WHAT: “Celebrating the 600th Anniversary of the Forbidden City”, a talk & dinner with Matthew Hu, founder of The Courtyard Institute
WHEN: February 3, 2020, Wednesday 6-9:30PM
WHERE: The Courtyard Institute & Black Sesame Kitchen, #28 Zhonglao Hutong, Dongcheng district, Beijing

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT: In an in-person talk and slideshow, architectural and history expert Matthew Hu will reveal how one of the world’s best-preserved wooden palaces was built and how palace intrigues unfolded from the 1420 arrival of the Ming Dynasty until the departure of the last Qing emperor Pu Yi. In its dramatic 600-year history, the Forbidden City was palace and home to 24 emperors. Each was seen to be the Son of Heaven (天子), a perception embedded in the iconic structure’s design.
Afterwards, we’ll sit down to a 10-course dinner and 2 wine pairings at Black Sesame Kitchen, located in the same courtyard. The menu features several sumptuous dishes from the Qing-era Forbidden City, along with their stories

MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Matthew was the founding Managing Director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP), and the former China Representative of The Prince’s Charities Foundation (China). In 2014, he co-founded The Courtyard Institute with a few friends, aiming at promoting a better understanding of Chinese heritage through education.

HOW MUCH: 300 RMB for RASBJ members (350 RMB for non-members)

RSVP: RASBJ members please wechat payment to Treasurer John Olbrich at johnobeijing with participants’ full names. Seating is limited to 15 RASBJ members; reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. (Non-members please contact Black Sesame Kitchen directly at 136 9147 4408.)

NOTE: This event’s co-hosts are the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing (RASBJ), the Courtyard Institute, and Black Sesame Kitchen
SCHEDULE:
6-6:30 PM Meet-and-greet reception featuring an open bar of house beer and soft drinks. Wine and craft beer will be available at additional charge.
6:30-7:30 PM Matthew Hu’s presentation on the Forbidden City, with ppt.
7:30-9:30 PM Dinner at Black Sesame Kitchen.