18 excellent things to do in Beijing this weekend

Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing

Happy nearly-weekend, Beijing! Help yourself along to a wonderful time by heading out to some of these tip-top events. As well as these highlights, there are many more things to do in Beijing this weekend: explore, enjoy and don't forget to Instagram us your snaps with #timeoutbeijing.

Spittoon Fiction Night

Camera Stylo. 8pm. 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.

Opening night for new open mic night

The Great Outdoors. 9pm. Thu 10. Free. 

It's a new year, so why not head on down for more new things with Comedy Club China's newest open mic night? Every Thursday, the comedians of Beijing will stand up for you to bring a little bit of light and laughter to dreary winter days. On this opening night, see Eric Selley host Beijing's bright new things.

Hutong Pub Crawl

Side Street. 7.30pm. Sat 12. 50RMB.

Beijing Experience will be organising its fifth Hutong Pub Crawl this weekend around the Gulou area. Four bars, free welcome drink and discounts on selected drinks, all night long. And this time, it's only 50RMB, as Beijing Experience is celebrating their third anniversary. Add them on WeChat for all the details and the book your place, ID: 13071139166.

Veganuary

Sunburst. 3pm. Sun 13. 60RMB. 

If you're considering going vegan, or just want more information on veganism and plant-based lifestyles, head on down to this discussion day to learn all you need to know from seasoned vegan pros. Expect shopping and nutrition tips, fitness pointers, a buffet of delicious food and a raffle with the chance to win great vegan products.

Cavalier

Dada. From 10pm. 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. 9pm. Fri 11. 220RMB; 150RMB (presale).

All-female, all-fun Japanese band Chai have 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.

Gammer

One Third. From 10pm. Fri 11. 100RMB.

Gammer, aka Matt Lee, has made waves in the UK hardcore scene, especially after dropping the bass-heavy, club-pumping hit 'Drop'. He's collaborated with the likes of Kill The Noise and Kayzo, producing mixes that ramp up dub and trap to new levels. Catch his infectious bass, once again, as he returns to Beijing to play One Third.

Zebbler Encanti Experience

Aurora. From 10pm. 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. 7.30pm. 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.

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. Read our review here. 

Bird Box

Camera Stylo. Sat 12. Free. 

Although the film is available 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.

Uncle Drew

In cinemas around Beijing from Fri 11. 

Dax (Lil Rel Howery) spends all of his life savings entering a street basketball tournament but soon finds both his cash and hopes of winning are gone as a long-term rival takes control of his team. When Dax discovers Uncle Drew (NBA star Kyrie Irving) – a basketball legend well past his supposed prime – he convinces Drew to round up his old crew so they can form a new team. Will the team of septuagenarians (who include no less than Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Nate Robinson and Lisa Leslie) help Dax finally find victory?

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.

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. But who TF actually were the doomed duo? Read our preview to learn more about history's favourite star-crossed lovers.

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 further great things to do this weekend, hit 'Read more' below. 

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