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Celebrate the 4th of July
Independence Weekend at Ramo, until Jul 4
All ages. July 4th is known for its love of home-style comfort food of the United States (and its lavish celebration of becoming an independent nation, too). Since Ramo is all about food, fun, and meeting friends, the weekend before July 4th is known as the Independence Weekend at Ramo. From Saturday, July 1st to Tuesday, July 4th enjoy a special all-American menu consisting of classic dishes – a combo of pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw, baked beans and potato salad, strawberry shortcake, and homemade hard lemonade to keep things a bit more exciting. Also, stick around in the evenings, for America- and independence-themed films. 10am-11pm. Ramo Restaurant & Bar. 64 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District. 东城区 方家胡同64号
Independence Day Celebration at Home Plate, Jul 4
Adults. Come to the Home Plate BBQ to enjoy a scrumptious meal and live music by Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies. There will be a buffet that includes: whole hog and smoked chicken wings for the main course; potato salad, cole slaw, Texas ranch beans and green beans for the side dish; House salad. RMB 138 per person. 6-8pm. Home Plate BBQ. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 霄云路35号院
4th of July Quiz & Cookout, Jul 4
All ages. Come to The Local Bar & Grill for American cookout sets available from 4-8pm. Additionally, adults can stick around for an American Independence Day quiz from 8.30pm on Tuesday, July 4th. People from all countries are invited. The quiz will be hosted by Kenn and Martin, and there will be prizes for the winners of each round as well as the first place team. The Local Bar & Grill. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 工体北路4号院
Relax and Have Fun
Classic Movie Tuesday: ‘Spellbound’ (1945), Jul 4
Ages 5+. In the heat of a Beijing Summer, we explore what is lurking in the shadows, as Alfred Hitchcock – one of the greatest film writers and directors of all time – takes us on another journey into the darkness of film noir… Join Pop-Up Beijing for ‘Spellbound’ (1945), starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, and Michael Chekhov. The story revolves around a psychiatrist who protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory. 7.30pm. 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
Experience the Avengers, until Aug 20
All ages. One of the world’s favorite comic series comes to Beijing! Following stops in Times Square, Paris, Las Vegas and Singapore, this interactive comic book experience hits Beijing, giving kids, families, and fans a chance to see Avengers memorabilia up close and to learn more about their favorite heroes. RMB 198 on weekdays, RMB 258 on weekends. Chaoyang Park West Gate. 8 Square, 4th Gate West Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang, Beijing. 北京 朝阳区 北京朝阳公园西4门－－08广场.
Sureño’s Weekend Brunch, every weekend
All ages. Sureño’s Sunken Garden hosts a relaxing brunch every weekend where you and your family can help yourself to a fabulous buffet table and select your main course from favorites including Eggs Benedict, Shakshuka, Duck Cavatelli, Chicken Rösti, and many others. After your meal, you can appease your sweet tooth with delicious desserts such as Chocolate and Raspberry Tart, Nectarine Tatin, and Million Layer Tiramisu Cake. Call 6410 5240 or email info@surenorestaurant.com to reserve. RMB 348 per person (inclusive of service charge and VAT). 11am-3pm. Sureño’s Sunken Garden. B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Village, 11 Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village瑜舍地下1层
CandleX Rooftop Yoga, every Sunday
All ages. Relax with a sunset yoga session at the rooftop of old Beijing hutong house, and enjoy a cup of tea and social time afterward. Yoga is not just for the body, but also for the mind. This is a wonderful opportunity for like-minded people to gather and get to know each other in a cozy setting. There are 12 spots available every Sunday. RMB 100. 5-7pm. CandleX. Nanluoguxiang area. (WeChat ID: candlex2015, info@candlex.cn, www.candlex.cn)
Falling into Place: The Art of Song Jiayin, Jun 20 – 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. For more information visit https://www.douban.com/event/28898370/ Caochangdi Art Zone, Block 211, Building A8 草场地艺术区211号院A8
Enjoy the Fresh Air
The Prince, the Widow, and the Scholar: A Walk and Discussion Around the Lakes of Beijing, Jul 4
All ages. Come out for a walk around Beijing’s scenic lakes including Qianhai and Houhai. The walk includes three stops: the gorgeous former home of Guo Moruo, an author, artist, and poet; the palace of Aisin-Gioro Yixin, better known as Prince Gong; and the former home of Soong Ch’ing-ling, the widow of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. Sign up here. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all guide fees, tips, and admission tickets. 10am-1pm. Qianhai Xiyan, 51 Di’anmen Dajie Dongcheng District. 东城区 地安门大街51号前海西沿
Zhenbiancheng Great Wall Loop Hike, July 6
Ages 7+. Head out to the border of Beijing Municipality and Hebei Province for a moderately difficult walk through peach orchards, up valleys, and along the Great Wall. Be amazed by the breathtaking views of the distinctive peaks of nearby ‘Brush-rest’ Mountain. This remote part of the Great is rough and seldom-visited, but don’t miss out on this hike if you’re interested in a visit to a section of the wall very different to what you’ve seen on postcards. Call for info on hikes and what to bring. RMB 400 (RMB 360 for members). 8am-6pm. Beijing Hikers. (6432 2786, info@beijinghikers.com, hwww.beijinghikers.com) Rm 601, Bldg 2, Xinhualian Ligang, 26 Jiuxianqiao Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 酒仙桥中路26号新华联丽港2号楼601室.
Himalaya cultural trips in Nepal, various dates in July
All ages. After a successful completion of summer trips with families from different countries last year, Magic Expeditions & Depth of Field Himalaya Travels are delighted to welcome their new family guests again this year. Activities cover interactions with locals, farm visits, historical areas, trekking (suitable for children), after quake visit to villages, culture exchange, healing workshops, monastery & sadhu visits, a journey to discover & reconnect. Depth of Filed Himalaya Travels. (189 8721 3504, himalayatrips@yahoo.com, www.imnotblue.com/himalaya).
Learn and Discover
International Restaurant and Hotel Show, Jul 6
All ages. The China International Exhibition Center is hosting the 2017 International Restaurant and Hotel Show. With over 530 businesses set to participate, check out everything from B2B business matching, an Italian coffee latte art competition, a gelato-making class, how to decorate with fondant, tips on making the best cocktails, and countless other seminars and forums. Great for the foodies among us. Free. 9am-4pm. China International Exhibition Center. 6 Beisanhuan Donglu, Sanyuan Qiao, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 朝阳区北三环东路6号
Festival of International Culture, Jul 7
All ages. That’s Mandarin present the Festival of International Cultural Exchange, where participants can bring food from their home countries while at the same time enjoying foods from other cultures. Different activities for participants include three different games in which parents can also participate. There will also be a cosplay party. The event will end with a talk show about participants’ cultural specificities. RMB 50. 10am-11.50am. That’s Mandarin. (5218 6432, info@thatsmandarin.com). 1/F, Office Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District. 东城区 新中街新中园写字楼B座1层
Weekly Drawing Classes, until Nov 25
All ages. The weekly art sessions will run until November 25. They’re perfect for families with children that have a passion for art. Students at the SLab can learn correct drawing techniques, how to draw portraits and even papier mâché. Come join the Academic Drawing Class from 1-3pm, and/or the Creative Drawing Class from 4-6pm. RMB 290 per class. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). R102 Building 5, No.15 DongzimenWai Street Dongcheng Street. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.
Speak Mandarin Fluently in Three Months, every day until Dec 31, 2018
All ages. Sophia Zhang is putting expats to the test and challenging to learn to speak Mandarin fluently in just three months. Join us to enhance your Chinese skills daily and conquer this difficult language once and for all. Requires an application; sign up here. 5.30am-10.30pm. Mandarin House Beijing. Suite 317, Tower 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Road, Shuangjing. 朝阳区建国路89号华贸商务楼16号楼317室
Dumpling Cooking Class, Wed and Thu until Dec 31
All ages. Come to the courtyard KUCINA Cooking Studio to learn how to make traditional Chinese dumplings. Come on your own or bring your friend friends for a dumpling cooking class, which includes a meal around the table. Call to make a reservation one day in advance. 10.30am. (150 1133 7590). 44 Liushui Xiang, Dongsi Wutiao, Dongcheng District. 东城区 东四五条流水巷44号.
Children’s Book Expo & Beijing Science Festival, Jul 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.
Creative Writing Workshop, second and last Saturday of every month
Ages 14-19. Join the Beijing Youth Literary Review (BYLR) for creative writing workshops to learn about Blackout Poetry, Collaborative Stories and more. 2pm. For more information, follow BYLR on Facebook, Instagram (@beijingyouthlit), and WeChat ( #13 Unit 6, Building C, Xiangjiang Bei An, Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing. 北京市朝阳区香江北路香江北岸C座6单元底商13号
Go camping
Atelier Summer Camps, Jul 3-7
Ages 5+ Like every year, Atelier’s team has created a series of epic and adventurous workshops through art history, literature and history, and science! This July, register for the Middle Age workshops, where children will learn about castle models and Middle Age art, manuscript, architecture, and coats of arms. RMB 1,800 to RMB 5,000. Room 10L, Building 7, Julong Garden, No. 68 Xinzhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 北京市东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼10L室
Survival Camp, July
Ages 7-14. Making fires, building rafts, crossing rivers, making traps and tools, cooking fish, building shelters… Survival Camp takes you to the great outdoors to learn what nature has to offer. Taught by guides with many years of experience leading survival camps abroad. Click here for more information about camp dates and payment deadlines. Sign up at http://imagine-china.com/survival-camp/. RMB 750 (normal price per day); RMB 650 (early bird price per day if you will sign Up a month before the start and pay a deposit) RMB 650 (per day for 3 children) RMB 550 (per day for 10 kids). (WeChat ID: Imagine24x7Service, 5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)
Flips & Kicks Plus Summer Camp @ Kerry Sports 2017, Jul 5
Ages 4-12. For the first week of July and the first two weeks of August, Kerry Sports will be hosting a summer camp where children can engage in fun sports, including martial arts, gymnastics, volleyball, and fencing. Expert foreign coaches will be on hand to keep everyone safe while teaching children the benefits of patient practice. Sign up for a half day (9am-noon, with lunch included) or full day (9am-2.30pm). RMB 3,200-4,500. 9am-noon (half day), 9am-2.30pm (full day). Beijing Kerry Center. (hbkc@thekerryhotels.com, 8565 2460).
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)
Fashion Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. Get ready this July 2017 for an exciting new set of fashion themed programs available at the SLab. From designing to sewing, students will learn a variety of skills that brings out creativity and exercises dexterity skills. At the Slab’s Kid’s Summer Camp, the four key fashion topics that will be explored are: Machine Sewing; Textile Crafts; Needlework; and Drawing. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.
Storytelling Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. In this age of technological advancement and accessible social media platforms, there are no limits to what we can create and share with the world with just the phones in our hands. With limitless sources for output, there comes a tendency to lose sight of the importance in foundational elements. Just take a look at the sheer amount of lifeless narratives in the Summer blockbusters, an explosion of images with no clear objective. The SLab brings you a whole new theme of Storytelling workshops, where students will be able to explore three different methods to tell stories, from illustration, to photography, to film. Come build stories and narratives with The SLab’s three available programs: Movie Making; Comic Creation; and Visual Diary. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.
Photos: Wow_Pho, 422737, Brahmsee via Pixabay; Other photos courtesy of the organizers
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