14 classic and alternative date ideas for Valentine's in Beijing
Schmaltz-heavy and schmaltz-free date ideas
Ah, Valentine's Day. Whether it be your traditional February 14 or Qixi Jie, it's that universally adored, once (or twice) a year opportunity to show the person you love – and the rest of the world – how much you really care about them.
Sometimes, though, an expensive set meal for two doesn't quite cut it. Whether you're in a relationship, single, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself this V-Day. Here is our pick of Beijing's best Valentine's activities, not including snow fights because we can't guarantee this glorious whiteness will come again.
Watch the sun set at Jingshan Park
Climb to the top of Jingshan just before sunset, then watch over and sigh at the delight that is the hill's almost bird's eye view of the Forbidden City. Once the sun's down, saunter back down the hill and ask for a dance, alongside the ol' grannies and grandpas. Very cute.
Go gift shopping, together
Maybe you're both struggling to find a gift for the other person... Sure, you don't have to get each other gifts, but if you're into that kind of expression of desire, why not head out together? Try these unique shops, where you're sure to find some inspiration, and maybe that perfect thing you can subtly hint at (and then receive). Or, maybe you're both more into the minimal, zero-waste lifestyle? Then check out great gifts (that keep on giving) from The Bulk House.
Go ice skating at the Summer Palace
Show your partner how supportive you are by literally supporting them on the ice at one of Beijing's magnificent outdoor ice rinks. There are plenty to choose from, but the frozen lake at the Summer Palace feels particularly romantic and is a scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of central Beijing.
Go out for dinner
Treat your main squeeze with one of the many Valentine's Day dining specials on offer in Beijing. Check out our list for where to wine and dine to your heart's content, based on different price points (because who says thriftiness isn't attractive?).
Warm up with some toasty roast chestnuts
This date is all about creating opportunities to cuddle up close and share. And make sure you go on an empty stomach for maximum effect. No better excuse to cuddle up close than queuing up in line for piping hot chestnuts at Qiu Li Xiang (秋栗香). And a great heck of a line there will be if you want to be there at a reasonable hour. After you get your paper bag of scrumptious nuts to share – make sure it is to share – offer to show your date how to crack em' open the clever way (quickly read the packet first).
Have a date with history at the tomb of Matteo Ricci
Beijing Administrative College may sound like somewhere your great aunt hangs out, but don't judge a book by its cover, or you'll miss out on one of the best spots in Beijing. And also, don't judge it by the fact there's a cemetery on this campus (all the best places have one) – it's obviously there because no one ever wants to leave. Behind a nondescript looking building, in the midst of much tranquillity, China's first Jesuit missionary, Italian priest Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), lies at rest in an intimate but gorgeously ornate tomb.
After impressing your date with art history knowledge about the tomb (the architecture is classically Chinese with a European twist: check out the Latin inscriptions and Western rose motifs that adorn the doorway under traditional dragon carvings), walk around the greenery and admire the ground's semi-European buildings.
Beat your significant other at another game
Ever wonder how you and your partner would do in a war zone? How about an intergalactic space mission? SoReal is the worlds largest VR theme park and it's insane. The hall covers 32,000 square feet, features eight main attractions and everything is wire free. Find out if you and your special someone are compatible or if one's just dead weight. In that case, good luck.
Go for the full-on staycay
Whether you're staycaying in one of Beijing's weirdest and wackiest hotel rooms, or even just one of the beautiful Airbnb properties this city has to offer, staying in the city bounds does make for an easy, but altogether different-from-real-life, date night. And, of course, there are hotels around the city offering V-Day deals, so, get on that staycay with bae.
Catch a flick
If cuddling up on the couch seems too cliché (or too normal) for you, why not head out to the cinema for some cuddling on someone else's couch? Plus, popcorn. There are great films on around Beijing at the moment, including what might be China's biggest sci-fi hit ever (The Wandering Earth), as well as a special V-Day screening of When Harry Met Sally at The SLab.
Escape a room
Teamwork makes the dream work. What's a better way to test your love than to be stuck in an enclosed space solving puzzles? Mr X Escape Rooms is a fun experience that's bound to get the brain working. This challenge only works for groups with six to nine people so opt for a triple date for triple the fun.
Potter around
If you ever wanted to recreate the famous pottery scene from Ghost, Taozui can make that a reality. Located in Gulou, this pottery studio offers hour-long sessions for 150RMB, including materials and a 15-minute one-on-one session. As long as you keep your hands steady on the clay as the wheel turns, you can get cosy with your boo and hum 'Unchained Melody' as passionately as you want.
Take a dip together
Nothing says hot date like a hot spring. But really, when you can find a warming bath for all tastes (including kitsch, tasteful and downright elegant), your date just got all kinds of steamy. Whatever you're looking for, check out these hot springs around Beijing and take a dip with your lover.
Listen to classical music
For a date night that will really impress, take them (or, again, just yourself) off for a night at the theatre and head to the NCPA. Not only is this giant egg a beautiful piece of architecture, but it also plays host to some rather remarkable talent. This Thursday, Valentina Lisitsa plays her viral piano renditions, while Ning Feng and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra take to the stage on Saturday night. For more upcoming stage events in Beijing, extract the QR code below.
Watch a romantic Chinese movie together
The age of cheesy, sugar-sweet romantic comedies is still going strong in China – which doesn’t bode well for those planning a trip to the cinema this Valentine’s Day. To avoid giving yourself a toothache this year, try one of these less-than-conventional romantic Chinese films, which range from the hilarious to the heart-wrenching.
For even more things to do this Valentine's Day in Beijing, hit 'Read more' below.
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