Three Key Highlights for the Upcoming Week in Beijing (January 12-18)

      This week in Beijing, we have an exciting new weekly deal at the Regent, an online discussion hosted by RASBJ, and a Woody Allen jazz tribute night at Modernista.

      **Drink – Twilight Spritz Tuesday at the Regent**

      Tuesdays have become even more indulgent with the Regent's new weekly offer, Twilight Spritz. Every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, guests can enjoy an unlimited flow of sparkling wine and sparkling cocktails, along with canapés, for RMB 238 per person. The cocktails include any made with sparkling wine, soda, tonic, or ginger ale. To reserve your spot, simply scan the QR code in the poster above.

      Location: Regent Beijing, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District, 东城区金宝街99号

      Event hours: Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 10 PM

      Phone: 010 8522 1888

      **Learn – "Smile… or Else: Optimism Under Capitalism & Socialism" Talk by RASBJ**

      On Wednesday (Jan 14), RASBJ will host an online talk titled "Smile… or Else: Optimism Under Capitalism & Socialism." The event features Prof. Wendy Larson and will be moderated by historian and writer Jeremiah Jenne. This discussion examines how optimism emerged as a socially and politically promoted attitude within both capitalist and socialist contexts, tracing its roots from Enlightenment ideas of progress to revolutionary hopes in 20th-century China.

      Using literature, history, and cultural references from the post-WWII era, Larson analyzes fictional characters that either conform to enforced positivity or resist its demands, questioning if happiness can become a political obligation.

      "Smile… or Else: Optimism Under Capitalism & Socialism" is scheduled for online viewing on Wed, Jan 14, from 7 PM to 8 PM. The talk is free for RASBJ members, RMB 50 for members from RAS branches in London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, as well as those affiliated with Yale; non-members will need to pay RMB 100. To register, scan the QR code in the poster above. More information about the discussion can be found here.

      **Listen – "Cinematic Jazz: Woody Allen Tribute" at Modernista**

      This Thursday (Jan 15), the Rena Trio—comprised of Rena Lei on vocals, Feng Wei on piano, and Huang Yong on bass—will perform "Cinematic Jazz: Woody Allen Tribute" at Modernista starting at 9 PM. This event honors the jazz soundtracks integral to Woody Allen's films, featuring music influenced by early jazz, swing, Gypsy jazz, and the Great American Songbook, including classics from George Gershwin, Louis Armstrong, and Django Reinhardt.

      "Cinematic Jazz: Woody Allen Tribute" will take place at Modernista on Thu, Jan 15, at 9 PM. Admission is free, and you can find more details about the event here.

      Location: Modernista, 44 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District, 东城区宝钞胡同44号

      Event hours: Thu, Jan 15, 9 PM

      Phone: 159 0116 3023

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      Images: Freepik, courtesy of the venues and organizers.