The Year of the Dragon is only a couple of weeks away and the celebrations have already kicked off in Beijing. If you’re eager to start enjoying everything the city has to offer, make sure to check out these family-friendly events:
Prenatal Yoga, Mama & Baby Yoga, and Kids Yoga at Avisha
Improve your health, your posture and your mood at one of Avisha’s specially designed yoga classes. Depending on the stage in your life you’re currently at, you can choose between prenatal or mama and baby classes, or if you have an older kiddo, you can spend some quality time together doing age-appropriate stretches and activities in kids yoga sessions on Saturdays. The Prenatal Yoga and Mama & Baby classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays and are led by Silvana. Kids Yoga takes place on Saturdays and the kids get to enjoy the fun and healthy environment with Madeleine. Scan the QR codes on the posters to register.
Where: 1-3-38 Building 3, Shoukai Bojun, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Prenatal Yoga: Wednesdays, 10.45am-noon; Mama & Baby Yoga: Thursdays, 10.45am-noon; Kids Yoga: Saturdays, 10.45am-11.35am
Price: RMB 650 (5 classes) or RMB 150 (single class)
Plan B’s DIY Pizza for Kids
It’s not dumplings, but it’s pretty close. The event is suitable for kids 5 and up, and includes a presentation about the history of pizza, a DIY workshop, lunch and certificates. It’s limited to ten kids, so make sure to book a spot in advance. To register for the event, add Ali on WeChat: 13716016315
Where: Building 2, International Art Plaza, Pingod North, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (east of Today Art Museum and behind 7/11)
When: Jan 27, 11:30am
Price: RMB 118
Chinese New Year Dumpling Party
Say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcome the Year of the Dragon by making the family favorite: traditional Chinese New Year dumplings. The culinary team at The Hutong Kitchen will take you through each step of this annual ritual from rolling the dough and filling to helping you learn to wrap the perfect dumpling. The event includes a basic dumpling-making lesson, all-you-can-eat dumplings, local beer, soft drinks, and lucky prizes.
Where: 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District
When: Jan 27, 6.30pm-9pm
Price: RMB 260/members, RMB 300/non-members
DCB’s Fame the Musical
When: Jan 31-Feb 2, 6.30pm-8.30pm; Feb 3, 2pm-4pm
Price: RMB 60
When: Feb 4, 11am-1pm
Price: Free
Don’t forget to check out these other events:
BSB Sanlitun: Playgroup, Dance Class and Book Club
Calling all parents and little ones aged 0-3 years. The BSB Baby Group, Baby Dance Class, and Baby Book Club are back! Wonderful opportunites for bonding and exploration await you and your little bundle of joy. Share in the joy of parenting and connect with other families as we create memorable moments together. Scan the QR codes on the poster to sign up.
Where: 5 Xiliu Jie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Baby Group: Wednesdays from 9am-10.30am; Dance Class: Fridays from 9am-9.30am; Book Club: Mondays from 9am-9.30am
Price: Free
EAST Beijing’s Cooking Class
Unlock the art of culinary delight with EAST Beijing’s Cooking Class! Immerse yourself in the world of flavors and creativity with flexible classes running on weekends from noon to 2pm. In January, they’re kicking off the year sweetly with the “New Year Strawberry Creamy Chiffon Roll.” Join in for a hands-on experience, and let the aroma of fresh ingredients and the joy of cooking fill your day!
Where: 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Saturdays and Sundays (no classes on Feb 10, 11), noon-2pm
Price: RMB 198 (Jan and Feb), RMB 248 (Mar)
Chinese New Year Floral Class
Immerse yourself in the art of flower arrangement as expert instructors guide you in creating your own festive floral composition. Using beautiful studio flowers, you’ll have the opportunity to design a unique arrangement that captures the spirit of the New Year.
No prior experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! This hands-on class promises a lively atmosphere filled with passion and imagination. Don’t miss the chance to add a touch of floral elegance to your Chinese New Year celebrations. Secure your spot now and let the vibrant colors of blossoms inspire your artistic flair!
Where: 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
When: Jan 26, 12.30pm-2pm
Price: RMB 368
BSB Shunyi Baby Group
Families with little ones aged 0-18 months can come to The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) to meet other expat families, enjoy playing with age-appropriate toys, create seasonal crafts, sing and lots more! Drinks and snacks provided.
RSVP required. Please scan QR code in the poster to sign up as space is limited.
Where: 9 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District
When: Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb 28; Mar 6, 13 and 20; 9.30am-10.30am
Price: Free
And if your plan is to use this time find a great school for your kid, here’s a list of open houses you can attend in the next two weeks:
BISS Open Day
The BISS Open Day in Beijing provides an opportunity to explore the school’s offerings, interact with educators, and learn about the curriculum and admissions process. Join for a day of discovery and inspiration!
Where: 17 Anzhen Xili 4, Chaoyang District
When: Jan 27, 9.45am
Price: Free
Jazzy’s Chinese New Year Open Day and Temple Fair
Are you looking for a kindergarten for your 1 to 6-year-old child? Come discover Jazzy Preschool’s unique trilingual education during their Open Day: Chinese New Year Edition. Scan the QR code to register.
Where: C101, East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District
When: Jan 27, 10am-1pm
Price: Free
YCIS Open Day
The YCYW network of schools was founded in Hong Kong 90 years ago. Since 1932, YCYW has transformed into a modern, international education network of schools leading the way in developing students into ambitious, kind and responsible future leaders. Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Beijing opened in 1995 with the aim of bringing the educational philosophy, objectives and pedagogy of Yew Chung to Beijing’s expatriate families. Over the past 28 years, YCIS Beijing has grown rapidly and now has a student body of over 800 who come from over 40 nationalities and are educated by teachers from 30 countries under an international curriculum that nurtures globally minded students. Scan the QR code on the poster to join their open day activities.
Where: Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District
When: Feb 2, 9.30am-noon
Price: Free
Images: Pexels, Courtesy of the organizers
