Whether it’s the state of the traffic, the air quality, the crowds, or the general frenzy that Beijing seems to run on, life can get pretty stressful in the Chinese capital. Luckily, as it’s also officially the cultural capital of China, Beijing doesn’t disappoint when it comes to events and entertainment. There are museums, exhibitions, temples, operas, plays, memorials, universities, libraries…yeah I know, it does sound a bit too serious doesn’t it? That’s why we’re going to take a look at some of the best places around the city that are guaranteed to not only tickle your funny bone but also make all those daily frustrations a novelty, with Beijing’s best stand-up comedy nights.
1) Hot Cat Club
Recently moved from its former residence at The Library Café, this fortnightly event put on by the Beijing Comedy Club is an open-mike event where anyone is invited to try their hand at making the audience laugh. Guests shouldn’t feel nervous though, as there are always house comedians from the Comedy Club and the Beijing Improv Group at hand to warm up the crowds. Participants are given five minutes on stage to deliver their lines, and are open to use any method such as music or even dance.
When: Every other Wednesday, 21:30
Where: Hot Cat Club
Price: Free
Website: www.comedyclubchina.com
2) Taps German Bar and Grill
Patrons looking for a good laugh and some decent European beer need only head down to Taps German bar and grill, which is located in the Sanlitun bar area. Although primarily a bar and restaurant, Taps regularly puts on comedy shows every month and invites both amateur and professional comedians on stage. Taps has also been known to feature comedians from the international sphere, and those keen to check out upcoming events should log on to their website.
Where: Taps German Bar and Grill, Basement Floor, 7 Sanlitun Houjie (beneath Lugas), Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区三里屯后街7号地下一层
Tel: 010 6415 6901
Website: www.tapsbeijing.com
3) Giggle Bar
Located in the Yonghegong area of the city, Giggle is a newly renovated bar and restaurant that is gradually gaining more attention from the Beijing comedy scene. Participants are invited to come and “do anything they can do with a mic” in order to get the crowd giggling, and are rewarded for their efforts with a free beer and a chance of winning 1,000 RMB. The event is put on every Thursday and features an open jam session for musicians willing to groove on after the comedy is over.
When: Every Thursday, 21:30
Where: 2F, Beixinqiao Fuda Plaza, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区北新桥富达广场2层
Price: Free
Tel: 010 6409 3066
