the Beijinger

The races have been won and lost, the medals dished out, the fireworks set off and the fuwa deflated. Life in Beijing is returning to "normal", more quickly than some of us would like. Olympic season isn't over yet though, as the Paralympics start on September 6. You can follow the action with the latest issue of agenda; the highlights of each day's sport are featured in our Day-by-Day event listings, as well as a rejuvenated calendar of local goings-on. Among a number of international artists touching down in Beijing in September are soul/jazz legends George Benson and Al Jarreau; Lisa Liang chatted with both men ahead of their visit, and you can see what they had to say in our Spotlight on the pair. This issue, we also get sartorial suggestions from local fashionista Nels Frye, round up some of Beijing's best 24-hour restaurants and Taiwan-style dining options, and, as new seasons get underway in a number of sports, suggest some of the clubs you can join to keep active over the autumn. Add our Try These writeups, which feature new openings like All Star, Village Cafe, Bling and Kocoon spa, and you've got enough to keep busy with to banish the post-Olympic blues!