There's More to Do in Beijing Than Just Sightsee

Theatres, Concerts, Art Galleries, Nightlife Will Keep Visitors Busy

Apr 1, 2009 Cheryl Probst

Beijing is chock full of activities to keep visitors busy long after the Forbidden City and Great Wall are closed for the day. Narrowing the list down can be difficult.

Venues range from theatre and movies to art galleries and concerts. There are various exhibitions such as auto shows. The Chinese capital also has a vibrant nightlife at bars and clubs. In short, the city’s culture and entertainment scene has something for everyone.

Many visitors are tired after a long day on their feet, walking up steps, walking down steps, just walking around trying to see the many world-famous sites that Beijing boasts. But for those who have the energy, the day doesn’t have to end when the attractions shut down for the day.

Beijing Imports Famous Foreign Entertainers

Beijing brings in internationally known artists, such as Itzak Perlman and Richard Clayderman, not to mention Western pop stars, to perform in its concert halls. There are ballets as well as operas, both Peking and the traditional Italian operas sung in Chinese. There are rock bands and acrobats. The list just keeps getting longer.

Finding one event to attend can be a little daunting, like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. Thanks to the internet, travelers can find out what’s going on in Beijing before they leave home.

Web Sites Provide Events Information

There are several websites which provide calendars of Beijing events. Some will even email this information in a weekly newsletter. Most of the sites are geared to expats, but visitors will still find the information helpful.

Some sites are:

• Xianzai is a weekly email newsletter which provides information on travel specials, including hotels and restaurants; art shows; concerts; movies; theatre; nightlife and miscellaneous activities in Beijing. Xianzai, which means “now” in Mandarin, publishes similar newsletters for Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian. The current newsletter is online so travelers can read it before deciding to subscribe. Xianzai is the oldest newsletter of this type in Beijing.
• The Beijinger has an extensive listing of events in all categories. It also features blogs and message forums. The Beijinger emails a weekly newsletter on Thursday and posts it on its website on Friday.
• Cityweekend’s web site is similar to Xianzai and the Beijinger, but does provide additional ways to access the information. Visitors can search by type of event, dates and geographic locations throughout the capital city. Updates are provided via RSS or email.

Calendar of events also are available in print publications for visitors who want to wait until they get to Beijing. China Daily, an English language newspaper, publishes a daily events calendar. Beijing This Month, magazine, also has a calendar of events.

The copyright of the article There's More to Do in Beijing Than Just Sightsee in S Asia/China Travel is owned by Cheryl Probst. Permission to republish There's More to Do in Beijing Than Just Sightsee in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Chang'an Theatre in central Beijing