Pedal to the Metal
On Saturday, April 13, bike for a good cause. The 4th annual Bohai or Bust, hosted by The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu, will raise money for the elderly of Bohai Township. Bring your own bike or rent one there, and opt to ride 11km, 32km, or 76km. See p16 for more details.
Fold it Up
Learn the art of paper folding at Indigo Mall’s Origami Festival, which runs from March 22 to April 22. In addition to workshops by origami professionals, there will be interactive games, live music, balloon gifts, storytelling, and an ocean ball pool for kids. See p16 for more details.
Spring Has Sprung at the Summer Palace
Enjoy a peaceful visit to the Summer Palace: amble around the lake, decorated halls and pavillion, and admire the new colors of spring. Visitors can also tour the lake via an electric or paddle boat. See Directory under Fun Stuff.
Plan a Picnic
If you’ve got cabin fever from being trapped indoors, here is your chance to explore Beijing’s great outdoors. Lace up your boot for a family nature hike (more on p49) or spend your day resting in a fabulous park and feasting on your own packed picnic (see p53).
Deep Down in the Big Blue Sea
Stay indoors and head west of Xizhimen to the Beijing Aquarium (not to be confused with Blue Zoo in Gongti). Next to the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium has a shark hall, dolphin bay, a hands-on tank with marine life, rainforest species including man-eating fish, 32 tanks of fancy fish species, and scheduled animal performances. See
Directory under Fun Stuff.
It’s T. Time
Celebrate the Qingming holiday fashionably late at Green T. House Living’s 8th annual Spring Green T. Tasting on Saturday, April 20. Sip tea, while enjoying contemporary and classical Chinese performances. Dogs are welcome. See p16 for more details.
Celebrate Earth Day at Daystar
Earth Day is officially on April 22, but isn’t every day Earth Day? Celebrate on Sunday, April 28 with Daystar Academy’s annual Earth Day FUNraiser and farmer’s market. The student-organized fair will include face painting, massages, science experiments, and of course, natural produce from local farmers. More details on p16.
The Hutongs of Houhai
Spend the whole day at this favorite neighborhood. Go paddle boating, browse the small shops and eateries in the hutongs. Walk around the perimeter of Houhai and Qianhai Lake, or rent a bicycle. Either way, enjoy the view!
Can I Help You, Officer?
At EE City in Joy City Chaoyang, kids can have a blast while learning the value of earning a living. Children get to practice a variety of occupations: from acting as a fireman, dentist, policeman and more. The fake money they earn can be used at the gift shop afterward. See Directory under Fun Stuff.
Bonjour, Beijing!
Want to the tour the world in one day? Head to World Park in Fengtai District, where you can “travel” to all the continents of the world. The park contains 100 scaled-down replicas of the world’s most famous landmarks. See Directory under Fun Stuff.
photos in order by: Flickr users: sfbike, flickrfavourites, langalex, Izaias Buson, Michael McDonough
