Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events right here in Beijing.
As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.
Sat, Jul 17
Gubeikou Wall and adventure playground kids hike
This Saturday, Beijing Hikers are holding another of their popular Kids Club hikes. These hikes are specifically designed with young children in mind, and combine easy walking routes with fun activities, making it a stress-free choice for families. Starting with a walk up to the scenic Gubeikou Great Wall towers, the day includes a picnic lunch and ends at the local adventure playground complete with swings, rope courses, balance beams, and more.
7.30am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 450 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 7-12, RMB 150 for kids 3-5
“Legend of Pinyin” Parent-Child Story Meeting
This family workshop is aimed at children who already have a strong command of Chinese but might be struggling to wrap their heads around how to use pinyin, or simply don’t understand why they need to learn it. Through a fun fairy-tale storytelling adventure, kids will unlock the magic and utility of the pinyin phonetic system, all while helping to save Chinese characters!
10-11.30am. Building 10, Jianwai SOHO. RMB 98 for one adult and one child.
Sun, Jul 18
Spirited Away – Joe Hisaishi & Hayao Miyazaki Philharmonic Concert
Beijing fans of the legendary Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli are really getting spoiled right now! Not only is Miyazaki Hayao and Ghibli’s World Animation Art Exhibition in town, but this weekend fans can enjoy an immersive concert and screening experience with the local philharmonic. Playing selected scores from Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky, and more, and accompanied with scenes from these beloved films, it will be a delightful and moving experience for adults and kids of all ages.
11am-1pm. Sanlitun Philharmonic Art Space B1 Floor, No. 6, Sanlitun Soho. From RMB 104.
Guided by an experienced teacher and held at the Cultural Keys center in Tongzhou, this traditional Chinese ink painting workshop is a great activity for those interested in deepening their knowledge of the ancient art form. Kids are welcome, and the village that the center is located in is well worth a visit before or after the workshop.
2-6pm. CK Culture Centre, Songzhuang, Tongzhou District. RMB 258. RMB 158 for kids under 12.
Save the Date…
Beijing Hikers will be heading out to the White River on Jul 24. This is a very popular hike year-round (think shady picnics and cooling off in fresh water) and great for kids.
The biggest, juiciest food festival of the summer is coming Aug 6-8. That’s right, Burger Fest 2021: A Burger Odyssey will be taking over Wangjing for three days of mouthwatering burgers, delicious drinks, and awesome live entertainment. Oh, and it’s space-themed too. So get your family astronaut costumes ready now!
And don’t forget about these ongoing events and exhibitions…
Mars 2035 Immersive Science & Art Exhibition (ends Aug 31). If you’ve ever wanted to discover the red planet for yourself, now’s your chance at this great interactive exhibition.
Miyazaki Hayao and Ghibli’s World Animation Art Exhibition (ends Oct 10). Kids absolutely love the rich and magical world of Studio Ghibli animations, and this exhibition gives them a chance to experience it all up close and in person!
2021 Beijing International Light Festival (ends Oct 10). Pretty lights, lasers, stunning displays…this is one nighttime event worth keeping the kids up for.
KEEP READING: Are your kids enrolled in summer camp yet? Check out Beijing’s best camps, right here
Images: courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels
