The weaver girl must cross a bridge of animal bouquets…wait, that can’t be right.
The stuffed animal bouquets are back at Jingkelong, which can only mean one thing: Qixi Festival is here. For some of us, the holiday snuck up unexpectedly, but life is full of not-so-subtle reminders:
- Commercialism at its finest
- Long-lasting alternative to roses
- Couples kissed for 47 minutes at a competition in Kunming, Yunnan province.
If that’s not enough entertainment for the day, here are a few last-minute ideas for things to do around Beijing to celebrate QiXi.
EAST Beijing QiXi
It’s time to be romantic again! Why not spoil your loved one with a romantic room stay or some fine food at EAST. Make this year one to be remembered with an intimate dinner with your true love in FEAST (Food by EAST). Indulge in luxurious entrees to share, a succulent chateaubriand or grilled seafood platter, or the ultimate Surf & Turf with stockyard Australian fillet and ribeye, garlic herb-crusted lobster, and oysters. Treat your loved one with an endless taste of the sea with fresh crab legs, prawns and shellfish. This also includes free-flow sparkling wine, house wines, rosé bubbles, coffee, tea and soft drinks. What’s a better night than QiXi to enjoy our free-flow champagne? Live the high life for an additional RMB 388* per person.
Chinese Valentine’s Day at Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing
Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing is one of those hidden gems that’s sometimes overlooked by foodies. Their restaurant San offers a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. The taste is fantastic, portions are more than generous, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
For QiXi, they’ve got a dinner set for two for RMB 799 that includes highlights from their brand new menu.
Starter – Smoked Pomfret Fish, Spicy Abalone, Melon, and Grapefruit Salad; Duck Liver Sauce with Caramel, Crisp Bread with Fennel
Soup – Oyster Soup with Mushroom
Main Course – Angus Beef Tenderloin with Pecan, Wasabi and Cheese Prawns, Fried Asparagus with Lily and Agaric
Rice and Noodles – Fried Noodles with Truffle and Hot Spring Egg
Dessert – Osmanthus Sesame Dumplings with Ice Wine, Mango Crisp
Holiday Cake DIY
Exclusive cake in a ring box, with the names of you and your beloved one.
Special Discount for Guestroom
Guests who dine on the night can enjoy a night stay in Habitat 40+ King at 40sqm for an additional RMB 399
NUO Chinese V Day
Celebrate your memorable Chinese Valentine’s Day with your loved one at NUO Hotel Beijing. The culinary team prepared a unique chocolate and fruit cake to pair with your romance.
Fiume QiXi Set Menu
TRB Hutong and TRB Forbidden City
If you’re looking to splurge a bit on QiXi, TRB Hutong and TRB Forbidden City have both created unique 6-course menus just for the special night. For RMB 1,588 or RMB 2,288 per person, spend an evening with your partner at one of Beijing’s most romantic restaurants that never fails to deliver an unforgettable memory.
Annie’s QIXi Romance Menu
Celebrate this QiXi at Annie’s for a romantic evening with your better half, and enjoy a special set menu designed by Chef Marco to make this night unforgettable!
Hulu by TRB
At all three Hulu locations across town, they’re getting into the QiXi celebrations as well. From Aug 1 to Aug 7, they’ve got a limited-time-only set menu that’s inspired by the holiday and available all day long. Whether it’s a night out with the love of your life or spending QiXi celebrating the love for your friends, Hulu is, without a doubt, a fun place to go.
Images: Unsplash, courtesy of restaurants
