We said goodbye to the Tiger and as we eat dumplings, noodles, visit temple fairs and engage in other fun and traditional practices to welcome the Rabbit, let’s check out some of the best Lunar New Year family-friendly events in Beijing:

Regent Beijing’s Lion Dancing, Kids’ Cooking Classes & Staycation

Regent Beijing is offering a limited time staycation deal, with room rates starting from RMB 1506 per night. The deal includes a pizza making or cookie baking class for the kiddos so the parents can have some time for themselves to enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you’d like to see the traditional lion dance, it will happen on Jan 26 at 9:08 am, so make sure not to miss it. Scan the code on the poster to purchase.

Where: Regent Beijing
When: now until Feb 5 (The lion dance ceremony will take place on Jan 26 at 9:08am)
Price: Starting from RMB1,506/night, kids’ cooking classes included

National Museum of China’s New Year Exhibition

If you’d like to learn more about the Year of the Rabbit and the Chinese Zodiac, the National Museum of China has set up an exhibition to showcase China’s rich cultural heritage and history., particularly the rabbit culture. The exhibit features over 80 carefully selected artifacts made from different materials and ranging from the Shang dynasty (c.16th-11th centuries BCE) to the early 20th century. Tickets need to be booked at least one day in advance through their Wechat mini program or app.

Where: National Museum of China, GalleryN1
When: every day except Monday, 9am-5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Price: RMB150/person

Universal Studio’s CNY celebration

Since its opening, Universal Studios has been the go-to place for anything and everything holiday and fun related, and it never disappoints. The first event of the season, “Universal’s Chinese New Year” was launched on Jan 12 and will run until Feb 14, so if you’d like to see rabbit-themed decorations, lanterns, the lion dance, and even a blooming peach tree where you can write your wishes on a card and hang it on of its branches, head to Universal Studios.

Where: Universal Studios
When: Jan 12-Feb 14
Price: one day ticket starting from RMB 638/person, visit the official website or WeChat miniprogram for detailed pricing

“Bunnies United, Never Defeated” pop-up bazaar

Rumble in The Jumble and Georgia’s Feast have joined forces to bring us a fun experience this Saturday, Jan 28. The “Bunnies United, Never Defeated” pop-up bazaar is inspired by a cheerful chant that moves our hearts to overcome difficulties. Scan the code on the poster for more info.

Where: Georgia’s Feast
When: Jan 28, noon-6pm
Price: Free

Golden Mask Dynasty at OCT Theatre

If you’re a regular theatergoer, you don’t want to miss the family-friendly Golden Mask Dynasty show. It will be available until Feb 5 at OCT Theatre. For discounted tickets and deals, contact May: Showbeijing931

Where: OCT Theatre
When: Jan 22- Feb 5, 4pm-5pm
Price: Original price RMB280-RMB880, discounted RMB99-RMB490

Forbidden City’s Acrobatic Troupe Chinese New Year Carnival

Enjoy an afternoon of amazing acrobatic shows on Jan 27 at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Zhongshan park. There will be two sessions, at 2pm and 7:30pm with ticket prices starting at RMB100. To purchase a ticket, click the link https://www.247tickets.com/t/acrobatics-2023?utm_source=2f7.me&utm_medium=urlshortener.

Where: The Forbidden City Concert Hall inside Zhongshan park
When: Jan 27, 2pm and 7:30pm
Price: RMB100-RMB580  

Images: Courtesy of the organizers, Pexels

Are you ready and raring for the Chinese New Year holiday yet? Thanks to the advent of online learning I know I am! From the prettiest lantern decorations to lion dance performances, here’s a list of places within Beijing that will bring some CNY cheer to you and your family this year.

Beijing Expo Park 北京世园公园

Located in Changying District about two hours drive from the heart of Beijing, this huge park is definitely worth a day trip. Not only will you spend the better part of the day admiring beautifully manicured hedges and grounds, you can also see amazing examples of Chinese architecture and artistic sculptures. There’s also a big patch of snow and ice for skating and playing with. But the cherry on top is definitely the CNY touch in their lovely lanterns that light up the night! Admission is only RMB 20 but prepare to pay for additional exhibits and activities.

Address:
West of S220 Provincial Highway in Yanqing District, Beijing
北京市延庆区S220省道西边
Contact: 82209825, 68866967

Joy Breeze Mall 大兴大悦春风里

It’ll take you less than an hour to drive over to this mall in Daxing District, and the photos will be well worth it! These brightly colored CNY lanterns are way better in the dark so hang around till dusk for the best shots. There are also more photo opportunities at the indoor CNY exhibition, plus some CNY shopping promotions if you’re hankering for a bit of spending. While you’re there, you can also check out the Kidsteam indoor playground which is known for its cleanliness and manual-powered train! CNY exhibition on from now until Feb 28.

Address:
No. 38, Huangcun Dong Dajie, Daxing District
北京市大兴区黄村东大街38号

Universal Studios Beijing

There’s no denying that Universal Studios Beijing has brought our entertainment expectations to a new high. This Lunar New Year, their spectacular Christmas tree in Hollywood Boulevard has been replaced with the Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom, the perfect place to make some new year wishes. Look out for their CNY lanterns and other decorations around the park as you enjoy lion dance performances and special celebrity appearances by Tigress from Kung Fu Panda, an apt character to usher in the Year of the Tiger! There are plenty of CNY promotions to check out on their mini-program or app as well.

Another worthwhile day trip for lanterns and ice sculptures would be Longqing Gorge. Or if you just want something a little closer to home, you can pop over to Solana Mall in Chaoyang District to check out their Winter Olympics-themed lantern decorations, which are fun in the day and even better at night.

KEEP READING: Ushering In CNY With These Kid-Friendly Events & Activities

Images: Universal Studios Beijing, Dianping

As expat parents living in China, we definitely want our kids to understand the local culture, at least a little. Chinese New Year is a great time for young ones to learn about this quintessential Chinese festival and the many curious customs surrounding it. We’ve rounded up some family-friendly events and activities that will provide the perfect opportunity for that!

Beijing Postcards CNY Scavenger Hunt 

Join the creative minds at Beijing Postcards as they visit locals in the neighborhood while navigating through the multi-layered history of Beijing on this unique CNY edition of their popular Hutong Scavenger Hunt. This time, you’ll be challenged to play traditional games while learning about long-established Chinese customs. Think of it as a PG-13 version of Squid Game in which there isn’t a death penalty for losing the game! Dates are Feb 2 & 3, 1.30-5pm. Cost: RMB 150/child, RMB 300/adult. Scan the QR code below to sign up.

Celebrity guest appearance of Tigress at Cafe Royal at NUO Universal 

This spring festival, Cafe Royal at the NUO Universal Hotel will offer a CNY Hot Pot Buffet dinner including lobster and the not-to-be-missed iconic CNY dumplings, with an option for free-flow drinks for up to two hours. But the cherry on top might be their celebrity guest appearance of none other than Tigress, of Kung Fu Panda fame! Tigress will grace NUO on Jan 31 from 5.30-6.15pm. What better way for families with young ones to usher in the Year of the Tiger than that! Call 010 57326330 to reserve your CNY dinner.

God of Fortune Kid Activities at Peninsula Hotel

Every weekend starting Jan 22 until Feb 13, the Peninsula Hotel will offer some fun-filled activities just for their junior guests. Learn about CNY traditions and join the hotel’s pastry chefs as they prepare festive dumplings, niangao (year cake), and even CNY cupcakes! The Caishen (God of Fortune) will even make his guest appearance and host some games and riddles where kids can earn gifts and prizes – now that’s the festive CNY spirit! RMB 450 per session. Scan the QR code in the poster below to register!

Black Sesame Kitchen 2-Day Junior Chef Cuisine Training Camp

Arguably one of the capital’s favorite expat-family-friendly cooking schools, Black Sesame Kitchen (BSK) will host a bilingual 2-Day Junior Chef Cuisine Training Winter Camp in their traditional hutong venue near the Forbidden City, where they will acquire cooking skills by learning to make seven dishes (from sushi to jianbing) and knowledge of restaurant etiquette. The current camp dates in January have been fully booked but they are expecting to hold another camp in February so register your interest with them now! 

Language-Immersion CNY Cultural Activities in Tongzhou 

Meant for expat families who are able to speak basic Mandarin, and who wish to improve on their Chinese language skills while learning more about the culture as well, this event is organized by International Talent Solutions for expat adults as well as kids. Conducted mainly in Chinese, with supporting English language, this is a great opportunity for true language immersion. Participants will get to know one another through ice-breakers, make dumplings together, and learn all about the significance of the tiger in Chinese culture. Date: Sunday, Jan 30, 10am-4pm. Cost: RMB 128 for one, RMB 198 for two. Do note that the venue is at 新光大中心 (Xīnguāng dà zhōngxīn) in Tongzhou. Scan the QR code below for more details.

KEEP READING: Kids Camps for CNY Holiday Fun!

Images: Pexels, courtesy of the vendors