Beijing Watchdog: Damien Hirst, Aircraft Carrier Parties and More

Beijing Watchdog: Damien Hirst, Aircraft Carrier Parties and More

The muggy summer air of Beijing might tempt many of you to close your windows and crank up the AC, but with everything from a Damien Hurst exhibition to a giant party on a decommissioned aircraft carrier in the works, there are plenty of reasons to venture out in the next few weeks. Read on to find out more.
 

Notable news:

1) Taxi fuel surcharge drops back to 2 RMB
In the last few years rising fuel prices have cut into the bottom line of Beijing taxi operators forcing them to charge a fuel surcharge to customers travelling over 3 km. Recently, the surcharge hit a high of 3 RMB. Luckily for taxi addicts, the surcharge officially dropped back down to 2 RMB on June 18 due to a decline in fuel prices in China.

2) Karaoke shut down
While many KTV joints are respectable establishments, there has always been an undercurrent of prostitution in the karaoke business in China. That being the case, police raids and karaoke closings for "illegal activities" have happened quite a bit of the last few years.

Recently in Beijing, the latest police crackdown on karaoke joints, which ended on May 30, resulted in the closing of 48 venues for prostitution and other illegal activities. According to the report, the closings included well-known venues like: China Town, You Tang and Ming Hang. So if you do brave the karaoke circuit and spot too many 'hostesses' that seem to have left most of their clothes at home, then it may be time to leave.

3) Watch your iPhone!
Everyone seems to have an iPhone these days and considering their price they are perfect targets for thieves. So it shouldn't be a big surprise to hear that recently Beijing police arrested a gang of 23 thieves responsible for a series of iPhone thefts on Beijing's subway system.

But the gang is far from an isolated case. In fact, since February of this year, over 330 people have been arrested on suspicion of trying to steal iPhones on the subway. So if you ride the subway and own an iPhone, keep your baby close!

4) Police car crushed by bus
On June 8, near Changhong bridge, a police car was waiting behind a city bus when a private bus slammed into it from behind, crushing the police car and forcing it under the bus that slammed into it. One police officer was confirmed dead, but luckily no one on either bus was seriously hurt.

Events:

1) Damien Hirst exhibition in Beijing
British artist Damien Hirst is well-known all around the world for his shocking pieces of art that have drawn both controversy and awe. But regardless of what you might think of his work, when you manage to sell your works for over 200 million bucks at an auction, you are going to draw people's attention.

Luckily for Beijingers, Hirst's art has made its way to D-09-2 Asian Art Works in the 798 Art District. Hirst's "New Religion" exhibition will be on display daily from 10:30 to 18:30 and the best thing about it is that entry is free. So get out there and see the works of a man fast turning into a legend.

2) Indian art in Beijing
If Mr. Hirst is not enough for art lovers, don't worry because from June 24 to August 26 the biggest collection of Indian art ever to come to China will hit the Ullen's Center of Contemporary Art in Beijing. General admission is only 10 RMB, so there is no excuse not to get out there and marvel at the colours of India.

3) Aircraft carrier party!
For the fourth year running, the Great Aircraft Carrier Party is here for you to enjoy. On June 30 over twenty of Beijing's best DJs will take over a decommissioned Russian aircraft carrier in Tianjin for one hell of a party. Tickets are 300 RMB before June 26 and 350 RMB thereafter. All tickets include bus transportation to and from the aircraft carrier in Tianjin. Buses will leave from both Wudaokou and Chaoyang Park South Gate. Make sure not to miss one of the summer's hottest parties!

Openings:

1) The Angry Burger
If nice, juicy hamburgers are your thing then be sure to check out the newly opened Angry Burger in Wangjing. The low-down is that you can get a decent burger for the respectable price of between 25-32 RMB. The new burger joint is located on the fifth floor of the Wangjing Novo.

2) 99 Degrees in Sanlitun
If you are looking for a new bar in Sanlitun North, head on out to the youth hostel just west of the 3.3 building, climb to the second floor and check out 99 Degrees. The place is pretty posh and is currently in the middle of its soft opening with its official opening scheduled for June 29.

3) Indigo Mall near 798 to open soon
If you like to hang around the 798 Art District you will have noticed the progress of Indigo Mall located just south of the art district on Jiuxianqiao Road. While some shops (like the Page One English Bookstore and Tony&Guy) have already opened, the rest of the mall will open its doors in the coming months, among which will be a new Blue Frog and Element Fresh. So head on over to the Lido area and check it out. 

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Keywords: Beijing watchdog music performances Beijing Damien Hirst Beijing Beijing June 2012 events Beijing 2012 news

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