Beijing can be overstimulating, to say the least. Let’s be real: Sometimes even our sixth sense gets a decent workout, the one where you know that stick of chuan'r will get you sick for the next two days (but you gobble it up anyway). With such a wide variety of events, restaurants, and gigs to attend, we suggest bathing each of your five senses in one, if not all, of the nourishing goings-on below.
Taste
Mercante Six Years Anniversary
Ah, sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh-out-of-the-oven bread with a splash of fragrant olive oil instantly bring out the sunny feelings in us. Beijing's sun will not be ripening tomatoes anytime soon, so this weekend is the perfect opportunity to head to Mercante for a taste of Mediterranian life. They are celebrating six years of home-style Italian food tradition in Beijing and invite everyone to raise a glass and enjoy some off-menu dishes over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday. Mercante.
Smell
Give a man a fish and he'll be full for one meal but teach a man how to make noodles and he'll not only be full for life but will spread excitement throughout it. Breath in the dust from flour and freshly kneaded dough in this hand-pulled noodle making class. China boasts a variety of noodles to master, but hand-pulled noodles are a great starting point. Saturday and Sunday 11:30am. RMB 80. The Noodle Bar at the Shangri-La China World Summit Wing.
Touch
Have you ever wanted to bring a bit of your favorite drinking spot home? Not just in your heart but in the shape of an actual material object. This weekend, we are waving goodbye to Beiluoguxiang's 8-Bit. However, the tears in our eyes shouldn't obstruct us from bringing a few bar stools or games back home as 8-bit have promised to sell all their goodies for cheap before closing the door. This way, 8-Bit will always be a part of Beijing and shall live among us. Besides the yard sale, there will be plenty of music and drinks. 3pm onwards. 8-Bit.
Hear
Shade Seoul x Most Girls Smell Good
One of Seoul's most forward-looking LGBTQ nights is taking over Shanghai and Beijing's Dadas. Courtesy of promoters Most Girls Smell Good, the best of techno, RnB, grime and possibly hip-hop will be on stage. Besides that, expect drag performances, dances, and workshops (9pm). Saturday 10pm. Price TBA. Dada.
See
Royal Manchu Ice Skating Performances
Anything "on ice" is a level up from usual fun, be it a drink or a Disney performance. This Saturday is the last day Beijingers can enjoy Royal Manchu skating performances on Beihai lake. Whether the "Archery on ice" (as reflected in one of the old paintings) will make it to the list of official winter Olympics sports is still in doubt, but paintings depicting a frozen lake in Manchu times with hundreds of ice skaters suggest it's been a popular activity. Until Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm (six performances). Free. Beihai Park.
Images: Courtesy of the organizers