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.
Jan 11: Zen Yoga Session
Located in the hutongs of Qianmen, the Emperor Beijing Hotel boasts a sumptuous view of the surrounding alleyways, all the way up to the Forbidden City. If that wasn't relaxing enough, you can now take in the view as part of the hotel's terrace-based yoga classes. Teacher Hong Fei has eight years of experience guiding yoga classes, drawing on his understanding of zen teachings to underpin a unique yoga style. Yoga mats and towels are provided, plus free access to the hotel's changing room and showers. Click here for more information and tickets. RMB 120 (including drink and snacks). 3-4pm. The Emperor Beijing Qianmen
Jan 11: Beijing Farmer’s Market Chinese New Year Edition
Beijing Farmer’s Market, one of the most popular pop-up food markets in the city, will hold a special two-day Chinese New Year edition this Saturday. Featuring a wider range of local goodies, including organically grown produce, artisanal cheeses, meats, vegan and baked goods, herbs, cosmetics, clothes, and much more, the market should make for a great one-stop-shop for all your CNY present needs. Visit their post here for more information. Free. 10am-2pm. The Sky Garden, Chongwenmen M CUBE
Jan 11-12: Japanese Masters Animation Film Festival
The Japanese animation industry is considered one of if not the world's best, and is lauded for its progressive techniques, wide-ranging subject matter, and lush attention to detail. This two-day anime festival will showcase some of the best films to have ever come out of Japan, including Evangelion: 3.0 (pictured at top), Perfect Blue (pictured above), Paprika, and The Shape of Voice from such heavyweights as "Father of Japanese Animation" Tezuka Osamu, Miyazaki Hayao, Katsuhiro Otomo, and Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Click here for more information on which will be screened with English subtitles. RMB 90. Various times. Broadway Cinematheque MOMA
Jan 12: Food Open Day
Following the success of their first market, Camera Stylo gears up for a second food open day at their cozy hutong venue this Sunday. Starting at 2pm, various vendors from around the city will come together to offer a variety of Chinese and Western cuisines. While you munch on their range of grub, you can also take the opportunity to watch two thought-provoking short movies currently showing directed by Yang Tianshuo. Free. 2-6pm. Camera Stylo
Jan 12: Beginners Mahjong Workshop
Mahjong has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular pastimes among Chinese families during Chinese New Year as well as almost any other occasion. If you’re planning to spend the festival with a Chinese family, knowing how to throw down on the tiles certainly won't hurt. Join Culture Yard this Sunday to learn all of the rules, strategies, and history of mahjong, as well as road test your newly learned skills against some healthy competition. RMB 250, RMB 100 (Culture Yard students). 10am-midday. Culture Yard
READ: The Weekend's Best Gigs in Beijing
Photos: IMDB, courtesy of event organizers
