The top 10 things to do in Beijing this week

Your guide to the week's best events

Shake off your Monday blues with our pick of the best things to do in Beijing this week. From brilliant stage productions to killer live music there's plenty to look forward to this week.

Carl Barât

Tango. Fri 20. 400RMB; 330RMB (presale)

What became of the likely lads? Beijing gets to find out what one former Libertines frontman has been up to since the celebrated lad rock outfit fell apart back in 2004 – and then reunited.

Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

NCPA. Wed 18-Thu 19. 180-800RMB

Acclaimed Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko leads the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme that includes Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 and more.

Skyscraper

In cinemas Fri 20

All Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson wants to do is live in his Hong Kong mega-tower in peace – so why won't these terrorists let him do it? Sounds like an updated Die Hard, but only time will tell if Skyscraper can match what is (in our opinion) the greatest Christmas movie of all time.

Xu Bing: Thought and Method

UCCA. Jul 21-Oct 18. 60RMB

Globally renowned for his conceptual and installation pieces that explore communication and language, Xu Bing creates a space where viewers can immerse themselves within his world. Xu brings his keen observation skills to bear as he displays his unique insight, encompassing both a reflection on traditional East Asian culture as well as a nuanced view of contemporary societal changes.

Beijing Symphony Orchestra

NCPA. Sat 21. 80-480RMB

Renowned for the depth of its repertoire, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra performs a programme of Leonard Bernstein classics, including West Side Story and 'Glitter and be Gay' from Candide, lead by celebrated conductor Lihua Tan.

Book talk: Sam Crane

The Bookworm. Wed 18. 50RMB

Much has been written about the Confucian revival in China. Much less discussed is another strand of ancient Chinese philosophy which arguably has more relevance to political developments in the People's Republic: Legalism. This talk with Sam Crane, Professor of Political Science at Williams College in Massachusetts, will draw upon the writings of Shang Yang and Han Feizi to analyse recent efforts to centralise political power and control debate. 

Chui Wan

Yugong Yishan. Sat 21. 150RMB; 100RMB (presale)

Having positioned themselves at the forefront of Beijing's experimental music scene, the indie psych-rockers and Maybe Mars stalwarts return to where it all began after a jam-packed world tour. Excellent Shanghai rockers Dirty Fingers support.

Hutong Bikini Party

School Live Bar. Sat 21. 100RMB; 50RMB (in a swimsuit); Free (in a bikini)

You know summer's here when people in swimwear start chucking water around School Live Bar. The annual Hutong Beach Day features plenty of killer music, pools on School's roof and walkways, water guns and more. The lineup features Click#15, punk rockers Xiaowang, indie electro project LST, hardcore punk outfit Hangnail, reggae ska band Early Bus and hip-hop collective HOG. A slightly questionable ticketing policy, but turn up in a bikini and you'll also receive free entry plus three beers (both men and women).

Dominion

Camera Stylo. Sun 22. 30RMB

An exposé into the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, this acclaimed Australian documentary explores the numerous ways animals are exploited and abused by humans, whether it's for food, entertainment, clothing or research. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara and Sia. 

Matt Davis

The Bookworm. Sun 22. 180RMB; 150RMB (presale); 100RMB (students)

Billed as not for the easily offended, American stand-up Matt Davis, as seen at Just For Laughs Montreal, San Francisco Sketchfest and more, comes to The Bookworm this Sunday to perform his brand of 'dirty but smart' comedy.

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

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