We’re already eyeing the start of September and October as some really fun events have been slid to us here at beijingkids. We’re excited to share those with you! Until then, to help those new arriving expats, we’re continuing to let you know what continues to be available around the city. No one should be just bored waiting for those long school days and nights to start. Also, did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat.
Where We’ll Be
Most editors and interns, some with their families, will be spotted this weekend chowing down along with our colleagues at thebeijinger, our sister publication. Our family tip: Take along your friends and your kids’ friends so everyone can explore “the world” within safe budget and distance limits.
Second International Foodie Weekend, August 13-14
Ages 6+. With foodie passports in tow, festival goers will be set upon a culinary journey: Bite-sized delicacies representing cuisines from over 20 different countries and regions will be on offer. Current vendor count is 67! Kids under 1.2m get in free! RMB 30 (One Day Pass), RMB 45 (Two Day Pass). 11am-8pm. We suggest families with kids in tow leave by 5pm before the Bar and Club Awards, and that each family use their own familial values with discretion in attending as drinking and absolute gluttony are large parts of this event. Sanlitun Soho, South side of Gongti Beilu, across from Sanlitun Taikooli, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工人体育场北路8号院 (But tickets here)
Free Events
The Bookworm’s Weekly SciFi Book Club, Thursdays
Ages 10+. Attendees of the Bookworm’s weekly SciFi Book Club will read a new short story then discuss it during the meeting. Authors previously covered include Greg Egan, Iain M. Banks, Andy Weir, among others. Free. 8-9pm. The Bookworm. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (Wechat: Merukaba, Website)
Lin Zhipeng aka 223, Until August 28
Ages 14+. Guangdong-born photographer 223 (real name Lin Zhiping) has contributed to numerous creative fashion magazines such as Vice and Vision, as well as shooting for brands such as Converse, Nike, and Bacardi. The Carchangdi’s de Sarthe gallery now hosts his solo exhibition displaying his works, which explore topics of Chinese youth hedonism and going against the expectations of middle class dreams. Free. Tuesday to Sunday every week at De Sarthe, 328-D Caochangdi Art District, Chaoyang District 朝阳区草场地艺术区
Learn to Play One Piece on the Piano, Until-August 9
All ages. Learn the basic rules and gain knowledge of music to play a real song or tune on the piano. Free. 10am-8pm. 3/F Solana Children’s City, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾儿童城三层 (Douban Event Page)
Unique Events
In the Footsteps of the Emperors: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven, August 11
All Ages. The Temple of Heaven contains some of the most iconic architectures in Beijing. This tour will look at the Temple of Heaven’s ceremonial and historic significance, and the connections between present and past of Beijing. This walk and discussion will last about two to three hours and will proceed at a leisurely pace with lots of time for rest, refreshments, and conversation. 9-11:30am at Temple of Heaven, No.1 Donlujia, Tiantan, Dongcheng District. (Register here.)
Japan’s Smiling Cats Society Presents “Scrap Metal”, August 13-14
Ages 3+. Set in a garbage dump, Qianxun see strange things and then suddenly boarding a space ship with quirky astronauts. Follow her one-hour journey into Space with music and laughter. RMB 120. 10-11am. Holiday Classic Theatre Hall. 东安门大街64号中国儿童剧场4层 (Buy Tickets Here)
DIY Sunday Handmade Rubber Stamp Workshop, August 13
Ages 5+ (Younger children will need parental assistance.) Pre-made and customized rubber stamps are popular in Beijing, but at this Farm to Neighbors workshop, everyone will learn how to make their own. RMB 120 or discounted to RMB 90 when you bring your own knife and bottom plate. 2-4pm. Farm to Neighbors Farmers’ Market, B1 floor of Grand Summit, Liangmaqiao (WeChat: farm2neighbors)
Interact with Snow White, August 13
All ages. This special rendition of Snow White is produced in Chinese. RMB 80-380. 10.30am, 2.30pm. The China National Children’s Center, West Gate, No.43 West Street, Pinganli, Xicheng District, Beijing (Book Tickets Here)
Ongoing Events
Tai Chi Class, Wednesdays Until August 9
Ages 8+. For those who are not familiar with Tai Chi, it can perhaps be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. The Tai Chi course focuses on health cultivation, flow of chi (energy) and meditative exercises for the body. The Tai Chi master speaks English and has rich experience in teaching Westerners. RMB 150. China Cultural Center, Victoria Gardens D4-101, Chaoyang Park West Road 朝阳区朝阳公园西路,维多利亚花园D4-101 (Register Here)
Calligraphy Class, Tuesdays Until August 9
Ages 8+. The classes are conducted in English. The Four Treasures of the Study- the ink brush, ink, paper, and ink stone are all provided. You don’t have to be able to write Chinese already, just be enthusiastic and willing to hold a brush. Maximum 12 people. RMB 200. 10.30am-Noon. China Cultural Center, Victoria Gardens D4-101, Chaoyang Park West Road 朝阳区朝阳公园西路,维多利亚花园D4-101
(Register Here)
Art in the Streets, Until August 24
Ages 8+. Curator Magda Danysz says, “Street art is unquestionably, for who wants to see, the most important artistic movement of the early twenty-first century. For some this is not yet obvious. Time will teach them.” Open everyday except Mondays and Sundays. RMB 15. 9.30am-5.30pm. CAFA Art Museum (6477 1575)
Hi, Beijing Children’s Acrobatic Show, Until August 31
Ages 4+. This troupe uses acrobatics, aerial acts, farces, magic, and jugglers to bring alive the story of Marco Polo, who first visited Beijing in 1215, but comes back to modern Beijing to view its modern day developments. RMB 180. China’s National Children’s Center Theater, 43 Western Road, Ping’anli, Xicheng District, 西城区平安里西大街43号 (138 0106 7568)
Best of Next Week
Beijing Playhouse Drama Club Workshop – How to Sing for Stage, August 16
All ages. How do you sing for a Broadway show? This event is open to all, experienced singers and actors are also welcome. Learn the basic singing skills required for theater. Native English speakers or English speakers still gaining confidence in the language encouraged to come. Free. 6:30-9:30pm at Caravan Restaurant, 44 Guanghua Rd, directly across the street from the Brazilian embassy, 300 m north of the Jianguomen subway station. 从建国门地铁站下,东南口出。沿着东二环向北走300米。朝东(右转)到光华路,向东走100米到Caravan酒店。Caravan地址:直接穿过巴西大使馆大街对面,光华路44. (broadway@beijingplayhouse.com, More Information)
Photos: Chinapiao.com, Piao.com, and theBeijinger