City’s first ethical trade fair promotes livelihood for rural women

Beijing’s first ethical trade fair next Saturday will showcase artisan goods and handicrafts to promote sustainable livelihood for rural women. Manufacturers include Shangrila Farms and Baihua cooperative.

Event

Beijing Milun School of Traditional Kung Fu is offering free Shaolin kung fu lessons every Sunday. The class, held in a Ming Dynasty courtyard in Wangfujing, is taught by award-winning instructors. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothes and sports shoes. No experience is necessary to join.

Embroidery gives Ningxia women hope for a future

“Embroidery is the basis of a young girl’s education, something every woman in our village can do,” Ding Ting, a craftswoman from Ningxia, said at the closure of a Yishu 8 Gallery exhibition last Friday. “I never thought it could fetch so much money.”

TED fans discuss education reform

Beijing fans of the influential TED talks (Technology, Entertainment and Design Conference) gathered at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art last Saturday to watch TED videos related to education reform.

Event

Shou Designers Jewelry Academy holds a weekend workshop for jewelry-designing lovers. Instructor Hannah Deacon will teach students how to put together a necklace, bracelet, earrings and many more easy-to-assemble designs using a variety of techniques.

‘Facehook’ explores addiction to online social networking

A Beijing experimental theater group of expats and locals last week presented Facehook, a play that explores the damaging effects of online social networking, at Penghao Theater.

UCCA travel talks focus on environmental protection

The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art’s (UCCA) ongoing series of travel talks is a departure from its usual lectures on art, design and creativity. The series, co-sponsored by Lonely Planet and The Travel Channel, shines the spotlight on environmental protection.

Event

Rowing is a superb way to stay fit and to enjoy the summer sun. Come to Houhai Sunday afternoons and join the Beijing International Dragon Boating Team in its training. The team consists of foreigners and Chinese, and people of all skill levels are welcome. After training, the members head to dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Brazilians in Beijing cebrate June Festival

More than 350 Brazilians and Chinese people attended Festa Junina (June Festival) last Saturday evening, a traditional Brazilian festival celebrating the summer harvest. The event, held at the playground of Beijing City International School, featured Brazilian delicacies and a quiz on basic facts about China and Brazil.

Grape Wall of China wine challenge is back

The Grape Wall of China Challenge, which aims to identify the best imported wines under 100 yuan, is coming back for the second year on June 24 at Maison Boulud restaurant.