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Classes, Workshops, and Training
Essential Skills: Negotiating Success Through Creating Value, Aug 16
Adults. This one-day, English language course will help anyone who needs to build their negotiation abilities. Develop a strategic mindset for negotiation and learn from real life examples and case studies to understand the ‘how and why’ of negotiation success and failure. Learn how to add value, manage expectations, set goals and develop power. For more information or to register, click/tap here. RMB 2,000 for AmCham members, RMB 2,500 for non-members. 8.45am-5pm. The American Chamber of Commerce. 6/F, Tower AB, The Office Park, 10 Jintongxi Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际AB座6层.
Leadership and Management Training: Transform Your Goals, Aug 22
Adults. This English-language half-day seminar by Tom Watson helps leaders create extraordinary execution and engagement. Learn the leadership principles that will help you produce results, including focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability and compete and succeed in today’s markets. For more information or to register, click/tap here. Free for employees of AmCham member companies, RMB 450 for non-members. 1-4.30pm. The American Chamber of Commerce. 6/F, Tower AB, The Office Park, 10 Jintongxi Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际AB座6层.
Essential Skills Training: Writing for Results, Aug 25
Adults. This English-language course looks at written communication for a multi-national staff. Participants will learn useful skills for cross-department and cross-cultural written communication and will be able to think and write clearly, persuasively and professionally to senior managers, and overseas colleagues. For more information or to register, click/tap here. RMB 2,500 for employees of AmCham member companies, RMB 2,800for non-members. 8.45am-5pm. The American Chamber of Commerce. 6/F, Tower AB, The Office Park, 10 Jintongxi Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际AB座6层.
Arrival Survival, Aug 28
All ages. Come and join the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) for a fun and informative morning with guest speakers discussing ways to survive and thrive in Beijing. Some topics covered include safety in the city and counterfeit money, the stress of settling into life in Beijing, water and air purification systems, health insurance, WeChat Pay, and financial planning. Afterwards, indulge in a lunch bunch in a nearby restaurant and enjoy delicious traditional Chinese cuisine. Foreign passport holders only. RMB 75. Capital Mansion Athletic Club. Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nan Road, Chaoyang 100004. 北京市朝阳区新源南路6号，京城大厦50层100004.
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 Dongzhimenwai Street Dongcheng. 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
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 of the month
All ages. Come to the courtyard KUCINA Cooking Studio to learn how to make traditional Chinese dumplings. Come on your own or bring your friends for a dumpling cooking class, which includes a meal around the table. Call to make a reservation one day in advance (150 1133 7590). 10.30am. 44 Liushui Xiang, Dongsi Wutiao, Dongcheng District. 东城区 东四五条流水巷44号.
Creative Writing Workshop, second and last Saturday of the 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 (beijingyouthlit). #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
Events for the Competitive
Youth Photography Contest: Truth or Dare
Ages 14-19. Truth or Dare: Reveal a Truth or Capture a Daring Image. Enter this photography contest to win a mentorship with Mark Leong, Sharron Lovell, or Wu Hao. For submission details visit: https://www.beijingyouthlit.com/contest
Hold Vertical Run 2017, Aug 26
Adults. Don’t get left behind during this year’s race to the top, taking place at the China World Summit Wing, Beijing on August 26. This is the fifth time that the Vertical World Circuit has hosted their official race at the tallest building in Beijing. The elite winners of the event will take home a total of USD 5,000, while the fastest amateur male and female climbers will have a chance to win a free round-trip ticket to Europe supported by Qatar Airways. Click/tap here for more info on signing up. China World Summit Wing, Beijing. No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue.
Beijing Marathon at BJU, Sep 17
Adults. Running enthusiasts, Beijing Marathon is for you! The event will take place on Sunday, September 17 and the route will take runners past iconic Beijing landmarks like Tiananmen Square and Beijing’s Olympic stadiums. This year, like last year, Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) will be supporting the event as the main medical sponsor. BJU will also serve as the main point of access for foreign nationals wishing to sign up for the race in person. You can sign up for the race at your nearest BJU location, whether it be the main hospital or one of BJU’s satellite clinics. When you come to BJU to register, please bring a photocopy of your passport, as well as the original copy for verification and cash for the registration fee. If you are registering other runners on their behalf, you will need to bring their passports and a photocopy, as well as your own ID and a photocopy of that. RMB 340 per person. Click here for more info on registering. Beijing United Family Hospital.
Shows, Exhibitions, and Fairs
Heart of the Tin Man, until Aug 10
All ages. The ubiquity of new technologies in daily life serves as a backdrop for the diverse positions presented within Heart of the Tin Man. Twelve artists, with unique understandings of the world and its forces, embrace alternative modes of creativity and unprecedented languages of expression that underline dramatic shifts occurring in the realm of human experience. Incorporating virtual reality, digital mechanics, and interactive installations predicated on the latest in scientific achievement, Heart of the Tin Man stimulates the senses of sight, smell, touch, and sound, drawing predominantly from the M WOODS Collection and the post-internet focus of co-founder Michael Xufu Huang. RMB 60, RMB 40 for students. 10.30am-6pm. M Woods. D-06, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 酒仙桥路2号798艺术区，D-06.
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.
Discount Tickets for Panda Kungfu Show – Shichahai Theater, every night
All ages. The Kungfu extravaganza “Shichahai” combines some of China’s most treasured performance arts including martial arts, Peking opera, and acrobatics.Led by Kungfu masters, many of who are champions of various martial art tournaments, “Shichahai” plays nightly at Shichahai Theater. Cute Kungfu pandas make this show a big hit among kids. 5.30-6.30pm. “bookingticket” offers discounted tickets for the Panda Kungfu Show as well as others. Click here for more info.
Living Digital Forest and Future Park, Tue-Sat until Oct 10
All ages. ‘Living Digital Forest’ is an exhibition of twelve digital works, which includes ‘Future Park’, an interactive, dynamic playground where kids can explore, experiment and play. Click/tap here for more details about the exhibition. Click/tap here to buy an e-ticket (page in Chinese) or follow Pace Beijing’s WeChat (ID: pace_service). RMB 80 (weekdays), RMB 150 (weekends). Tuesday to Saturday, 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
Roundabout Book Fair at BSB Shunyi 2017, Aug 26-30
All ages. This is probably the biggest Roundabout Book Fair every year held at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi! Thousands of gently used books for the whole family in many languages & genres. Paperbacks from RMB 10, Hardbacks from RMB 20, Kid’s books from RMB 1. Pick up some late summer & holiday reading at this fair. Every single RMB you pay will directly help a child in need. Aug 26: 10am-3pm (open to the public); Aug 27: 12-3pm (BSB families); Aug 28-30: 3.30-5pm (open to public daily). Roundabout. (WeChat ID: Roundabout666, www.roundaboutchina.com). The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi. South Side, No. 9 An Hua Street, Shunyi District. 北京市顺义区天竺开发区安华街9号南院. (8047 3588, brenda.leung@britishschool.org.cn).
Dining
Fresh Imported Oysters at Xian
All ages. Now at Xian, we have also prepared freshly imported oysters from France. Among the selections are: largest oyster-producing region Fine de Claire – Fine de Claire #3, and the most famous oyster in the world Belon – Belon #2. For parents, Michel Lynch Sauvignon Blanc White Wine and Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne have been prepared as well to pair with your oysters. Xian operating hours: Monday-Sunday. 5pm-2am. Unity live show: every Wednesday to Sunday, 9pm-midnight. For more information or reservations, call 8414 9810. EAST, Beijing Hotel. No. 22 Jiuxianqiao Road, Choayang District, Beijing, China 100016. 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路22号100016.
Ron Mexico’s Taco Tuesday, Tuesday nights
All ages. Taco Tuesday’s are back at Ron Mexico! Choose from 3 different tacos. Buy 1 or buy 6. Eat as much as you want. Dine in only. See ya there! 7-11pm. RMB 10 per taco. Ron Mexico. 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. 东城区交道口东大街113-02
Couscous Fridays at Caravan, Fridays
All ages. Couscous is a Moroccan classic that comes in many forms: meat, vegetables, fish, royal, sweet, salty, etc. However, most people don’t realize that in Morocco, people generally eat couscous on Fridays for lunch and maybe for some special events. Caravan is bringing that tradition to Beijing. Choose between various weekly vegan and meaty options. RMB 85 per person. 11am-11pm. Caravan. 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. 光华路44号.
Savour the Ocean with New Seafood Delicacies at Feast, until Aug 31
All ages. Feast (Food by EAST), the award-winning all-day dining destination at EAST, Beijing is pleased to present its all-new Surf & Turf semi-buffet dinner and weekend semi-buffet brunch to celebrate the summer season. Available from July 28, the semi-buffet will offer more of an extensive selection of fresh seafood, premium beef and other irresistible delicacies that will leave guests feeling spoiled for choice, including freshly shucked imported oysters，Boston lobsters, mussels, snow crab legs and much more. The Surf & Turf semi-buffet dinner is available every Friday to Sunday, 5.30-10pm, priced at RMB 388 per person. The weekend semi-buffet brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am till 3pm, priced at RMB 388 per person. For reservations, please call 8414 9820. Feast (Food by East). EAST, Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号.
Nature
Middle Route of Switchback Great Wall, Aug 2
Ages 5+. This stretch of Great Wall in Yanqing County is extremely picturesque, and seldom visited, but its steepness can prove difficult for casual hikers. On this visit we’ll do the “middle route,” cutting out the toughest parts to make it a little easier. There are still some steep climbs to do, but overall this hike isn’t long enough to rate as difficult – we’ll take our time climbing up and down and make sure that we have a relaxed and enjoyable visit. Bring your passport / ID card (or a copy) with you on this hike in case the border crossing guards decide they want to check us on the way home. RMB 420, RMB 380 (members). 8am-5:30pm. Beijing Hikers. (info@beijinghikers.com, http://www.beijinghikers.com)
The Dowager and the Dynasty: A Walk and Discussion at the Summer Palace, Aug 5
All ages. The Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) was one of the most notorious figures of Modern Chinese history. For nearly a half century, she used her cunning and connections to rule China from behind the throne. Even today, many still blame her for spending money on an elaborate pleasure garden at a time China faced grave threats from without and within. But the real story of the Empress Dowager Cixi – and the Summer Palace she built – is more complicated. As we stroll along the shoreline and hillsides of her magnificent creation, we will discuss the life and legacy of this fascinating historical figure. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all guide fees, boat ride, tips, and admission tickets. 10am-1pm. Summer Palace. Yiheyuan Lu, Haidian Distric. 海淀区 颐和园路
Dragon Cloud Mountain and White River Hike, Aug 6
Ages 5+. A fresh take on our White River hike: We skip the commercial end of the White River for a hike over Dragon Cloud Mountain, before joining the river at the big bend that marks the start of the quietest and most scenic part of the trail. We’ll hike up Dragon Cloud Mountain and join on to the narrow concrete road that is the only access to a tiny village, and follow an old road from the village down to the river side. We’ll then begin the river hike, fording 6-7 times on the way to the end. RMB 380, RMB 340 (members). 8am-5:30pm. Beijing Hikers. (info@beijinghikers.com, http://www.beijinghikers.com)
4 Days Wild Great Wall Trekking /Camping From Chen Castle to General Xu Great Wall, Aug 7-10
Ages 7+. An amazing 45km Great Wall trekking on long forgotten & rarely seen wild sections of China’s Great wall. Hikers will pitch their tents twice on the Great Wall and stay once overnight with a local farmer. This Great Wall trek starts on the crumble staircases of the Chen Castle Great Wall from where hikers head to the highest Great Wall watchtower of Beijing. After passing through the long forgotten but amazing Border Defense Great Wall, hikers will pitch their tents on the General Xu Great Wall. Once you conquer this hiking trail you can truly say you hiked China’s wild Great Wall. Hike level: 4 strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. RMB 3,300. ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)
Fun for the Little Ones
Little Toys Orchestra – children/family performance from France, Aug 23-Sep 10
Ages 2-6. Two musicians will joyfully lead this unusual orchestra. Their luggage is filled with toys and various unusual instruments such as a pink pig, a green pig, a witch, a guitar, a toy-piano, a mandolin, dog toys… all sorts of funny bits and pieces necessary to a sound like a fantasyland. This concert takes the audience on a journey through a musical parade. Make way for an imaginary world! 4-6.30pm. From RMB 180. Ticketing Hotline: 134 6654 2185. Tong Production. (WeChat ID: tongtiyan, www.tongproduction.com)
Anatole’s Little Saucepan – A contemporary family puppet theatre, Aug 24 -26
Ages 3+. Anatole, a warm-hearted, sensitive, and gentle person, is always dragging around his little saucepan. It fell on him one day and nobody really knows why. Since then, it gets stuck everywhere and it keeps him from going forward. Anatole feels so depressed and miserable until something beautiful happens…..Adapted from French author Isabelle Carrier’s award winning picture book, Anatole’s Little Saucepan, this puppet show brings the audience through a child’s mental journey of dealing with something unbearable in his life – the saucepan attached to his arm. From seeing it as a dragging burden that he tries so hard to get rid of, to knowing how to live with it in harmony, and to finally transcending it to something to be proud of…. Ticketing hotline: 134 6654 2185. RMB 180-240. 5-7pm. Theatre M, Oriental Media Center, Beijing. (WeChat ID: tongtiyan, www.tongproduction.com)
Safari Song Time, every Friday and Saturday
Ages 3-18 months. All babies – from the quietest to the most vocal – love singing and rhymes! It stimulates their brains and development, and makes them happy! Bring your little ones to The Bookworm and take them on a fun safari where they can learn songs and rhymes from around the world. RMB 60 per child. 10.30-11.30am. The Bookworm. Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District.
Summer Camps
French Immersion Summer Camp, Aug 7-25
Ages 4-10. All Levels – New learners encouraged! Introduce your child to French and experience a new language and culture. This summer camp gives your children a chance to immerse themselves into a French language environment through fun activities with Native French teachers. RMB 2,500 per week (lunch/snacks included). 9-4pm. For more information, email frenchcampbeijing@yahoo.com.
Sports Beijing Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp, Aug 7-11
Ages 4-16. Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp is designed to provide competitive and near-competitive swimmers with a great opportunity to improve their overall swimming abilities. The camp will focus on developing stroke technique, increasing stamina, optimizing turns, and introducing video analysis. Not only is this camp a great opportunity for swimmers to receive high quality training, but it is also a great chance to make new friends and have fun in the pool! RMB 1,600 per child. To sign up, visit http://www.sportsbj.org/product/aqua-warriors-summer-camp/. Zhongjia Xinyuan Hot-spring Hotel. 200 meters East of Gu Cheng Village, Hou Sha Yu, Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪镇古城村村委会东200米
Picasso Workshop with Atelier, Aug 14-18
Ages 5-12. Discover the protean oeuvre of Pablo Picasso, a universally famous artist who painted, sculpted, and drew for more than 70 years. Explore the birth of cubism, the blue and pink period, the paintings that marked Art History, and the portraits of his beloved ones through painting, sculpture, drawing, linocut, and pottery. This summer camp is a journey through almost one Century of Art History. RMB 1,800 per week. 10am-noon (ages 5-8); 1.30-4pm (ages 9+). Atelier Art School. (WeChat ID: atelier_apas, 6416 1614, www.atelier.cn.com). Room 10L , Building 7 (middle entrance), Julong Garden No.68, Xinzhong Street Chaoyang district. 北京市东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼10L室.
Summer Camp with Flips & Kicks Plus and Kerry Sports, various dates in Aug
Ages 4-12. Due to the positive response regarding previous summer camps, FLIPS & KICKS PLUS in proud cooperation with KERRY SPORTS will host additional ones. Upcoming camps will take place during August 7th to 11th, and August 14th to 18th. Registration is required. RMB 3,200-4,500. 9am–2.30pm. For more information or booking please contact the Kerry center (8565 2460, hbkc@thekerryhotels.com) Guang Hua Lu no. 1. 光华路一号
Sea Touring Kayak Training Summer Camp, various dates in Aug
Ages 8-18. Beijing Warren Kayak Club is organizing the first kayak summer camp in Beijing history. The purpose of the camp is to teach ACA (American Canoe Association) sea touring kayak level 1 and level 2 lessons. Students will learn and master long distance paddling, practice rescue drills, and learn about kayak trips. At the end, the students’ learning will be assessed, and their skill levels will be certified by ACA. English is the main language of the kayak summer camp, but the instructors are more or less able to communicate in Chinese. Dates: July 31-August 4, August 7-11, August 14-18, and August 21–25. (WeChat ID: Kayaking_China, 151 0166 2018, boston5678@qq.com).
Parkour Camp by Imagine, various dates in Aug
Ages 7-16. Develop exciting parkour skills by leaping into foam pits, jumping on trampolines, balancing on a slack line, climbing on a bouldering wall, and so much more! Parkour is a great way to build foundation skills for all other freestyle action sports. Dates: Aug 7-11, 14-18, 21-25. RMB 700 per day including transport. Imagine. (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com )
Survival Camp by Imagine, various dates in Aug
Ages 7-14. This camp teaches kids the essentials of survival in the wilderness: making fires, building rafts, crossing rivers, making traps and tools, cooking, building shelters and more! Survival Camp takes you to the great outdoors to learn what nature has to offer. Dates: Aug 7-11, 14-18, 21-25. RMB 750 per day. Imagine. (010 5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)
Photos: natic_ua, leoleobobeo, Skitterphoto, dolvita108 via Pixabay; other photos courtesy of the organizers
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