The last two weeks has seen some interesting news articles in Beijing from sleazy salons to bad weather forecast, but if you are looking for some fun then there are plenty of music performances to look forward to, and maybe even Kobe Bryant!

News Roundup:

1) Continued Raids on Sleazy Salons
Beijing police continued their 100-day campaign to rid the city of sleazy businesses by raiding dodgy hair salons and foot massage parlours. The most recent raids on July 1st focused on the eastern border regions of Chaoyang district. Acting on tip offs from local residents, over 80 police raided 14 dimly lit businesses suspected of providing prostitution services. Since the beginning of the campaign in April, 224 hair salons and foot massage parlours have been closed and 715 people have been arrested. 

2) 1 Killed, 30 Injured in Beijing Subway Accident
Tragedy struck Beijing’s Line 4 early on July 5th when a crowded escalator at the Beijing Zoo station suddenly changed direction, killing one and injuring 30. According to witnesses the change in direction caused wave after wave of people to fall over each other like dominoes. Witnesses also described the scene as chaotic with blood, personal belongings and injured people. It took emergency services over 20 minutes to arrive after the accident.

3) Beijing to Develop 42 New Suburban Towns
Feel that Beijing isn’t big enough? Don’t worry it’s still growing. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform has released plans to develop 42 new suburban towns around the capital. Officials hope to raise over 10 billion RMB from both public and private sources for the project that will include new convention venues, industrial parks and agricultural parks. Officials hope the project will provide a wide variety of jobs and will ease population pressures on Beijing’s urban centre by more evenly spreading out jobs and services.

4) The ‘Uncertain’ Art of Weather Prediction
On July 1st Beijing’s Meteorological Bureau embarrassed itself by incorrectly forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rain in Beijing. The three incorrect predictions they issued that day kept over 30 flood prevention workers on standby all day and angered those that listened to the reports. Bureau officials responded by saying that weather forecasting comes down to a lot of guesswork…I guess they are right!

Events:

1) Cranberries to Grace Beijing
Attention all rock fans, the Cranberries are coming to Beijing! The Irish rockers, who had their heyday during the alternative rage of the early 1990s, are set to perform on July 28th. So make sure to get out to the MasterCard Center (a.k.a the Wukesong Arena) and enjoy all your favourites like “Dream”, “Linger” and “Zombie”. Tickets range from 180 to 1,280 RMB.

2) Goose and Duck Music Festival
Tired of Beijing’s concrete jungle but still want to groove out to some of the hottest DJs around? Well, then saddle up and head out to the Goose and Duck Music festival, held at the ranch of the same name. There will be DJs from around the globe, and you can camp out. Tickets are 100 RMB for entrance and 130 RMB if you plan to camp. Food, beverages and further accommodation are available upon purchase.

3) Valentine’s Day in summer?
Yes, you heard right, there’s love in the air because August 6th is Qixi festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day). Even if you are not Chinese it is a great excuse to spice up your summer love life. So get out there, buy some flowers and make a nice dinner reservation!

4) Fun Music Festival
It is a bit of a bittersweet moment since the Fun Music Festival, which runs from August 26th-28th, ends the circuit of summer music festivals in Beijing, but don’t let that damper your spirit as the festival plans to go out with a bang. More details about the festival to be held at Fangshan District’s Changyang Peninsula will be released soon.

Rumor Mill:

Kobe Coming to China?
The NBA might have just entered a lockout but that doesn’t mean that China’s 300 million basketball fans won’t be able to see their favourite NBA stars. According to reports, Kobe Bryant and Wasserman Media Group are planning to bring a basketball tour to China if the lockout continues. As of now nothing is set, due to the fact that the tour would have to get the permission of Chinese authorities, but for diehard basketball fans it is something to keep on your radar. If the plans do work out, Kobe and company will definitely be lighting up the court in Beijing, so stay tuned. 

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Keywords: Beijing July watchdog Subway accident Beijing Kobe basketball Beijing Cranberries Beijing