Are you a Bluey family? Bluey is taking over parts of Beijing again! Raffles City has a Bluey pop-up on the ground floor where the kids can take pictures and get Bluey merchandise.

*uni pics*

Find it:
1 Dongzhimen South Street
东直门南大街1号

And, drumroll please….

You can bring your kids to meet Bluey and Bingo at Chaoyang Park this weekend! There will be a Bluey pop-up at Wanren Square in Chaoyang Park Aug 15-17 from 10am to 8pm.

The event promises to have collectable Bluey stamps featuring all your favorite characters, crafts and activities for the kids, episodes of Bluey to watch and three meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo each day.

There’s no booking time, so if you’ve got your heart set on meeting the Heeler sisters, be sure to arrive early. They’ll be at Chaoyang Park to say hello at 11am, 3pm and 6pm.

Remember the episode “Obstacle Course” where Bandit had a hard time losing to Bluey? Well, this weekend is your chance to test the course out for yourself between 10am and 7pm! They’re constructing THE obstacle course!

Find it:
1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区农展馆南路1号

Images: Red Note

Over the weekend our sister publication, the Beijinger, published an article titled Everything You Need to Know About Chaoyang Park. It was a good start, but as someone who’s gotten lost in Chaoyang Park on more than one occasion, we thought we could expand some more to truly explore this sprawling green space, especially as the weather finally becomes warm again! Urban nature lovers, dust off your wagons and get ready for park season at one of Beijing’s most iconic springtime leisure spots!

The practical stuff

Name: Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园 Zhāoyáng gōngyuán
Address: 1 Nongzhan South Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区农展馆南路1号
Opening hours: Daily 6am-10pm, last entry 8pm
Price: Free
Amenities: Restrooms, snack stalls, vending machines, easy subway access
Known for: 5km running track, public football pitches and ping pong tables, amusement park, multiple lakes, boating, open-air stage, lots of usable grass

What’s not allowed

Before you pack your wagon full of stuff to entertain the family for the day, Chaoyang Park does have a list of banned items.

• Kites
• Bikes (though I’ve seen some kids sneak smaller ones in)
• Tents for camping (blankets are allowed, but tents that zip up are not)
• Drones
• Electric scooters
• Hoverboards

What you can do there

Glamping – What’s glamping you ask? Glamor + camping! It’s essentially camping in a really, really nice tent. So while you’re not allowed to bring your own tent into the park, there is a beautiful section towards its east side where you can book a glamping site.

Moncy Club – This place looks awesome! It’s located on the park’s west side and does require a separate entry fee of about RMB 320. However, inside Moncy there are plenty of climbing walls, suspension bridges, and zip lines. They also have a laser tag arena that’s open to kids and adults. If you’ve got a big group, you can book the entire place out for RMB 150/person for two and a half hours. If you want to join an existing game, the price is RMB 160 for two hours.

Sports courts – I’ve seen basketball, soccer, and tennis courts close to the east side of the park. Plenty of camps for both grown-ups and kids run their programs out of Chaoyang Park. If you’re looking for a sport for your kid, a quick stroll around the park will give you plenty of ideas.

Workout areas – They have little monkey bars inside the park, but there’s a big area with open-air workout equipment and ping pong tables by the entrance of West Gate 4.

Water activities – There are at least two docks that rent out paddle boats, canoes, and stand-up paddleboats when the weather gets a bit warmer. One sits right around the corner from where the aerial adventure course is, across the bridge and to the left. The other is north, close to Solana Mall on the west side of the park. Both are operated by Whale Sports and offer a 30-minute canoeing experience starting from RMB 109 for one person, to RMB 199 for a three-seater canoe.

Jogging trails – Clearly marked jogging trails snake throughout the park, and on occasion, I’ve seen big jogging groups go by.

Bikes and electric carts – You can’t bring in your own bikes but you can rent a family bike and electric cart to explore the park. There’s probably a name for those four-seater pedal bikes but I don’t know it. The bikes are available in two, four, and four + a kid seat in the front. The electric carts can only fit two people and they go pretty slow – as well they should since the park gets packed with families. Prices start from RMB 80 per hour.

Amusement park – Don’t expect Universal Studios level rides. This is more akin to a local carnival. Individual ride tickets start from RMB 20 but an all-access pass might be a smarter move if you’ve got an, “I wanna try everything” kid like my colleague Vivienne Tseng-Rush. RMB 88 will buy you a ticket that allows you to choose six out of 18 ride categories. Aside from carnival-esque rides, the park also offers a Dinosaur City, an indoor playground for younger kids, and the Sony Science Center for inquiring minds.

KEEP READING: Another Free Playground Opens in Chaoyang, and Bikes Are Allowed!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, Mina Yan, Dianping

Fancy doing some ice skating on the lake? Yes, it really is cold enough nowadays that the lakes in Beijing are frozen solid!

Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园

Chaoyang Park’s ice skating is open, but be warned: It’s insanely crowded during the weekends. Enter from Gate 4 on the west side of the park if you’re looking for the fastest route to the ice skating. The park itself is completely free for both adults and kids, but there is a fee of RMB 20 per person for skating.

If you have your own skates then just go on ahead onto the ice! If you need to rent skating equipment there’s a little booth right across from the entrance of the lake.

Aside from skating, there are also ice bikes and chairs that you can rent for some icy winter fun.

Pricing:
Entry: RMB 20 (unlimited time)
Ice Skates: RMB 30/hour
Ice Skating Chair: RMB 30/hour
Ice Cycling Bike: RMB 30/hour
Tandem Ice Cycling Bike: RMB 50/hour
Slide: RMB 10/each time

According to a security guard who works at Chaoyang Park, if you’re hoping to skate and avoid the crowd Mondays are the best days to visit.

The line for the slide on the weekend

There’s also a long ice slide by the entrance, so be sure to squeeze in some time for a quick thrill before heading home!

Shichahai Ice Rink 什刹海冰场

The lakes in Qianhai and Houhai are local favorites for winter ice skating. There are 160,000 square meters of frozen lake open daily from 9am to 7.50pm, just in time for the Qianhai Night Market to start from 5-9pm.

As with most outdoor ice skating rinks, this one also has options for ice bikes and chairs for whose who want to try something new.

Pricing:
RMB 60 on weekdays
RMB 80 on weekends and holidays
Ice Skates: RMB 30/pair

Images: Beijing Evening News, Mina Yan

There’s a silver lining to every grey cloud, even one as dark as the bleak shade that Covid has thrown over our otherwise sunny days. The silver lining I discovered was that admission to Chaoyang Park is now free! Granted it had only cost RMB 5, but still, you can’t argue with a freebie!

There’s more! While the park was lovely and quiet on a weekday, with plenty of open, available space for picnicking (just stay off the grass) or setting up a badminton game, we discovered a cluster of amazing kid-friendly activities for a full day’s worth of fun!

Watch the video to check out some of the family-friendly fun Chaoyang Park offers!

Aerial Adventure Course

Challenge yourself to a test of bravery and balance in this adventure course off the ground and up in the trees! There’s a variety of challenges, from planks to tunnels, so your kids can discover how to maneuver and master their bodies while navigating each obstacle. Kids 1.05m and above are able to attempt the junior course accompanied by a parent (don’t worry, if I could do the course in ballet flats, you’ll be fine). Kids above 1.4m are able to do all the courses including the junior, intermediate, advanced, and integrated course, as well as a zip line across the lake! Incidentally, tickets are RMB 220 for the junior course and RMB 160 for the advanced, while a parent-child ticket will set you back RMB 320.

Real-life Counter-Strike (with toy guns)! 

Remember Counter-Strike, the first-person multiplayer shooting game that rocked the 90s? Well, this is basically a real-life version of that! Basically, you put on a helmet and/or military-style vest, carry a toy gun, and try to eliminate the other team and capture their home base. Side note: You can bring your own flag if you want. Players can opt to book out the entire place at RMB 150/person for two and a half hours, or simply enter the grounds individually for RMB 160 for two hours. If you want to make it sound cooler with your tweens, then say it’s like “real-life” Fortnite. Anything to get them off the couch and outside of the house, right?

Water activities

There are at least two places that offer water activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding in Chaoyang Park. One such place lies right around the corner from where the aerial adventure course is, across the bridge and to the left. The other lies north, close to Solana Mall. Both are operated by Whale Sports and offer a 30-minute canoeing experience starting from RMB 109 for one person, to RMB 199 for a three-seater canoe. Be sure to bring a change of clothes though… just in case.

Four-seater family pedal bike

There’s probably a name for those four-seater pedal bikes but I don’t know it. Regardless, this is a fun way to get around and explore the massive park. If you’re not into pedaling, you can even rent an e-scooter, though I’ve really only seen two-seaters for those. There are kiosks littered all over where you can rent these pedal bikes, and one is conveniently located right outside the aerial adventure course grounds! Prices start from RMB 80 per hour.

Amusement park

If all else fails, there’s always the trusty amusement park to help keep your kids entertained, for a price. Individual ride tickets start from RMB 20 but an all-access ticket might be a smarter move if you’ve got an, “I wanna try everything” kid like mine. RMB 88 will buy you a ticket that allows you to choose six out of 18 ride categories. Aside from carnival-esque rides, the park also offers a Dinosaur City, an indoor playground for younger kids, and the Sony Science Center for inquiring minds.

There’s lots to do at Chaoyang Park, and now that it’s free to enter, you’ve got even more of a reason to visit before school starts! Take advantage of the cooler weather, pack a picnic lunch, and head over with the whole family!

KEEP READING: WATCH: Kiddos’ Day Out at MeLand, a 3-Story Indoor Playground

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, DaZhongDianPing

The 11th Beijing Annual Ocean and Beach Carnival at Chaoyang Park opens on June 29 and lasts until August 31 this year. It’s time to bring all your swim gear to have a big splash and save yourself from the heat!

During the carnival, 20000 square meters of beach and 5000 square meters of swimming pools in the park will be open to all. Visitors can play beach volleyball and football, and take part in other activities. Every day there will be a couple of performances on the main stage, such as incredible kung fu shows performed by kids and street dance shows by professional dancers.

Apart from the massive swimming pool for visitors to splash around in, there will also be vendors serving food and beverages. You can also rent water guns and sunbeds on the spot.

Chaoyang Park 11th Ocean and Beach Carnival, Jun 29 – Aug 31
Daily 9am-9pm. RMB 90 (weekdays), RMB 60 (6-9pm on weekdays), RMB 140 (weekends). Chaoyang Park East Gate 1, 1 Nongzhangaun Nanlu, Chaoyang District (8533 8196，buy tickets here)
朝阳公园沙滩主题乐园：朝阳区农展馆南路1号

Photo: Beijing Chaoyang Park Wechat

With this series we want to help you plan the perfect weekend out with the family through highlighting great activities going on in different neighborhoods around the city. We hope this helps you to make the absolute best of your weekend leisure time! All of the venues listed on either Saturday and Sunday are in the same area, which will allow you to easily get between places conveniently on foot or with public transportation.

Saturday in Solana

Solana is a large, popular open-air mall next to Chaoyang Park. It has become one of the primary places in Beijing for many families wanting to get a bit of shopping in or indulge in one of the many restaurants on the premises.  With plenty of international name brands, a variety of food, entertainment, and kid-focused venues, it’s a great place to explore during the summer months.

Peppa Pig Live at Chaoyang Park

As the largest patch of green space in Beijing, Chaoyang Park is the obvious choice for many families over the weekend. Young visitors can fly kites, rent a pedal boat for the lake, or go on one of the many fairground rides if weather and AQI permit. But, there’s one particular event going down here this weekend that is sure to have many children excited. If your kids like Peppa Pig, you can see Peppa Pig performing this Saturday near the South Gate of the park. The event has four sections, “Peiqi Dance”, “Animal Picture Book”, “Snack Time”, and ”The Animal Song”, which should be more than enough for you Peppa fanatics big and small.

RMB 399 per person. Every Saturday until Jun 29. 10-11am. South gate of Chaoyang Park. (More information please Wechat: Crystal_Jing2)

Discover Wooo Planet

Wooo Planet is a place with all-imported amusement facilities for children to explore, such as treasure hunting art games, a variety of different slides, and plenty of fun climbing opportunities. As it’s inside, Wooo Planet is perfect for those days where the AQI is a little too high for comfort.

RMB 236 per person. Mon-Sun 10am -10pm. K218. Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang Park Road (5905 6322)

Dine at SPACELAB

While SPACELAB at first glance might seem like your run-of-the-mill flashy concept restaurant, this German restaurant chain features western-style fast food, including hamburgers, steak, and spaghetti, served through a automated system of iPad ordering and through a roller coaster-like delivery system. This is the perfect restaurant for families out there looking to experience the final frontier in themed dining.

RMB 145 on average. Mon – Fri 11am-10pm. Weekends 10.30am-10.30pm. No. 12, Solana, No. 6, Chaoyang Park Road. (5905 6269)

Sunday in Wangfujing

Wangfujing is one of the busiest commercial streets in Beijing, with its modern shopping malls, popular snack shops, and the creepy-crawly night market. This area also offers families a lot of options to enjoy time with their little ones. Here, we have listed three of our favorite things to do in Wangfujing this Sunday.

Print Art Exhibitions at National Art Museum of China

The National Art Museum of China is well-known for holding national and international exhibitions. The 2019 International Print Art Exchange Exhibitions are being presented from May 30 to Jun 17. These fine art prints have been collected from China, Japan, the former Soviet Union, Europe, the United States, and more. Visitors will have an incredible insight into this realistic art form, the exchange of modern and contemporary art practices between Europe and America since the reform and opening up period of China, and the current communication under the theme of “One Belt and One Road”.

Free. Closed on Mondays. 9 am-5 pm (No Entry after 4pm). National Art Museum of China. 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing (6403 4951)

Have Creative Fun at Lego island

At the beginning of this year, Lego Company launched a flagship store in Wangfujing, Beijing.The store covers an area of 626 square meters. A number of large Lego 3D models are displayed, including a huge roof inspired by the Forbidden City, the majestic Great Wall landscape, stone lion models, and mosaics depicting dragon pillars. For the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, Lego has launched a limited number of dragon boat racing products.

Free entry. Mon-Sun 10 am – 10 pm. The first floor of Yintai Centre, Goldfish Alley, Dongcheng District (5978 5188)

Dine at Tomacado

Tomacado is both a restaurant and a florist. The word “tomacado”, a portmanteau of “tomato” and “avocado“, represents its ideal health values: fresh, delicate, and healthy. Edible flowers are offered here within different cuisines. Vanilla roasted yellow chicken, Tomacado Vietnamese spring rolls, and salads such as organic spring vegetables with avocado and strawberry are recommended here. Afternoon Tea is offered from 2.30-5pm, which includes three different desserts and two beverages.

RMB 206 on average per person. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, weekends 10.30am-10pm. #402, Floor 4, East Tower, Wangfu Central, No. 269 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District (186 0003 8056)

Photo: dianping.com

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. 

The True Cost of Fashion: Who Pays the Price of Our Clothes Documentary Screening, Apr 23
The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story of “fast fashion” and asks us to consider who really pays the price for our clothing. This screening is followed by a panel discussion with experts from Beijing’s sustainable fashion industry. Adults. RMB 50 (presale tickets include one drink). Book a seat here. 7-9.30pm. The Bookworm, Sanlitun.  (WeChat: becstarnz)

Beijing BISS International School Open House, Apr 25
Beijing BISS International School opens its doors for prospective families who would like to visit the school and communicate with BISS principals to learn more about its educational strategies and get a feel of the school community. The open house is held concurrently with the exhibitions of the BISS students on April 25 (Grade 10 exhibition). All ages. Free admission. Visit this page to register. 9.30-11am. Beijing BISS International School. (RSVP: 6443 3151, admissions@biss.com.cn)

Joy EL International Academy Sports Day, Apr 26
Joy EL International Academy invite everyone to their Sports Day on April 26, with the motto of “Friendship First, Competition Second” rather than just focusing on results. Join in a wide variety of sporting events and enjoy seeing the students having a wonderful time in matches, games, and events. All ages. Free. 8.30am-3.30pm. Joy EL International Academy. (CocoLi@joyelacademy.com)

CISB StageCats Presents: Godspell, Apr 26-27
The CISB StageCats are back and better than ever with an electrifying performance of the world-famous musical, Godspell. From the legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is a highly energetic musical-comedy that retells stories and lessons from the Book of Matthew. While inspired by a religious text as its source, this show is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes! Songs include the worldwide hits “Day by Day”, “Bless the Lord”, and many others. And even better – this will be CISB StageCats’ first musical production with a live band onstage! All ages. RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (students). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the CISB front desk or from a member of the cast/crew. Showtimes: Apr 26 (Fri) at 7pm, Apr 27 (Sat) at 2pm (matinee) and 7pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (RSVP:patrick.connolly@cisbeijing.com, www.cisbtheatre.com)

3e Charity Community Day, Apr 27
3e International School welcomes everyone to their annual 3e Charity Community Day. Come to find bargain treasures and entertain the family with games and activities! Families are invited to sell well-maintained second-hand goods: toys, books, and other household items. Families and vendors can book a table for RMB 100 (table fees will be donated to Living Water Children’s Home). All ages. Free admission. 10am-noon. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)

Joy EL International Academy Family Fair, Apr 27
Joy EL International Academy is holding its first Family Fair, where staff, students, and families come together to enjoy fun activities, games, music, and food. This year’s theme is “International Celebration” and there will be a bouncy castle, shows, booths representing the culture and cuisine of 10 countries, and more activities that take place throughout the campus. All ages. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Joy EL International Academy. (CocoLi@joyelacademy.com)

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, Apr 27
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt are holding a workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore the concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way. Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me)

Swap, Sweat, and Smile: LIVE WITH LESS x Heyrobics, Apr 27
A swap with a sports focus, so bring your exercise clothing and gear, or come and pick up some new stuff. Adults. Free (half price pizza and drinks.). 1-4pm swapping; 4-5pm Heyrobics. Xian Bar, East Hotel. WeChat: crossboundaries

Reflect & Connect: A Coaching Seminar for Parents, Carers & Educators, Apr 27
Titi and Ben of Hill Dynamics lead this workshop for parents, carers, and educators on the topic of raising emotionally healthy children in the age of screens. Learn about setting appropriate limits and help your family connect offline. Adults. RMB 950 (sign up here). 5-7pm. EAST Hotel Beijing.

MCF Murder Mystery: Cut Loose, Apr 27
Migrant Children’s Foundation’s annual event is back, with an 80s themed interactive murder mystery inspired by the classic movie Footloose. Expect lots of 80’s music, references to 80’s pop culture, and more while enjoying a four-course meal and complimentary wine on every table. On the night, you can get involved by dressing up in eighties-themed outfits (big hair, bright make-up, neon accessories) and have a chance of winning prizes for your 80s inspired style! And, it’s interactive! So, if the spirit grabs you, you’ll be given the chance to get up and show what you can do. There will be lots of prizes throughout the evening, including for guessing the murderer, the best 80s dress, and more! Adults. RMB 550. Starts 7pm. Hilton Hotel, Liangmaqiao. (For tickets, contact WeChat ID: LornaDoone)

St. George’s Day Dinner, Apr 27
Celebrate St. George’s Day at this annual dinner that has been around for about a decade in Beijing. Join the company of 200 distinguished guests from the corporate, diplomatic and public sectors. Supported by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, this year’s St. George’s Day Dinner will take place on April 27 at the Westin Chaoyang Beijing Hotel. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception and a witty English tomfoolery by internationally renowned comedian Tim Clark. Enjoy a six-course dinner paired with fine wines. The menu includes roast beef and Yorkshire pudding as the main course, and cheeses paired with vintage port to finish! Adults. RMB 800-900. 6.30pm-midnight. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. (RSVP: events@lehmanbrown.com or saintgeorgebeijing@gmail.com)

FilComBei: Sunday Fun Day at Chaoyang Park, Apr 28
The Filipino Community in Beijing (FilComBei) invites Filipino families and their friends to Sunday Fun Day at Chaoyang Park. Enjoy a potluck lunch while the young ones play native Filipino games. All ages. RMB 5 (for the park entrance). Attendees are invited to bring food to share with other families. 10am. Chaoyang Park West Gate.

River Blue Documentary Screening, Apr 28
River Blue spans the globe to infiltrate one of the world’s most pollutive industries: fashion. Narrated by clean water supporter Jason Priestley, this groundbreaking documentary examines the destruction of our rivers, its effect on humanity, and the solutions that inspire hope for a sustainable future. Join the documentary screening at The Bookworm on April 28 to learn about how you can use your power as a consumer to vote for ethical and sustainable clothing. Adults. RMB 70 (book a seat here). 8pm. The Bookworm

Photos: Joy EL International School (featured photo)  Valentin Antonucci via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers

With temperatures waning and weather this fine, your cravings for a summer holiday are hopefully beginning to diminish. If they’re not, however, then you must only hold on for another few weeks as we’re bringing a taste of Roma to you in the form of our fifth annual Beijing Pizza Festival on Sep 22-23, 11am-8pm!

This year’s event will take place in the serene and grassy surroundings of Chaoyang Park

This year’s edition of our pizza bonanza is extra special for two reasons: 1) It will take place at a completely new location, namely in the grassy, open-air venue of Chaoyang Park Center Island Theater (near West 3 gate) surrounded by cool water for a pizza oasis in the northeast of town, and 2) this year’s theme is “Roman Holiday,” recalling the iconic and romantic adventures of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in the film of the same name (see a slightly altered still from the classic above).

And of course, let’s not forget the main attraction: thousands of slices of Beijing’s finest pizza sold by the capital’s best pizzaiolos as well as a huge spread of Italian desserts, ice creams, beverages, and snacks to whisk you away to the rustic alleys of Italy.

There’ll be plenty to drink too!

So save the date, come dressed in your most stylish Italian threads, and chow down on some delizioso food alongside open-air film screenings, dance performances, live music, and DJs for China’s biggest celebration of pizza.

Tickets are now on sale and early bird ticket buyers will receive a complimentary vintage bandana, while group ticket buyers (three tickets and up) will receive a free picnic blanket. Tickets are RMB 20 for early birds or RMB 30 on the door and can be purchased by scanning the QR below via WeChat:

This ticket is for entry to the Beijing Pizza Festival only. It does not include the RMB 5 Chaoyang Park entry fee, which you can pay in cash at the gate, or swipe your transit card. The nearest gate to the festival is West Gate 3 (西3).

For a taster of what’s to come, feast on images of last year’s extravaganza here.

Photos: the Beijinger, Paramount Pictures