I am a regular patron of bookstores in malls or airports, and I’m always on the lookout for the newest editions of Reader’s Digest, Travel and Leisure, and National Geographic magazines. I’ve always believed that whatever is printed on those pages, and in other magazines as well, is a treasure and a visual adventure.

Speaking of National Geographic, it has always been part of my knowledge nook back when I was still a grade schooler. The pleasures of just looking at the images inside an edition, even if I was still too young then to understand the complexities of its topics, were immense, and crucial to growing my passion for reading and learning.

While finishing a task for our upcoming issue, I stumbled upon an event listing about National Geographic: a special exhibition is being held at the Beijing World Art Exhibition in Haidian District, in celebration of the magazine’s 131st anniversary.

Based on the preview photos on their ticket site, the “National Geographic: A New Age of Exploration 2.0” exhibition is set to be grand, with a digital showcase of all of its magazine covers!

Besides that, the organizers invite everyone to “China Memory”, which they describe as a display that “allows visitors to rediscover the grand beauty and cultural heritage of Chinese rivers and mountains, from the perspective of award-winning international photographers.”

If you’re up to an expedition to the top of Mount Everest or a camp with Dr. Jane Goodall, a film showing is also waiting for you! Elsewhere in the treasure hoard that is the NatGeo exhibition are cameras used by photographers to capture some of the powerful images immortalized on the pages of the renowned magazine, as well as artifacts recovered from a shipwreck by French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

The exhibition was launched on March 23 (Saturday) and will be open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm until June 23 (Sunday).

National Geographic: A New Age of Exploration 2.0, until Jun 23
Daily 9am-5pm. Closed on Mondays (during public holidays, the exhibition will be open on Mondays). RMB 80 (pre-sold single ticket), RMB 98 (at the door price for single tickets). Free for one child under 1.2m when accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Discounts available online here. 9am- 5pm. Beijing World Art Museum. 9A Fuxing Lu, Haidian District. 海淀区复兴路甲9号 (5980 2222)

Photos: National Geographic Society

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. 

Spring University Fair at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi, Mar 19
Students and parents are invited to one of the largest university fairs in Beijing, hosted by The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) and sponsored by five other major international schools in Beijing. Come and talk to over 90 university admissions representatives in person. Breakout session topics include college interviews, experiential education, scholarships, admissions process, and more. All ages. Free admission. 4.30-7pm. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi. (8047 3588, brian.chesher@britishschool.org.cn)

100-Minute Non-Stop Heyrobics Workout at BSB Sanlitun, Mar 19
Want an extra challenging workout? Join Heyrobics as they lead a 100-minute non-stop jumping, sweating, smiling workout! It’s extremely challenging yet fun for everyone. The Heyrobics team will bring the beats, some headbands, something to drink, and lots of happiness. You bring… yourself! All ages. RMB 80 (includes a headband and a drink). Sign up here. 6.15-7.55pm. The British School of Beijing Sanlitun. (beijing@heyrobics.com)

Women in Business – Future Women Leaders, Mar 19
The German Chamber and the Wirtschaftsjunioren (Young Business Leaders) Beijing kick off their new Women in Business series with a session on the complexity of issues related to professional women. This series aims to provide a platform for women with diverse professional backgrounds, to build and maintain strong networks, to enhance certain leadership skills, to share experiences and to foster personal and professional growth. Adults. RMB 300. Sign up here. 6.30-10pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.

National Geographic: A New Age of Exploration 2.0, opens Mar 22
National Geographic magazine is holding a special exhibition: Classic Image Feast 2.0, to explore the wonders of the world and discover the beauty of China. The exhibition will showcase classic images of China and include a new display called “China Memory”, which allows visitors to rediscover the grand beauty and cultural heritage of Chinese rivers and mountains, from the perspective of award-winning international photographers. All ages. RMB 70-100. Buy tickets here. 9am-5pm. Beijing World Art Museum. 9A Fuxing Lu, Haidian District. 海淀区复兴路甲9号 (5980 2222)

Wild Women on the Wall Presents: Fun Run & Walk at Beijing Riviera, Mar 23
Ready your running attire and bring the fam to the Fun Run & Walk at Beijing Riviera, organized by Wild Women on the Wall. Join a whole morning of calorie-burning fun together with your family and friends in either a 2km (starts 9am) or 5km (starts 9.30am) fun walk or fun run. This activity is one of the preceding events organized by the participants of the Wild Women on the Wall marathon, which aims to raise funds for their beneficiaries, Agape Family Life House and Five Loaves & Two Fishes. Adults. RMB 50 (2km), RMB 80 (5km), activities start from 9am. Beijing Riviera Clubhouse. (Buy tickets or register through WeChat by adding either of the following organizers: Anna-Seidel, Lucille_Beijing, or cbeckett)

Slow Boat Spring Family Day, Mar 23
Join Slow Boat Brewery for their Spring Family Day on March 23 (Saturday), noon to 3pm. This themed event includes spring crafts and activities for children, an open breakfast buffet (noon-2pm) and a family-friendly setting for the little ones to craft, explore, and play. All ages. RMB 218 (adults), free for children under 10. Visit this link to register. Noon-3pm. Slow Boat Brewery Sanlitun. 

First Aid Training for Parents at IMC, Mar 24
The International Medical Center (IMC) Beijing is holding first aid training for parents on March 24. Participants will be taught the essentials of teaching children, including getting hold of emergency services and performing basic life support, and learning how to deal with environmental emergencies. Adults. RMB 300 (register here). 9am-noon. International Medical Center (IMC). S-106 Beijing Lufthansa Center, 5 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 1561)

Listen, Little Snail: A Musical Show for Kids, Mar 24
The Western Philharmonic performs Listen, Little Snail at the Tianqiao Arts Centre on March 24th. Follow Emma, a little snail, on a lively journey of exploration perfect for kids and families, and learn about the instruments in the orchestra, different musical techniques and the joy that classical music can bring! All ages. RMB 180-380. Buy tickets here. 10.30am-noon. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Open Days

Mammolina Children’s Home-Montessori Kindergarten Open House, Mar 20
Prospective parents are invited to visit Mammolina Children’s Home-Montessori Kindergarten and meet the school founder Sasha Giggliesi, who will discuss the ideas of Montessori education and how it is applied to help children prepare for the future. All ages. Free admission. 9.30-11.30am. Mammolina Children’s Home-Montessori Kindergarten.

March Open Days at Yew Chung International School of Beijing, Mar 26 and 28
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) invites parents to their Early Childhood Education Open Day on March 26 to see the school’s Learning Communities. At this open day, participants will also understand how the Yew Chung Education Foundation’s long history in early childhood Education has shaped their teaching today. On March 28, parents can discover the Learning Community model in Primary and Secondary schools, the integrated Chinese program, and know more about the curriculum and teaching style at YCIS Beijing. All ages. Free admission (RSVP here). 9-11am. YCIS Beijing.

Recurring Events

Beijing Farmers Market at Nali Patio, every Tue until Mar 26
Nali Patio hosts the Beijing Farmers Market every Tuesday this month. Shop around for second-hand clothes, DIY toys, homemade food, and farm fresh goodies. All ages. Free to attend. Visit this page for more info. 11am-2pm. Nali Patio courtyard.

Hello Future Kindergarten Songs and Stories, every Tue until Mar 26
Hello Future Kindergarten hosts a weekly toddler playgroup every Tuesday morning from 9.15am to 10.15am. There’s reading, singing, dancing, and crafts for the kids, and coffee for mom and dad. Hello Future recommends that parents and not ayis attend this playgroup. Ages 6 months-3 years and parents. RMB 70. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 9.15-10.15am. Hello Future Kindergarten, Cathay View West Gate, Maquanying.

Photo: Agung Pandit Wiguna, rawpixels.com via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers