Usually, at this time of year, we’d be busily rounding up all the best activities relating to the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

From fragrant pouch and zongzi making classes, to paddle boat races, and telling the story of Qu Yuan, learning and cultural activities tend to go hand in hand with this special two-day public holiday. Sadly this year, Covid has put a kybosh on pretty much all of our plans, so instead, we thought we’d take a trip back through our archives and dig out some of the best Dragon Boat themed blogs for your reading pleasure.

First up, we have this great Mandarin Monday article, with key vocabulary surrounding the festival, and an explainer on why it’s not actually a great idea to say “Happy Dragon Boat Festival”. Keep reading.

Next, this piece from 2014 details one expat’s experience learning how to create zongzi from scratch… it’s not as easy as it might seem! Click here to read.

Apparently back in 2009 it was still possible to watch dragon boat races on Houhai Lake, and even participate in a weekly dragon-boat club meet! Step back in time with this article.

While it’s very common to make and eat zongzi at Dragon Boat Festival, there is another activity associated with this period: fragrant pouches. As the name suggests, they are little silk pouches filled with fragrant spices and incense and designed to keep insects away. Back in 2018 our writer learned how to make them himself.

Finally, this isn’t one from our archive but we couldn’t resist sharing it with you. Click through for a great step-by-step guide of how to make your own zongzi at home, from Omnivore’s Kitchen.

Images: Uni You, Siyu He

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events and dining deals right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Fri, Oct 1

Van Gogh Alive: The Experience

Friday marks the opening of the national tour for this fantastic exhibition, which showcases the masterpieces of the late Dutch artist in a vivid display of light design and classical music. People of all ages have fallen in love with this immersive exhibition the world over, and now it’s your turn!

Tickets start from RMB99. To purchase tickets, paste the following into WeChat and click on it to open the mini-program: #小程序://杜星球/vSbRafKvdnjqBEp

From Oct 1, 10am-8pm. The Dewey Center. RMB 99

Oct 1-5

Songzhuang Art Festival Maker Box Art Market

For four days, the Songzhuang Xiaobao Cultural Square in Tongzhou is being taken over by an amazing arts and culture market. There will be plenty of crafts and activities for kids (and adults) from all over the world, including ceramics, weaving, toy building, and more.

Oct 1-5. 12-8.30pm. Songzhuang Xiaobao Cultural Square, Tongzhou. Free

Oct 1-7

Royal Fall Camp for Kids

In partnership with the Courtyard Institute, Black Sesame Kitchen is hosting two three-day educational camps just for kids, starting Oct. 1. All kids from ages 4-12 are welcome, and the entire camp will be hosted in both Chinese and English throughout. Kids will learn all about Chinese dynasties and cultural traditions around fall through a variety of hands-on crafts, cooking activities, and outdoor adventures.

Oct 1-4 & Oct 4-7, 9am-5pm. Black Sesame Kitchen. RMB 3,980 (sibling discounts available).

Oct 1-31

BomBomSpace New Story Opening and Kids Discount

Trampoline center, arcade, climbing gym, and all-round fun zone BomBomSpace is celebrating the opening of their brand new venue with a great deal for families: from October 1-31, get 15 percent off when you book a kid’s birthday party, and they are also giving away pairs of tickets (1 adult and 1 child) to followers, so be sure to scan the code below for all the info and to get in the running.

Sunday, Oct 3

Kids Club: Rolling Hills Loop Hike and Farm Playground

The name says it all… take a ramble on the rolling hills of Miyun District in this easy and relaxing day trip, while also enjoying a bonus farm playground visit and tasty dumplings for lunch! As always, this Kid’s Club hike is designed to keep kids of all ages happy and occupied while parents can take a load off and enjoy a lovely day out.

8am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 420 for adults, RMB 200 for kids 5-12, free for kids under 4.

Oct 3-6

MasterChef Culinary Camp, Oct 3-6

Speaking of camps… The Hutong is famous for hosting great culinary classes, and we especially love this four-day camp because it’s available to kids from 8 and up, as well as adults. Every day, participants will learn everything about cooking including the basics of flavor and spices, common cooking techniques, how to compose a menu and create delicious dishes from scratch, as well as essential skills like knife safety. Sign up quickly, because we suspect spots in this camp will disappear fast!

Oct 3-6, 9.30am-3.30pm. The Hutong. RMB 3,200

Wed, Oct 6

Forbidden City Treasure Hunt

With hundreds of rooms, secret courtyards, and more artifacts than you can shake a stick at, the Forbidden City is the perfect place to explore with kids, which is exactly what this Treasure Hunt is all about! Kids will have a blast as they discover this extraordinary site, all while learning plenty of interesting facts along the way.

9am-1.30pm. The Forbidden City Art Museum. RMB 350, 1 parent and 1 child. RMB 450 1 parent and 2 kids.

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Images: courtesy of the event organizers

Here’s the problem: I am 175cm tall, curvy, and hover around a size US 10-12, so I have a hard time finding clothes that fit well here in China. I very rarely shop for clothes on Taobao because the sizing and quality can vary enormously, so I tend to rely on second-hand clothing swaps or chain stores for my needs. But when I became pregnant I was suddenly faced with a bigger problem: all my usual duds felt uncomfortable, and I quickly needed clothes that would see me through the next few months. I was lost.

After listening to me moan for a bit, my friend and jingkids Managing Editor, Mina Yan, suggested getting some items tailored. Compared to other parts of the world, tailoring in China is still affordable and fast, and this way I could have full control over the fit and design of the items. I was game!

Preparing in advance

First step: deciding what to get made. As it was early summer, Mina suggested wrap dresses as a highly versatile item which can be worn both with a baby bump, and without. I expanded on this to also include a wrap skirt. A few minutes of image-search later, and I had reference pictures of the kind of cut and length I wanted, which I could use as a guide.

Next, finding the right place to get tailoring. There are many small stores in and around Sanlitun, where I live, with tailors that speak excellent English. However, I found that the range of fabrics they offered was lacking, catering mostly to men’s suits, or silks fit for making traditional qipao.

Therefore, I decided to visit Daxin Textile Market 大新纺织 in Dongsi. A combined fabric and tailor market, it has a dizzying array of fabrics and haberdashery, making it a great one-stop-shop.

The range of fabric at Daxin beats small-sized tailor shops hands-down.

Navigating the fabric store

The market was calm and quiet on the weekday afternoon that we visited, and wandering through the rows of fabrics, my friend and I quickly found one stall with everything we wanted: bright, traditional “Dongbei” fabric to remind me of China after I leave, and a lovely range of satin and silk.

Take the time to wander through the whole store before deciding what fabric you want.

To determine how much fabric to buy, a tailor from one of the stalls along the back wall popped over to help. We showed him pictures of the items we wanted made, and he quickly measured us to get an estimate of how much fabric we’d need for each item. Fabric is sold per meter, with cotton from around RMB 60 per meter and silk starting at around RMB 100.

As well as traditional qipao, the tailors have experience making Western-style clothes.

With the fabric measured out and cut, we paid for it at the old-fashioned central payment station. Then the tailor reviewed our reference photos, asked questions about any modifications we wanted, and took our detailed measurements.

I was especially impressed with his attention to detail around my bump: he explained that as I grew bigger, the front hemline of my dress would gradually rise, therefore we decided to extend the hem to ensure it would always hit below the knee, as I wanted. He also asked me how far along I was, to get an idea of how big I would eventually become (probably enormous if I am anything like my mother), and took this into account.

Our tailor hard at work measuring and calculating the cost of our items.

With all measurements made, he wrote our receipt, we paid and left with a friendly wave and instructions to come back in about nine days to pick our clothes up.

The result

A few days later, we were back, and ready to try on our clothes in the small changing room. The wrap dress was an immediate success, and I even asked my friend to try it on to verify that it would look fabulous on someone with an actual waist (it did.)

Flattering, forgiving…what more do you want from a maternity dress?

On the other hand, the skirts weren’t perfect: instead of the same simple “poke the waistband through the hole and tie it on the other side” kind, the tailor went for a more sophisticated design which included a button. This does look neater, but is not as adjustable as I wanted. On the other hand, they are beautifully cut and finished, and will probably fit even better as I get larger.

The skirts drape beautifully, even if they are not quite what I expected.

Despite this hiccup, all the pieces are lovely, one of a kind, and I hope I’ll be able to wear them long after my kid is grown.

In total, I got two wrap skirts and a wrap dress for a bit over RMB 1,000 (fabric and labor), all in cotton fabric. I always forget to even try bargaining, so you may be able to negotiate a better price.

Tips for a successful experience

• Consider what items are best for tailoring: wrap skirts and dresses, stretchy empire-line or t-shirt dresses and tops are ideal. Modifications are also a great option: check out this blog post with some simple modifications that a tailor can make to your clothes to make them bump-friendly.
• Get reference pictures ready. Roughly draw any modifications you want on the picture to make it clearer, for example shorter sleeves or hemlines.
• Better yet: bring an example piece for them to copy. As I learned from the skirts, there is more than one way to make a piece of clothing so it helps to be specific.
• Go with a friend. Deciding on fabric and cut is much easier with a pal, as the choice can be overwhelming.

Good luck!

KEEP READING: Picture Perfect! From Maternity Photos to First Job Application

Images: Michael Burrows from Pexels, Anna Pellegrin Hartley

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events and dining deals right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Sat, Sep 11

Guided Photo Walk: Red Snail Temple

Shutterbugs as young as 6 are invited to join this special day trip to Red Snail Temple, one of the largest and most extensive Buddhist temples in the Beijing region. As well as learning about the history behind the temple, participants will be guided through some of the site’s best photography spots, with plenty of tips and tricks to be learned along the way. All levels of experience and types of cameras are welcome so everybody is sure to get a frame-worthy picture to take home!

10.30am-6.30pm. Pickup at Agricultural Exhibition Center. RMB 358 for adults, RMB 168 for kids 6-12.

Make a Brooch by Chinese Knot Button & Celtic Knot

Here’s a great event for the crafty kids in your house: a brooch-making workshop that combines traditional Chinese and Celtic knot traditions. Over the course of the three-hour workshop, you’ll learn all about the history and symbolism behind knotting – which can represent family, loyalty, strength, protection, friendship, love, and more – and produce your own personalized brooch or lapel. This workshop requires dexterity so isn’t great for small children.

10am-noon. Guanxiang Art Museum. RMB 280.

Countryside Cycling to the “Sea of Flowers”

With the weather turning cooler by the day, it’s the perfect time to get on your bikes for a day trip! This great new offering from Beijing Hikers is ideal for those who get tired with long walks, but still want to explore the beautiful countryside around Beijing. Kids as young as 6 can enjoy a safe, peaceful ride through the suburbs, wander through the gorgeous “Sea of Flowers,” and play around a nearby stream. Bikes and helmets are provided, but please note that the trip is not suitable for children under 130cm tall or those who don’t have bicycle experience.

8am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 300 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6-12, RMB 160 for kids 4-5.

Kids Under 6 Eat Free at Zarah Sunday Brunch

Now that’s a good deal! At Zarah Cafe, kids under 6 eat totally free, while those aged 6-12 can enjoy the fabulous Sunday buffet brunch for just RMB 98, instead of the usual adult price of RMB 198. Every Sunday from 10am-3pm, come down as a family and enjoy a big range of cheeses, cold cuts, smoked salmon, eggs cooked every way, and (our favorite) the DIY jianbing station. Zarah is great at providing a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and parents can also enjoy free-flow alcohol for just an extra RMB 100.

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
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Images: courtesy of the event organizers

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events and dining deals right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Sat, Sept 4

Kids Club Hike: Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall

The Huanghuacheng (also known as Lakeside, or Water Great Wall) section of the Great Wall is such a unique place, combining well-restored sections rambling up and around ridges that enclose a large, scenic lake. Head out there this Saturday with your little ones (this hike is great for kids 5 and older) and explore the wall, lakeside trails, and a small beach, plus a wander through the area’s Ming Dynasty orchids. There are also extended hiking options for older kids, ensuring a satisfying day for everybody.

8am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 300 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6-12, RMB 160 for kids 4-5.

Family Trivia Challenge: Kids v Adults! (Online Event)

Who in your family has the best knowledge of Harry Potter? How about Frozen? or The Simpsons? This Saturday, put your brains to the test with a super fun Kids vs Adults family trivia event. Hosted by Australia-based kids’ entertainment group Superheroes in Sydney, this quiz is an easy way to get the whole family engaged.

4.30pm. Online. RMB 55 (AUD $11.64)

Sun, Sep 5

Meet the Puppies: Peach by Hulu x Lost Puppies of Beijing

Who can resist a cute puppy dog? If you’ve been thinking about adding a new four-legged member to your family, but don’t want to contribute to the unethical puppy farming that goes hand in hand with pet shops, then adoption is a fantastic choice. This Sunday morning, Peach by Hulu is partnering up with the great local organization Lost Puppies of Beijing for a very special meet and greet. The two-hour event provides a convenient opportunity for meeting a wide range of puppers who are seeking loving forever homes. Reservation is required in advance.

9.30-11.30am. Peach by Hulu. Free. 

Back-to-School Specials at Hulu by Peach

Going back to school doesn’t seem so bad when it means scoring some great deals. From now until the end of September, both Peach by Hulu locations are offering great deals on their back-to-school specials. Upon presentation of their student ID, kids can grab selected burgers and pasta mains for just RMB 28 during the week, or add RMB 15 to include a tasty milkshake in the meal. This deal is available for both take-away and dining in.

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
How to Post and Promote Your Event on jingkids International – For Free!

Images: courtesy of the event organizers

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Sat, Aug 28

Kids Club: Goat Canyon Play and Picnic

Goat Canyon, located in the north of Beijing, didn’t get its name for nothing! During this fun and relaxed Kids Club Hike (suitable for kiddos as young as 4), you can go looking for goats that shepherds graze in the lush valley, as well as clamber over the big boulders and play in the freshwater pools. If you’re looking for an easy day out, this is it.

7.30am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 380 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6-12, RMB 150 for kids 4-5.

‘Save the Children’ Hutong Walk

Get your walking shoes on and explore the beautiful and historic hutongs of Beijing this weekend with local group Our Beijing. As well as learning all about the local history and culture of the hutongs, eating some tasty street food, and discovering some great spots to revisit later, you’ll also be helping a great cause: 100 percent of profits from the event will be donated to the international charity, Save the Children. The tour lasts about one hour, and kids are very welcome.

9-10am. Meeting point confirmed upon reservation. RMB 180. 

Magic Tricks Workshop (Online event)

Who doesn’t love a magic show? This free online magic workshop will feature a performance by professional magicians, followed by an interactive workshop where your kids can learn some cool, safe, and fun tricks to show you later on. We promise no one will be asking to saw you in half! Not yet at least.

5-6pm Beijing time. Online. Free.

Sun, Aug 29

Rumble in the Jumble: 5th Birthday Bazaar!

Beloved local bazaar Rumble in the Jumble turns 5 this month, and to celebrate they’re pulling out all the stops for a birthday bazaar at Aotu Space. There will be more than 45 vendors offering a huge array of arts and handicrafts, tasty food and drinks, plus live tattooing, DJs, fortune tellers and more. Kids of all ages are welcome, and there will be something fun for everyone.

1-7pm. Aotu Space. Free. 

“Mars 2035” Immersive Science & Art Exhibition (Closing soon!)

Ever since China landed its Zhurong rover on Mars back in May, the big red planet has been the flavor of the month! However, the month is almost over, and this weekend might be your last chance to see the Mars 2035 Immersive Science and Art Exhibition at the Beijing World Art Museum in Haidian, which closes on Tuesday, Aug 31. Attendees can role play as an astronaut and land the Zhurong on the surface of Mars, watch a thrilling live theatre performance, and much much more.

Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm. Beijing World Art Museum. RMB 66.

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
How to Post and Promote Your Event on jingkids International – For Free!

Images: courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Thurs, Aug 19

How Money Works for Kids (Online event)

Okay, so this free online session starts at 7am Beijing time… but stay with us! Financial literacy is one of the most useful life-long tools you can give your child, and yet, it’s all but ignored by most school curriculums. Even savvy, well-adjusted parents sometimes wonder where to start with this topic, which is why outside help is so useful. This free session is designed to teach your kids simple financial strategies so they can grow up “money smart,” and it should give you a good launching pad to keep the discussion going with your kids afterward.

7am, Beijing time. Online. Free

Fri, Aug 20

Parent-child pottery class (CN-language event)

Molding clay with your hands is pure, tactile joy, especially when it results in a unique homemade object! This parent-child pottery class is all about introducing the basics of pottery and helping kids appreciate the beauty of this ancient art form, all while applying their concentration and hand-eye coordination to the spinning wheel.

1.30-5pm. 22-2-401 Guolingli Community, Donghu Street, Chaoyang District. RMB 500 for 1 adult and 1 child.

Sat, Aug 21

Self Compassion For Teens

This Saturday, Beijing Mindfulness Center coach Charlene Ng will be hosting a workshop just for teens, focusing on how to cultivate self-compassion. Teenage years can be a tough time, and with the pressures of school and life, it’s all too easy to get consumed by negative self-talk, issues that this workshop aims to alleviate with a range of discussions and practical tips.

2.30-4.30pm. Beijing Mindfulness Center. Free.

Wed, Aug 25

Cuandixia ‘Ming Village’ Day Trip

If you’ve always heard of Cuandixia but never managed to get out there for a visit, this week might be the perfect opportunity! The village – located about two and a half hours from the city in Mentougou district – is renowned as a well-preserved Ming-dynasty village. Think terraced houses, cute laneways, and courtyard houses galore. The landscape around the village is also very pretty, which lends itself to exploration. This day trip doesn’t involve a lot of hiking, but it is long, about eight hours, and better suited to older children and teens.

7.30am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 450 for adults, RMB 200 for kids 5-12

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
How to Post and Promote Your Event on jingkids International – For Free!

Images: courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Fri, Aug 13

Moms to Be – Join us for Prenatal Palooza

They say that nothing can really prepare you for parenthood… but it doesn’t hurt to try, right? Prenatal palooza – held at BJU this weekend – is designed to help moms-to-be feel prepared and informed before the birth of their child. The 4-hour session will feature discussions about prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, and includes a relaxing prenatal yoga class. To top that off, a delicious lunch from Peach by Hulu is also included.

11am-2pm. Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU). Free

Fri-Sun, Aug 13-15

Samajam Kids Show 2 – Djembe

Get your groove on this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Samajam Kid’s Show. Samajam is an interactive musical show, where everybody gets several instruments and actually takes part in the performance, specifically designed for kids. There are multiple performance times and dates throughout the weekend, so you’ve got no excuse to miss out on this party!

10.30am/3.30pm/7.30pm. The Future Theatre (11 Yuyuantan South Road Haidian Beijing). From RMB 180.

Sat, Aug 14

Kids Art Class: Elephants (Online)

Hosted by Australian artist and art educator Rachel Caroll, this special online art class is all about illustrating beautiful elephants! Using a range of craft materials (whatever you have is fine), your child will learn step by step how to bring these magnificent creatures to life on the page.

8-9am Beijing time. Online. RMB 124 ($26.09 AUD)

Tues, Aug 17

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Series with Lainy

Here’s another one for expectant or new moms: Join experienced yoga teacher and mother of two, Lainy in a series of pre- and post-natal yoga classes. Throughout the classes, you’ll develop a strong, flexible body and mindset, setting you up to enjoy this transformational phase of life. Join for the full five-class package, or drop in on a class-by-class basis. PS, Taozi Tree also offer a Postnatal Yoga With Babies class on Mondays.

10.30-11.15am. Taozi Tree Yoga. RMB 850

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
How to Post and Promote Your Event on jingkids International – For Free!

Images: courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Sat, Aug 7

Do you have a great kid-friendly event coming up?
How to Post and Promote Your Event on jingkids International – For Free!

Images: courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels