20 Beijing Events: Jiaozi, Sports, and more!

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Free
Make Spring Festival Decorations at Parkview Green, Jan 30 and 31
All ages. Gather at Parkview Green with your beloved ones to experience a wide array of folk activities; to explore a world of enchantment and a traditional Chinese New Year. Learn to make paper-cutting art and how to compose Spring Festival couplets, make New Year gifts by hand, such as reunion lanterns, fortune knots and floral creations. Free. 1pm-5pm. Parkview Green. (WeChat: Parkview Green, (010) 5690 7000).

Unique
Lunar New Year Overnight, Jan 30
Ages 8+. On this two-day trip to the area you’ll walk the streets of well-preserved Yuxian Ancient City, visiting the pavilions and pagodas, as well as visiting Jimingyi, the remnants of a Ming Dynasty postal relay center. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,620 for members, RMB 1,200 for under 12\’s). 8.30am-8pm. Beijing Hikers.

Birth of the Monkey King, Jan 30 and 31
Ages 7+. This Chinese-language drama, intended for children and families, lets kids learn about the history of the Monkey King, one of the most famous characters in Chinese literature, from the classic novel Journey to the West. The event combines theatre with drums, music and acrobatics, while interactive elements are sure to keep kids entertained. Tickets from RMB 100 (100/180/280/380). 2.30pm-4.30pm. Beijing Theater. (https://www.douban.com/event/27898172/).

Dance of Destiny, Jan 30 to Feb 2
Ages 8+. Join some of Ireland’s best dancers for a special performance in Beijing. Combining traditional Irish music, tap dance and theatrical elements, the troupe has been performing around the world since 1998, when they made their first tour to New Zealand. RMB 357 to RMB 1015. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (https://www.douban.com/event/27925277/).

Sunny Spring Camp, Jan 30 to Feb 3
Ages 6+. Sunny days are here again and it’s the perfect time to spring ahead with learning new skills and games at Adventure Zone’s Sunny Spring Camp! Revitalize your plans with fun sports such gymnastics, martial arts, swimming and sword choreo guided by expert coaches. RMB 3200 (1 week, half day), RMB 6188 (2 weeks, half day), RMB 4500 (1 week, full day), RMB 8888 (2 weeks, full day). 9am-2.30pm. Kerry Adventure Zone. (hbkc@thekerryhotels.com, wechat: kerryhotelbeijing, 8565 2460).

Walled Village to Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hike, Feb 1
Ages 8+. Hike the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing’s Huairou District, starting off on an unrestored stretch and following it over the hills to a restored section and then up, over, and down a mountain to finish at a countryside restaurant near a scenic reservoir. RMB 400 (RMB 360 for members, RMB 200 for under 12’s). 9am-6pm. Beijing Hikers.

Longqingxia Ice Festival and Tang Dynasty Caves, Feb 1
Ages 8+. The Beijing Hikers will travel to Yanqing County to visit a valley and find an ancient interconnected series of cave dwellings. This trip is suitable for children (no pushchairs, though) – it’s very easy, and the sight of the cave dwellings is sure to spark the imagination. After visiting the caves there will be an early dinner out in the country before heading for the Longqingxia Ice Festival. RMB 500 (RMB 450 for members, RMB 250 for under 12s). 12pm-10pm. Beijing Hikers.

“MY” Jiaozi Party, Feb 1
All ages. Join Café Zarah on February 1st for their annual “MY”-Jiaozi Party and celebrate the New Year. Zarah will be organizing a big reunion dinner with communal cooking tables where they will teach you the art of dumpling making! RMB 88/per person includes all-you-can-eat-dumplings and one drink. Complimentary for kids aged below 6. 6pm-until. Café Zarah.

Spring Festival Taichi Workshop, Feb 5
Embrace the refreshing spring air for 2 hours instruction in Yang Style Taichi, learning the beginners 8 Step Form. Instruction will be from a native-English speaking taichi coach from the UK, and will cover warmups, dynamic stretching, taichi form, applications and qigong cool down exercises. RMB 200. 2pm-4pm. CK Martial Hearts Kung Fu Boutique. (train@ckmartialhearts.com)

China National Theater for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80/120/200/260/320/400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). (for more info call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

Best of Next Week
Our Little Library Opening, Feb 1 through Feb 28
Ages 6months-3years. Our Little Library is OPEN! Besides browsing and borrowing books your babies and toddlers can listen to stories, read out loud, and learn in a fun and interactive way. After books the kids will explore the themes through games and activities Free (for February). 10am-11.30am. Our Little Library.

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6 to 8
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80/120/200/260/320/400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

Ghost The Musical, Feb 8 through Feb 14
Ages 13+. GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Sam, a ghost, tries to communicate with Molly, his love, with the hope of saving and protecting her. RMB 180/380/580/880/980/1000 (580*2)/1500. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Poly Theater. (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721, email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 8+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. Sports Beijing. (info@sportsbj.com)

Sports Beijing’s Bi-Annual Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. International School of Beijing (ISB). (info@sportsbj.com, 6430 1370).

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Time Forest, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Giving full play to the representing, exemplary and guiding role, the National Children’s Art Theatre has trained several generations of artists and backbone in the children’s theater art of China and has won numerous art awards. RMB 180/300/420/500/580/680. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721 or send email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

Charity Fashion Show, Feb 11
Ages 9+. Students from the International School of Beijing (ISB) are hosting their annual Charity Fashion Show. This event, completely run by the students at ISB, was first organized in 2008 with the intent of promoting philanthropy through creativity and entertainment. This year, the proceeds will be donated to the Starfish Project, the Nightingale Charity Club, and Roundabout. Free. 6pm-9pm. International School of Beijing (ISB).

Aerial Yoga, Fly Yoga Free Trial Class, Feb 11
Adult Women. Aerial Yoga is a fun, accessible and graceful yoga practice with “silk” or hammock—suspended from the ceiling that can support your weight, ease pressure, create space in your joints, decrease compression in your spine, and help you find more mobility. Free. 5pm-6pm. Phoenix Town. (WeChat: 723665585).

Science + Art : Create Your Own Car, Feb 12
Ages 8+. From the electronic basics to its unique design. Build your car from A to Z. During this unique course, you will learn how to design an obstacle avoiding car by yourself, using the famous Arduino* electronics platform and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid an object in front of the car. RMB 600 (RMB 450 for Atelier students). 1.30pm-4.30pm. Atelier. (WeChat: atelier_apas to register)

Valentine’s Breakfast & Bubbles, Feb 14
Adults. Bask in the glow of love, food, and drinks on this Valentine’s day with your significant other at the British Club of Beijing’s Valentine’s Day celebration. RMB 150/person. 10am-12pm. The Westin.