The best things to do in Beijing this weekend

Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing 

A world-famous comedian, a highly acclaimed musical and a walking tour based on a best-selling novel. These are just a few of the gems that Beijing has to offer this weekend.

THINGS TO DO

Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Nuo Hotel. Sat 25. 388RMB

Paul French's New York Times-bestselling murder mystery captured imaginations across the world when it was released in 2011. Now, with the help of historian Lars Ulrick Thom, Bespoke brings 1930s Peking back to life through a walking tour like no other. As night falls, you'll follow in the footsteps of the victim's father, ETC Werner, as he frantically searched for his daughter, and learn about the shady characters implicated in her killing.

Go for a swim 

Cool down your life, embrace that blue sky and relax this weekend. As the summer nears its end, be sure to take one last dip at one of the best outdoor pools in Beijing, before they close at the end of the month.

Tom Rhodes

Salud. Fri 24. 150RMB; 120RMB (presale)

Head down to Salud this Friday as Comedy Club China welcomes the American comedic sensation Tom Rhodes to Beijing. Known for his 'dark, cynical optimism' towards everyday life, he was Comedy Central's first signed comedian in the 1990s and has built a stellar career since.

Secret Rooftop Party

Unspecified location, for now. Sat 25. Free

25RMB drinks and a lineup of eight DJs playing all afternoon and evening long, plus hot dogs from wizard of wurstcraft Andy (of 3 Little Pigs and eponymous Craft Sausages). Spend your Saturday at a super top secret limited-edition rooftop party and enjoy the Beijing skyline as the sun sets and the summer comes to an end. For more information, contact the organiser via WeChat ID: urosve.

MUSIC

Jason Chen

Tango. Sat 25. 360-680RMB

Originally famous for his cover recordings posted on YouTube, Jason Chen's since gone on to record and release multiple albums and singles. Catch his incredible vocals during his China tour this August. Pretend he's singing those love songs just to you.

Future Orients

School Bar. Sat 25. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale)

With influences stemming from psychedelic rock to indie electro (notably Foals) to classic punk, Future Orients' music is eclectic in its composition and the band packs a punch with their live show to boot. 

Deborah Davis

Blue Note. Thu 23-Fri 24. 220-360RMB

Texan jazz singer Deborah Davis heads to Blue Note this Thursday and Friday. Fusing enthusiasm, jazz, blues, soul and gospel, she captivates her audiences with her charm and voice. She's joined in Beijing by Ben Rosenblum, Yashushi Nakamura and Ben Zweig.

NIGHTLIFE

Oliver Deutschmann

Dada. Fri 24. 80RMB

Over a 15-year career, this Berliner has displayed a distinct unwillingness to be pigeonholed into any one style and is right at home whether he's warming things up with an understated house groove or thrashing the big rooms with grandiose techno.

Must Die!

Sir Teen. Fri 24. 120RMB

Must Die!, aka Lee Bates, brings his American dubstep sorcery to Sir Teen. With musical inspiration from anime, amongst other pop culture references, Must Die! produces quirky, melodic beats to get you bouncing.

False Witness

Dada. Sat 25. 80RMB

False Witness is an audio-visual project from sound artist and producer Marco Gomez. He explores electronic music through a provocative queer lens, revolving around themes that speak to the urban experience, states of trauma or heightened states of consciousness. The dark, industrial club sounds echo the underground techno experiences of New York.

STAGE

Kinky Boots

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Fri 24-Sep 6. 280-1.080RMB

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots tells the story of a struggling shoe factory in Northampton. When factory owner Charlie Price has a chance encounter with drag queen Lola, he's inspired to create a line of sexy heels for transvestites in order to help save the family business. Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, with music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this Tony Award-winning musical is fabulously sassy, dazzling and uplifting. Learn how to win tickets to the show here.

Colin Currie

NCPA. Fri 24. 80-380RMB

Colin Currie is a solo and chamber artist known for his adventurous and dynamic performances. Currie formed the Colin Currie Group in 2006 to celebrate the music of Steve Reich, going on to earn the group a five-star debut at the BBC Proms. See this intriguing master of percussion perform in Beijing this August.

ART

Antoni Muntadas: Asian Protocols

Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. Until Sep 16

A pioneer of installation, multi-media and video artworks, Muntadas has found acclaim throughout the world, with numerous awards and accolades to his name. Using various mediums to create audio and visual immersive experiences, Muntadas aims to reflect on what contributes to our experience of today. With Asian Protocols, Muntadas explores how private and public norms affect our lives and our world.

FILM

Ant-Man and the Wasp

On general release Fri 24

The tiniest Marvel hero may turn out to be the mightiest – or at least that's what is implied by his absence in Avengers: Infinity War. For now, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) rocks dad life and pines for another adventure. His wish comes true in the form of Hope van Dyne, the Wasp (Evangeline Lily), as they battle against a new enemy. 

For other great things to do in Beijing, hit 'Read more'. 

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