28 best things to do in Beijing this week

Photo: Beersmith

Happy Monday, Beijing! With music, films and parties galore, it's shaping up to be another great week. Read on for our top picks.

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 or let us know on Facebook what you really enjoyed.

Bespoke Travel: The Forbidden City Tour

Photo: 247 Tickets

The Forbidden City Tour Meeting Point. Thu 8. 2-5pm. 385RMB

The Forbidden City, eh? Sitting there all smug as though it’s the best thing since sliced cucumber or tudousi. But the sad truth is you can walk end-to-end and still leave with a resounding ‘meh’. Why? Due to the lack of signage, it’s a tough one to enjoy unless you have a brilliant tour guide to bring it back to life.

Immortal Valley Loop

Photo: Beijing Hikers

Beijing Hikers. Sat 10. 7.30am-6pm. 390RMB/350RMB (for members)

This loop walk follows a park trail, passing streams, pools, waterfalls, boulders, and caves on the way to an almost 800-metre peak. From the peak, there is a good view of the surrounding hills and valleys, and hikers should be able to spot the Miyun Reservoir. On the way back, follow a scenic ridgeline trail through pines and impressive rocky outcrops. The full loop is around 14km and will take 4–5 hours to complete.

Imperialism, Opium, and Nationalism: A Walk and Discussion at the Old Summer Palace

Photo: Beijing By Foot

Yuanmingyuan. Sun 11. 10am-1pm. 300RMB/260RMB

Join Beijingbyfoot for a walk and discussion on the Opium Wars, the sacking of the imperial gardens and the tragedy of imperialism in 19-century China, and how memories of those events are kept alive in China's contemporary political culture.

Long Peace Street: In Conversation with Jonathan Chatwin and Jeremiah Jenn

Photo: The Bookworm

The BookWorm. Fri 9. 7.30-9.30pm. 60RMB

Through the centre of China's historic capital, Long Peace Street cuts a long, arrow-straight line. At its heart it divides the Forbidden City, home of generations of Chinese emperors, from Tiananmen Square, the vast granite square constructed to glory a New China. To walk the street is to travel through the story of China's recent past: to stroll amongst its physical relics and hear echoes of its dramas. Have a talk with the author Jonathan Chatwin. From west to east, meet Chang'an Jie and Beijing.

May Fourth and the Birth of Modern China: A Walk and Discussion 

Photo: Beijing by Foot

Slow Boat. Wed 7. 10am-noon. 200RMB/160RMB

On May 4, 1919, a generation took to the streets of Beijing in a massive demonstration that gave birth to Modern China. This two-hour walk and discussion will visit the epicenter of the May Fourth Movement: the original campus of Peking University. Explore some of the hidden byways around the old campus and visit the relics and residences of Beijing's old intelligentsia, all whilst discussing the rise and fall of the Republic of China.

Chinese Valentine's Day at Park Hyatt Beijing

Photo: Park Hyatt Beijing

Park Hyatt Beijing. Wed 7. Noon-11pm. FREE

Cherish quality moments with your partner at Park Hyatt Beijing. On this romantic occasion, enjoy an exclusive menu created by Park Hyatt's signature restaurant China Grill, all whilst enjoy the city's views.

Happy Qixi

Photo: Migas Mercado

Migas Mercado. Wed 7. 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm. 1,288RMB per couple

Celebrate the most romantic Chinese festival Qixi at Migas Mercado. With an eight-course menu for you and your special one, indulge in an unforgettable evening at Migas. Reservations are highly recommended.

Oyster Pairing for Lovers

Photo: Kerry Hotel Beijing

Kerry Hotel Beijing. Wed 7. 4pm-midnight. 1,799RMB

Let the oysters do the talking while you enjoy each other’s company with champagne. Indulge in half dozen platters of Fine de Claire Oysters and caviar paired with Perrier-Jouet 'Belle Epoque' Rosé Brut Champagne and take home a bouquet of flowers at 1,799RMB per set.

Cee

Photo: 247 Tickets

Yue Space. Fri 9. 9pm-late. 150RMB/120RMB adv

Shanghai rapper Cee, a member of pioneering rap crew Bamboo 竹游人, recently released an autobiographical documentary entitled Bring Me Back. In the two-episode mini-documentary, which is accompanied by an original soundtrack produced by Chengdu label Mintone Records, Cee tells his own hip hop history stretching back to 1997. It begins in Chinese hip hop’s early years when Bamboo paved the way for the Shanghai rap scene and charts Cee’s struggles after the crew disbanded.

China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra

Photo: 247 Tickets

NCPA. Wed 7. 7.30-9.30pm. 80-400RMB

Over the past 60-plus years, thanks to the active advocacy and unremitting efforts of Mr. Peng Xiuwen, a world-renowned conductor and composer in China, the orchestra has taken the lead in establishing a basic framework unique to Chinese orchestras, comprising bowed stringed instruments, plucked stringed instruments, wind instruments and percussion instruments. It has contributed significantly to the continuous development and improvement of Chinese traditional orchestras.

Helsinki Lambda Club x odol

MAO Livehouse Wukesong. Fri 9. 8.30-10.30pm. 490RMB/120RMB adv

Helsinki Lambda Club was formed in 2013. They found success in 2014 when they were selected as the best artists in the UK.PROJECT competition. The band draws influence from The Libertines, Happy Mondays, The Doors and The Cure. Odol is an alternative rock band who recently succeeded on the international circuit with their recent performance in Kaohsiung.

Rhys Lewis

Dusk Dawn Club. Tue 6. 9pm-late. 150RMB/120RMB adv

With a light rasp to his soul inflected singing style and a bluesy approach to the guitar, English singer-songwriter Rhys Lewis began his career in the mid-2010s. He had already developed a significant streaming audience by the arrival of his major-label debut in 2018.

William Tyler Live in Beijing

Photo: Splitworks

Temple Restaurant Beijing. Sun 11. 7.30-9.30pm. 180RMB adv

William Tyler (Lambchop/The Silver Jews) will tour China for a series of shows, workshops and intimate performances. His mellow, beautiful instrumental music is part travelogue – an ode to the vanishing landmarks of America’s past – and part meditation, is a reflection of the anxieties of the country today.

Wu Lingfen and the National Centre for the Performing Arts Chorus

Photo: 247 Tickets

NCPA. Sat 10. 7.30-9.30pm. 50-480RMB

Wu Lingfen is a professor at the Conducting Department of China Conservatory of Music, Director of the Art Directors’ Committee of China Chorus Association, a member of the Expert Panel of Art Committee, Ministry of Education, and Artistic Director of the NCPA Youth Chamber Chorus.

Cad 73 and Special K

Photo: Migas Mercado

Migas Mercado. Sat 10. 10pm-3am. FREE

Cad 73, the music encyclopedia is coming at you with all the tracks that will make you feel special this Saturday. Cad joins forces with Special K, a music fanatic who will give it all in a night of house, house and more house. Get ready music lovers.

Groove n’ Chords

Photo: Migas Mercado

Migas Mercado. Fri 9. 10pm-3am. FREE

Kiran Patel (Special K) has been DJ’ing for over 20 years and while he’s been in hiding for what seems like a long time, he’s bringing his very special vibe back to Migas Mercado Friday August 9, together with his sparring partner, the versatile Ludo V. These regulars at our former casa in Migas Sanlitun are here for a memorable evening.

Love Blooms at Centro

Photo: Centro

Centro Lounge & Bar. Wed 7. 9pm-2am. FREE

This Chinese Valentine's Day, Centro is offering a romantic and blossom-filled night that will get you and your special someone in the mood for love. Come by to stand a chance to win a one night stay at Centro's club room, or a pair of floral wings by Waa Flora. All ladies will also get to enjoy unlimited pours of house wines and beers from 7 till 9pm.

Summer Bash at Beersmith

Photo: Beersmith

Beersmith Gastropub. Sat 10. 6pm-3am. 50RMB

Don't let Beijing's lack of beaches ruin your summer, let us bring the beach party to you at Beersmith. Next Saturday, travel with us to Bondi Beach for a big summer blow out. Expect a faux-beach terrace, Piña Coladas, Margaritas, beer pong, water pistols, and wet T-shirt contests.

The Lion King

Photo: The Lion King/Fairview Entertainment

Cinemas around Beijing. 

We all know the story of the Disney animated classic, The Lion King. Watch it again, this time in a photorealistic animated version. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

The Little Vampire 3D

Photo: The Little Vampire 3D/A.Film

Cinemas around Beijing. 

Introducing the story of Rudolph, a thirteen-year-old vampire whose clan is threatened by a notorious vampire hunter. He meets Tony, a mortal of the same age, who is fascinated by old castles, graveyards and, guess what else, vampires. Tony helps Rudolph in an action and humour-packed battle against their adversaries. Together they save Rudolph's family and become friends.

Ugly Dolls 

Photo: Ugly Dolls/STX Entertainment

Cinemas around Beijing. Opens on Fri 9

The story follows a group of Ugly Dolls in the town of Uglyville who are trying to discover what it means to be different. As they search for their place in the world, the crew of misfits find comfort in one another and come to the realisation that it’s okay to be different because it’s what’s inside that counts. Hopefully what’s inside is more than just some stuffing and the film has more to it than the uplifting message and a few celebrity cameos.

Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir

NCPA. Fri 9. 7.30-9.30pm. 50-480RMB

The Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir was founded in 1972 and, through the efforts of its conductors, has put together an extensive repertoire and cultivated a reputation as one of the most prestigious choirs in the world. From the 140 members of the larger chorus, a smaller 30-voice chamber choir has been established to tour and to perform more selective musical works.

The Eight Seconds Choir of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music

Photo: 247 Tickets

NCPA. Thu 8. 7.30-8.45pm. 50-480RMB

Founded by Professor Yan Baolin in 2009, The Eight Seconds Choir of Zhejiang Conservatory of Music is a mixed voiced group performing foreign classics of different periods and styles. They are led by Yan Baolin, a National Class A-list conductor who has contributed academically to the value of chorus timbre.

VOCES8

Photo: 247 Tickets

NCPA. Sun 11. 7.30-9.30pm. 50-480RMB

The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is now established as one of the world's most versatile and best-loved singing groups. Touring extensively throughout Europe, North America and Asia, the ensemble performs a repertory from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary commissions and arrangements.

Botanic: A National Amalgamation Project

Photo: Sackler.org

Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University. Till Aug 29. FREE

Botanic, an exhibition of world flowers representing countries around the globe, is Iranian artist Maryam Najd's research project on cultural and national amalgamation using national flowers. With the current focus on refugees and caravans of people seeking a better life, the exhibition is an attempt to recognise the unique contributions that each country has made to the world through flowers. Together, the individual flowers form a great garden representing our Earth, our humanity.

Fairytale on Earth: Hua Qing Solo exhibition

Photo: Hua Qing Perpetual Motion Machine/Parkview Green WeChat

Parkview Green Fangcaodi. Until Sep 15. FREE

Imagine the world as a giant fairytale, full of exaggeration and humour. And that's exactly what Hua Qing's art exhibit at Parkview Green aims to depict. Included in his exhibition are his most recent paintings, sculptures, installations, and the artist's manuscripts presented to the public for the first time. With more than 30 years as an artist, the Chinese artist has held nearly 30 solo exhibitions in Asia, Europe and North American and has participated in more than 200 group exhibitions worldwide.

Matrix Nine Audiovisual Art Exhibition

Langyuan Village. Fri 9-Sun 11. 168RMB

This art performance in a box at Langyuan Village blurs the line between a live music performance and an art exhibition. With DJs breaking out the beats with their brand of experimental electronic music, you are also immersed in a visual show of light and shadow surrounding you. For a sensory overload, you'd want to head down for this multi-sensory affair.

Way of Seeing

Photo: CHAO Hotel

Chao Hotel. Till Oct 6. 60-80RMB

The exhibition is a gathering of 17 acclaimed individuals and groups of both Chinese and international contemporary artists, including a number of textbook-style works, and many significant works that were first publicly exhibited in China. After more than a year of preparation, this exhibition will be presented from a variety of angles besides the text of the work. To build a deeper visual context, Ways of Seeing puts into question some normative values in contemporary art like monumentality, recency and uniqueness.

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