Dear CCC Friends,


In celebration of the 30th anniversary of China' s Reform and Opening-Up Policy, the China Culture Center is launching new lectures and in-depth walking tours this month so that our friends can experience and understand China through a deeper and multi-faceted experience. We hope you will enjoy the lectures and then go on one of our new Back Street Walking Tours to experience for yourself local Chinese culture and history in the Beijing neighborhoods we see everyday.

Please join us this next month for our six-part, evening lecture series on Contemporary Chinese History.  These lectures, led by internationally-recognized Professor Terri I-chuan Wu, offer an in-depth analysis and multi-cultural approach in understanding the China of today:  From the Opium wars to China' s current economic reforms, this comprehensive series will provide you with a deeper understanding of the China of today.

On November 18, John M. Courtney, a well-known urban planner in Beijing and worldwide, will lead the lecture and discussion - A Quarter Century of Beijing Urban Change.  This presentation will focus on the rapid urban development of Beijing and its comparisons with historic urban development.  Discussion of Beijing’s iconic architecture, new economic clusters, and transport systems will be discussed and how it has transformed life in the capital.

Lastly, after absorbing all this interesting information – take one of our Back Street Beijing Walking Tours and see and experience Chinese culture and history for yourself!  Always offering off the beaten track routes and in-depth information, we offer three new walking tours this next month for you to experience and enjoy:  the Backstreet Walking Tours to Xuanwumen North, Beiheyan & Nanchizi,  and Tianning & Baiyun.  Please grab your walking shoes, and join us!


Over the Next Two Weeks

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

	Peking Opera Workshop Saturday, Nov 15, 19:30-21:30 CCC will invite professional actors of Peking Opera to introduce you to the history, complexity and subtleties of this famous art form. Selected parts from Peking Operas will be performed to explain movements and gestures and voice adaption. >>> more

Mahjong Workshop Saturday, November 15, 14:30-16:30 Come learn or practise this most popular games in China and rest of Asia. CCC boasts to let you grasp this game skills and immediately begin to play independently within one hour. If you are not a beginner >>> more

Back-Street-Beijing Walk: Xinjiekou & Huguosi Tuesday, Nov.18, 09:00-13:00 This walk provides an good opportunity to learn the hutong and local life of Xinjiekou area, including coal workshops, a bonsai museum, a museum for a famous artist and famous opera master's courtyard, and walk around West Lake bank. >>> more

	Lecture: A Quarter Century of Beijing Urban Change Tuesday, Nov.18, 19:30-21:00 John M. Courtney, an urban planning advisor in China and was the senior urban planner for the World Bank for 20 years, will give a presentation which covers the area inside Beijing's Sixth Ring Road with a focus on the new economic centers >>> more

	Talk: China's Reform on State Owned Enterprises. Wednesday, Nov 19, 19:30-21:30 Mr. Zhou Fangsheng, vice director of China State Owned Enterprises Committee, and researcher of China Finance Ministry Research Institute, will share his stories on the reform State Owned Enterprises. >>> more

Beijing Amblers: Shentangyu Natural Park and Great wall Wednesday,Nov.19, 08:30-17:00 Join our CCC Ambler's hiking tour to a scenic natural park and remote section of the Great Wall two hours outside of Beijing. CCC's Amblers Tours are CCC's signature hiking tour series for the leisurely, moderate hiker. >>> more

Zen Talk & Meditation Thursday, Nov 20, 19:30-21:30 Join us each week for an insight into the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism. We'll be guided on our journey of self-discovery by a Buddhist layman and learn about Zen through its music, its stories, its art, its rituals & martial arts. >>> more

	Kun Opera Workshop Saturday, Nov 22, 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

Ox Street Mosque & Muslim Quarters Walk Saturday, Nov.22,14:00-17:00 This CCC walk will head you to Niujie (Ox Street), a largely Muslim community in Beijing's Xuanwu District. This walk will give you a feel for the unique Muslim quarter with old Beijing hutong atmosphere. In the company of Mr. Hu, member of Beij >>> more

	Chinese Cloth Tiger Pillows Saturday, Nov 22, 14:00-17:00 In China, the tiger is a symbol of power and goodness associated with children. Hand made tiger pillows are thus a popular gift for parents to express love and wishes to their children, but we think they make great presents for all ages. >>> more

Beijing Amblers: Highland Meadow, Great Wall and Village Sunday, Nov.23, 08:30-18:30 We will head to Mentougou District to visit an old and anthentic village; take 3 hours hike (not very steep) up to the meadow 1,700 meters above sea level, and an old section of Great Wall with watchtowers and good view of remote mountains. >>> more

	Back-Street-Beijing Walking Tour: Xuanwumen North Tuesday, Nov.25, 10:00-13:00 CCC guides you to north Xuanwumen area, meandering along New Culture Street and passing by Writer Lu Xun School; Prince Kele's Mansion; Cathedral of Saviour. Then vanish ourselves in the winding hutongs to find more fascinating people and spots. >>> more

Talk: Criticism on China's Modern Architecture Field Wednesday, Nov 26, 19:30-21:30 Architect Liang Jingyu will talk on today's architecture in China, from 1949-1979 buildings to new architecture when China opened up. He will give comments and criticism; uncover construction system and delemma for small firms and architects >>> more

	Hands-on: Write your own Chinese signature in calligraphy Wednesday, Nov 26, 10:00-11:30 Learn how to name a Chinese name and how to write your own Chinese signiture with CCC master. >>> more

Visit Erguotou Liquor Factory Wednesday, Nov.26, 13:00-16:30 Visit the famous Beijing Er Guo Tou Liquor Factory to see the entire traditional production skills such as distilling and fermentation in the gigantic wok; the wine cellar with half-century vintage, and hundred-woman packing line. >>> more

Talk: Chinese Drama by Wu Xiaojiang, Famous Director Friday, Nov 28,10:00-12:00 Spoken drama (huaju), western-style theatre, has been imported into China for over 100 years. Wu Xiaojiang, will give an overview of the development of spoken drama in China, and the impact of economic development on the artists. >>> more

	Book Talk: "Socialism Is Great!" by Zhang Lijia Thursday, Nov.29, 14:30-16:00 "Socialism is Great" is a spirited memoir by a former Chinese factory worker and ended up an international journalist. The author Lijia Zhang is a contributor to international publications including South China Morning Post, Washington Times. >>> more

	Talk: China's Cadastre and Hutong demolition by speaker Hua Xinmin Saturday, Dec.6, 14:30-16:30 >>> more

Hands-on: Chinese musical instruments Tuesday or Saturdays, Dec.6-20, 10:00-12:00 Learn to play Chinese musical instruments: erhu, Pipa and Guqin with professional artist in small group of 2-3 people. English interpretation is provided. >>> more