5. Splendor and Beauty: The Archaeological Finds in Recent 20 Years in China
The display combines 360 sets of artifacts from 49 institutions across the country, with most items never having traveled outside their home provinces.
They cover almost all archaeological events occupying media headlines in recent years, ranging from the discovery of the tomb of Marquis Haihun in Jiangxi province, nicknamed "China's Tutankhamun tomb" for its huge sum of nuggets, to the tomb of the notorious Emperor Yang from the Sui Dynasty (581-618).
Four sections are designed in the exhibition in time order. The Paleolithic and Neolithic periods show the origin of Chinese people's aesthetics. Ritualistic items from Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties (c. 21st century BC-256 BC), including bronze wares, jade and lacquer wares, reflect sharp changes in social structures and philosophies.
If you go:
9 am - 5 pm, through Aug 27. Entrance until 4 pm (closed on Mondays). Exhibition Hall B, the first floor, Capital Museum, 16 Fuxingmenwai Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6339-3339. www.capitalmuseum.org.cn. Entry ticket is free of charge, but online reservation is needed.
6. Universe Manual Wisdom
This exhibition, based on the internet documentary The Great Shokunin, displays fine lacquerware, Sichuan brocade, and traditional Han clothing by 12 manual masters. Makers will showcase their craftsmanship on site and share their experience with visitors.
If you go:
10 am - 5 pm, July 16 - Aug 4, Beijing Museum of Visual Art, No 32 Beijigesantiao, Dongdan, Dongcheng district, 010-65285856. Admission free.
7. Picasso's handmade silver plates
We all know Pablo Picasso's distinctive abstract paintings, but the Spanish artist also created many sculptures and pottery in his later years. The exhibition displays 23 silver plates, 20 pottery plates, as well as ceramics and ceramic engravings. Among the exhibits, the silver plates all have the creator's autograph and serial numbers, without one replica.
If you go:
July 13 - Aug 31, The China Millennium Monument, Jia No 9 Fuxing Road, Haidian district, 010-84187900
8. You Are Not Alone
Tickets to this exhibition are sold in twos, with each person's hand tied to your partner with a maximum distance of 45 centimeters. Visitors will explore a mysterious world together.
If you go:
11 am - 10 pm, July 15 - Oct 14, B2 Raffles City, No 1 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng district. 66-108 yuan
