Kuang Joins the beijingkids Team
We are delighted to welcome our new Digital Editor, Huang Chenkuang. Kuang hails from what she calls “a small remote village” in Jiangxi Province, and came to Beijing to study English-Chinese interpretation and translating. After graduating she worked as a regional news editor for China Daily. She’s an avid reader, and practices yoga.
Expect Delays and Heightened Security for National Congress This Month
Living in the capital has many advantages: the abundant culture and history, the vibrant international community, and so on. But at times it’s mafan, and this month is likely to be one of those times, when the country’s leaders gather for an important meeting, with all the intensified security that’s involved. The National Congress of the Communist Party of China takes place every five years, and the 19th such assembly has been scheduled for October 18. Sinologists will be watching with interest for clues as to the direction the country will be taking over the next few years, but for most of us it means slower roads and slower internet. Security checks are likely to be heightened, so it’s worth remembering that you’re legally required to carry your passport at all times. (In practice a picture of the relevant passport pages on your phone is often accepted, but police are fully within their rights to insist on seeing the original document.) And if you use WeChat groups, be aware that admins are legally responsible for any discussion within those groups which is deemed to be criminal. It’s always important to remain within the law, but at this sensitive time more so than ever.
“Beijing’s Most Instagrammable Library” Shut Down Over Illegal Books
Back in June we reported on a visit to Liyuan Library, an architectural gem nestling in a remote mountain valley. We called it “Beijing’s most Instagrammable library,” and it’s featured in a book of the world’s most beautiful. Now though the library has been closed down by the authorities, following complaints about pirated and uncensored material. We hope that the problem can be speedily resolved, but recommend you check the current situation before making the long trip to visit Liyuan.
Dinosaur Army Heading for our Halloween Costume Party
This year’s Pizza Festival, run by our sister publication the Beijinger, was officially the biggest ever, with 17,000 people turning up to enjoy music, sunshine, and of course pizza. A giant red dinosaur was a hit with the kids, and he’ll be bringing a whole army of his friends to our Halloween Costume Party to be held at the Canadian International School of Beijing on October 28-29. There will also be a massive, 300 sqm Haunted House, trick or treat candy, and much more. Check our website (www.beijing-kids.com) for tickets and discount deals. Hope to see you there!
This article originally appeared on pg 6 of beijingkids October 2017 issue.
Download the digital copy here.
Photos: Kipp Whittaker, Uni You