Date: Jan 27th 2014 3:47p.m.

Contributed by:
cityweekend

It’s nearly Chinese New Year and already Beijing is starting to empty, taxi drivers have packed up and are heading back to their hometowns, and news reports of “Spring Festival travel chaos” are doing the rounds. Although Beijing goes distinctly quiet at this time of year, events wise at least, there are still a few gems out there for you to head to. Here’s what’s on our City Weekend radar this week. 

Huang Rui – Closing

This week sees the closure of leading Chinese artist Huang Rui’s exhibition “The Waste Land Series 2011-2013.” The exhibition combines Huang Rui’s oil paintings with TS Eliot’s poetry and tries to capture the essence of identity. You can catch our review of Huang’s thought-provoking exhibition here.    

Kocoon Winter Face Rescue

This year’s winter has been one of the driest ever in Beijing. The lack of moisture in the air can do untold damage to your skin, especially to the face. A trip to Kocoon, where they currently have a very tempting facial offer, may help get your skin feeling soft and smooth again. RMB780 gets you a 75-minute moisturizing facial and a 15-minute aromatherapy massage for your back or legs. You’ll have to be quick though, this offer closes on Wednesday!

Courtyard Lunch

You don’t have much time left to take advantage of this great lunch deal. Brian McKenna @The Courtyard is offering a two-course lunch for only RMB 198. If you can afford to pay a little extra, RMB248 gets you three-courses. An excellent excuse to eat at one of Beijing’s best restaurants. 

Horse Party  

Orchid Hotel has got together with Great Leap Brewing to put on a huge party for Chinese New Year. Enjoy a free flow of six Great Leap beers …