Expats

Will you be my Valentine?

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-02-04 10:32

METRO reporter Todd Balazovic reaches deep into his heart to pull out secret tips for romance

Gifts

Sometimes, traditions exist for a reason. Flowers have been used by men worldwide to woo women since the days of cave-living. Carry on the tradition in style by finding the finest flowers at the Liangmahe Flower Market, 758 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. It may be a little corny, but old-fashioned romantic gestures can thaw even the coldest of hearts.

Life may be like a box of chocolates but that doesn't mean that you can't think outside the box. Take a twist on a traditional gift by visiting one of Beijing's more eclectic candy shops and buying something sweet to express your love. Awfully Chocolate 108, Bldg 2, Beijing Wanda Plaza, 87 Jianguo Lu, offers some of the smoothest milk and dark chocolate cakes in the city. Prices range from 100 to 200 yuan per cake.

Catch the eye of your tiger by giving a cotton-filled companion to fill the empty spaces when you're not around. One of the most unusual stuffed animal boutiques in Beijing is the Qingmuwu Toy Store, 21 Meishuguan Dongjie. With wall-to-wall toys, it will be easy to find the perfect plush that will leave your loved one's heart gushing.

Food

For those looking for a romantic atmosphere that's light on the wallet, the eerie glow of Guijie food street's mystic lanterns enchant the air, allowing for Romeo and Juliet to experience unified jubilation.

The street is lined with musicians who, for a fee, are willing to serenade at your beck and call. Impress your date by showing your spontaneous side and popping into one of the hundreds of restaurants along the street.

Love is an adventure, and so is life.

Forge the path of affection by heading down to Wanfujing snack street and experimenting with some of the odd cuisines there.

Nothing is more impressive to a lover than proving your adventurousness.

Stir up feelings of fondness as you snap into a stick full of silkworm cocoons. Think of the classic love scene in Lady and the Tramp, but replace the strands of spaghetti with scorpions. Just remember to bring gum.

The language of love

Sometimes, action speaks louder than words, but on Valentine's Day the right words can melt your loved one's heart. Here is a quick list of useful phrases that should stir even the most passive of souls.

You're beautiful.

Ni feichang piaoliang.

I love you.

Wo ai ni.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Qingrenjie kuaile.

You are an angel.

Ni shi yige tianshi.

Love at first sight.

Yi jian zhong qing.

I am crazy for you.

Wo fengkuang de ai zhe ni.

Karaoke

Expats and Chinese alike love expressing their love by grabbing the microphone and serenading a sweetheart with the use of another's poetry. If you want your Valentine's Day to be remotely Chinese, skip the end of the night bar and head to Karaoke. Just in case you're in the dark as to what to sing, here's five songs that will send your sweetie swooning.

Top 5 Valentine's Day karaoke songs.

1. Yueliang daibiao wode xin (Moon represents my heart),

Deng Lijun

2. Ta yiding hen'ai ni (He must love you), A Du

3. Ai ni yiwan nian (Love you for 10,000 years), Andy Lau

4. Hen'ai hen'ai ni (Love you so much), Rene Liu

5. Ruguo ai (If love), Jacky Zheung

Activities

If your sweetheart hasn't had enough sweet stuff after the box of chocolates, visit the Chinese chocolate wonderland at the World Chocolate Dream Park now open at Bird's Nest Stadium. Revel in the sweetest renditions of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tantalize taste buds as you take in the chocolate versions of the Terra Cotta Warriors, a BMW or the Great Wall. The entry fee is 80 yuan.

Nothing is more romantic than gliding hand-in-hand along the ice at the Houhai ice skating rink as you whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears. At just 15 yuan, this is among the cheapest and most romantic activities one can do on a very merry Chinese Valentine's day. It is suggested couples go around at noon to avoid the cold winter winds that arrive as the sun sets. The rink is open from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Sometimes, three can be good company, especially if the third wheel happens to be a fuzzy friend. Nothing gives you a better chance to chat with your potential paramour than strolling side-by-side on a sunny day walking a future family member. As a bonus, you're doing a good deed for the dog.

At the Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Center (BHAEEC) you can volunteer to walk and play with man and woman's best friend without the need to make any life-altering decisions. E-mail info@animalschina.org for more information.