TGIF: Make the Most of Your Weekend With These Killer Activities
The weekend is here! Time for fun, relaxation, and recharging the ol' batteries ahead of *gulp* Monday morning's alarm clock. Luckily enough, there’s plenty of fun stuff to keep you occupied over the weekend that doesn't necessarily involve getting blitzed. Our weekend roundup offers you some of the best.
Until Dec 9: Beijing International Short Film Festival 2019
The Beijing International Short Film Festival (BISFF), now in its third year, runs until next Monday with its best line-up yet (a still from Wang Mowen's TRINITY is pictured at top). The final round of screenings will take place this weekend at both UCCA and Goethe Institute, including hopefuls for best Chinese short film and best experimental short film categories. The entire event is free – browse the complete timetable here. Also, don’t forget that the European Union Film Festival is still ongoing, with its very own great selections.
Dec 7: Hungarian Food and Culture Festival
If you're wondering "what in the world is Hungarian food?" you're in luck as the Hungarian Embassy and Hungarian Cultural Center pair up to bring Beijing the Hungarian Food and Culture Festival this Saturday. As well as plenty of delicious, goulash and paprika-y nosh, the festival will also include exhibitions of traditional Hungarian costumes and jewelry as well as various other handicrafts such as embroidered shoes and fabrics. Additionally, there'll be Hungarian music and dances to keep you in the festive mood. Click here for more information.
Explore the city by foot
On its surface, Beijing may not appear like a walkable city but in fact, dig a little deeper and there are many interesting back lanes and historical sites to explore. With these Beijing walking routes, we'll get you past the grit and grime and away from the huge SUVs barreling down the main roads – just remember to dress warmly!
Take a weekend retreat to neighboring Hebei
Chengde city, located approximately 200km northeast of Beijing, is an easy escape when you get sick of big city life. It's most famous sight is the ancient imperial summer retreat: built during the reign of Qing dynasty Emperor Kang Xi (1662-1723), this sprawling retreat takes its inspiration from Tibet's Potala Palace. Read more about what to see in Chengde as well as how to get there for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Christmas fairs galore
Beijing's pop-up market is going into fifth gear in the lead up to Christmas, with several options every weekend from now until the big day. Our two favorites include the Beijing Flea Market at TechTemple in Sanlitun (Saturday, midday-6pm) and Rumble in the Jumble at Beiluogu Xiang's The Other Place (Sunday, midday-6pm), both of which are holding special holiday editions of their markets. There, you'll find everything from crafts, jewelry, skin products, and a delicious range of food and drink. If that's not enough for you, click here to browse all of this month's upcoming Christmas markets.
READ: Get Your Cheer on With These Beijing Christmas Tree Lightings
Photos courtesy of the organizers
