1. tbjkids Birthday Party
It’s amazing to think, but tbjkids is a year old! From humble beginnings, we’ve matured and expanded to become the unstoppable family magazine that we are today. And we couldn’t have done it without your help! So help us celebrate by joining us at American Steak and Eggs in Shunyi on March 15 from 4-7pm for birthday cake, fun activities and dinner. Best of all, it’s free! Space is limited to 100 people, so please e-mail marketing@tbjkids.com to get an invite. American Steak and Eggs, next to Mingduyuan Residential Complex, Xi Baixin Zhuang, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8046 7118) 喜来中北美西餐,顺义区后沙峪西白辛庄名都园旁边
2. Flying and Gliding
There’s a Chinese nursery song that goes: In the days of March, kites are all over the sky (san yue san, feng zheng fei man tian). Indeed, the weather is warming up and the spring breeze is perfect for flying a kite. Get one made of paper from Panjiayuan (see What’s Fun In) or order a more professional one from www.cnkite.com. If kites don’t satisfy your need for speed, why not try out a model airplane at Rainbow RC Model Club? See Playing Outside for details.
3. Storytelling Secrets Workshop with Nury Vittachi
Has your child got an overactive imagination? Channel that powerful creative force into storytelling with the help of acclaimed author Nury Vittachi on March 9. Vittachi has penned over 20 books and is holding a special workshop as part of The Bookworm International Literary Festival 2008 to encourage young storytellers ages 7-11. Details of the venue are still pending, but check out The Bookworm or www.beijingbookworm.com for updated information as it comes. RMB 100. 11am-12.30pm.
4. Good Luck Beijing Water Polo
… but how are they going to get the horses in the water? OK, so it’s not that kind of polo. Still, here is a fantastic opportunity to see some quality athleticism and get your excitement up for the Olympics. Tickets are freely available for Good Luck Beijing events. Catch the action from March 18-23 at the Ying Tung Natatorium. Check out the Good Luck Beijing China Water Polo Open site for details on times and how to buy tickets for this event.
5. Paint Easter Eggs and Find the Easter Bunny
Westerners may not have something quite like the Chinese Spring Festival, but many celebrate the coming of the spring with chocolate eggs and other treats delivered by the Easter Bunny. If you’re looking for ways to get your egg fix this Easter, why not conjure up an Easter Egg hunt at a local park? Check out this month’s Kid Craft on how to dye eggs the all-natural way. If you’d rather eat than play with your food, find some great recipes in Food For Thought.
6. Cherry Blossom Festival at
Yuyuantan Park
Over 3,000 cherry trees grow tall and strong around the beautiful and quiet Yuyuantan Lake, and in March they bloom into fluffy clusters of pink and white. Depending on the weather, the cherry blossoms will last from one week up to a month. Don’t miss the chance to treat your eyes to a colorful feast! RMB 10 per person during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Daily 6am-7pm. Yuyuantan Park
7. Shangyuan Established Artists
Village Tour
Join the Chinese Culture Club as they take a tour of one of Beijing’s lesser-known art treasures. Shangyuan is filled with work by well-respected artists working in a variety of media and – unlike the 798 art district – is not a public space for everyday visitors. CCC arranges appointments with a handful of famous artists who will allow you into their studios. RMB 180. A bus will pick you up and drop you off at the Chinese Culture Club. March 15. 9.30am-4.30pm.
8. TNT Performs Hamlet
It’s one thing to read a Shakespeare play, but it’s another thing entirely to see it performed on stage. Give your kids the opportunity to see perhaps the Bard’s best-loved play when TNT Theatre, one of the most popular international touring companies, arrives in Beijing to stage three performances of Hamlet on March 28-30. Tickets are priced at RMB 80-580. Call 6551 6930/6906 for ticket information. 7.30pm. Capital Theater, 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District (6524 9847) 首都剧场, 东城区王府井大街22号
9. Kiss Me, I’m Irish!
St. Patrick’s Day is a time when everyone’s a little bit Irish, so come and join the Irish Embassy in celebrating the Irish Cultural Festival Beijing with a parade around Wangfujing on March 16. Even if you’re not from the emerald isle, everyone is welcome to join the music, fun and games. Find more information at www.discoverireland.com or embassyofireland.cn. Free. 2pm. Beijing Department Store, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District
10. Batter Up!
Get your peanuts and cracker jacks! American Major League Baseball games are coming to China for the first time on March 15 and 16, when the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play exhibition games at Wukesong Baseball Field, the 2008 Olympics baseball venue. Check the Beijing 2008 Olympic website for up-to-date information.
