In Beijing and throughout China, the 2008 Olympic Games top the calendar of events. As venues finish construction and the clock ticks down, minor celebrations are held to mark the occasion. Olympic news and events are regularly updated through China's Olympic Web site, http://en.beijing2008.cn. Beijing plays host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games 8-24 August, with the 2008 Paralympic Games immediately following.
The best way to keep abreast of other festivities, performances and exhibitions is to check the free publications That's Beijing (http://www.thebeijinger.com) and Time Out Beijing, available throughout the city. Chinese acrobatics shows are one popular form of entertainment available throughout the year; the seemingly impossible stunts are performed without nets. With luck, you can catch a demonstration of martial arts and even a glimpse of traditional, fantastic Beijing opera.
Be aware that China celebrates two week-long national holidays each year, in early February (Chinese New Year) and early October (Chinese National Day). During these times, domestic travelers swarm into the city, so expect tourist sights and areas to be especially crowded. If planning a trip then, wait until the 10th of the month if possible, after which crowds will subside dramatically.
Chinese New Year is the bigger of the two holidays. The annual festival may bring a host of temple fairs, but other than that, most sights are closed for days, as are some shops, restaurants and services. It's also the dead of winter, despite being known locally as "spring festival." There are definitely better times of the year to visit.
For information about upcoming events in the Beijing area, contact the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism. Phone 6512-3043. http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn.
To call any of the numbers listed in this calendar from outside China, you must first dial your country's international access code, then China's country code, 86, followed by Beijing's city code, 1.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
August, 2008
6-24 Aug—Olympics Track and Field. All Olympic track and field events will be held in National Stadium on Olympic Green. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
6-23 Aug—Olympics Football (Soccer). Olympic football (soccer) events will be held at Workers' Stadium, Gongti Road, Chaoyang district. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
8-24 Aug—2008 Summer Olympics. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games kick off with the opening ceremonies held at National Stadium on Olympic Green, built for athletics and football (soccer). Events are to be held throughout the city. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information about particular sports venues and a detailed schedule of events, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
8 Aug—Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games is being held at the National Stadium on Olympic Green. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-24 Aug—Olympics Volleyball. Olympic volleyball will take place at Capital Indoor Stadium, Baishi Bridge, Haidian district. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-17 Aug—Olympics Shooting. Olympic shooting events are held at Beijing Shooting Range Hall, Shijingshan district. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-23 Aug—Olympics Moto Cross and Cycling. Olympic moto cross and BMX cycling events take place at the Laoshan Bicycle Moto Cross Venue, Laoshan, Shijingshan district. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-24 Aug—Olympics Basketball. Olympic basketball will be held in Wukesong Indoor Stadium at the Wukesong Culture and Sports Center, Fuxing Road. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-21 Aug—Olympics Swimming. All Olympic swimming and diving events will be held at the National Aquatics Center on the Olympic Green. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
9-24 Aug—Olympics Boxing. The boxing events will be held at the Workers' Indoor Arena, Gongti Road, Chaoyang district. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
15 Aug—Hungry Ghost Festival. A traditional Chinese belief holds that ghosts roam the earth at this time. Street operas attempt to appease the spirits, ritual effigies are performed, and special banquets and auctions are held.
24 Aug—Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games is being held at the National Stadium on Olympic Green. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn.
Throughout August—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
Throughout August—Martial Arts. Famous wushu masters practice their art at the Beijing Wuyi Diyuan Theater, at the eastern gate of the Olympic Sports Center. For schedules and times, call 6491-2157 or 6490-2233. Continues through late December
Throughout August—Acrobatic Shows. The Universal Theater hosts regular performances by the China Acrobatics Troupe. The theater is located northeast of Dong Si Shi Tiao Li Jiao Qiao and north of the Poly Plaza. Phone 6502-3984 or 6502-2649. The Chaoyang Theater also hosts performances. 36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Hujialou. Phone 6507-2421.
September, 2008
1-19 Sep—Acrobatic Shows. The Universal Theater hosts regular performances by the China Acrobatics Troupe. The theater is located northeast of Dong Si Shi Tiao Li Jiao Qiao and north of the Poly Plaza. Phone 6502-3984 or 6502-2649. The Chaoyang Theater also hosts performances. 36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Hujialou. Phone 6507-2421.
6-17 Sep—2008 Paralympic Games. The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games begin with the opening ceremonies held at National Stadium on Olympic Green. 20 different sports make up the games at venues throughout the city. Tickets must be purchased through the National Olympic Committee of your country of residence. Many countries have designated an official ticketing agency for this purpose. For further information about particular sports venues and a detailed schedule of events, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn/paralympic.
14 Sep—Mid Autumn (Harvest Moon) Festival. Occurs the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The harvest festival commemorates the spirit of 14th-century rebels who spread the call of revolt by hiding secret messages in cakes. Delicious moon cakes made of ground lotus and sesame seeds are eaten, and families visit parks and hilltops around the city to watch the moon rise. The actual festival takes place the day after the moon rises.
28 Sep—Birthday of Confucius. Religious holiday.
Mid September—Beijing Pop Festival. An annual rock festival is held in Chaoyang Park, featuring many Chinese rock bands, but also many well-known Western artisits. For information, call 8610-6593-0367. http://www.beijingpopfestival.com.
Throughout September—Martial Arts. Famous wushu masters practice their art at the Beijing Wuyi Diyuan Theater, at the eastern gate of the Olympic Sports Center. For schedules and times, call 6491-2157 or 6490-2233. Continues through late December
Throughout September—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
October, 2008
1-3 Oct—National Day. Public holidays commemorating the anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Festivities take place in Tiananmen Square, Zhongshan Park, Shichahai Lake and other venues. Major events include numerous Beijing opera performances, a food market, a parade of tanks, troops, top students and fashion models, and other entertainment. National Day has been designated a "Golden Week" celebration by the government, so many businesses are closed and hundreds of thousands of people travel in and out of the city.
7 Oct—Chung Yeung (Men's Festival). Sometimes referred to as the 'double nine' festival (the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar), this ancient festival celebrates the attributes of strong masculinity. Families usually take picnics and hike in the hills, where climbing contests are held.
19 Oct—Beijing International Marathon. Ranked among the top 10 marathons in the world, the Beijing International Marathon attracts millions of spectators and thousands of runners. There is also a minimarathon for runners 13 and older, as well as a 10K run and a half-marathon. For information, contact the Chinese Athletic Association. Phone 8676-1255. http://www.beijing-marathon.com.
Early-Late October—Fragrant Hills Red Leaves Festival. This annual festival celebrates the harvest season and the beautiful fall foliage among the 200 acres/80 hectares of smoke trees in Fragrant Hills Park (18 mi/30 km northwest of Beijing). Crowds can be heavy during this season.
Early-Late October—Beijing Music Festival. This annual event brings world-class artists to Beijing to perform works by famous Chinese and international composers as well as by emerging local talents. Represented genres range from opera, symphonic and chamber music to musicals and jazz. Various venues. For information, call 6593-0250 or 6593-0248.
Throughout October—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
Throughout October—Martial Arts. Famous wushu masters practice their art at the Beijing Wuyi Diyuan Theater, at the eastern gate of the Olympic Sports Center. For schedules and times, call 6491-2157 or 6490-2233. Continues through late December
November, 2008
Throughout November—Martial Arts. Famous wushu masters practice their art at the Beijing Wuyi Diyuan Theater, at the eastern gate of the Olympic Sports Center. For schedules and times, call 6491-2157 or 6490-2233. Continues through late December
Throughout November—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
December, 2008
21 Dec—Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year is celebrated with religious ceremonies and banquets.
31 Dec-New Year's Eve. The new year is ushered in by the ringing of the bells at Big Bell Temple at midnight. North Third Ring Road. Throughout China, the arrival of the new year is celebrated with music, dancing, acrobatics and comedy shows.
Throughout December—Martial Arts. Famous wushu masters practice their art at the Beijing Wuyi Diyuan Theater, at the eastern gate of the Olympic Sports Center. For schedules and times, call 6491-2157 or 6490-2233. Concludes late December
Throughout December—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
January, 2009
1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday. Ringing bells welcome the new year.
26 Jan—Lunar New Year. The most important Chinese holiday. Fireworks displays, lion and dragon dances, and visits to temples fill the three-day celebration. Most businesses are closed.
Late January—Suzhou Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the new-year season. During this particular festival, some of the best paper lanterns in China are displayed among ancient courtyards at Beijing Film City, 77 Beisanhuan Zhong Lu. Phone 6513-0828. Continues through mid February
Throughout January—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
February, 2009
10 Feb—Lantern Festival. Occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Spring Festival period. Lanterns are lit and hung in front of residences, and family members get together and eat yuan xiao, a sweet flour pastry with a sesame-seed filling.
Early-Mid February—Suzhou Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the new-year season. During this particular festival, some of the best paper lanterns in China are displayed among ancient courtyards at Beijing Film City, 77 Beisanhuan Zhong Lu. Phone 6513-0828. Concludes mid February
Throughout February—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
March, 2009
8 Mar-Women's Day. A national holiday honoring women.
Throughout March—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
April, 2009
4 Apr—Tomb Sweep Day (Ching Ming). Each year, families visit their ancestors' graves to pay their respects. They clean the graves, place flowers on them and burn ghost money.
Throughout April—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
May, 2009
1 May-International Labor Day. Public holiday. Flowers decorate the city, especially Tiananmen Square, where a flag-raising ceremony takes place at sunrise. On this day only, giant posters depicting four Communist leaders-Engels, Marx, Lenin and Stalin-are displayed in the lobby of the Mao Zedong Memorial Museum. Dongchen District.
4 May-Youth Day. The day commemorates a 1919 youth demonstration against imperialist aggression.
28 May—Dragon Boat Festival. The fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar. In honor of the revered poet Qu Yuan, long, thin dragon boats race to the sound of drums and gongs. The races are said to help maintain the balance between yang and yin. People eat sticky-rice dumplings wrapped in weeds during this festival. Children are marked with red pigment and wear spice-filled sachets. The most elaborate race takes place at Nanning (reached by daily flights from Beijing).
Throughout May—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
June, 2009
1 Jun-Children's Day. Public holiday. An international arts-and-crafts fair, which includes a children's art exhibit, is held in Shangdi Park, Haidian District.
Throughout June—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).
July, 2009
1 Jul—Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party. Public holiday.
Throughout July—Performance. A subset of Chinese opera, Beijing opera (also known as Peking opera) is a combination of song, dance, acrobatics and other crowd-pleasing stunts. The emphasis is less on music than on visuals. Nightly performances are given at Liyuan Theater in the Qianmen Hotel, 175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu. Phone 6301-6688. Other performance venues include the Chang An Grand Theater (7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Chaoyang; phone 6510-1309 or 6510-1155), Beijing Hu Guang Guild Hall (3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu; phone 6351-8284 or 6352-9134) and Zheng Yi Ci Traditional Peking Opera Theatre (22 Xiheyan Dajie; phone 6318-9454).