Events for 5 Types of Beijing Lover This Qixi
Qixi schmeesy, you say? Celebrating two Valentine's Days per year might be hard to stomach for some but for others it can make for the perfect occasion to woo a new friend, rekindle an old love, or simply to show off. No matter your intention, there's an event for nearly everyone when Qixi/Chinese Valentine's Day hits this Friday, Aug 17 (tomorrow). For all the details on each event, tap on "Read more" at the bottom of this article.
The Loaded
If you're out to impress this Chinese Valentine's Day then you and (even more so) your date are in luck. Though there are a whole host of RMB 1,000-ish options (see below), those are merely small fry when compared to the RMB 1,888 (per person!) six-course Qixi dinner at Opera Bombana including seared scallop, black truffle tagliolini, and beef Rossini. Go for broke and add a wine pairing for RMB 788-888. And if all those eights don't have your companion all googly-eyed and silly then it's time to look elsewhere, my friend. Special mentions: the RMB 1,388 (plus 15 percent) per person menu at Morton's, which will need two people just to navigate before the evening is over, and this RMB 1,888 per couple romantic meal at Rosewood's Bistrot B.
The Less-Loaded
Ok, I kind of cheated on this one as the majority of Qixi dinners float around the 1,000 kuai mark. Do it up without completely destroying your wallet at these fine establishments:
Migas Mercado (RMB 988 per couple): A seven-course set menu including French oysters, Iberico pork, and paella with a suitably splendid backdrop to match (see above). Stick around and knock back cocktails as the night transforms into Mercado's Tropiclismo Latin party.
Feast and Xian, East Hotel (RMB 428 with free-flow selected drinks/RMB 628 with free-flow Champagne): East has it all this Qixi with a luxurious semi-buffet stocked with fresh seafood, imported beef, and roses. Alternatively, if you're single and looking to mingle, head to Xian where the bar's house band will serenade potential lovers while the bar delivers potent cocktails – a match made in romance heaven.
Agua (RMB 1,088 per couple): Agua also opts for a seven-course meal as a head nod to the seventh day of the seventh lunar calendar, preparing dishes such as duck liver terrine with apple, beef short ribs, and strawberries and cream.
Buona Bocca (RMB 888 per couple): Buona Bocca dares you to "eat your heart out" with a special four-course Italian meal and wine pairing. Highlights include burrata cheese and parma ham, Uruguayan beef tagliata, and tiramisu.
Lu Yu, Conrad Beijing (RMB 999 per couple): Finally, lovebirds are invited to get their pulses racing with a traditional yet romantic Chinese set menu that spans raised Boston lobster, sautéed Australian beef, and fresh fruit sago. Best yet, the price includes two glasses of sparkling wine.
The Queer
This Qixi, we're happy to see Beijing's LGBT crowd represented with a special night at Destination. DJ Spyglass and the Gogo boys will man the decks for a hot and sweaty night that the organizers promise will "leave a lasting impression on your 2018 Chinese Valentine’s Day celebrations." Also, somewhat threateningly, they say: "Bring your date if you dare." Good luck!
The Single (and Snobbish)
This Red Dog speed dating night was simply going to be for "The Single" but having now read the fine print requiring participants to be a) 25-40 years old (OK, fair enough) and b) the proud owner of a bachelors degree or above, I had to add snobbish to the mix. Even including it in here makes me feel a little dirty, which may have been the organizers' intended reaction. For something less cringe, though potentially less arousing, head to ACYA Beijing's speed networking event which will take on a love-centric theme.
The Cheap
Just because you don't want to spend money doesn't make you cheap, in fact, some of the best dates need nothing more than a sense of adventure. My advice? Go for a stroll around Houhai or up Jingshan Park (pictured above); both perfect spots for people watching and endless entertainment in the form of clueless tourists, energetic dama, or slightly quacked vendors offering wares your partner will certainly never forget should they receive them.
And with that, go forth, young lovers!
Images: Opera Bombana, courtesy of the organizers, ChinaEducationalTours.com
Do you have what it takes to be a True Runner?
Scan/Extract the QR code above to check out our current job openings.
Want to know what awesome events are happening in town? Scan/Extract the QR code above to get the list of our Editors' Picks.
Got something to sell? Looking for a job? Or probably your soulmate? Then scan/extract the QR code above to visit our Classified Ads.
Always something fresh
Scan/Extract the QR code above to follow us!
Tap on the cover to access the latest print issue.