Busy Holiday: Activities to Enjoy in Beijing Today, May 1

      Happy Labor Day! Start the May holiday by exploring some activities around Beijing, including a visit to Tongzhou for jazz, history, and perhaps some barbecue or other delicious options.

      **Taihu Jazz Festival**

      Now in its fifth year, the Taihu Jazz Festival is set to feature over 200 musicians at the Taihu Stage Art Center in Tongzhou, showcasing a variety of styles and performances throughout the May holiday. With seven stages, attendees can enjoy dance, jazz, film screenings, and a food and arts market alongside the music.

      The 5th Taihu Jazz Festival runs from now until May 5 at the Taihu Stage Art Center. Ticket prices range from RMB 99 to 600, depending on the performance, and can be acquired through the QR code below.

      **Taihu Stage Art Center**

      国家大剧院台湖舞美艺术中心

      Located about 50 meters east of the intersection of Y605 and Taihu Xilu, Tongzhou District

      通州区Y605与台湖西路交叉路口往东约50米

      **Grand Canal Museum**

      While in Tongzhou, delve into one of the greatest waterworks projects in history at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum. This newly opened museum offers various exhibits detailing the canal's construction and its historical and contemporary significance. Admission is free with an ID.

      **Beijing Grand Canal Museum**

      北京大运河博物馆

      Hall 5, 1 Lyuxin Lu, Tongzhou District

      通州区绿心路5号院

      **Hours:** Tue-Sun, 10am-8pm

      **Contact:** 010 8812 1227

      **Berry Beans “Coffee Tower”**

      If you haven’t had a chance to grab coffee at the jazz festival’s market—or if you’d like some beforehand—Berry Beans in Zhongtu Culture and Creative Park is the ideal spot. They have transformed a dormant water tower into a venue for tasting flights of premium cold brew coffee.

      Guests can sample seven different coffee varieties, choose their favorite, and have it brewed to their preference. It’s by appointment only, so it’s wise to call ahead for availability. If there’s no space, Berry Beans also operates a traditional brick-and-mortar shop in the same park offering their full range of coffee and food.

      **Berry Beans (Xinhua Xijie branch)**

      Inside Zhongtu Cultural and Creative Park, South Gate, 15 Xinhua Xijie

      通州区新华西街15号中图文创园区南门

      **Hours:** Mon-Fri, 11.30am-7.30pm; Sat-Sun, 10.30am-7.30pm

      **Contact:** 199 1015 8685

      **Burning Wood BBQ**

      If you're in the mood for a more substantial meal before or after enjoying the jazz, check out Burning Wood BBQ for authentic Texas-style barbecue. Opened in 2024, it serves everything from smoked brisket and beef ribs to pulled pork and handmade sausages. The restaurant also features a spacious patio, perfect for outdoor dining in the spring.

      **Burning Wood BBQ**

      灼木熏房

      2/F, Beitou City Central Green Vita Block, Tongzhou District

      通州区北投城市绿心活力汇运动馆二层

      **Hours:** Tue-Sun, 11am-9.30pm

      **Contact:** 156 0023 0273

      **Bear Hugs the Earth**

      Since Burning Wood offers limited vegetarian or vegan choices, there’s a great alternative in Tongzhou called Bear Hugs the Earth. This vegan restaurant serves various interpretations of Chinese classics using faux meat and offers a selection of fine teas to accompany their meals.

      **Bear Hugs the Earth**

      熊抱大地咖啡蔬食馆

      108, Bldg 2, Courtyard 4 Guanyin'an Nanjie, Tongzhou District

      通州区观音庵南街4号院2号楼108号

      **Hours:** Daily, 10am-8pm

      **Contact:** 182 1036 8117

      **READ:** Fest Fever! A Few Festivals to Hit Up Over the May Holiday

      Images: Uni You, Dianping, theBeijingers, courtesy of the venues