The Bookworm International Literary Festival 2012
From March 9 to 23, journalists, novelists, illustrators, performers, and storytellers
of all stripes will descend on Beijing for The Bookworm International Literary Festival
2012. For kid-friendly workshops and author talks, see Events. To read interviews
with five BLF 2012 authors, turn to Playing.
Kiss Me, I’m Irish
Whether you’re Irish or just looking for an excuse to wear green, St. Patrick’s Day events will be held across Beijing throughout the month. On March 14, head to Black Sesame Kitchen for a special 10-course St. Paddy’s Day dinner with green dumplings and green tea ice cream. Tickets cost RMB 350 and can be reserved online at www.blacksesamekitchen.com. Also, keep your eyes peeled for information on the Beijing Irish Festival (March 3-18) on the Irish Embassy’s website (www.embassyofireland.cn)
Sign Up for Spring Sports
Many organizations in Beijing are currently kicking off the spring session of their sports programs. Starting on March 11, HeyRunning is a 10-week race camp organized by the people behind Heyrobics. Beginners and advanced runners alike can access personalized coaching and training programs. Throughout March and April, ClubFootball will also be starting their spring youth programs. Stay tuned on www.clubfootball.com.cn for details, or get in touch at 5130 6893 or coaching@wanguoqunxing.com
Harrowthon 2012 Charity Fun Run
On March 18, Harrow International School hosts the third annual Harrowthon event, a 10km fun run to raise money for children with disabilities from the Fengtai Orphanage. Runners of all skill levels are welcome. To find out more, see Events.
Plant Seeds of Hope
Also on March 18, Yew Chung International School of Beijing will host a concert
to raise money for Seeds of Hope schools, a charity project to build schools in rural
China. The show will feature over 400 performers from across the country. For more
information, see Events.
Take the Scenic Route Up Miaofeng Mountain
Just 40km from the city center, Miaofeng Mountain is one of the lesser-known attractions around Beijing. And yet, this towering peak is home to several temples, a two-week temple fair, and a rose festival. To find out more about the spiritual legacy of Miaofeng Mountain, see Day Tripper.
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
As the days get longer and the winds get warmer, it’s time to break out the kites for
an inaugural spin. Chaoyang Park is a great destination for those who prefer to have
a bit more space. Pick one up at Sanshizhai Kite Store (see Directory under Shopping)
or make your own by booking a private class with China Culture Center.
Picnic Under the Cherry Blossoms
This spring, Yuyuantan Park will host the 24th edition of its Cherry Blossom Festival. The park boasts 2,000 cherry trees of 20 different varieties, many of which were gifted from Japan when the two countries re-opened diplomatic relations in the 1970s. Round up a few families, bring a picnic blanket, and set up under the cherry trees for an afternoon of general merrymaking. Be warned: it can get pretty crowded on weekends.
Daily 6am-9.30pm. Yuyuantan Park, Xisanhuan Lu (across from CC TV tower), Haidian District (8865 3804/6) 玉渊潭公园，海淀区西三环路（中央电视塔对面）
Ride the Dangdang Che in Qianmen
In times of old, the area around Qianmen Dajie was renowned for its shops, restaurants, street vendors, and performance artists. The Qianmen tram (dubbed dangdang che by the locals for the sound it makes) is another neighborhood fixture. For suggestions on what to do in the area, read What’s Fun In .
Stroll Through Beihai Park
Along with Yuyuantan Park, Beihai Park is one of the best spots to enjoy spring in Beijing. Home to some of the best-preserved imperial gardens in China, Beihai covers an area of 710,000sqm, half of which is taken up by lakes. Stop by the iconic Bai Ta (White Pagoda), a 40m-tall stupa containing Buddhist scriptures, monk’s mantles and alms bowls, and monks’ bones.
Daily 6.30am-8pm (Nov-Mar), 6am-9pm (Apr, May, Sep, Oct). Beihai Park, 1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District (6403 1102) 北海公园，西城区文津街1号
This article is excerpted from beijingkids March 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
