17 fantastic things to do in Beijing this week

Still recovering from the long holidays? Ease yourself back into the work week with this line-up of events that should get you back into your routine quickly. From a slew of comforting high tea menus to high-octane gigs, it looks like a great week ahead.

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.

Persimmon and Chestnut Afternoon Tea at Rosewood Beijing

Photo: Rosewood Beijing

Bistrot B. Until Dec 8. 2-5pm. From 258RMB

Make the most of autumn's produce and enjoy a splendid persimmon and chestnut afternoon tea at Rosewood Beijing. Its chef has created a classic European afternoon tea with seasonal ingredients. The afternoon tea is priced at 258RMB per person with a special strawberry drink or tea or coffee. If you're after something much bubblier, opt for its 458RMB set with free-flow champagne.

UNION High Fashion High Tea

Photo: UNION

UNION. Until Thu 31. 2-5pm. 598RMB.

UNION takes inspiration from the world of fashion with the launch of its 'High Fashion High Tea', which comprises of its collection of couture cakes and sweets that change every season. Perfect for an afternoon respite from the busy streets of Taikoo Li.

Made in China

Photo: The Opposite House

The Opposite House. Until Sun 13.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of The People's Republic of China, The Opposite House is introducing the 'Made in China' campaign, curating a series of exciting offers on food and drinks, tailored staycation experiences and many fun events until October 13.

Weekend and Monday Shakshuka Brunch

Photo: Caravan

Caravan. Until Mon 28. 11am-4pm.

Shakshuka – a Moroccan egg dish poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chilli peppers and onions brunches – is making their way to Caravan's menu, which are now available all through the weekend as well as on Mondays. For the ultimate indulgence, pair your Shakshuka, with Caravan's brunch drinks that include mimosas and bloody pirates.

Oktoberfest 2019

Photo: Kempinski Hotel Beijing

Paulaner Bräuhaus. Fri 11- Sun 27. 6-11pm. 290RMB (Sunday brunch), 498RMB (dinner)

Celebrate this German festival with classic German cuisine and free-flow homemade Paulaner beer, plus a blend of authentic Bavarian experiences, from yodelling, sing-alongs and dance-longs to entertaining performances by the German-native Alpine Bavarian Band. Festival-goers are encouraged to come dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndl or lederhosen.

Roundabout Book Fair

Photo: Roundabout

Photo: Roundabout

Dulwich College Beijing. Sat 12. 8.30am-4pm. FREE

The roundabout book fair will take place again, this time at Dulwich College Beijing's campus. Bring your old and unwanted books that are still in good reading condition, to the market. All proceeds will go to those in need.

100 Years, 12 Visions: The Evolution of Modern Beijing

Photo: Beijing Postcards

Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Sat 12 & Sat 19. 3-6pm. 150-300RMB.

100 Years, 12 Visions: The Evolution of Modern Beijing is the story on how Beijing has developed over the last hundred years. The tour starts at the Urban Planning Exhibition Center looking at the original shape of the city during the end of the Qing Dynasty and takes you on a three-hour tour through the city's hutongs. It ends at the Beijing Postcards gallery with a well-deserved drink looking at maps from the Beijing Postcards collection all related to the 12 visions of the capital that you have explored.

Asterism

Photo: School Live Bar

School Live Bar. Mon 7. 9-11.30pm. 100RMB.

Asterism hails from Fukuoka, Japan and are quickly rising up the ranks in the world of metal. The three-piece band's members are all less than 20 years old, played SXSW in the US this year, are huge in Japan and are now back for another quick five-city jaunt through the Middle Kingdom.

Nekroma

Photo: Noise Makes Enemies

Dusk Dawn Club. Thu 10. 9pm-late. 60RMB.

Nekroma is an experimental post-doom quartet based in Beijing and began as a collaboration between the post prog trio Nakoma and husband and wife electronic art project Guiguisuisui. It has taken on its own style and identity distinct from the two bands that forged it. Nekroma utilises vocals, skateboard guitar, lap steel guitar, drums, bass, cello, and synths to create a backdrop for carnival of intriguing characters including King Nekro, Pumpkin Queen, Diavolo Rosso, and The Hanged Man.

LBM presents Autumn Foliage

Photo: Live Beijing Music

Dusk Dawn Club. Fri 11. 9-11.30pm. 60-80RMB.

Live Beijing Music is looking to keep the flames of rock and roll simmering this October weekend with an indie rock line-up that'll have you doing backflips with some old favourites as well as some new shakers making a splash on the scene this year. Headlining the evening are magnetic dream pop groovers Last Goodbye.

The Nightshift

Photo: Beersmith

Beersmith. Tue 8-Sat 12. 8pm-3am.

Beersmith's beloved house band Soul Shake takes a couple of weeks off but guest band The Nightshift. Fronted by lead singer Cherrese De Abreau, who has been performing all over Asia for the past eight years, The Nightshift will keep the party going with their fresh covers spanning pop, R&B, rock, Latin and more.

AlienSaid Vol. 3

Photo: 247tickets

MAO Livehouse Wukesong. Wed 9. 8pm-late. 60-150RMB

AlienSaid returns with another spectacular line up showcasing the best of China's rap scene. From melody rappers, Bluso, to huaiquyi rap sensation, Zhang Daozheng, there's something for everyone at MAO Livehouse on Wednesday 9.

Shanghai Night at Centro

Photo: Centro

Centro. Fri 11. 8pm-late.

Transport yourself back to the Golden Years of old Shanghai with its glamourous cheongsams, mystical jazz and Oriental flair. With lucky draws, a cheongsam beauty contest, baijiu cocktails and champagne packages, head to Centro for a taste of the glorious past.

Three Stories of Yimeng

Photo: 247tickets

NCPA. Sun 13. 7.30-9.30pm. 450-600RMB

The National Ballet of China presents Yimeng, A Ballet in Three Chapters. The ballet portrays courageous women of Yimeng Mountains in present-day Shandong Province who made sacrifices of themselves and their families for the revolution that eventually led to the birth of New China.

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium

Photo: Lucy Sparrow/WeChat

M WOODS. Until Fri 11. 9am-5pm. 80RMB/50RMB students

Last chance to catch Lucy Sparrow, one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today, at M WOODS as it closes this Fri 11. Using felt as her primary material, Sparrow is renowned for her bright and engaging recreations of objects from everyday life. Having received worldwide attention for her felt installations, Lucy Sparrow's Felt Art Imaginarium is the artist's first exhibition in Asia and comprises an immersive installation specially commissioned for M WOODS.

Design China Beijing at The Opposite House

Photo: The Opposite House

The Opposite House lobby. Until Wed 30. FREE

Design China Beijing and The Opposite House are the official cooperating partners for Design China Beijing which brings the new design installation 'Woven Grove' by Antistatics Architecture. This project is entitled 'Woven Grove' and is an exploration of the behaviour and treatment of bamboo, inspired by the practice of weaving.

Leonardo and His Outstanding Circle

Image: Leonardo Da Vinci/Wikimedia Commons

CAFA Art Museum. Until Dec 8. 9.30am-5.30pm Tue-Sun (Closed Mon). 68-120RMB

Marking 500 years since Leonardo DaVinci's death is the 'Leonardo and His Outstanding Circle' exhibition at the CAFA Art Museum. This exhibition presents a total of 30 pieces of paintings by Leonardo and his art group – Leonardeschi and includes both the works of the students who learned directly from Leonardo and the followers who were influenced by him. 

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