Beijing Watchdog: News, Openings, Events, Changes (Mar 1-15)

Beijing Watchdog: News, Openings, Events, Changes (Mar 1-15)
By Ellen Schliebitz , eChinacities.com

A lot has happened since our last Beijing watchdog article, once again proving that it’s all too easy to fall out of the loop. From random news bulletins to new openings, not-to-be-missed events to practical info, here’s another round-up of the latest happenings in Beijing.

1) Strawberry and Midi Festival are back this April

That’s right: the (clashing) dates for the two biggest music festivals in Beijing have been announced, though the exact details are still a little fuzzy. Either way, you can start writing these dates into your calendar, iphone, back of your palm or whatever: Midi Festival in Haidian Park, April 30-May 2; Strawberry Festival in Tongzhou Park, same dates.

2) Beijing tightens internet controls

Has your VPN been acting up lately? Have you not been able to access sites that previously weren’t blocked, like Linkedin for example? That’s because Chinese authorities have tightened internet controls lately, as anti-government protests in the Middle East spread like wildfire.


China National Museum

3) China National Museum reopens

It took two years and eight months to refurbish, but finally the newly renovated China National Museum has swung open its doors once again. Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the museum covers an area of 20,000 square metres and features two permanent exhibits – ‘The Road to Revival’ and ‘Ancient China’. See more info here.

4) The Expat Show kicks off this March

The Expat Show is back this March 25th to 27th, with over 100 exhibitors providing all the information, products and services a foreigner in the city might need. Pop down to the World Trade Center for a peak. Entrance is absolutely free and you’re guaranteed to leave with more info than you did coming in! See more info here.

 

5) Taxi fairs very likely to increase in Beijing this year

Just after we were slapped across the face with the harsh reality that rental prices in the capital are skyrocketing, another bit of unwanted news has landed on the doorstep. Taxi fairs are to increase in the capital following gasoline price increases in February. How much more a ride is going to cost is still unclear; either way, we’re not happy about it. More info here.

6) Construction of first low speed mag-lev train begins in Beijing

Following in the footsteps of Japan, China has become the world’s second country to begin construction of a low speed mag-lev train. The new line runs from Beijing’s Shimenying Station in Mentougou District to Pingguoyuan Station in Shijingshan District and is part of the city’s ever-expanding subway system. The line is expected to be completed in 2013 and trains will run at a speed of 100-120 km per hour.

7) Beijing women get even pickier when it comes to choosing partners

As if the over-inflated house prices wasn’t giving Beijing’s bachelors pressure enough, now those not lucky enough to have a Beijing hukou can’t even buy a house even if they have the money – unless they have documentary evidence that they’ve paid taxes for at least five years. And the headache doesn’t end there. Because of these new restrictions, women in the city are starting to add “five year tax documents” to their list of criteria for dating a man, together with a stable income, a car, decent looks, good health etc. Ouch!

 

8) Ministry of Health bans two food additives found in flour

It may not be considered a “food scandal”, nor is it even receiving much media coverage, but the recent announcement by the Ministry of Health that two food additives commonly used to bleach flour will be banned from May 1st onwards, is another reminder that too much unnecessary and unhealthy stuff is added into common foods. The two additives in question, benzoyl peroxide and calcium peroxide, have been deemed “unnecessary” and signals a willingness to promote more natural foods. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used in the West to treat acne, while calcium peroxide is often found in tooth-whitening pastes.

9) TNT Theatre is back with Much Ado about Nothing this March View In Map

Britain’s TNT Theatre company just can’t get enough of China; or maybe China can’t get enough of TNT. Either way, they’re back with a new production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing, which will be performed for two nights at Nine Theatre. TNT is celebrated for their fresh and innovative approach towards Shakespeare’s classics, not afraid to inject the productions with a healthy dose of humour and modern appeal.

When: March 25-26th; 19:30
Where: Nine Theatre, Chaoyang District Culture Center, 17 Jintai Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing北京市朝阳区小庄金台西里17号朝阳区文化馆内
How much: 60/120/180/280/380 RMB
Tickets: http://en.piao.com.cn/beijing/ticket_3918.html

10) Opening Dates of 8 New subway lines in Beijing announced

http://news.dichan.sina.com.cn/2011/03/01/282430.html
Construction of eight new subway lines in Beijing begun recently and the completion time for most of the lines has been announced:

Line 6, phase 2: November 28, 2014
Line 8 and Changping Line: Dec 28, 2013
Xijiao Line (Western Suburbs): November 28, 2014
S1 Line, western section: March 28, 2013
Haidian Back Mountain Line: December 28, 2015
Yanfang Line: Dec 28, 2013
Line 15, phase 1: December 28, 2014

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Keywords: events Beijing March Beijing watchdog march news round up Beijing March new openings Beijing March

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