Dear CCC Friends:

We are entering a good time of year to eat seasonal food favorites among the Chinese people, particularly the hairy crab and scallops steamed in their shells with either garlic and thin rice noodles placed inside the shell (northern cuisine style) or with shredded white turnip (southern cuisine style). The steaming process allows the juices of the scallop to infuse with the noodles or shredded turnip and the flavors of the vegetables in turn flavor the scallop meat.  You will find many Chinese enjoying these popular favorites this time of year in local restaurants and in markets around China.  So, give it a try and open up those clam shells and hairy crab Chinese favorites!

This next week and throughout the month of November we will be introducing several Beijing Amblers hiking tours to many remote and interesting places just outside Beijing. Please review our several hikes throughout the month, and enjoy the ripe persimmon trees along these countryside treks.

Lastly, we would like to highlight a very unique experience this next week, our Zen Weekend Retreat in a temple for two days next weekend.  Understand and experience Zen meditation to relieve stress and gain clarity in the seclusion of our courtyard retreat on the legendary Red Conch Mountain on the outskirts of Beijing.  This is a retreat experience not to be missed! 











Some other new tours, classes and cultural events

Screening: "Bliss" by the Director Friday, October 31, 19:00-22:00 “Bliss” is basically a slice of life drama with art house leanings, attempting to examine, or perhaps simply to depict the changing nature of family and marriage in modern China. The director Sheng Zhimin will be on hand for questions >>> more

Back-Street-Beijing Walk: Chongwenmen & Legation Quarter Wednesday, Nov.5, 10:00-13:00 Explore historical sites, hutongs and architecture around Chongwenmen, Beijing Railway Station and Legation quarter area. You will old alleys and residents, churches and banks, and old European Embassy buildings. >>> more

	Taichi (taijiquan) class (2) Wednesday, Nov 5, 19:30-21:00 The class are instructed by master who speak excelent English and have experience in teaching Westerners. ground by the lake of Chaoyang Park near the western gate. >>> more

Talk: Current Land Policy and Law problems in China Wednesday, Nov 5, 19:30-21:30 Liu Haibo, researcher from China Academy of Social Science Law Institute and author of many books regarding China’s land policy and law, will share with us his understanding of China land policy and problems during the process of reform. >>> more

	Huanghuacheng Great Wall and Little West Lake Wednesday, Nov.5, 09:00-16:30 Enjoy a rugged but moderate hike on the Great Wall and then a leisurely hike down a mountain overlooking the scenic Little West Lake. The Wall is submerged under water in the Lake damage from aerial bombings that happened in World War II. >>> more

Hands-on: Chinese Tie-Dye Wednesday, Nov 5, 10:00-12:00 Learn two fabric craftsmanship at China Culture Center: tie-dye (zha ran) and batik (la ran), which represent typical minority Chinese folk art: simple colour and texture, and unique patterns. >>> more

Talk: "Think Like Chinese" by the author Saturday, Nov.8, 14:00-16:00 The book "Think like Chinese" explains Chinese thought and business culture from the Chinese perspective. Helen Zhang and Baker combine their Chinese and Western perspectives to bring personal experience in business investment and management. >>> more

	Zen Weekend Retreat Nov.7.eve.-Nov.9 Experience the calm and peace of life as practiced by Zen Buddhism in the seclusion of our temple courtyard retreat on Red Conch Mountain in the outskirts of Beijing. Our Zen master will show you how to dissolve stress from your life >>> more

	Kun Opera Workshop Saturday, Nov 8, 19:30-21:30 This CCC two-hour workshop will be lead by Kun Opera expert and actor Zhang Weidong who along with his fellow actors will give a small performance, highlighting the authenticity of what is known as traditional Kunqu Opera. >>> more

Back-Street-Beijing Walking Tour - Dongsi Sunday, Nov.9, 10:00-13:00 Tour some magnificent hutong and courtyards in Beijing that normally are not open to visitors. Experts will introduce the architecture, history, and life in courtyard. >>> more

	Lecture: Three religions of Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism Friday, Nov 14,10:00-12:00 This lecture gives you an good opportunity to learn and get a deeper understanding of the three major thoughts and religions in one lecture. All Chinese scholars generally agree on that China and Chinese thoughts have been shaped by the three religio >>> more