Beijing Design Week (which actually lasts a month) returns to the city a little earlier than usual this year, probably on account of someone's anniversary hogging the calendar, but the premise remains largely the same: celebrate innovations in local art and design with an emphasis on global collaboration.
As such, the organizers have invited Mexico City to be this year's guest city, showing off the elements of design that make their city thrive. They'll be in town between Sep 5-15, while the overall event runs until Oct 7, encompassing pop-up exhibits, film screenings, and markets around town as well as events this year's home base of China Millenium Moment World Art Museum in Fuxingmen.
Actually finding the BJDW events is half the adventure
As with previous Beijing Design Weeks, finding specifics on what is actually taking place can be a laborious process and so we'd recommend following their WeChat for updates (ID: beijingdesignweek). The main exhibitions
Guest City: Mexico City - Sep 5-Sep 15Each year, Beijing Design Week invites a representative from another global city to show off what they've got. This year it's Mexico City, and they'll be exhibiting designs on the first floor of the Beijing World Art Museum around the theme of Design Across Borders under the slogan of "Mi casa es tu casa" (My home is your home).
Beijing and Mexico City signed a sister city agreement in 2009, agreeing to engage in continuous dialogue and cultural exchange. Earlier this year, Beijing was honored as the guest city of Mexico City’s Friendship Expo where it exhibited elements of Chinese culture in urban design.
China Millenium Moment World Art Museum, 9 Fuxing Rd, Haidian District中华世纪坛世界艺术馆:海淀区复兴路甲9号
Theme Exhibition - Sep 5-Oct 7After checking out the guest city exhibit, design enthusiasts can head downstairs to check out the main theme exhibit of this year’s Design Week, which will focus on imagery in the People’s Republic in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the country.
China Millenium Moment World Art Museum, 9 Fuxing Road, Haidian District中华世纪坛世界艺术馆:海淀区复兴路甲9号
Fashion Beijing - Sep 12-22Organized by Fashion Beijing magazine, this event aims to exhibit design in fashion and promoting Chinese fashion brands. In addition to exhibits, there will be fashion shows as well as awards handed out for models, news outlets and designers.
Fangheng Shopping Center, 6 Futong East Street, Wangjing, Chaoyang District方恒购物中心:阜通东大街6号院4号楼
Design Expo - Sep 12-16The Design Expo will feature speakers, dialogues, and panels around its proclamation that "Innovation forges the future." Hoping to spark a drive toward a "Smart Beijing" (RIP), the Expo will attempt to promote ideas about upgrading design in Chinese industry.
National Agricultural Exhibition Center, 16 Northeast Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District全国农业展览馆:朝阳区东三环北路16号
Images: National Geographic, Beijing Design Weekadvertisement