Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.
Free
Falling into Place: The Art of Song Jiayin, Jun 20 – Jul 30 (excluding Mondays)
All ages. “True, but not real; ideal, but not abstract.” This quote by Marcel Proust is the best way to describe the abstract art of Song Jiayin. Her works, made up of portraits and sculpture, are full of tiny details, with no one clear point of view, inviting the audience to ponder their own memories and associations. She is currently showing in Caochangdi’s Hunsand Space. Free. 11am-6pm. Hunsand Space. For more information visit https://www.douban.com/event/28898370/ Caochangdi Art Zone, Block 211, Building A8 草场地艺术区211号院A8
Hello, Uzbekistan!, Jun 23
Come discover the timeless charm of Uzbekistan through a photography exhibition of people and places, a showcase of delicate hand-crafted embroidery and intricately-patterned ceramics, and cups of tea brewed with classic Uzbekistan hospitality.This event is part of the HELLO, WORLD series by World Culture Open, a global network of creatives dedicated to facilitating open platforms for dynamic cultural exchange and creative collaboration in pursuit of global harmony. 7:30-9:30pm. W STAGE Beijing. S9-105 Dangdai MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Str., Dongcheng. 北京市东城区香河园路1号当代MOMA S9-105
Classic Movie Tuesday: The Sword and the Rose (1953), Jun 27
All ages. The Sword and the Rose is a classic historic drama that explores England’s glorious past. Join Pop-Up Beijing to listen to stories to rouse the spirit, entertain the heart, and fire the soul! 7:30-9:30pm. Pop-Up Beijing. North Side, Ground Level, Building 22, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beijlu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，三里屯，工体北路4号22号楼104室
Workshops and classes
David Hockney Workshop, Jun 19
Ages 5+. Students can discover contemporary painting with Atelier’s journey through David Hockney’s oeuvre. This year Hockney has two major retrospectives in London and Paris to celebrate his work. From the villas of Los Angeles to the countryside in Great Britain, get inspired by his landscapes, his experimental photography work, his iPad monumental paintings, and the harmony of his vivid palette. RMB 1,800 per week. 10am-noon (ages 5 to 8), 1.30pm-4pm (ages 9+). Atelier.
E-Commerce: How to Sell Your Products Online, Jun 21
Adults. This full-day, English language seminar looks at China’s unique e-Commerce market and helps participants understand the local players and practices that make it different from Western markets. Intended for anyone with an e-Commerce or digital venture, this course looks at marketplaces and e-tailers, how to use Baidu for digital marketing and many other topics. Click here for more information or to register. RMB 2,300 (members), RMB 3,500 (non-members). 9am-5.30pm. European Union Chamber of Commerce In China.
Learn to Cook Beijing Noodles, Jun 21
Ages 10+. That’s Mandarin is hosting a class to teach participants how to make and eat 老北京炸酱面 (Lǎo Běijīng zhájiàngmiàn), a traditional Beijing noodle dish served with fried bean sauce. Students will get the opportunity to see the production of these handmade noodles in live, but also a variety of other dishes and methods. RMB 100. 7pm-9pm. That’s Mandarin.
Stretch & Soothe Yoga, Jun 21 & 28
Adults. The German Centre Beijing is hosting a yoga class that is intended to help participants deal with stress and reduce the aches that come from hours at a desk. Yoga Alliance certified instructor Mei-Ling Wong will be leading the class for people of all ability levels. In the case of a bad pollution day, the room where the class is in has an air purifier. Participants must bring their own yoga mat. Sign up here at least a day in advance. RMB 100, 6:30-7:30pm, German Centre for Industry and Trade Beijing. Unit 1101A, DRC Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Office Building, 11th floor, Tower D1, 19 Dongfang East Road, Chaoyang District. 北京德意志工商中心，北京市朝阳区东方东路19号DRC亮马桥外交办公大楼D1座1101室
DIY Hat Making Session with Elisabeth Koch, Jun 24
All ages. Part of this year’s Dutch Days in Beijing includes this hat making workshop with Elisabeth Koch. Join the group as they unlock their creativity and make some portable shade. RMB 500. 1pm-4pm. Pop-up Beijing.
Broadcast on WeChat: How to Build High-Performing Teams, Jun 24
Adults. This session will discuss the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni. The live broadcast will take place on WeChat on Saturday, June 24 from 10-10.45am (Chinese Standard Time). These are the topics that will be covered: (1) the common reasons why teams often struggle, (2) learning actionable steps to build a cohesive, effective team. Free. 10am-10.45am. On WeChat.
Weekly Drawing Classes, beginning Jun 24
All ages. The weekly art sessions will run until November 25. They’re perfect for families with children that have a passion for art. Students at the SLab can learn correct drawing techniques, how to draw portraits, and even papier mâché. Come join the Academic Drawing Class from 1-3pm, and/or the Creative Drawing Class from 4-6pm. RMB 290 per class. The SLab. (138 1121 8031) R102 Building 5, No.15 DongzimenWai Street DongCheng Street.
Destination Moon Workshop, Jun 26
Ages 5 to 8 (comic book making), ages 9+ (rocket building). During the workshop, students aged 9+ will build their own water propelled rocket from the basis of propulsion to its personalized design. All students will create a comic book to tell day by day their adventure: from the construction of the rocket to their journey to the moon. RMB 3,500 per week. 10am-4pm. Atelier. (contact@atelier.cn.com, 6416 1614).
Hip Hop Summer Workshop, Jun 26-30
All ages. Come join a variety of different summer workshops at the Peter Farrell Academy of Performing Arts in Beijing. From hip-hop to musical theater, these entertaining classes are something you do not want to miss. 8:30am-4:30pm. Peter Farrell Academy of Performing Arts in Beijing. (138 1002 7304) Building No.1 Taiping Zhuang Nanli, Chunxiu Road, Chaoyang District.
Speak Mandarin Fluently in Three Months, Everyday (offered until Dec 31, 2018)
Sophia Zhang is putting expats to the test, and challenging to learn to speak Mandarin fluently in just three months. Join us to enhance your Chinese skills daily and conquer this difficult language once and for all. Requires an application; sign up here. 5:30am-10:30pm. Mandarin House Beijing. Suite 317, Tower 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Road, Shaungjing. 朝阳区建国路89号华贸商务楼16号楼317室
Arts and culture
Three Body Problem (Play), Jun 22
Ages 9+. The novel Three Body Problem, by author Liu Cixin, was released in 2008 and is poised to become one of the classics of science fiction, not just at home, but around the world. This amazing novel comes to the stage in a Chinese-language production, following nanotechnologist Wang Miao as he grapples with the titular problem. There will be showings from June 22 through June 24. Tickets can be purchased here. RMB 380 to RMB 880. 7.30pm-9pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater.
Ballet: Hamlet, Jun 24 and 25
Ages 9+. The Shanghai Ballet brings this adaptation of Shakespeare’s great tragedy to life through dance. Western audiences will be familiar with the story of revenge and justice, and the Shanghai Ballet, which is the preeminent troupe currently performing in China, tells the tale with grace and boldness. Since forming in 1979, the troupe has taken 39 medals in international ballet competitions, giving it a place among the greats of the world stage. RMB 100-580 per ticket (buy tickets here). Starts at 7:30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院: Tian’anmen/Dongjiaominxiang, 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District. 天安门东交民巷，西城区，西长安街2号
150th Canada Day Fair, Jun 25
All ages. Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with the Canada-China Business Council and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Beijing. Sample Canadian food and wine and bring the kids for family-friendly games and activities. There will even be skating in a covered rink for the full Canadian experience. For more information or to buy tickets click here. RMB 50, Free for kids under 12. 11am-5pm. Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB).
The New Normal: Art Exhibition, Ending Jul 9th (excluding Mondays)
All ages. Recent works from over 20 artists from around China have gathered together in UCCA, Beijing’s private institution for modern art. The exhibition “What is the place of art in China today?” aims to answer this question through the art of Guo Xi, Alvin Li, and Wenfei Wang. RMB 60. 10am-7pm. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA). 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号
Living Digital Forest and Future Park, Tue-Sat until Oct 10
All ages. Located at Beijing’s well known 798 Art District, this new exhibit features a dozen digital works that are completely new to the public eye. From a Chrysanthemum Tiger to the Crystal Universe display, the exhibits are great for children and allow them to revel in their beauty. RMB 150. 10am-6pm. Pace Beijing, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区8502信箱
Family events
All You Can Eat Dumplings at Mr. Shi’s, Jun 27
All ages. Pingo hits up eat-all-you-can at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings in Jiuxianqiao. Fill up on dumplings and dishes, and meet some fellow expats and freelancers in Beijing in a relaxed social setting. This is a great event not only for the hungry, but for those who want to meet some new people and do some networking. Register here. RMB 58. Starts at 7pm. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings, 2-2, 26 Jiuxianqian Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，酒仙桥中路26号院2-2
Give Kids a Smile: Dental Sealant Event, Jun 30
Kids 5+. Every Monday, children and their families can come in to the Joinway Dental Clinic to attend a seminar on the importance of good oral health. This multi-step dental visit, including dental sealants and fluoride varnish, help to educate children on the ways they can prevent cavities. Book your appointment beforehand by email at: joinway@dentalcn.com. RMB 300. 10:50am. Joinway Dental Clinic, 11D, Bldg. D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza, 48 Dongzhimen Waidajie. 东直门外大街48号东方银座D座D
CBD Kids Land, Every Sun
All ages. Each Sunday since April 2017, kids have been gathering to play at a weekly carnival hosted at Grand Millennium’s CBD Kids Land. The play area includes slides and tunnels to climb in, and children are also provided with a special buffet afterwards. Parents can enjoy dishes off of the CBD menu, and use this experience as a way to spend quality time with their child. RMB 228 + 15 percent service charge (free for children under 6). Noon-3:00pm, Grand Millennium Beijing, 7 Dong San Huan Middle Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，东三杯中路7号
Kid’s Sunday Special @ Catherine de France Hair Salon, Every Sunday
Kids under 12. Catherine de France Hair Salon gives a 10 percent discount to kids under 12 getting their hair done. The special event happens every Sunday until the end of 2017. Families that have two or more children can receive 20 percent off their future up do. RMB 70-400 before discount, 10am-6pm, Catherine de France Hair Salon, 1/F, Dongjie Dasha, 10 Xindong Lu. 新东路10号东街大厦1层
Summer camps and excursions
Survival Camp, Jun 19
Ages 7 to 18. Through making fires, building rafts, crossing rivers, and making traps Survival Camp will show participants what nature has to offer. All classes are taught by BSA-qualified (Bushcraft and Survival Association) guides with many years of experience leading survival camps abroad. RMB 750 per day (normal price), RMB 650 per day (sign up two weeks before the start), RMB 650 per day (3 kids). 8am-4.45pm. Huairou. (WeChat: Imagine24x7Service, 5739 4933).
Sports Beijing Summer Camp, begins June 19
Ages 5+. Sports Beijing is offering a wide variety of weekday full-day activities and half-day activities, both in the morning and afternoon from June 19th to August 11th. This summer camp will be held inside the air conditioned and air purified ISB dome and the morning activities will include basketball, football, gymnastic, and tennis. In the afternoon the activities will include a multi-sport program, as well as tennis. Spots are limited. For other information and registration, contact Sports Beijing via WeChat (ID: sportbeijing). (6430 1370, 6430 1176, info@sportsbj.com)
Watersports Camp by Imagine, June 19-23
Kids 6+. Kids will learn all kinds of fascinating watersports skills in Imagine’s popular Watersports Camp in Shunyi, from sailing and kayaking to rafting and paddling. Learn how to balance on a paddleboard, play games on rafts, navigate the boat, using gained knowledge about the wind. Work towards your “Learn to Sail Level 1” certificate. For price and schedule details, contact Imagine at 5739 4933 or designer@imagine-china.com.
Imagival, Jun 26
Ages 8+ Over five days (June 26 to 30), kids will experience tons of Imagine’s most exciting activities in different locations throughout Beijing. Everything from transportation to accommodation, meals, activities, and games will be arranged by Imagine. Activities will include Bubble Football, Watersports, Water Fight, Pirate Treasure Hunt, Long Range Archery, and more. RMB 4,500 (standard price), RMB 4,000 (6 kids). 8am-6pm. Varying locations throughout Beijing. (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com).
Hiking and camping
West to East Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Camping, Jun 20-21
Ages 6+. The 18-km Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall camping offers an in-depth exploration of the Wild Jiankou with a finish on the restored Mutianyu Great Wall. On the first day, the hike goes to the eastern section of the wild Jiankou Great Wall and there will be a camp overnight on top of the Great Wall. On day 2, hikers will pick up their trek on the Jiankou from the famous Zhengbeilou Watchtower and hike east all the way to Mutianyu Great Wall. RMB 1,600 (RMB 1,440 for kids 7-17; RMB 1,280 for members; RMB 800 for kids younger than 7). Hiking duration is 4h per day, with the departure on June 20 at 9.30am. Expected time of arrival in Beijing is between 6 and 7pm. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, www.chinahiking.cn/)
General Xu Great Wall to Border Defense Great Wall Camping, Jun 22-23
Ages 5+. Hike the Great Wall of China for 2 days with China Hiking. The 23km hike is split into 4 hour chunks over the course of the two days. It is one of the harder ones, but the view is worth it.. RMB 1,500 for adults, RMB 1,200 for members, RMB 1,350 for children 7-17, RMB 750 for children younger than 7. China Hiking.
Featured photo by jonathanvalencia5 via Pixabay. Other photos courtesy of the organizers
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