The best things to do this weekend

Featuring a Dali art exhibition, 8-Bit's newest pop-up and more

With the arrival of spring (finally!), Beijing's starting to return to its regular best. Here are our picks of the best things to do this weekend.

THINGS TO DO

The Ming and the Manchus: a walk and discussion at the Forbidden City

Forbidden City. Sun 25. 300RMB; 260RMB (members of The Hutong)

For nearly 600 years, the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled China from behind the red walls of the Forbidden City. Although the Qing Dynasty ended in 1912, the imperial legacy continues to influence China’s present and future. This walk considers what life was like for the men and women who lived and worked in the palace. Who built the Forbidden City and why? And who were the eunuchs who performed much of the necessary daily functions for the palace and its inhabitants?

FOOD AND DRINK

8-Bit Shuangjing Pop-up launch

Root Pop. Sat 24. Free

Beijing's favourite video game bar returns from the grave with a new pop-up project at vegan eatery Root Pop. In celebration of its launch, Root Pop's offering a variety of drink deals, including 20RMB bottles of Asahi, 25RMB glasses of wine and 30RMB mixed drinks. To help soak it all up, food will also be 20 percent off.

NIGHTLIFE

Genome

Dada. Sat 24. Free

Shanghai crew Genome's compilation release tour kicks off in Beijing this Saturday. DJs Tavi, Kilo, Dirty K and Hyph11e will be hitting the decks alongside the newly-returned Rui Ho, who just played at Berlin CTM festival. Head to Dada for dancehall, reggaeton, industrial and everything in-between.

STAGE

B'Rock Orchestra

NCPA. Sun 25. 80-400RMB

Established with the goal of combining works by established baroque composers with lesser-known pieces from the 17th and 18th-century, join B'Rock Orchestra as it performs a programme featuring works by Vivaldi, Legrenzi, Valentini and more. 

ART

Dali's Fantastic Universe

Yang Art Museum. Until Mar 31. 180RMB; 90RMB (students)

A collaboration between Shenzhen Mao Industries Company, Dali Universe and Espace Dali Paris, this exhibition features hundreds of works by the late Spanish surrealist, including sculptures, paintings, furniture and more.

FILM

Devils on the Doorstep

Camera Stylo. Sat 24. Free

Ranked number three on our list of the 100 best Mainland Chinese films of all time, this Cannes Grand Prix-winning satirical black comedy mockingly reproduces 1940s propaganda reels to expose the horrors of war.

For links to tickets and more cracking things to do this weekend, hit 'Read more'.

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