The one thing that keeps me grounded in Beijing is the amazing diversity of cultural events on offer. concerts, plays, exhibitions, free food, free booze etc... The next few days in Beijing will be filled with free music to the brim:
Thursday June 21st: La Fete de la Musique ( World Music Day)a French initiative that will see 14 shows take place all around the Gulou area almost at the same time. from folk to electronica and going through some punk and metal, there's something for everyone. more details here:
http://beijingmusicday.com/Saturday June 23rd: 'dazeFEAST 2012This is actually my little music festival, also free with ...18 freaking bands playing from 4:00 pm until 4:00 am pretty much. It's to celebrate the 3rd year anniversary of my music blog and you're all warmly invited. We're even roasting
squirrels sheeps in the afternoon on the grass for those who can get there early enough.
More Info Here:
http://beijingdaze.com/dazefeast-2012/