16 Things to Do in Beijing During Golden Week

Through Oct 7: Tianqiao E Life (Beijing Design Week)

Beijing Design Week is massive this year. There’s so much going on, we don’t know where to even begin (that’s a lie; see our full post here). Go to the Hops, see the lights in Taikoo Li, hell, head to Tianjin if that’s your thing. Closer to home, we recommend Tianqiao E Life. Held at Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Area, Tianqiao E Life consists of exhibits showing the relationship between design and the performing arts, intangible heritage and community. The performing arts section includes performances such as ‘Beyond the Bridge’ and ‘Beyond the Stage.’ The intangible heritage life section is a platform integrating traditional and modern design. Lastly, the community design is all about urban renewal methods – how to combine public spaces with innovative living.

Through Sat Oct 7; Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Area, (www.bjdw.org).

Through Oct 8: China Open 

It’s that time of the year again. We’re not talking about Golden Week, or Halloween, we’re talking about something far more important: China Open. This year sees some big names gracing the National Tennis Center courts: Venus Williams, Maria ‘Meldonium’ Sharapova and 16-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal.

Through Oct 8; ticket from RMB100 upwards; National Tennis Center, 2 Lincui Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区林萃路2号 (tickets via https://tickets.chinaopen.com or 400 707 6666)

Through Oct 12: Oktoberfest @ Brotzeit

When it comes to Beijing brauhauses, Brotzeit’s a new one. But it’s also a good one. The German restaurant and pub recently unveiled a slick new location atop China World Mall (just next to Migas) with a view to kill. This Oktoberfest, they’re offering free-flow imported German beer for just RMB150 a head. As always, there will be plenty of traditional German food to snack on: think schnitzel, pork knuckle and so much more. Sorry vegetarians, this menu’s not for you. But at least the beer is vegetarian?

Sep 25-Oct 12; RMB150 per person; Brotzeit.

Oct 1: BBQ @ The Wild Wall

It's Golden Week which means you kind of have to get out of Beijing at least once. So why not head up to the Great Wall for an epic barbeque? After a short hike you'll be rewarded with prime cuts of beef, European wine, pies courtesy of Hutong'er Pie and of course amazing views of the Wall. It's pretty much the perfect way to kick off Golden Week.

Sun Oct 1, 8.45am; RMB550 adults / RMB399 kids.

Oct 1: STRFKR

Hailing for Portland, STRFKR is an indie rock band who are well-known for their ultra-entertaining live performances, which are more like dance parties. As always, STRFKR will blend instrumentals with electronic music to create highly-danceable pop music. This show's gonna be wild.  

Sun Oct 1, 9-11pm; RMB260 (door) / RMB200 (presale). Yugong Yishan, see event listing.

Oct 1-8: Golden Week @ Arrow Factory

If you’re planning on staying in Beijing during the Golden Week holiday, fear not. Both Arrow Factory locations will be open as usual. And they'll be offering Golden Week specials on their golden beers -- Man with the Golden Hop Country Ale, Man Man Lai Session I.P.A or Blonde on Blonde Belgian Ale will all be just RMB25 each, all day, everyday from October 1-8.

Oct 1-8, both Arrow Factory locations.

Oct 1-8: Home Yoga

Check out Yiyang’s home yoga practice this October Golden Week. Yoga classes include Ashtanga Vinyasa and Hatha and are held in Yiyang’s apartment. Thanks to the intimate setting (four students maximum), you are guaranteed a personalized experience with hands-on teaching. An experienced yoga instructor, Yiyang credits her scoliosis as helping guide her practice as well as her students’. Prices are for Golden Week only.

Sun Oct 1-Sun Oct 8, 10-11.15am and 4-5.15pm; RMB70 per class (seven-class pass), RMB85 per class (four-class pass), RMB100 (drop-in, pay one day in advance); Dongzhimen (exact location to be shared post-booking, WeChat 18610049568 to book)

Oct 2: Knxwledge

Knxwledge has produced for none other than rap god Kendrick Lamar (on To Pimp a Butterfly, if you must know). A member of highly respected hip hop label Stones Throw, Knxwledge is bringing his L.A. beats to Beijing this Golden Week.

Mon Oct 2, 9pm; tickets TBD; Yue Space.

Oct 2-6: Art Revolution

Constructivism is a 20th-century art movement that originated in Russia. Its philosophy is that art should be ‘constructed,’ rather than created or copied mindlessly. At its core is the idea of practicing art for social purposes, with function favored over aesthetic. The movement greatly influenced other artistic styles, such as Bauhaus, and can be seen in architecture, graphic design, the performing arts and fashion. Atelier Shunyi is holding a workshop on the artform during Golden Week. During the workshop students will learn about the movement and its prominent artists, paint in the form of constructivist artist Malevich and sculpt art representative of the Contructivism style. Russian fashion and cinema will also be studied.

Mon Oct 2-Fri Oct 6, 10am-4pm; RMB1,800; Atelier Shunyi, 204-205 Bldg 2, Central Park, 16 Yufeng Lu, Shunyi 顺义区裕丰路16号院会展誉景2号楼204-205 (5686 4243, shunyi@atelier.cn.com)

Oct 3: Night Biking

Stuck in Beijing for National Holiday? It’s not all bad. With an empty city, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Try Beijing Experience’s Bike Night Tour – an event designed especially for the holiday, as many of the city’s important monuments will be lit up. The tour will start in the hutongs before heading out to the main avenues.

Tue Oct 3, 5.15pm; RMB250; meeting point at Bike Beijing, 81 Beiheyan Dajie, Dongcheng 东城区北河沿大街81号

Oct 3-6: 破烂儿Festival

Have a bunch of stuff you've been dying to get rid of? You're in luck because fRUITYSPACE is having a giant flea market on October 3-6.

Oct 3-6, 3pm-late. fRUITYSPACE.

Oct 3-7: Maybe Mars 10th Anniversary  

It’s been a decade, yes. A decade since Maybe Mars – China’s king of indie music – launched in Beijing with the aim of supporting talented Chinese artists. In those 10 years, Maybe Mars has become one of the largest and most respected independent record labels in the country. This month, they’re celebrating with a star-studded multi-day birthday party featuring all your faves. The wild week warms up on Tuesday with Dirty Fingers and Lonely Leary. Wednesday sees AV Okubo, Backspace and Dream Can. On Friday punk gods Carsick Cars share a stage with Hiperson and Birdstriking. Then Saturday, the legendary P.K. 14 play alongside Chui Wan and Fazi. Are you geeking out yet? If not, then you should be.

Tue Oct 3, 9.45pm; RMB60; School Bar.
Wed Oct 4, 9.45pm; RMB80 (advance), RMB100 (door); Yue Space.
Fri Oct 6, 9.45pm; RMB120 presale, RMB150 at door; Yugong Yishan.
Sat Oct 7, 9.45pm; RMB120 presale, RMB150 at door; Yugong Yishan.

Oct 4: Norman Nodge

Legendary Berlin club Berghain can be pretty tough to get into. Lantern, on the other hand? They’re pretty chill. Check out Berghain’s resident DJ without Berghain’s resident pretension in Beijing this month, thanks to dART. Nodge plays some of the greatest, most serious techno on the planet – so get ready to go Euro.

Wed Oct 4, tickets TBD; Lantern.

Oct 6: Belt and Road Tennis Cup 

The Silk Road Cities Alliance, together with the Beijing Tennis Association, is holding a Belt and Road Tennis Cup (BRTC, because the Silk Road loves acronyms). The competition is for amateur players, and participants include foreign embassy and consulates’ staff, as well as members of Chinese cities’ administrations. The aim of the event is to “promote Belt and Road mass sports development and cooperation.” A cool – and cost-free – alternative to the China Open.

Fri Oct 6, 10am-6pm; free; Beijing Tennis Administration Center, see event listing.

Oct 7: Slow Boat Anniversary Party  

It’s now been one year since Slow Boat’s massive Sanlitun brewpub first opened, and they’re throwing an equally massive party to celebrate. On the final Saturday of Golden Week, drop by for an all-day happy hour, discounts on food and merch, and – best of all – a free pint of Monkey’s Fist IPA (until it runs out, which we reckon it will).

Sat Oct 7, all day (free beer from 4pm); Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub.

Oct 8: Javiera Mena 

Chilean songwriter and producer Javiera Mena is known for her critically acclaimed electro pop, which garnered her a nomination for ‘Best Alternative Song’ at the 2015 Latin Grammys. Support comes from Beijing’s own Juhstynn. This will be one danceable show.

Sun Oct 8; RMB50 presale, RMB70 at the door; Yugong Yishan.

Have an event to list? Head here to list your upcoming event. We’ll choose the best new additions to feature on next week’s edition of ‘What's On in Beijing.' Not sure where to start? Here's a full guide on how to list your upcoming events on our website.