The best things to do in Beijing this week
Your forecast of the week's best events
Another week, another round of festivals to get you through the scorching heat. Whether you'd like to party out in the desert, by the water, or in the mountains of the Great Wall, there's sure to be a festival for you. Also kicking off this week, make sure you don't miss out Beijing's first-ever Africa Week, featuring a bumper crop of events celebrating the very best of China's African community.
MONDAY
Rhodes
Yue Space. Mon 14. 160RMB; 120RMB (presale)
Since the release of his first single in 2013, British singer-songwriter Rhodes has amassed countless fans with his haunting vocals and ethereal guitar work. Even before the release of his debut album, Rhodes was on the road, supporting the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Sam Smith, Hozier, London Grammar and more. Fans of Jeff Buckley and Antony and the Johnsons, look no further.
TUESDAY
Bridging the Gap
Tsinghua University Art Museum. May 15-Jun 17. Tickets tbc
A legendary artist connected with Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism and conceptual art, Marcel Duchamp eschewed labels and hated repetition, which accounts for his relatively small body of work. His art was designed to provoke reaction, and in keeping with his revolutionary spirit, the Marcel Duchamp Prize celebrates the year's most innovative French or France-residing artists. This exhibition takes creativity a step further; each of the artists display their own mixed-media 'stories' in their own 'climates,' having designed each room to best showcase their work.
WEDNESDAY
Leipzig String Quartet
NCPA. Wed 16. 180-300RMB
Founded in 1988, the Leipzig String Quartet is now widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting string quartets on the international chamber music scene. Arriving in Beijing this week, the ensemble will perform a programme of Joseph Haydn's most iconic works, including his unfinished String Quartet in D minor, Op. 103, Hob. III:83.
THURSDAY
Moonchild
Blue Note. Thu 17. 320RMB
Since cementing themselves into LA's vibrant soul scene, jazz trio Moonchild has released two albums and collaborated or toured with highly respected names in the soul-jazz crowd including Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott and more. Set to headline Blue Note this Thursday, they'll be performing music off Voyager, their dreamy and emotionally charged third album.
Joe Schofield at Atmosphere
Atmosphere. Thu 17-Sat 19. 149RMB
Born in the north of England, Joe Schofield quickly established himself as one of London’s 'bartenders to watch', leading to placements at internationally renowned cocktail bars, such as the Zetter Townhouse in London, the American Bar (ranked number one on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2017) and Beaufort Bar at the Savoy. He guests at Atmosphere over three nights this week serving up a unique multi-sensory menu.
FRIDAY
MTA Festival
Tianmo Nature Scenic Area, Hebei. Fri 18-Sun 20. 450RMB (one-day pass); 900RMB (two-day pass); 1,280RMB (three-day pass)
With interactive installations and an available campsite, this three-day fest has gained an enviable rep for showcasing big names before they were big. Check out headliners Tove Lo, Nervo (pictured), Kehlani plus a raft of local artists at this rollicking desert party.
The Bolshoi Ballet: Le Corsaire
NCPA. Fri 18-Sun 20. 280-1,280RMB
One of the world's top ballet companies returns to Beijing with Le Corsaire, the swashbuckling drama inspired by a Lord Byron poem that includes captive maidens, rich sultans, an awe-inspiring shipwreck and plenty of romance. Featuring logic-defying leaps and stunning showmanship, this is one of dance's most entertaining ballets.
A Quiet Place
In cinemas around Beijing Fri 18
Like Aliens retooled as a militant librarian's fantasy, actor-director John Krasinski's relentlessly effective horror film thrives on a nifty premise: in a post-apocalyptic world, a family holes up in a farmhouse and tries to survive in a countryside where the slightest sound brings out deadly monsters.
SATURDAY
Great Wall Festival 2018
One of Beijing's best outdoor festivals returns with a killer lineup, including Chris Liebing, Carl Craig, Nina Kraviz (pictured), Dixon and Recondite. There's a 5km fun run before the festival starts, while the actual party kicks off at 2pm, with four stages packed with local talent including Ou Yang, Huang Weiwei and Shen Yue.
Royal Wedding Celebrations Garden Party
British Ambassador's Residence. Sat 19. Free
British nationals and friends in Beijing are invited to the British Ambassador to China's Residence to watch the BBC broadcast of the wedding between Prince Henry and Meghan Markle. A barbecue and range of summer refreshments will be on offer to help celebrate the occasion, though you're also encouraged to bring a rug and a few of your own nibbles and drinks to help you sit back, relax and enjoy the live broadcast. Registration is compulsory.
SUNDAY
Run to the Beat 2018
Ming Tombs Reservoir. Sun 20. 128RMB (5km); 188RMB (10km); 228RMB (half-marathon)
Taking place this Sunday at the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping, Beijing's first music half marathon features live bands and DJs performing alongside the course to entertain runners. The party then continues at the main stage after participants cross the finish line.
Bemet
Dusk Dawn Club. Sun 20. 120RMB; 100RMB (presale)
Hod Moshonov aka Bemet is an Israeli keytarist, and frankly, need we say more? In town for this year's MTA Festival, the multi-talented musician is also performing at DDC on Sunday, bringing his unique brand of psychedelic electronia to the Gulou masses.
For more crackin' things to do this week, hit 'Read more'.
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