14 amazing things to do in Beijing this weekend

Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing

Grab your friends, grab your popcorn, the time has come: Crazy Rich Asians opens this weekend. But there are also Christmas markets around town – more welcome now that December rolls in – as well as some great art exhibitions, DJs and even a mob of Santas.

As well as these highlights, there are plenty more things to do in Beijing this week: head online for more inspiration, get out and explore, and don't forget to hashtag your Insta snaps with #timeoutbeijing.

Beijing Postcards Historical Pub Quiz

The Bookworm. Fri 30. Free. 

Join Beijing Postcards for a historical, British edition of their pub quiz. Answer brainteasers such as 'for how long was the last emperor breastfed?' or 'how long did the Imperial examination last?'. Even if you don't know all the answers, head along with a team (of up to six people) to learn more about Beijing.

Rumble in the Jumble: Christmas Edition

Modernista. Sat 1. Free. 

With baking, clothing, jewellery, books and more, Rumble in the Jumble's bazaar is a one-stop shop for all things vintage and craft, and this month it's back with a Christmas x Hawaii theme. We're not quite sure what that entails, but we guess it's time to string up the fairy lights on the palm tree and pair up the ukulele with the jingle bells. Just one of Beijing's best Christmas markets in the coming weeks.

SantaCon 2018

Multiple locations. Sat 1. Free.

There might not seem like any obvious reason to dress up in Santa suits, run around Beijing on a bar crawl, sing songs, have strangers sit on your laps and decide who is naughty or nice, but it’s a lot of fun – and also for a good cause. This year, in its tenth Beijing incarnation, the SantaCon crawl will be raising money for some wonderful charities. For particulars, including the bar crawl route, carols and advice, see the Beijing SantaCon website (bjsantacon.com).

Root Pop closes its doors

Root Pop. Fri 30. 

After a series of shakeups to Shuangjing's dining scene, vegan café Root Pop is set to close its doors at the end of the month. Head on down this Friday as they say goodbye with free snacks plus buy one get one free on all beer.

A Decade of Mosto Anniversary Celebration

Mosto. Until Sat 8. 388RMB. 

In a transient city like Beijing, so often defined by change, it's apt to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Mosto. Beginning on Thursday 29, Mosto will embark on a ten-day culinary celebration featuring tributes from Beijing's best restaurants, turning over their kitchen to skilled hands from Migas, Obentos, TRB and Hatsune.

Each chef will prepare a special three- or four-course tasting menu that encapsulates a defining aspect of the Mosto experience, whether it be South American cuisine, spontaneous parties, or a relaxed atmosphere for any occasion. For 388RMB a person, each guest will receive a three- or four-course tasting menu and free-flow house wine, local beer and bubbles. 388RMB for a TRB meal? Yas please. Seats limited to 40 per day; book by contacting [e-mail] or 5208 6030.

Will Lee Super Band

Blue Note. Thu 29-Fri 30. 420-560RMB. 

Will Lee, US bassist, has starred on the Late Show with David Letterman as part of the CBS Orchestra. When not on TV, Lee scoops up awards and has dropped the bass on albums for James Brown, Mariah Carey, D'Angelo and Chaka Khan. He plays two nights in Beijing with his backing band. Wait, bassists can have backing bands too? Cool!

Vini Vici

One Third. Fri 30. 150RMB.

Ranked number 34 on DJ Mag's Top 100, Vini Vici are Israeli DJs blaring out psytrance tunes. Having worked with Steve Aoki as well as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, the mahoosive tune 'Great Spirit', with lord of the dance Armin Van Buuren, is perhaps the duo's best-known hit.

nd_baumecker

Zhao Dai. Sat 1. Tickets tbc. 

Forward-thinking German techno spinner Andreas Baumecker, who plays under the moniker (and possible email address handle) nd_baumecker, is a regular at Berlin's notorious den of sin Berghain, and is signed to the club's own label, Ostgut Ton. He plays a set at subterannean cave Zhao Dai this Saturday.

Nightmares On Wax

Dada. Sat 1. 120RMB; 100RMB (before 11pm).

George Evelyn, aka Nightmares on Wax, started off his career with breakdancing and hip-hop. Eventually getting into the electronic scene, he's since produced numerous albums and mixes. 

Vision and Reflection: Photographs of China in the 19th Century

Tsinghua University Art Museum. Nov 27-Mar 31. Free. 

American antique collector Stephan Loewentheil owns the largest private collection of Chinese historical photographs outside of China, but this exhibition sees some of the finest return to China, to be exhibited for the first time in Beijing. 120 rare early photographs of the nation will be on show, featuring masterpieces captured in the nineteenth century by both Chinese and international photographers, among them acknowledged masters of the period, as well as unexpected gems by anonymous photographers and lesser-known figures.

Cracked – Porcelain

Red Gate Gallery. Dec 1-21. Free.

Six contemporary artists – Guan Wei, Li Xiaofeng, Ma Jun, Wang Lifeng, Zheng Dongmei and Zhou Jun – explore the contemporary deconstruction and renovation of porcelain, a medium that possesses a profound tradition in Chinese art.

Don Giovanni

NCPA. Until Sat 1. 100-880RMB. 

The NCPA hosts one of Mozart's most famous operas, Don Giovanni, the story of a young, witty nobleman. With fantastically dramatic music, Mozart creates a lively atmosphere, bringing different classes, identities and personalities to life.

Gone with the Wind

Beijing Exhibition Center. Fri 30. 180-1,080RMB.

The world premiere of the English-language musical version of Gone with the Wind comes to Beijing this weekend. Based on the original French musical Autant emporte le vent, composed by the French musical master Gerard Presgurvic, this version stars Rachel Gold, who also played the leading lady in the musical Phantom of the Opera. Set in 1860s Georgia, Gone with the Wind follows the story of the 17-year-old Scarlett O'Hara, the eldest of three daughters living a life of luxury on her father’s plantation. But when President Lincoln demands the end of slavery in the South and the Civil War begins, Scarlett's life is changed forever, and the beginning of an incredible journey through both war and peace is mirrored in her turbulent relationship with Rhett Butler.

Crazy Rich Asians

Trailer via QQ

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 30. 

Bursting with attitude and heart, Hollywood's first production to feature an all-Asian cast and director in 25 years makes up for lost time in a big way. See the hit rom-com this week as it finally touches down on the Mainland. 

For even more wonderful things to do in Beijing this weekend, hit 'Read more'. 

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