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Free Events

23rd Beijing International Book Fair Literary Salons – Never Ending Stories, Aug 20-Sep 1
All ages. Free public lecture put together by Beijing International Book Fair taking place from August 20-September 1. Free. 10.30am-9pm. China International Exhibition Center in Shunyi (More Information Here)

Beijing Women’s Network Monthly Spotlight Dinner, Aug 29
Adults. In this spotlight dinner, Amanda Barry will reflect on her own ten years of career building in Beijing, offer her perspectives on recent research around women’s career choices, and lead a group discussion about how to embrace the possibility of failure on the longer pathway to a successful and rewarding career. Free. 7.30-9.30pm. Ba Yi Lao Ye (巴依老爷工体店) F1, Xinzhong Dasha, Gong Ti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District Exit C, Dong Si Shi Tiao Station, subway line 2 （2号线地铁东四十条站C口，工体北路新中大厦1层） (Register here, 18515475841)

BCIS PAL Transitions: Supporting Your Family Through Change, Aug 30
Adults. Led by the school counseling team, the workshop will discuss the importance of transition in schools and how families and schools can support children and parents themselves through changes. Free. 8:45am. Beijing City International School (BCIS) Shuangjing / Dongsihuan 双井东四环 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区百子湾南二路77号 (8771 7171, RSVP to Zhuofei.Yang@bcis.cn to register your interest)

Rise Pavilion: Guinness World Record Largest 3D Printed Structure, Sept 3
For teens and adults. DeFacto Beijing invites you for an exclusive walk through of the Rise Pavilion, a 3D printed structure weighing 1.87 tons and standing at 4 meters tall—the structure is being awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest 3D Printed Structure. Free. 3-6pm.  Paradise Walk Mall, Biomedical Base Subway Line 4 Exit D 龙湖大兴天街购物中心，生物医药基地铁4号线大兴D出口. (DeFacto Beijing)

2016 Beijing Dessert Carnival, Sept 3-5
All ages. For all those looking for that sugar high, try your favorite treats from different vendors at this decadent carnival. Free. 11am-4pm (Sat & Sun); 11am-8pm (Mon). U-Town Mall. 4/F, Building 2, U-Town Mall, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区悠唐商业广场 2期4层.

Unique Events

The Last Supper, Aug 30
Ages 13+. Behind Hong Kong’s prosperity, a group of lower-class citizens still strive for living. Facing such problems as poverty, unemployment, and family violence, the idea of suicide comes to a mother and son at the same time. Where they should go? RMB 160-280. 7.30-9pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院 – 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区 西长安街2号.

Kunqu Opera The Peony Pavilion (Youth Version), Aug 30-Sep 1
Ages 7+. As the magnum opus of Tang Xianzu, the famous playwright of the Ming Dynasty, The Peony Pavilion tells the love story of Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei and embodies young people’s pursuit of love and life in freedom. 500/400/320/240/100 RMB. 7:30-9pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院- 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区 西长安街2号 (Book Tickets Here)

Beijing Playhouse presents Rapunzel, Sep 3
Ages 6-12. This English language performance is especially for children. RMB 80 (kids), RMB 150 (adults). 2-3pm. Eagle International Performing Arts Center, 4th Floor A01, Liu Bai Ben Commercial Center South Area, No. 19 Guangshun North Street, Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区广顺北大街19号六佰本商业街南区四层A01 (childrenstheatre@beijingacademyofperformingarts.com)

Negotiation Bootcamp, September 3
Adults. Rent, salary, business deals, relationships. How well you negotiate determines a large part of the quality of your life. Are you ready to negotiate? Join us for Lead with Words’ all-day Negotiation Bootcamp. Learn the strategies, tools and skills from leaders bringing their international business and multilingual experience in order to help you be an effective negotiator. Register before Friday, August 26 with a friend or coworker and get 15% off and late registration by August 31. Talk to your HR about reimbursement. We provide fapiaos. Language:English. light breakfast, lunch and hot drinks provided.RMB 2,200 (without discount). 8.45am – 5.00pm. Manning International Centre, 2/F, 53 Maizidian Street Chaoyang District.北京市朝阳区麦子店街53号曼宁国际中心3层. 

Twitching Eye Trio 2016 In Beijing, Sep 2-3
Ages 4+. Twitching Eye Trio’s percussionists combine their knowledge of contemporary music with rhythms and sounds from African, Turkisch, Indian and Afro-Cuban origins. The result is an entirely individual musical world in which abstract structures and warm-blooded dance rhythms reach out to and influence each other. RMB 100/180/280/380. 7:30pm. Inside-Out Theatre – 65 Xingshikou Road Haidian district. 海淀区杏石口路65号 (Book tickets here)

Whales, Stories of Giants, Sep 2-4
Ages 4-12. Innovative and interdisciplinary performance inspired by stories and legends and stories from Mexico and Chile tradition, where the interactivity between dance and 3D projections allow the viewer to immerse in ancient stories with a contemporary esthetic and narrative. RMB 80-600 7.30-9pm. Fulong Theatre – No. 47, Longfusi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京东城区隆福寺街47号福隆剧场 (Book tickets here)

Ongoing Events

Cavalia, Until September 7
All ages. Cavalia keeps extending their stay, so we’re suspicious they’re going to set up shop here for good. Wouldn’t that be nice? Unless that dream becomes a reality, tickets are only avialable until September 7. RMB 120-1980. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park Dong San Men Parking Lot (Buy Here)

Beijing Children’s Acrobatic Show, Until August 31
Ages 4+. This troupe uses acrobatics, aerial acts, farces, magic, and jugglers to bring alive the story of Marco Polo, who first visited Beijing in 1215, but comes back to modern Beijing to view its modern day developments. RMB 180. China’s National Children’s Center Theater, 43 Western Road, Ping’anli, Xicheng District. 西城区平安里西大街43号 (138 0106 7568)

Culinary Market Tour, Every Tuesday and Saturday
All ages. The Hutong leads a culinary walking market tour to help expat residents create their own Chinese kitchen, as well as to get over the intimidation and confusion of the Chinese food market.  Registration required. RMB 200. 10am-noon. The Hutong (159 0104 6127, events@thehutong.com)

The Bookworm’s Weekly SciFi Book Club, Thursdays
Ages 10+. Attendees of the Bookworm’s weekly SciFi Book Club will read a new short story then discuss it during the meeting. Authors previously covered include Greg Egan, Iain M. Banks, Andy Weir, among others. Free. 8-9pm. The Bookworm (Wechat: Merukaba, Website)

Beijing Yoga in the Park, Sundays from May-September
Ages 12+. Planning what to do for the weekend? Include Beijing’s Yoga in the Park! Bring a yoga mat, friends and a smile. Followed by brunch at Moka Bros Solana at 15% discount. No need to sign up, just show up! RMB 30. 9.30-11.30am. Beijing Yoga in the Park. Chaoyang Park North Gate Chaoyang District.Beijing. 北京朝阳公园北门. (WeChat ID: TheresaRae)

Andy Warhol: Contact, Until January 7 2017
Ages 13+. “M WOODS is pleased to announce Andy Warhol: Contact, an exhibition of groundbreaking film, photography, and interactive installations by one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists. Curated by M WOODS Director Presca Ahn, it is the first in a series of major monographic exhibitions planned at the museum over the next three years. Illuminating areas of Andy Warhol’s practice never before shown in China, Andy Warhol: Contact features a selection of the artist’s Screen Tests, Polaroids, and Wallpaper, as well as his Silver Clouds and the experimental 1963 film Kiss– works which broke the boundaries of contemporary art when they were first made with the new media of Warhol’s time, and still compel viewers today with their extraordinary immediacy.” Tickets may be purchased via Douban.RMB 40 for students, RMB 60 for regular entrance. 10am-6:30pm. M Woods (木木美术馆) D-06, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, 789 Art District, Chaoyang District.  朝阳区2号789艺术区2号院D-06.

Kung Fu Panda Show, Until Dec 31
All ages. Kung Fu Panda show is highly recommended for people who are obsessed with Chinese Kung Fu or families with kids. The whole performance told an obsessive story that some famous martial artists and two cuddly pandas go on a trip to find the true essence of Chinese Kung Fu, featuring martial arts, dance, music, and more in an action packed show, which brings infinite gaiety for kids, even adults. Shows are  daily from August 4 – December 31. RMB 180-380. 5.30-6.30pm . Shichahai Theatre – 57, Dianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Phone: +8613801067568, 西城区地安门西大街57号

Best of Next Week

Book Creation Workshop, Tuesdays, September 6-November 15
Ages 6-12. Discover your creative writing skills and artistic nature in the 10-week Autumn Book Program including learning about the elements of a story, graphic design/illustration, and storytelling. Learn teamwork, confidence and expressing yourself through art and illustrations. Tuesdays from September 6-November 16 apart from the National holiday. Sign up before August 31 for additional 10% discount. Healthy snacks provided. RMB 4,288 /per student (RMB 500 rebate if over 8 students enrolled). 4-6pm. R3 Discovery 北京德家沃利探索学习中心  朝阳区 (English address) 金汇路9 中骏世界城D座 B1 层 R080室

China National Opera House Chinese Opera for Teenagers, Sep 7
Ages 7+. This concert presents excerpt from traditional Chinese operas for teenagers. These famous operas can bring teens into the fantastic world of opera. 200/100 RMB. 7.30-9pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院 – 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区 西长安街2号 (Book tickets here)

Positive Parenting “TALK”, September 8 – 29
Adults. Parents, are you having struggles? Too many “why” in one day? Are you exhausted with kids and chores in general? Then lets TALK about it every Thursday starting Septebmer 8! Positive Parenting Talk is designed for parents to learn and discuss how to grow up happily with your kids. RMB 50. 10-11am. R3 Discovery 北京德家沃利探索学习中心 – B1-R080, Zhongjunshijiecheng D, 9 Jinhui Road, Chaoyang District 北京朝阳区 金汇路9 中骏世界城商业区 D 座B1层R080室 (Email: r3discovery@sina.com, WeChat：R3Discovery)

Beijing Women’s Network: Dayday Up Job Fair and Workshops, Sept  10
For adults. Beijing Women’s Network hosts a job fair and workshops for those interested in business expansion and networking with fellow professionals in the technology and creative industries. Click here if this event interests you. Free. 2-5pm. DayDayUp Co-working Space – 22/F, Office Bldg C, Sanlitun SOHO, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区 三里屯SOHO C座 22层. http://www.meetup.com/beijingwomen/events/233136849/

Photos: shichahai.com, desarthe.com, pixabay.com

Instead of sending teenagers and young adults to Sanlitun with the worry of what they might drink or do that could have lasting side effects, let them get started on their creative professional network at a Creative Friends monthly event. Students can come to learn from professionals and creatives already within their industry of interest, ask questions about different creative processes, and begin to think how they will use their studio space during their senior year in the IB curriculum. This is also an awesome opportunity for students to network for future careers or internships, as past event guests have included professionals from Ogilvy, Disney, Wangda Film, Riviera Events, Dreamworks, Ruder Finn, Kaism, CCTV, Fashion TV, Tencent, Auto desk, Sony BMG, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Maxmara, and Perfect World, amongst others. We suggest teens dress in a creative but professional way and be ready to collect business cards and QR codes.

The theme of this months’ Creative Friends event will be China. Their line up includes international artist Liu Yong whose art works were showcased in the British Museum and commissioned in 2008 by Brazil President. Renown duo Fuhan and Mark Levine who combined western and eastern music using Erhu and guitar will perform; their band In Side Out has performed on CCTV TV. Cello Artist Brenda Lee who performs weekly on BTV will also perform. Curated creative showcases and activities also include Fashion makeup by FRAU, a photography exhibition by Manan & SUN SHI, contortionist Sara Kidson, and calligraphy by SuRen’s Ink Workshop. You will also have a chance to see Kung Fu master and World Record Holder Fu Bingli’s performances of one finger martial arts.

The mission of these events, held by Buzz Cloud, is to make a better world for creatives to connect and communicate through the chance to connect with businesses, professionals, and other people who share similar interests in the creative industry like fine art, architecture, photography, gaming, publishing, and more.

Creative Friends: China
Ages 14+. 5-9pm. Member Online Booking RMB 55, Non Member Online RMB 69 (includes two complimentary drinks from CHEERS), Member Door Price RMB 70, Non Members RMB 88 Door Price, Address: 24 F Building D, The Place Tower, No.9 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District China, Beijing, 100020 Beijing, Chaoyang 北京市朝阳区光华路9号天阶大厦D座24F (wechat: BUZZCLOUD)

Scan QR code below to register.

Photo: Courtesy of Buzz Cloud

Looking for an air-purified place in Beijing where kids can have fun? KidSteam indoor playground is a good choice. This US based company is now bringing joy to Shunyi after the success of their two branches in Indigo and Fulicheng.

Filled with brightly colored tubes, tunnels, ball ponds, and slides, this indoor play area gives children from 1 – 9 years old the chance to climb, slide, and throw themselves about for hours.

Older kids will find themselves busy exploring the giant two-level play frame. There are many exciting facilities for children to enjoy. They can climb through tunnels, slide down tubes and slides, jump on children trampolines, and bury themselves in ocean balls. There is also a separate area for unsteady under-three toddlers and babies where they can enjoy playing with building blocks and toys and driving cute cars.

The waiting area offers drinks and quick grub, as well as a comfy space for parents to relax or catch up on work while kids are playing.

Kids can also host their birthday parties here with friends. Birthday party packages are available and include meals and party bags.

KidSteam
10am-8.30pm. N7-201, Northern Zone, Shine Hills, Shunyi 顺义区祥云小镇Shine Hills北区N7-201

3/F North, Fulicheng, Shuangjing, Chaoyang District 朝阳区双井富力广场三层北边

18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Indigo, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐提港

Photos: Courtesy of KidSteam

Parents told us that although they love the options of outdoor pools and waterparks, sometimes they just want simple pool time with their little one. Also, of course, for those with skin prone to sunburn, an indoor pool is preferred!

Yingdong Natatorium

Built for The Asian Games, Yingdong Natatorium also held the 2008 Olympic Games. It has four different pools, including a competition pool, a practice pool, a warm-up pool, and a diving pool. These pools make it suitable for every swimming lover, including kids. As an Olympic venue, it uses advanced technology and facilities to make sure that the water is clean and safe. Swimmers can enjoy swimming in a comfortable environment here.

RMB 50 for adults, RMB 20 for kids under 12 years old, with different kinds of annual cards available. 10am-10pm. National Olympic Sports Center, 1 Anding Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亚运村安定路1 号奥体中心内 （64912233-537）

Dongdan Swimming Pool

An advanced filter and sterilization process guarantees the cleanness of the water at this pool. One thing that makes this pool unique is that there are coaches who supervise beginners for free. The international standard pool is 50×25m with 10 lines, and the depth is between 1.4-2.0m, making an ideal poor for both serious swimmers and beginners. With a 10×3m shallow pool and slides for kids to play, Dongdan Swimming Pool attracts many families with kids to go and enjoy. The gym has various exercise equipment and TVs to keep your mind off your burning muscles.

RMB 50 for adults, RMB 30 for students at school, RMB 20 for young children not yet at school. 9am-11pm. 2 Dahua Road, Dongdan, Dongcheng District 东城区东单大华路甲2号 （65231241）

Sun Park

Located in downtown Beijing, Sun Park has a 2000-square-meter water recreational pool for kids, two mushroom baby pools, and a large recreational area. International standard swimming pools are available for serious swimmers. Recreational items like balance balls, bumper boats, and remote controlled boats are available for additional fees.

RMB 5, RMB 15 for the outdoor swimming pool. 6am-9pm. 1 Nongzhanguan South Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农展馆南路1号 （65065409）

Haidian Swimming Pool

Located in Zhongguancun, Haidian Swimming Pool attracts many students and white-collar workers to relax after hitting the books or typing away at a screen. Citizens give favorable comments to the pool because of the pool’s aim of cheap but high quality service. There are two pools, both are 25×16m with 6 lines. One is a deep-water pool with depth of 1.9-2.1m, an ideal depth for serious swimmers. The other is much more shallow with a depth of 1.3-1.5m that is safe for beginners and kids to swim. Recreation facilities and other exercise opportunities are available.

RMB 15 for 1.5 hours, RMB 20 for 2 hours, with different kinds of annual cards available. Noon-4pm and 7pm-Midnight Monday to Friday, Noon-Midnight on weekends. Haidian Sports Center, 12 Summer Palace road, Haidian District 海淀区颐和园路12号海淀体育中心院内 （62642626）

Ditan Swimming Pool

Conveniently located northwest of Ditan Park, this indoor swimming pool is particularly popular during lunchtimes (when best avoided). Friendly, modern and clean, this early-build swimming pool has clear water, needed facilities for you to swim safely and comfortably, and graceful environment. The pool is 50×12.5m with 6 lines and the depth of water is between 1.4-1.8m.

RMB 15, with different kinds of annual cards available. 8:30am-3:30pm and 6:30pm-10pm Monday to Friday, Noon-10pm on weekends. Ditan Gymnasium, 116 Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District 东城区安定门外大街116号地坛体育馆内 （64214415）

Bonus: A Waterpark, Morui Water World

Inspired by the idea of Northern Hawaii, Morui Water World has much more than a swimming pool. Along with a standard swimming pool, water slides, and other attractions like the wave machine to keep you entertained, kids will enjoy themselves at the kids’ pool, game room, and water castles. Hot tubs, the SPA, 4D cinema, a gym, a teahouse, and other unique facilities that cannot be found in many other water worlds make Morui Water World the best choice for families, where kids, parents, and elders can all enjoy themselves.

RMB 168 for adults, RMB 60 for kids between 1.2 and 1.4m, free for kids below 1.2m. Open 9am-10: 30pm. Tulip Hot Spring Garden Resort, Dongwei Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东苇路金盏郁金香花园 （84337800）

Photo: taopic.com, mixinfo.id-china.com.cn, dianping.com, baike.so.com, Ivyou.baidu.com

Recent heavy rains and flooding in Beijing caused severe damage to Ganeinu International School. While the school is busy rebuilding, it needs your help to make sure the kids get back to school on time. The school is having a “barn raising day” on Sunday August 7 starting at 10am. (If you need a cultural explanation for a barn raising, it’s time for you to watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.)

What can I do to help?

The school is first hoping to clean out the remainder of the ruined supplies, books and curriculum materials, and toys. They also need help to remove damaged and moldy furniture and pull up the damaged floor boards. The basement needs to be prepared  for builders to come in and repair moldy paint, replace the floor and remove damaged walls.

As this is a community event, the school gives a warm welcome to everyone who is willing to give in whatever way they can. To help raise funds for the repairs, falafel will be for sale. Coffee and tea are offered to volunteers, while kids of volunteers are welcome to come to jump in the bouncy castle to stay busy.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who have already or want to offer their time and help, and financial support in any amount. Service groups, high school or university students in need of community volunteer hours, companies looking for team volunteer opportunities, or individuals interested in helping on the clean up day are encouraged to contact Dini for more details. (Please scan the QR code in the picture below to contact Dini through Wechat)

Ganeinu is looking forward to your help!

Community Barn Raising Day, Aug 7
10am. 262 Grand Hills, Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District (8470 8238 ext 210, dini@ganeinubeijing.cn) 朝阳区京顺路大湖山庄262号