Lion dancing has been an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities for centuries. Rooted in ancient folklore and martial arts, this vibrant and dynamic art form combines the grace of dance with the symbolic power of the lion. Emerging from the heart of Chinese culture, lion dancing is not just a captivating spectacle but a deeply symbolic expression that embodies luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

As the lion dancers move in tandem to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, the mythical creature comes to life, captivating audiences with its lively movements and energetic spirit. It’s an essential part of celebrating Chinese New Year and here’s where you can see it in Beijing.

Hilton Beijing

Date: Jan 29
Time: 9:58 am
Location: The lions will start off their performance right outside the hotel lobby. You don’t need to RSVP for the event, but be sure to show up early.
Find it:
1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu
东三环北路东方路1号

The Regent Beijing

Date: Jan 29
Time: 8.58am
Location: The lion dancing will start from the entrance of the hotel before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP is needed, but be sure to show up early. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
2/F, The Regent Beijing, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区金宝街99号北京丽晶酒店2层

China World Summit Wing Hotel

Date: Jan 29
Time: 9.30am
Location: The lion dancing will start from the entrance of the hotel before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP is needed, but be sure to show up early. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie
建国门外大街1号

The Peninsula Beijing

Date: Jan 31
Time: 9.30am
Location: The lion dancing will take place in the hotel lobby.
Find it:

8 Jinyu Hutong

金鱼胡同8号

EAST Hotel Beijing

Date: Feb 8
Time: 2,30pm
Location: The lion dancing will start in the lobby before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP needed, but be sure to show up before 2.30pm. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Images: EAST Hotel, British School of Beijing Sanlitun, The Regent Beijing, Pexels, Bing

Get ready to splash into vibrant hues and festive joy because Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is just around the corner – and Beijing is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration. Picture this: a rooftop extravaganza with bursts of color against the skyline! We chatted with Arun Moger for the inside scoop on the traditions of this lively festival and what to expect from the upcoming rooftop bash at MOONEE on Mar 24.

Q: Could you break down what Holi is for the uninitiated?
A: It’s a festival where spring rolls out the red carpet and colors fly like confetti. That’s Holi for you, a Hindu festival that’s a big deal in India and beyond. It’s the kind of party that welcomes spring with a rainbow splash.

Q: Holi’s all about colors, right? What’s the deal with that?
A: Oh, it’s a color carnival, alright! Imagine every hue in a powder form, ready to be launched at friends and strangers alike. But it’s not just a free-for-all paint fight – it’s steeped in mythology. Take the tale of Prahlad and his dad Hiranyakashipu – classic good vs evil stuff. Prahlad’s devotion to the good guy, Lord Vishnu, gets him through some fiery trials, literally. The colors? They’re a high-five to the triumph of good, unity, and all those warm, fuzzy feelings of spring.

Q: You’ve got a rooftop Holi bash in Beijing? Tell me more!
A: Think about the skyline as your canvas. We wanted to mix up tradition with a twist, so we took Holi up a notch – literally – to a rooftop in Beijing. It’s about sharing the Holi spirit, giving people a fresh perspective (pun intended), and throwing a party that’s as much about cultural fusion as it is about fun.

Q: First-time Holi-goers with the fam – what should they look out for?
A: If you’re hitting Holi with the family, gear up for the color blitz. Old clothes are your best bet, and bonus points if you pack extras. Get ready to groove because the beat won’t stop, and the dance is where it’s at. And hey, it’s not just a feast for the eyes – your taste buds are in for a treat, too, with some sweet festive staples. Just remember, it’s all about love and respect, so keep it cool with the color throws.

Q: Tell us about the organic Holi colors at the event.
A: You bet! We’re all about keeping it green and clean with organic Holi colors. They’re made from stuff like flowers and herbs, so no icky chemicals. Plus, they’re kind to critters since no animals are harmed in making them. At our shindig, we want everyone to have a blast without worrying about their skin or the planet.

Q: What’s the scoop on the food and drinks included in the entry fee?
A: Get ready for a feast! We’re talking unlimited bites – veggie starters, non-veg appetizers, biryani for all – and Indian sweets that’ll make your taste buds dance. Wash it down with soft drinks, and for the grown-ups there’s a free alcoholic drink to toast with. Big shoutout to our local food joints for making this happen!

Q: Why is white the dress code for Holi?
A: Wearing white’s like starting with a blank canvas. It’s all about purity and getting ready for a fresh start. Plus, when everyone’s in white, it makes those colors pop like crazy! And it’s a great equalizer – no matter who you are, you’re part of the rainbow.

Q: Any special arrangements for kids at the event?
A: Absolutely! We’ve got a whole kids’ zone lined up. Think color play areas, craft stations, and even Bollywood dance lessons. We want the little ones to soak up the culture and have a blast, all while staying safe.

Q: Got any pro tips for families attending the event?
A: Sure do! Dress in white threads you don’t mind getting colorful; pack an extra set of clothes, and maybe keep those phones in waterproof cases. Sort out your ride early, have a family game plan for safety, and dive into the Holi spirit together!

Q: How can folks stay in the loop with the Beijing Indian community and future events?
A: Keeping in touch is easy! We’ve got community groups where we post updates, or you can hit up the “All Things Social” WeChat group. And hey, if any Beijingers can get me into their social circles, I’ll share all the fun Indian happenings there!

Images: Pexels, Arun Moger

When I first stumbled upon 蒙古大营 měng gǔ dà yíng – loosely translated as Mongolian Yurt – I thought it was a campground because of the huge cloth tents dotting its premises. So you can imagine my surprise when I found out that the place is actually a restaurant! Each cloth tent, known as a yurt, can house a private gathering of about 20, a maximum of 30, which makes it ideal for large group gatherings like birthday and farewell dinners, both of which I’ve organized at this place – which will henceforth be referred to as the Mongolian Yurt restaurant – to resounding success!

Located in a privately-owned area of Chaoyang Park, the Mongolian Yurt restaurant is endorsed by the Mongolian Tourism Board. There are shops offering authentic Mongolian souvenirs and snacks, and even a petting zoo with camels and goats, which are a common sight across the Mongolian landscape. The premises are quite large and offer plenty of running room for kids, plus there’s even a small sandy playground.

You have a choice of dining in the common hall, for a casual family dinner. But the real prize is when you book out a private tent for a group event. They offer a celebration package with a whole roast goat which is tender and super tasty, several cold dishes – they call them appetizers but it’s plenty to fill your bellies with – and the best part, a Mongolian song, and dance performance. As I have yet to travel to Mongolia, I can only imagine that the throat singing and cultural dancing represent a bona fide part of Mongolian tradition. I do know that all their performers are ethnic Mongolians.

As a nice bonus, they invite one VIP guest of your choosing to cut the roast goat and drink from a drinking horn. This is what makes it so ideal for birthdays, or as I like to call it a happy Yurtday!

As for the food, the roasted lamb is an absolute must-try, though you don’t have to get the whole one. There are options for smaller plates, such as a roasted leg of lamb. Other dinkum Mongolian specialties include the warm Mongolian milk tea which is served in a golden pot like a soup, their lamb skewers – or really anything lamb – homemade yogurt, and fried wild vegetable balls. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed that last one, despite my initial doubts when the crispy green balls arrived on the table. If lamb is not for you, their beef and pork offerings are also quite succulent. If you get the celebration package, there isn’t much need to order additional dishes, though you are welcome to place an a la carte order off the menu. Note that the package doesn’t include drinks, but there are plenty of choices ranging from their home-brewed 白酒 bái jiǔ to fresh watermelon juice.

The good food, intriguing performances, and rustic ambiance at the Mongolian Yurt restaurant ensure that both adults and children stay entertained and satisfied. So next time the whole family wants to celebrate in style, consider booking a private tent for some unique family-friendly fun time!

Address:
Chaoyang Park Southeast
北京市朝阳区东四环中路朝阳公园内东南角郡王府东侧
Ph: 65991997 or book online on Dianping

KEEP READING: Free Kids Concerts This Weekend At Beijing Music Festival

Images: Dianping, Debbie O’Brien, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

At this time of year everyone is going Halloween crazy… and we’ve been right in the spirit of it, suggesting costume ideas, exploring the history of the festival, and helping you find the Halloween party that’s right for you and your brood. But there’s another event around now which also puts the grin on the skeletons’ faces, and that’s Mexico’s “Dia de los Muertos,” the Day of the Dead.

It may not seem like an appropriate festival to celebrate with kids, but on the contrary, the Dia de los Muertos is very much a family occasion. It’s not about fearing or mourning our departed loved ones, but about celebrating their lives. The world got to know the Day of the Dead better through Disney-Pixar’s much-loved 2017 movie Coco.

The 2017 Disney Pixar move Coco made the Dia De los Muertos known around the world

One of the most distinctive visual symbols of the festival is the brightly-painted “sugar skull,” and this image is at the center of an exhibition at the Contemporary Art Culture Center, above Destination on Gongti Xilu. The exhibition will open at 5pm on November 1 in a ceremony at which the Mexican Ambassador, his Excellency José Luis Bernal, will be present. It then runs until November 10, from 10am to 6pm every day except Monday, and is free to visit.

Meanwhile, for the grown-ups, El Barrio is holding a Day of the Dead party on Saturday November 2, with a live Mariachi band, while Pachapapi is rocking it Latin-style on Friday November 1.

But if you don’t fancy getting a babysitter and sampling some tequila, you can still celebrate the Dia de los Muertos with your kids. Why not put together a traditional memorial for someone you’ve lost? Decorate a table with candles, skull decorations, and souvenirs from your loved one’s life: photos, cherished possessions, even their favorite food. Then – and this is the important thing – share happy memories of their life, tell funny stories, sing songs they loved. It should not be a morbid occasion, but a joyous one.

To all Mexican and Latin American friends, and to everyone celebrating this occasion, we at beijingkids say “Feliz, Dia de los Muertos!”

Photo: Gengiskanhg via Wikimedia Commons, rottentomatoes.com, courtesy of【ART·DES】

I’m wondering if my son’s recent Dr. Seuss first birthday party is Pinterest-worthy. Lux turned one last week Monday, and we decided to throw him his first ever themed celebration. Seeing that we are an expat family who loves to travel it made perfect sense to use the wonderfully magical story from the Dr. Seuss series: Oh The Places You’ll Go!

I’ve always loved the Dr. Seuss books which are both inspirational and educational, but wasn’t sure if I could pull off a party in honor of one of the famous books from the collection. Most of my ideas went to plan, and some fell a little flat due to Taobao’s inconsistent delivery system – which of course resulted in a number of late arrivals! Give yourself plenty of contingency space when planning a themed party, particularly when relying on certain items to be delivered to a deadline.

Unfortunately the helium didn’t arrive on time, and this ruined my hot air balloon photo corner and ribbon display idea! But alas, when life gives you lemons you can either end up with a sour face or sweet lemonade. I pulled in a few favors from creative friends and got DIYing with most of the birthday snacks and other decorations, which worked wonderfully well and still made for an epic first birthday.

Whether or not the details of the party are Pinterest-worthy, I’ll let you decide!

Get creative and come up an original poem for your invitations

I remember receiving vibrant invitations in matching envelopes from school friends for their birthday parties and although this custom is almost obsolete with the onset of the digital age, I still wanted to offer a little nostalgic throwback to the colorful kid’s birthday invitation.

Lux has become a little bit of a local superstar, so I used the image of him that was featured on the recent EP release for Tavey Lean and the Solid Gold Dream Machine and asked trombone-playing, graphic designer extraordinaire (and new freelancer for beijingkids magazine), Dan from the band, to create the themed invitations. You can easily find a poem template for most Dr. Seuss themed invitations, however I decided to get a little more creative and wrote my own!

To partner these beautiful invitations I wanted to feature a display poster for the party, and Dan also came up with this. Don’t be shy and get your friends and family involved in being part of the occasion. As my husband likes to say, “use the great minds around you.”

I also made Orange Martinis that were supposed to be blue! Unfortunately I don’t have any photos, but I say that’s a testament to how quickly they were devoured. Get funky and cool with ideas for the adults that are fun and festive! Using a little food coloring I went wild and dropped a splash of color into almost everything. These were a great addition for the parents who got to unwind while the kids enjoyed the highs (and lows) of sugar.

The cost of a birthday cake can easily rack up, particularly for themed parties, where it’s easy to get lost in the moment and fork out way beyond the odds for your kid’s first birthday. Instead make the occasion more special with a DIY cake treat that either you (or a friend) can attempt.

Oh the cupcakes are here, how long will they last? It’s time to grab one, be quick, be fast!

The cupcakes were supposed to be multicolored, however if the wonderful delivery world of Taobao has taught me anything, it’s how to improvise. Orange is a signature color used throughout the Dr. Seuss book of our choice and so my dear friend and chef, Simone, made these yummy vanilla cupcakes and covered them in plain and orange cream frosting with desiccated coconut. Finish off your display by slicing up colorful fruit, add some butter popcorn to the mix and let people snack away.

We included a ‘follow your dreams” framed photo next to all the colorful treats, which went well with the theme

Adults and kids love candy, so I thought about making a candy display that everyone could snack from and would double up as a great photo opportunity. I made candy pops, by dipping marshmallows into melted chocolate and sprinkles. I did the same with rice crispie cakes, dipped in white chocolate and a little orange food coloring – which turned out a little pink. I found old glass jars and filled them with marshmallows to create DIY display bowls that the lollipops could sit in.

My husband felt cheated and said I should’ve covered the whole rice crispie cake in chocolate!

You can also pick up some wooden letters to spell out the name of your little one (see photo above), and add it to a display of your choice; because of the travel theme, we threw in a globe for good measure. Another good idea that I had planned for but couldn’t execute was to attach helium-filled balloons to a wicker basket (a laundry basket will do) to make a hot air balloon. Create a photo corner and have little ones climb in to go up up up and away and get snapped!

It was difficult to find pretzels that weren’t broken in half, so I picked up some shop-bought dipped pretzels and used them in a candy garden display for Lux’s one-year candle.

I used an old stone candle holder. No need to buy everything from new. You can can also make a candy garden, using crushed chocolate biscuits and green gummies

One surprising element was how flat Lux’s first taste of cupcakes went. He didn’t seem at all impressed with his first hit of sugar, but his gifted coconut blueberry muffins from mom Franziska was a win.

Just not that into it!

Trying cupcakes for the first time was just one of many firsts for Lux on the day, which included one of the sweetest captured moments – Lux leaning in for his first ever kiss!

Firsts on a first birthday celebration

All bow-tied out for his first party (his obsession with remote controls is out of control)

Most of the kids attending were too young to receive sugar-rush-inducing goody-bags, but I made them anyway! Using the theme colors I ordered mini-baskets and filled them with a mixture of soft and candy-encased pastel-colored marshmallows. I wrapped each basket in cellophane and finished with silver ribbon.

I accidentally forgot to give these out at the end of the party. Maybe too many orange Martini’s?

Overall I think it was a great party and I received some lovely feedback from my guests. Planning ahead makes all the difference and I can’t wait for birthday number two!

Share your comments below!

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

As a new mother I’m already thinking about how I would like to celebrate my baby’s first birthday. The celebrations of our kids’ yearly milestones are those precious moments where lifelong memories can be built, and they almost always start with CAKE!

The number one question is who can we entrust with the hugely important job of preparing and executing an epic birthday cake for our precious little (and not so little) bundles of joy? Who can bring your kid’s favorite characters to life, provide a cake that encompasses all the flavors that your kid’s heart desires, and of course brings your kid’s vision to life in such a way that impressive gasps of “Oh wow! What a cake!” will fill the birthday room.

You will no doubt see the reflection of the epicness of a truly masterfully-produced birthday cake in the eyes of your kids, and lots of salivation in anticipation of tucking in. So get stuck in and go for one of these master bakers!

Enjoy! Cakes

Beijinger and cake chef Kim Xue (Viki Jin), has been honing her pastry skills since 2008 when she was part of a team servicing the Olympics with the Beijing Ruiji Hotel Bakery. In 2017 Xue decided to create her own private dessert company, and Enjoy! Cakes was born.

Xue specializes in not just kids’ birthday cakes, but other custom made cakes, dessert tables for kids and adults, and dessert catering for weddings and company events. You can peruse her impressive catalog of cupcakes, puffs, cookies, and more, or give her specifics to work with. Celebrate your kid’s birthday in wondrous style! RMB 100 – 1,000+ (prices may vary depending on custom requirements) WeChat: Viki-Jin

Snowy Baker

Tan Shuang named her beautiful cake studio after her daughter Snow, and prides herself on providing healthy alternatives for her kid and others on their birthdays and important celebratory occasions. Snowy Baker has been operating in Beijing for two years, and caters for individuals and groups who either want to go with classic sweet offerings or who need to choose xylitol (a natural plant-based sugar substitute) versions for health reasons.

Self-styled “treasure mom” Shuang belongs to a group of moms who prefer to abstain from very sweet treats for themselves and their kids, and instead aims to reduce the oil and sugar in her creations for the more health conscious of us, crafting delights that have been made using natural ingredients. Whatever your requirements Shuang can meet them. Go birthday cake classic with sugary options (I mean, it’s only one day out the year!), or go Zen with ‘my body is a temple’ alternatives. It’s up to you!

Shuang will go through all your options and cake requirements; size, cartoon characters, animals, colors and flavors, to create a custom piece you and your kids will never forget. RMB 228 – 298 (1.5 pound cake), RMB 328 – 398 (2 pound cake), RMB 428 – 498 (3 pound cake) (prices may vary depending on custom requirements). WeChat: tanshuang1290

Sweet Laboratory

An exceptionally creative baking designer and enthusiast, mom of three Hwa Wu has a lot of tricks up her sleeve, from seasonal snow globes with edible sugar crystals to superhero delights and whimsical cupcakes, you will be truly spoiled for choice when sitting down with this master baker while she conjures up another epic birthday cake.

When Wu has time away from making kids’ birthday cakes, she juggles looking after her own children with a busy schedule catering for corporate events and anniversaries. Wu prides herself on paying extra attention to all her creations because they celebrate a special moment in someone’s life, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or just to say thank you. She uses quality ingredients and has been making families happy in Beijing for five years.

Wu has been keeping busy this Christmas. Not only has she been creating beautiful birthday cakes to the glee of many kids, she has been designing wonderfully sweet Christmas treats for the young and young-at-heart to keep our festive flames alight, including chocolate Christmas tree cupcakes with strawberry centers, gingerbread houses with all the trimmings, and cupcake wreaths! Take note and take inspiration from these, and others in her catalog, if thinking about using her service for your kid’s next (or first) epic birthday cake. RMB 600-1,500+ (prices may vary depending on custom requirements). WeChat: hwawu001

Happiness is Homemade

Humble but skilled home baker Marina has been baking up a storm for a few years now in Beijing, offering families affordable and creative homemade kids’ birthday cakes and cupcakes.

Marina uses her self-taught hobby to make unique creations for unique occasions, and serves families who want to add a little something special not only for birthdays, but anniversaries, seasonal parties, and more. Marina can whip up cakes, traditional European-style spiced tarts, special sweet and savory breads, and cupcakes. You want every flavor under the sun, I hear? Look no further, Marina makes beautifully sweet and colorful creations covered in icing or piped with cream toppings, dusted with icing sugar or glazed and drizzled with sweet scrumptious frosting.

Chocolate, red velvet, lemon drizzle cake, banana, carrot, tiramisu, marble zebra cake, and more! Parents, you have options and lots of them. Team up your kid’s favorite flavors and sticky yumminess to unveil what will be – yes, you guessed it – an epic birthday cake! RMB 180 – 680 (prices may vary depending on custom requirements). WeChat: wxid_20iboqaole9x12

Photos: Courtesy of Bakers

Move over Santa’s little helpers, the fifth year of the Christmas Factory organized and hosted by Atelier will take place this weekend, to provide fun and laughter for friends and the community. Go and enjoy Christmas festive vibes with arty-crafty activities, mulled wine and French crepes. All are invited!

Children of all ages can come and enjoy a lineup of festive activities. Up to five crafts will be made available, one from the Fablab Makers team and the others from their in-house makers. Kids will be taught how to make a simple light electrical circuit for their very own Christmas wreaths.

The Art team aim to get everyone in a jolly mood using dough to make ornaments, and felt and paper to make freestanding mini Christmas trees and Christmas stockings. There’s also a photo-booth. Time for the family to get all Christmassy! Free.  3 – 6pm. December 3. Atelier Sanlitun Campus (64161614).

Photos: Courtesy of Atelier 

The Adventure Zone’s Mascot, JiaBao the panda, turns 5 years old this December, and is throwing an epic Christmas-inspired birthday party at the Kerry Hotel (Dec 15-16). Come join in the fun on the multipurpose courts of Kerry Sports, and discover a world of activities to usher in the birthday of the year.

There will be DIY arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, a chocolate fountain, and so much more! Enjoy a weekend of games, prizes, and activities, while making awesome memories with the family. They will also hold a lucky draw, and attendees could walk away with one of a number of treats, including a Cathay Pacific Airways return ticket and accommodation in Hong Kong, Adventure Zone membership, and stays at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

What you waiting for? December weekends don’t get better than this! RMB 688 per day (child ticket), RMB 368 (Adult ticket).

Kerry Sports

10:00am – 5:00pm. 3/F, in the Kerry Sports Center, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6561 3388) 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里中心饭店3层

Photos: courtesy of Kerry Hotel

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, is a traditional holiday with great significance that marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. It always falls on the 15th of the first lunar month, and will fall on Friday, March 2 this year.

As to the origin of Lantern Festival, there are different stories, most of which can be dated back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) period.

The most widely-accepted is that, during early Han Dynasty, a time when Buddhism started gaining more influence in China, Buddhist monks would light lanterns to worship Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The then reigning Ming Emperor learned of this and demanded that all citizens follow suit and light lanterns since he was eager to promote Buddhism throughout the country.

The festival was henceforth celebrated around the country and devolved into various traditions and folk customs, including lighting lanterns, solving lantern riddles, worshiping deceased relatives, and lion or dragon dancing. It’s also a time for a reunion with family to appreciate the bright full moon and eat Tangyuan (round rice dumpling with sweet fillings) as well as enjoy other festive activities.

Floating lanterns

Lighting and watching lanterns in different colors, sizes and shapes is probably the main activity on that day. Many of the lanterns are shaped into traditional Chinese images and symbols such as animals, because in Chinese culture a specific animal may stand for something fortuitous. For example, a fish stands for abundance, and horses represent energy.

Also, the Chinese character for lantern is 灯 (Dēng) contains 火 (Huǒ, fire), and 丁 (Dīng, people), therefore many believe that lighting multiple lanterns will bring families a bright future and more children. Families living in ancient times would often light many lanterns for this purpose.

Lanterns with festive greetings.

Another outstanding tradition is the lion dance. Ancient people regarded the lion as a symbol of bravery and strength. Therefore, lion dances are performed at important festive occasions to ward off evil and pray for good fortune and safety.

Drum performance accompanying to lion dance.

Tangyuan, round dumplings made of glutinous rice flour and sweet fillings such as sesame seeds, peanuts, bean paste, is a must-have food for Lantern Festival.

As tangyuan is pronounced similarly to 团圆 (Tuányuán) which means reunion and closeness. The whole family gathers together on that day to eat tangyuan as a way to express their best wishes for a year of happiness for their family.

Tangyuan with sesame fillings.

Below are two of the lantern fairs in Beijing that attract a large number of visitors every year.

OCT&Zigong Lantern Festival (until March 12)

Location: Happy Valley (Xiaowuji Beilu, Chaoyang District)

Buying tickets: http://bj.happyvalley.cn/

Longqingshan Ice Lantern Fair (until early March)

Location: Longqingshan Scenic Spot (Gucheng village, Yanqing County)

Tickets: on the gate (RMB 40 per person)

Photos: New China, theworldofchinese.com