has done has ever mattered. So yes, I cried a lot reading this one. But Skomsvold has a very dark sense of humor with hilarious commentary sprinkled throughout. I am always excited to read and hear new writers talk – it’s always exciting!

9. Monday, March 19 6pm

The Underbelly with Paul French, Chris Womersley and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (moderated by Catherine Sampson)

Criminals, thugs, gangsters and thieves, what’s not to love? This is a panel of writers from all over the world (Australia, Iceland, UK/China) who write about all the dark and scary things on the fringes of society.

10. Thursday, March 22 1pm

They Think It’s all Over… sports writing with Alan Bissett, Peter Sampson and Rowan Simons (moderated by Jonathan White)

I am not a huge sports fan but sports writers are some of the best wordsmiths. It’s a tricky task to take something that is so visual and turn it into compelling writing. This is a panel of a novelist, a sports journalist and a memoirist who all are very passionate about sports. Plus I am expecting some heated debate over which football team is best and all that barroom chatter.

A massive thanks to Kadi for sharing some of her top picks!!

A Few More….LDS Picks for The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012:

• Opening Event: Super Sad True Love Story with Gary Shteyngart. Friday, March 9 at 8PM (RMB 180)

  Gary Shteyngart’s wickedly funny Super Sad True Love Story is a dystopian love story set in the not-too-distant future.

• Tiger Head, Snake Tails: China today, how it got there and where it is heading with Jonathan Fenby. Sat, March 10 at 12PM (RMB 80)

  Economists, policy makers and armchair historians alike have made popular sport debating the future role of China. Will China rule the world? Or is all just smoke and mirrors?

• “A Funny Thing Happened…” by Beijing Improv Performance. Sat., March 10 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  The oldest and largest English-language improvisational theatre organization in China, Beijing Improv’s Mainstage English Players, trained at the best improv schools from around the world, put on a side-splitting show for our festival audience.

• Unnatural Selection: The Consequences of a World Full of Men with Mara Hvistendahl. Sun., March 11 at 10AM (RMB 80)

  There are over 160 million females “missing” from Asia’s population. This gender imbalance, caused in part by sex selective abortions, has dire consequences for the entire world.

• Hot Art with Joshua Knelman and AAB’s Tom Pattinson. Thurs, March 15 at 1PM (RMB 65)

  Canadian journalist Joshua Knelman immersed himself for four years in the enigmatic high-stakes world of international art theft.

• From Banished to Screwed with Han Dong. Sat., March 17 at 12PM (RMB 65)

  Han Dong has been a major voice in Chinese literature since he burst onto the scene in the 1990s.

• The Holy Woman with Qaisra Shahraz. Sun., March 18 at 10AM (RMB 65)

  Pakistani-born British writer Qaisra Shahraz’s novels, with their strong female characters and multilayered plots, explore the complex relationship between faith and family, tradition and independence in the Muslim world.

• Putong Hua – Animal Encounters. Live storytelling with Tim Clare, Kjersti Skomsvold and Chris Womersley. Sun., March 18 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  A special live storytelling event! We’ve trawled pubs, playhouses, classrooms and street corners to find some of the Beijing’s best storytellers.

• Death Drive - Performance by Tim Clare. Mon, March 19 at 8PM (RMB 80)

  British writer and poet Time Clare performs his brutally honest stand-up show, Death Drive, told through poetry, true stories and the ukulele. 

• The Moira Monologues – a “One-Woman” Performance by Alan Bissett. Wed., March 21 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  Alan Bissett performs his “one-woman” show, based on stories and characters from his childhood in Falkirk.

For a full list of The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival Events, see here.

Last year, certain events were sold out within days of tickets being released. Hurry as tickets are going fast!

Tickets are exclusively being sold at The Bookworm (starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to the General Public on February 6) from 9AM-9PM daily.

What qualifies a “Friend of the Festival”?  Want to support The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival and get hooked up to early-bird tickets and VIP events?

“Our festival simply would not be possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors and friends of the festival. From international flights to marketing materials, the festival relies on the support of many. Your donations – large or small – are what keep us going and help us bring you a world-class festival.”

Friends of the Festival Benefits:

• Early-bird tickets: the ticket office opens to Friends of the Festival before opening to the public
• Invitation to a special VIP events and cocktail parties for Friends of the Festival, sponsors and authors
• Name listed on our website
• Great literary karma!

Friends of the Festival Levels

• 1st Edition – 5,000rmb
• Gold Leaf – 1,000 rmb
• Leather Bound - 500rmb

The Bookworm International Literary Festival Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 9- Friday, March 23 (2 weeks)
• Tickets: Exclusively sold at The Bookworm starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to General Public on February 6
• Location: The Bookworm
• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tel: 6503 2050
• Website: http://bookwormfestival.com/

Emergency WHALE! at 4corners! Tonight!

Blue Alert! It’s a WHALE! Emergency TONIGHT!

WHALE! is holding a last-minute emergency party tonight, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the newly opened 4corners肆角餐吧 bar by the Drum and Bell Tower in Gulou.

Previously, WHALE! parties were rocking Beijing with monthly gigs around town, but since winter hit, it’s been a few months without some WHALE! fun.

So what calls WHALE! out of hibernation?  A member of the WHALE! family is leaving Beijing for a few months and this is his unofficial leaving party.

Who is leaving you ask?  Well, they are all masked by alias names, but here’s one hint: It’s the only DJ who changes his alias name every WHALE! party. This time around, his name is DJ No Requests.

Who is WHALE!?  Check out CW’s article on WHALE!’s DJs here.

If WHALE! is a new concept for you, the best way to sum it up quickly: WHALE! is “200 tons of danceable rock and electro in the deep, dark hutong”.  

And the eclectic music mix will be played by the regular WHALE! DJ Line-up featuring DJ Assassin Eyes, Bobby Dropper,  DJ Fun Party, DJ Dirty Pirate and our beloved DJ No Requests.

This has been something in the works the past weeks, but they’ve only just announced it and as this is the unofficial leaving party of DJ No Requests, there will also be an unofficial dress theme: Cardigans.

I was hoping to find some quirky picture of a whale wearing a cardigan, but I guess it figures the reverse is more likely.

So here you have it: Whales knitted onto a cardigan.

Close enough.

…or perhaps you prefer this knit WHALE!?

OK. Enough fun for now.

Time to WHALE! at 4corners! TONIGHT!

Click here to see pictures from previous WHALE! parties:

• WHALE! on a Rainy Night in the Deep, Dark Hutongs
• “W” is for WHALE!
• A WHALE! of a Good Time

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, July 29, 2011
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: 4corners 肆角餐吧
• Address:  By Drum and Bell Tower on DaShibei Hutong 西城, 大石碑胡同27号 (See map below)
• FREE ENTRY 

The Orchid & Great Leap: Chinese New Years Eve Party

 Of all the Chinese New Year celebrations I’ve heard of, The Orchid Boutique Hotel‘s party is the first one to really spark my interest.

Set in a uniquely traditional, classically beautiful setting, this boutique hotel is located in a traditional Chinese courtyard and with the contemporary twist of featuring Western management and service. Having the best of both worlds, this seems like the natural choice for an ideal venue to ring in the Chinese New Year.

For this annual celebration, they are opening up to their space to the first 100 who sign up.  Teaming up with the guys at Great Leap Brewery, they are offering all-you-can-drink Great Leap beers and their signature house mulled wine for RMB 350 (RMB 300 pre-sale). One of the best views of fireworks in the city, party begins at 9PM.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
• Time: 9PM-late
• Location: The Orchid Hotel
• Address & Map: See below
• Website: Click here.

Snapshots of The Orchid Hotel:

Directions to The Orchid Boutique Hotel:

From Gulou Dong DaJie (Gulou East Street) simply walk ~200 meters up along the main Baochao Hutong alley, past the large military airforce base on your right, past Dali Ren Jia Yunnan restaurant and just up to Mr. Shi’s dumplings. The Orchid is only 5 meters beyond Mr. Shi’s dumplings. Look to your left for a very thin alleyway with The Orchid’s large white entranceway at the end.

Address:
#65 Baochao Hutong, Guloudong Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100009
北京市东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同65号
Map
Tel: +(86) 10-84044818

Mellowparks: The 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open

This weekend is 10 years in the making for the men and women of mellowparks.cn, and a momentous moment for Steve Zdarsky, the Godfather of Snowboarding in China.

The 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open is taking place this Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15 with some of the top riders of the world flying into Beijing for their chance to win prize money totaling USD$50,000!

Attracting widespread international media attention and national TV coverage, mellowparks is making a huge impact on China’s snowboard scene and bringing it to international fame as Asia’s largest slopestyle event of the year with 5Star TTR status.

With event host Eric Zhu introducing riders and explaining each run’s tricks and falls, the event is sure to be pure, non-stop entertainment.  This year also welcomes back head judges Iztok Sumatic (SLO) and Ishi (JPN) along with a team of experienced judges: Ingemar Backman (SWE), Michi Albin (SWI), Scotty Wittlake (USA), and Alan Wong (PRC/USA).

With live TV coverage, the event rundown goes like this:

 Live TV coverage schedule of the 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open:

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

11:00-12:00 CST (1st run of Qualifier)

13:30-15:30 CST (2nd and 3rd runs of Qualifier)

Sunday, January 15th, 2012 

11:00-12:30 CST (Finals)

13:30-14:30 CST (SuperFinals)

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15
• Time: Sign Up starts at 9AM, qualifier competition from 1PM-3PM
• Location: NanShan Park (click here for directions and park details)
• More Info: www.mellowparks.cn

Say Goodbye to D-22 this Friday, the 13th with Mohanik

After six strong years as one of Beijing’s iconic live music venues, D-22 is officially closing their doors this Friday, the 13th of January.  Over the years, this little WDK rock venue has built a tight music-loving community committed to the local music scene and they have undoubtedly helped to open doors and jump-start the fame of many of Beijing’s most well-known bands like Carsick Cars and Hedgehog.

Going off with a bang, they are hosting Mongolian garage rock/punk band Mohanik (from Ulan Bator) as their first act of their closing night.

In the middle of the 4 day China tour (from Hohhot to Beijing to Ningbo to Shanghai), this will be their second stop, but D-22′s first act of the night followed by Shanghai metalheads Moon Tyrant, Beijing surf-rock band The Flying Mantas, and a DJ set from DJ B.O. (aka Brian Offenther, Shanghai-based music promoter Trash A Go-Go).

Click here for Time Out Beijing’s recent interview with Mohanik.

Come out and bid D-22 farewell, though Michael Pettis had said in a few interviews that they plan to open a new music venue to accommodate “today’s Beijing”.

• See interview with Michael Pettis by pangbianr.com here: Michael Pettis on the End of D-22

• See interview with Michael Pettis by Andy Best on Kungfuology.com here: D22 Closing: Full Interview with founder Michael Pettis 

Event Details: 

• Date: Friday, January 13, 2012
• Time: 10PM
• Location: D-22
• Address: 242 Chengfu Lu, Haidian district 海淀区成府路242号
• Website: Click here.

Make a Difference with Chi Fan for Charity

 Founder Michael Crain Presents CFFC Donation to New Hope Foster Home

Last month, Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) made it’s first donation to New Hope Foster Home (see picture above). Founder Robin Hill accepted the donation of RMB 155,000 on behalf of the children of New Hope.

The second donation will be made to Bethel Foster Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 10AM. All supporters are both invited and encouraged to attend. These donations are making a huge difference in the lives of others and both your time and presence would be appreciated by the entire CFFC team.

If you can make it, please email ChiFan@chifanforcharity.org. Click here for directions to Bethel Foster Home.

Background of CFFC Donation Recipients: 

If you are interested in joining the Chi Fan for Charity team and serving on the serving committee for CFFC 2012, please email MDC@chifanforcharity.org 

Click here for my LumDimSummary of Chi Fan for Charity 2011.

85 Broads Progressive Dinner at In & Out Yunnan

This event has been CANCELLED.

Anyone who purchased a ticket already should be reimbursed. Apologizes for any inconvenience caused!

Hosted by 85 Broads, their first dinner of 2012 will be hosted at In & Out Yunnan Restaurant with special guest speaker Dong Fen 董芬, Operations Manager and Consulting Programs Manager — a passionate supporter of Hua Dan.

A bit of information about this month’s guest speaker:

Dong Fen’s, story embodies Hua Dan’s successes; she was the first workshop participant in China and has stayed with Hua Dan ever since. She comes from Qu Jing, Yunnan province, and graduated from the famous Rural Women Knowing All school in 2004, having received training as a waitress, and has worked both as a waitress and as a beautician. She has been a passionate supporter of Hua Dan since we started in 2004 and brings much enthusiasm and professionalism to our work here. She is responsible for overseeing project delivery and is the project manager for Hua Dan’s social enterprise initiatives. She has won three awards of seed funds for developing Hua Dan’s social enterprise initiatives from the British Council and One Foundation, Youcheng and Narada Foundation. 

85 Broads’ Progressive Dinners are ‘anchored’ by senior women who are leaders in their respective industries and have an interest in mentoring young talent.

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

The dinner will take place on Tuesday, January 10 starting at 6:30PM with dinner served at 7:30PM. As there is limited seating, please RSVP and purchase your seat by Monday, January 9th. Purchasing tickets online at Paypal and also sendmetickets.com is made convenient.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2011
• Time: 6:30- Registration, 7:30 – Dinner
• Location: In & Out Yunnan Restaurant
• Address: Sanlitun North Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing No. 1 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号
• Tel:+86 138 0104 2177
• Cost: RMB 200 85 Broads Members / RMB 250 Non-Members  Pay online at Paypal or Purchase Tickets at send me tickets.
• RSVP: Email: Beijing85Broads@gmail.com
• Website: 85Broads.com

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

A global network of 25,000 trailblazing women, the “founding members” of 85 Broads were women who worked for Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the investment banking firm’s former NYC headquarters. Over the past decade, 85 Broads expanded its membership to include women who are alumnae and students of the world’s leading colleges, universities, and graduate schools worldwide. Our members are located in 82 countries around the world and work for thousands of for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations.

4corners 肆角餐吧: Open Kitchen with Sledgehammers

2012 will be bringing the beginnings of the creation of 4corners 肆角餐吧. Over the new year, this new bar featured live music, capoeira, a fireplace with marshmallows and now they are continuing in their theme of “destruction and creation” with an Open Kitchen event.

What does that mean exactly? It means they are rounding up the community to wreck open a new kitchen!

“We’re gonna put on our helmets, goggles and face masks, lift up those sledge hammers and get wrecking!! What are we wrecking? Let’s just say it brings a whole other meaning to open kitchen. Music, good people, and sledgehammers provided free of charge.” – Jun Trinh

All who come to par-take in the creation of their new kitchen will be treated to drinks sponsored by Vedett, Beijing Draft and Ypioca Cachaca.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2012

• Time: 8PM

• Location: 4corners

• Map: Click here.

Jump Start 2012: Startup Weekend Beijing

Produced by Red Pagoda, Startup Weekend Beijing is all about giving entrepreneurs a chance to pitch to world class VC and angel investors while also a chance to meet awesomely talented developers, UI designers and product managers.

“Delivering exceptional talent to audaciously visionary startups, so far four of our entrepreneurs have been funded by investors like Blue Run Ventures, Innovation Works and Dave McClure’s 500Startups.” - Andy Mok, Organizer of Startup Weekend Beijing and Founder of Red Pagoda Resources

Coaches and judges of the event include:

• Fritz Demopoulos, co-founder and CEO of Qunar.com

• Xiaojun Li, Partner at IDG

• Robbi Jiang, Investment Director at Blue Run Ventures

The event will take place January 13-15 and will take place at the Holiday Inn Express on Dongzhimen.  Registration is RMB 500 per person and sign up is here.

Event Details: 

• Date & Times: 7 pm, Friday, Jan 13 – 9 pm, Sunday Jan 15
• Location: Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen, 1 Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 
• Registration: RMB 500 per person
• Sign Up: Website here.

Ring in 2012: Best Breakdown for Beijingers!

Celebrate the close of another year and ring in 2012 with a bang…as it may be our LAST (dun dun DUN!)  just kidding - fingers crossed the world will not end this year.

I’ve posted a Christmas list last week (click here), but here’s an updated list for the upcoming New Year Weekend.

For foodies, many of Beijing’s top restaurants are hosting special NYE dinners and New Year Day brunches while night owls can party to their heart’s content at practically all night clubs around the city.

In order of my preference (and timing of the night), here goes the breakdown down to 2012:

NYE Dinner Options:

1. Agua’s Spanish NYE Menus

Agua’s arranged for special Spanish set dinner menus for the days surrounding New Year’s at RMB 528 per person.  You can indulge in Agua’s signature suckling pig or some of their other house specialities this holiday season.

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. An M New Years

Roaring fireplaces and a spectacular view, Capital M has prepared everything you could want for a warm, intimate holiday occasion. Check out their happenings for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day below.

RSVP:  reservations@capital-m-beijing.com    (86-10) 6702 2727

M’s Holiday Menus Here:

New Years Eve at Capital M

988 RMB per person (pre-booked/pre-paid tickets only)

Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration with Champagne cocktails and canapés around the bar with our Brass Band performing Jazz, followed by a delectable seven-course menu. As the clock strikes 12, savour the unforgettable experience of a Champagne toast on the terrace overlooking Tian’anmen.  Includes Champagne cocktails and canapés and a Taittinger Champagne toast on the terrace at midnight.

 New Year’s Brunch- 11:30am-5:00pm

288 RMB per person 

Ring in the New Year with Capital M’s delicious New Year’s brunch: it’s a fabulous start to the year!

7. Terra’s South-American NYE Menu

In line with SALT, TERRA will also be hosting holiday dinner for the days surrounding New Years.

“At Terra we go beyond the standard traditional fare and spice up the holidays with a delicious South-American styled Menu…with the inclusion of… mouth-watering South American Roast Suckling Pig.” – Jennifer Eden, PR Director for both TERRA and SALT

RSVP: 6591 9148

 Check out full menus at their website here and see below for summary of each -

New Year’s Eve – Party Menu – Saturday December 31, 6pm-late

Ring in the new year with excellent contemporary cuisine, serious sparkling and great tunes in Terra’s modern, hip surrounds. 4 courses and free flow ensures a night full of fun, laughter and luck. 4 courses 358 rmb. 4 courses + free flow bubbly or beer 578 rmb.

New Year’s Day – Revive, Recover and Celebrate! Sunday January 1, 2012, 11am-11pm.
It’s time for resolutions, recovery and more fun. Kick back in style and enjoy Chef Paulo De Souza’s delicious New Year’s Day menu and a bit more bubbly – why not?
2 courses 218 rmb. 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

LDS Top Picks for NYE Nightclub Options:

1. Alfa’s NYE Party 

“Beijing’s Biggest Gay Night”, Alfa’s serving 2-for-1 on drinks and free CD of Alfa’s top music hits for all attendees while supplies last. FREE admission

More info here.

2. Aria’s Classy, Jazzy NYE Countdown 

Croon to jazz by Valeria Proano and her trio of talented jazz musicians. Free admission.

More info here.

3. Haze’s NYE Celebration

Party at Haze with one of Beijing’s Top DJ Line-Ups: DJ Patrick Yu, Donald Summer, Yang Bing, Zhi Qi, Pancake Lee and Max Feelgood. RMB 100 admission.

More info here.

4. Genesis 2012 Countdown at Lantern

The Acupuncture group will be launching yet another massive techo-bash to ring in the new year. Expect a line-up of Acupuncture’s legendary DJ gang at Lantern Club.  RMB 100 (pre-sale) or RMB 150 (door).

“Gorge on an aural banquet with futuristic techno grooves from Beijing’s best DJs and thaw away those winter chills as the surreal visual installations conjure the crowd into near sensory overload. Ride with us through time and space and count down to a great 2012! Party like it’s the end of the world!” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Group Voice

More info here.

5. NYE 2012 at Migas’ NEW BAR

Featuring their newly opened bar with a lot of Funky music and hip DJ’s including Bite-Size Buddha, Metro Tokyo and Bottin Italia.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 150 at door includes 1 glass of Mumm champagne.

More info here.

6. NEW! Nova NYE Party in 798′s D-Park  

Dance in the New Year with UK DJ and Producer Dance Legend Darren Emerson and a great DJ line-up of both local and international talents.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 200 (door).

More info here.

7. Party at Punk with Kid Fresh

3x DMC World Champion Kid Fresh is back at Punk to ring in the New Year. Last year was a bash, see pictures below for proof! FREE before 11PM, otherwise it’s RMB 50 admission.

More info here.

 Pics from Kid Fresh’s last performance at Punk. More pics on his website here.

8.  Show Off at Xiu Bar this NYE

Champagne bottles flying off the shelves is exactly what you should expect at their NYE celebration. Admission is RMB 400 which includes 1 glass of Moet champagne.

More info here.

9. YEN Countdown to 2012

Widely known as one of the most popular NYE parties every year in Beijing, YEN is sure to be a hit for those looking to party in a crowded warehouse with thousands of other nightowls.  DJ line up includes Yangbing, Ouyang, Slide, Donmy Liu and Mia(from Shanghai).

More info here.

…and that’s a wrap!

Just remember: Despite the rumors of 2012, you don’t actually want to make this your last new years so remember to be safe and have a blast this NYE!