Scholarly spirits

In certain major Chinese cities, a new trend has recently emerged where bars are being repurposed into unconventional venues for academic discussions.

In early June, at a rooftop bar in Beijing, a group of young people gathered not for casual drinking, but to participate in an academic lecture on psychology.

The cozy atmosphere, illuminated by warm yellow lights, created an interesting backdrop to the scholarly concepts displayed on PowerPoint slides.

Despite this unusual fusion, as reported by Beijing Youth Daily, the attendance surpassed expectations. Over 60 people attended the event, prompting the bar owner to borrow extra chairs from nearby areas to accommodate the large audience.

This lecture series at bars is initiated by Zhang Jianing, a graduate of the Communication University of China, who draws inspiration from a historical practice. Zhang points out that in ancient Greece, gatherings like Plato's "The Symposium "involved engaging in academic conversations over wine, setting a precedent for discussing scholarly topics in informal settings.

Hosting lectures in bars breaks away from conventions, offering participants a novel experience and a more relaxed environment for interaction.

Zhang recalled that during his time at university, he and his peers often took part in such cultural exchanges. However, opportunities like these became rare after graduation.

"We want to share our perspectives with fellow enthusiasts and create a relaxed environment for dialogue," Zhang told Beijing Youth Daily.