The weather and traffic in Beijing have been a bit crazy as of late and so has the news; Cars driving onto railway platforms, a champion gymnast seen begging on the streets. If you think you need a bit of a break, then read on to read about all the hottest upcoming events, news and openings in Beijing.

News Roundup:

1) Crazy, Crazy Traffic
Beijing residents have long complained over traffic conditions in the capital city, but things got a little bit extreme recently. In Huairou District, an idiot truck driver caused the Baihe Bridge to collapse when he tried to cross it in his truck, which was overloaded with 100 tons of sand. But that is nothing compared to the 100 km of backed up traffic (due to road works) that is currently plaguing the Beijing-Tibet highway a few hours outside of Beijing. On July 20th, Liu Xiaoming, the director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, said new measures have improved the average rush hour speed by 10% (compared to last year). Looks like Beijing still as a long way to go traffic-wise!

2) Government Cars Really Can Park Anywhere
In China, official government cars seem to think that they rule the road. But recently an angry Chinese netizen took to Sina Weibo to voice displeasure over a Beijing government car driving directly onto a railway platform to see off a passenger. The car with the license plate number “京V 30026” apparently belongs to the Central Guard Bureau of the Beijing Garrison. Another netizen keenly responded to the posted pictures by pointing out the Constitution of the PRC clearly prohibits such clear violations of the law.

3) Former Gymnastics Champion Seen Begging in Beijing
Chinese bloggers recently discovered that Zhang Shangwu, a former gymnastics champion, was performing for money in Beijing’s subways. Zhang, a former member of China’s national team and winner of two gold medals at the 2001 World University Games, suffered an injury in 2003 and has been going downhill ever since. In 2007, Zhang was sentenced to prison for four years and was released this April. Since then, he has been begging and sleeping in Internet cafes in an effort to save money for his sick grandfather. Many Chinese were shocked by the news and were quite upset that he was so callously abandoned by the State-run sports system.

4) Rodeo Outrage!
This October, Beijing will hold what has been billed as the “Superbowl of rodeos” at the iconic Bird’s Nest National Stadium. With hundreds of cowboys and millions in prize money it sounds like an exciting event, and is receiving a lot of buzz, but that buzz is mostly negative. Animal rights activists in China are putting pressure on the event’s organisers, in the hope that they cancel the rodeo. One animal rights activist said that turning China’s National Stadium into an “animal pit” was totally disrespectful. Others have said that such “trashy culture” should not be allowed to enter China. Event organisers have said they will not bow to pressure and will continue with the event as planned.

Events:

1) Asia Philharmonic Orchestra
August 4th is a date that all you cultured, classical music lovers should mark on your calendars, as the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform in Beijing. The orchestra will be conducted by Korean standout conductor Myung-Whun Chung and is sure to delight those in attendance. The concert will be held at the National Center for the Performing Arts and will start at 19:30. Tickets range from 180-900 RMB. For tickets visit: en.piao.com.cn/beijing/ticket_4175.html

2) Harry Potter to Unleash its Magic on Beijing
Even though its release date was pushed back due to government regulations, the final Harry Potter movie will make its way to big screens all over Beijing on August 4th. So get your broom, brush-up on your wizard-speak and get ready to see what will happen to Potter and his gang of Hogwarts. Head out to your local cinema to check show times.

3) Suede World Tour Hits Beijing
British rockers Suede have been through a lot in their 20+ years, and now they are on tour again after a seven-year hiatus. On August 7th, that tour visits Beijing’s Workers Gymnasium at 19:30. So get out those CDs and brush up on classics like “The Drowners”, “We Are the Pigs” and “Electricity”. Tickets range from 280-1,280 RMB. For tickets visit: en.piao.com.cn/beijing/ticket_4187.html

4) Sesame Street Musical Coming to Beijing
Sesame Street Live, a musical adapted from the American children’s program, has been a hit all over the world for the last 30 years. Now the musical is coming to Beijing with shows to be held at the Beijing Exhibition Center Theater. So grab your little ones and let them enjoy the comical performances while learning a thing or two. The show will run daily from August 12th to 14th at 19:30. Individual tickets range from 80-880 RMB while package tickets run 500-1,200 RMB. For tickets click here.

Restaurant Openings:

Looking for some new places to get your eat and drink on? Well, we have a few recommendations.

1) Pizza, Pizza, Pizza
The Italian outlet, Pizza by LM Plus has opened in Central Park and offers great lunch specials from 11:00 to 17:00 daily that include three pieces of pizza, a salad and soft drink for 40 RMB…not bad! Also, if you are near Worker’s Stadium, be sure to check out the newly opened Gung Ho Pizza located in the China View complex on Worker’s Stadium East Road. Gung Ho is offering a buy one, get one free promotion until the end of July, so bring your friends and an empty stomach.

2) More Rum to Come
Attention on Rum lovers, in early August Sanlitun restaurant Terra is set to open a rum bar and offer a wide range of rum cocktails as well as rum brands from around the world. So make plans to get your rum on!

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Keywords: Beijing watchdog Suede Beijing news events Beijing gymnast beggar Beijing August rodeo Beijing