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.
Workshops and Coffee Mornings
INN Sanlitun Coffee Morning, Aug 15
All ages. Come join the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) for monthly Sanlitun coffee morning. It’s a great venue for making new friends, catching up with old ones, finding out what’s going on in “INN” Beijing, asking questions, or just enjoying a great cup of coffee or tea. Free. 10am-noon. The Bookworm. Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Education, Aug 18
Adults. In this three-hour session, attendees will get to know more about topics about breast changes in pregnancy, as well as the biology of breastfeeding, positioning, latch, hunger cues, “signs” that the baby is getting enough, maternal nutrition, expressing, and getting support. The discussion will also include handling family pressure, discreet nursing in public, and other related topics. The activity is facilitated by Neha, a certified lactation education counselor (UCSD) and an experienced mother. The activity is open to 6 people only. RMB 200. 9.30am-12.30pm. 606 Tower 3, Central Park CBD, Beijing. For more information on how to register, scan the QR code below.
Breathwork @ Shang Space, various dates in Aug
Adults. The Mind Body Project presents Breathwork with three programs: (1) Breath Basics, or the three techniques to calm and cool; (2) Extreme Breath, or the three techniques for adventure sports; and (3) Mindfulness for Active Entrepreneurs, to learn more about how the concepts of challenge, mental strength, and resilience connect to one another. RMB 200 per day of program (RMB 150 advance). Breath Basics: Aug 17, 7-9pm; Extreme Breath: Aug 24, 7-9pm; Mindfulness for Active Entrepreneurs: Sep 3, 4-7pm. No. 20 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang District (North Sanlitun, directly west of International SOS). The Mind Body.
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.
Art
Artist in Residency 2.0: Connect & Transform, until Aug 31
All ages. Chuang Tzu once wrote about “the usefulness of the useless,” a philosophy that guides Cui Fenghua’s brush, her explorations and her attempts to understand the world. A native of Shandong Province, Cui has been Four Seasons’ Artist in Residency since October 2016. During her time with the residency program, Ms. Cui has mingled with guests in the Executive Lounge, where her studio is located, and worked alongside the service staff at Opus Bar and MIO, transforming her experiences and connections into art for her latest 2017 Spring/Summer Collection. Five percent of the 2017 Spring/Summer Collection profits will go to the charitable organization Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC). Follow the hotel WeChat (), reply “Artist in Residency” and discover the 2017 Spring/Summer Collection. 9am-6pm.
Rembrandt and His Time: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection, until Sep 3 (except Mondays)
All ages. As part of its mission to stimulate a wider appreciation and understanding of seventeenth-century Dutch art, the Leiden Collection’s first international traveling exhibition will bring a group of about seventy works to the National Museum of China, Beijing from Jun 17 to Sep 3. The Leiden Collection exhibition makes history by presenting the largest assemblage of Dutch Golden Age paintings ever to visit China. It will include 11 paintings by Rembrandt — the greatest number of works by the master in private hands — as well as Vermeer’s Young Woman Seated at a Virginal, the first painting by the celebrated artist to travel to Beijing. National Art Museum of China (NAMOC).
The Divine Michelangelo at the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre, until Sep 30
In cooperation with Italy’s Buonarroti Museum, the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre is displaying over a hundred works by famed Renaissance artist Michelangelo, including sculptures, paintings, sketches and other masterpieces by the sculptor of David and the Sistine Chapel painter. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. RMB 80, RMB 40 for students, RMB 160 for a family pass. 10am-9pm. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).
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.
Outdoor Events
Picnic Out for the Center, Aug 26
All ages. Join the LGBT Center for this special Dining Out for the Center event. Spend your Saturday afternoon outside, lay under the shade of the big trees lined up at our special and fabulous venue and just not think of anything. Cloud watching, anyone? Bring along your friends. The more, the merrier. Open to all – LGBT, allies, families, co-workers, etc. There will be a fun a super slide challenge. See how fast you can go! Play some games and win prizes! Food and drink vendors will be on hand to serve you as needed. Click here for sign-up information. RMB 20 for entry. 2-6pm.
Gubeikou Great Wall Loop Hike, Aug 26
Ages 5+. On this hike we’ll head out to a beautiful section of the Great Wall that is further outside the city than the crowded main tourist sites, and much quieter. You’ll have a chance to hike along an unrestored section of the Great Wall that grants magnificent views of the Great Wall stretching beyond the horizon in the east and west. As we follow the wall, we’ll pass through restored and unrestored sections, as well as taking a nice detour through pines on a hillside trail. Sign up here. RMB 450 (RMB 405 for members). 8am-5.30pm. Beijing Hikers (WeChat ID: BeijingHikers).
Cruising the Yangtze River, until Sep 30
All ages. The epic Yangtze River Cruise takes you on a spectacular journey along the longest river in China. This is the perfect tour for those who want to relax on a luxury ship while also seeing some of the nature’s beautiful along the river. Rich in history, the Yangtze River and its surrounds present many opportunities for side trips to various cultural relics, as well as the monumental Three Gorges Dam. Travel agent and guide services are available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German. For more information, visit the website or email book@thechinaguide.com.
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)
Shows
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.
Epic Horse Show “Troy”, until Aug 27 (except Mondays)
All ages. Hundreds of millions of investment, more than 100 horses, thousands of tons of sand, thousands of miles, 8 times IMAX projection visual shock, and 27,000 square meters of super realistic landscape to present a precious 80 minutes of performance for the Chinese audience .This summer, the epic Horse Show “Troy” premieres at Beijing Bird’s Nest! The story is based on for thousands of years. RMB 180/ 380/ 580/ 880/ 1280/ 18,880/ 38,880. 7.30pm. Contact Lucy (WeChat ID: lucy18600208126, 186 0020 8126). Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).
Festivals, Markets, and Charity Events
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 Aug 26 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)
CK Treasure Trove, Sep 3
All ages. CK Treasure Trove’s first market will take place on Sunday September 3rd at Tech Temple in Sanlitun (behind Q Mex in Courtyard 4). Merchants sell treasures from all around the world, including Siberia, Morocco, France, Ghana, India – and of course China! Come by and find something unique to brighten your day! Tech Temple Sanlitun. 12-6pm.
99 Days of Giving, Sep 7-9
All ages. Roundabout’s annual Days of Giving are coming up soon from 7th-9th September. Support the cause and give love & hope to more children in need. This is your chance to help make a massive impact to the lives of those under-served in our world. This year, along with the medical care, Roundabout will be supporting education initiatives that will give so many children the chance of a bright future. Click here for more information. Roundabout
Dining
Thai Food Festival, until Aug 20
All ages. The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing collaborates with Thai Embassy to invite Guest Chef Nueng from Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Thailand, to showcase authentic Thai flavors highlighting especially his most popular 10 dishes at Aroma, which are also recognized by CNN. For reservations, call 5908 8161. Lunch: RMB 368 net per person, including soft drink, coffee and tea; Dinner: RMB 448 net per person, including chilled juice, soft drink, coffee and tea; Brunch: Starts from RMB 618 net per person, including red and white wine, draft beer, chilled juice, soft drink, coffee and tea. Aroma. Lobby Level, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.
Hutong Pizza Tour, Aug 20
All ages. Do you and your family love pizza? Then this family-friendly experience might be just for you! Beijing Experience is organizing a hutong tour around Dongsi area, which will end with a visit to Buona Pizza, a hidden pizzeria in the hutong. The pizzeria is cozy, friendly, and 100 percent trustworthy, perfect for a family dinner. Sounds fun? Book through WeChat: 13071139166. RMB 99 (adults), free for kids, pizza included. 5pm. Chaoyangmen, line 6, exit G.
Fresh Eats for a Cool Summer, until Aug 31
All ages. Savor vegetables straight from the garden in every bite of Head Chef Li Qiang’s carefully-crafted seasonal summer menu at Cai Yi Xuan. From the refreshing deep-fried Red Horsehead with Shredded Mango with Sour Chili Dressing to the delectable Poached Sliced Australian Wagyu Beef with Bitter Gourd in Consommé, Chef Li’s culinary expertise is on display in dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Cai Yi Xuan at 5695 8520. 11.30am-10.30pm. Cai Yi Xuan. 2/F, Four Seasons Hotel, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区亮马桥路48号北京四季酒店2层.
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. The Lobby.
Summer Camps
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 and Kerry Sports will host additional ones. The upcoming camp will take place from Aug 14 to 18. 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: Aug 14-18 and 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 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 14-18 and 21-25. RMB 750 per day. Imagine. (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)
Photos: martinquijandria, tookapic, luvmybry, StartupStockPhotos via Pixabay; other photos courtesy of the organizers
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