The best things to do in Beijing this week

Your forecast of the week's best events

In case you needed reminding, good people of Beijing, you live in an oven and, this week, you are about to be baked at nearly 40 degrees Celsius. We're sweltering just looking at the weather forecast, but luckily the events forecast for the next few days is more inviting – check out our picks of just some of the best things to do this week, and pray that they're all sufficiently air-conditioned.

TUESDAY

Paul McCarthy: Innocence

M Woods. Until Sun 17 (except Mondays). 60RMB; 40RMB (students)

A hugely influential American master and LA scene veteran, Paul McCarthy has dedicated his career to experimental practices, examining the shortfalls of conventional language and shining a light on the dark side of contemporary culture – specifically consumerism and mainstream media as they are experienced in America. Showing publicly for the first time in China are 43 works by McCarthy and selected collaborators, made between 1970 and 2013.

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

NCPA. Tue 5 & Thu 7. 280-880RMB.

Composed between 1845 and 1867, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg holds a unique position in Richard Wagner's oeuvre as his only comedy. Set in Nuremberg in the mid-16th century, this opera follows the city's guild of Meistersinger (master singers) as they go about their different artistic endeavours. This gaudy co-production between the NCPA, the UK's Royal Opera House and Opera Australia is sure to impress.

WEDNESDAY

Bridging the Gap

Tsinghua University Art Museum. Until Sun 17 (except Mondays).

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.

THURSDAY

British Chamber 2018 Summer Party

British Ambassador's Residence. Thu 7. 300RMB (non-members); 200RMB (members)

Make a summer's BJexit (is that a word yet?) from the city bedlam to the pristine lawn of the British Ambassador's Residence for a good old garden party, with delicious food served up by TRB, alongside live music, free-flow beer, Pimm's and G&Ts. One plus to this summer weather – it looks like there's no chance this one will be rained off, as is British tradition.

Hardcore vs Hip-hop feat. Struggle Session + Dawei 

School Live Bar. Thu 7. 50RMB

A last chance until August to catch one of the city's best live acts in full flow, as energetic hardcore bunch Struggle Session play their final Beijing show before heading off on a South American summer tour. They're also celebrating a recent EP release, and will be lining up with the inimitable MC Dawei, Beijing poet-rapper, and his jazzy backing band, as well as two more genre-busting acts. Hip-hop and hardcore, together at last.

FRIDAY

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith

Today Art Museum. From Fri 8. 120RMB (weekend); 90RMB (weekdays)

From his company’s modest beginnings in Nottingham to its international prominence today, this exhibition showcases Paul Smith’s intuitive take on design, and the British fashion designer's journey in building his brand, as well as his evolving stylistic tastes.

DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O'Neal)

Sir Teen. Fri 8. 280RMB

You read correctly: NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is now a DJ, and he's coming to Beijing this Friday to slam-dunk euphoric EDM into your ear drums at Gongti megaclub Sir Teen. He'll be pumping up crowds under his DJ Diesel moniker, for a night hopefully as big as the man himself.

SATURDAY

Devendra Banhart

Yugong Yishan. Sat 9. 240RMB; 180RMB (presale)

The charming, witty, whimsical work of songwriter Devendra Banhart is often classified as 'freak folk', but that’s far too dark a descriptor for music that brims with infectious energy, hearty laughs, and bossa nova-laced grooves. Over nine studio albums, he’s become a titan of alternative folk music, and has collaborated with Beck, Joanna Newsom, MGMT and Antony & The Johnsons over the years.

SUNDAY

Moonglow Burlesque Anniversary Show

Modernista. Sun 10. FREE

A night of glamour and tease as Beijing's premier burlesque troupe, Moonglow, celebrate their eighth birthday, with some of their most fabulous performers from the last eight years making a special comeback for the anniversary special. Entrance is free, but Moonglow's events are normally a storming hit, so booking a table ahead is strongly advised.

For full event details, hit 'Read more' at the bottom of the page.

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