18 fantastic things to do in Beijing this week

Your weekly guide to the best of Beijing

Ease back into work – or just the working week – with this great list of things to do around Beijing. From world-class stage performances to up-and-coming musicians, Beijing has it all on offer, so get out this week to experience something new.

As well as these highlights, there are many more things to do in Beijing this week: explore, enjoy and don't forget to Instagram us your snaps with #timeoutbeijing.

People's Republic of Desire

The Bookworm. Tue 8. 60RMB. 

This cutting-edge documentary explores the rising trend of live-streaming in China. Focusing on two online personalities, Shen Man and Big Li, the documentary (a winner of SXSW's Grand Jury Prize for Documentary) tells the story of these unlikely online celebrities, who live-stream to thousands of strangers from all sectors of society. Screening in Mandarin with English subtitles; followed by a discussion with director Wu Hao.

Spittoon Fiction Night

Camera Stylo. Thu 10. Free.

Spittoon is Beijing's biggest literary collective, and consists of poetry nights, fiction nights and a quarterly literary magazine. Come along to Beijing's best short-fiction night and listen to a variety of original short stories and flash fiction in a relaxed and supportive environment. All are welcome.

Morning Cuppa

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. Tue 8. 150RMB. 

Head down to The Westin for a morning cuppa with the British Club Beijing. Alongside a light brunch and prosecco (150RMB), there will be vendors and a talk about all things Chinese New Year.

Scandal guest bartender night

Scandal. Tue 8. Free entry. 

This Tuesday, guest bartender Moe heads to Scandal for one night only, creating one-of-a-kind cocktails using Japanese craft gin Roku. The custom curated six-item menu includes highlights such as I Love U Very Matcha (Roku gin, matcha, matcha liqueur and milk), A Warm Hug (Roku gin, peach oolong tea, honey and lemon juice) and more.

Cavalier

Dada. Thu 10. Tickets TBC. 

This 21-year-old artist and producer from LA makes his China debut on Thursday. Having started out playing the piano, Cavalier eventually began to upload sampled beats to Soundcloud to show his friends a newer sound. Since then, his music has been listened to tens of millions of times and his compositions have transitioned into robust original pieces.

Chai

Omni Space. Fri 11. 220RMB; 150RMB (presale).

All-female, all-fun Japanese band Chai's been described by Pitchfork as 'redefining what it means to be cute.' With a sound that draws on influences such as Basement Jaxx, the Gorillaz and CSS, the energetic four-piece garnered a legion of fans in 2018 with their infectious sound and empowering lyrics.

Zebbler Encanti Experience

Aurora. Fri 11. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale). 

The Zebbler Encanti Experience is a true musical immersion experience, with video artist Zebbler and electronic music producer Encanti creating soundscapes with dynamic audio and visual counterparts. The performance uses screens and psychedelic electronic music that endeavour to make the audience lose themselves (or find themselves) in a fantastical world.

Naturally 7

Blue Note. Sat 12-Sun 13. 160-400RMB.

Forget Pitch Perfect, Naturally 7 are an OG a capella group. Founded in 1999 by brothers Roger and Warren Thomas, Naturally 7 are known for their own distinct style called 'vocal play'. First gaining fame thanks to their partial cover of Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight', they've since gone on to perform at the UK's Royal Variety Performance as well as The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson alongside Michael Bublé.

Reol

Tango. Sun 13. 580RMB; 480RMB (presale). 

Japanese vocalist, lyricist and star extraordinaire, Reol, heads to China for a show that is sure to highlight her eclectic, unique style. While she used to be part of the trio also named Reol, she's gone it alone of late, and has been making waves around the world while she does so.

Zimbelism

The SLab. Tue 8. 50RMB. 

Zimbelism, a feature documentary, showcases the extraordinary work of humanist photographer George Zimbel. Over seven decades' worth of photographs feature presidents, prime ministers, movie stars, workers, children and people on the street that come together to tell a compelling story of humanity. Each ticket comes with a free drink. 

The Breadwinner

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 11. 

Not every animation can tackle cruelty, injustice and institutionalised misogyny and still be a must-see for kids and parents alike, but the latest hand-drawn gem from Cartoon Saloon is no ordinary animation. In the spirit of Studio Ghibli – the Irish studio's spiritual cousins – director Nora Twomey’s stunning film is about the ways we try to cradle each other from the harsher realities of life.

Bird Box

Camera Stylo. Sat 12. Free. 

Although the film is free to watch on Netflix, for those wanting a more traditional cinematic experience, head to Camera Stylo this weekend to see Sandra Bullock's newest thriller. In the vein of A Quiet Place, except with blindfolds instead of sign language, Bird Box is set in a post-apocalyptic world where people are driven to suicide based on an unknown sight. Surviving without seeing, the remaining humans must learn how to interact with their unseen world to reach safety and stay alive.

Yang Mushi: Vanishing into Thin Air

Galerie Urs Meile. Jan 12-Mar 3. Free. 

Vanishing into Thin Air is emerging Chinese artist Yang Mushi's third solo exhibition in Beijing. The main focus of the exhibition, Illuminating (2018), is a series of neon light works that aim to challenge the individual to see how society's rules and restrictions impact everyday life. 

Greetings from South Korea

Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. Jan 13-Mar 10. Tickets TBC. 

Featuring work from more than ten Korean photographers, Greetings from South Korea presents a multi-faceted perspective of South Korean photography through the ages. Consisting of three parts, this exhibition explores South Korean society during the mid-20th century, artistic influences from the West and contemporary photography from today's youth.

Joyce DiDonato

NCPA. Fri 11. 180-880RMB. 

Dubbed 'the most potent female singer of her generation' by The New Yorker, multi Grammy Award-winner Joyce DiDonato has soared to the top of the industry, gaining international prominence in operas by Handel and Mozart, as well as through her wide-ranging, acclaimed discography.

TNT Theatre: Romeo and Juliet

Nine Theater. Fri 11-Sun 13. 80-380RMB. 

One of Shakespeare's most enduring and well-known tragedies, this adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by British theatre company TNT Theatre explores the depths of this forbidden, bloody romance and its central conflict between love and death.

Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake

Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre. Fri 11-Sat 12. 280-880RMB. 

In this tragic tale about another set of star-crossed lovers, the beautiful Princess Odette has been transformed into a swan after being cursed by the evil sorcerer Rothbart. One day she encounters Siegfried, a young prince who immediately falls in love with her and promises to break the spell. Rothbart, however, is quick to intervene...

National Ballet of China: La Bayadère

NCPA. Sat 12-Sun 13. 100-680RMB. 

China's best ballet company takes on choreographer Marius Petipa's iconic masterpiece. In this striking ballet, temple dancer Nikya is caught in a love square between her true love, warrior Solor, a jealous High Brahmin and Gamzatti, the daughter of a rajah.

For more amazing things to do in Beijing this week, hit 'Read more' below. 

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