I’m never sad to see the summer go and this year is no exception. Although usually it’s the heat and uncharacteristic humidity, August 2015 will be remembered for two very tragic events: the deadly explosion in neighboring Tianjin, and the fatal stabbing attack in broad daylight in Sanlitun, which left a woman dead and a man injured. Both events saddened us deeply, and putting that month in the rearview mirror won’t come too quickly. 

And now, the best part of the year begins, especially in Beijing. Cooler evenings, less humidity, and blue skies promise us the best weather of the year. Coupled with an unexpected holiday (September 3-5) and an expected holiday (Mid-Autumn Festival), now is the time to go out and enjoy our city to the fullest.

As such, we thought we’d amp up this issue and take a look at some of Beijing’s more extreme experiences. Kipp Whittaker finds out what it takes to join some of Beijing’s bikers for a track day, or just to roar around Beijing’s streets on two wheels. Margaux Schreurs takes the plunge into bungee jumping in the city’s environs, and just what it feels like to free fall on a string. Tom Arnstein files down his fingernails and gets up to some rock climbing around the capital.

Elsewhere, we talk to our July cover model Sasha Zhou, who’s making some noise locally. We preview this autumn’s production of Phantom of the Opera, which finally comes to haunt Beijing 27 years after its Broadway debut. And for those of you new to town or just wanting to improve your language abilities, we look at some language school options for both the beginner and the advanced learner.

We hope that you enjoy reading the September issue of the Beijinger as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. You can read it online via Issuu or in pdf form here. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favorite venue!

Image: the Beijinger