The top 10 things to do in Beijing this week

Your guide to the week's best events

Another week, another great list of things our beloved capital has to offer. From stunning stage performances, to new films and irresistible music, August is arriving with an absolute bang.

World Baijiu Day 2018

Events across Beijing. Thu 9

This Thursday, celebrate one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world in an attempt to bring baijiu awareness to the world. If you've been in China for even a short amount of time, we're sure you've come across this white beast. If you haven't, or if you want to try different ones, then this day is for you. With parties, WBD cocktails and a Baijiu Day quiz, there's a lot on in Beijing to help you celebrate this beloved alcohol. 

Mike Shinoda

BJ-Expo Theater. Sun 12. 480-1,280RMB

Co-founder and vocalist from the multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning rock bank Linkin Park comes to Beijing this August for his first solo concert in China. Performing songs from his brand-new debut album Post Traumatic, Mike Shinoda is set to provide insight into the difficulties he experienced after the death of his friend and Linkin Park co-vocalist Chester Bennington.

Matthew Bourne: Cinderella

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Tue 7-Sun 12. 99-880RMB

Matthew Bourne has made ballet into big business by remembering a very simple lesson – that dance, originally, was about entertainment. His production of the iconic fairytale is set in London during World War II with Cinderella's prince reimagined as a young RAF pilot. And like everything else he does, it's a hit.

Marian Hill

Tango. Thu 9. 330RMB; 280RMB (presale)

Philadelphia songwriting duo Marian Hill are best known for hit track 'Down', featured heavily in commercials for the iPhone7 and Apple AirPods. Other hit songs include 'Lips' and 'Got It', which demonstrate their panache for melding together blues, jazz, heavy bass and delicate vocals.

Stereoptik: Dark Circus

NCPA. Fri 10-Sun 12. 180-300RMB

'Come for the show, stay for the woe.' The motto for this audio-visual spectacle highlights the dark, ironic mood of the story by French illustrator Pef. Set to the artistic mastery of Stereoptik, Dark Circus is a story of a tragic circus, told through a dynamic live film created using a variety of mediums. While the tale itself may not be mesmerising, the art on stage is sure to impress.  

Bassjackers

One Third. Fri 10. 180RMB

The DJ-producer combo exploded onto the electronic music scene back in the early 2010s, with hits such as 'Mush Mush', 'Hey' and 'Crackin' earning them a devoted following worldwide. With newer hits such as 'Fireflies', 'These Heights' and 'Memories', the pair has come to be ranked 35th on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs. 

Say My Name

Sir Teen. Fri 10. 100RMB

Hailing from Los Angeles, Say My Name, otherwise known as Dayvid Sherman, has been dubbed the 'godfather of hard trap' by numerous sources. As he found his niche in these hard-hitting sounds, he began a movement characterised by his enthusiasm and passionate energy. Championed by the likes of The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake and Skrillex, Say My Name is a DJ who towers not only over the deck, but distinctly over the genre's movement, creating new fans wherever he goes.

The Meg

Image: Apelles Entertainment

On general release Fri 10

We know what you're thinking – not another shark movie. Expert sea diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is on a path to redemption after he has a second chance at taking down the 70-foot-long mega shark that cost him his crew, career and marriage.

From Comics to Paintings 

Image: Star Gallery

Star Gallery. Until Sep 1. Free

This third instalment of works by Yan Cong and Wen Ling showcases their artwork inspired by comics and their exploration of how comics can transform contemporary painting. Comics in China have had a tense, if not hostile, relationship with more traditional forms of painting over the years. These two Beijing-based artists therefore seek to understand and transform that relationship, pulling out the positive impact comics can have on contemporary art.

Akira Yamaoka

Tango. Sun 12. 450RMB; 380RMB (presale)

Best known for producing the Silent Hill series, Japanese composer Akira Yamaoka performs the kind of darkly ambient music that made his video game scores such a success. He’s set to be joined by veteran voice-over artist and singer Mary Elizabeth McGlynn.

For even more events, tickets and things to do this week, hit 'Read more'. 

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