Jumpstart your Child’s Education with our Starter’s Scholarships

We’re so excited to see the initial turnout for our starter scholarship, and we’re letting you see a sneak peek of some of the great ideas new students and transfer students have drawn out.

Bring your child to BISE and make sure to stop by our starter scholarship area. Younger children enter the chance to win a scholarship by drawing, while older children briefly answer an essay question. Prizes reach as high as RMB 5,000!

Your child qualifies if he or she is a new student or a transfer student in Beijing. See this post for more details. No need to preregister, though the check in is faster. Come out to BISE today before 4pm to meet potential schools and enter your child in the scholarship.

We’re at the Crowne Plaze Chaoyang Utown on Floor 6.

It’s that time of year again; our annual School Choice Guide has gone to print and is now distributed to different spots around the city.

We loaded this issue up with several new resources and included old-time favorites.

As expected, we examined different curricula in the city, with a new focus on Bilingual curriculum and International Primary Curriculum. We also laid out for you some statistics comparing schools city-wide, including questions we highly suggest you ask your potential schools at the Beijing International School Expo.

We also sought expert advice from Barbara Chen about how Third Culture Kids (TCK) can set their college application apart from the rest. We also added more insights into the ever-long debate of homework.

Lastly, we asked the experts what makes a great school, so six students told us what makes a great school.

Of course, this guide also includes information from 58 of Beijing’s finest schools, and we made a helpful map and key to easily orient the school within the city. You can read the school profiles online here. Or you can download a PDF version here.

Make sure to talk to these schools in person at our 7th Annual Beijing International School Expo taking place on February 18 and 19 starting at 10am at Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town. Register here for updates about speakers, goodies, and going through our check-in fast-lane.

Free
Beijing No.55 High School Admission Open Day, Oct 13
Adults. Parents are invited to a campus tour, course introduction, and answer and question session. Students grades 7 to 11 are currently accepted. Free. 9.30-11am. No.55 High School Beijing. 12, Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng (bj55iss@bj55.cn)

Awesome Advocates at BSB Shunyi, Oct 13
Adults. This is a support group for parents of children with Special Education Needs. This meeting will feature special speaker Dr Lynn Turner of LIH Olivia’s Place, Lead Psychologist and Educational Psychologist. Registration required. Free. 8.45-10am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (nicole.washko@bsbshunyi.com).

Teatime Concert, Oct 14
All ages. WAB hosts an intimate live music featuring student musicians on their campus grounds open to the community. Free. 4.30-5.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing (5986 5588)

City Weekend’s Family Day, Oct 15
All ages. City Weekend has a very fun family day planned, so before you head over to wear out the kids, head to the nearby Beijinger’s Pizza Fest to fill them up on food they love. Free. 10am-4pm. Indigo Mall (8426 0898)

Open Day: Meet the Principals at ISB, Oct 17
Ages 11+. Learn more about how an ISB education challenges and supports the whole-child with a discussion from Middle School (Gr. 6-8) and High School (Gr. 9-12) Principals. Families will also have the opportunity to tour our world-class facilities, following the discussion. Free. 9.30-11.30am. International School of Beijing (5149 2345).

Unique
Disney On Ice, Oct 15-16
All ages. Join many beloved Disney characters for a spectacular display of skating on ice. RMB 380-180. Showings at 3pm, 7.30pm, 10.30 am (English version), 3.30pm. Capitol Indoor Stadium. No.56 South Street, Zhongguan Village, Haidian. (Buy tickets here)

Equuleus Jumping Open, Oct 14-Oct 16
Ages 5+ Equuleus International Riding Club will be hosting its second 2016 Equuleus Jumping Open. This important competition, accredited as a CSI 2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will be taking place in the club’s magnificent outdoor arenas. Professional and amateur riders will be coming from all over China, as well as from foreign countries, in order to join this big show. RMB 188-300. 9am-6pm. Equuleus International Riding Club.  北京市朝阳区孙河镇顺白路91号 (garance.ullens@equriding.com)

The Beijinger’s 2016 Pizza Fest, Oct 15-16
All ages. This pizza-themed party, held in Wangjing SOHO, and organized by the Beijinger, cranks the cheesy adulation to a whole ‘nother crust. Choose to take a slice out of the weekend by sampling some of the best pies from some of the finest pizzerias in Beijing. Kids 1.2 meters and under free. RMB 20 (Early Bird), RMB 25 (Door Price). 11am-8pm. Wangjing Street and Fu Xi Road Intersection, 北京市望京街与阜安西路交叉路口 (Buy Here or at Sanfine International Hospital reception desk, 6413 6688).

School House Rock: Celebrating Education, Oct 15
All ages. In order to celebrate education, its role in the community, as well as support an organization whose goal is to improve the quality of education, resources, and healthcare for migrant children and their families in Beijing, Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF), 
Pingo Space, and Home Plate BBQ came together to organize School House Rock. Donations of new or gently used school supplies are welcome. Creative workshops precede the pig roast buffet at 6pm and live music at 8pm. RMB 125. 3pm-Late. Home Plate BBQ, 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard (from Dongsanhuan Beilu, head 20m north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection and take the first right) Chaoyang District 朝阳区 霄云路35号院（东三环北路,过霄云路路口,往北走20米,到第一个路口右转） (service@pingospace.com)

Ongoing
Picture Book Workshop, Thursday and Sundays, Oct 16 – Nov 20
Ages 8 – 12. ENROL your kids with us #Picturebook Workshop, be your own illustrator of your story.By creating and telling a story, children learn to organize their thoughts and use written language to communicate with readers in a variety of ways. By illustrating it they develop their creativity. Rm 10L, Bldg 7, 68 Julong Garden, Xinzhong Street, Chaoyang District (185 1555 2072)

Mentor Walks Asia in Beijing, Oct 14
Adults. Mentor Walks bring together established women leaders and emerging women leaders in our community to connect, learn, mentor and share experiences. As they walk, they discuss their professional and personal challenges, successes, aspirations, and lessons learned. Free, but RSVP required and on a first come, first serve basis. Ritan Park (www.mentorwalks.asia/)

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Fridays
Ages 0-18mnths. Meet other moms of small children at this playgroup with plenty of age-appropriate toys, seasonal crafts, singing, actions, and more. Open to foreign passport holders only, the mother or father needs to attend, not the Ayi. Drinks and snacks provided. Register by email. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Bumps2Babes Playgroups
Ages 3 and under. This thriving parent community is geared toward parents with kids born after January 2013. It has free playgroups meeting throughout the city. We suggest parents new to the city get involved and hang out with a playgroup in your region. English speakers only. Don’t forget to ask to receive the newsletter and be added to the official Bumps2Babes WeChat group. Free. Time and location vary. (beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com)

Best of Next Week

Adjusting to Life in Beijing, Oct 19
Adults. This joint discussion by International Newcomers Network (INN), Raffles Medical and United Family Healthcare (BJU) will cover a range of topics from the stages of cultural adjustment, transportation options, top resources of information about Beijing on websites to magazines, to air quality concerns and what to do in an emergency. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588).

YCIS Beijing: Open Day Meet the Co-Principals, Oct 19
Adults. This Open Day will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet the YCIS Beijing Western and Chinese Co-Principals, who will speak in particular about their bilingual educational environment and unique co-teaching model. Free. 9.30am-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731)

Hyde Academy Open House, Oct 19
For adults. Hyde Academy hosts an Open House for prospective parents to learn more about the school and tour the new facilities. Registration required. Free.  9-10.30am. Hyde Academy (8046 7085)

MSB Parent Study Group: “Literacy and Language Development”, Oct 19
For adults. The second series of yearlong talks focuses on the many ways in which parents can support their children’s literacy and language development. Acting Interim Principal Sharon Keenan will lead this talk. Registration required. Free. 8.30-10.30am. International Montessori School of Beijing (aislingobrien@msb.edu.cn)

DCB Early Years Open Day, Oct 19
For adults. Prospective parents have the chance to observe how children ages 1-7 learn in an international child-centered environment at DCB’s Riviera Main Campus. Listen to a presentation by Head of Early Years, David Mumford on the school’s UK curriculum followed by a Q&A session then a tour of the school. Registration required. Refreshments included. 9-10.45am. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB, Shunyi, Oct 20
Adults. The International Newcomers Network Coffee Mornings is a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-times in the Shunyi area. Free. 10am-Noon. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588).

Harrow Beijing Autumn Fair, Oct 22
All ages. Harrow Beijing’s Autumn Fair brings quintessential British flair such as Bric-a-Brac (vendors selling their wares), delicious fair food, entertaining games and activities, and live performances. This event is organized by Friends of Harrow. Free. 10-am-3pm. Harrow International School Beijing (6444 8900)

Hutong Pumpkin Cupcakes Making Class, Oct 23
Ages 5+ Chef Anete will be with you as you prepare your very own cupcakes from scratch, complete with spice-infused buttercream, while also have some fun of having halloween style decoration. RMB 350. 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Oct 24
Adults. Parents of Primary School-aged students are invited to attend Active Parenting Workshops every Monday from October 24 through November 28 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Active Parenting delivers quality education programs for parents, children and teachers to schools, hospitals, social services organizations, churches and the corporate market. Active Parenting Publishers is recognized as an innovator in the educational market and is committed to its mission of developing human potential through its programs. 10am-Noon. Yew Chung International School of Beijing  (8583 3731)

Photos: Miguel Discart (Flickr), and courtesy of Equuleus International Riding Club and DCB.

Baozza, the ingenious pizza and baozi combination, has soft opened in the new basement-level food court of Sanlitun Soho (美食街). We ran over as quickly as humanly possible, of course, and got some of every flavor.

The concept behind the menu is really simple: buy two of any item on their menu (baozi, soups, and salads) for RMB 20, four for RMB 35, eight for RMB 65, and 12 for RMB 100.

Out of the four Baozza flavors our favorites were the margherita (pictured above), filled with tomato sauce, stringy cheese,a nd a healthy dose of herbs added directly to the dough, and the Hawaiian jalapeño, a spicy take on the traditional ham and pineapple Hawaiian pizza combo. All flavors come with a pot of vinegar Sriracha or a marinara sauce, giving you the option to complement your choice with a healthy kick.

Our only feedback is that we wouldn’t mind a little more stuffing in these steamed buns (use menu pics as a guide). In fact, all that’s necessary is more cheese, because you can never have enough cheese, especially in China.

(Read the Baozza creator’s interview here: Baozza Co-Founder Talks Serving Up Steamed and Filling Treats)

The Baozza window is open for takeaway Monday-Friday between 11.30am and 3pm, for now. Times will be subject to change once the team tweak the formula to see what works best for them.

Baozza
Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm (temporary soft opening). B1 605, Sanlitun Soho, Bldg 6, 8 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路8号 Sanlitun Soho 6号楼B1 605

This post originally appeared on thebeijinger.com, our sister site.

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat.

Free Events
Bumps2Babes Playgroups
Ages 3 and under. This thriving parent community is geared toward parents with kids born after January 2013. It has free playgroups meeting throughout the city. We suggest parents new to the city get involved and hang out with a playgroup in your region. English speakers only. Don’t forget to ask to receive the newsletter and be added to the official Bumps2Babes WeChat group. Free. Time and location varies (beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com)

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Fridays
Ages 0-18mnths. Meet other moms of small children at this playgroup with plenty of age-appropriate toys, seasonal crafts, singing, actions and more. Open to foreign passport holders only, the mother or father needs to attend, not the Ayi. Drinks and snacks provided. Register by email. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

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. (More Information)

Unique Events
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. RMB 200/100. 7.30-9pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (Book tickets here)

Wine and Food Tasting, Sep 8
Adults. Signature Wine Club panel of experts will prepare 6 high quality imported wines from the old and new worlds. Food paired at this event will be four varieties of baozza (baozi + pizza)!  Casual, mixed networking, perfect for a date night precursor. Space limited, RSVP by email. RMB 100 (Members), RMB 120 (Yoopay), RMB 150 (Door Price). 7.30-10pm. QBAR Chang’an Business Hotel, 6/F. (wine@sigwine.com)

Macbeth Opera, Sep 7
Ages 6+. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi and first premiered in 1847, this showing will be conducted by Daniel Oren and directed by Hugo de Ana. RMB 180+ (Note children under 1.2 M are not admitted into the NCPA) National Centre For The Performing Arts (6655 0000)

Childbirth Workshop, Sep 10
Adults. Prepare for you first birth (or second) with this informative workshop from Oasis International Hospital. Register by email. RMB 200 for couples, RMB 100 single, discounts for OASIS Members/patients. 9am-2pm. Oasis International Hospital. 9 North Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号 (ashley.gaul@oasishealth.cn)

Arts & Crafts Adventures, Sep 10-11
Ages 3-7. Crafts, arts, and movement combine at the Adventure Zone. RMB 350+ 9am-6pm. Kerry Hotel Beijing. 1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang (8565 2643)

Ongoing Events
Meet Vincent Van Gogh, Until Sep 16
Ages 4+ The all-encompassing innovative 3D exhibition Meet Vincent Van Gogh is on show at Jinyuan Shopping Mall from June 15 to September 16, presented by the Van Gogh Museum which is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. RMB 658 (Family Package). 10am-10pm. Golden Resource Shopping Mall 金源时代购物中心 (Meetvincent.com)

Star Dream Acrobactic Show, Until Sep 30
All ages. The China National Acrobatic Troupe combines national music, dance, opera, traditional acrobatics, and martial arts for a culturally charming show. 5.30pm RMB 180+ Chinese Acrobatic (Dongtu) Theater, 85 East Jiaodaokou Street, Dongcheng District 交道口东大街85号东城区第一图书馆 (Buy tickets here)

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. 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 金汇路9 中骏世界城D座 B1 层 R080室 (Email: r3discovery@sina.com, WeChat：R3Discovery)

Cavalia, Until Sep 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 available until September 7. RMB 120-1,980. 2.30pm and/or 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park East Gate Parking Lot (Buy 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 September 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)

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)

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. 西城区地安门西大街57号 (138 0106 7568)

Best of Next Week
Taking Care of Your Health in Beijing, Sep 12
Adults. Whether you are living in the suburbs or the heart of downtown, life in the capital can be an exciting adventure. Being prepared and informed can help you deal with any unforeseen health problems that may arise, be they common or life-threatening. Register by email, though walk-ins welcome. Free. 9.30am. Beijing United Family Hospital, 2 Jiangtai Rd. 将台路2号 (Jenifer.Sullivan@ufh.com.cn)

Early Years Open House, Sep 14
Adults. See fun projects in action, classrooms, and ask curriculum questions at BSB Shunyi. RSVP by email. Free. 9-11am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

How to Support Your Child in a Montessori Environment, Sep 14
Adults. In the first in a yearlong series of talks which are open to the entire Beijing community, Acting Interim Principal Sharon Keenan will lead parents through the many ways in which they can support their children in a Montessori Environment. Coffee and muffins provided. Register by email. Free. 8.30-10am. The International Montessori School of Beijing. Bldg 8, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu Chaoyang 朝阳区 朝阳区香江北路2号院8号楼 (aislingobrien@msb.edu.cn)

As the school year starts up and buckles down, we want to encourage students and teachers with a heart-warming story about the many who come and go from Beijing.

Meredith Chen started reception at the International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) and left for the United States for grade 3. She came back for grade 5 at the International School of Beijing (ISB) and eventually moved on to study Elementary Education at Emmanuel College in Boston.

“I wanted to go into education remembering those teachers who were more mentors than just teachers.”

Her own education journey was not without its troubles, as she recalls herself as “not a good student” but the teachers she encountered along the way who made her feel like there was no struggle made the journey enjoyable and memorable.

Elaine Kinlough teaches Merrideth Chen’s reception class. Chen is the student closest to the white table with the bright green scrunchie in her hair.

Chen came back to MSB for an internship, gladly accepting a position with her first year reception teacher, Elaine Kinlough, who also taught Chen in her first year of teaching.

Similarly to Chen, Kinlough says, “I first came to Beijing in 1997. I have left twice; however, I keep coming back. I’ve noticed many dramatic changes in this city over the past 20 years.”

When asked about Chen coming back to intern at MSB, Elaine responded, “I was extremely excited for [Chen] to come back to MSB and work in the classroom with me. I wanted to see if she was still the bubbly, outgoing student that I remembered. Almost 20 years later, she retains so much of the child I knew all those years ago. She has brought infectious enthusiasm and joy to her work with us, and it’s been a huge pleasure to see her return.”

Kinlough mentioned that with social media, it’s far easier for her to stay in touch with former students, though MSB graduates seem to find their way back.

“It’s wonderful when students come back to work at the school. It’s like our lives have come full circle. It’s also exciting and inspiring for the students in my class to know that [Chen] is a previous student of mine. It links them to the 26-year history of the school in a concrete way,” Kinlough said.

In a moment of sentimentalism, we wondered how Kinlough felt about Chen leaving again.

“[Chen] and other MSB students never leave. They always come back to visit us. Like me, they can’t stay away!”

Regardless of which side you’re on, we can all agree this is not the election to sleep in and let your vote slip away with the minutes on your alarm clock. Registering from abroad is easy and there’s still time for you to do so in every state. Head over to AmCham, where this post originally appeared, for each state’s deadlines.

US President Obama recently demonstrated on Buzzfeed just how easy it is to vote: easier than making a friendship bracelet, easier than untangling a pair of headphones and definitely easier than naming all the dead characters from Game of Thrones.

Voting abroad, too, has become easier than ever. (See our infographic, below.) All US citizens can now receive ballots electronically, and many states do the whole process by email. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax or through a website. How you send it back also depends on which state, territory or other citizenship you may have. Here’s an outline of the process and a state-by-state guide (plus territories and citizens who have never resided in the US). There’s no reason not to flex your right this November.

Step one: Register and request absentee

To begin, go to FVAP.gov to complete and submit your new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) electronically, which acts as both a registration and absentee ballot request form. You can also fill out the PDF online or pick up a hard copy version from your nearest consulate, US Embassy or from an overseas US citizen civic or political group.

If you request an electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before the general election. Most states now have voter registration verification websites, and many offer a way of tracking the status of your registration and ballot.

Step two: Returning your ballot

In order to return your filled-in ballot, either return your ballot online, put your ballot in the mail with appropriate international postage, or drop off your ballot at your closest US Embassy or consulate, though it must be addressed to your local election officials and have sufficient postage or be in a postage-paid envelope (a postage-paid envelope is available on the FVAP web site). If you are short on time or your local mail is unreliable, you can use professional courier services such as FedEx, DHL or UPS.

If you have not received your requested state absentee ballot in a timely manner, you can fill out the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), fill out the PDF form and send it directly to your election office, or pick up a hard copy version from your nearest US Embassy or consulate. The PDF package even includes a pre-addressed and postage paid label! But don’t forget a security envelope.

Click on over to AmCham for a complete state-by-state guide to voting in the coming election.

Image: Mintpressnews.com

Even though most schools are closed or winding down, and friends are leaving for the summer, there’s still plenty to do in Beijing. Check out our summer camps post if you’re wanting a long term solution for your child’s many free hours, as some camps might still be open for registration.

Free Events

Growth Mindset, June 22
Adults. Suzy Wang, Co-Head of Daystar Academy will lead this conversation about teaching and parenting children with growth in mind. Free. 10.30am-Noon. Daystar Academy, Cathay View Campus (Register here)

International Newcomers Network’s Sanlitun Coffee Morning, June 22
Adults.  Come meet your Sanlitun neighbors and get the lowdown about what’s going on in Beijing. Free. 10am-Noon.  Colibri Café. (http://innbeijing.com)

International Newcomers Network’s Beer Night, June 23
Adults. We will be exploring little gems along with some of our old standby favorites around town! Come join INN to meet new friends and fellow beer enthusiasts to talk beer, sports or wherever the topic goes. Free. 7-9pm. Contact William Frisby for location. (WeChat: 13141443186)

Hello, Greece! June 26
Ages 8+ This fun fair will include Greek cuisine, art exhibitions, Greek language workshops, Greek Instruments workshops, music, dance, and research based talks. Free. 2-7pm. W Stage (185.1868.2745)

Mandarin Month Mixer: Meet Beijing’s Best Mandarin Schools, June 25
Adults. After a great Mandarin Month, our sister publication, theBeijinger, is wrapping up with a meet and greet for students, schools, and tutors. Free. 2-5pm. Home Plate BBQ (Register here)

Massages and makeovers while kids are actively engaged and playing with one another? This is brilliant!

Unique Events

Beijing Zoo, June 21
Ages 3+ Take a walk on the wild side with That’s Mandarin at the Beijing Zoo. Home to animals from around the world, it’s fun for all the family. RMB 500. 1-5pm Beijing Zoo (info@thatsmandarin.com)

Rock Music Concert – Be Their Voice!, June 21
14+ This rock music concert aims to promote kindness to animals. Come and have a good time for a great cause, meeting like-minded people and be the voice for animals in China. RMB 80. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Poly Theatre (010-8451.8800)

Professional Development Series: Changing Jobs and Industries, June 23
Adults. JingJobs is teaming up with Beijing Women’s Network for this talk on the price of changing industries and jobs. This workshop seeks to answer the question, how much change is too much? RMB 50 (Door) 7-9pm. Inn Cube (Register here)

Science Museum Visit, June 23
Ages 3+ Join That’s Mandarin on a visit to China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, where you can explore hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing China’s contributions to the scientific field. RMB 500. 1-5pm. That’s Mandarin (info@thatsmandarin.com)

Chinese Kung Fu Class, June 24
Ages 7+ Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a student here. Reservation needed, signing deadline June 21. RMB 200. 1-3pm. (info@beijingmandarinschool.com)

Playdate for All! End of School Extravaganza, June 25
All ages. Sanfine has mixed up the perfect playdate for literally the whole family. There’s bowling, ballet, face painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for kiddos under six. For kids between seven and sixteen, they’ve planned competitions (basketball, scooters, and electric cars), and DJ training. For the most mature of the party people, they’ve gotThai massages, manicures, hair styling, and henna tattoos. Early bird tickets until June 16 cover two parents and two kids, RMB 100, then RMB 50 for each additional ticket. 11am-3pm. Sanfine International Hospital, Outdoor Sky Garden (Register here)

One Day trip to “Shilingxia Scenic Area” 石林峡, June 25
Ages 3+ Get a bit of a break for kids under 1.2 meters (as long as they sit in your lap) on this trip to this area which includes the now famous Flying Saucer. RSVP no later than today! RMB 200. 8am-6pm. Beijing Mandarin School E-Tower (6508.1026)

Chinese Hospital and Pharmacy Visit, June 25
Ages 12+ This 3 hour experience includes a brief lesson on Traditional Chinese medicine and a meeting with TCM doctors for a diagnosis. Visitors will be able to try one or two of various treatments such as acupuncture, vacuum cupping, moxibustion, massage and others. Concludes with a visit to their herbal pharmacy to look at strange herbs, weird bugs, and animals used for medicinal purposes. RMB 250. 9.30am-12.30pm. China Culture Center (6432.9341)

Storytelling for Kids: The Adventures of Poucher & Big Guy, June 26
All ages. Join Arthur Charles and Kate Anderson for a look at their popular Australian and adventure themed book series. RMB 30. 10am-Noon. The Bookworm (6586.9507)

Sometimes finding friends can be hard in the city, but not with Bumps 2 Babes.

Ongoing Events

Bumps 2 Babes Play Dates
All ages. Summer can be a hard transition for expat families staying in Beijing, especially if friends have left or are gone for vacation.  Get to know other neighbors outside your normal circle with these regional play dates. Time and location varies. (wechat: vanessajencks)

Aerial Yoga Class, Tuesdays
Ages 16+ Join this sexy and fun class to nail those handstand poses you can’t reach on your own. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 12.30-1.30pm and 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Taekwondo Fit Girl’s Class, Wednesdays
Ages 13+ NB8 Taekwondo classes for women will help you achieve greater strength and improved self-control. Classes teach how to effectively stop an attacker who is bigger than you, while at the same time improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and build faster reflexes. RMB 1250. 7.30-8.30pm. Shangdu Soho, (ntep3@me.com)

Cavalia, June 20 – July 31
All ages. Cavalia has extended its stay for the whole summer. Cheap seats sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want in on a budget. RMB 120-1980. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park Dong San Men Parking Lot (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Jazz-Pop Class, Fridays
Ages 13+ Got problems with coordination? Let Giselle at Diva Dance Academy whip you into shape with some moves to boot. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Multicultural Volleyball, Saturdays
Ages 16+ Laid back fun with a mix of volleyball-loving men and women is a great way to start off the summer. Fee is just for court costs. RMB 55. 2-4pm Shichaihai Sports School (WeChat: chubidubby)

4 Best of Next Week

Leadership and Management Training, June 27-28
Adults. The objective of this two day training is to provide teams with powerful and modern marketing tools and inspiring real-life case studies like Tesla, Red Bull, and Hermès, that will help them develop the right critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills. RMB 6,600. 8.45am-5pm. Regus. (https://amcham.eventbank.cn/event/5140/)

How to Help Your Child Survive the Long Summer Holiday, June 29
Adults. Join Daystar Academy’s teachers and community for a discussion about how to get the most out of the summer holiday. Free. 10.30am-Noon. Daystar Academy, Cathay View Campus (Register here)

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland In Beijing, July 1-2
Ages 4+ This kid-friendly one hour retelling of the childhood classic will be in English with Chinese captions. RMB 99-280. Performances held at 10.30am, 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Long Fu Theatre (Buy tickets here)

French Job Fair for French and Chinese Alumni, July 2
Adults. Specifically for graduates from France, the Embassy of France in China hosts this event every year. Last year 150 companies participated and gave 4,000 job interviews in six cities. Free. 2-6pm. Beijing Four Seasons Hotel (forumemploi.clubfrancechine.org)

Photos: en.damai.cn, Kurt Bauschardt (Flickr)