10 Things to Do in Beijing This Qingming If You're Sticking Around and Don't Want to Sweep Tombs

We're not talking about what to do to celebrate Qingming Festival, no, to find out how to celebrate Qingming Festival you should read this blog. We're talking about what else you could possibly do with these three days off to make the most of that beautiful transition between winter and summer. Thankfully you've come to the right place, continue on, dear readers.

Second Hutong Food Week
Currently in full swing, discover some of Beijing's finest hutong food and beverage offerings through this treasure hunt of sorts that lasts until April 9. The more qualifying eats and drinks you have throughout the event, the more you get at the end party at Zarah. See link in title for more details.

Get Really Drunk at a New Bar or Eat Too Much at a New Restaurant
Try one of Beijing's newest and shiniest restaurants or bars while you've got the time and energy to head outside of your normal comfortable home-to-work comfort zone. We reviewed plenty of new spots this March, so you have no reason not to try something different.

Try Some Authentic Beijing Breakfasts
You might be going on your second, third, fourth, or even fifth year in Beijing, and we're sure you've had jianbing and baozi, but have you ever tried miancha or douzhi? Check out our compilation of Beijing's most authentic breakfasts and make sure you've checked them all off your imaginary breakfast bucket list.

Go on a Date with That Special Someone
Finally gather the courage to ask that special someone out on a date, and use one of our romantic spring-appropriate date ideas to impress them with your Beijing knowledge. We've listed options for every budget, so there really is no excuse not to take a risk this Qingming Festival.

Go for a Walk on the Bird's Nest's New Air Corridor
Yes, we weren't completely enamored with this new winding corridor across the decrepit Bird's Nest, once the heart of Beijing's Olympic dreams, but that doesn't make it any less of a unique way to spend a quick afternoon stroll. Just be forewarned that you'll need to pay RMB 80 for the pleasure.

Rent a Bike and Head Out to Explore
Everyone is doing it, why wouldn't you? Get on Ofo, Mobike, or any of the other bike rental services popping up around the city, and go for a ride. The fact that you're renting the bike means you don't even have to worry about how to get back; just bike until you've had enough, you can always get the subway or a taxi home.

Simply Relax
If this is your first long weekend in a while, take the time to relax and wind down from your undoutedly busy social and work calendar. We might be living in a really hectic city, but there's always a way to ground yourself – try these seven ways to find your inner zen.

Spring Clean
Scrub away the winter, put away your thermals, and get your summer clothes out, because the changing of the seasons is officially upon us! There's no better time to do this than during Qingming Festival, which often marks the transition into the warmer seasons. Any idea where you put your flip flops?

Check Out the New Habitat Store in Parkview Green
After your spring cleaning, check out the newest addition to one of our favorite shopping centers, Parkview Green: Habitat. This British furniture and home decoration store has everything you need to take your newly squeeky-clean house to the next level.

Go for a Walk
Get some fresh and and enjoy the cherry blossom season at Yuyuantan Park. Other parks that are particularly beautiful at the moment include Ditan Park, Jingshan Park, and Ritan Park. How else will you get your WeRun data to compete with your WeChat contacts?

More stories by this author here.

Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Images courtesy of Hutong Food Week, Dianping, enteringtheworld.blogspot.com, OnPath, The Guardian, Pixabay,  actionpixel.de, Margaux Schreurs