Every week in July, we’ll bring the parents of Beijing their very own summer camp curriculum. We’re keeping it truly simple, uncomplicated, and as inexpensive as possible so choose activities a la carte or follow the entire week’s agenda – whatever helps!

We’ve loved playing along with your families these first three weeks, and hope our DIY Summer Camp has worked well for you! Make sure you join our WeChat group and share your crafts and discoveries (QR code below). We’re also here if you have any questions or need help from local experts.

For the last week of our DIY Summer Camp, the theme is Explore the Hutongs, and here are the activities:

Monday: Learn a Little

First and foremost, you’ve got to learn about the history of the hutongs! Here are two wonderful resources to help you get started on that journey:

China Culture Tour

China Travel

Tuesday: Take an Eating Tour With Your Kids!

Check out our video below, and then come up with your own guided eating tour through the iconic Nalouguxiang Hutong. Our intrepid foodies particularly enjoyed the jujubee cake, mung bean cake, White Rabbit candies, tanghulu, durian cheesy bread, and even a squid corn dog!

WATCH | Expat Kids Try: Nalouguxiang Hutong Food

Wednesday: Make a Courtyard Gate, courtesy of The Courtyard Institute

The best way to remember a significant design is to create one yourself. Use this cool presentation by the Courtyard Institute (WeChat ID: courtyardinstitute) to learn more about the gates and construct your own out of clay!

Make it colorful, or monotone! Use this template.

Thursday: Cooking

Check out this amazing recipe for Pan-Fried Chinese Buns by China Sichuan Food and challenge your little chefs to make it. The full recipe can be found at the link above, but the ingredients needed are as follows:

• 250 grams all-purpose flour or Bao flour, around 2 cups
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 150 milliliters milk, with 10 milliliters more for adjusting
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 grams salt
• 4–8 tablespoons sweet red bean paste
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying

Friday: “Rabbit Hole” Tour

By this, we mean that you find a starting point for hutong tours, and let yourself and your kids just go down the rabbit hole: try new foods, go down that new sinuous alley, visit somewhere you’ve never travelled before!

What part of this week’s camp attracted your kids the most? Was it history? The social construct? The food? Let them be your guide and see where it leads!

See China Travel’s Recommended Hutong Tour Routes here.

We hope you enjoyed these four weeks of Jingkids‘ DIY Summer Camp. If you haven’t already joined our group to share ideas and photos, follow the instructions below:

KEEP READING: DIY Summer Camp Week 3: Theater and Design

Photos: Cindy Marie Jenkins, Uni You