Exhibition News

UCCA opens in 798

The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) opens in a Bauhaus-style factory in the Dashanzi Art District on November 5. Aiming to be China’s most comprehensive institute for contemporary arts, UCCA will include three exhibition halls and exhibit cutting-edge contemporary art from China and around the world. Its contemporary art research room will be the only one of its kind in Beijing, and an education program will bring people into closer contact with Beijing’s artists.

Transportation News

Cheaper rails

Last month, Subway fares dropped to RMB2, a 33 percent decrease on the previous fare. The new pricing and the opening of the Line 5 have dramatically increased subway traffic as well, which rose to 21.35 million passengers per week in October. It might not be any easier to get a seat, but at least you can pocket the extra kuai.

Web News

YouTube v. Net Nanny

And the winner is … Net Nanny! Yes, after Chinese-language versions of YouTube were launched last month, the Net Nanny quickly swept the pixels of Google’s mpeg monolith behind the Great Firewall. YouTube-loving expats are now turning to Metacafe, Yahoo Video, iFilm and BitTorrent to keep pace with viral video fiends abroad.

Dining News

Nearby the Tree

The Belgian brew masters and pizza kings have opened a more family-friendly joint in San Li Tun, just south of the original. Nearby the Tree includes a downstairs bar with a wide selection of Belgian ales for its regulars, but creates a family-friendly atmosphere on the second floor, which features Belgium’s second greatest export: Belgian waffles.

A Saddle farewell

Another San Li Tun staple has gone to the great bar street in the sky. The farewell party featured crowds happily lapping up free margaritas, while a swarm of San Li Tun men in blue waited anxiously to take away chairs and tables. There are rumors that a new Saddle may be in the works. But in the meantime, much of the Saddle’s great Mexican fare can still be found at the Rickshaw around the corner.

Sequoia in Shunyi

Sequoia opens its third location with a small café in Shunyi, where Beijing’s suburbanites can enjoy Sequoia’s caffeine, muffins and wi-fi without having to hop in a cab.