Qixi: Ways to Celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day

Unless you’ve decided to go traditional (i.e. praying and sending up offerings to find a husband or get pregnant), this summertime Valentine’s Day (Aug 23) is an excuse for some wining and dining and kitschy proclamations of love. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate, whether you want to act like a local or would just rather splash out on a romantic dinner.

Save the chocolates and roses for February. If you’re going to celebrate Qixi, go for something more Chinese. For example, there’s always the classic matching T-shirts. If you’re not up for pounding the pavement, you can get them online in time for next Thursday. If that trend is too passé, why not try out cross-dressing? The latest couple-y craze in China requires donning clothes from each other’s wardrobe and taking photographic evidence of the deed.

Dining

Aroma Sweet Dinner Buffet
An international array of cuisines, plus champagne, a rose and chocolate for the happy couple. RMB 998+15% for two.
6-10pm. Aroma, Ritz-Carlton Beijing

Barolo Candle Light Dinner
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it’s a sign to go Italian for Chinese Valentine’s Day. RMB 1,888+15% for two.
6-10pm. Barolo, Ritz-Carlton Beijing

Love on Top of Chang’an Avenue
Enjoy beef tenderloin, foie gras, Boston lobster and a dessert platter overlooking the Beijing skyline. RMB 800-1,200+15% per person. China Grill, Park Hyatt Beijing

Qixi – Chinese Valentine’s Day at Le Pré Lenotre
Enjoy six courses and a glass of champagne at one of Beijing’s most delightful French restaurants. RMB 2,488 for two. Le Pré Lenotre

Qixi – Chinese Valentine’s Day at VIC Restaurant
Special delicacies awaits you on the buffet accompanied by soft drinks, juices, beer, French wine, rose wine and a glass of rose Champagne. All ladies will receive chocolate and flowers.

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Zen5es
Ten Chinese dishes full of love at your choice. Plus receive complimentary champagne and a rose as a special gift. Price TBD. For reservations and more information call 5922 8880.
5.30pm. Zen5es

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Grange
Experience a culinary journey enriched by lobster, surf and turf, and sweetest disserts on this loving day.
For reservations and more information call 5922 8880.
5.30pm. Grange

Le Petit Gourmand Valentine's Day
French Chef F. Muller invites you for a nice evening at LPG for celebrate your loved one. RMB 388 (four courses), RMB 688 (five courses with champagne).
6pm. Le Petit Gourmand

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Asia Bistro, JW Marriott Beijing
Set the mood with free-flow drinks and two glasses of champagne over dinner. RMB868+15% per couple.
6-10pm. Asia Bistro

Chinese Valentine’s Day at CRU Steakhouse, JW Marriott Beijing
Nothing says romance like a five-course set menu topped off with two glasses of champagne. RMB1,688+15% per couple
6-10pm. CRU Steakhouse

Chinese Valentine at Trattoria La Gondola, Kempinski
Indulge in a romantic set menu that includes a bottle of Prosseco. RMB 768+15%.
Trattoria La Gondola, Kempinski

Chinese Valentine at Kranzler’s , Kempinski
A romantic buffet awaits plus two glasses of Duval Leroy champagne. RMB 768+15%.
Kranzler’s, Kempinski

Chinese Valentine at Rendez-Vous Bar & Lounge, Kempinski
Stop by for their ‘bubbly’ champagne promotion. Get a bottle of Duval Leroy champagne and choose from a seafood degustation menu or a bowl of fresh strawberries with double cream. RMB 544+15%.
Rendez-Vous Bar & Lounge, Kempinski

Celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day at Aria
Enjoy the special menu prepared by Chef David Pooley for the sweet couples. RMB 1,500+15% per couple. (Includes 2 glasses of champagne on arrival).
6pm. Aria

Photos: Taobao.com