Tired of sitting at home hiding from the heat? Why not explore some family-friendly activities perfect for these hot summer days, or begin to check out schooling options for your child?

Meet Huijia Private School’s Principals

Meet the principals and find out how current students see their educational journey at the Open Day and Senior Salon events at Huijia Private School on Jul 28.

Huijia is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School providing high quality education to students aged 3 to 19. As a boarding and day school, it combines both Chinese and Western educational methods to offer the best of both worlds to its students.

Scan the QR code to register for the events.

Where: 157 Huaichang Lu, Changping District
When: Jul 28, 8.30am-12.30pm
Price: Free

BCIS Early Childhood Center One-On-One School Tour

If you’re looking for a kindergarten for your child, BCIS offers exclusive one-on-one tours for prospective parents. You’ll get to visit the school grounds, speak to the staff, and learn all you want to know about the school’s curriculum and teaching methods.

 

When: Scan the QR code to book an appointment
Where 11 Dongbai Jie, Chaoyang District
Price: Free

---

Beijing New Talent Academy Open Day

BNTA invites prospective parents to book an appointment and explore what this private boarding school with A-level and AP curricula has to offer. Scan the QR code on the poster to register,

Where: 9 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District
When: Scan the QR code for an appointment
Price: Free

---

Dehong International Chinese School Open House

Dehong Beijing International Chinese School opened in 2019 and is a sister school to Dulwich College International School. To visit the school and learn more about its teaching methods, facilities, and staff, scan the QR code to book an appointment. Appointments can be made until Aug 30.

Where: Dehong International Chinese School, Block 2, Zone 2, Bifu Lu, Luneng Gelasi Town, Tongzhou District
When: Until Aug 30, 9am-3pm
Price: Free

Other then school events, there will be some other fun things to do in the coming two weeks:

Free Trial Acting Class for Kids

The “Horizon of Khufu” exhibition is “a unique VR expedition to discover the wonders of Egypt,” as their marketing proclaims. You “get to explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if you were really there,” it hypes.

This traveling exhibition has already been in London, Montreal, and Atlanta before coming to Beijing. So rest assured that language is not an issue, as you can choose from English, Chinese, and French for the whole thing.

BONUS: If you are a jingkids reader, there will be an exclusive tote bag or other free gifts when you follow the official “Horizon of Khufu” account on WeChat and show them that you’re following the jingkids official WeChat account as well.

Tickets are available through their WeChat miniprogram: 凤凰中心

Where: Phoenix Center, 3 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu
When: Every day until Aug 25
Price: RMB 238 per adult, RMB 198 per child on weekdays, and RMB 298 per person on weekends. Children under 1.1m are not allowed to enter.

Kids’ Cooking Classes at EAST

Let your little chefs join a culinary adventure where they’ll get to mix and roll their way to delicious cakes at Domain. Classes are available every weekend, from noon until 2 pm. Scan the QR code to register.

Where: EAST Beijing
When: Saturdays and Sundays, noon-2 pm
Price: RMB 248/July and August, RMB 198/September

Free Prenatal Class at Beijing United Family Hospital

The class will be taught by Cindy Yan and Grace Yu, two midwives with a combined 50+ years of international experience. The class will be offered for free and includes light snacks and fruit.

The purpose of this class is to educate parents on researched information, empowering them to make informed choices during their labor and instilling confidence regarding the birth experience. We highly recommend the prenatal classes for all first-time parents, whether you plan on giving birth at BJU or elsewhere. BJU would like to make this special time in your lives even more special!

The class will help parents-to-be work on:

– Developing a delivery plan
– Understanding the labor process
– Familiarizing themselves with the hospital and tips for the initial days and months after the birth

Where: BJU Bldg 2, 5/F, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Jul 27, 28; 9am-1.15pm
Price: Free

La Leche League (LLL) Monthly Meetings at Beijing United Family Hospital

La Leche League meetings are back at BJU, and the next session will be happening on Jul 27, so if you need breastfeeding support, advice, or information, make sure to join. The meetings are free of charge and all caregivers are welcome. To book your spot, scan the QR code on the poster.

Where: Auditorium, 5/F, Beijing United Family Hospital, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Jul 27, 10.30am-noon
Price: Free

Swim or Explore With Beijing Hikers

This kid-friendly hike is a mostly flat up-and-back walk up to a fun riverside picnic spot in Yunmeng Gorge, where you can have a picnic or go paddling and splashing in the pool.

A little further down the river are shallow rock pools where you might find bunches of frog eggs … or maybe tadpoles!

A further 20-30 minutes up the gorge is a small village (best for older kids who want more exercise).

If you’d prefer to concentrate on swimming, just relax in the water or in the nearby area. The guides will let you know when it’s time to head out.

Where: Pickup from Liangmaqiao and Lido
When: Jul 27, 7.30am
Price: RMB 400/non-members, RMB 360/members, RMB 220/kids 6-18 years old, RMB 200/kids 4-5 years old

Images: Pexels, Courtesy of the organizers

Back to school thoughts may be looming on the horizon but there are still a couple weekends left to enjoy the summer vacation. Here’s our pick of family-friendly events that will be fun for all this Saturday and Sunday (Aug 13-14).

Lost Puppies Adoption Day 

The slogan is “Eat, Drink, Adopt” and that’s what you can aim to do at the Lost Puppies’ Adoption Day, Charity Raffle and Vegan Market this Saturday from 12pm to 8pm at the pup-friendly Chez Soi in the Sanlitun neighborhood. Entry is free and raffle tickets are RMB 50 per piece, or RMB 200 for 5. It’s all for a good cause for our furry friends so dig into your wallets!

When: Aug 13, 12pm-8pm
Where: Chez Soi
Price: Free!
Register: Scan the QR code in the poster.

Kids Club Hike: Stone Flowers Cave Visit 

This was a last-minute addition to the Beijing Hikers’ calendar due to some flooding in an area of another hike that then had to be canceled, so, lucky us! In this level 2 hike suitable for kids aged 5-12, visit Fangshan District for a short hike up to a lookout, enjoy a big lunch at a country restaurant, and a 1.5-hour tour underground at Stone Flowers Cave. Down in the caves where there’s colourful lighting and good walking paths, we’ll see a whole lot of speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone, “stone flowers,” “crystal flowers,” shields, rimstone pools, and cave popcorn.

When: Aug 13, all day
Price: RMB 450/RMB 405 for members/RMB 220 for under-18s/free for 3-to-4-year-old kids
Register: Scan the QR code below to register on their website.

SCOBY-DOO: Kombucha Brewing Workshop With Isilay

Okay, maybe this event itself isn’t strictly for families, but the gut-boosting kombucha that you’ll learn to brew in the class will certainly be a benefit to the whole family so it counts!

Known as the “superfood of beverages,” kombucha provides a number of health benefits that are attributed to the drink’s fermentation process and its fundamental ingredient: “cha” or “tea.” This probiotic drink is made by fermenting tea and sugar with kombucha culture (SCOBY), which turns the sweet tea into a beverage full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and health-promoting organic acids. (Eric Childs, “Kombucha!”)

In this workshop at The Hutong you will:

• Taste two types of homemade kombuchas
• Find out about the science and history behind kombucha making
• Carry out the first and second fermentations and take home your first kombucha brew and SCOBY
• Learn how to take care of your SCOBY and discover tips for successful brewing

When: Aug 13, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Where: The Hutong
Price: RMB 350/RMB 300 for members
Register: Scan the QR code in the poster.

Sustainable Living Festival 

Join an EcoFlow Yoga class conducted by Taozi Tree Yoga yogi Yinai as she guides you on a reflection of what you want out of life. You may discover you actually need very little, making it easier for you to adopt earth-friendly sustainable life habits. After the yoga class, there will be a “free market” for secondhand goods where you can bring any sports equipment or workout clothes that you no longer need and swap them with others’. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. You are welcome to join just the yoga class, or the swap, or both!

When: Aug 14, 12.15pm-2.15pm
Where: Taozi Tree Yoga Studio
Price: Free!
Register: Scan the QR code in the poster.

The Playful World of Eric Carle

And if you have not paid a visit to the playful world of Eric Carle exhibition yet, there’s still time for that! But before going, check out editor Mina Yan’s take on it in this article.

KEEP READING: The Cheapest Indoor Playground In Beijing? All Day for Just RMB 79!

Images: Courtesy of the vendors

Last weekend, an extraordinary number of people were seen trekking out on the frozen river at 龙云山 (Lóng yún shān) Dragon Cloud Mountain in Miyun District. Among the hiking troops present were the indomitable Beijing Hikers and brave Cub Scouts, and my family was among them. Like many in our group, it was my first hike on ice, and it was quite an eye-opening adventure for all of us. Here are some of our takeaways from the experience.

Michael Tye, Senior Director of Space Design at Li Auto and dad of Christopher, 6, discovered that “Beijing has some very nice spots for families in the winter. I also learned a lot about ice safety and how thick ice needs to be to walk on (it’s 10cm). Oh, and that dogs need shoes to walk on ice!”

Sun Huijie, General Manager of Beijing Hikers and mother to 5-year-old Hayley shared her insights gleaned from numerous ice hikes over the years. “Kids of all ages love ice; they like watching the running river in the midst of the thick frozen ice; they like running on it and sliding on it; they like ice! These aforementioned kids will forget how cold the weather is and forget about their parents as long as they have companions and friends to play with them.”

Some of the other folks who joined Beijing Hikers over the weekend also readily shared what they learned, all of which I agree with 100 percent.

1. Pay attention to the surface of the ice! The deeper the color, the more slippery the surface!
2. Gloves must be waterproof!
3. Layer, layers, layers! Two pairs of socks are recommended.
4. Wear clothes that you are ready to get dirty in. Ice may look nice and white, but it’s actually really dirty.
5. Bring a power bank because cold temperatures mean your battery dies faster.

Ray Wu, father of Cyanne and Ruefus, 7 and 5 said: “The kids kept on saying they have been to Alaska since the ice hiking trip. The frozen water fall is one of their favorite as they never experienced it before. Also it is such a relief to know we have some good day trip options when traveling becomes tricky lately. And of course a good opportunity to take some nice shots! One more thing: People will eat whatever they are given when they are hungry and cold.”

As for myself, my takeaways were firstly, that I absolutely hate being cold. It will make me extremely cranky, enough to want to smash in a car window because the driver inconsiderately left his car parked in the way of two coach buses, trapping 55 adults and children for over half an hour. Secondly, while you might be tempted to layer up with sweaters and coats, it’s really the extremities that need the most protection and the parts that will feel the cold the fastest, so truly invest in gloves, socks, and shoes. Crampons are usually provided by the tour groups, or can be purchased for cheap on Taobao.

I am also very proud that I had the foresight to prepare two thermos bottles of hot ginger honey drinks, which kept me going when the going got cold, which it did. Editor Julie Wolf had a couple of recipes for delicious winter mocktails, which you can always turn into cocktails as long as you can hike while inebriated…

And last but not least, do have fun. The reason kids don’t care about the cold is because they’re too busy having fun to be bothered by it! So keep moving, laugh, and just let it go…

According to expert outdoorsmen YMCE, the best season for ice hikes In Beijing is generally from early January to early February, depending on weather conditions of course.

KEEP READING: What I Learned From Hiking Six Miles With My 6-Year-Old

Images: Courtesy of Ray Wu, YMCE, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

Hayden Opie came to Beijing for six months in 2004 and is somehow still here. He has been more or less  fulltime at Beijing Hikers (www.beijinghikers.com) since 2007, and if you’ve ever been on a Beijing Hikers hike or trip you have probably chased him up a hill and/or received a lot of his emails. He is husband to “Big Boss” Huijie and father to Hayley, who turns 5 in November.

What’s on your mind?

I’m just trying to keep up with *gestures broadly at everything*

What’s your motivation to get moving?

Well, I get quite a bit of satisfaction when things are well-organised and going smoothly—work-wise, family-wise, whatever-wise. And I get a bit gloomy when things are messy, so there’s that for motivation, feeling satisfied instead of gloomy.

How do you stay sane in all the madness?

I stick to a couple of regular routines that help me stay on top of things. The main important things to do are roughly scheduled, and I get other stuff done around those. For example, today is the At Home With Hayley On A Weekend Routine, which means in between some housework and cooking and playing I can expect there will be a little gap when Hayley is playing or reading by herself and I’ll have some free time to do something i.e. finish answering these questions.

In general, getting out and about with Huijie and Hayley, getting enough sleep, having a bit of time every now and again for personal stuff – with those things taken care of it’s all good, I’m pretty easy.

(Getting out of the city to go hiking helps, too.)

Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!

KEEP READING: Charlene Ng Wants To Help You Be Calmer and Happier

Images: Courtesy of Hayden Opie

I did a crazy thing over the weekend. I signed my family up for a six-mile hike out in the wilderness of Huairou District following the White River between the Yunmeng Mountains.

My family has never walked around in any Beijing park for longer than a couple hours, and certainly not farther than a total distance of maybe two miles. The last time I asked my 6-year-old to walk the dog with me, he gave up before we had even left my residential compound. As for my husband, he loves the idea of hiking…in theory. On the bus back into the city post-hike, when I asked him if he would do it again, he replied, “I enjoyed it, but I might have enjoyed it just as much if I was lying in bed dreaming about hiking.”

Ever since we arrived in Beijing two years ago, I had set my mind on joining at least one Beijing Hikers’ hike, and had signed up several times before, but had always backed out due to complaints of “the air looks bad” or “I’m still stuffed from eating too much last night.” But nobody was getting out of it this time!

So on Saturday morning, despite the gray skies I woke up to at 6am, I wasn’t backing down. If the hikers had determined the weather to be safe for hiking, then by Merlin’s beard I was going! My resolve did waver a little as our tour bus drove right into heavy rain as we passed through Shunyi and my husband turned to me and said, “Perfect hiking weather.” Luckily, the rain tapered off as we entered the mountains, but the hikers handed out ponchos anyway.

One of the reasons that my family had been hesitant to go on such hikes was the driving time. My husband’s rationale is that it’s completely ridiculous to spend more time driving to your destination than actually being at your destination. I was grateful that the two-hour drive was exactly as the hikers had estimated, with a well-placed toilet break in the middle. Another small victory: My visit to the public toilet at the start of the hike didn’t make me dry-heave as most public toilets here usually do.

Lesson One: Know Your Destination

Before we set off on the hike, the guides showed us a map and briefed us on the route. This really helped to prepare us mentally, and gave us something to look forward to when we got tired. For this hike in particular, my husband had spotted a little area labelled “beach” on the map and made a note of asking our kid to keep an eye out for it because our son loves to play with sand.

Lesson Two: Have a Variety of Snacks on Standby (Especially a Sweet Drink)

For the hike we had packed ham and cheese sandwiches, chocolate biscuits, crackers, chips, gummy worms, coconut water, and regular water. My kid sampled and consumed 80% of each item. When one thing stopped providing motivation for him to put one foot in front of the other, we would have to resort to another treat to keep him moving. The coconut water was especially delicious while hiking on a warm summer day, if I do say so myself!

Lesson Three: Have a Backup Plan

When my son had his first meltdown and burst into tears, I was at a loss. He is way too big for us to carry, there were no roads for a vehicle to pick us up, and most of all, I didn’t want to turn back! The guide, my husband, and I all tried cajoling him, but his tears wouldn’t stop until a ham and cheese sandwich was offered. That was when we learned to dangle the carrot (almost literally) to lure him ahead. If your child is small enough, a child carrier backpack might be a good backup option. Otherwise, make sure you have some tricks up your sleeve like the ones in the next lesson!

Lesson Four: Be Ready To Go Slow and Do Some Handholding

After the first meltdown, my son continued to have mini meltdowns throughout the hike. The guide cleverly asked him to look out for the red ribbons that the Beijing Hikers use to mark the trail, and allowed him to collect them for her. This tactic definitely helped keep him moving. We stumbled upon another strategy when he asked to hold my hand at one point. Inwardly I grimaced and groaned at the thought of moving at a snail’s pace, but I soon discovered that as long as I held his hand, he kept trudging on without a word of complaint. It was slow moving for sure, but it actually turned out to be a beautiful thing.

Lesson Five: Kids Are Better at Climbing Than Walking

For the first five miles of the hike we were walking on mostly level terrain out in the open along the river. However, the last mile was almost completely vertical. While the kid had been in tears and moving like sludge for most of the walking part, he transformed into a mountain goat when it came to the vertical climb. He actually led the group alongside the leader, leaving me and my husband in the dust! I couldn’t even see him through the trees, and could only hear his voice carried by the wind. We theorized that a) it was way more interesting to most kids to use their limbs to climb terrain and b) that their little bodies are way lighter and more suited to scrambling uphill than our old, tired bodies. I have verified this with several other parents and found it to be true for plenty of kids, so take this into consideration when choosing a hike in the future.

I am immensely proud that my child pushed himself all the way to finish the hike, and am also quite proud that the adults, including myself, were patient and giving enough to let him help himself. This is how he may hopefully develop true grit.

KEEP READING: Calling All Bored Kids, You Might Flip Out Over This Extended Summer Camp!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

As both the weather gets better and restrictions start to loosen in Beijing, people are feeling the itch to venture out of their homes and get a fresh breath of air in the beautiful hiking spots scattered around the outskirts of Beijing.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of confusion regarding government policies about social gatherings and there is still the looming fear of COVID-19 itself. On top of that, resources to find out more information about which hiking spots are available, or even which one is the best to explore during this time, may be limited.

Huijie Sun and her daughter Hayley

Luckily, there are many hiking experts around Beijing and we managed to speak with Huijie Sun, a Beijing mom of a 3-year-old daughter and organizer of Beijing Hikers, a group that specializes in family hikes all around Beijing.

Sun filled us in on what it’s like to explore the natural and historical beauty of Beijing’s hiking locations.

We’ve seen more families going on hikes as the situation and weather get better now. How do you usually prepare before a hike in the current situation?

We check in with park management and local contacts before going for a hike to find out if they have any restrictions or requirements, like having to wear masks, and we let the hikers know about it in advance so they can get ready. We usually do all this anyway, but we’re doing it more often right now because the situation has been changing quite a lot.

For our own hikes we added extra Coronavirus-specific precautions to our regular safety guidelines. These precautions are published on our website for people to go over before booking a hike. For example, the number of hikers is limited so there’s enough space between people on the bus, we ask people to sanitize hands and wear masks before boarding the bus, and the buses are disinfected twice a day. You can see all the info here.

Huijie’s husband Hayden, with their daughter

For hiking with kids, is there anything specific to be taken care of? Any tips?

Kids must wear a mask as well, just like the adults. Parents should bring extra sanitizer, wet wipes, or 75% ethyl alcohol and disinfect their hands more often than usual. Bring an extra mask for your kids when you go out, because most kids don’t enjoy wearing a mask and they will take it off or throw it away when they feel hot or uncomfortable.

Can you list the top three things to be careful during a hike, based on your hiking tours during COVID-19?

1. Keep 1 to 1.5 meter distance between you and others while you hike in a public park, especially when there are more people around.
2. Bring warm clothes to the hike, because you don’t want to catch a cold right now.
3. Bring your own food and snacks, because most places to buy food are still closed.

Do you have places (open to the public now) to recommend for hiking these days?

Beijing Xishan Forest Park (西山森林公园), Phoenix Ridge Scenic Spot (凤凰岭风景区), and Huanghuachuang Water Great Wall Scenic Area in Huairou District (黄花城水长城).

Photos: Courtesy of Huijie Sun 

Golden Week is coming up, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of Beijing and into the mountains (or deserts!) Escape crowds, closed restaurants, and the sadness of slow or no waimai by finding your peace in nature. Here are some family-friendly adventures to help you see parts of China you’ve never imagined and avoid the big shutdown during the October festivities.

Subashi Ancient Ruins

First up! Journey to the West, along the Silk Road: Korla to Kashgar. This seven-day adventure brought to you by Beijing Hikers will cover more than one thousand kilometers and take you to west China by jeep through the vast empty areas of Xinjiang Province. This trip goes through some of the most remote parts of the ancient Silk Road, so you can imagine what it was like for travelers going by camel or on foot. Visit the Baicheng Landforms, the ancient city of Subashi, and the Daksiliya Grand Canyon, and see a part of China unlike any other. During this trip, you will stay in local hotels at night.

Baicheng landforms

Second option is another seven day Silk Road trip. Journey From the West, Urumqi to Jiayuguan. This trip explores the northern part of the Silk Road, a more well-traveled portion than the Korla to Kashgar trip. Enjoy hikes and walks as the scenery changes from grassland to desert. Visit the beautiful and stark Nanshan Grasslands, and the ruins of Jiaohe, an ancient city sacked by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. In Dunhuang, see the Magao Grottoes and Crescent Lake. Visit the fortress at Jianyuguan, which marked the western end of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall. This trip will give you a taste of the rich Muslim culture alive in western China.

Crescent Lake, Dunhuang

The details for the Silk Road trips: Suitable for children 6+. October 1-7. RMB 19,150 (members get a discount), RMB 15,220 for ages 6-11, RMB 15,670 for ages 12-17. This is an all-inclusive trip; the fee includes plane tickets, guides, hotel stays, food, and drinks. Click here for more information on Korla to Kashgar, for more information on Urumqi to Jiayuguan click here. There is a lot of driving on these two Silk Road trips, broken up by hikes and sightseeing. If you don’t like long drives, you may want to consider another option.

Chongqing at night

If you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can join Cultural Exchange Trips (CET) for their Chongqing, Chengdu, Xian – 3 Most-Go Cities Tour, and spend seven days exploring these three famous Chinese cities.  You’ll visit Chongqing, the largest inland municipality in China; see Chengdu where the biggest panda research center in the world can be found; and last visit Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties. This tour will include pandas, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mahjong, Sichuan hotpot, and the Terracotta Warriors.

Pandas at the Breeding Center in Chengdu

The details: October 1 – 7. RMB 4,585 with discounts available for groups, fee includes round-trip transportation by high-speed train, hotel, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Fee does not include entrance fees to all places.  Meet at Beijing West railway station.  Click here for more information.

Tengger Desert dunes in Inner Mongolia

If you have less time during Golden Week, but still want to get away for a few days, consider a 4-day trip to Tengger Desert Lakes in Inner Mongolia instead. This trip from Beijing Hikers travels through the desert by foot, jeep, and camel. Spend one night camping in the desert, and visit an oasis. This trip is relatively easy with climbs up sand dunes and some short desert hiking, it is recommended for ages 7+. Tengger Desert is very special, with a long history and a lot of cultural diversity. It is located in the northernmost part of Inner Mongolia.

Riding Camels through the Tengger Desert

The Details: October 2 – 5. RMB 8,800 (members get a discount), Kids ages 7-11 RMB 6,850, kids ages 12-17 RMB 7,090. The price includes flights, transportation, hotel stays, food, drinks, and a guide. Click here to learn more.

Longji Rice Terraces 

Or you can visit one of the most beautiful places in China with CET, on their four day Guilin: Li River, Yangshou, Longji Highlight Tour. This area is known for its mountains, rice terraces, and the Li River which snakes its way like a ribbon through some of the greenest scenery on the planet. Highlights include staying in the Mahai Village in the Longji Rice Terraces, going bamboo rafting along the Li River, and a hike through karst formations in the ten-mile gallery.

The details: All ages are welcome to come on this trip, but check with the organizer to see if it is right for your family. October 2 – 5. This trip arrives and leaves from Guilin train station or airport, you are responsible for getting to and from Guilin. The trip fee includes bus, accommodation, meals, ticket fees, guides, and insurance. RMB 1,845 for adults. Children under 1.2m are RMB 895, children under 3 are free. Click here for more information.

The Silver Pagodas stand on the site of a Tang Dynasty temple

Only have one day to spend sightseeing in nature? We have you covered. Kids Club: The Silver Pagodas will take an easy walk through the countryside for a picnic by the 600-year-old Silver Pagodas. After seeing the Pagodas, spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun with an optional climb up to Silver Mountain. Join Beijing Hikers for this fun and relaxing day exploring China’s beautiful countryside.

View from Silver Mountain

The details: This trip is recommended for ages 5–12. RMB 360 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6–12 and RMB 150 for ages 3–5. The hike is 2–3 hours over 4–6km. The trip leaves on October 6. Pick up areas are Liangmaqiao subway area at 8am and Lido Metropark Hotel Starbucks at 8.30am. Click here to learn more.

If none of these trips spark your interest visit Beijinghikers.com or CET’s WeChat: CultureExchangeTrip for many more options to get outdoors, learn something, and have fun!

Photos: Beijinghikers.com, CETtrips 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’ social platforms!

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. 

Missionaries, Ministers, and Musicians: A Walk and Discussion in the Historic Hutongs of Beijing, Aug 2

 All Ages. One of Beijing’s most distinctive urban features, the hutongs has long been at the heart of the capital’s unique local culture. This walk explores the past, present, and future of the hutongs, Beijing’s network of historic alleyways while also visiting essential landmarks along the edge of the old city. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for The Hutong members). 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Shijia Hutong Museum. (info@thehutong.com, 159 0104 6127)

In the Footsteps of the Emperors: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven, Aug 3

 All Ages. The Temple of Heaven features some of the most iconic architecture in Beijing. It is also one of the city’s largest public parks and a gathering place for Beijingers of all ages. Nowhere else does the city’s past and present exist so prominently side-by-side. Along the way, we will have a chance to witness the vibrant culture of one of Beijing’s largest parks. We might see dancers, musicians, martial artists, even parents matchmaking their (often unsuspecting) grown children! RMB 240 (200 for The Hutong members). 9am – 11.30am. The Hutong (info@thehutong.com, 159 0104 6127)

Couples Culture Retreat in Songzhuang Art District, Aug 3

 Adults. Connect with Chinese culture and reconnect with your partner by joining Cultural Keys for this exclusive weekend in Songzhuang Art District. You’ll get to experience four workshops in this unique location, and stay in a beautiful boutique hotel reserved just for retreat participants. RMB 2,588. Cultural Keys.(events@culturalkeys.cn)

The Patma Music Family Concerts: Meet Mozart, Aug 4

 Adults. Do you have a young person in your life that could use an engaging introduction to one of the greats of classical music? Take them to Meet Mozart, a fun and interactive performance by costumed classical musicians designed to entertain children and stimulate imaginations. RMB 100 – 380. 7.30pm. Beijing Theatre. (138 0106 7568)

Tambo Gran Tambo, Aug 4

 All Ages. Check out this very special Pabulum inspired by Andean Tambo Cuisine and masterfully prepared by Pachapapi Peruvian Restaurant. The live show with the Chilean band Ensemble Folk will be accompanied by summoning “La Camanchaka” to have the presence of Pachamama so you get to fully experience an authentic Tambo Fiesta! Free. 6pm – 9pm. Pachapapi. (6461 8968)

Summer House, Aug 5

 Ages 8-14. “Summer House” is a hands-on activity; throughout the course students are expected to build a house that is made by recycled cardboards. The project requests the students to work in teams, plan and construct a house by themselves. This course also encourages students to work with recycled materials, and documenting their process with different media, including photography, videos and paintings. “STEAM” will be employed within the process of the construction of the house, which includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. RMB 10,000 (RMB 8,000 early bird registration price). Baca Art Centre.

Movies in Concert: “Pirates of the Caribbean” and More, Aug 7

All Ages. Join the Star Sky Orchestra at the Beijing Exhibition Theatre on Aug 7, for a performance of works from favorite film scores, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The 300, Pacific Rim, Wonder Woman and many more amazing compositions for the big screen. RMB 180 – 680. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theatre. (10 6835 4455)

Teatro alla Scala “Le Corsaire”, Aug 8-9

 All ages. The Teatro alla Scala brings to life the classic ballet “Le Corsaire”, with updated choreography by Anna-Marie Holmes. This unmissable adventure will be performed twice, on Aug 8-9, bringing this swashbuckling tale to life in Beijing. This one is great for the whole family or date nights. RMB 280 – 1280. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (6655 0000)

Mentor Walks, Aug 9

Adults. Getting started in your career and looking for some guidance? Taken your lumps and ready to pass on your wisdom? Join Mentor Walks in Ritan Park and connect with other woman professionals in Beijing. This morning event next takes place on Friday, Aug 9 – sign up today to reserve your spot. RMB 50. 7.45– 9am. Ritan Park

Summer Water Fun, Aug 10

All Ages. Summertime means it’s time to create a splash! Grab your sunscreen and check out the wet and wild adventures at the Terrace of Kerry Hotel, Beijing. Get set to get soaked with activities like slippery water slides, paddle floats, water balloon fights, trampolines, a mini wading pool, and more. RMB 200 (2 adults + 1 child, access to terrace only), RMB 400 (2 adults + 1 child, access to terrace and Adventure Zone). 9.30am – 5pm. Kerry Hotel. (10 6561 8833)

Artist Talk: Vocal Arts of Opera, Aug 10

Adults. BACA Art Centre has invited Frank Flade from Germany to conduct an artist talk centered around “The Vocal Arts of Opera.” This lecture has been created entirely for vocalists and opera enthusiasts. During the talk, Mr Flade will share famous arias from the history of this form of artistic expression, along with some of the stories behind them. Free 2-4pm. BACA Art Centre. (WeChat: bacaartcentre)

Take 6, Aug 10

Adults.Take 6 is the most awarded a capella group in history. Hear Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea, and Khristian Dentley as they bring amazing vocals to audiences in Beijing at Blue Note on Aug 15 and 16. RMB 460 – 560. 7.30pm. Blue Note. (6527 0288)

3d Printing Summer Boot Camp, Aug 17

 Ages 8 – 16. Looking to find some meaningful and cool activities for your kids as summer winds down? The 3DRoundhouse is teaming up with “Zhang Fei 3D Printing Studio” to bring children a two-day summer boot camp for 3D printing. This is the perfect workshop to introduce your children to the future of design, as they learn the state-of-the-art software and hardware to make their unique creations a 3-dimensional reality.  RMB 2,800 (1 adult + child for two day camp). Beijing School of Art and Design).

Ways of Seeing at Chao, Aug 16

All Ages. Ways of Seeing is a showcase, a manifesto of sorts, of an art that focuses on the human condition. CHAO Art Center is pleased to announce that the 2019 Annual Art Exhibition “The Way of Seeing” will open on Aug 16 and continue until Oct 6. The exhibition features 17 acclaimed individuals and groups of contemporary artists from China and abroad. RMB 60 – 80. 1pm. Chao Hotel. (10 5871 5588)

“Madagascar the Musical”, Aug 22

All Ages. From the producers of Shrek: The Musical comes a brand-new show for kids and families: Madagascar: The Musical! Join your favourite animals from the motion picture Madagascar as they escape from Central Park Zoo and start their new lives on the island of Madagascar. The language of the show is English, with Chinese subtitles, and the show is recommended for kids five and up. RMB 80 – 880. 7pm. Renmin University of China. (10 6251 1081)

Samajam: Kids Show 2, Aug 23

Kids 2+. Samajam returns to the Beijing Exhibition Theatre. Samajam is an interactive show for kids and families. All participants receive a musical instrument and become part of the show, with fun visuals to help drum up loads of excitement for all. RMB 120 – 380. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theatre.

Girl Scouts Registration, Aug 24 and 31

Girls of courage, confidence, and character! Registration is opening up for the 2019-2020 program. The Girl Scouts team will also be recruiting leaders for newly forming troops. Foreign passport holders only and confident English speakers. RMB 1,600, 1,900 (new members). 10am – 12pm. International School of Beijing (Aug 24), Western Academy of Beijing (Aug 31). (Amy Kennedy: 185 1505 3922, beijinggirlscouts@usagso.org)

Hike: Kids Club: Changyucheng Village, Aug 25

Adults/Kids Aged 5–12. Deep in the mountains of Changping District is Changyucheng, a village that used to be a Ming Dynasty-era military barracks. Beijing Hikers will hike up to the forest by the village reservoir for a picnic and an optional hike, before walking back down to the village to check out the lanes, stone houses, temple, and thick walls of the old barracks. Younger children will need to be carried for most of the way on this hike. RMB 360 (RMB 325 for members) RMB 180 for kids 6–12, RMB 150 for kids 4–5. Beijing Hikers. (For Bookings: www.beijinghikers.com)

3e International School Tea Talk, Aug 28

Adults. 3e International School’s Tea Talk for August provides parents and caregivers with an important overview on the topic of childhood eye and dental care. Discover more about eye and vision check-ups, common children’s eye diseases and prevention techniques, including preventing cavities, protecting teeth, and orthodontics. The talk will be presented by Dr Wu Jin Fang (UFH Ophthalmologist) and Dr Gao Ya Qi (UFH Dentist). Free. 9am-11am. 3e International School (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool)

Hike: Big Camp Plate Great Wall, Aug 31

 Adults. This stretch of Great Wall sits on the boundary of Yanqing District and Hebei province, west of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, and to the south of the Guanting Reservoir. The hike follows the Great Wall in a loop around an isolated village called ‘Big Plate.’ The scenery is well worth the trip, but only if you’ve got strong legs and a good head for heights. RMB 390 (RMB 350 for members). Beijing Hikers. (www.beijinghikers.com)

Photos: Courtesy of Organizers, lmwoodparkzoo.org

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’ social platforms!

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. 

Magic Drama: One Starry Night & Out of the Blue, Jul 12-21 

Ages 2+. This stage work for kids and families gives children a taste of 28 pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo, telling the story of Lena, a little girl who falls asleep while reading a book of classical paintings her grandfather sent her. This performance is suitable for children over the age of 2, and is performed in English.

RMB 180-480. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

Beijing Hikers Kids Club: Intelligence Valley, Jul 21

Ages 5-12. Kids Club, by Beijing Hikers, is a relaxed outing for kids to enjoy some family time in nature. Hike an easy 5km down Intelligence Valley, using stepping stones to cross small streams, and stopping midway to picnic and explore a small, rocky beach by a bend in the river. Make your booking through their website, and they’ll email you all the information you’ll need for a fun day out, including contact details for your guide and information about where to meet.

RMB 380, RMB 340 (for members), RMB 180 (kids 5–12), RMB 150 (kids 3–4). 7.30am. Go here for more info and to book your spot.

Brunch for A Cause at Moka Bros (The Place), Jul 21 

All ages. A Charity brunch will be held at Moka Bros (The Place) this Sunday. Roots and Shoots is teaming up with this health-focused restaurant to bring you an alternative brunch packed with plant-based goodness! Try something different with your little ones and lower your carbon footprint for a day. Enjoy a lovely Sunday with nice food and joy!

RMB 140. 11am. Moka Bros. (The Place). Scan the QR code above for menu and to RSVP.

Keystone Academy China Discovery Program, Jul 15 – Aug 2

Kids aged 8-17. Keystone’s Summer Archway language immersion program serves Western students in mastering their command of the Mandarin language. In three weeks, students will explore the past, the present, and the future of this exciting and influential city while simultaneously strengthening the communication skills of Chinese language learners. In the classroom, students will interact with creative and experienced lead teachers through discussion and exploration activities. Outside the classroom, students will visit historic and contemporary sites that demonstrate the diversity of experiences that make up Beijing’s cultural environment.

For more info please contact Keystone Academy (8049 6008 ext. 2777 or summer@keystoneacademy.cn).

Japanese Animation & Studio Ghibli Manuscript Exhibition, Now-Aug 29

All ages. Studio Ghibli is best known for its animation feature films, with notable pieces like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, which are loved widely by many. Polar Bear Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of rare production celluloids – original artworks featuring some of the fascinating scenes from these celebrated films, traditionally hand-drawn before the advent of computer animation.

RMB 68. 10am-6.30pm. Polar Bear Gallery 798 Art District. (Go here for tickets and more information)

Picasso – Birth of a Genius, Now-Sep 1

All ages.  “Picasso – Birth of a Genius”—the most significant exhibition of work by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ever to take place in China—will be presented at UCCA between June 15 and September 1, 2019. The exhibition, which offers a comprehensive overview of the first three decades of Picasso’s career, is drawn from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris. It includes 103 works in total, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

RMB 138-188. 10am-7pm. UCCA. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

The Beatles: Beat On, Now-Sep 15

All ages. The Beatles were a legendary rock group that formed in Liverpool, England, in 1960, and went on to transform popular music as a creative, highly commercial art form over the next decade. The Beatles were one of the most popular bands of all time, producing songs like “Yesterday, “Hey Jude,” “Penny Lane, “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” “Day Tripper” and “Come Together.” Apart from the music, the exhibition is also a panoramic look back into the Beatles’ golden eras, to comfort Chinese fans of the years they missed.

RMB 98, RMB 68 (advance). 10am-10pm. Joy City Chaoyang. (Go here for tickets and more information).

Anthony Browne’s Happy Museum, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. The exhibition displays 162 original paintings from renowned British writer and illustrator Anthony Browne, who is a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition given to creators of children’s books. Themed ‘happiness’, the exhibition shows how Browne portrays his characters with impeccable details and pencil strokes to truly bring them to life. The exhibition is filled with paintings and interactive activities that people of all ages can relate to. As Browne has said: “Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older.”

RMB 58. 10am-6pm. National Museum of Classic Books. (Click here for more information and tickets). 

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Fantasy of the Inner World, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to get the kids excited about a trip to the museum. But, when you throw VR into the mix then you have another thing all together. From now until Sep 22, The National Museum of China is hosting this immersive VR exhibition, bringing to life some of the most famous works of famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The experience has more than 200 works by Van Gogh, reconstructed into a multi-sensory experience for new audiences.

RMB 55. 9am-5pm. The National Museum of China. (6512 8901,For more information or to buy tickets, visit here). 

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium, Now-Oct 11

All ages. This summer, M WOODS presents 70 masterpieces recreated by Lucy Sparrow, one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today. Each piece was hand-crafted from the annals of art history and covered the entirety of the museum in her signature, colorful felt. Having received worldwide attention for felt installations in London, New York, and Los Angeles, Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium marks the artist’s debut in Asia, and creates an immersive installation commissioned specifically for this Beijing gallery.

RMB 80 (RMB 50 for students).Tue-Sun 10.30 am-7 pm. M Woods 

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Now-Oct 13

Aimed at showcasing the excitement of the game and the rich history of the league, the NBA is launching its touring exhibition in Beijing. By using interactive exhibits, video, and exciting memorabilia, the multi-level experience will showcase the passion of the league, its teams and players, and will explore the many ways the NBA has evolved since its founding in 1946.

RMB 90 (Before Jul 12 early bird ticket: RMB 66 per person). 10 am – 8 pm. Yang Art Museum.  (Go here for tickets and more information)

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers