Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Feb 12-16

Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, and dinners.
 

Monday, Feb 12

Mindful Monday
Start the week right with a dose of mindfulness and meditation. As the organizers put it, "Curiosity, positivity, presence, acceptance, and compassionate self-observation guide us through the maze of external pressures and emotional responses, all that it takes is to calm your mind and notice - there are no ordinary moments." If that sounds like something you need, head over every Monday evening. Read more about the Beijing Mindfulness Center here. RMB 100. 7.30-9pm. Beijing MIndfulness Center
 

Tuesday, Feb 13

CandleX Mental Health Support Group Meeting
Beijing-based NGO CandleX is dedicated to providing expats and locals in Beijing with mental health support and help attendees to their support groups with the best advice to navigate the anxieties that can arise from moving to a new country, going through a breakup, losing of a job, or living with mental illness. Read more about what exactly they do here. Free (donation-based). 7.30-9pm. Hujialou Cinema
 

Wednesday, Feb 14

Valentine's Day
Love it or loathe it, the day that causes more stress than it probably should is upon us. Do yourself a favor and book a spot for one of the many restaurants, hotels, or activities that are offering you and your loved one a special day to remember. See the full list of this year's Valentine's Day events here or a curated list here.
 

Thursday, Feb 15

Puppet Art at the National Museum of China
This exhibition on Zhangzhou puppet carving, considered a unique Chinese art form, is on show at the National Museum of China throughout February. On display are works by master carvers Xu Chuchu and Xu Qiang as well as details as to how the artists integrate traditional techniques and their own life experiences to create this intricate and playful art. Free. 9am-5pm. The National Museum of China
 

Friday, Feb 16

Visit a Temple Fair
Most of this year's temple fairs kick off on Friday, gathering the best of the season's snacks, entertainment, and traditional crafts in one place. Not sure which one to choose? Don't worry, we've rounded up the best eight inside, and before you head to join the crowds, read up on the history of temple fairs here. Various locations and prices

As always, see all of Beijing's best events this week via our Events page here.

Images courtesy of the organizers, eafbe.org, es.sott.net, Bridget Coila