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.
Dec 21: Silent Speed Dating
This is speed dating, with a twist. Unlike regular speed dating, here you won’t be asked to speak directly with a bunch of strangers and awkwardly try to work out if you have chemistry or not. Instead, over the course of the mingling session you’ll be asked to write an anonymous note addressed to each of the attendees. All forms of creative writing are welcome, but of course, romantic and love-filled poems (sans creepiness) are preferable! Finally, the notes will be collected and distributed to their rightful owners, where you can decide to have one of the anonymous writer’s identity revealed for a face-to-face talk. RMB 45 (one drink included). 7.30-11pm. Camera Stylo
Dec 21: Watch Pierrot the Madman
In tribute to the late screen legend Anna Karina, one of the most iconic figures of French new wave cinema and who passed away earlier this month, Cinker Pictures hosts a special screening of Pierrot the Madman (1965). In it, Karina stars in one of her most famous roles under the direction of the legendary Jean-Luc Godard, to whom Karina was married at the time. Karina plays the ex-girlfriend of downtrodden Ferdinand Griffon (Jean-Paul Belmondo), who after a chance encounter decide to elope to the south of France in a cross-country odyssey that involves dead bodies, arms trafficking, political conspiracies, heartbreak, romance, and dynamite. As always, it features the bright primary colors and timeless Godard visual aesthetic of a true masterpiece. The film will be screened in French with English and Chinese subtitles. RMB 150 (includes a cocktail, reserve here). 3-5pm. Cinker Pictures
Dec 21: Yoga Class
Feeling uninspired by your regular yoga studio? Located in Temple Hotel's recently renovated art space, Hui Temple really raises the bar in terms of yoga classes surrounded by history. If the peaceful setting's not enough, instructor Yiyang studied yoga from the "the father of modern yoga" Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, considered one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. This unique class will help you to explore the intrinsic equilibrium between your body, breathing, and mind. Yogis are advised to wear comfortable clothes and provide their own mat. RMB 180 (includes refreshments, sign up here). 10-11.15am. The Temple Hotel
Dec 21-22: Hutong Art Festival
Hutong Art Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the huge talented community of local artists and creators. They'll feature creations from independent artists, professionals, brands, and collectives to offer postcards, posters, fridge magnets, zines, comics, photography prints, handcrafted jewelry, and other artworks – basically all the art you'll ever need. Click here to read more information about the vendors. Free. 11am-7pm. Big & Small Coffee (Beiluo branch)
Dec 21-22: New Asia Scenery
Since 2017, UCCA has collaborated with Lantern Cine-Club and Blackfin to host the New Asian Scenery series, presenting one outstanding Asian film every month. This December, UCCA brings seven great movies selected from the award-winners of the Festival of 3 Continents, including highly acclaimed For Fun, Day and Night, and Taming the Horse. All films will be screened with Chinese and English subtitles, and festival director Jerome Baron will make an appearance on a special panel on Sunday to discuss the movies, the festival, and more. Free (registration required). Various times. UCCA
READ: Jingle All the Way to These Beijing Christmas Dining Events
Photos courtesy of the organizers
