Top Picks for October 15th-18th

Perfect weather for billowing kites only comes once in a blue moon in Beijing – it’s too windy during spring, too hot during summer but right now, the weather is just right – brisk, sunny and clear. Enjoy the favorable weather while it lasts!

Don’t Forget: Tired of your go-to park? Try Qing Feng（庆风公园）, the new park along the Tonghui River at the intersection of Guo Mao and the Third Ring Road.

 

If your little ones are ready to warm up with hotpot but could use some entertainment while waiting for the food to cook, head to this hotpot place off of Nan Sanlitun Lu. What makes this meal more fun than your average dinner? Order the lalamian (pulled noodles) and get a noodle dancing performance where a noodle expert will wield the noodles more agilely than a ribbon dancer. HaiDiLao Hotpot (海底捞), off of South Sanlitun Street on A2 Baijiazhuang Lu, (白家庄路甲二号 ).

Don’t Forget: Keep the kids away from the boiling water in the pot and don’t forget to be mindful of the spicy factor in this Sichuan cuisine.

Budding fashion designers and crafty kids will get a kick of this event. Kids will learn how to make paper clothes in this artist workshop taught by Zhang Da. For kids ages 4-12 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Reservation required. RMB 80 (per child, non-members), RMB 50 (per child, members). 3-5pm. UCCA (8459 9269).

Don’t forget: Explore the other galleries around 798, then sit down for some hot chocolate at one of the many cafes.

Get ready to enjoy this comic opera about pirates and star-crossed love. Performed by the International Festival Chorus (IFC) which consists of many talented amateur singers from different countries. Catch this performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance to get reacquainted with this show or join its large existing fanbase. Conducted by Nicholas Smith. Tickets at 6506 5345/3. RMB 50-580. 7.30pm. Forbidden City Concert Hall.

Don’t Forget: This is probably best for kids age 9-14. Old enough to properly enjoy the music but young enough to still find it exciting.

Watch pampered pooches compete against stray dogs at this charity event that will benefit underprivileged puppies. Fun activities also include games, face painting and balloon animals. Also, pick up dog training tips from veterinarians. Kids can also ride ponies around the Green T. House lake. Green T. House. RMB 30-50. 2.30-5.30pm.

 

Don’t Forget: Bring your own pup and test them in the agility course, open to all dogs.