Romantic Rendezvous

If you're reading this and still haven't planned anything for Valentine's Day, you're either a) someone who despises the whole notion of Valentine’s Day; b ) single and still holding out hope of having fun with someone; or c) in a relationship and heading for trouble. If you’re one of the haters, there’s nothing for you here. If you fall into the latter two categories, these ideas might give you some inspiration to salvage your Valentine’s date.

Something For the Singles
As Halloween is to fans of all things supernatural, so Valentine’s Day is to the Speedating Specialists. They take over Purple Sage’s courtyard space tonight to give you the chance to have 25 Valentines in one night – more than twice as many as you’ll meet at one of their regular speed dating events. Reservations essential: e-mail speedatingbj@gmail.com to book a place or see speedatingbeijing.spaces.live.com. RMB 220 (includes tapas selection created by Purple Sage's Singaporean chef, one cocktail and free flow of non-alcoholic drinks). 7.30pm. Purple Sage. 40 Dongsiliutiao, Dongcheng District. (6407 6889, psbeijing@purplesage.com.sg) www.purplesage.com.cn
东城区东四六条40号

Romantic Cinematics
Get in the mood with some romantic comedy in If You Are the One, China’s movie of the moment and the latest “holiday movie” from director Feng Xiaogang. The movie follows wealthy bachelor Qin (Ge You) as he embarks on a blind-dating spree, before meeting flight attendant Smiley (Shu Qi). Alternatively, test the theory that critics are sad, lonely souls by seeing for yourself if Baz Luhrmann’s Australia is as bad as the press say, or if it is actually the epic love story it was hyped to be. The plot tells the story of the romance between Nicole Kidman and People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” Hugh Jackman, and takes place in, surprisingly enough, Australia. MegaBox. B1/F, The Village at Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District. (5986 3777)
朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯Village地下一层

Bohemian Rhapsodies
Intellectual types for whom the way to the heart is via earnest philosophical discussion and mutual glimpsing of the inner soul can find their Cupid this year in the form of French New Wave director Eric Rohmer. The French Cultural Centre is showing four of Rohmer’s short films, all touching on affairs of the heart, including Charlotte and Her Steak, The Girl at the Monceau Bakery, Suzanne’s Career and Nadja in Paris. All will be shown in French with Chinese subtitles. Free. 3pm. French Cultural Centre. 16 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6553 2627) ww.ccfpekin.org
法国文化中心，朝阳区工体西路16号

Sultry in Snow
You’d best plan to make a night of it if you’re going out to Jundushan, but isn’t that a good sign? Snowboarding together under the stars should certainly turn up the romantic dial tenfold. Equipment rental and accommodation are both available, but given that we’re reaching the close of the snowy season, we recommend calling ahead to check up on the situation before setting out. RMB 80 (night sessions, includes dinner). Daily 5-10pm. Jundushan Ski Resort. 588 Zhenshun Village, Cuicun Town, Changping District. (6072 5888) www.bjski.com.cn
昌平区崔村镇真顺村588号

Three’s a Crowd
A story about a love triangle won’t be the best tonic for couples whose romance is on the rocks, but theater lovers should enjoy Beauty Xi Shi, a dance drama from the Wuxi Song and Dance Ensemble and Jiangsu Province Ethnic Dance Ensemble. Xi Shi, a famous beauty, general Fan Li, and emperor Wu find themselves mixed up in a clash of lust, loyalty and patriotism. RMB 80-580. Tickets at 6417 7845. NCPA Opera House. 2 Chang'an Jie, Xicheng District. (6655 0000)
国家大剧院, 西城区西长安街2号

Compiled by Rita Chung; this article was originally published in agenda