Love Is in the Air
Whether you are a romantic or a cynic, Valentine’s Day is almost here. No matter your stance on the holiday, showing how much you appreciate your partner never goes out of style.
Let There Be Light
Cap off the lunar New Year by visiting one of the numerous temples around town for the Lantern Festival. Kids can make their own paper lanterns or simply catch lantern shows at Yuanmingyuan, Beihai Park, or Zizhuyuan Park.
Four to the Floor
The fourth edtion of the beijingkids School Choice Guide is out this month, covering everything you need to know about picking a school in Beijing. With listings for 70 schools, this annual supplement contains features on funding your child’s education, finding the right curriculum, and more. There is still time to pre-register for the free beijingkids and JingKids 2014 Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers, on March 1-2.
Yao or Never
Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming has partnered with NBA China to open the NBA Yao School, which will offer bilingual after-school programs for ages 6-16. Coaches from the US will teach classes alongside Chinese coaching assistants at the Wukesong Basketball Park.
Compare Notes
Ever wonder what learning a traditional Chinese instrument like the guzheng or the erhu is like? Wonder no more as beijingkids checks out a music program specializing in English-language lessons for expat kids.
Sugarcane, Spice and Everything Nice
Thick stalks of sugarcane are now available on many a Beijing street corner. Vendors will help you hack away the bamboo-like black skin to reveal a fibrous yellow interior. Gnaw on the sugarcane, suck out the juice, and spit out the pulpy bits. Your kids will love this tactile eating experience.
Turn Up the Heat
To ward off the last of the winter chill, book a hot spring getaway Changping District. The best part? You do not have to share, as the area offers lots of private pools – sometimes right on your balcony.
For the Love of Pets
February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, so take a moment to think about the four-legged members of your family. Are they microchipped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated against rabies? If not, consider taking them to a registered animal hospital like the International Center for Veterinary Services.
Break the Ice
Spring is just around the corner, so hit the slopes before it is too late. Located three hours from Beijing, Genting Resort Secret Garden offers a number of runs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers or snowboarders.
Catch the 2014 Winter Olympics
Cheer on your compatriots from February 6-23 as they compete in 15 winter sports at the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Head to any number of Beijing’s non-smoking bars to watch this sporting event with your kids, including Great Leap Brewing, Cu Ju, Plan B, and Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q.
Want your family-friendly event to appear in our next issue?
Upload it at www.beijing-kids.com/events by February 10.
photos by Flickr Users Stewart, TW Chang; Courtesy of Yao School, LOVA, Mitchell Pe Masilun
This article originally appeared on p12-13 of the beijingkids February 2014 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
