With March nearly over, Easter is just around the corner. But there is more than just painted eggs and chocolate bunnies coming up for expats in Beijing. Everything from Canadian rockers to the Titanic in 3D is on tap. Read on to find out more.

Notable News:

1) McDonald's food is unhealthy...no way!
For Consumer Rights Day on March 15th CCTV ran a report about the Sanlitun McDonald's selling expired and dirty food to customers. The report caused quite a stir on the Internet and even forced the Sanlitun McDonald's to close for a few days. The exposed store has since apologized to its customers and has reopened promising better product quality. But seriously, should anyone really be surprised?

2) Stricter car emissions standards to be implemented
Beijing's air quality is a major talking point these days with city officials admitting it might take over 20 years to clean up the air...yikes! But it seems steps in the right direction are being taken. In early March, city officials said they would spend over 80 billion RMB to phase out coal-fired power plants and replace them with natural gas. Furthermore, Beijing's Environmental Protection Bureau has submitted a plan for all cars in Beijing to operate under stricter emission standards to help cut vehicle emissions, which have grown by 10% per decade. Let's hope that the plans can help...cough.

3) Suicide at Renmen University
Usually when the words suicide and university appear in the same sentence, the sad news is usually about a student who couldn't take the pressures of life and study anymore. But recently at one of China's most prestigious universities, Renmen University, Cao Tingbing a 39 year-old professor and chairman of the university's Chemistry Department committed suicide by jumping from the school's scientific research building. Few other details have emerged so far and the incident is now under investigation by Haidian District police.

Events:

1) SUM41 to rock Beijing
For over 10 years Canadian punk rockers SUM41 have been turning out hits and constantly touring. But April 4th will mark the first time they perform in Beijing. The show starts at 19:30 at Beijing's MasterCard Center and tickets (which can be bought here) can be yours for anywhere from 180-1280 RMB depending on seat location.

2) Get the most out of Easter
With Easter almost upon us make sure to check out the roundup of the best things on tap for a Beijing Easter. With everything from great brunches to Easter egg hunts, good times and full stomachs are guaranteed.

3) 3D Titanic
If you are a Titanic junkie or are looking for a good excuse to ask a special someone to a movie this April then your prayers have been answered: the epic love story Titanic is coming back to theatres across Beijing April 10th, only this time you can watch every kiss and every tear in 3D!

4) Time for Iced Earth
If you are a Metalhead, it's time to rejoice because American Metal sensation Iced Earth is making its way to Beijing on April 13th as part of the tour for their latest album “Dystopia”. The show is scheduled to start at 20:00 at Tango and tickets cost 180 RMB pre-order or 200 RMB at the door. Also, pre-order VIP tickets are available for 350 RMB. So rip up your jeans, grow out your hair and get ready to rock!

Openings:

1) Brasserie Flo finally open!
The well missed French restaurant has been closed for some time and was scheduled to reopen on March 19th. They made us wait a little longer, but Brasserie Flo officially opened its doors on March 26th.

2) Mao Mao Chong re-opens
Popular Nanlouguxiang bar Mao Mao Chong re-opened with a new bar and a great list of creative cocktails and decently priced beers. Kick a few back and enjoy the redecorated environment! 

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Keywords: Beijing watchdog Beijing McDonald