Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.
Free
Western Academy of Beijing Open House, Mar 20
Grades 6-11. Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) Open House will bring you into the classroom to feel the schools experience first-hand. The school offers an innovative education, access to cutting edge technology and a warm and diverse environment. Free. 9.30am-12.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. For registration, please email: admissions@wab.edu.
College Guidance Best Practices from ISB, Mar 22
Grades 8-11. The International School of Beijing (ISB) warmly invites parents and students to an informative talk on college admissions with ISB High School Counseling Team Leader Andy Mennick. He has over 20 years’ of experience as a college counselor, and enjoys sharing knowledge and ideas to help students transition to their best-fit college with confidence. Free. 9-11am. ISB. (8149-2345 ext. 1047).
BIBA & Roundabout Book Fair, Mar 22
Ages 5+ Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), in partnership with Roundabout, will host its annual book fair on April 22. The BIBA campus is located in Houshayu a few blocks to the north of Shine Hills mall. Free. 10am-3pm. BIBA. (info@bibachina.org, 80410390).
Dulwich College Beijing Drama Production: The Red Shoes, Mar 22 and 23
Ages 10+ Sit back and enjoy as our girls Charleston over the hilltops, samba through the forest, and tango down the aisles. The themes of the play are dark and the ensemble style of the piece requires plenty of patience from our young performers, as they are challenged by the complex characters and are pushed out of their comfort zones. Free. 7-8.30pm. Wodehouse Theatre @ DCB.
Free Calligraphy Class, Mar 23
Ages 10+ The purpose of writing in calligraphy is to try to write in an artistic style, to look elegant, or to meet a special need. Take part in this calligraphy class to learn more about this discipline. Free. 2.30-4pm. Beijing International Chinese College. (Info@hibicc.com, 65072401).
The Music Man (Theater), Mar 24 and 25
Ages 9+ Join Keystone Academy students in their production of The Music Man by Meredith Willson. RMB 20 (students), RMB 50 (adults). 6pm (Fri, Mar 24), 6.30pm (Sat, Mar 25). Keystone Academy Performing Arts Center.
Hyde Academy Open House, Mar 25
Adults. Would you like your child immersed in a caring and cooperative learning environment that provides a rigorous academic program? Attend Hyde Academy’s Open House and connect with both Administrative Prinicipal Jennifer Sachs and Admissions Director Lian Peng for an informative meeting and tour. Free. 10-11.30am. Hyde Academy. (admissions@hyde-education.com, 01080467085).
Roundabout Lido Flea Market, Mar 25 and 26
All ages. Get rid of your winter rubbish and find some spring treasures to replace it with at Roundabout’s Flea Market. Free. 10am-5pm. Lido Place.
Krav Junior in Beijing (Free Trial Class), Mar 26
Ages 8-11. Krav Junior is the most comprehensive self-defense, anti-bullying, and life skills program in the world today. The program covers all aspects of self-defense and street awareness training for kids and teens, from the physical and technical aspects, to the educational aspect (self-control, violence prevention, stranger danger, functioning under stress etc.), to simulation training. Free. 10am. Krav Maga Global China. (WeChat ID: KMG_BJ, 15010246131).
Unique
Parkour Camp, Mar 16 – Apr 14
Ages 7-16. Experience leaping into foam pits, jumping on trampolines, balancing on a slack line, climbing on a bouldering wall, and so much more! All Imagine activities are run by highly trained professionals from Western countries who speak fluent English. Imagine uses detailed, British systems of health and safety management in all activities, from start to finish. RMB 700 (RMB 600 early bird). 8.30am-6pm (times change depending on date and location). One Jump Trampoline Park.
Discussion with Director of China, UNAIDS, Mar 22
Adults. Join Viva Beijing in their discussion with Dr. Catherine Sozi, Director of China, UNAIDS. She specializes in family medicine and has worked in the AIDS and health sector in the United Kingdom and Uganda and other governmental groups with a focus on HIV prevention and AIDS Care management for men, women and children living with HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for young people and adolescents. RMB 180 (member), RMB 220 (non-member). 6.30-9.30pm. Beijing Four Seasons Hotel.
Jim Gaffigan Standup Comedy, Mar 22
Adults. The wildly popular, Grammy-nominated comedian will stop by this Gongti venue to perform to standup sets, one at 7.30pm and one at 9.30pm. RMB 300. VSports. Tickets can be purchased here.
Hike: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Mar 23
Ages 8+ Hike the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing’s Huairou District. Start off on an unrestored stretch and follow it over the hills to a restored section. Then climb up, over, and down a mountain to finish at a countryside restaurant near a scenic reservoir. RMB 400, RMB 360 (members), RMB 200 (under 12’s). 8.30am-6pm. Beijing Hikers.
Yale Women’s Leadership Program, Mar 24-26
Adults. Are you a senior manager or executive who’d like to become even better at her career? Join the Yale Center’s three day leadership course, level up your skills, meet other women in management, and receive a Women’s Leadership Program Certificate from Yale. The course explores decision making biases, how to create great teams, crisis management, negotiation skills and personal branding. The course will be taught in English with simultaneous translation into Chinese. RMB 7800 (15% discount for Yale alumnae and groups of four from the same company). 9am-5pm. Yale Center Beijing.
Panda and Mole (China Puppet Theatre), Mar 24 to 26
Ages 9+ The China Puppet Art Theatre has been delighting audiences since 1955, and have won multiple awards, toured widely, and published several works about their art. They come to the stage with a new work “Panda and Mole,” a puppet show for children. RMB 47-338. 7.30-9.30pm (A matinee performance will also be held at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday). Beijing Comedy Theatre.
Camping and Hiking on the Great Wall, Mar 25
Ages 9+ Hike the Great Wall and camp in a tower on this two-day Great Wall adventure. Beijing Hikers will take care of the heavy lifting and have things delivered direct to the campsite; you’ll be free to enjoy the scenery, sunset, stars, and sunrise without all the sweat involved in a full-on camping expedition. Beijing Hikers will supply the camping equipment, water, snacks, and main meals. Bring your camera and get ready to enjoy yourself! RMB 1680. 10.30am-3pm. Beijing Hikers.
Kids Writing Workshop, Mar 25 and Apr 1
Ages 6-12. R3 Discovery will host a writing workshop for kids to boost their ability to share experiences, feelings, and to communicate their inner thoughts more effectively. RMB 2000. 2-4pm. R3 Discovery.
Ballet/Salsa Dance Class, Mar 25
Adults. Part ballet, part salsa, this ladies-only dance class will help you get in shape, improve your posture and get in touch with your inner rhythm. Taught in Chinese by professional dancer Na Yi, the class incorporates aerobics, barre and strength elements. Participants need to reserve in advance and should bring socks. RMB 20. 7-9pm. World Starlight Dance Studio. Tickets can be bought here.
The ‘Little Pilot’ Family Fun Adventure, Mar 25 and 26
Ages 5+ Come with your family and experience a fun-filled discovery flight departure from at Hilton Beijing Capital Airport, and come closer to your child’s flying dream. To explore children’s own ideas and make their own discoveries at LEGO hands-on lesson, participate in DIY aircraft cookies, airplane model assembling, visit the National Aviation Museum, and play in a fully equipped kid’s center! RMB 1395. All day. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport.
Panda’s Home (Theater), Mar 25 to Apr 2
All ages. Following the footprints of a giant panda, kids will travel together to the panda’s hometown – China, to start an imaginary journey in exploring the beauty of the natural landscape, the harmony in the traditional music, the interaction and relation between things and phenomena as well as the composition of nature. RMB 280. 10-11.30am. China Millennium Monument Premiere Theatre. (ponypiao@damai.cn, 10103721).
Forbidden City Walk and Discussion, Mar 26
Ages 10+ This walk and discussion looks at what life was like in the palace for the men and women who lived and worked in the Forbidden City. The group will talk about the differences between the Ming and Qing dynasties. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 260 (members). 1-3pm. The Forbidden City.
Children’s Magic Show, Mar 26
Ages 4+ Kids will enjoy the ‘Magic Journey’ live action magic show, which helps children to discover the ‘magical world.’ With help from the audience, the magician in this popular show guides kids through a series of tricks and enchantments which thrill and delight younger audiences. RMB 100-200. Legends Small Theater. Tickets can be purchased here.
Best of Next Week
3-Day Great Wall Trek, Mar 29
Ages 5+ This is an epic Great Wall trek that covers four fantastic sections of the Great Wall. First the group will hike the amazing Wild Jiankou Great wall, then the Wild Gubeikou Great Wall, and finish in style with a trek to Wild Jinshanling Great Wall and over the restored section of Jinshanling all the way to the Simatai Great Wall. Both nights the group will stay at a local farmhouses with a view of the Great Wall. RMB 2,800 (10% discount for kids 7-18, 20% discount for members, 50% discount for kids younger than 7). Meet at 9.30am. The Great Wall.
The Emperor & The Lama, Mar 30
Ages 9+ The Hutong will be hosting a walk and discussion at the Lama Temple and Confucian Temple. Join the group and walk among the ancient stone walls where emperors and royalty had once walked. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 260 (members). 10am-1pm. The Lama Temple.
Imperialism, Opium, and Nationalism, Mar 31
Ages 9+ The Old Summer Palace contains the ruins of Yuanmingyuan. Explore its rich history and walk among the Palace’s ruins with The Hutong on this visit through time. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 260 (members). 10am-1pm. The Old Summer Palace.
Stage (Comedic Theater), Mar 31 to April 9 (excluding April 4 & 5)
Ages 9+ Stage, an operatic comedy, will be staged at the Beijing Comedy Theatre. It is a hilarious portrayal of a troubled opera company and includes more than 20 different characters. While the production explores some of the stereotypes and foibles of Peking Opera, it does so with a loving eye. The language of the production is Chinese. RMB 94-827. 7.30-9.30pm. Beijing Comedy Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here.
Bricks in the Wall Hike, April 1
Ages 8+ In celebration of QingMing Jie, Beijing Hikers will lead you through roads and hill trails in and around tiny villages northwest of Beijing, making easy climbs on hill trails and a really steep and tough climb on a rather rundown stretch of the Great Wall, with fine views the whole way. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8am-6pm. The Great Wall.
Hike the Great Wall Spur, April 1
Ages 9+ During QingMing Jie, the Beijing Hikers will be visiting a remote stretch of the Great Wall that was completed around 1580 AD, during the reign of Emperor Wan Li. After a good long (some say tough) climb up a hillside trail, the group will follow the Great Wall along a ridge, enjoying great views the whole way. There is plenty of the Great Wall to see in this area, and on a clear day it is extremely picturesque. Price includes lunch after the hike. RMB 420 (non-members), RMB 380 (members). 8am-6pm. The Great Wall.
The ‘Little Pilot’ Family Fun Adventure, April 1 to 2
Ages 5+ Come with your family and experience a fun-filled discovery flight departure from at Hilton Beijing Capital Airport, and come closer to your childs’ flying dream. To explore children’s own ideas and make their own discoveries at LEGO hands-on lesson, participate in DIY aircraft cookies, airplane model assembling, visit the National Aviation Museum, and play in a fully equipped Kid’s Center! RMB 1395. All day. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport.
MINDS AT PLAY Presents: Easter Improv for the Whole Family, April 2
Ages 6+ Minds at Play’s international troupe of actors is performing an Easter-themed, bilingual improv show for the whole family. After the show, the troupe will have a workshop for kids that teaches them how to do the things they just saw on stage. Please note that children MUST have a ticket to enter. Paper tickets will not be given; after confirming your reservation electronically, you can enter with with your payment confirmation link. RMB 80 (pre-sale price; scan/extract the QR code below); RMB 100 (at door). 10.30am-noon. All ticket sales are FINAL – no returns and no exchanges. Penghao Theater.
