As expat parents living in China, we definitely want our kids to understand the local culture, at least a little. Chinese New Year is a great time for young ones to learn about this quintessential Chinese festival and the many curious customs surrounding it. We’ve rounded up some family-friendly events and activities that will provide the perfect opportunity for that!
Beijing Postcards CNY Scavenger Hunt
Join the creative minds at Beijing Postcards as they visit locals in the neighborhood while navigating through the multi-layered history of Beijing on this unique CNY edition of their popular Hutong Scavenger Hunt. This time, you’ll be challenged to play traditional games while learning about long-established Chinese customs. Think of it as a PG-13 version of Squid Game in which there isn’t a death penalty for losing the game! Dates are Feb 2 & 3, 1.30-5pm. Cost: RMB 150/child, RMB 300/adult. Scan the QR code below to sign up.
Celebrity guest appearance of Tigress at Cafe Royal at NUO Universal
This spring festival, Cafe Royal at the NUO Universal Hotel will offer a CNY Hot Pot Buffet dinner including lobster and the not-to-be-missed iconic CNY dumplings, with an option for free-flow drinks for up to two hours. But the cherry on top might be their celebrity guest appearance of none other than Tigress, of Kung Fu Panda fame! Tigress will grace NUO on Jan 31 from 5.30-6.15pm. What better way for families with young ones to usher in the Year of the Tiger than that! Call 010 57326330 to reserve your CNY dinner.
God of Fortune Kid Activities at Peninsula Hotel
Every weekend starting Jan 22 until Feb 13, the Peninsula Hotel will offer some fun-filled activities just for their junior guests. Learn about CNY traditions and join the hotel’s pastry chefs as they prepare festive dumplings, niangao (year cake), and even CNY cupcakes! The Caishen (God of Fortune) will even make his guest appearance and host some games and riddles where kids can earn gifts and prizes – now that’s the festive CNY spirit! RMB 450 per session. Scan the QR code in the poster below to register!
Black Sesame Kitchen 2-Day Junior Chef Cuisine Training Camp
Arguably one of the capital’s favorite expat-family-friendly cooking schools, Black Sesame Kitchen (BSK) will host a bilingual 2-Day Junior Chef Cuisine Training Winter Camp in their traditional hutong venue near the Forbidden City, where they will acquire cooking skills by learning to make seven dishes (from sushi to jianbing) and knowledge of restaurant etiquette. The current camp dates in January have been fully booked but they are expecting to hold another camp in February so register your interest with them now!
Language-Immersion CNY Cultural Activities in Tongzhou
Meant for expat families who are able to speak basic Mandarin, and who wish to improve on their Chinese language skills while learning more about the culture as well, this event is organized by International Talent Solutions for expat adults as well as kids. Conducted mainly in Chinese, with supporting English language, this is a great opportunity for true language immersion. Participants will get to know one another through ice-breakers, make dumplings together, and learn all about the significance of the tiger in Chinese culture. Date: Sunday, Jan 30, 10am-4pm. Cost: RMB 128 for one, RMB 198 for two. Do note that the venue is at 新光大中心 (Xīnguāng dà zhōngxīn) in Tongzhou. Scan the QR code below for more details.
KEEP READING: Kids Camps for CNY Holiday Fun!
Images: Pexels, courtesy of the vendors
