Beijing was built to be bicycle-friendly, with numerous bike rental apps and countless bicycles on every street. Plus, it has a dedicated bike lane on most roads! Well, at least that’s how it was intended. In reality, cycling through the city can be a bit of a nightmare, even for the most experienced of riders. Firstly, the dedicated bike lane is shared with electric vehicles – including larger “beng beng” cars – and sometimes even actual cars, not to mention pedestrians. Likewise, the sidewalk isn’t much of an option, since it’s too narrow to share with trees and folks on foot. Besides, they often come to an abrupt end, leaving you stranded in the middle of the road like a deer in headlights. 

So I was duly impressed when Beijing Mom Eva Biehl told me that she had cycled from her home near Chaoyang Park to Side Park 4km away, with her husband Andreas and son Nikolai on their own bicycles. If the thought of cycling through Beijing with your kids in tow has ever crossed your mind, then you’ll want to check out tips from the Biehl family and others in our guide below. Do remember firstly that local law only permits children above 12 years old to ride their bicycles on the road. 

Safety

First things first, choose an age-appropriate bicycle for your child by ensuring that both feet can easily step on the ground when they are seated. Other general guides recommend 12 year-olds above 1.4m ride a 26-inch bike wheel bicycle. 

Always wear a safety standards-approved helmet when cycling. Brands like Giro can be found in the many Giant bicycle stores around the city, and Schwinn helmets are readily available on Taobao, where you can also pick up Cairbull’s folding helmet, Fender. For night riding, ensure you have a headlight and reflector installed on the front and back of your bicycle. 

An optional safety feature you could consider would be side-view mirrors. This greatly reduces your chances of getting sideswiped by passing vehicles that tend to travel at higher speeds. Alternatively, train your kids, and yourself, to check your blind spot often. 

Appropriate attire is also paramount to your kid’s safety. Open-toed footwear such as sandals are not recommended as they can either fall off easily, or straps can get caught in the spokes of the bike wheels. 

Planning

“Plan enough time since cycling is so much slower,” says Biehl. We can back her up on that. Most accidents occur as a result of rushing when we are late or short on time. Be prepared to take breaks if necessary and start with shorter trips first, with the intent to build up your kid’s stamina over time. She also advises “[planning]a nice destination so they are eager to go.”

Rules on the road 

“Mom and Dad are the bosses on the road,” states Biehl. “We stop at each crossing, and dismount to walk our bicycles across.” It is also critical to assess upcoming road conditions on behalf of your child and let them know of any impending obstacles or how busy the road is. Biehl learned from experience that teaching our children how to assess road conditions even before they get on a bicycle would be beneficial as “they learn to understand why we ask them to keep to the right, so we don’t have to constantly remind them.”

Top tips

Keep your child in between two adults if possible. If you are riding alone with your children, it might be best to keep them between yourself and the pavement. Don’t hesitate to stop, get off the bicycle, and push the bicycles on the pavement if the road is just too crowded.

KEEP READING: Bike for Your Buck: Unlimited Pass on Hellobike

Images: Unsplash, Eva Biehl 

This weekend, make sure to have lots of fun and learn new things, for there are a plethora of events (quite literally) under the sun for you and your family! As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info.  

Saturday, Sept 5

Riviera’s Country Club Saturday Market

Head on over to the Riviera Country Club every Saturday for a market, with various kinds of goods on sale. Watch out for a bouncy castle and various children’s activities to keep the young ones entertained! FREE. 11am – 5pm. No. 1 Xiangjiang North Road. 

Girls’ Clothing Auction for 7-9 Years Old

Is your kid not wearing all her fabulous clothes and sticking to the same stuff? Give her the opportunity to clear her wardrobe of clothing she doesn’t want to wear, with The Clothing Auction Network’s Girls Clothing Auction! All you have to do is bring these unwanted clothes to Victoria Gardens, where there will be an auction of yours as well as others’ clothes. The girls will bid on them to find the clothes they love, and the highest bid wins the item. RMB 100 (maximum budget for auction). 2-5 pm. Chaoyang Park East Gate. 

Saturday & Sunday, Sept 5-6

Roundabout’s Book Fair 2020

Stop by and purchase from thousands of donated books at Roundabout’s annual book fair. A variety of English and Chinese books will be on offer, encompassing almost everything from children’s fiction to coffee table books, and from hardbacks to paperbacks. Income from the fair will be directly used by Beijing’s most recognizable charity to continue to help and make a difference in the lives of children. Make sure to head on down to support this good cause! Books from RMB 1 upwards. 10am – 3pm. Guantang Plaza, No. 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu. 

Sunday, Sept 6

Weekend Hikes and Trips

Wanna get out of Beijing, but also stay in Beijing? This weekend, take a hike with Beijing Hikers into the mountains and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hikes on offer include long rambles in the hills, walks on the ‘wild’, Great Wall hikes, and more. This is a perfect activity for families and kids. From RMB 350 per person, discounts available. From 8:15 am onwards.  Departure from Liangmaqiao subway station and Shunyi DD’s market near Beijing Riviera. 

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This week, make sure to have lots of fun and learn new things, for there are a plethora of events (quite literally) under the sun for you and your family! As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info.  

Friday, Aug 28

HALO Market in Wangjing

Head on outdoor down to Wangjing for a lovely summer afternoon and evening at this special night market. There will be plenty of music, flowers, gifts, sweets, and even some African drum performances. This is one of many events scheduled for the coming months, so make sure to attend! Free. 3pm-10pm, Aug 28-30. B1 Wangjing Vanke Center Plaza.

Saturday, Aug 29

Ancient City Wall Exploration

While most of Beijing’s once-mighty city walls have been demolished, they still hold an important place in history. With WildChina, recreate a war scene with you and your family on top of the largest remaining section of wall, learn what role city walls played during wars, and the strategies offensive and defensive sides used by both sides. You’ll also explore how the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal near the city walls flowed upward to bring food and cargo northward into the city. This is a perfect chance to rediscover and renew your passion for China – all without leaving Beijing. RMB 80-400. 9.50am – 12.30pm. Dongbianmen Arrow Tower Main Gate.

Sunday, Aug 30

Sketch & Steer Through Beijing’s Hutongs

Still not satisfied with the events and activities on offer this weekend? Worry not, because The British Chamber has got you covered! In partnership with The Hutong, BritCham has got a great Sunday art activity planned, perfect for families and kids, who will bike through Beijing’s hutongs and stop regularly to sketch their hidden corners. Please note that you will have to bring your own bike. A drink is also included in the cost of joining. RMB 200 for adults, RMB 150 for kids aged 14 and above. Starts at 4pm. The Hutong.

Loreli Affordable Market, El-Nido

Join Loreli for their popular affordable art market in the Dongcheng hutongs this Sunday afternoon. Vendors will be selling a variety of art items, such as illustrations, pins, zines, paintings, comics, cards, and originals. Free-flowing drinks, tacos, and a DJ spinning the beat will complement the art on show and keep the vibes going all afternoon, evening, and night. Free. 1-7pm. El Nido @ The Other Place

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Images: Courtesy of event organizers.

This week, make sure to have lots of fun and learn new things, for there are a plethora of events (quite literally) under the sun for you and your family! As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info.  

Saturday, Aug 22

Weekend Hikes and Trips|
Wanna get out of Beijing, but also stay in Beijing? This weekend, take a hike with Beijing Hikers into the mountains and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hikes on offer include long rambles in the hills, walks on the ‘wild’, Great Wall hikes, and more. This is a perfect activity for families and kids. From RMB 350 per person, discounts available. From 8:15 am onwards.  Departure from Liangmaqiao subway station and Shunyi DD’s market near Beijing Riviera. 

Mommy’s Bootcamp
Fitness by Diva is hosting a yoga and networking session just for moms and their young ones. Bring your yoga mat and some of your favorite snacks and spend some quality time exercising and meeting up with like-minded moms. The session will begin with some cardio functional training and will be followed up with a picnic, a playdate for the kids, and other fun activities. RMB 100. 10am-12pm. Chaoyang Park.

Bespoke’s Big, Beihai Park Scavenger Hunt
Earlier this year, Bespoke Beijing launched their grandest, most epic scavenger hunt activity that takes place all around one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks: Beihai Park! This activity can actually be done at any time at all, but we think it’s the perfect weekday getaway activity. Get to know this amazing part of Beijing a little better, and have a chance to win some of their awesome prizes, including a staycation at luxury hotel The Opposite House. This activity is available in both English and Chinese. RMB 150. All day. Beihai Park

Tuesday, Aug 25

Jindafit Classes for Kids
Jindafit is starting Afrobeats dance workout sessions for children and teenagers, to be held in the leafy garden of a Sanlitun residential compound. This is a perfect opportunity for kids aged 6-9 and teenagers aged 12 and above to share stories, dance, and have fun! Pricing information unavailable, please enquire directly with the event organizers. 3pm-6pm. Lianbao Garden. 

Young Leaders Forum & Initiative
This 4-day session, organized by Training IPS, is a fantastic opportunity for 16 to 18 years old students to build leadership and communication skills to apply at school, work, or just life in general. Through practical, hands-on workshops led by corporate trainer Alistair McArthur, students will be able to make new friends and learn about how to make presentations, write business emails, preventing conflict situations, amongst other skills important for thriving in the corporate environment. RMB 400 per module, RMB 1400 for all 4 modules. 9.30 am – 12.30 pm, Aug 25-28. Beijing Riviera. 

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Images: Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers.

Brace yourselves for what will (quite literally) be a hot and spicy weekend, with events galore for you and your family! As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info. 

Friday, Aug 14 – Sun Aug 16

Hot & Spicy Festival 2020

You thought August was hot? Well, it’s only going to get hotter. It’s the returneth of the Spicy Fest, this time for a third installment. Dozens of Beijing’s best spicy food vendors will gather at China’s only spicy-themed festival with a variety of food and drinks, live music and entertainment, and of course plenty of spice and everything nice! Mexico is the country of honor this year, meaning you can expect to be Living 辣 Vida Loca as you shove down plenty of tacos and wash them down with a spicy-salt margarita. RMB 20. 3pm – 9pm. Galaxy SOHO. 

Saturday, Aug 15

Mommy’s Bootcamp

Fitness by Diva is hosting a yoga and networking session just for moms and their young ones. Bring your yoga mat and some of your favorite snacks and spend some quality time exercising and meeting up with like-minded moms. The session will begin with some cardio functional training and will be followed up with a picnic, a playdate for the kids, and other fun activities. RMB 100. 10am-12pm. Chaoyang Park.

MCF’s Family Outdoor Summer Fun

Head on over to the Riviera Country Club with you and your family, for a day of outdoor summer fun by MCF! Take part in activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, carnival games, cosplay, and lucky draws. Feast on a mouth-watering BBQ and wind down for the day by watching a movie screening by the lake. FREE. 2-6pm. No. 1 Xiangjiang Beilu.

Sunday, Aug 16

Sketch & Steer Through Beijing with Britcham

Still not satisfied with the events and activities on offer this weekend? Worry not, because The British Chamber has got you covered! In partnership with The Hutong, BritCham has got a great Sunday activity planned, perfect for families and kids. Get ready to bike through Beijing’s hutongs and sketch their hidden corners. Please note that you will have to bring your own bike. A drink is also included in the cost of joining. RMB 200 for adults, RMB 150 for kids aged 14 and above. Starts at 4pm. The Hutong.

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Images: Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers.

Brace yourselves for what will (quite literally) be a hot and spicy week, with events galore for you and your family! As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info. 

Friday, Aug 7

The Hutong’s Tastes of Autumn with Tea Pairing
This Friday, Aug 7 marks the official start of autumn with the solar term 立秋, lì qiū.  With the weather to soon cool down, it’s finally time to regain the appetite you might have lost during the summer heat. Head over to The Hutong’s kitchen for a fascinating 2-hour tasting session of autumn-themed foods, aptly named ‘Tastes of Autumn.’ Learn how to prepare the right food for the upcoming season, and enjoy the tea pairing with it. RMB 350. 10.30am – 12.30pm. The Hutong Kitchen.

Bespoke’s Wild Wall Adventure with William Lindesay O.B.E
Interested in a weekend adventure? Join Bespoke for a weekend getaway to the Great Wall. This 2-night, 2-day Bespoke adventure weekend is led by none other than William Lindesay O.B.E, a Great Wall extraordinaire who’s ran the entire length of the Wall and discovered a previously unknown section of it in the Gobi Desert. (He also coined the term ‘Wild Wall’ to describe the many unrenovated sections.) Over two days, you’ll hike into the forests at dawn, fashion bracelets out of paracord, and gain a greater understanding of the flora, fauna, and landmarks surrounding Beijing. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals and collapse exhausted onto giant Kang beds at the end of each day. RMB 3,850 or RMB 3,150 for kids under 10. August 7 3pm – August 9 2pm. Pickup from downtown Beijing. 

Sunday, Aug 9

Crescendo’s DIY Ukulele Production Workshop
Crescendo Studio has been hard at work over the summer to prepare a DIY ukulele workshop for kids. Join them this Sunday for a 3-hour session, intended for a group of 3-6 kids between the ages. Students will learn the process that goes into making the ‘mini-guitar’, and even learn to play and sing a few songs. This is a perfect session for young kids that will stimulate their creativity and artistic skills, and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the ukulele. RMB 600 per child. 2pm – 5pm. Floor 12A, Haocheng Plaza, Zuojiazhuang Middle Street.

Paloma Sanchez’s Kids’ Jewelry Design Contest
Paloma Sanchez is holding a kid’s jewelry design contest next week, to unearth the next star in jewelry design! Interested participants should send in their designs before Thursday, August 6 in an A4 paper. All designs will then be exhibited on Sunday in the Paloma Sanchez gallery in Sanlitun. Real gemstones will also be handed out to the participants at the gallery, so make sure you’re there! Pricing information unavailable, please enquire directly with the organizers. 3pm – 6pm. Nali Patio, Sanlitun.

Friday, Aug 14 – Sun Aug 16

Hot & Spicy Festival 2020
You thought August was hot? Well, it’s only going to get hotter. It’s the returneth of the Spicy Fest, this time for a third installment. Dozens of Beijing’s best spicy food vendors will gather at China’s only spicy-themed festival with a variety of food and drinks, live music and entertainment, and of course plenty of spice and everything nice (may it not be postponed thrice)! Mexico is the country of honor this year, meaning you can expect to be Living 辣 Vida Loca as you shove down plenty of tacos and wash them down with a spicy-salt margarita. RMB 20. 3pm – 9pm. Galaxy SOHO. 

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Images: Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers.

Public health measures are now being relaxed in the ‘Jing, meaning more events and more fun for you and your family! Kick back and enjoy as we present this week’s Family Friendly Events. As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info. 

Friday, Jul 31

YCIS Beijing Social Distancing Campus Tours
The Admissions Department of Yew Chung International School (YCIS) have been hard at work finding ways to connect with those curious about the campus’s amenities. With the lifting of public health restrictions, they are now organizing in-person, interactive, and personalized tours of the school. These tours are available for parents looking to enroll their children in the 2020-2021 academic year. Each tour is limited to 30 minutes and is followed by a further in-depth discussion with the Admissions Advisor. FREE. 7.30 am-4.30 pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing.

Hulu & TRB’s Kids’ Summer Coloring Competition
If you think it’s high time your kids treated you to a dinner, rather than the other way around, then be sure to get them started in the Hulu by TRB Kids’ Summer Coloring Competition. Children 4-12 years old can compete for chances to win meals for the whole family at the restaurant, as well as winning delicious cakes to be delivered right to your door. The competition is broken down into three categories: ages 4-6, ages 7-9, ages 10-12. All participants must color in one of three Hulu kids’ placemats, based on which age group they’re in. FREE. Until Aug 9. Hulu by TRB.

Saturday, Aug 1

Kids Club Hike at Immortal Valley
Sometimes, there’s nothing better to start the weekend than with an invigorating hike and this weekend, Beijing Hikers are organizing another of their Kids Clubs hikes to Immortal Valley. On this hike, you’ll pass through cliffs, waterfalls, boulders, trees, and pools of water on the way to the ‘Big Buddha’ carved into the cliff. Hikers will also see the Miyun Reservoir and admire the long views of the Miyun Great Wall. This is a perfect outing opportunity for kids 6 years and older to enjoy some family time in nature. Younger children may need to be carried for parts of the hike, especially if you aim to go up towards the ‘Big Buddha’. RMB 380 for adults, RMB 160 for kids 3-5 years old, RMB 200 for kids 6-12 years old. 8am-4.30pm. Pickup from Lido Hotel Starbucks and Liangmaqiao subway station.

Tuesday, Aug 4

Chinese Dumpling Making Class with Sue Zhou
After the success of her hand-pulled noodle-making class in the first Bespoke Beijing Speaker Series, Sue Zhou is back to teach you how to make Chinese dumplings. Turn yourself into an expert dumpling chef with just an online Zoom meeting, and learn from the comfort of your own home. And if you’re feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of making your own jiaozi, Bespoke is so confident in the class that they think you might even be able to open your own dumpling restaurant after the session! RMB 80. 8pm-10pm. Online.

Learn Folk Handicrafts and History in Yu County, Hebei Province
Join Beijing Hikers once again, this time for a two-day trip to Yu County in Hebei Province! On this adventure, you’ll venture deep into the countryside, away from the city, where Ming Dynasty-era landmarks still stand and old folk artisan traditions continue to be practiced. Learn how to make authentic and traditional Chinese paper lanterns, and explore the ancient alleyways, lanes, temples, and courtyards of Yu County. This is a fun, educational excursion perfect for adults and children ages 8 and above. RMB 1800 for adults, RMB 1680 for 8-12 years old kids. Aug 4-5 from 7.30am. Pickup from Lido Hotel Starbucks and Liangmaqiao subway station.

Can’t see your event on this list? Here’s how to post and promote your event on beijingkids for free!

Images: Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers. 

Public health measures are now being relaxed in the ‘Jing, meaning more events and more fun for you and your family! Kick back and enjoy as we present this week’s Family Friendly Events. As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info. 

Friday, Jul 24

The Fifth Art Book Fair 2020
Since 2015, abC (art book in China) has been running book fairs across China in 2015. They are very happy to announce that after postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19, the 5th 2020 abC Art Book Fair Beijing will still be held in-person, in the city. abC will be welcoming 86 local exhibitors and 17 international publishing houses. More than 300 excellent art publications from Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland will be showcased, along with 10 short animation films directed by independent animation directions and curated by Feynage Animation Group for this event. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of abC, the first ever “abC Art Book Award” will also be presented during the fair. Lectures, dialogues and workshops on art books will be held as well. RMB 70. 12.30 pm – 8.30 pm. Beijing Times Art Museum. 

Saturday, Jul 25

Mommy’s Bootcamp
Fitness by Diva is hosting a yoga and networking session just for moms and their young ones. Bring your yoga mat and some of your favorite snacks and spend some quality time exercising and meeting up with like-minded moms. The session will begin with some cardio functional training and will be followed up with a picnic, a playdate for the kids, and other fun activities. RMB 100. 10am-12pm. Chaoyang Park.

DIY Fresh Flowers Diadem in Chaoyang Park
Join Studio Flowers for a workshop on making DIY flower diadems (flower crowns). This activity is best suited to older kids, and fresh flowers and all craft materials will be provided, along with beverages, snacks and refreshments. Enjoy the summer vibes and friendly atmosphere on offer! RMB 238. 5pm – 6pm. Chaoyang Park. 

Sunday, Jul 26

A Very British Dumpling Party
Still not satisfied with the events and activities on offer this weekend? Worry not, because The British Chamber has got you covered! In partnership with The Hutong, BritCham has got a great Sunday activity planned, perfect for families and kids. Get ready to learn how to mix, make, and fold dumplings, filling them with typical British fillings to make your very own UK-China fusion dumplings! RMB 260 for adults, RMB 120 for kids. 3pm – 7pm. The Hutong. 

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Images: freestocks (via Unsplash), William Christen (via Unsplash), Kristina Paparo (via Unsplash), Becca Tapert (via Unsplash)

With the new outbreak of COVID-19 in the city, make sure to call ahead and confirm with organizers for this week’s Family Friendly Events. As always, click the link in the event title for further details and ticketing info. 

Saturday, Jul 18

The Expatriate Center’s Cooking Expedition
The Expatriate Center is hosting a live stream cooking series, Cooking Expedition, featuring 10 iconic dishes from around the world. This week’s featured dish is the Couscous all the way from the Mediterranean. You will learn how to make this authentic, North African semolina dish from expert chefs right from the comfort of your home. Sign-ups close 2 days before the event, to ensure the ingredients arrive in time, so don’t hesitate to sign up now! RMB 200. 1pm-2pm. Online.

Sunday, Jul 19

Taozi Tree Yoga in Chaoyang Park
Join local yoga studio Taozi Tree for a 75-minute Vinyasa Flow session in the beautiful Chaoyang Park this Sunday morning. Please note that registration will be required to attend this event. Space is limited as well, so make sure to book early. Pricing information unavailable, please enquire directly with the event organizers. 9.30am-10.45am. Chaoyang Park. 

Hike: Kids Club at the Silver Pagodas
Join Beijing Hikers for a great kid-friendly hike through field trails and paths from a small village over to the Silver Pagodas, a set of five well-preserved 600-year-old pagodas that are the remains of a Buddhist temple that previously existed on the site. A picnic will be organized once the hike is completed, and free time will be provided to explore. This is a relaxed outing for kids to enjoy some family time and explore nature, and the hike is best suited for 5-12-year-old kids. Please make a booking for this hike on the Beijing Hikers website, and register before midday on Friday, July 17th if you wish to attend. From RMB 150 onwards for kids, RMB 325 for adults. From 7.45 onwards. Silver Pagodas. 

Play Chess at Side Street, Every Sunday
Good news for all chess lovers, regular games are now being organized every Sunday at Side Street. Bring a friend or find one to play the original strategy game of minds and of kings! 12pm-6pm. Side Street. 

Tuesday, Jul 21

Jindafit Classes for Kids
Jindafit is starting Afrobeats dance workout sessions for children and teenagers, to be held in the leafy garden of a Sanlitun residential compound. This is a perfect opportunity for kids aged 6-9 and teenagers aged 12 and above to share stories, dance, and have fun! Pricing information unavailable, please enquire directly with the event organizers. 3pm-6pm. Lianbao Garden. 

Can’t see your event on this list? Here’s how to post and promote your event on beijingkids for free!

Images: Ksenia Makagonova via Unsplash, JESHOOTS.com via Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers.