I’m always amazed by how much history is living in our backyards, and how little of it I actually take the time to explore. But with the weather finally turning warmer, and the spring flowers starting to peek out, the last thing I want to do is spend the day in a museum. Enter Bespoke Travel’s Beihai Park scavenger hunt!  I recently spent the day with some friends running around the park frantically counting tiles, reading plaques, and searching for birds hidden in ancient artwork. It was the most fun I have had in a while and the teacher in me knew this was an ideal family outing to keep kids physically active and mentally engaged.

I reached out to Sarah Keenlyside, Bespoke Travel Company’s founder, to find out how she came up with such an innovative idea. As has been the case for so many others, the pandemic had repercussions for the company, but necessity proved to be the mother of invention. “When the pandemic hit in early 2020 we were told by the Beijing Tourism Bureau we weren’t allowed to organize tours, so we decided to create a do-it-yourself scavenger hunt that would allow you to explore the history of one of Beijing’s most fascinating parks in your own time with your own family or friends, making social distancing easy too,” explains Keenlyside. It took almost three months to complete the project from start to finish, but it’s been a massive success. Why? Keenlyside attributes it to the way they experience brings history to life. “When you make things interactive, tangible, and interesting, kids are much more likely to remember the small details they learn during this kind of activity, as well as get a huge amount of personal satisfaction and confidence from the problem-solving aspect of it. The feedback we’ve heard from parents is that their kids were still bringing up facts they learned during the scavenger hunt weeks later!”

And the project spun off into other similar tours right here in Beijing. There is one for the 798 district, as well as a bike hunt called the Beijing Time Hunt, which is available on request. You can attend the public events where your family or friends compete against other teams, or schedule a private hunt for birthday parties, team outings or school trips.

Personally, I was most impressed by the way families were working together and the hunt appealed to all age groups. I saw teenagers enthusiastically racing around searching for clues and 8-year-olds passionately debating answers with their parents. That’s a pretty rare thing in a world where screens so often pull us all in different directions even when we are sitting in the same room.

You can learn more about private events by contacting Bespoke directly. But you can get in on the next public scavenger hunt for RMB 299 per person which will take place on May 4.  For more information follow Bespoke’s official WeChat account by searching “BespokeBeijing.” WeChat message them directly at  ID: Bespoketravelcompany or email info@bespoketravelcompany.com.

Keep Reading: Can A 7-Year-Old Cross The Street By Himself? And Should He?

Images: Bespoke Travel

It’s almost Chinese New Year, and if you’re like me, you’re wracking your brain trying to think of things with which to entertain your family (and yourself) that are cool, fun, and low-effort. Well, why not join in our Chinese New Year Stone Lion Scavenger Hunt where you (and your family) take selfies with all the stone lions you find in Beijing? Trust, me, if you keep an eye out you’ll suddenly discover that stone lions are everywhere!

The scavenger hunt is a chance for some friendly competition amongst family members and your local Beijing expat community, and it’s a great reason to get out of the house in order to discover hidden treasures in the city.

Here’s how to play:

1. Scan the QR code to join the WeChat Group.

2. Take a selfie whenever you see a cool stone lion between now and Feb 7 and send it to the group.
3. We’ll be choosing our top 10 picks after the CNY holiday (Feb 8) and asking our readers to vote on their favorite.

Here’s what you’ll get if you win：

The winner will receive a private Beihai Scavenger Hunt Day Out with Bespoke Travel Company, led by founder Sarah Keelyside, for up to 15 of their friends. The Beihai Park Scavenger Hunt is a four-hour-long experience that starts around 9am and goes on until 1pm. It’s a fantastic day out for people of all ages where you’ll learn 2,000 years of history at Beihai Park, all while racing against the clock to complete the scavenger hunt and enjoying delicious refreshments.

Valued at RMB 3,500, the Beihai Scavenger Hunt is one of many unique and fun ideas created by Bespoke Travel Company.

Bespoke Travel Company isn’t your run of the mill tour guide company. Every single trip they organize is totally customizable. As the company says, “No matter how long you’re visiting for, we’ll sort your transfers, car hire, tours and make expert restaurant recommendations for every meal so your trip is everything you need it to be…”

“Opens up the city in just the way you want to see it.” –Conde Nast Traveller

People have been raving about Bespoke Travel Company and Sarah Keelyside for years. This is your chance to win a Bespoke expereince with your friends for free!

Images: Bespoke Travel Company, Pexels, Jingkids

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. 

Morning Cuppa by British Club Beijing, May 14
China may have invented tea, but the British definitely invented the cuppa! At this month’s cuppa, the British Club Beijing will be mixing it up a bit with a brief warm-up from Eris Fitness as an introduction to Fascial stretching and how it can energize you and help relieve stiffness and joint pain. So come and enjoy a light brunch and prosecco, win exciting prizes in a fabulous raffle, mingle, make new friends, and enjoy! All ages. RMB 150. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 10am-noon. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang.

Relationship Workshop, May 14
Life coach Caneisha Berry conducts a workshop on May 14 to empower couples and help them create stronger and healthier relationships. She will discuss the truth about relationships, give tips on communicating effectively, and help you understand the reason behind disagreements. Adults. RMB 300 (early bird price before May 12), RMB 350 (regular price). Price includes workshop, workbook, and a free coaching session scheduled after the event. 6-9pm. The Bookworm.

i(COLOUR) – DCB’s Super Fun Colour Run, May 17
Be doused in happy summer colors! Join Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) on May 17 for i(COLOUR), the school’s super fun color run! Run, walk, or jog with friends and family, throw color, listen to music, and take part in special mini activities. Food, drinks, and more color will be available on site, and all proceeds go to support student STEM projects at DCB. All ages. RMB 100 (includes a branded event tee, two packets of color, and admission). Dulwich College Beijing. (rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Elisabeth Koch Millinery Hat Making Workshop, May 17
China’s only classically-trained milliner, Elisabeth Koch is conducting another hat-making workshop this week. Bring your children and come on over to Sunny Dental Clinic in Shine Hills to create a fashionable designer headpiece from scratch. All ages. RMB 500 (includes materials and hat box). 10am. Sunny Dental Clinic, Shine Hills. (WeChat ID: amazinghats, 15611224937)

IMC Sports First Aid Training, May 17
If you are doing sports, recreationally or professionally, as an athlete or a coach or audience, the International Medical Center (IMC) Beijing welcomes you to this course led by Elite Squash Academy to learn first aid techniques in case of sports injuries. Adults. RMB 300 per person. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 1-4pm. The City, F2 West Tower, World Financial Center. (play@elite-squash.com)

京Sing-A Capella Concert, May 17
Jing Sing is a vibrant, long-standing international a cappella group in Beijing. With an eclectic mix of songs from swing to pop to Disney favorites, Jing Sing has entertained Beijing audiences for the past 5 years. Be cheered by Jing Sing’s renditions of contemporary songs as well as old classics from bands such as the Temptations at their concert at The Bookworm on May 17. Adults. RMB 60 (entrance only). Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 8-10pm. The Bookworm.

The Forbidden City Tour, May 17 and 30
Beijing’s premier tour operator, Bespoke Travel Company, is organizing a trip to the Forbidden City on May 17 and 30. It’s no surprise Beijing’s most fascinating sight, has inspired an Oscar-winning movie and countless Chinese soap operas: there’s enough murder, betrayal, and intrigue woven into its 500-year story to fuel hundreds more. With its rich cast of characters – concubines, court officials, eunuchs, the Emperor – and wildly changing fortunes (to say nothing of its stunning architecture and symbolism), this is one Beijing bucket list sight you need a professional to help you appreciate. Ages 12+. RMB 385 (including entrance ticket and tour guide). 2-5pm. Participants should bring their passport to enter the Forbidden City. Meeting point at TRB Hutong, Forbidden City East Gate.

Montessori Nights: “Montessori Elementary Curriculum in a Nutshell” Workshop, May 17 and 31
Blossom Montessori is conducting four late afternoon workshops to introduce their elementary Montessori program to prospective parents and families. The following topics will be discussed in the workshops: a day in an elementary Montessori class; movements and learning; an overview of their Mathematics curriculum; and another overview of their Language curriculum. Adults. Free but reservation required. 5.30-7pm. Blossom Montessori. (135 8188 7792, admissions@blossom-edu.com)

BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. Beijing International Bilingual Academy.

Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sports activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)

The Children’s House Art Exhibition, May 18
The Children’s House students will showcase their expression, interpretation, and development as individuals and artists at the school’s very first art exhibition. The works will display a diverse range of skills and techniques, creativity, and dedication. During the exhibition, an interactive art work inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi will be displayed, offering children and parents to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. The Children’s House Oceanwide Campus. (RSVP: 8556 4611, info-oceanwide@montessoribeijing.com)

The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.

Mad Dogs China Fundraiser, May 18
Join Mad Dogs China for their annual fundraiser in support of Shepherds Field Children’s Village. Your ticket gets you into a concert with more than 10 bands, tons of kids activities, Bitburger and Chimay beer, plus a chili cook-off, and there are fabulous raffle prizes to be won. All ages. By donation. From 1pm. Beijing Riviera.

BlackEXPO Africa Week Edition, May 19
BlackEXPO organizes another edition of this booming market that connects and celebrates the black and African diaspora in Beijing. The May event is organized by Kente and Silk, and expect world-class vendors, amazing performers, and a transporting atmosphere. Adults. RMB 30. Buy tickets here. 4-10pm. 27 Yuan, 27 Neiwubu Street, Dongcheng District. 东城区内务部街27号

Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

Cultural Keys: Sugar Art Workshop, May 19
Chinese sugar art – sugar blowing and sugar painting – has been a staple folk art at markets and fairs for hundreds of years. Both can be eaten but are usually just bought for fun! Join Cultural Keys at Culture Yard on May 19 and learn how to use sugar to create beautiful pieces of edible art in a workshop suitable for the whole family. Ages 8+. RMB 188 (adults), RMB 158 (children). 2-5pm. Culture Yard.

“Run to the Beat” Musical Marathon in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, May 19
Run to the Beat Musical Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place in the Ming Tombs Reservoir Scenic Area in Changping District on May 19, 2019. Live bands and DJs will be playing on course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the center stage after crossing the finish line. Ages 16+. RMB 248 (half marathon), RMB 178 (5k), RMB 218 (10k). Register here. Starts 8am. Ming Tombs.

Finding Ways to Be Eco-friendly, May 19
Join this workshop with Natalie Bennett at the Goethe-Institute and learn simple things you can do right now to reduce your personal carbon footprint. Participants must come willing and able to make real change to their personal habits, so check at the link for the screening questions. Visit this link for more info. Adults. Free but registration required. 11am-3pm. Goethe-Institut, 1/F, Bldg C, Haixing Mansion, southwest corner of Haidian Zhonglu and Haidian Nanjie Intersection, Haidian District. 海淀区海淀中路和海淀南街十字路口西南角海兴大厦C座1层

The Many-Faced Fan: Game of Thrones Costume and Viewing Party at Caravan (Season 8 Finale), May 20
Game of Thrones fans in Beijing, hear ye! You think it matters who sits on the Iron Throne? If so, come in with your entire GOT regalia to Caravan and join other fans for a costume and viewing party of epic proportions! The Sounds of the Seven band will enchant everyone with haunting tracks of the series during the party! Join the other fans to mark the glorious end of this TV series. Ages 18+. RMB 30 (for attendees in GOT costume), RMB 50 (at the door). Price includes a welcome beer from Vedett or a soft drink. Buy your tickets here. 6.30-10.30pm. Caravan. (WeChat ID: anp3rd)

WAB Fun Fair, May 25
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) will be hosting a series of community events with endless amounts of entertainment and activities going on. Tiger Field turns into a wild theme park of inflatable play areas, water games, and activities. Sponsored by the Parent Link community, this is the perfect time for younger children and families to enjoy some fun in the sun while staying cool. Make sure that children are wearing water-friendly clothes and shoes, and a hat and sunglasses might be a good idea, too! For a complete list of activities, check out this link. All ages. 3-6pm. Western Academy of Beijing.

Piyesta Kultura: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a cultural pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks from 11am to 3pm and a food voucher worth RMB 20), free for kids below 6. 10am-6pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St., Xidan, Xicheng District. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan) 

Photos: Pixabay (featured image), courtesy of event organizers

Jana Bhonsle is a hotelier, originally from India. She and her husband, chef Sandeep Bhagwat (in featured photo), came to Shanghai in 2013, before moving to Beijing in 2016. Their daughter Anjalika was “made in China”, Bhonsle tells us, having been born in Shanghai in 2015, and now attends Ivy Bilingual Kindergarten’s Ocean Express campus.

Have you ever taken a staycation in Beijing with your family? Why did you make that decision?
Yes! The Beijing air sometimes calls for finding indoor sources of entertainment, hence we have indulged in staycations from time to time.

Where did you stay, and what did you do?
We stayed at The Rosewood Beijing. We were three families with children, and it was great. We all chose a room with Club access, which meant a private space for meals. They were very accommodating, especially with the children who were between the ages of 2 to 4 years.

Did your child enjoy it? Would you do it again?
My three year old loved every bit, from the warm welcome, the cuddly panda bear she received in the room, to the swimming pool, and the gracious service at the club… All of it.

What information sources (eg websites or apps) do you use to help you explore Beijing?
I use Lonely Planet a lot. I also ask a lot of questions on family, moms, and baby groups on WeChat, which has really made my life in Beijing. I doubt I could have done without it.

What’s the best time of year for exploring Beijing?
Spring, for sure; after Chinese New Year, more like mid-March to April. Also, early fall, around October is a great time weather wise. There is also not a lot of tourists, so it’s easy to get around.

What’s your Beijing “hidden treasure” – a place or activity most people don’t know about?
Bespoke Travel Company is a cool tour company, that does a lot of “off the beaten track” tours that I would recommend to all. They do tailor-made tours and now have opened group tours which are pretty cool. For my little one, each Saturday we go to Safari Time at the Bookworm, which is a baby-to-toddler singing class along with parents and caregivers, which is also cool. For moms, the clothing auction network is a great place to socialize.

What advice would you give to a family considering a Beijing staycation?
I would say choose a nice hotel with a spa, and one that’s kid-friendly. Look up Tripadvisor for the latest reviews. Just do it! Staycations are a great time to bond with the family and decompress. Any excuse – birthdays, anniversaries, New Year – is a good enough reason for a staycation.

Jane Zhang is a partner in an educational institution, and responsible for brand promotion. She likes to make friends, enjoy good food, travel, and write. Her husband Eric Zhuang is a senior executive at a Fortune 500 company. After work, he enjoys reading, playing computer games, and leisure travel. Their daughter Rena Zhuang is 11 and attends a bilingual school. Her hobbies include singing, drawing and acting, and she excels at sports: swimming, skiing, and running. In October last year, she went to Japan to participate in a Tokyo international school swimming competition, and won two championships and a third place.

Have you ever taken a staycation in Beijing with your family? Why did you make that decision?
Yes; although for most of our vacations we plan to travel around the country or spend time with grandparents, we sometimes stay at home in Beijing for a staycation. For example, this Spring Festival, we had planned to go to Japan for skiing and hot springs. However, it didn’t go as we planned, because, at the end of February, our daughter was going to attend a very important swimming competition with her school team, the annual Beijing vs. Asia All Stars Swimming Meet at the International School of Beijing (ISB). It was during the spring festival, so in order to prepare for the competition, we had to give up our traveling plans and stay in Beijing for continuous training. This led to a local ski vacation for our family.

Where did you stay, and what did you do?
My daughter likes skiing very much. The snow season in Beijing is very short, so every year we seize the opportunity to take our child on a skiing holiday. During the week of the Spring Festival, when the swimming club was also on holiday, our family went to Chongli Taiwu town, a venue for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, and Nanshan ski resort.

Did your child enjoy it? Would you do it again?
Rena began to learn to ski four years ago and she practices skiing every year during the snow season. If time is limited, we go to a ski resort near Beijing on weekends. If we have more time, we will drive to Chongli to ski for a few more days. On New Year’s Day this year, Rena joined a one-week ski camp with her friends in Chongli, which greatly improved her skiing skills and made her more interested in skiing. In her own words, she felt “free to fly” on the snow. In addition, with improved technology, she has more sense of accomplishment and thinks that she has made a great breakthrough in another sport besides swimming.

What information sources (eg websites or apps) do you use to help you explore Beijing?
Because I like to make friends, I have a WeChat group for finding places and taking children to eat, drink, and have fun. The parents in the group share information about fun places to go with each other. For example, I often use apps and official accounts like: 大小爱玩 (WeChat ID: dxloveplay), 吃喝玩乐在北京(WeChat ID:ibeijing521), 父母邦北京周末安排 (WeChat ID: bjweek). You can find information there about vacations and play centers in and around Beijing. In addition, I recommend Feekr Travel as a niche public account, which has many recommended hotels in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai which are very romantic with great facilities.

What’s the best time of year for exploring Beijing?
I like the spring in Beijing the most. Everything in Beijing recovers in the spring, and the city seems to leap from winter depression to a new stage full of vitality overnight. The winter jasmine at the side of the Second and Third Ring Roads, and the peach, pear, and apricot flowers in Yuyuantan park are beginning to compete for fragrance and beauty. Above all, magnolia is the most characteristic and beautiful. As the ancient capital of six dynasties, Beijing began to plant yulan in the Jin and Yuan dynasties, and it was widely grown in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In Beijing, the most famous places to admire magnolia are Dajue Temple on Yangtai Mountain, the Summer Palace, and Tanzhe Temple. In addition, the magnolia appearing on the wide straight Chang’an Street by the red wall also makes a unique, colorful spectacle. The sculpture park in Beijing’s Shijing mountain area has also planted more than 5,000 yulan plants in recent years, making it the largest yulan park in Beijing. All over the capital, these white and scarlet magnolia flowers decorate Beijing in early spring, bringing warmth after the cold winter.

What’s your Beijing “hidden treasure” – a place or activity most people don’t know about?
For children under 10 years old, I would like to recommend a good place: Chi Mu Wu Shan (넹컁轟). It’s very suitable for families. There is accommodation, catering, and it is also ideal for children to play in the adventure park, or enjoy a woodworking experience. The farm has 20 pink pigs, and children can play a game called “piglet race.”

What advice would you give to a family considering a Beijing staycation?
In the past two years, many unique homestays have opened around Beijing, many of which are equipped with children’s play programs with their own characteristics. Here not only can the children release their exuberant energy, but the adults can get a good rest!

This article first appeared in the beijingkids April 2019 Exploring Beijing issue.
Photos: Courtesy of Jana Bhonsle and Jane Zhang

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. 

BIBA Day, Sep 28
The community-wide celebration of BIBA Day has a theme of “Serving our Community, Honoring China,” to better the surrounding community and to recognize the National Holiday. Grade 3 students will organize a flea market at Shine Hills, in front of Uniqlo in the North Section, from 9.30am to 11.30am. BIBA parents and families are also invited to join the afternoon ceremony at BIBA’s main gym at 1.30pm. All ages. For more info about the event admission, visit this page. Activities start at 8.30am. Beijing International Bilingual Academy.

World Class: Filipino Artist Jensen Moreno’s 6th Solo Painting Exhibition, until Sep 28
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines presents World Class, featuring Filipino artist Jensen Moreno. This will be Moreno’s 6th solo painting exhibition in Beijing. Moreno’s previous exhibition, titled Hall of Fame, showcased her collection of portraits of the people she admires, including that of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. She donated the said portrait to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for the celebration of Rizal’s 157th birth anniversary. All ages. Free admission but a passport is required. 9am-5pm. Philippine Embassy, Jianguomen.

The ‘Midnight in Peking’ Walking Tour, Sep 29
Bespoke’s next Midnight in Peking Walking Tour is perfect for fans of the book, history buffs, and those looking for a Saturday night out with a difference. Paul French’s New York Times bestselling murder mystery captured imaginations across the world when it was released. Now, with the help of historian Lars Ulrick Thom, Bespoke brings 1930s Peking back to life through a walking tour like no other. As night falls, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the victim’s father, ETC Werner, as he frantically searched for his daughter, and learn about the shady characters implicated in her killing. Ages 18+. RMB 388 per person (buy tickets here). 6.30-9.30pm. (info@bespoke-beijing.com)

Imagine Adventure Camp (Golden Week Holiday), Sep 29-Oct 7
Imagine’s Golden Week Holiday camp gives kids a chance to participate in some of Imagine most iconic adventures: Civilisation Game, parkour, indoor climbing, indoor ski, and Adventure Park. The camp length can be at least 3 days from a total of 9 days. All ages. RMB 700-900 inclusive of transport. Get a 100 RMB discount per day by signing up with two more friends. Visit this page for more info. (WeChat ID: Imagine-china, 5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)

Summer Palace Tour, Sep 30
Enjoy one of the most beautiful Chinese imperial gardens before the maddening crowds fill it all for the Chinese National Holiday celebrations. Discover which special woman in his life Emperor Qianlong commissioned these amazing gardens for, take a stroll along the longest corridor in the world and let the stories behind the paintings inspire you. Adults. RMB 290 per person. See this page for more info about the itinerary. 1.30-3.30pm. Tours must be booked in advance. (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours.com, www.newmantours.com)

Let’s Leaf You to Temptation: Parwaaz’s South Indian Meal DInner, Sep 30
Parwaaz Spice Route Concepts hosts a traditional South Indian feast where dishes are served on a banana leaf. All ages. RMB 275 per person (scan the QR code on the poster to register). Dinner begins at 7pm. The Orchid Lodge, 66 Baochao Hutong.

Kids City – First Architectural Workshop For Kids, Oct 1
KidsCity! holds their first architectural workshop on October 1 with a team of designers and architects building a collective architectural model of Beijing with the city’s most iconic landmarks. Ages 7-12. RMB 350 (scan the poster for more info). 9am-7pm. Parkview Green Art 798 (751 D Park at 798 Art District).

October Holiday Signature Camp, Oct 1-5
Atelier will present a Signature Holiday Camp on the theme of The Middles Ages full of history, fun, and creativity during the October Golden Week. Full-day camp starting at the age of 6 years old. Half-day for Art and half-day for Fablab. Students will make- a castle, stained glass, drawbridge, trebuchet etc… Half-day option for the younger group (5 to 7 years old) for Art Camp. Locations will be in Atelier Sanlitun and Atelier Shunyi. All ages. RMB 1,800-4,000 (register here). 10am-4pm. Atelier. (WeChat ID: atelier_apas, 6416 1614, contact@atelier.cn.com)

Fashion Design Camp at Atelier (October Holiday), Oct 1-5
During the October Golden Week, Atelier will present a unique Fashion Design Camp on the theme of The Middles Ages. The students are going to design their own costume inspired by the medieval fashion style. It is designed and open to the students at the age of eight and plus. Students will discover medieval period and costumes and learn about the history of fashion design. It is an A to Z project where they will learn to make fashion design drawing, take measures of body shapes, make clothes pattern, dye DIY fabrics, and more. All ages. RMB 2,500. 1.30-4pm. Atelier Shunyi. (WeChat ID: ateliershunyi, 5686 4243, shunyi@atelier.cn.com)

Artistic Gymnastics – Recreational and Competitive Level, every Tue/Thu and Sat/Sun
Triple Gymnastics provide gymnastics training program for all ages including parent-kid group, kinder group, boys’ gymnastics, girls’ gymnastics, competitive team gymnastics, and adult gymnastics. Their courses are designed to enhance coordination and agility, body awareness and balance, develop posture and confident body movement, enhance creativity, and build self-confidence, strength, flexibility, and a healthy mind. All ages. RMB 150 per hour. 6-8pm (Tue/Thu), 9am-4.30pm (Sat/Sun). Dulwich College Legend Garden Campus-New Dome (Ricky Zhang: 134 3955 4192, ricky.zhang@triplegymnastics.com)

Photos: Courtesy of BIBA (featured photo) and event organizers