1 beijingkids Little Pirates Treasure Hunt
Shiver me timbers, wee mateys! beijingkids calls all little pirates and treasure seekers for lunch at Latin Grillhouse and a hunt for precious booty at
Solana. If it’s a pirate’s life for you, then come plunder, swig kid-friendly grog, enjoy the sunshine and play games to win loot. Aye aye, me hearties, we won’t make you walk the plank! The fun takes place April 25. Come for games, gifts and exciting prizes. RMB 80 per person; suitable for families with children ages 3 to 10. 11am-2pm. Tickets are limited. RSVP before Apr 22 to Yindra or Joe at 5820 7700 ext 866 or marketing@beijing-kids.com.
2 Celebrate Earth Day
Don’t wait until Apr 22 to go green. Check out “The Green Life” (p52) for easy steps to reduce our impact on the planet. Discover the powerful soapnut: a soap-producing berry that substitutes for laundry detergent and gives you clean clothes with a clean conscience. Learn about shrinking your carbon footprint, composting in the capital, and finding wildlife in and around Beijing.
3 Slumdog Millionaire
The movie that swept this year’s Academy Awards finally arrives in Beijing. Watch as a young teen from the slums of Mumbai competes on the game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” Flashbacks into his past unveil a star-crossed love story. Get a taste of Bollywood, intense drama and action-packed chase scenes in this blockbuster movie. Not to be missed – but leave the little ones at home.
4 Fly a Kite
The spring season brings breezes that are perfect for billowing kites. Basic tips: Don’t run. Hold the kite string, and when a gust of wind blows, swing the kite upward. As the kite rises, give the string some slack as it becomes taut. If the kite begins to fall, tighten up on the string to catch more wind. You could buy a kite on the street, but why would you do that when you can make your own? For kite-making classes, see Events (p10).
5 Bug Party
Get friendly with creepy crawlers at 3e’s Bug and Garden Day on April 11. Children ages 2 to 7 can spend the morning engaged in bug-themed
activities, including planting in a garden. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 10-11.30am. Register in advance by calling 6437 3344 or e-mailing admissions@3eik.com.
6 Easter Brunch
Dig into eggs and other hearty brunch staples on Easter Sunday on April 12.
Hit the Hilton Beijing or the Westin Chaoyang, which won Best Brunch in the
Beijinger Reader Restaurant Awards, for chocolate eggs and cookies. For a
day trip, enjoy brunch with live jazz and an egg hunt for the kids at The
Schoolhouse at Mutianyu.
7 Thirty Letters to a Child
Any parent can attest that children make wonderful muses. In this Apr 11 talk, artist Qiu Zhijie shares his thoughts and ideas on fatherhood. The birth of Qiu’s daughter inspired him to create a series of 30 ink paintings, titled “Letters to Qiu Jiawa.” Each parent can bring a child to this event. In Chinese only. RMB 60 (members), RMB 120 (non-members). For reservations, contact 8459 9269. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, www.ucca.org.cn
8 Sail the Summer Palace
What better way to explore the imperial canal than in a traditional-style canopy boat? Take this cruise and float past the Beijing Zoo, Beijing
Aquarium and Purple Bamboo Park. Afterwards, stroll through the gardens
at the Summer Palace and explore hidden paths that lead to a pagoda temple and a stone-carving museum. Step onboard on April 18, 22, or 29. RMB 300, RMB 200 (boat ride only). 9-3.30pm. For bookings, call 6432 9341 or visit
www.chinaculturecenter.org.
9 Wake Up: Darwin’s Nightmare
What happens when survival of the fittest meets capitalism? Nominated for best documentary in the 2006 Academy Awards, this film shows the dangers of man meddling with nature. Decades ago, humans released the Nile perch into Tanzania’s Lake Victoria, breeding the fish for export but also destroying the lake’s ecosystem. Proceeds benefit charities Tools for Self Reliance and EcoKids Tanzania. Film shows 3-5pm on Apr 25. BCIS Theater. Contact Sabrina at Sabrina.liu@bcis.cn for details.
10 Run for Sichuan
Tie on those running shoes and get ready to get your heart pumping for a good cause at this “Run for Sichuan” 5K charity run on April 25. The start time is 10am at the International School of Beijing. Proceeds go to the
Sichuan Relief Fund to help build a new school in Mianyang, Sichuan. To register, call 8149 2345 or e-mail reception1@isb.bj.edu.cn.
Readers are encouraged to double-check event details with the organizers as dates and locations may change.
