Accept the silver

Imagine going shopping for clothes, groceries or medicine, and paying for your purchases in silver coins. Can you picture the look on the cashier’s face? Well, the shop with this sign isasking for this scenario.

Blacklist

This is a column of words or phrases commonly misused by Chinese speakers. If you’re planning to be an English teacher, reporter or employee of a multinational company, then watch out for this page each week.
1. The lawyer tasked to deal with inheritance.
Professor Zhu Shida (ZS): We have to first of all make clear the [...]

On the edge of North Korea and Russia

Northern China’s border towns and cities provide a glimpse of neighboring North Korea and Russia. Early autumn is the ideal time to visit some of these places and see extraordinary historical sites and natural attractions.

Relieving migraine without medication

Migraines are a persistent ailment that is afflicting more young people as city life grows increasingly hectic. Although they are not life-threatening, episodes can ruin people’s moods and affect their appetite, memory and sleep.

Friday, August 28

Exhibition
China’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition
Where: Capital Museum, 16 Fuxingmen Wai Dajie, Xicheng District
When: Until September 15, daily except Monday, 9 am ?5 pm (reservation necessary)
Admission: Free
Tel: 6339 3339; 6337 0491
Tranquility and the Sudden Light ?Antique Exhibition for China’s 60th Anniversary
Where: Prince Gong’s Mansion, 14A Liuyin Jie, Xicheng District
When: Until October 15, daily, 7:30 am – 4:30 [...]

Saturday, August 29

Exhibition
I’m Working on Huge Paintings in Beijing – Aida Makoto Solo Exhibiti
Where: Mizuma & One Gallery, 241-15 Caochangdi, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District
When: Until November 30, daily, 10 am – 6 pm (reservations necessary on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Admission: Free
Tel: 5127 3267
1963, the Making of Water – Chen Qi Solo Exhibitio
Where: Amelie Gallery, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao [...]

Sunday, August 30

Exhibition
Sequela – Qu Kejie Solo Exhibitio
Where: Magician Space, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Until September 10, daily except Monday, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
Admission: Free
Tel: 8459 9635
Zai – Shen Hongbiao’Sculptures
Where: Loft 3 Art Gallery, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Until September 1, daily except Monday, 10 am – 6 [...]

Stage in September

Concert
Roland Batik Solo Concert
Where: Forbidden City Music Hall (inside Zhongshan Park), Dongcheng District
When: September 11,
7:30 pm
Admission: 30-380 yuan
Tel: 6559 8306
Bach Cycle – Sheng Yuan Piano 2
Where: Forbidden City Music Hall (inside Zhongshan Park), Dongcheng District
When: September 18,
7:30 pm
Admission: 30-380 yuan
Tel: 6559 8306
Lucerne Festival in Beijing 2009
Where: Concert Hall of the National Center for the Performing [...]

Mediterranean hideaway

Yaoyang and Li recommend the Traditional Spanish Paella (160 yuan for one to two persons; 290 yuan for three to four; and 490 yuan for six to eight). Diners have a choice between seafood and black ink. The rice is bursting with flavor, but the best part is the steamed scallop garnish.

Hong Kong cafe and culture center

Old and simple wooden tables and chairs from Shanghai make up most of the furniture. There are black-and-white photos hanging on the walls, shot by one of the owners’ friends. An old electric fan sits on the shelf in front of the counter. The place was purposely made to look like an old Hong Kong restaurant, aid Afa Zheng, one of the four owners and a graphic designer.