Club Culture

The Old Man Moves the Mountain Another Inch

Word has finally come down about the fate of Yugong Yishan, one of Beijing’s most beloved party and live music venues. They’ll be shutting the old location on Gongti Beilu sometime next month (winding things up with a huge, two-day throwdown at the end of July) and moving down the street, taking over the space vacated by Henry Lee’s ill-fated Club Ruifu. The announcement winds up protracted legal disputes with developers over the fate of the square which also houses Red Ball, Nanjie and Bus Bar. Big money wins, but the party keeps on trucking.

Food News

Huairou Trout Festival

It’s trout time again with over 300 fishing and picnic areas in famous scenic spots around Huairou (an hour north of Beijing) now open. So grab your fishing pole and try your luck or just pull up a fork and knife at one of the many cooking contests held at local nongjiayuan. Take bus No. 916 or No. 936 to Huairou, then hop a minibus to the barbecue spots.

Food News

Block House No More

Block House, a Beijing favorite for great cuts of meat (proven by the fact they waltzed off with the 2007 City Weekend award for Best Steak), has shut its doors citing the ominous reason: “external affairs.” No indication when or whether they will reopen.

Travel

Express Trains to Beidaihe

To meet increased summer demand, authorities have launched eight new express trains to Beidaihe, all with daytime departures. First class tickets are ￥103 and second class ticket are ￥86. Most importantly, it’s only two hours traveling time between you, the beach and cool ocean breeze.

Health

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

Think cancer is scary? Not as scary as being able to prevent it and not doing so. Gardasil, a vaccination which can prevent certain types of cervical cancer, is finally being offered in China through International SOS. Suitable for women 14 to 25. Call 6462-9112 for more information.

Sports

Red Ball-dozed

The day of reckoning has arrived for Red Ball, beloved venue many a laowai footballer. The two pitches abruptly ceased operation last month as the wrecking crews moved in. As of print, though, the bar was still pouring pints.