Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spectator Sport
The Chinese are avid football
(zúqiú)
fans, with many supporting the top teams in Eng-
land, Italy and Spain. Now, the China Super League is emerging as a force of its own in
Asia, with increasing numbers of foreign players arriving to lift standards. The local her-
oes are the Běijīng Guo'an, who play their home games at the Workers Stadium.
Even more popular than football is basketball. A number of Chinese players have fol-
lowed in the footsteps of national icon Yao Ming to play in the NBA. The capital's team is
the Běijīng Ducks; they draw a big crowd at the Wǔkēsōng Arena in Hǎidiàn.
NEED TO KNOW
Business Hours
Ballet, classical music and Chinese folk or contemporary dance performances generally start at 7.30pm at the
big concert hall venues. Acrobatics and opera houses often have two shows a day, starting at 5.15pm or
6.30pm and then again at 7.30pm. Live music venues mostly open their doors around 8pm and don't close till
the wee hours.
Information
Specific opening hours are listed in all reviews. Check the monthly expat magazines, which can be picked up
around town, for the latest news on events and who is playing when and where.
Prices & Tickets
Some live music venues don't levy an entrance fee, but if a popular local band or any international act is play-
ing they will, and it's advisable to reserve tickets in advance. You'll need to book ahead if a famous foreign
orchestra or ballet company is in town too.
Entertainment by Neighbourhood
»
The Forbidden City & Dōngchéng Central
Prime district for culture vultures,
with classical music, opera and theatre venues.
»
Drum Tower & Dōngchéng North
Home to many of the best live music venues
in town.
