It’s been a typical Beijing year, in the sense of being completely unpredictable, full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and constant surprises. The year began with a grim warning for dog owners, following a spate of alleged dog poisonings:
Dozens of Pet Dogs Killed in Latest Beijing Neighborhood Poisoning
In February, the news was a little lighter, as an earthquake we characterized as “pathetic” shook Beijing (but only very slightly):
Another damp squib in February were the Chinese New Year celebrations, with fireworks banned within fifth ring road, due to their supposed impact on pollution:
Happier news came in April, at least for parents of Peppa Pig-obsessed little ones. A theme park celebrating everyone’s favorite porcine preschooler is due to open next year:
In the summer we brought you the news of a Beijing parent’s shock at seeing her child’s face used on a poster in CBD without her knowledge or consent:
In July a small explosion near the US Embassy caused worry and a lockdown for Embassy staff, but seems not to have been a major incident. Conflicting reports suggested a firecracker had been thrown, or even that it was just a popcorn vendor’s cart exploding:
Of more genuine concern in July was yet another scandal about vaccine safety in China. Read our article to learn more about how to keep your kids safe:
Child safety was on the agenda again in September, but this time we were counseling caution before sharing reports of allegedly missing children on social media. If you missed our report, find out more about why not everything is as it first seems:
October’s big news was a clampdown on unlicensed ebikes, which had everyone scurrying to ensure they were properly registered:
Unlicensed Electric Bicycles Will Be Impounded and Owners Fined, Warns Beijing Authority
Also in October, one of our editors told the story of how he helped save a visually impaired dog in trouble on the streets of the city:
Rescue From Scratch: How I Saved a Visually Impaired Dog on the Streets of Sanlitun (Updated)
And in November, we played the video game which teaches you how to be a Chinese “Tiger Mom”. Did it change our views on parenting? Find out from the link below:
In 2019, we’ll continue to bring you all the news that matters to Beijing’s international parents, serious or silly, happy or sad. May the New Year bring your family joy and prosperity!
Photo: Bridget Colla via Flickr
