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 TGIF roundup offers you some of the best.

Watch a great movie

This Saturday, China Film Archive screens The Lobster, Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos' flat-affect dark comedy that takes place in a society where being single is a criminal act. Its citizens then have only 45 days to find true love lest they risk being turned into the animal of their choice and released back into the wild. The beauty of the film lies in how the monotone dialogue contrasts with the absurdity of the scenes that play out in its surrealist, supernatural plot. RMB 50 (click here for tickets).  Aug 31, 1pm. China Film Archive (Xiaoxitian Branch)

Vinyl records party at El Nido

Fruityshop Records, one of Beijing's most influential record stores and DJ crews, haul the best of their catalog of rare vinyl to the El Nido yard for a day of booze, beats, and breaks. Expect jazz, afrobeat, funk, hip-hop, surf rock, and much more for the best way to nod through your breezy Saturday. Free. Aug 31, 3pm-late. El Nido

Shop at a curated market

Also this Saturday, the Beijing Flea Market's Summer Edition returns to TechTemple. Check out cool local vendors selling everything from clothing, to handicrafts, to food and much, much more, and help support local artists and artisans! Free. Midday-6pm. TechTemple

Learn a martial art

The traditional Chinese exercise of tai chi uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation as rewarding for your body as it is for your mind. It can also improve posture, balance, flexibility, and strength. Founded in 2006, San Feng Tai Chi Club offers professional tai chi classes catered to mixed age groups and all levels. What’s more, their classes take place outdoors every weekend in one of the most beautiful locations in town: the Temple of Heaven. Check their website or contact 135 0103 8913 or sanfengtaichi@163@.com for more information and class schedules.

READ: Where to Practice Martial Arts in Beijing

Photos courtesy of the organizers