TGIF: Mother's Day Activities, Yoga in the City, Sip and Paint, Summer Palace History Walk
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.
May 8: Hy-Larious at Music Bar
The music bar at the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing is just for music, right? Wrong! Saturnight, six of Beijing's best comedians will be stealing the stage for stand up. RMB 120 presale, RMB 150 at the door. The Music Bar in Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing.
May 9: The Dowager and The Dynasty: A Special Mother's Day Walk
The Empress Dowager Cixi, mother of the Tongzhi Emperor, is one of the most notorious figures in Modern Chinese history. Even today, many historians in China blame her for spending too much money building an elaborate pleasure garden at a time when the empire faced grave threats from without and within. As you stroll around her magnificent creation, you'll discuss the life and legacy of this fascinating historical figure and consider the reasons behind her scandalous reputation as we look at the final years of the Qing Dynasty, the last empire to rule China. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Summer Palace
May 9: Day trip to Cuandixia
Explore the ancient Ming dynasty village of Cuandixia in the mountains west of Beijing with China Travellers. You'll do some hiking, take some awesome photos, and stop for lunch at a local farmer's guest house. Price includes transportation, entry fee, guides, water, and lunch. RMB 400. 8am-6pm. Meet at Dongsishitiao subway station exit C
May 9: Global grapevine bazaar
Rumble in the Jumble are taking their regular bazaar out of the city this week, to the beautiful Sheng Lu Vineyard in northeast Chaoyang. You'll find dozens of stalls selling unique fashion and accessories, handicrafts, skincare and cosmetics, artisanal foods (which you can eat there as a picnic or bring back to the city), and more, all set in beautiful leafy grounds. Free (entry to vineyard is RMB 70 for adults, RMB 35 for kids). 10am-4pm. Sheng Lu Vineyard
May 9: Yoga in the City with Taozi Tree Yoga
A yoga class in a fantastic outside venue, right under the CCTV Tower, plus Jing-A beer. The Kerry Centre hosts this 75-minute Vinyasa Level 1/2 class taught by Valérie on their beautiful garden patio, complete with the best views Beijing has to offer. After class, yogis will enjoy a brew and small bites from Jing-A, as well as a vegan coconut yogurt from Yeyo. Scan the QR code on the poster in the event listing to sign up. RMB 200. 6-8.30pm. Beijing Kerry Centre
May 9: Sip & Paint With Nadia
Flex your creative muscles and learn how to paint a beautiful picture of the symbol of the upcoming new year, a happy ox — no previous painting experience required! Sip on a selection of tasty wines from Cheers while you paint. RMB 298. 2-5pm. Cheers Central Park Plaza
Fancy dining out this weekend? Read all about the latest goings-on in the world of food and drink
Images: Unsplash, Picryl, Wikimedia
