The best things to do in Beijing this weekend

Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing

While there are bundles of Halloween events this weekend for you to attend, those wanting to do something a little less spooky are also covered: We've got music, film, markets and more to keep you away from the dead.

WISE: The Future Think Tank

UCCA. Fri 26. 320RMB; 260RMB (presale or UCCA member).

WISE gathers a group of domestic and international thinkers for a series of keynote speeches and discussions on a series of hot, pressing topics – think artificial intelligence, the future of design, ever-changing media culture, environmental consciousness and more. For more information and the full programme, scan the QR code below. 

The Beijing Flea Market

Tech Temple (Sanlitun). Sat 27. Free. 

The Beijing Flea Market is back for the end of fall. This is Beijing's one-stop shop for all things made in Beijing, with more than 40 vendors featuring some of the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers.

Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Unspecified venue. Sat 27. 388RMB. 

For fans of Paul French's bestselling murder mystery, this is a tour not to be missed. Walk the footsteps of those embroiled in the grisly death of Pamela Werner (a British diplomat’s daughter) in 1930s Peking, with newly uncovered Chinese police reports on the case detailing several characters not mentioned in the book, offering critical new perspectives on the murder.

Newman Tours: The Beijing Ghost Tour

North Beihai Metro Station. Sun 28. 190RMB. 

Newman Tours brings a walking tour in Prince Gong's Palace and its surrounding hutongs. Led in English, you'll learn about the Chinese perspective on dark supernatural beliefs, from zombies to torture techniques to honouring the dead.

If you and a plus one would like to go on a ghost tour – on us! – leave a comment saying 'Gimme all the boos' at the bottom of this blog by 6pm on Friday 26 and we'll let you know by midday Saturday if you've won. Otherwise, head online to get your tickets now:

In Conversation with Ian McEwan

The Bookworm. Sun 28. 60RMB. 

Award-winning author of British literary greats such as Atonement, Amsterdam and On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwan comes to Beijing this Sunday to discuss life and work with Alec Ash. Named by The Times as one of 'The 50 greatest British writers since 1945' and winner of the Man Booker Prize, McEwan has made an indelible mark on English-language literature. 

8x8 Brewing Project 

Langyuan Vintage. Fri 26-Sat 27. 258 (single session); 988RMB (VIP, all sessions). 

Returning for its second year, the 8x8 Brewing Project pairs eight knockout Nordic breweries with eight exemplary breweries from China. The teamed-up beer wizards have worked together to produce some truly special brews, which will be consumed alongside companion pints from all the breweries involved in one satisfyingly hoppy haze. Also (available to purchase) comes Pak Pak doing Thai street food, Jing A with burgers, BBQ and fried chicken, and Arcade picking back up the Zhang Mama collaboration menu with dandan nachos.

Halloween food and drink

Various locations. Until Oct 31. 

Want a special night out with your boo? Head online to check out the restaurants around Beijing offering special Halloween-themed deals.

Halloween parties

Various locations. Until October 31. 

Beijing starts the hallowed parties early this year, with everything from cheery, booze-filled events at your favourite watering holes to a whole host of sinister, frenzied parties to make your skin crawl. Events start this Friday, so check out our full round-up here. 

Sam Smith

Cadillac Arena. Thu 25. 480-1,880RMB. 

The heartstring-tugging moment is finally here. Sam Smith, with his wondrous voice and soulful melodies, brings his chart-topping hits to Beijing crowds this Thursday. Get ready to sing along to 'Stay With Me', 'Too Good At Goodbyes' and so many more.

Zombie-Chang

Omni Space. Thu 25. 280RMB; 180RMB (presale). 

Japanese Yung Meirin, aka Zombie-Chang, is a model and lo-fi musician making waves in alternative scenes around the world. She came to the stage back in 2013 with debut EP Atashi wa Nan Desu ka, following it up with 2015 release Koi no Vacances. She's joined at Omni Space this Thursday by Japanese rockers Siamese Cats.

Miss K8

One Third. Fri 26. 120RMB. 

Kateryna Kremko, aka Miss K8, is a DJ and producer hailing from Ukraine. Sometimes known as the Goddess of Hardcore, she's played on stage with Angerfist and comes in at number 65 on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs for 2018.

Renaud Capuçon & Camerata Salzburg

NCPA. Fri 26. 50-580RMB. 

Renaud Capuçon is a French classical violinist, well known for his chamber recordings of works from Brahms and Schubert and concertos by Mendelssohn. He has won numerous awards in France and beyond, and this weekend he comes to Beijing alongside Camerata Salzburg. The Camarata ensemble plays throughout the world, blending influences while maintaining their unique and individual sound.

Orchestre National de France

NCPA. Sat 27. 76-880RMB. 

Headed by conductor Emmanuel Krivine, the Orchestre National de France, is France's leading symphony orchestra. Krivine has conducted the world's finest orchestras, including the Berliner Philharmoniker, London Symphony and London Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and many more around the world.

The Predator

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 26.

Earth's most vicious predators are back, with evolved genes making them even deadlier than ever. Can a mismatched bunch of humans really defeat the universe's scariest creatures? 

For more really excellent things to do in Beijing this weekend, hit 'Read more'.

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