14 spectacular things to do in Beijing this week

Your weekly guide to the best of Beijing

Another week, another awesome round of things to do. Whether you like art, classical music, markets or just plain old eating and drinking, there's sure to be something for you.

From Red China to Red House China

The Bookworm. 7pm. Thu 25. 60RMB.

Witness the architectural and social transformation of Beijing through the unique point of view of Venezuelan architect Antonio Ochoa-Piccardo. Simultaneously a witness and protagonist of the extraordinary change, he was privy to the modernisation and development of China's last 26 years, and has now encapsulated it all in a coffee table book. Head to The Bookworm on Thursday as Ochoa-Piccardo, together with his architectural studio Red House China, present a compilation of their projects. To purchase tickets, click here.

Yoga in the Park

Chaoyang Park. 9.30am. Every Sun. 50RMB.

Every Sunday until October, the team at Taozi Tree Yoga invites the community for a morning of yoga in the midst of nature. Relax and exercise with the family, kids included, then head to Moka Bros Solana afterwards for a healthy lunch where participants will also receive 15 percent off. Led by Theresa of Taozi Tree Yoga, this weekly event has been running for over six years. For more information, click here.    

Arcade by Hatchery closing party

Arcade by Hatchery. From 7pm. Fri 26. By dish.

Arcade by Hatchery is closing its doors, and they're throwing one final blow-out in celebration. Head on down to the CBD for a bunch of food and drink specials, including fries with chicken salt for 15RMB, dan dan nachos for 35RMB, chicken shawarma for 45RMB, Mayan bowls for 50RMB and milkshakes (Vanilla, butterscotch, chocolate, pecan) for 35RMB.

St George's Day Dinner

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. 6.30pm. Sat 27. 900RMB.

For more than a decade, the St George's Day Dinner has been celebrating one of England's biggest holidays in Beijing. An annual networking and charity event, this year's bash is gearing up to be a full-blown English affair, featuring plenty of comedy and banter, a traditional roast and, of course, booze. For more information, click here.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Tango. Wed 24. 400RMB; 320RMB (presale). 

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, aka BRMC, is one of the best alternative rock bands on the scene today. Their dirty and powerful sound, alongside their dark folk lyrics and the intensity of their live concerts, have made their shows must-sees around the world. Coming off the back of 2018 release Wrong Creatures, BRMC heads to China with Americana-style blues and rock.

Dough-Boy

Omni Space. Thu 25. 200RMB; 150RMB (presale) 

After the success of his first album Chinglish, Hong Kong-based rapper Dough-Boy is back at it with his latest release Good, Bad & Ugly. Charting the growth of the hip-hop star, the album features previously released hit songs 'No Tattoos' and 'MK Circus'.

Warbly Jets

Yue Space. Sat 27. 220RMB; 160RMB (presale). 

LA-based band Warbly Jets burst on the scene in 2016 with their rockin' debut single 'Alive'. With the clear goal of being rock trailblazers rather than just another '60s-esque psyche band in LA's over-saturated scene, the foursome create massive rock 'n' roll melodies full of '90s-era grunge, skittish beats and sharp synth lines.

Descendents 

Mao Livehouse Wukesong. Sun 28. 330RMB; 280RMB (presale).

The Descendents have been delivering 90-second fastballs of buzzed-up bubble gum punk off and on since the late '70s. The band went on several extended hiatuses in the '90s and aughts; their latest, excellent LP from 2016, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, is just their third in three decades­. Catch the band that may (or may not) have created pop-punk as they hit up Beijing.

Jayda G

Zhao Dai. From 10pm. Fri 26. TBC.

Jayda G, the Canadian spinner who heads up the Freakout Cult label, knows the deal: being a DJ means facilitating fun. Expect plenty of killer beats, euphoric music and an infectious vibe that'll have you smiling. Catch her in Beijing with Darcy, Slowcook and Kenkeni supporting.

Arjun Vagale

Lantern. From 10pm. Sat 27. 80RMB; 50RMB (presale).

Widely celebrated as the pioneer of techno in India, Arjun Vagale steers the course of the country's expanding underground electronic movement. Known for his intense, driven and raw sound, Vagale is one of the most prolific artists to come out of Asia, and as one of India’s most acclaimed DJs, his cutting-edge productions have seen a massive global reach.

Avengers: Endgame

On general release from Wed 24.

It's here. It's finally here. A staggering 22 films in the making, Endgame marks the final film in Phase 3 of Marvel's juggernaut franchise. Picking up after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of their allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe.

Documentary screening and panel: The True Cost

The Bookworm. 7pm. Tue 23. 70RMB; 50RMB (presale).

Pulling the curtain back on the fashion industry, documentary film The True Cost explores the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. Filmed in countries all over the world, it also features interviews with some of the world's leading influencers, including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva. A panel with local experts will then follow the film screening. For more information, click here.

Land of the Lustrous

UCCA Dune. Until Sep 8. TBC.

The summer exhibition at UCCA's seaside venue in Beidaihe, Land of the Lustrous aims to reignite viewers' dormant cultural memories. The most ordinary of objects, stone has nevertheless enjoyed pride of place in the founding myths of numerous civilisations. In subsequent folklore, its role has continuously changed, adapting to the particular cultural and social realities of each era. Stone can serve as a tablet for scripture, the birthplace of a deity, a protective talisman for the body, and a site for the gaze to fix itself. Each artwork in this exhibition relates – materially or formally – to stone, approaching this age-old material with fresh perspectives.

Russian State Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

Beijing Century Theatre. 7.30pm. Fri 26. 80-880RMB. 

Based on the fairytale by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, magical ballet The Sleeping Beauty tells the classic tale of princess Aurora, cursed by sorceress Carabosse to remain asleep after pricking her finger on her sixteenth birthday. Featuring charming fairies, Tchaikovsky's celebrated score and a spell-shattering kiss, The Sleeping Beauty is a fairytale ballet for the whole family.

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

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