Beijing’s fabric markets can be overwhelming. With so many vendors, it’s a challenge to know which ones give the best deals for the best materials and accessories. The Sew Gorgeous community project team knows a thing or two about fabric, so why not join them for a tour of Muxiyuan Fabric Market. If you’re looking for an arts and craft activity for kids, after school origami classes are now running at River Garden Villas. Shunyi support network groups and meetings include INN Shunyi coffee morning, La Leche League, and Tea Room Tots. Hot on the hooves of their Knight School spring camp, Imagine will be running a condensed three day school during the May holiday.
Fabric Market Tour
Unlock the mysteries of Beijing’s Muxiyuan Fabric Market, with the Sew Gorgeous team. Join them on Monday April 20, from 8.30am-3pm for a tour of their favorite fabric and sewing suppliers in Muxiyuan. RMB 120 includes return bus transport from BSB Shunyi, the tour, and an exclusive map to take home that includes photos of shop fronts and business cards. Lunch can be purchased at open air food stalls or bring your own. The deadline to book a place is April 13, email Becs Lay sewgorgeous@yahoo.com
After School Origami
Origami classes for kids, every Friday from 4.30-5.30pm, at River Garden Villas. Each class will have a fun theme such as fairy, tea party, and under the sea. Traditional folding origami and modern origami art craft will be explored. Origami is a great way to improve concentration, develop patience, and strengthen fine motor skills. Suitable for kids aged 6-9 years, with a maximum of 6 kids per class. RMB 60/class, RMB 220/four classes, RMB 450/nine classes. The price includes all materials. To sign up, contact (138 1099 9694, happiesttomoko@hotmail.com)
INN Shunyi
The next INN Shunyi coffee morning, will be on Thursday April 16, from 10am-noon. The meetings are a great opportunity to meet others in the Shunyi area. This month’s meeting will be at Roundabout. Please go through the store, the meeting will be held in the last room where the book store is. Why not take the opportunity for a bit of shopping whilst you’re there, the Roundabout store has many fantastic items on sale.
Tea Room Tots
Every Friday from 10.30am-noon join mums and babies at The English Tea Room for play, songs, tea, and lunch. Children of all ages are welcome, but the group is most suited to kids under 5 years. Enjoy 15% discount on food and drinks, plus fruit for the little ones as morning snack. Singing time and fruit will be at 11.15am.
La Leche League
The next La Leche League (LLL) breastfeeding support group will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 7.30-9.30am. This series meeting Breastfeeding A-Z will be led by Serena and Bec, two experienced mothers and LLL Leaders. LLL offers mother-to-mother support, information on getting breastfeeding started, and provides information and answers to many common nursing questions. Meetings are free and held at 2087 Gahood Villas, Shunyi. For directions to Gahood, call 8046 2585 (Chinese or English). For more information, contact (186 0062 8481, beijinglaleche@gmail.com)
Knight School: May Holiday Camp
At Knight School your kids will wield a sword, fire a bow and arrow, ride a horse, build a trebuchet, design a shield, make chainmail, journey to a castle, and slay a dragon. May 1-3 from 9am to 4pm, Imagine will be running their popular Knight School once again, which takes place in various locations in Beijing. Pick up and drop off are at Beijing Riviera Clubhouse each day, 9am and 4pm. The kids will be taken to a castle, archery center, and horse riding center. Suitable for boys and girls aged 7-13 years. RMB 3,000 including transportation, all equipment, and training fees. Bring a packed lunch and wear comfortable clothes. To sign up, click here or contact (186 1045 3101, info@imagine-china.com)
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: McKay Savage (Flickr), courtesy of Tomoko and Imagine
