Easter Fun
The giant chocolate-baring bunny is getting ready to do his rounds. That’s right, Sunday April 24 is Easter. Head to any one of Beijing’s numerous Easter brunches (see Apr 24 listing or Dining) to feast, while letting your kids get their Easter-egg hunt on. If you want to have a mini egg hunt at home, load up at Comptoirs de France. For other places to purchase chocolate, see Top 5 Places to Hunt for Chocolate.
beijingkids Pizzapalooza at Kro’s Nest
For ages 5-10. Releash that inner creative foodie in you! On Saturday April 16, beijingkids invites you to create your very own pizza pie to wow the Kro’s Nest judges of Pizzapalooza. The winning mouth-watering pizza will become Kro’s Nest’s Pizza of the Month in May. For details, click here.
The Hutong Heyrobics Challenge
Up for a challenge? On Sunday April 17, The Hutong and Heyrobics will team up to get you physical and fed. The day starts with a Heyrobics fitness routine, which emphasizes fun and fitness together, then continues on to The Hutong where you’ll sample great food from around the world. As per the Heyrobics philosophy, everyone is welcome no matter their age or fitness level. See Apr 17 listing.
Celebrate Earth Day
Friday, April 22: The spring equinox heralds Earth Day. Look out for a special JGI China – Roots & Shoots event on April 22 at Capital Library. Details at www.genyuya.org.cn. Alternatively, leave the city behind and head for the hills, Fragrant Hills that is. The park is a short drive from the Fourth Ring and will be budding with spring flowers – it’s perfect for a day trip.
Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan). 6am-6:30pm. RMB 10, RMB 5 (students). Xiangshan, Haidian District (6259 1155) 海淀区香山公园
Splash Around Indoors
Until outdoor pools open, dip a toe or dive in at one of Beijing’s great indoor water parks.
Happy Magic Watercube Waterpark: Daily 10am-9pm. Weekdays: RMB 98, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m). Weekends: RMB 138, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m). Olympic Green, Beichen Lu, Chaoyang District (8437 0125) 朝阳区北辰路奥林匹克公园内
Merry Water World: Mon-Fri 1.30-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-10.30pm. RMB 98, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m). Weekends: RMB 138, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m). Jinzhan, Dongweilu (Take the Airport Expressway to the Weigou Exit. Turn left at the first stoplight, right at the second, and then go straight), Chaoyang District (8433 0606 ext 5104) 朝阳区东苇路金盏
Blue Zoo For You!
Under Gongti Lake lies a lair of coral and color. Beijing Blue Zoo has thousands of fish, some sharks and even the occasional mermaid. Located in the heart of Gongti and only a short stroll from Sanlitun attractions, why not make a day of it? See What’s Fun In (p32) for a full itinerary.
Liking the Hiking
Ready, stretch, go! It’s time to seize the day and hit those hiking trails. Beijing Hikers is constantly charting out day hikes that range from easy to expert. For an easy trek, try the hike to Mr. Mao’s Chestnut Orchard (see Apr 6 listing). Naturalist Betsy Taylor will accompany the group to point out interesting flora, fauna and geology. And boost your intelligence by hiking up Intelligence Valley (see May 1 listing).
Behold, Cherry Blossoms
It’s spring and cherry blossoms are trumpeting all over Beijing, but be quick! These flowers are only out for a few weeks. Enjoy Beijing’s warm weather and take a walk in Haidian Yuyuantan Park with camera and tots in tow.
Daily 6am-9.30pm (summer), daily 6.30am-7pm (winter). RMB 2, RMB 1 (students). Xisanhuan Lu (across from CCTV Tower). East entrance on Sanlihe Lu (just south of Diaoyutai); south entrance (with parking lot) behind China Millennium Monument, Haidian District (8865 3804/6) 海淀区西三环中央电视塔对面 (东门在三里河路, 南门在世纪坛后面)
Clean Out Your Closet
A great thinker once asked: "Whatcha gunna do with all that junk, all that junk, inside yo’ trunk?" If you ask us, we recommend you dispose of it. One person’s trash is another person’s living room set. Give your stuff a second life: Inquire about selling your stuff at the BSB Sanlitun Jumble Sale (see Apr 17 listing), Harrow Table Top Sale (see May 6 listing) or the BSB Charity Car Boot Sale (see May 8 listing). Alternatively, donations can be made to Roundabout Charity Distribution Center (www.roundaboutchina.com).
Help Japan
Help Japanese families in need. Last month’s earthquake and tsunami have been devastating for Japan. Online donations can be made to your home country’s Red Cross (www.icrc.org/eng). You can also wire money from the post office located in Beixinqiao in Dongcheng District (东城区北新桥三条八号) using the customer account number (客户号) 111119995. For more ways to help, visit Google’s Crisis Response page online at www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html.
