12 spectacular things to do this week

Featuring Tinariwen, Mø, Disney On Ice and more

Don't let Beijing's cold weather get you down, there's still plenty going on this week to get you hot and bothered. Check out our picks of the best things to do over the next seven days, from the hottest parties, gigs, stage shows and more. It may be cooling down, but the capital's certainly heating up.

MONDAY

Murder on the Orient Express

On general release until Dec 10

Glamorous passengers are stuck on a train while a murderer is on the loose – it’s a jolly good job then that a detective is also among them. Reinvented for 2017, this adaptation of Agatha Christie's bestselling masterpiece features an all-star cast, including Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz and Michelle Pfeiffer.

TUESDAY

Long table with Annabel Langbein

Hatchery. Tue 14. 388RMB

For one night only, award-winning author and leading New Zealand food personality Annabel Langbein heads to the capital to host a one-off, exclusive dinner in the heart of Beijing's historic hutongs. Tickets are 388RMB and will include a four-course family-style feast paired with New Zealand wines and beer.

WEDNESDAY

Romain Baret Quintet

Dusk Dawn Club. Wed 15. 60RMB; 50RMB (presale)

Steeped in rock, jazz and pop, Romain Baret cites influences as diverse as King Crimson and Pink Floyd, to Marc Ducret and Ari Hoenig. Initially a trio, the band released their debut album Split Moments in 2014 to considerable acclaim from JazzMag and CultureJazz.

THURSDAY

Tinariwen

Tango. Thu 16. 300RMB; 260RMB (presale)

A rare dose of rebellious music comes to Beijing in the form of Tinariwen: musicians of the Sahara Desert’s Tuareg ethnic group whose music is often inspired by the anti-government struggles some of the band members have been actively involved with, having been rebel fighters.

Ghost Iris

Yugong Yishan. Thu 16. 120RMB; 90RMB (presale)

The most streamed Danish metal act of 2016 and a rising star of the tech-metal scene, Ghost Iris kicks off their nationwide tour in Beijing on Thursday. Performing music off their latest album Blind World, expect heavy guitar riffs and punchy melodies.

The Murder of Sherlock Holmes

Beijing Comedy Theatre. Thu 16-Sat 18. 60-380RMB

Written and directed by Paul Stebbings of TNT theatre, this sparkling comedy can be enjoyed even if you don't speak any Mandarin. Based on TNT's Edinburgh Festival award-winning production, this is a rough and dynamic comedy with cutting-edge music somewhere between Tom Waits and Brecht.

FRIDAY

Dvbbs

Elements. Fri 17. Tickets tbc

Composed of brothers Chris Chronicles and Alex Andre, Canadian electronic duo Dvbbs (stylised 'DVBBS') are best known for 'Tsunami', their joint international hit with Borgeous. The duo are currently ranked number 24 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs List.

Liaoning Ballet of China: Swan Lake

NCPA. Fri 17-Sat 18. 180-580RMB

China’s fastest-rising ballet company performs Swan Lake – and unlike many touring companies, technical expectations will be met. Catch China's favourite ballet about star-crossed lovers Odette and Siegfried over two nights at the NCPA.

SATURDAY

Mø

Tango. Sat 18. 350RMB; 300RMB (presale)

Currently one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Mø's collaboration with Major Lazer and DJ Snake (the inescapable 'Lean On') was named as Spotify’s most-streamed track of all time in 2015 and has picked up 1.6 billion YouTube plays. Her collaboration with Justin Bieber ('Cold Water') also ended Drake’s 16-week stay at number one in early 2016.

Acrobuffos: Air Play

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Sat 18. 99-380RMB

Featuring flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen, this modern spectacle brings together clowning, acrobatics and air sculpture in one poetic ode to childhood.

Disney On Ice

Capital Indoor Stadium. Sat 18-Sun 19. 180-380RMB

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 years of magic! Be charmed by a cast of over 50, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Disney princesses and Disney’s Frozen as they bring 14 stories and 30 songs to life.

SUNDAY

Alan Gilbert, Yundi Li and the Staatskapelle Dresden

NCPA. Sun 17. 380-1,680RMB

The former music director of the New York Philharmonic returns to China, this time teaming up with superstar pianist Yundi Li and the Staatskapelle Dresden. Programme is Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 and Strauss' Symphonica Domestica.

For more fabulous things to do this week, hit 'Read more'.

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