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.
Fun for Kids
R3 Discovery Book Tasting, Aug 14-18
Ages 5-12. R3 Discovery presents a unique and exciting “Book Tasting” event where kids get the chance to learn about 5 literary genres. Each day, a different genre is explored including fiction, nonfiction, folktale, drama, and poetry. RMB 188 per 1.5 hours (including all activities). 3.30-5pm. R3 Discovery. (WeChat ID: R3Discovery, Chinese: 185 1133 4363, English: 151 0160 5808, r3discovery@sina.com). SOHO Shangdu, No.8 Dongdajiao Rd, West Tower, 4F, Rm 1435.
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.
Shows, Fairs, and Festivals
Creative Humor Physical Theatre – Papirus, Aug 23-27
All ages. This warm and touching play tells the story of a piece of magical paper. Papirus is dedicated to all those who never stop dreaming. In the middle of nowhere, a tired man walks alone, and his only companions are a large suitcase and a big piece of paper. In the middle of nowhere, a woman, weakened, looks for a place to sleep. Soon, each of them will discover the presence of the other. Without any words, through gestures, shapes and painting, these two foreigners speak and establish a game full of curiosity, generosity and hope where sharing becomes a way of communication. This is a show about the magic that comes when we allow ourselves to communicate with the heart. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. Ticket prices: RMB 160-280. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院. 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区 西长安街2.
Sports Beijing’s Annual Festival of Sport, Aug 26
All ages. Sports Beijing’s annual Festival of Sports event will be held at the ISB Dome on Saturday, August 26th from 10am to 3pm. New and returning members are welcome to join this fun FREE event. This event gives you a chance to register your kids for sports that are offered during the Fall 2017 season. Parents will have the chance to speak to some of the coaches, management, and partners while the kids participate in different sports inside the dome. Free. 10am-3pm. International School of Beijing (ISB). 10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District 顺义区安华街10号.
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).
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.
Dining
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.
Summer New Menu at ZHEN Chinese Restaurant, until Aug 31
All ages. Syrup of Plum with Mint and Fruits, Rice Glue Ball and Lily in Frozen Rice Wine Soup, Deep-Fried Prawn Ball with Mango Yoghourt Sauce and more. For reservations, call 22-24626888-6022. From RMB 58. Wanda Vista Tianjin 486 Bahao Road, Da Zhi Gu, Hedong District, Tianjin 300170.
Savor 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, call 8414 9820. Feast (Food by East). EAST, Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号.
Sunday Brunch at the Lobby, until Oct 1
All ages. The Lobby at The Peninsula Beijing invites families to share memorable culinary experiences at the new Sunday Brunch Buffet. The sumptuous weekend feast combines international “Farm-to-Table” buffet and a la carte cuisines with a hint of Mediterranean inspiration. Diners also have access to freshly imported seafood, an extensive selection of homemade cold cuts, and premium cheeses from around the world.
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). 9am-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: 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. (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)
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.
Photos: tookapic, luvmybry, StartupStockPhotos via Pixabay; other photos courtesy of the organizers
More stories by this author here.
