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Hot Events This Week
WAB Distinguished Speaker Series: Kevin Westgarth, Sep 19
All ages. As the NHL China Games in Beijing approaches, hear from Kevin Westgarth, a Princeton University pre-med student who went on to capture ice hockey’s greatest treasure, the NHL’s Stanley Cup. Free. Visit www.wab.edu/dss for details. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. No. 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) 来广营东路10号
Wandering China’s Trip to Pingyao and Writers’ Competition, Sep 22-25
All ages. Wandering China 观览国际 is organizing an exclusive trip to Shanxi province during the Pingyao International Photography Festival, held every September. Join the adventure and automatically participate in their writer’s competition in which participants will get extraordinary gifts, Pingyao tourism bureau diploma, and exceptional opportunities like having your piece published in Wandering China’s magazine and online platforms. RMB 1,600 per person (fee includes a round-trip train ticket, transportation, admissions fee to scenic spots, English-speaking tour guides, hotel accommodation, dining – 3 breakfast and 2 dinners). Contact Rose Quan at 139 1152 4254 to sign up. Wandering China 观览国际. Rm 2604, Tower A, U-Space, No 8 Guangqu Rd, Chaoyang (WeChat ID: guanlanzhongguo, 2561696019@qq.com) www.wanderingchina.com 北京朝阳区广渠路8号优士阁A座2604
Sophrology Workshop for Women in Beijing, Sep 23
Adults. Come to spend a Saturday morning in a mindfulness workshop under the guidance of Nathalie Dorbes, mindfulness and stress management practitioner. Practice how to relax, breathe, visualize, and remain yourself, getting rid of stress. Join Nathalie for some deep-rooted connections and a deeper sense of energy to create a balance and harmony for yourself and the people around you. RMB 100, including light snacks. Starts 10.30am. (WeChat ID paulus155) OASIS International Hospital, 9 North Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号
The Great Aussie BBQ, Sep 23
All ages. Head over to Dulwich College Beijing for the Great Aussie BBQ. Enjoy Beijing’s cool autumn breeze and be captivated by a thrilling game of AFL where the Beijing Bombers will take on the Shanghai Tigers. The fun does not stop there as visitors will also witness big hits in Beijing Ashes’ cricket match. While everyone munches through fantastic Aussie food and beverages, don’t forget to also try your luck at the raffle for two return tickets to Australia and a Nespresso coffee machine. RMB 200 (for adult members of AustCham Beijing), RMB 250 (for non-members), RMB 100 (for kids under 12), free for kids under 4, RMB 460 (family of 2 adults and 2 kids). Price includes free flow of draught beer, BBQ (steak, lamb chops, burgers, and sausages), return bus from the Australian embassy to Dulwich College Beijing. 11.30am-4.30pm. AustCham Beijing. Dulwich College Beijing 北京德威英国国际学校, 89 Capital Airport Rd, Shunyi (Email events@austcham.org to RSVP)
Fifth Annual Shuangjing Block Party, Sep 23
All ages. The Shuangjing Block Party is back and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Now in its 5th year, the Block Party has grown into one of the premier events in Beijing bringing the Chinese and foreign communities together for a day of great food, drinks, and entertainment. There is something for everyone with live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and clowns, international food and drink booths and other interactive events. The organizers are expecting crowds of over 5,000 people this year, making it the biggest and best Block Party ever. Free. 1-6pm. North Pingod, 22 Art Street, Shuangjing
Volunteer Opportunity for Roundabout, Sep 23/27 and Sep 24
All ages. Roundabout invites everyone for a volunteer opportunity in two separate events this week. The setup for the Book Fair at Keystone Academy begins Sep 23 at 1.30pm and the takedown on Sep 27 at 8.30am. The second event is Roundabout’s public sale on Sep 24, with two shifts available (9.45am-12.30pm and 12.15-3pm). To sign up, contact Lily Zhou of Roundabout (WeChat ID: CHOWLZHOU, 150 1018 7653) or Friederike (fhm-wob@t-online.de)
Expat Connection Family Fair & Picnic, Sep 24
All ages. The Expat Connection team invites everyone to their yearly Family Fair & Picnic at the Canadian International School of Beijing. There will be more than 35 different activities, like pony riding, climbing, art coloring and many other activities while also enjoying food and drinks. The event closes with a huge lottery, sending the lucky winners home with a special treat and plenty of memories. Starts 11am. Free entrance. Expat Connection. Canadian International School of Beijing, 38 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang. 中国北京市朝阳区亮马桥路38号(www.china-expat-connection.com)
The Fifth Annual China Women’s Film Festival, until Sep 24
Adults. See dozens of films and a Q&A with acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Sunny Bergman at this socially conscious film festival that tackles misogyny in the tech industry, gender conformity in the Middle East, ageism in the beauty industry and more. For a full schedule and list of venues, click here. CWFF.
More Events This Month
Feed Your Mind
UK-China Education Development Forum – British-Style Early Years Education, Sep 19
Adults. The UK Department for International Trade, the British Embassy Beijing, and the China-Britain Business Council invite everyone to the “UK-China Education Development Forum – British-Style Early Years Education” to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore collaboration opportunities in Early Years Education between the UK and China. Free but needs RSVP before Sep 12. 8.30am-1.30pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. The St. Regis Beijing (contact Holm Jiang, Events Manager, CBBC: 8525 1111 ext. 366, Holm.Jiang@cbbc.org.cn)
Introduction to Montessori Pedagogy, Sep 20
Adults. The introduction to Montessori pedagogy will be led by Myriam Lapalus. This is a great event for parents, educators, and everyone interested in early childhood development. Open to all but seats are limited. There will be an open discussion and buffet after the event. RMB 30 (for LMMP parents), RMB 80 (for non-LMMP parents). Register before Sep 18 (Mon) and pay in advance via WeChat ID t06021988. 5-6.30pm. LMMP Workshop – 5 Cang Nan Bei Xiang Jia, Dongcheng
INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB, Sep 21
Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting the International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning at the school’s Chatterbox Cafe this month. Join INN for this great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-times in the Shunyi area! Free. 10am-noon. BSB, Shunyi. www.bsbshunyi.com
BJU Breast Cancer Awareness Talk, Sep 21
Adults. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to help spread some insight in Beijing and beyond about the illness, Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) is hosting an educational health talk on Sep 21 at 7pm to discuss breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Click here for more info on what to expect, and how to sign up. Register early to ensure you get a spot, as space is limited to the first 25 people who sign up. As an extra bonus, the first three people to register will have the opportunity to do a private, one-on-one self-check tutorial with United Family New Hope Oncology Center’s oncologist, Dr. Tian. Free. Starts 7pm. Beijing United Family Hospital.
3e TEA TALK: A Parent’s Guide to Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Development of Young Children, Sep 22
For adults. 3e International School’s Tea Talk for September helps parents learn what to expect, and deepen their understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children. The workshop will also examine some red flags of behavioral issues and basic principles of positive behavior management. Presented by Dr. Lynn Turner, Lead Psychologist and Educational Psychologist, LIH Olivia’s Place. Free, but parents need to email community@3einternationalschool.org to register. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. No. 9-1 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang (6437 3344)朝阳区将台西路9-1号
Keystone Academy Primary School Open House, Sep 23
All ages. Keystone Academy invite everyone for their Primary School Open House on Sep 23, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Come learn about Keystone Academy and tour their campus. There will also be opportunities to visit classrooms and meet with their faculty and students. Click here to register. Keystone Academy. No11, An Fu Street, Houshayu, Shunyi District
Most Likely to Succeed Documentary Screening at WAB, Sep 26
All ages. Visit Western Academy of Beijing on Sep 26, for an exclusive screening of Most Likely to Succeed, an award-winning documentary about why schools need to transform to meet the needs of the future. The film asks tough questions about why conventional schooling struggles to make learning meaningful for students. The screening is open to the public for no charge. Long-press and extract the QR code to sign up. Free. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing.
Work Your Body Out
Zouk Dance Workshop, Sep 23-24
Adults. Whether you’re a beginner who has never danced before or an experienced dancer ready for your next challenge, the Zouk Dance Workshop is an opportunity you surely don’t want to miss! Alexey and Anna, Zouk masters from Russian will be in Beijing for a fantastic 6 hour Zouk workshop. RMB 250 for 3.5-hour full course and needs registration (click/tap here to register). 3.30-5pm (beginners’ course), 5-7pm (Foundation level 2). Zouk Beijing FM. (WeChat ID: ashish578675, 152 1080 6525)
Two-Day Flamenco Workshop, Oct 3-4
Adults. Beginner level flamenco aficionados, it’s your time to step up. On Oct 3-4, Casa Flamenco will hold a two-day course, including flamenco guitar where you can learn basic guitar chords to accompany with dance and rhythm control; the flamenco dance that will teach you moves, steps, and rhythms by ear; and flamenco drum (cajon) that will help you learn flamenco beats using a wooden box. RMB 600 (1 course); RMB 900 (2 courses); RMB 1,200 (3 courses). Flamenco guitar course is 10.30am-12.30pm; flamenco dance 1-3pm; flamenco drum 3-5pm. Casa Flamenco. Qi Jia Yuan Diplomatic Resident Compound. (WeChat, WhatsApp, and contact number: 13910914251)
Tango Beginner Series at Lama Temple Area, Oct 3-5
Adults. For tango lovers, head to the Lama Temple area on Oct 3-5 and join Beijing Bilingual Tango’s tango drill with a visiting Argentinean master. Then on Oct 8, there’s a new beginner series with will start twice a week on Sundays and Thursdays. RMB 150 (Oct 8 beginner series, single lesson); RMB 800 (early bird discounted price for 8 lessons if paying before Sep 25); RMB 960 (regular price after Sep 25). Sunday session 1.30-3pm at Hotcat Club (No. 46 Fangjiahutong, Dongcheng District, 东城区方家胡同46号, near Beixinqiao, Yonghegong Lama Temple, and Andingmen stations on Line 2). Thursday session 8.30-10pm at Lama Temple Colorful Studio (雍和宫彩色教室 东城区东滨河路雍和航星园37号楼201) Beijing Bilingual Tango. (WeChat ID: BJBTango, 412143092@qq.com)
Cool Culture
Mooncake Making, Sep 23
All ages. The 16th of 24 solar terms are characterized by the autumn equinox, or qiūfēn (秋分), which also means that Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. When the day comes, the daytime and the night-time are the same. Moreover, in the ancient times, Chinese worshipped the moon as a god and were preparing many food and sacrifices. But do you know why we eat “moon” cakes then? In this activity, you will create a mooncake, which you can fill with plenty of delicious flavors, such as lotus or bean paste. RMB 100. 7-9pm.
The Divine Michelangelo at the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre, until Sep 30
All ages. 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).
Fun Fairs and Outdoor Activities
October Holiday Camp for Kids: Adventure Camp, Sep 30-Oct 8
Kids 7+. This upcoming National Holiday, Imagine brings a new adventure for the little ones of the house (age 7+): Indoor ski (室内滑雪), climbing (室内攀岩), parkour (跑酷), Civilization Game (文明帝国游戏), and Adventure Park (奇妙探险乐园). This camp is the perfect choice for parents who want to stay in Beijing but are looking for outdoor activities that are creative and challenging at the same time. RMB 900 per day for indoor ski; RMB 700 per day for climbing or parkour; RMB 750 per day for Civilization Game or Adventure Park. Click here for more information about each activity. 8am-6pm. Imagine. (WeChat ID: Imagine24X7service, 5739 4933)
Chinese Ink Brush – Calligraphy & Painting, every Tue of Sep
All ages. This is a workshop to combine calligraphy and Chinese painting, the two most important art forms throughout Chinese history. The artists of China Culture Center (CCC) will teach participants the typical traditional ink brush techniques and smooth strokes, and practice both calligraphy and painting. Chinese painting is greatly influenced by Chinese calligraphy. CCC provides the Four Treasures of the study – the ink brush, ink, paper (made of rice & bamboo), and ink stone. RMB 200. 10am-noon. China Culture Center (CCC)
Safari Song Time, every Fri and Sat
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.
Yoga Therapy & Healing With Nasim Maani, every Fri of Sep
Adults. Nasim is a certified yoga therapist (Yoga+Ayurveda) and holistic coach with experience in individual and group settings. She teaches this restorative yoga class which focuses on healing for the body, mind, heart, and spirit every Friday. RMB 130 for a single class (monthly passes and multi-class passes available). Click/tap here for more information. 10-11.30am. Yoga Yard.
Acro Yoga With Justine, every Sat of Sep
Adults. Acroyoga is a dynamic partner practice that blends the wisdom of yoga, the dynamic power of acrobatics, and the loving kindness of healing art. These three lineages form the foundation of a partner practice that cultivates trust, playfulness, and community. Acroyoga is a practice that is available for every body, age, and ability. RMB 150 for a single class (monthly passes and multi-class passes available). Click/tap here for more information. 4-5.30pm. Yoga Yard.
Chinese Traditional Qigong Class, every Sat
Kids 9+ to adults. The Benefits of qigong include better sleep, more energy, a calmer mind, and relief from aches and pains. The class will practice meditation, the Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong, and raising Qi practice with instructor Dr. Peng Haitao, a practitioner with over 20 years of experience healing himself and others. Shelley Ochs, an acupuncturist, writer, and translator, will interpret the class into English. Dr. Peng will also give each participant a mini qi-adjustment if they wish. RMB 300 per class. 2-5pm. Da Fu Tang Chinese Medicine Clinic. 39 Shen Lu Jie (across from the north gate of Ritan Park). (We Chat: DaFuTangChineseMedicine)
Fun-Filled Mom and Child Playgroup, every Sat
Kids 1.5-5, mommies. Join the fun-filled mom and child playgroup at Happy Family Kindergarten every Saturday morning. This playgroup is aimed for 1.5-5 years old kids and moms to meet new people while spending time together. The kids will engage in storytelling, art and crafts activities as well as music and movement. Free. 9-11am. Happy Family Kindergarten. Xiang Xin Xili 22, Dongcheng (near Fangzhuang subway station) (WeChat ID: fangyuebi, 136 9573 7808)
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
Mental Health Peer Support Group, bi-weekly
Adults. CandleX is hosting an international community-based support group where people can go and share openly in a confidential setting. It is for anyone who has a mental health condition, is stressed and/or is having a hard time in both personal and professional settings. This is a project provided by CandleX, an NGO in Beijing that focuses on mental health by raising awareness on depression and bipolar disorder. This is a continuing effort to provide more support to our Beijing English speaking community. Free (click/tap here to register). 7.30-9pm. CandleX. U-Town Shopping Center. (WeChat ID: candlex2015, info@candlex.cn) www.candlex.cn
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.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, courtesy of organizers
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