Busy Holiday 5: Chrysanthemums, Brunch, World-Class Cocktails & More
It's the National Holiday! While many of you may have left Beijing for the holiday, for those who have remained in the capital, there is still plenty to do! Today, we'll be taking a look at some events to hit up and activities to do tomorrow, Oct 5.
Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Nature Exploration at the China National Botanical Garden
The national holiday is the perfect time to get out and explore some of Beijing’s greener spots. This holiday, the China National Botanical Garden is in the midst of holding its fourth annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition. Tens of thousands of chrysanthemums, roses, osmanthus flowers and flowers of many other varieties will be on display in many different exhibition areas. And while you bask in the horticultural splendor, you can also participate in a variety of science activities and cultural experiences. The exhibition will run for several more weeks, so even if you’re not able to make it during the holiday, you’ve still got plenty of time to take in the beautiful blooms. Find more information about the exhibition here.
Have children? Well, then you’re in luck. There will also be a number of bilingual parent-child science activities taking place throughout the holiday. From plants to bugs and birds, there's bound to be something to excite the young scientist in your family. Read more about the scheduled activities and how to register here.
The Chrysanthemum Exhibition will run until Oct 26. Regular entry tickets to the China National Botanical Garden start at RMB 5-10. Additional ticket information can be found via the QR code below or on the garden's official WeChat mini program (search 国家植物园). General English-language information about the botanical garden, including hours and ticket info, can also be found on their website.
China National Botanical Garden 国家植物园（北京）
At the intersection of Xiangshan Lu and Wofosi Lu, Haidian District
海淀区香山路与卧佛寺路交叉口
Mid-Autumn Brunch Buffet and Coffee Awakening Party at Zarah
Celebrate the Moon Festival with Zarah on Oct 5, from 10am to 2pm!
You get all this for RMB 228 per person. Want to add something sparkling to your brunch? Go for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink option for RMB 388, which includes three hours of free-flow beer, wine, sparkling wine and Zarah’s signature seasonal cocktails. There is also a Kids Brunch, which is RMB 98 for children aged 6-12 years old. Reservations for brunch are highly recommended. And if you're keen to keep the party going, grab a cup of coffee and stick around after brunch for the Daylight Coffee Awakening Party, where several talented DJs will be on hand to help you vibe to chill, atmospheric, electronic, techno and house beats. Find more info about Daylight here. The Mid-Autumn Brunch Buffet will be taking place at Zarah on Sun, Oct 5, from 10am to 2pm. The buffet is RMB 228 per person or RMB 388 for the addition of a three-hour free-flow selection. The Kids Brunch is RMB 98 for children aged 6-12 years old. Reservations for brunch are highly recommended. The Daylight party will be taking place afterwards from 2pm to 10pm. Entry is free. Café Zarah
46 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街46号
Handshake Speakeasy Guest Shift at Long Fong
On Oct 5, from 7pm to 11pm, Rodrigo Urraca, one of the founders of innovative Mexico City bar Handshake Speakeasy, and bartender Miguel will take up residence at Long Fong bar, serving up a number of tantalizing, original Handshake Speakeasy drinks.
Handshake boasts a Prohibition vibe and takes its aesthetic inspiration from The Great Gatsby. It focuses on the development of unique flavors for their world-class beverages, utilizing advanced culinary tech and laboratory precision to deliver seemingly simple yet endlessly creative cocktails to create an exclusive and memorable experience for guests.
Sound intriguing? Find out for yourself why Handshake Speakeasy was voted The World's Best Bar 2024 and The Best Bar in North America 2024 and 2025 in the 50 Best brand's rankings of outstanding bars all around the globe.
The Handshake Speakeasy Guest Shift at Long Fong will be taking place Sun, Oct 5, from 7pm to 11pm. There are a limited number of seats. For reservations, please refer to the in-store staff or call the bar at 010 8517 5879 during business hours (7pm-2am).
廊房 LONG FENG 酒吧
1, 1/F, 97 Jinbao Jie, Chaoyang District (behind Park Plaza Hotel)
朝阳区金宝街97号1层1号（北京丽婷酒店后面）
Sanxian Erpin at Modernista
Holiday Sunday brings the Modernista debut of Sanxian Erpin! Sanxian Erpin was formed in the winter of 2012, and their music is rooted in folk rock and blues and enriched with vocal tones and rhythms that evoke the vastness of the grasslands as they continually search for the truest voice within. The name “Sanxian Erpin” corresponds to the note “La” on the guitar fretboard, symbolizing a joyful musical journey. In recent years, the band has been active on stages across China, performing at major livehouses and festivals.
After their debut set, DJ Lennon keeps the holiday energy alive with beats until late. Discover a new sound and dance into the night – it’s the perfect way to spend your Golden Week.
Sanxian Erpin will be performing at Modernista on Sun, Oct 5, at 9pm, entry is free. Read more about them here.
Modernista
44 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同44号
READ: Busy Holiday 4: WTT Carnival, Caribbean Night & More
Images: courtesy of the venues
