If you have little dinosaur enthusiasts at home, there’s an amazing event taking place at the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District. “Dinosaurs Unearthed – 200 Million Years of Earth’s History” is a dinosaur exhibition that is sure to thrill and educate children of all ages from now until Oct 7.

The exhibition is a captivating journey back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. As you step through the doors, you are immediately transported to a prehistoric world filled with life-sized dinosaur models that seem to come alive right before your eyes. From the mighty T-Rex to the gentle Brachiosaurus, the variety of dinosaurs on display is truly astonishing.

Not only are the dinosaur replicas visually impressive, but they are also accompanied by detailed and engaging information. Kids can learn about the different species, their habits, and how they lived millions of years ago. Interactive displays and educational panels make the learning experience fun and accessible, ensuring that children absorb knowledge while having a great time.

The exhibition also offers hands-on activities that allow kids to get up close and personal with the dinosaur theme. Kids can literally measure up to giant dinosaurs and even get a feel for what their favorite reptile might have felt like back when they roamed the earth. This combination of visual displays and interactive elements keeps children engaged and entertained throughout their visit.

What makes this exhibition particularly special is its ability to spark the imagination and curiosity of kids. It encourages them to ask questions, explore, and develop a love for science and history. Whether your child is already a dinosaur expert or just starting to show an interest, this event provides a wonderful opportunity to deepen that passion.

The Meet You Museum has taken great care to create an environment that is both educational and enjoyable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and guide visitors through the exhibition. The museum’s facilities are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational outing for your kids, head over to the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District and let them embark on a dinosaur adventure they won’t forget. It’s an event that promises to bring the wonders of the prehistoric world to life and leave a lasting impression on young minds.

Check out the “Dinosaurs Unearthed” exhibition at Meet You Museum Monday through Thursday from 10am to 5.30pm and Fridays from 10am to 6pm.

Ticket prices:
RMB 69 per kid
RMB 89 per adult
RMB 129 for 1 adult + 1 kid
RMB 199 for 2 adults + 1 kids

Find it:
Meet You Museum
Bldg E02-1, Taoci Yi Jie, 798 Art District
798艺术区陶瓷一街E02-1楼遇见博物馆

Images: Dianping

Located in the heart of Beijing’s 798 Art District, YESTRDAY (昨日) is a vintage shop that offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for those interested in historical Western objects. The shop is open Monday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, and is a treasure trove of unique items that are sure to fascinate visitors.

One of the highlights of YESTRDAY’s collection is its World War 2 war objects. These items include helmets, belt bags, binoculars, and steel canteens that were used by soldiers during the war. Each item is a piece of history, and offers a glimpse into the past. These war objects are highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts, and while pricey, is one-of-a-kind, hard to get (especially in China), and definitely worth it.

For those interested in antique teaspoons and cup sets, YESTRDAY has a wide selection of beautifully crafted items that date back to different eras. These sets are perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their home. The shop also has various displays of guns and rifles, which are sure to impress gun enthusiasts and showcase the history and craftsmanship of these weapons as a testament to the skill of the gun makers of the past.

YESTRDAY also has a selection of pins that are perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a unique accessory to their outfit.

Another unique item that YESTRDAY sells is limited-edition collectibles and old figurines. These items are less historical, but more of a haven for collectors and a top choice for displays: old pins, limited-edition figurines of movies such as Willie Wonka and Lord of the Rings, as well as figurines of different people such as Metallica and Kurt Cobain are present throughout the little shop. These figurines are perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a unique piece to their collection.

One unique item that YESTRDAY sells is rings of different origins and ages, many of which are unknown. These rings are perfect for collectors or anyone looking for a unique piece of jewelry. The shop also sells staffs and canes that have knobs made from real bone, made before the material was outlawed. These items are not only historical but also beautifully crafted and add a touch of elegance to any collection.

It’s obvious that YESTRDAY is a must-visit for anyone interested in historical Western objects and vintage collectibles. The shop’s impressive collection of World War 2 war objects, US Mail bags and stamps, limited-edition figurines, antique teaspoons and cup sets, pins, displays of guns and rifles, rings of different origins and ages, and staffs and canes with bone knobs offer a unique shopping experience that is sure to fascinate visitors. Whether you are a serious collector or simply looking for a unique souvenir, YESTRDAY is a hidden gem that should not be missed.

It’s a relatively small and new shop, which means it’s not on a map, but it’s next to some larger shops that are, which are linked below:

Find it:
朝阳区酒仙桥街道大山子798艺术区尤伦斯对面东八时区旁胡同内100米
Beijing 751 Art Zone, No.4, Jiuxianqiao Road 798 Middle 1st Street, Chaoyang

Image: Suah R, Elise S

Photography has become a huge part of our life. With social media people are taking more and more pictures. If you have run out of places to go to, here’s a list!

Red Brick Art Museum

This place is perfect during autumn. With red and orange leaves surrounding the outside it gives a captivating environment. Red bricks surround the outside, while inside is a museum.

Find it:
Cuigezhuangxiang, Hegezhuangcun, Shunbai Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村马泉营
8457 6669

The Hutongs

If you prefer taking pictures at an older and more traditional place, here you will find what you need. From vintage shops, to local delicacies, they have it all.

Find it:
South Luogu Lane Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区前圆恩寺胡同 28号

Galaxy SOHO

This building is a perfect fit for a more modern take on Beijing. Even though there are many older landmarks here, it also has very developed ones. With the interior it will feel as if you are entering a dystopian movie. It is also a great hangout place with many shops and restaurants available nearby.

Find it:
2 Nanzhugan Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区南竹竿胡同2号银河

798 Art Zone

This is a more artistic part of Beijing. Streets here are filled with artwork painted on walls, from graffiti to drawings. Many statues decorate the surroundings, making it the perfect place for photography. For art lovers museums with every kind of painting can be explored. There are a variety of cute cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops. People can even visit pet cafes, with many different animals to be seen.

Find it:
2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥4号798
Tel: 5978 9114

Art Shopping Centre

This is a perfect place to go shopping and to take pictures. The architecture will have you mind-blown. It’s a great place to buy home decor and furniture, too.

Find it:
Chaoyangmen Outer Street No.99, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳门外大街99号1-2层

The Orchard

For people who love nature, this is the place to go. A mesmerizing park with a bridge like the one in a Monet painting is what you will see. It is a great place for afternoon walks. If you get hungry, restaurants are available too.

Find it:
Cuigezhuangxiang Hegezhuangcun, Inside Beikou Guo Park, Chaoyang District
朝阳区何各庄
Tel: 6433 6270

Beijing International Flower Port

A perfect way to spend your summer is to go to a flower park! Here you will find every flower color you can think of. It’s great for taking pictures to post.

Find it:
Yangzhen No.9, Xianhuagang South Road (Baima Road North Side) Beijing International Flower Gangnei, Shunyi District
顺义区园区南路

Luo Hong Art Museum

This is a very popular place. Hundreds of people come here during the weekend to see this splendid atmosphere. Inside, there is a museum with photography. If you’re hungry,  a café and restaurant are available.

Find it:
Yanglin Toll Gate, Zhulin Road, Tianzhu, Shunyi District
顺义区开发街6号

Images: Zhirong Liu, Canva

With the arrival of Spring, COVID-19 numbers headed toward double digits, and most new arrivals banished to quarantine hotels, our lovely city is slowly coming back to life.

As the panic fades many of us are wondering how we can support our favorite local businesses in hopes that they will survive this season of self-isolation. Our family lives near the 798 Art District and we were delighted to discover that our favorite spots for a sunny glass of wine or ice cream cone are open! Although almost all galleries and museums are closed, the quirky little shops are reopening their doors. It’s the perfect season for a wander about.

If you’ve been utterly overwhelmed at the expanse of 798 previously, it’s a great time to discover the places that are open and not feel like you’re missing out on a ton of shows along the way.

The Gleadow family at 798

In hopes of breathing new life into our little corner of Beijing, we’ve created a 798 Art Zone Spring Break Family Scavenger Hunt. This hunt stays within 798 and the alleys to the South in an attempt to keep it walking friendly for even our littlest of Picassos. The hunt is great for all ages and is simple enough for pre-readers with a little help from mom and dad.

While you’re in the neighborhood enjoy the sunshine on the patio of At Cafe with a pint of Jing-A and made to order brick oven pizza. The coffee shops are aplenty as are the ice cream stands, which make a great reward for finishing the scavenger hunt. On your way home don’t forget to place a take-out order with Time-Zone 8.

As you wear your masks, wash your hands, sit two or three to a table and follow all the regulations there is still fun to be had! Jiayou Wuhan! Jiayou China! Jiayou Beijing businesses! Jiayou!

Getting to 798 Art District

Enter by car or bike through the South Gate: prepare for a 10-15 minute wait as you stop to scan two QR codes to show your health status, register, and of course take your temp. There is a parking garage to your left as you enter.

Enter by foot through the West Gate (Gate 1) on Jiuxianqiao Road where you will also have to register and get your temp checked.

Shelby Gleadow is a trainer, teacher, smitten wife of artist Stephen Gleadow, and proud mom of two wild boys. She has lived in Beijing for 17 years working in the arts, education, and development. She is passionate about fun, practicality, gratitude, and getting the pengyou price.

Photos: airfrance.com.cn, Shelby Gleadow

Bored of malls and trampoline parks? Each month we pick out some of Beijing’s cultural attractions which are particularly suitable for families, and which will leave your kids amazed, inspired, and intrigued.

Workshop: Sewing and Giant Spiders

The famous giant spider “Maman”, seen here in Zurich, can be viewed in Beijing until Jun 23

French-American artist Louise Bourgeois was famed for her giant spiders, but she was also interested in the importance of traditional textile arts: sewing, weaving, and spinning. This workshop, run by Atelier, accompanies the first large-scale exhibition of her work in China, and will help kids understand the work of this important artistic figure. If you can’t make it to the workshop, the exhibition runs until June 23, and is well worth exploring.

The Eternal Thread, Jun 8

Age 8+. RMB 750. 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum, Grasse Road, Loutai Village, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District.(13240184908) https://globerweb.com/listings/song-art-museum-workshop/ 松美术馆：顺义区 天竺镇楼台村南格拉斯路

Art: Toys From a Different Culture

This exhibition of handcrafted, brightly painted toys from different regions of Japan is an insight into what kids from different cultures have in common, and where they differ. The toys also have symbols and shapes intended to bring good luck. The only complaint you might get from your little ones is that they’re not allowed to touch them!

Japanese Folk Toys, until Sep 15

All ages. Free. 10am-10pm. Muji Hotel, Building 2, 21 Langfang Toutiao, Meishi Street, Xicheng District. (6316 9199) www.douban.com/event/32041204/. 西城区 廊房头条21号院北京坊W2号楼B1层.

Theater: A Much-Loved Musical

“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz…” And you could be too, if you get down to the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center later this month. This is a revived and refreshed version of the stage musical, sure to delight all who love the classic film, and youngsters who are new to the story. Performed in English with Chinese subtitles.

The Wizard of Oz, Jun 13-30

All ages. RMB 280-1080. 7.30pm, Sat-Sun 2.30pm matinee. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Bldg 9, Tianqiao South Street, Xicheng District. (400-635-3355) www.247tickets.com/t/broadway-classic-musical-the-wizard-of-oz. 西城区天桥南大街9号楼.

Dance: A Charming Tale for Little Ones

Panda’s Home is a Chinese-Italian co-production, which has enchanted audiences around the world. TPO Dance Troupe specialize in combining technology with art to produce a mesmerizing experience, where children are allowed onto the stage to interact with the dancers.

Panda’s Home, Jun 22-23

Ages 4-9 plus parents/ carers. RMB 160-350. Various times. National Centre for the Performing Arts. 2 Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District. (6655 0000) http://ticket.chncpa.org/product-1060503.html. 西城区西长安街2号.

Photography: A Rock Legend

Teens just discovering the legacy of the late great David Bowie will be fascinated by this exhibition. Mick Rock was Bowie’s official photographer during his iconic “Ziggy Stardust” era, documenting the singer’s extraordinary costumes and performances, and the pantheon of rock greats who worked with him, including Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.

Bowie by Mick Rock, until Aug 4

All ages. RMB 108 weekdays, RMB 120 weekends and holidays, free for Seniors 65+ with ID and for one child under 1.2m accompanied by an adult. 10am-7pm. 798 Art Factory. 4 Jiu Xian Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (1132 2248) www.247tickets.com/t/bowie-mick-rock-beijing. 酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区.

Photos: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15617848, www.douban.com/event/32041204/, www.tqpac.com/item/1999.html, http://ticket.chncpa.org/product-1060503.html, Mick Rock via www.247tickets.com/t/bowie-mick-rock-beijing

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Community Events

Roundabout Book Fair at Dulwich College Beijing, until Oct 16
Join Roundabout’s book fair at Dulwich College Beijing. Buy from thousands of donated books and help make a difference in the lives of children supported by Roundabout. The group also needs volunteer support to make these book fairs happen. Email fhm-wob@t-online.de if you would like to volunteer. All ages. Free admission. 10am-3pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (150 1018 7653, chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com)

INN Trekkie to Xindongjiao Mall, Oct 18
The International Newcomer’s Network makes a trek, not to distant stars but to a local shopping mall in Chaoyang District! Better bring bags for this market run which will take place on October 18 at Xindongjiao Mall, a wholesale market in southwest Beijing that has anything you could wish for, from tea to silk drapes and everything in between. Adults. 20 spots available, RSVP required. 9am-2pm. Xindongjiao Mall. (INNBeijing16@outlook.com)

Roundabout 10th Anniversary Charity Gala Ball, Oct 19
Roundabout’s 10th anniversary Charity Gala Ball will take place at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wangjing to raise money for all the children they support. Gala sponsor ifeng.com will broadcast the event live on their website and on Phoenix TV. There will be a raffle, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from the international community. Adults. RMB 1,100. 6pm. Hyatt Regency Wangjing. (theroundaboutball@outlook.com)

SwedCham 20 Years – The Great Gatsby Anniversary Gala, Oct 20
SwedCham China invites everyone to a grand evening at the Wanda Vista Hotel in Beijing, filled with the 1920s glamour of The Great Gatsby, prestigious entertainment, an exquisite Swedish menu, and the stars that have followed the Chamber through the years. SwedCham hopes everyone to join them in celebrating their 20 years in business! Adults. RMB 1,100 (member), RMB 1,500 (non-member). Dress code is 1920’s Black Tie 6.30pm-late. Wanda Vista.

British Ball 2018: The Knight’s Tale, Oct 20
This year’s British Ball theme is “The Knight’s Tale”, the first tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in the 14th century. Attendees are highly encouraged to dress in this fashion during the event. Founded in 1998, The British Ball is an annual fundraiser dinner aiming to raise money for worthy causes in the spirit of fun, while celebrating Britishness in Beijing. Adults. RMB 1,550. Dress code: Black tie and ball gown. Visit this page for more details. 6.30pm. Kerry Hotel.

More Activities

Zero-Based Adult De-Stress Drama Workshop, Oct 15
Meet your inner self at the Zero-Based adult drama workshop on de-stressing. The workshop will be hosted by Martina of the Mamonahi Theatre Company, and aims to lead participants to a journey where they can acquire enough knowledge and understanding of themselves to be able to seamlessly shift from role to role. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing for the workshop. Adults. RMB 139 (small class of 6). RSVP required. 7.30-9.30pm. 3F Friendship Building, 798 Art District.

Pauline’s Cuisine: When Life Gives You Lemons, Oct 16
Learn how to make roasted lemon chicken, citrus couscous salad, courgette flatbread, lemon curd, and parfait with Chef Pauline! What’s more, participants will be able to share their very own dish with others in the class. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. Shunyi location to be given after confirmation. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

Table Talk: A Thoughtful Discussion Over Lunch, Oct 18
Life coach Caneisha Berry brings a thoughtful new series to the table. At the aptly-named Table Talk, participants will read and discuss the article “10 Ways to Creating Strong Intimate Relationships”, over a lunch prepared by Chef Pauline. Adults. RMB 250 (including lunch with a drink, a digital copy of the article, and a strategy worksheet). Noon-3pm. Lido location will be given after confirmation. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

October Mentor Walks, Oct 19
Mentor Walks brings together established women leaders and emerging women leaders in the community to connect, learn, mentor and share experiences. As the walk goes on, the mentors and their mentees discuss professional and personal challenges, successes, aspirations, and lessons learned, as well as receive honest feedback and meaningful guidance. Mentees have the opportunity to select a mentor based on their preferences and availability. Mentor and mentee groups are typically 3-5 people. Both mentors and mentees will be charged RMB 50, and the proceeds from the event will be donated to Educating Girls in Rural China. Adults. RMB 50 (register here). 7.45am-9am. Ritan Park.

Free Business Workshop for Student Entrepreneurs, Oct 19
The Queensland University of Technology and BCIS student-led business group Avenir will host a business workshop on October 19 at Beijing City International School (BCIS). The workshop will cover various topics including real-life case studies and problem-solving; building the perfect business plan; looking at finances; and how to pitch a professional solution (including presentation skills). Student entrepreneurs, teachers. Free. 10am-4pm. BCIS Secondary School Library. (ellie.flesher@bcis.cn) 

The Last Pig Beijing Premiere, Oct 20
Camera Stylo premieres the acclaimed documentary The Last Pig, a lyrical meditation on what it means to be a sentient creature with the power to kill. Deeply immersive, the film follows a pig farmer through his final year of slaughtering pigs. Through sparse, intimate musings, the farmer reveals the growing conflict of a life spent “peddling in death.” For more information or to register for the screening, extract the mini-program code in the poster. Ages 12+. RMB 35. 4pm. Camera Stylo.

BIBA Early Childhood Center and Elementary School Open Day, Oct 20
Join Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s (BIBA’s) Elementary School and Early Childhood Center open day. Take a look at the campus and meet BIBA teachers, principals, parents, and students. Learn all about the school’s international and bilingual education, and how they help students become internationally-minded bilingual ambassadors. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.30am-noon. Beijing International Bilingual Academy. (maxiaowei@bibachina.org)

Photos: Berendey_Ivanov / Andrey_Kobysnyn via Pexels and courtesy of event organizers

While Beijing is not exactly a book haven for everyone, luckily there are a lot of venues in town where you can grab a hardback and other printed materials. We’ve rounded up places where you can source books, and visited a bookstore in Sanlitun. Now a good addition to an already-limited list is the Art+798 Arts Reading Space in 798 Art District. We were there during the inauguration of the center last month and my very first thought was, “Oh, I want to stay here!”

The Art+798 Arts Reading Space evoked memories of my childhood reading afternoons, when I always indulged in encyclopedias. The quaint space and colorful walls of the center are a playful take on the imaginative travels that occur when kids start reading.

The entrance to the reading space

At the inauguration, the brains behind the center explained it utilizes a “Shared Director” initiative, in which parents of attending children can act as a curator. “The ‘day curator’ needs to help the staff in the hall to take care of other children who are engaged in reading and activities in the hall, and ‘remuneration for labor’ means that the curator’s own children can earn free use of the products in the space,” the ART+798 team said.

The center has this well-lit art room where kids can create projects or read books. It is just in front of the wider reading area, which has children’s books in three different languages

Besides this initiative, the Art+798 Arts Reading Space also makes use of the “sharing economy” model, where people can swap books and other learning materials at their Book Exchange corner. I can see this as a venue of interaction for many parents and young readers!

The Book Exchange corner is, at the moment, small, but the organizers said they’ll turn it to a full-fledged section in the coming months

At the moment, the center has hundreds of children’s books in Chinese, English, and Italian. Many of these books are donated by the team behind the China Children’s Book Expo (CCBE), as well as several countries such as Norway, the UAE, Qatar, and Algeria. Lise Borresen, the head of press and culture at the Norwegian Embassy, said they share with the CCBE the same view of the importance of promoting books for children, as well as cultivating the love of reading and sharing books with children.

Borresen became very involved with the donations because of her reading experience during childhood. “I started reading late, and I also found it difficult at the beginning. But I found out that reading is just like entering a different universe. You go out of your own and you get completely involved in a book, and then you’re in a new world,” Borresen said.

The Art+798 Arts Reading Space team said they are working closely with Chinese publishers to acquire more books. Aside from all things related to reading, the center also has a workshop (pictured below) where children can create science projects, and a playroom for tots. There are mini-events such as storytelling, author meet-ups, and book signing, as well as seasonal camps and arts and theater classes for children.

Art+798 Arts Reading Space
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 3F Friendship Building, 798 Art District, Chaoyang District 友谊大厦(酒仙桥路2号798艺术区). (Meena Choi: 185 1521 7473, choi_mina94@daum.net or artscentre@798artplus.cn)

Photos: Andy Penafuerte III, courtesy of CCBE and Art+798 Art Reading Space (featured and last photo)

Chinese contemporary art used to be dominated by Western collectors’ ideas of what Chinese art should be, namely political, performative and angry. In recent years, the script has switched and Chinese collectors/curators are now the largest, most courted market. While this does mean that ancient bronzes and calligraphy are more valued than ever, it also signals a new willingness and risk-taking approach to engaging with and exploring new media and contemporary pieces, especially those by young Chinese artists.

So speaking of ancient bronzes and calligraphy, if you and your family are done with exploring room after quiet room of them in the National Museum or the Palace Museum, Beijing is home to a host of high-quality contemporary art museums and galleries. In the past decade, Beijing has seen a flurry of new art spaces rise and, most notably with the hutong art scene, fall. Here is but a small selection of some excellent art museums and organizations that are going strong, organized into districts perfect for a full day of art exploration.

798 Art District

Once the premier stop for contemporary art, 798 is nowadays somewhat a victim of its own success. It’s long since become “Nanluoguxiang-efied” with increasingly rampant tourist shops, cute boutiques and bubble tea kiosks, but that also means it’s much more convenient and easier to visit with kids. Pace yourself; there is really too much to see in one visit. Wander around a few galleries that pique everyone’s interest, walk the Highline and see the old train station on the far eastern side of the complex, then get some fro-yos afterward.

M WOODS Contemporary Art
Housed in a stark, minimalist building in the industrial landscape of 798, M WOODS offers a millennial counterpoint to the Ullens Center. Boldly youthful, this not-for-profit houses an impressively eclectic permanent collection spanning from avant-garde video art to ancient Indian paintings. They’ve also got a fun gift shop, and once the weather warms up, check them out for occasional daytime outdoor parties featuring live music and artisanal goodies.

The current exhibition, ending February 11, features young Chinese artist Yu Yang, whose eye-meltingly colorful Buddhist, anime, and video game-inspired mixed media work has to be seen to be believed.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 40 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10.30am-6pm) D-06, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District (8312 3450) 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区中二街D-06号

Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
Opened over ten years ago, UCCA has been a sturdy stalwart amongst 798’s increasing commercialism. Frequently exhibiting major international and Chinese contemporary artists, they also have a kids’ playroom on site and plenty of kid-friendly events in their monthly programs. Currently up is the Music is Art exhibition, running until February 11 and featuring work by Taiwanese pop idol Edison Chen. The playful work looks particularly fun and ridiculous.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 30 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm) 798 Dashanzi Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5780 0200) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区4号路尤伦斯当代艺术中心

Pingod

The stark skyscrapers and brash shopping mall commercialism of Shuangjing are also home to a strong arts district in “Pingod,” or Apple Community, just south of Tonghui river. The main draw at Pingod is Today Art Museum, but there are other smaller galleries and art institutions located in the same plaza. Afterwards, wander around the Pinggu Beiqu Art Street, which has several cafes and many sculptures to pose with.

Vitamin Creative Space
Also in the Apple Community Complex, Vitamin Creative Space specializes in site-specific projects around China as well as conceptual art, architecture and urban planning. Exhibiting in Art Basel Hong Kong this year, Vitamin has worked with a number of well-known artists working in new media, like Cao Fei, known for his virtual Second Life “RMB City” and Olafur Eliasson’s massive dramatic light installation spaces. They are most known for their sprawling Mirrored Gardens project based in Guangzhou, but their workspace,

The Pavilion, is conveniently located in Apple Community. The space has ongoing projects, so stop by and check it out after visiting Today Art Museum.

Free Admission (Mon-Fri, 1pm-6pm) 2503-B, Building 2, Northern District, Pingod Community, No.32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (5826 3440) 朝阳区百子湾路32号2503-B-二号楼

Today Art Museum
Located right in CBD, Today Art Museum arguably houses Beijing’s finest collection of big ticket Chinese contemporary artists like Yue Minjun and Fang Lijun. Although they specialize in large scale contemporary painting, their collection and traveling exhibitions feature video and digital media.

Two years ago, Today Art Museum exhibited a massive, ambitious exhibition called Future of Today that featured VR technology, augmented reality, and a virtual exhibition. The massive space itself is an architectural wonder, and they’ve got a good museum shop and bookshop downstairs. Call for future shows as their website is not updated regularly.

Free admission on the first Saturday of each month. RMB 20 for adults, RMB 10 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm) Pingod Space, #32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (5876 0600) 朝阳区百子湾路32号

Far Flung

Many impressive art venues in Beijing aren’t in particularly downtown neighborhoods. As is the same worldwide, higher rents in centralized areas of the city forced artists into the suburbs, creating art districts like Caochangdi. On the same note, larger museums and university art galleries can operate in more isolation and with larger plots of land in the suburbs.

Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) Museum
CAFA Art Museum is housed in a smooth, soapstone-like structure created by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. CAFA always has thought-provoking pieces and has many shows packed with young, visually stimulating new media work, so would be loads of fun with kids.

Currently, CAFA is showcasing a retrospective from Li Hua. Li is regarded as a woodcutting master, which makes him a fine subject to mark the Central Academy of Fine Art’s “Hundred Years of Glory,” a series of exhibitions and events to commemorate the longstanding institution’s centenary. An extensive collection of his work has been installed in stunning backlit wood boxes filled with both the prints and the woodcuts, which undeniably enhances the experience of this otherwise antiquated art form.

RMB 15 for adults, free for kids. (Tue-Sun, 9am-5.30pm) 8 Huajiadi S St, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (6477 1575) 王景区花家地南街8号中央美术学院美术馆

Red Brick Art Museum
Named after its stunning industrial red-brick Chinese garden environs, Red Brick Art Museum is a cutting-edge, privately owned museum focused on avant-garde, contemporary art. Currently on exhibit is a retrospective from Dan Graham who has been at the forefront of many of the most significant developments in art, including video and film installation, performance, and site-specific sculptures.
Be sure to head to the gardens after enjoying the art. The stunning brick architecture that fuses both traditional Chinese and industrial aesthetics is worth the visit alone, and there is plenty of space for kids to run around.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 40 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-5.30pm) Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District (8457 6669) 朝阳区中国北京市朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村

Photos: Kipp Whittaker
This article appeared on p30-33 of beijingkids February 2018 issue.

It’s been a restless 2017 for our team in terms of traveling. In my case, I embarked on a year-long trip across China and Europe, but I also made surprising discoveries and met a lot of awesome people. My colleagues, on the other hand, gave their thoughts and experiences about amazing (and sometimes funny) family-friendly areas in the city and nearby provinces.

When I continued the Beijing Bucket List series, I was thinking of using my free weekends to explore the city and make recommendations for families and young adults. Now, the travel section on our website has grown to have several series: China (and Beijing) Bucket List, Family Day Out, Weekend Warrior, Travel Stories, and Subway Sunday, all reflecting the vibrancy of Beijing expat life.

It’s not too late for you and family to explore the capital. Here we list our best travel blogs to help you get started in planning (note that some of them are seasonal or already finished). After all, you have 365 days to explore this beautiful city and China and the world! If you find other wonderful family-friendly spots in town, or any stories about family travel, we welcome you to write about them and be featured in any of our travel series!

January 2017

Beijing: Icefall at Taoyuan Xiangu and Huanghuacheng Great Wall (both in Miyun District)

If the cold never bothers you (anyway), then have some frozen delights at the iced waterfall attraction in Taoyuan Xiangu scenic area (桃源仙谷冰瀑) in Miyun District (first picture below).

And for those who have already gone to the more “touristy” Great Wall sections like Mutianyu and Badaling, the Huanghuacheng (lake-side part) of the wall is an amazing sight without the usual crowds.

February 2017

Hebei Province: The Molten Iron Performance at Nuanquan (Hot Spring Town) in Zhangjiakou

Shining, shimmering, splendid. That’s probably the best way to describe a bright spectacle, akin to a fireworks display, that happens in the ancient town of Nuanquan in Zhangjiakou City (河北省张家口蔚县暖泉镇), just west of Beijing.

Heilongjiang Province: A Winter Weekend in Harbin

Winter was coming to an end when my colleague Annie Wang went to Harbin in February. So instead of the -30 degrees Celsius that they had expected, the temperature stood at a “cool” -12 degrees Celsius, still low enough to freeze toes and tears without the proper attire!

March 2017

Beijing: A Trip to the Great Wall with Mister Dong

My colleague Pauline’s wish for my birthday was to visit the Great Wall of China. When she asked around in  WeChat groups, that one name that always popped up is Tom Dong, who seemed to be taking lots of people up to the wall.

Beijing: In Search of Buried Treasure at the Ming Tombs

The Killeens decided to round out our tour of Beijing’s imperial heritage, with a trip to the Ming Tombs, where they opted for hiring a bus with a group, which was a great thing… especially because the tomb site was huge!

April 2017

Beijing: The Killeens View More Colors of Chinese Art at the National Art Museum of China

The Killeen’s previous family samplings of Beijing’s artistic offerings have been in the hip and funky/commercialized tourist areas of 798 and Caochangdi. So Dad Andy wondered how his kids would respond to the more formal setting of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC)…

Shandong Province: The Story of the “Eight Immortals” on Long Island

This was the second entry in my month-long A to Z Challenge, in which I blogged 30 travel articles in April. It was also my first trip to Shandong Province. While on the way to Miaodao village, or technically one of the islands that compose the county, our tour manager shared with us a folk story that happened there over a thousand years ago…

May 2017

Beijing: His Sweet and Classy Surprise Staycation at Nuo Hotel

Former managing editor Vanessa blogged about the surprise staycation from her husband, Bobby. After their date, Bobby brought her to a mystery location, which was later revealed as one of the restaurants at Nuo Hotel.

Beijing: Biking, a Ride or Die Experience

Pauline’s Beijing escapades continued with her story about bikes. “I have stopped holding on to my heart because there is really nothing we can do, but smile, and enjoy the wild ride Beijing is taking us on,” she said of the wild ride on the city streets.

June 2017

Beijing: Liyuan Library, Experiencing Beijing’s Most Instagrammable Reading Haven

Managing editor Kipp went to Huairou district to get a feel of the wonderful library that is Liyuan for our Weekend Warrior column in the magazine. It was good while it lasted — because the library was shut down by the authorities in September, following complaints about pirated and uncensored material. We’re not sure if this is a permanent thing as recent reports have stated otherwise, but it still a great day trip during the spring months.

Beijing: Futuristic Lights Extravaganza on Display in 798 Art District

A part of 798 Art District shimmered when a foreign company brought its light exhibition. But the feat of this extravaganza was that it challenged the imagination and perception of reality of the visitors. Many of my WeChat friends, in fact, used the pictures they took at the exhibition as their profile photos!

July 2017

Beijing: Camping on the Great Wall

One of my first Beijing bucket list items that I ticked off was a visit to the Great Wall. Now that I’ve visited three sections of the wall in Beijing (Badaling, Mutianyu, and Huanghuacheng), that bucket list became expanded with another thing about the Great Wall: camping.

Beijing: Family-Friendly Staycation at EAST Hotel

After a long two weeks of a husband working non-stop, Pauline thought to find out if the rest of EAST Hotel was as child-friendly as the weekend brunch. True enough, she felt at home in the hotel situated in Lido, which she likened to as the new Sanlitun.

August 2017

Jiangsu Province: Zhouzhuang: Around a Water Town

The Killeens went south to Zhouzhuang, one of the oldest of the “water towns” which lie between Shanghai and Suzhou. Like Venice, a network of canals criss-crosses this ancient settlement, and flat-bottomed punts with a remarkable similarity to gondolas still throng the waterways – although these days it’s almost entirely for the benefit of tourists.

Beijing: The “Joyous” Pavilion on a Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes near Taoranting Subway Station

In one of my Subway Sunday articles, I went to a station named after a park that used to be the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Okay, so why on earth would we go to such place? It may not be as majestic as other imperial palaces in Beijing, but the park gives you a sense of what a “downgraded” Summer Palace is.

September 2017

Tianjin: The City that Is Overlooking the World

Pauline and her family went to neighboring Tianjin, where she recounted experiencing everything the city had to offer. They boarded the Tianjin Eye, China’s “answer” to the London Eye. Pauline said she never rode the expensive London Ferris wheel so she took the chance to sit on its Chinese counterpart.

Beijing: Applying for a Russian Visa in Beijing? You Really Need to Read This

Andy (not me, but our senior editor) had had a fair share of a visa nightmare when he applied for one at the Russian visa center. To help others planning to go to Russia, he wrote this article detailing what went wrong and what to do next.

October 2017

Beijing: Best Picks for Family-friendly Camping Grounds

Our blogger Rebecca shared with us one of the things that she love most about living in Beijing: the opportunity to take her young family camping. She rounded up her favorites — a mere 1.5 to 2 hours drive from the city center.

Beijing: Four Fun Family-Friendly Farms to Pick Seasonal Autumn Fruit

Our resident Weekend Warrior Kipp recalled his childhood memories of long car rides that featured roadside attractions: fruit vendors and farms. This feel can be recreated in Beijing, thankfully, in an autumn weekend trip to the city outskirts.

November 2017

Philippines: The Encyclopedia that Inspired Me to See the World

After four weeks of loitering in Europe, I went back to my home country and revisited the source of my travel escapades: the encyclopedia set that my mother brought when I was young. That 10-volume set of encyclopedias basically widened my view of the world.

Athens, Greece: When Black Cats “Ruined” My Trips in Athens

I had a lot of remarkable experiences on my trip to Greece, but there was this certain part that made it more interesting: that black cats had been present before an untoward incident. But are these felines to be blamed whenever bad things happen to us? Ancient beliefs may have an answer to that…

December 2017

Beijing: Finding Ultimate Relaxation at the Perimeter of the City

Beijing’s winters are nothing to scoff at. In this magazine article, our resident Weekend Warrior Kipp rounded up several options for weekend trips and staycations within the city proper or a relatively short train or car ride away.

Toledo, Spain: Finding Your Power Source

My experience with fellow family travelers outshone every bit of outstanding feat the medieval city of Toledo had to offer to me when I visited there. I recounted the incident when I shared my power source with the wrong people.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker, Andy Penafuerte, Andrew Killeen, Pauline van Hasselt; courtesy of EAST Hotel, Vanessa Jencks, Annie Wang, Rebecca Archer, Commune, visitmysmokies.com