30 terrific things to do in Beijing this weekend
Photo: Zhaodai
Your weekend guide to the best of Beijing
Summer's in session and there's plenty of reason to head out this weekend with a jam-packed line-up of things to do. From pool parties and hiking tours to stomping gigs, make the most of the perfect weather and get out there.
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 or let us know on Facebook what you really enjoyed
Talk: Looking for the Master Plan
Photo: BJ Postcards
Beijing Postcards. Sat 10. 3-4.30pm. 150RMB
How did Beijing become the city it is today? Why was the capital originally placed on the Huabei plain? And where the bloody hell is the first ring road? Looking for the Master Plan is a crash course in Beijing's urban development. Get a clear understanding of how Beijing became the city it is today using a BJ Postcards' collection of original maps of Beijing.
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
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.
Sunday Brunch
Café Zarah. Every Sun. 10am-3pm. 298RMB/198RMB
Every Sunday Zarah will pamper you with their famous selection of different cheeses and cold cuts, smoked salmon, freshly baked bread, DIY-jianbing & live egg-cooking stations, artfully prepared salads, cold snacks, hot dishes, as well as homemade cakes.
Sunday Half-Priced Roasted Chicken
Photo: Mosto
Mosto. Every Sun. 5.30-10.30pm. 114RMB
Mosto is offering half off of their roasted chicken every Sunday night. Choose from an assortment of sides like the truffle mashed potatoes, roasted pumpkin, broccolini, and house sauces like the avocado salsa or South American chimichurri.
Specialties De La Maison at Bistrot B
Bistrot B. Until Dec 31. 11.30am-10.30pm. 300RMB
Get ready to embark on an incredible dining experience at Bistrot B as Chef Jarrod has put together a short list of must-try dishes to ensure every morsel of your meal is mouth-watering and memorable. From their signature Lobster Tagliatelle, made from hand-rolled ribbons of semolina pasta and succulent morsels of Boston lobster, to whole hay-roasted rolden chicken, made using a centuries-old French cooking technique, to a casserole of braised lamb that was first created forChampvallon Louis XIV, this is the ultimate insider’s guide to dining at Bistrot B.
Weekend unlimited lunch at Red Bowl
Red Bowl. Every Sat-Sun. 11.30am-2.30pm. 198RMB
Every Saturday and Sunday, Red Bowl presents a dining experience filled with great taste and endless possibilities. For just 198RMB per person, enjoy an unlimited hotpot lunch featuring an array of homemade soup stocks, premium meat and seafood, farm fresh seasonal vegetables, tofu and dumplings, along with plenty of appetisers and desserts.
August is for Lovers Vol. 3
Photo: School
School Live Bar. Fri 9. 9pm-midnight. 100RMB/80RMB adv
Former School Bar photographer Xiao Hou holds her third annual August is for Lovers gig. This year's rendition is no doubt the strongest line-up to date.
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 titled 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.
Helsinki Lambda Club x odol
Photo: 247 Tickets
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.
Last Resort
Photo: School
School Live Bar. Sun 11. 9pm-midnight. 100RMB/80RMB adv
Last Resort from Xiamen has been gigging around China and tonight they stop at School Bar for the Beijing stop of their current tour. With influences ranging from emo to nu-metal to electro indie rock, Last Resort genre-hop from one song to the next. Come out and support them this evening and give them a rowdy Beijing welcome! Opening the evening is Beijing metal outfit Hybrid Theory.
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.
Mike Moreno
Photo: 247 Tickets
Blue Note. Sat 10-Sun 11. Various times. 180-320RMB
Mike Moreno is one of the leading voices in the jazz guitar world. He has toured the world and is internationally recognised as a masterful composer. Join Mike for an evening of modern jazz and improvisation. Supported by his quartet, bassist Matt Brewer, pianist Taylor Eigsti and drummer Obed Calvaire.
Chihiro Yamanaka
Photo: 247 Tickets
Blue Note. Thu 8-Fri 9. Various times. 340RMB/240RMB
Chihiro Yamanaka is an internationally renowned and New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, whose fluid, athletic technique has drawn rave reviews and very favourable comparisons to legends such as Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum.
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.
Summer Bash at Beersmith
Photo: Beersmith
Beersmith Gastropub. Sat 10. 6pm-3am. 50RMB
Don't let Beijing's lack of beaches ruin your summer. Next Saturday, travel with Beersmith 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.
ByeByeDisco 11th Anniversary
Photo: Zhaodai
Zhao Dai. Sat 10. 10pm-late. 80RMB
For ByeByeDisco's 11 year anniversary, they have invited one of China's best electronic musicians, Sulumi, an old Beijing friend that will be returning from Osaka, Japan with a live set that can't be missed!
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.
Papillon
Photo: Papillon/Czech Anglo Productions
Cinemas around Beijing.
Wrongfully convicted for murder, Henri 'Papillon' Charrière forms an unlikely relationship with a fellow inmate and quirky convicted counterfeiter Louis Dega. Together, they attempt to escape from the notorious penal colony on Devil's Island.
Ugly Dolls
Photo: Ugly Dolls/STX Entertainment
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.
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.
Teatro alla Scala 'La Corsaire'
NCPA. Thu 8-Fri 9. 7.30-9.30pm. 380-1,280RMB
Today, the 1998 choreography by Anna-Marie Holmes, an expert of XIX-century ballets, brings to La Scala the most exciting title of the dance repertoire in a new concept: an adventure that cannot be missed.
Attraction: Let Love Win
NCPA. Sat 10-Sun 11. 7.30-9pm. 780-880RMB
Hungarian shadow theatre group Attraction rose to fame during a performance at the London 2012 Olympics, subsequently winning the seventh series of UK talent show, Britain's Got Talent in 2013. In Beijing, Attraction will be performing their latest piece, Let Love Win. Don't miss out on this theatrical piece like no other.
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.
Teatro alla Scala: Giselle
NCPA. Sat 10-Sun 11. 7.30-9pm. 180-1,080RMB
Giselle continues to move audiences with its charming narratives and moving performances. It is the tragic and romantic story of young peasant girl who falls for the flirtations of the deceitful and disguised nobleman Albrecht. This unforgettable romantic ballet returns in the rendition of Yvette Chauviré, who succeeds in exalting the purity of the classical tradition, with music provided by the Orchestra of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala.
Tobias Rehberger: Blind and a Little Less
Photo: Galerie Urs Meile
Galerie Urs Meile. Until Aug 11 (Every day except Monday). FREE
Galerie Urs Meile presents Blind and a Little Less by German artist Tobias Rehberger. Following a major solo exhibition at the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai, Blind and a Little Less draws upon the Shanghai exhibition and delves further into the existing themes and series of works.
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.
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.
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