As I was scrolling around Instagram, I came across a video of the coolest family rave, where kids and parents alike looked like they were having the most wonderful time rocking out outdoors with the PG music of a DJ on stage exactly like you would expect to see at any music festival. It looked amazing, and I couldn’t help but forward it to friends to share. Then, it was as if someone read my mind! I came across Hand in Hand‘s poster for their upcoming event right here in Beijing: a kid-friendly family rave in Shijingshan Amusement Park!

This trend has been emerging in the entertainment scene and combines the energetic atmosphere of a rave with a family-friendly environment offering a unique experience for all ages. Beijing families will get to party with their kids later this weekend at the upcoming family rave. We had a chat with Rebecca Kanthor, co-owner of Hand in Hand, the company behind this exciting event, about what makes a family rave the ultimate experience for music lovers and how the rave brings families together in a novel and vibrant way.

First of all, what is a family rave?

It’s basically a giant outdoor dance party! Everything about the rave has been designed with kids and families in mind. The DJs have curated dance music sets that are suitable for all ages, our dance crew leads the crowd in moves that are easy to follow, the sound levels are adjusted for kids’ ears, and there are special areas for stroller parking and nursing moms.

This isn’t the first time you’re hosting this in Beijing. Tell us a bit about Hand in Hand.

My husband, Liu Jian, is a musician, and after we became parents, we wanted to share our love of live music with our kids. When we realized there weren’t any cool live music festivals in China designed with families in mind, we decided to create one ourselves. We founded Hand in Hand in 2017 and began inviting award-winning live acts making all genres of music for kids and families from around the world. We called it Hand in Hand because we wanted our festival to be something parents and kids could enjoy together as a family, and also we wanted to create a bridge between China and the world through music.

Before the pandemic, we were organizing several tours a year and had brought rock and punk bands from the US, the Netherlands, and Spain to tour 23 cities, including Beijing (we held our festival here in 2018 and 2020). During Covid, it became difficult to bring the bands into China, so we thought why not make a family rave with international DJs, MCs, and dancers based in China? It turned out to be so much fun.

How many people are expected to attend the upcoming event in Beijing?

Hand in Hand will run four shows at Shijingshan Amusement Park – each with 2,000-3,000 people.

How will people stay warm outdoors in the winter?

You’ll definitely want to bundle up, but trust me, the music is so good and the dancing so fun, you’ll warm up fast!

When we hear “rave” safety concern pops to mind. Will alcohol be served at the event? What safety precautions are there?

Haha! This is not that type of rave! This is an all-ages event, and no alcohol will be served. We take safety very seriously and have a security crew and risk assessment plan to ensure the safety of all participants. There’s a first aid station on hand for any emergencies. All kids must be accompanied by a grownup and parents/guardians/carers remain fully responsible for children at all times.

The event is said to be for kids (and adults) of all ages. Can we really bring toddlers and babies to the rave?

YES!! Hand in Hand events are meant for all ages, so kids and grownups can hit the dance floor to rave together! At Hand in Hand we’ve seen grannies dancing, moms with babies in their carriers, and, of course, little kids up on their dad’s shoulders bopping away. Every aspect of Hand in Hand has been designed with families in mind, using our own parenting experiences as a guide. Our kids (now aged 9 and 12) have been part of every Hand in Hand festival since the beginning, and we take their feedback very seriously.

Our sound levels are adjusted with young kids in mind (no louder than 80-90 decibels), and we make sure to have diaper changing stations, stroller parking, and quieter areas for nursing moms or families who need a little breather.

What’s the best way to get to Shijingshan Amusement Park?

You can take a car or subway. The nearest metro stop is on Line 1: Bajiao Youleyuan, Exit A.

Who are some headliners for the event?

Our lineup is truly international – our DJs, MCs, and dancers hail from US, China, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Italy, Mexico, and Ghana. There will be several acts – The American Rockers, The Italian, and even a remix of Beijing opera. You and your kids will not just have fun trying out new dance moves – while you’re at it, you’ll also learn a little bit of American, Italian, and Chinese culture and language.

What a way to wrap up 2024! Tickets to Hand in Hand’s Family Rave Carnival is RMB 180 per person. It’s the same price for all kids and adults. You can learn more about Hand in Hand by scanning the QR code in their event poster or purchase your tickets directly from one of these platforms below.

Images: Hand in Hand

In a rocking display of Beijing’s burgeoning high school music scene, 12 local bands were selected to compete in the highly anticipated International High School Battle of the Bands on May 5 at Modernista.

The bands, comprised of members enrolled in 13 different schools across the city, were selected by a discerning panel of local musicians and industry insiders. Ultimately, all those who made the cut were chosen for their diverse styles and musical skills.

The eclectic mix of genres these bands represent promises a fantastic show at Modernista on May 5. From the raw energy of classic rock to the soulful harmonies of indie folk, the lineup is a testament to the distinctive tapestry of sounds cultivated in Beijing’s high schools.

As the countdown to the main event begins, the selected bands are fine-tuning their sets, each eager to claim their spot in the limelight and support Our Learning House – a school dedicated to aiding children with special needs in Beijing. The stage is set for a showdown that’s about more than just music; it’s a celebration of youthful creativity and community spirit.

Here is the list of bands who have been selected to compete:

Alu* from Beijing City International School (BCIS)

Jenny, G11 (Vocals), Haolin, G10 (Guitar), Peter, G10 (Guitar), Chris, G10 (Drums), Derek, G10 (Bass)

Carterfly from International School of Beijing

Lucy, G10 (Bass), Grace, G10 (Vocals, Keyboard), Rachel, G10 (Guitar), Kylie, G10 (Vocals, Guitar), Joseph, G11 (Drums)                         ‘

The Cyclops from French International School of Beijing

Tate, G10 (Drums), Leïla, G10 (Vocals, Guitar), Andréas, G10 (Bass), Angelina, G9 (Keyboards), Alexis, G12 (Guitar)

Detention from BDA School of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University, Intl Dept

Mark, G11 (Vocals), Mary, G10 (Vocals), Gary, G11 (Bass), Lucy, G11 (Keyboard), Kaley, G11 (Guitar), Zaper, G10 (Drums)

E201 from Harrow Beijing

Lion, G10 (Drums), Henry, G12 (Bass), Nemo, G10 (Guitar), Eleanor, G11 (Guitar)

Laughing Microtones from Beijing International Bilingual Academy

Lauren, G11 (Vocals), Ashley, G11 (Violin), Joshua, G11 (Bass), Helen, G11 (Keyboard), Andy, G12 (Guitar),  Evan, G12 (Drums)

NEDOBAND from Russian Embassy Middle School in Beijing

Victor, G9 (Guitar, Vocals), Sofya, G9 (Guitar, Vocals), Roman, G8 (Drums), Ivan, G7 (Bass, Vocals), Timur, G10 (Guitar)

No Sleep from Beijing No. 80 High School Intl Dept, Beijing Royal School & Beijing Huijia Private School

Clark, G11 (Guitar, Vocals), Charlie, G11 (Bass, Vocals), Kyle, G12 (Guitar), Hanson, G12 (Guitar), Earthquake, G12 (Drum)

Nurse Don’t Die from International School of Beijing

Maddox, G12 (Guitar, Vocals), Griffin, G10 (Bass), Josiah, G10 (Guitar, Vocals), Simon, G8 (Drums)

Pretty Ugly from Dulwich College Beijing

Kaine, G9 (Guitar), Zach, G9 (Drums), Ethan, G9 (Bass), Dylan, G9 (Keyboard), Noah, G9 (Guitar), Evie, G9 (Vocals), Gabby, G9 (Vocals)

Rooftop Odyssey from Western Academy of Beijing

Kristina, G11 (Vocals), Lucienne, G11 (Bass), Henry, G10 (Guitar), Masaaki, G11 (Guitar), Dora, G11 (Drums)

Somninote from Keystone Academy

Jeffery, G10 (Guitar, Vocals), Richard, G11 (Guitar), Terry, G11 (Drums), Justin, G10 (Bass), Oscar, G11 (Keyboard)

Tickets for the Battle of the Bands go on sale next week; stay tuned to Jingkids for details!

Images: Courtesy of bands, Jingkids, Pexels

It’s been a hectic year for many people, but especially for Swifties. “Swifties” is a sweet nomenclature for the fans of Taylor Swift, an American singer and songwriter. But you already knew that…

At age 33, Taylor reached billionaire status, broke a Grammy record, and received a musical doctorate degree from New York University. Taylor’s road to commercial and critical acclaim is aspirational. She began composing songs on her guitar at 12 years old and moved from Pennsylvania to Nashville to pursue country music. Her fifth album, 1989, signified a career change to pop music.

During COVID-19, Taylor explored even more genres, from indie folk to lofi productions in albums like Folklore and Evermore. Her newest album will be released in April; it will be called The Tortured Poets Department. Taylor is currently traveling internationally for the Eras Tour, which is a series of three-hour-long stadium concerts that take fans through all her albums, each one having its own distinct fashion, storytelling, and sonic styles, called “eras.”

Beijing City International School has an impressive collection of Swifties, one of which is my friend Margret in Grade 7. Margret and I bonded over our love of music and student-initiated projects. She is practically my little sister, much like how Taylor herself cultivated a sense of sisterhood among her friends and fans. We started a Taylor Swift club involving students from G7 to G12 and will hopefully connect with global Swifties. If the Eras Tour can raise the GDP of an entire country, then we can build communities around shared admiration for our idol’s music journey.

Taylor’s greatest talent is lyricism. Her lyrics are poetic, metaphorical, and full of rich imagery. Both her confessional and fictional songs craft intimate worlds listeners relate to personally. Taylor Swift is magic and brings together people from different generations with her music. Whether you’re a Millenial, Gen Z, or Gen Alpha, there’s something relatable in her music for everyone.

She is a communicator, storyteller, and writer. So, our club decodes and analyzes her lyrics, which explore accessible themes like love, human relationships, and personal growth, but which also glisten with hidden artistic depths. Taylor also drops “Easter eggs” in her songs and music videos, which are clues to her music, business, and personal life ventures. This clever marketing strategy ensures the fanbase’s intrigue, loyalty, and long-term engagement. Our club cracks open these Easter eggs and dive deep into the rabbit hole of Taylor-mania. We’re all mad here; it’s fine.

If you watched Taylor’s documentary Miss Americana in 2020, you’ll know Taylor has lived an extraordinary life. In her own words, she is “imaginative, smart, and hardworking,” and an ideal role model for young women. She is both a sensitive artist and a strategic businesswoman with ambition to burn. Several hardships graced her childhood and career, but she took accountability, re-invented herself, and continued making art. Her strong moral compass and resilient attitude provide an interesting case study for success in the music industry and really, life. So, our club deconstructs Taylor’s life, from business decisions to personal lessons – her sleepless nights, wasted tears, lost love and friendships, rising from the dead, greatest achievements, and greatest mistakes. We can all learn a few tricks from Tay Tay’s “Anti-Hero” playbook.

Finally, Taylor is a generous philanthropist. She frequently donates to charities and uses her music for charitable causes, from writing the song “Ronan” to raise awareness for child cancer to improving American public school education. She also funded a fan’s college experience in gratitude for her support. To honor her legacy, our club also raises money for charities close to our hearts such as Help a Child Smile, Roots and Shoots, and Migrant Children’s Foundation. We do so by selling handcrafts and snacks related to Taylor Swift’s self-branding. Taylor’s public persona has remained humble and down-to-earth despite reaching astronomical fame over the years. Her brilliant marketing skills tell the fascinating, adventurous story of a complex protagonist. She is both a role model and a main character, and our club aims to reflect her intelligence and creativity.

If you want to join, check out our poster and scan the QR code.

Images: Helen Wang

The International High School Battle of the Bands is happening this May 5 at Modernista, one of Beijing’s most distinctive live music venues.

One of the faces behind the success of this 12-year-old venue is Nuria Cimini, Modernista co-owner and event organizer. Originally from Barcelona, Cimini has been living in Beijing since 2006, when she arrived to complete her studies in Chinese language. After some years, in 2011, she opened Modernista along with three other friends, driven by her love for music and creative entrepreneurship. She has organized, and mostly witnessed, more than 3500 live music shows at Modernista.

Cimini has been essential to the success of this event and has also agreed to serve as one of our panel of judges for the contest. As a veteran of booking and enjoying hundreds of bands over the past 10 years, she’s in a perfect position to do so.

1. Can you give a brief history of Modernista? What makes it one of Beijing’s most unique establishments?

Modernista started in 2011 as a casual endeavor among friends. We were just a group of friends wondering what it would be like to expand our living room space into a bigger playground where we could keep exploring and nurturing what Beijing had to offer in the years after 2008.

I think it’s a pretty accurate expression of the place and the time where it was born, and of the people who have been part of it. It’s nothing you can easily reproduce; it’s unique and has a lot of personality, because it was a project conceived a lot more as a personal life changing experience, much less as a business.

Over the past 12 years, Modernista has become a cherished part of the people who called it home. It has grown from a small bistro to a two-story cocktail bar and restaurant, hosting daily performances and employing two dozen people.

2. How has live music evolved in Modernista?

We always had live music in our minds when we started, but our resources were very limited in the beginning. We only had a very small, intimate stage next to the entrance window. Our neighbors wouldn’t allow anything like a drum set (not that it could fit anyways), so bands who were playing at that time had to figure out a lot of things. Live music was a part of the scene but not Modernista’s centerpiece.

When Modernista expanded to the bigger space in 2014, we had more resources and more experience: We built the space as we had imagined at the beginning, with a full round balcony that puts the stage at the center of the space, in the style of traditional theaters and cabaret houses in Europe. We paid a lot of attention to how things sound and how both the audience and the performers would experience the space. The work we did at that time helped develop a richer live music scene and really put the artists in the spotlight, creating some unforgettable experiences for both the musicians and the audience.

3. Given the sheer number of shows you’ve watched over the years, can you offer some advice on how a band can deal with stage fright or technical issues during their performance?

When you’ve witnessed many shows, you can see a lot of things going on the stage which most people in the room wouldn’t notice. Sometimes equipment fails, musicians are nervous or a bit lost, or there are disagreements on stage. In those cases, most of the audience can’t really tell.

I remember an extreme case once when half of the band just decided to stop playing in the middle of a song because of some argument they were having and everyone noticed something was going on, of course.

Some technical issues can really disturb a performance if not handled properly. That’s why it’s important to have technical professionals that musicians can trust to assist them as much as possible. We have that here at Modernista, and I believe that really makes musicians more comfortable when playing here.

4. What are some of the factors that make a band stand out from the crowd and impress the audience?

Music has the advantage in that it can be communicated without words, so when musicians interact with their audience, they can choose to do it in many different ways.

Each band’s style varies and the energy also depends on the audience you have.

There are so many shows that have created a memorable impression both on us and the public, and all for different reasons. Some musicians aren’t necessarily great stage performers, but their craft is incredible, and they are cohesive and smooth. The experience is well thought and put together nearly perfectly. That’s more than enough to really impress the audience.

On the other hand, some bands are really good at the interactive and stage presence part of the experience. They are full of fun ideas and very creative, they know how to put a show together and get everyone to have a blast, even without being technically perfect. Often a combination of both elements works best.

Then there are times when there is just a talent so inspiring or the music is so beautiful that it just hits you and you can’t really explain how.

5. Tell us about some of the more memorable shows you’ve witnessed at Modernista.

I remember specifically a night when Trinidad and Tobago singer KC covered Prince’s hit Purple Rain. The entire room just held its breath and tears while watching.

Another was a particularly mind-blowing Miles Davies tribute by the J. Kyle Electric Band. It was so powerful that the musicians finished the show and left the stage in silence, with the room in silence too. That alone was truly impressive.

On a different note, our most shocking experience was Zimbabwean dancehall performer Winky Di. He had a room full of crazed fans waiting for hours on end, just for him to appear suddenly around midnight, jump directly on the stage from the back of a car and give a frenzied hour-long performance. I don’t believe he had time to breathe even once. He disappeared exactly the same way he came, just like a magician. I’ve never seen people so angry, then so happy.

Finally, sometimes it’s also the audience who build a memorable impression alongside the band, simply because the interaction during a performance always goes both ways. For example, the energy shown in our long-standing Brazilian nights which date back to 2012, including bands such as Mama Funker, Templo do Samba and more recently Quebra Cavaco. Or the vibrant energy that emerges every time cult band Gong Gong Gong has played. This is because of the way these bands and their audience interact so intimately and casually at Modernista in comparison to other big stage venues.

Don’t miss this chance to witness Beijing’s 12 best high school bands battle it out at Modernista on the afternoon of Sunday, May 5 – and raise money for a good cause at the same time! Tickets will go on sale later in March, stay tuned to Jingkids & the Beijinger for announcements.

The event is sponsored by Modernista, Our Learning House, Jingkids, the Beijinger, Home Plate BBQ, Confident You, and Brevity of Motion Sounds.

We’re also looking for additional sponsors and volunteers. If you are a sponsor, you will get tons of exposure and a chance to connect with international school students, parents, and administrators. If you are a volunteer, you will have a blast and gain valuable experience. If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please send an email to 25eloisew@wab.edu.

Images: Modernista

Born in Russia into an artistic family to parents who paint, Maria Nauen grew up among famous Russian musicians, artists and actors – this affected her life dramatically. At just ten years old, inspired by her amazing music teacher, Zinaida Bespalova, Nauen decided to be a musician. She went on to receive her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in performance and music teaching in both Russia and Austria. Aside from working as a music teacher, orchestra conductor, and concert violinist, Nauen has also authored three books: Adventure in the Kingdom of Music (1 & 2), as well as Skeletons from the Frau Nauen’s Cabinet. Nauen is the founder of the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra and MaNau Bijoux. She is also the happy wife of Achim Nauen and mother of Anastasia, who is a successful fashion designer in Germany.

What’s on your mind these days? 

Now, just a few days before my departure, I am looking back on all 16 years of my life in Beijing, and I realize that I have had extremely happy years. I have been happy and lucky – because life in China gave me millions of incredible opportunities in my professional and private life. I was able to build up the first and now the biggest international music community – the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra – as well as my very own handcrafted bijouterie brand, MaNau Bijoux. I’ve met many incredible people who became my friends. I had a chance to travel around all of Asia and all this has made my 16 years living in China unforgettable.

What motivated your decision to leave?

I thought that I’d never leave China because it became my home, but in the last couple of years I realized that my artistic soul needs a change and it’s time to move on. My husband and I are going back to Austria, where we used to live before coming to China. That big change might bring to me new inspirations because Austria, as we all know, is the Land of Music. I’m looking forward to starting the new chapter of my life, but of course I’ll miss China badly! I have to leave my “baby,” the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra, and find a new conductor who will be my “hands” here.

How do you stay sane in all the madness? 

I think artists have more chances to go through all the madness (social, political, private, professional crises, etc.) easier than people of other professions because artists are always finding ways to express ourselves. Art and music helped me to get through the last three years of the pandemic. When I couldn’t perform onstage, I started to compose music and create bijouterie. And of course without my husband, my friends and my darling ol’ dog Nunka (she’s almost 16 years old!), it would have been more difficult to get through the pandemic madness.

What is your favourite thing about Beijing that you’re going to miss the most?

It’s my orchestra, my “baby,” the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra – these are 55 of my dearest friends, with whom I have had an amazing 16 years in China.
But of course, there are also things like waimai, Taobao, Didi, NCPA concerts, WeChat, Chaoyang Park walks, and even being called “laowai” will be missed too.

After spending 16 years living and performing in China, Nauen will be leaving this very month! If you have yet to catch Nauen in action, you thankfully still have one more chance this weekend at her Farewell concert. The Farewell concert features the masterpieces of some of the most loved composers – Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Khatchaturyan, Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Dunaevsky. But in order not to end this farewell on a sad note, there will be exciting tunes from famous movies and musicals, such as Titanic, The Lion King, Mission Impossible, James Bond, and the gorgeous Phantom of the Opera. Plus, you can look forward to a surprise at the end!

 To purchase tickets, please open the link: https://yoopay.cn/event/farewell or scan the QR code.

KEEP READING: Musician, Designer, Educator; Maria Nauen’s Done It All, and Then Some

Images: Courtesy of Maria Nauen

ASK, or Art Space for Kids, opened a new performance in the first weekend of March – Anatomy of the Piano II: First Piano on the Moon. Featuring UK pianist William Pickvance, the performance is 50 minutes of fun piano feats and musical discovery, told from the perspective of a child prodigy who is chosen to play at Mozart’s birthday celebration in the famous composer’s birth city of Salzburg.

We’ve got the tree, we’ve ordered the presents (and are just hoping for their prompt delivery!), and the cookies are baking in the oven, so what’s missing? Why it’s the sound of Christmas, in the much-heralded form of Christmas carols, sung by our very own jingkids’ kids and families!

Yes you read that right, we’re imploring our readers to create their own Christmas cheer this year by singing their favorite Christmas carols and sending us the video!

It can be the kids who do it, the whole family, or a bunch of friends together – whatever gets your karaoke on! It’s all in the name of good clean Christmas fun. If you’re shy, don a Santa hat and sunglasses, or get creative with the video editing. You can even play the piano, ukulele, or any music instrument you’re handy with!

So set up your phone, hit record, and belt out your favorite Christmas ditty, then send your video to webeditor@beijing-kids.com or to our editorial team, Mina Yan (WeChat ID: wilhelmina87) and Vivienne Tseng-Rush (WeChat ID: VivienneTseng-Rush). We can’t wait to hear you!

If singing isn’t your thing, we’re also running our December Drawing Contest with the theme “All I Want For Xmas” as well as our ongoing video Read-A-Story campaign where kids read their favorite bedtime stories aloud.

KEEP READING: Where to Go In Beijing to Get a Little Christmas Cheer

Images: Pexels

Metal – you either love it or hate it. And if you love it, chances are you might have dyed, waist-long hair, a full beard (even if you are female), a number of tattoos (perhaps in one or two places you don’t usually show in public), you probably like motorcycling (or are a radical environmentalist), you enjoy alcohol (because that is integral to enjoying this type of music) and you just might be really into fantasy role playing (your avatar most likely being the dwarf because his beard looks exactly like yours).

Are you this person? Then you might enjoy one of the following band recommendations – or all of them – as we take a look at five metal artists from Beijing. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite band too!

Nine Treasures (九宝 jiǔ bǎo)

Although the band Nine Treasures was founded in Beijing in 2010, all of the members are from Inner Mongolia. They spent their early years playing gigs in the metal clubs of Beijing, but today they have moved back to their home, Hohhot, because the city of Beijing, though full of possibilities, was simply too big, literally: They needed to drive two hours to get to the studio.

Nine Treasures plays Mongolian folk metal and combines traditional Central Asian instruments with the modern rock and metal sound.

Yaksa (夜叉 yè chā)

Yaksa was founded in Sichuan in 1995, and just two years later the band moved to Beijing. There, they quickly became an important part of the local rock and metal scene. Their style is often described as metalcore or nu metal (a style of metal that, among other things, features rap vocals), which at that time, brought something new to the table in Beijing.

Voodoo Kungfu (零壹 líng yī)

Voodoo Kungfu (also known as Zero One), formed in 2003 in Beijing, has always been a very mysterious band whose music features themes of religion and occultism. Vocalist Nan Li claims that he has “been to hell but survived to bring back the voice from hell” after being bitten by a cobra and falling into coma.

The band combines Western metal music with traditional folk instruments from all around China – Voodoo Kungfu’s music is inspired by Nan Li’s travels through Inner Mongolia, Yunnan and Tibet, and his experiences with the local cultures, music, and religion.

Tang Dynasty (唐朝 táng cháo)

Tang Dynasty is regarded as the first Chinese heavy metal band ever. After the band’s foundation in Beijing in 1989, a part of the band had to leave the country, but in the end that didn’t stop the band from becoming successful both inside and outside of China.

In its lyrics and music, the band incorporates traditional Chinese elements that are supposed to represent and reference the ancient period of the – what a surprise – Tang dynasty in China.

Their music is very accessible, almost like heavy metal for beginners, and leans in the direction of art rock and progressive rock.

Twisted Machine

Last but certainly not least, there is Twisted Machine, whose name is a homage to their idol – American band Rage Against the Machine. Founded in 1998 in Beijing, Twisted Machine started out playing hardcore and later switched to nu metal after changing their lead vocalist.

Their record Back to Underground (2003) is considered to be one of the most successful releases in Chinese Metal history, but they aren’t limited to playing in China. In 2016, for example, they brought their Lost in Beijing tour to the USA.

Of course, there are a lot more Beijing-based metal outfits worthy of mentioning: Bliss Illusion (post black metal), Ululate (black and death metal), Ego Fall (folk metal), and Suffocated (death metal), just to name a few.

13 Club – the number one metal club in Beijing – has been closed since the end of 2020. But MAO Livehouse is another rock venue in Beijing. Before the pandemic, a lot of foreign rock and metal bands, such as Opeth, Behemoth, and While She Sleeps, as well as local artists, have played there. But clubs like Yue Space, Omni Space, or School Live Bar are likely to host metal bands as well. Right now, Covid restrictions prevent most shows from happening in Beijing, but let’s hope that in the future we will be able to headbang together again.

Images: Unsplash