Dear CCC Friends,

According to the Chinese agricultural calendar, this weekend is the seasonal marker of November 22, or the beginning of “xiao xue” (minor snow). It is the time that soil and water will be frozen at night, and the rain turns to wet snow in the north in northern China; while in southern China (regions south of Yangtze), the weather is characterized by damp cold. Although the temperature in southern China is not as low as in northern China and it doesn' t fall as wet snow, winter really comes and people feel more difficult because of lack of central heating.

As we prepare for winter, CCC offers interesting lectures, hands-on classes, and Beijing local tours this next week to keep us involved in our community, connected to others and ourselves, and the opportunity to be physically active when most people hibernate in their homes this time of year. Please join us this next week to energize your spirit:

This Saturday and in time for the holidays, the CCC is offering a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Chinese Tiger Head Pillow. The tiger is a symbol of power and goodness especially associated with children and is a popular gift for parents to express love, hope, and protection to their children. Learn about the origins and traditions of this traditional cloth craft and take home four pillows to give to the special children in your life.

Tiger Pillow Workshop

In addition, get out of the home and get some exercise on CCC' s unique walking tours to the Ox Street Muslim Quarters Walk (Saturday, Nov.22) and Xuanwumen North (Tuesday, Nov.25)  and experience the diversity of Beijing: visiting an ancient mosque over 1,000 years old in a neighborhood still vibrant with a largely Chinese Muslim community; and hutongs and churches and Republic Era Buidlings in Xuanwumen.

Lastly, join us for a very special talk on Wednesday evening titled “Criticism on China's Modern Architecture and Architects' Circle (1949-1979 and post 2000)” by Chinese architect, Liang Jingyu who will give us the insiders view of China’s construction systems and the complex relationship between real estate developers, planners, and architects – and the differences of preference for international architectural style versus local style.  We look forward to welcoming you!

                    Upcoming Tours & Events Listings

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

	Calligraphy Class (8) Monday, Nov 24, 19:30-21:00 Conducted in English, the class teaches everything, from meaning and evolution of the characters, culture to related history and music. You don't have to be able to write Chinese already, just have to be enthusiastic and be willing to hold a brush >>> more

Cookery Class: Chinese pie Tuesday, Nov 25, 19:00-21:00 Learn to make a variety of Chinese stuffed pizza of lovely shapes and with different vegetable and meat fillings >>> 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

Ink & Wash Painting Class (7) Tuesday, Nov 25, 10:00-12:00 Chinese ink & water painting is a thousand-year tradition, and the xieyi style (free-hand) is one of the most unique style of Chinese painting. The CCCC painting course is specially designed for expatriates. >>> more

	Contemporary Chinese History Tuesdays and Thursday, Nov.25-Dec.11, 19:30-21:30 Contemporary Chinese History deals with China's transformation since 1840 and emphasis is placed upon political development and social changes but also the civilization and cultural aspects in six sessions. The lectures will be in English. >>> 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

Taichi (taijiquan) class (7) Wednesday, Nov 26, 19:30-21:00 Taichi, a moving form of yoga and meditation combined, is ancient Chinese meditative exercise for the body, aiming to foster a calm and tranquil mind. CCC's Chen Style Taichi master speaks English and has experience in teaching Westerners. >>> more

	Zen Talk & Meditation Thursday, Nov 27, 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

Visit Erguotou Liquor Factory Thursday, Nov.27, 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

Cookery: hand-pulled noodles and dumplings Saturday, Nov 29, 16:00-18:30 Try pulling dough into Beijing style thin longevity noodles in a minute! And then make dumpling (jiaozi) with two different fillings and flavours. CCC invites professional cook to instruct you for these two marvelous culinary skills. >>> more

Kun Opera Workshop Saturday, Nov 29, 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

Backstreet Beijing Walking Tour - Beiheyan & Nanchizi Sunday, Nov.30, 13:00-17:30 This tour explores the hutongs and historical sites on the east of the Forbidden City, from Beiheyan to Nanchizi Street, including famous writer Laoshe's house, imperial city wall ruins park, imperial History Archieves and an art museum. >>> more

Hands-on: Chinese Musical Instruments Tuesdays, Dec.2-16, 10:00-12:00 Learn to play Chinese musical instruments with professional teachers in small group and with English interpretation. >>> more

	Talk: China's Cadastre and Hutong demolition by speaker Hua Xinmin Saturday, Dec.6, 14:30-16:30 Hua Xinmin, a well-known French expert, will talk about Beijing residents’ Cadastre, which have been neglected and ignored by Beijing People and how these can help protect the hutongs and courtyards they love; and hutong policy in Beijing. >>> more

Beijing Amblers: Ya Ji Mountain & Temple Saturday, Dec.06, 09:00-17:00 Go with Beijing Amblers to hike Mountain Ya Ji Shan in Pinggu, north of Beijing. We will visit climb the mountain and visit three temples there. We will have a moderate walk and hike the hill and then have lunch in a local restaurant. >>> more

	Back-Street-Beijing Walking Tour: Xuanwumen North Sunday, Dec.7, 14:00-17:00 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

Course: Now & Zen – A day For Yourself Sunday, December 7, 09:30-18:30 Jean-Paul traveled extensively in India, China and Europe to study mediation and spirituality over the past ten years. He will give a whole day meditation training at CCC.  >>> more

	Chinese Board Game - Go (wei qi) Workshop (1) Sunday, Dec.7, 10:30-12:00 The Chinese board game of go (wei qi), using white and black pieces, is regarded as a high level game filled with profound cultural meanings and wisdom, played by intellectuals throughout thousand-year Chinese history >>> more

Hands-on: Decorative House slippers(1) Tuesday, Dec.9, 09:30-12:00 Learn how to make and sew your own traditional house slippers (popular in today's gift-giving culture in Yunnan Province in particular). Enjoy wearing these slippers in your home, or provide these slippers for guests as they enter your home >>> more

	6 Days Yunnan: Xishuangbanna & Lijiang Dec.26-31 The 6-day Yunnan tour will explore the subtropical Xishuangbanna (known for various ethnic minority peoples and villages) in the south of Yunnan and Lijiang Ancient Town in the north, and its surrounding Jade Snow Mountain & Tiger Leaping Gorge >>> more

	Harbin--Snow World Dec 31 eve.-Jan 2 / Repeat: Jan 1 eve.-Jan 3 Go by air or overnight train to Harbin to catch the famous Snow Sculpture Exhibition and Ice Lantern Festival; appreciate the old Russian style architecture; drive into the Siberian Tiger Park; and dine in the Ice Bar and Russian Restaurant! >>> more