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 KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.
Free
Classic Movie Tuesday: The Sword and the Rose (1953), Jun 27
All ages. The Sword and the Rose is a classic historic drama that explores England’s glorious past. Join Pop-Up Beijing to listen to stories to rouse the spirit, entertain the heart, and fire the soul! 7.30-9.30pm. Pop-Up Beijing. North Side, Ground Level, Building 22, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，三里屯，工体北路4号22号楼104室
Beigou Bridges: A Collaborative Drawing and Soundscape – Performance Art and Open Studio, Jul 1
All ages. The Schoolhouse invites everyone to participate in Beigou Bridges: A Collaborative Drawing and Soundscape, the culmination of the June artist residency of Joe Hedges and Jiemei Lin. They will collaborate on a floor “drawing” that makes use of various materials and objects collected in and around Beigou village. During the creation of the drawing, sounds recorded in and around the village are remixed live into an evolving soundscape that echoes and complements the drawing. The work explores the connections between material and auditory culture while celebrating the uniqueness of village life in Beigou. Click/tap here for more information at. 1pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall. 100m south of Yingbeigou Cun, Huairou District. 怀柔区营北沟村南100米
Falling into Place: The Art of Song Jiayin, until Jul 30 (excluding Mondays)
All ages. “True, but not real; ideal, but not abstract.” This quote by Marcel Proust is the best way to describe the abstract art of Song Jiayin. Her works, made up of portraits and sculpture, are full of tiny details, with no one clear point of view, inviting the audience to ponder their own memories and associations. She is currently showing in Caochangdi’s Hunsand Space. Free. 11am-6pm. Hunsand Space. Click/tap here for more information. Caochangdi Art Zone, Block 211, Building A8 草场地艺术区211号院A8
Workshops and classes
Destination Moon Workshop, Jun 26
Ages 5 to 8 (comic book making), ages 9+ (rocket building). During the workshop, students aged 9+ will build their own water propelled rocket from the basis of propulsion to its personalized design. All students will create a comic book to tell day by day their adventure: from the construction of the rocket to their journey to the moon. To sign up, email contact@atelier.cn.com RMB 3,500 per week. 10am-4pm. Atelier Art School. Rm 292, Building C, Jinxiu Yuan, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣园C楼202室。
Stretch & Soothe Yoga, Jun 28
Adults. The German Centre Beijing is hosting a yoga class that is intended to help participants deal with stress and reduce the aches that come from hours at a desk. Yoga Alliance certified instructor Mei-Ling Wong will be leading the class for people of all ability levels. In the case of a bad pollution day, the room where the class is in has an air purifier. Participants must bring their own yoga mat. Sign up a day in advance here. RMB 100. 6.30-7.30pm. German Centre for Industry and Trade Beijing. Unit 1101A, DRC Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Office Building, 11th Floor, Tower D1, 19 Dongfang East Road, Chaoyang District. 北京德意志工商中心，北京市朝阳区东方东路19号DRC亮马桥外交办公大楼D1座1101室
Hip Hop Summer Workshop, Jun 26-30
All ages. Come join a variety of different summer workshops at the Peter Farrell Academy of Performing Arts in Beijing. From hip-hop to musical theater, these entertaining classes are something you do not want to miss. 8.30am-4.30pm. Peter Farrell Academy of Performing Arts in Beijing. (138 1002 7304) Building No.1 Taiping Zhuang Nanli, Chunxiu Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 春秀路 太平庄南里 1楼
The Midwifery Model of Care, July 1
Adults. This English language event explores the midwifery model of care, which brings prenatal care out of an exam room and into a group setting. Dr. Gina Novick presents on how the approach has radically improved perinatal outcomes and experience of care, particularly for low-income and minority women in a talk targeted to expectant parents. For more information or to sign up, click/tap here. RMB 30 in advance, RMB 50 at the door. 4.45-6.45pm. Yale Center Beijing 耶鲁北京中心. 36th Floor Tower B of IFC Building 8, Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区建国门外大街8号国际财源中心B座36层
Arts and Culture
Imagival, Jun 26-30
Ages 8+. Over five days (June 26 to 30), kids will experience tons of Imagine’s most exciting activities in different locations throughout Beijing. Everything from transportation to accommodation, meals, activities, and games will be arranged by Imagine. Activities will include Bubble Football, Watersports, Water Fight, Pirate Treasure Hunt, Long Range Archery, and more. To sign up, email info@imagine-china.com. RMB 4,500. 8am-6pm. Varying locations in Beijing.
Clouds from Home: Mezzo-Soprano Liang Ning Takes the Stage, Jun 29
All ages. Chinese mezzo-soprano Liang Ning takes the stage at the National Center for Performing Arts, performing a program including vocal pieces by Handel, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Duparc, Rossini and Chinese composers Huang Yongxi, Luan Kuai, and Tan Jian. Liang Ning is one of China’s greatest vocal talents and has sung in operas around the world. For more information or to reserve tickets, click/tap here. RMB 50-480. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院。2 Chang’an Jie, Tian’anmen / Dongjiaominxiang, Xicheng District. 西城区 天安门 东交民巷
The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra, Jun 30
All ages. The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra performs under Hong Kong-born conductor Kan Pak-kin. The Orchestra is affiliated with the National Ballet of China and has a repertoire of classic Western and Chinese works. Their program for this performance will feature works by Chinese composers, including Chen Yonghua’s Symphony Unified Land. For more information or to purchase tickets, click/tap here. RMB 80-480. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院.2 Chang’an Jie, Tian’anmen / Dongjiaominxiang, Xicheng District. 西城区 天安门 东交民巷
In the Footsteps of the Emperors: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven, Jun 30
Ages 9+. The Temple of Heaven contains some of the most iconic architecture in Beijing. Nowhere does Beijing’s past and present exist so prominently side by side. The tour will look not only at the Temple of Heaven complex and its ritual and historic significance but will also discuss the connections between the present and the past and between historical and contemporary Beijing. This walk and discussion is led by a native English speaker, a trained historian who has spent over a decade in Beijing teaching and researching Chinese history. The walk will last about two to three hours and we will proceed at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for rest, refreshments, and conversation. Reserve your spot here. RMB 300, RMB 260 for Hutong members. 9-11.30am. The Temple of Heaven 天坛. Yongdingmen Dajie (West Gate), Chongwen District. 崇文区 永定门内大街 天坛西门
Traditions and Transitions: A Walk and Discussion in the Hutongs of Dongcheng, Jul 2
Ages 9+. This walk explores the past, present, and future of the Beijing hutongs. One of the capital’s most distinctive features, the hutongs have long been at the core of Beijing’s urban culture. This walk takes us through the hutongs of the Dongcheng district, once home to some of Beijing’s most fascinating figures. It is also an area with a vibrant present, as old spaces are repurposed as new commercial and residential spaces. We will discuss the history of the hutongs in the imperial period, who lived there and why. Register in advance here. RMB 260, RMB 220 for Hutong members. 9am-noon. The walk begins at near Beixinqiao station on Line 5, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District. 北新桥站 东直门 东城区。
Children’s Book Expo & Beijing Science Festival, July 7-16
All ages. Already in its third consecutive year, the China Children’s Book Expo is back and this year’s event is combined in one space with Beijing Science Festival. Browse and buy children’s books from over 40 children’s publishers and participate in a wide range of interactive activities themed around children’s books and science. Once you’ve explored children’s books until your heart’s content, move on to discover a whole world of science fun! RMB 120 per person, free entry for children under 0.9m tall. 10am- 5pm. Beijing Exhibition Center. 135 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District. 西城区 西直门外大街135号.
The New Normal: Art Exhibition, Ending Jul 9th (excluding Mondays)
All ages. Recent works from over 20 artists from around China have gathered together in UCCA, Beijing’s private institution for modern art. The exhibition “What is the place of art in China today?” aims to answer this question through the art of Guo Xi, Alvin Li, and Wenfei Wang. RMB 60. 10am-7pm. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA). 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号
Living Digital Forest and Future Park, Tue-Sat until Oct 10
All ages. Located at Beijing’s well known 798 Art District, this new exhibit features a dozen digital works that are completely new to the public eye. From a Chrysanthemum Tiger to the Crystal Universe display, the exhibits are great for children and allow them to revel in their beauty. RMB 150. 10am-6pm. Pace Beijing, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区8502信箱
Family Events
All You Can Eat Dumplings at Mr. Shi’s, Jun 27
All ages. Pingo hits up eat-all-you-can at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings in Jiuxianqiao. Fill up on dumplings and dishes, and meet some fellow expats and freelancers in Beijing in a relaxed social setting. This is a great event not only for the hungry but for those who want to meet some new people and do some networking. Click/tap here to register. RMB 58. 7pm. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings. Jiuxianqian Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，酒仙桥中路26号院2-2
Give Kids a Smile: Dental Sealant Event, Jun 30
Kids 5+. Every Monday, children and their families can come into the Joinway Dental Clinic to attend a seminar on the importance of good oral health. This multi-step dental visit, including dental sealants and fluoride varnish, help to educate children on the ways they can prevent cavities. To book your appointment, email joinway@dentalcn.com. RMB 300. 10.50am. Joinway Dental Clinic, 11D, Bldg. D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza, 48 Dongzhimen Waidajie. 东直门外大街48号东方银座D座D
CBD Kids Land, Every Sunday
All ages. Each Sunday since April 2017, kids have been gathering to play at a weekly carnival hosted at Grand Millennium’s CBD Kids Land. The play area includes slides and tunnels to climb in, and children are also provided with a special buffet afterwards. Parents can enjoy dishes off of the CBD menu, and use this experience as a way to spend quality time with their child. RMB 228 + 15 percent service charge (free for children under 6). Noon-3pm, Grand Millennium Beijing, 7 Dong San Huan Middle Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，东三杯中路7号
Celebrate Independence Day at Home Plate, Jul 4
Adults. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, fairs, and family reunions to celebrate the history of the United States. Join Home Plate to celebrate America’s Independence Day by indulging in a whole hog buffet with live music. RMB 138 per person. 6pm-midnight. Home Plate BBQ本垒美式烤肉. 35 Xiaoyun Lu Courtyard, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区霄云路35号院。
Annual Community Service Day at the Brickyard, Jul 8
All ages. Once a year, the Brickyard gives thanks to the village of Mutianyu by donating a day of labor by most of its staff. The Brickyard also donates the gross proceeds of its lunch service noon-3.30pm to the elderly of its village and township. The amounts will be reported in its newsletter. To sign up, contact infor@theschoolhouseatmutianyu.com. Noon-3.45pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall. 100m south of Yingbeigou Cun, Huairou District. 怀柔区营北沟村南100米
Summer Camps and Excursions
Snow White Kids Summer Theater Camp Late Audition, Jul 2
Ages 6-14. Your child can have fun doing a play during the summer holiday. This camp lasts two weeks from Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm, and ends with a family performance. From July 3 to 15, students will be working on a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Come bring your child on July 2 to audition for this exciting opportunity. No cost to audition, but the camp fee is RMB 9,000. 10am-11.30am. Audition location: Harrow International School. No. 287 Cuige Zhuang Township, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村287号. Camp Location: Beijing Playhouse. 38 Liangmaqiao Rd, SanYuan Bridge, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 三元桥 亮马桥路38号
Sports Beijing Summer Camp, until Aug 11
Ages 5+. Sports Beijing is offering a wide variety of weekday full-day activities and half-day activities, both in the morning and afternoon from June 19 to August 11. This summer camp will be held inside the air conditioned and air purified ISB dome and the morning activities will include basketball, football, gymnastic, and tennis. In the afternoon the activities will include a multi-sport program, as well as tennis. Spots are limited. For other information and registration, contact Sports Beijing via WeChat (ID: sportbeijing). (6430 1370, 6430 1176, info@sportsbj.com)
Photos: tpsdave, jill111, HannahWells via Pixabay; Andy Penafuerte; courtesy of organizers
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Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
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