Get Your Date On For Qixi Festival in Beijing
It’s that time a year again – another Chinese Valentine’s Day has rolled around.
The Qixi Festival 七夕节, also called the Double Seventh Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival and Valentine’s Day that falls on the 7th day of the 7th Chinese lunar month. This year it falls on Saturday, August 14, which means you can take full advantage of all the weekend events going on.
We are now in a time when COVID rules have resurfaced, so many dance clubs are closed and lots of restaurants will be at limited capacity. Bars in the Sanlitun and CBD areas have been told to close by 11pm (including but not limited to Paddy’s, The Local, Beersmith, and Jing-A CBD).
BUT, there is hope! There are still events going on this weekend and great places that you can go to celebrate Qixi Festival. Grab a date or a friend and get out in Beijing.
Due to Covid-19, many events may be postponed or canceled without prior warning. Make sure to call ahead.
1. Take a Cooking Class
Sign up for an authentic cooking class with your partner or a friend! Cooking classes are a fun (and tasty) way to gain new skills or try cooking a dish you've never tried at home.
The Hutong in Beijing is offering an their interactive authentic noodle class - join them for two and a half hours of cooking and snacking!
2. Dinner and Music
If you'd rather be out and don't want to cook, Forno by Bottega offers great Italian food plus funky tunes every Saturday from 9-11PM, while WAA Riverside Gastropub is offering a special Qixi many course meal.
3. Live Music
Hit the town and find a place with live music and dancing! Hindsight 66 will be performing at Modernista on Saturday night. (Limited seats and reservation required).
Read about more live music events and parties happening in FUN Beijing's weekly Beijing event roundup for August 13 - 20.
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5. Stay in and *ahem*
Treat yourself with some sexy time or a whole lotta masturrrrbating! Whether single or with a partner, The Oh Collective has some great toys. See more here.
6. Evening Drinks
Hit up Atmosphere bar or Nuo Hotel for late night drinks. Atmosphere, located on the 80th floor of the China World Summit Wing, offers a view of downtown Guomao in Beijing. Nuo Hotel has a great outdoor roofftop space with cozy seat and ambient music. Both are a winning pick.
7. Take a Weekend Trip
Getaway to Gubei for the weekend! We know traveling is difficult right now, but staying close to Beijing while getting away is still an option. Many trip organizations like Laowai and CETtrip will coordinate transporatation and accomodation for you, or you can arrange your own.
Post Qixi Recovery
If you're stressed or recovering from a weekend full of Qixi celebrations, there are retreats, workouts, and more happening around Beijing to help you sweat or relax.
And don't forget to grab your ticket to the End of Summer Rooftop Party on September 4! It's not Qixi weekend, but it's going to be a damn good time with fun rooftop vibes, dancing, and more.
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Date Night China is a digital media platform and events organization based in Beijing that aims to build a positive community and share stories about relationships and dating in China. Follow our Wechat Account for the latest articles, new podcast episodes, and upcoming events.