Beijing is not a walkable city. In fact, it can be fairly hostile to pedestrians. But that doesn’t mean it lacks interesting places to explore by foot. Despite the best efforts of the municipal government and avaricious developers, Beijing still has back lanes and historic sites worth discovering. It just takes a little effort sometimes to see through the grit, grime, and around that huge black SUV/cadre mianzi­ mobile barreling down the hutong right at you.

Dashilar

Dashilar is named after the large wooden gate which used to control access to this important commercial district of Old Peking. The gate burned in 1899, but the name survives. The area took a hit with the Olympic-era renovations which went the full Disney (Note to the municipal government: Never go the full Disney. Nobody likes the full Disney) but the emergence of lanes such as Yangmeizhu over the past few years has put the district back on the map for hutong wanderers.

History buffs will want to check out the old Beijing stock exchange on Qianmen Xiheyan Jie. Built in 1918, the stock exchange is now a warren of apartments and dwellings but residents (usually) don’t mind if somebody discreetly and quietly peeks inside at the original trading floor. Finally, don’t forget to visit Beijing Postcard’s new Public History space. Located at 97 Yangmeizhu, the space will host history walks, talks, and rotating exhibitions and will also feature a shop.

Tai Miao

The Imperial Ancestral Temple (AKA “Working People’s Cultural Palace”) is a beautiful park just east of the Forbidden City main gate. Originally built in 1420, the temple served as a site for rituals venerating past emperors.

Today, it is a something of an oasis of calm in an area better known of its hordes of tourists than peaceful retreats. As a bonus, the architecture of the original temple is similar to that found in the adjacent palace but with 95 percent fewer people sharing the view. On the downside, you may have to endure wedding photographers yelling at you to get out of the background of perfectly posed polyester couple’s wedding photos.

Pro tip: Enter through the East Gate (West side of Nanchizi Dajie, about 400 meters north of Chang’an Boulevard). This avoids the long lines and security checkpoints in Tiananmen Square. Exit through the West Gate to access the main plaza of the Forbidden City for a stress-free approach to the palace or through the South Gate for a queue-free entrance to Tiananmen Square.

Walking Beijing’s Waterways

After several years of renovations, the canal park between Beiheyan (just east of the Nanluogu Xiang Subway Stop) and Qianhai reopened on May 1, 2017. The channels were once part of a system of artificial waterways constructed in the 13th century to supply much-needed liquid to the capital’s moats and canals. Today, the canals are a centerpiece of a park and walking path which winds its way through the center of Beijing. A detour to Great Leap #6 provides a nice pit stops for thirsty pedestrians.

Jeremiah Jenne leads historic walks and educational programs in Bejiing via his company Beijing by Foot.

READ: Shunyi’s New Colorful Running Track Is Open to the Public

Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Jenne

Beijing offers several markets with a mind-boggling variety of goods, and inevitably there will come a day when you’re looking for souvenirs for the trip back home. Here is our pick of the best places to pick up something unique. As for everything is negotiable with vendors in many Chinese markets, remember to double-check what you are buying, and haggle for the best deal. 

Qianmen Dashilan’r Street 前门大栅栏（大拾栏儿）Qiánmén Dàshílànr
“大栅栏” is pronounced as dàzhàlán, but local people called it dàshílànr. Famous for its stores with an antique flavor, Qianmen Dashilan’r has one of the most ancient and distinctive commercial streets in Beijing with a history of more than 500 years. You can find all of those Beijing time-honored brands: shoes from Neiliansheng, silk fabric at Ruifuxiang, and hats from Majuyuan.

Qianmen, Xicheng District. 西城区前门 （6310 9680, nearest subway station: Line 2 Qianmen）

Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同 Wúdàoyíng hútóng
Compared to Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying Hutong is a must visit for a quieter and more relaxing affair. It has a great combination of modern and yet authentic, with plenty of ceramic shops, some industrial style cafes, and a few boutiques selling unique clothes, earrings, and handicrafts. It’s not a big shopping street, but definitely worth a visit to explore these old hutongs and find some gifts.

Wudaoying Hutong, Andingmen, Dongcheng District. 东城区安定门五道营胡同 （nearest subway station: Line 5 Yonghegong）

Nanluoguxiang 南锣鼓巷 Nánluógǔxiàng
With small and well preserved hutongs with a history of over 700 years dating back to Yuan Dynasty in 13th and 14th century, Nanluoguxiang has become the one of the most touristy areas in downtown Beijing. You can find a lot of interesting shops offering different kinds of snacks, Jewelry, handicrafts designed by local artists, trendy T-shirts that you can add every image on. The downside of it is you might need to deal with the crowd and long line.

Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District. 东城区南锣鼓巷 （nearest subway station: Line 6 Nanluoguxiang）

Wangfujing Shopping Street 王府井购物街 Wángfǔjǐng gòuwùjiē
Wangfujing is one of the busiest commercial and modern streets in Beijing with many local and international shopping malls such as Gongmei Mansion, Sun Dong An Plaza, and Malls at Oriental Plaza. It’s a shopper’s paradise where you can find paintings, local art, and unique crafts from all over China.

Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District. 东城区王府井大街 （nearest subway station: Line 1 Wangfujing）

Panjiayuan Antiques Market 潘家园旧货市场 pānjiāyuán jiùhuò shìchǎng
First opening in 1992 as a roadside showcase, Panjiayuan Antiques Market, as one of the oldest, biggest, and best-known markets in Beijing, has witnessed many changes in collectibles and craftsmanship here. This market offers all kinds of vintage finds and reproductions: Chinese calligraphy, painting, porcelain vases, old communist propaganda posters, and ancient furniture. 

Mon-Fri 8.30am-9pm, Sat 4.30am-9pm, Sun 6am-9pm (afterJul 29, it will close at 7.30pm). Off of Southeast Third Ring Road, West of Panjiayuan Qiao, Chaoyang District 朝阳区潘家园桥西边 (6774 1869, nearest subway station: Line 10 Panjiayuan)

Silk Market  秀水街 xiùshuǐ jiē
Under the framework of “One Belt, One Road”, the Silk Market has been renovated this April, with a few floors added onto the old building. Now it has an upmarket feel, which is reflected in the pricing of their merchandise. You can find almost everything you need, from name-brand clothes and bags to “authentic” Chinese silk. One thing you need to keep it in mind is that it’s unlikely that anything sold at the Silk Market is “real”, and the price is not fixed; the more you haggle, the better price you might get.

Daily 9am-9pm. 8 Xiushui Dongjie, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国门外大街秀水东街8号 (5676 7766, nearest subway station: Line 1, YongAnLi)

Pearl Market 红桥市场 hóngqiáo shìchǎng
Smaller than the Silk Market, but you can find many touristy things here to take back home as gifts. As its name suggests, it does sell more pearls than other markets, but you’ll find other touristy souvenirs such as Chinese tchotchkes, beads, clothes, Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and some electronics. If you head up to the fifth floor balcony, you will have an amazing view of the Temple of Heaven. Don’t forget to bargain if necessary.

Daily 10am-7pm. Temple of Heaven, 46 Hongqiao Lu, Dongcheng District 天坛, 东城区红桥路46号 (6713 3354, nearest subway station: Line 5, TianTangDongMen)

 Zhongguancun E-Mall 中关村电子城 Zhōngguāncūn diànzǐchéng
Zhongguancun, also called “China’s Silicon Valley”, is Beijing’s high-tech center with many IT companies based there. The E-Mall sells different brands of computers, notebooks, and components at low prices. You can also find reasonably priced computer repair services. Many stores moved out due to last year’s renovation, but now you can still find a wide range of stores for everything related to electronics. Be aware that many brand products might not be real.

Daily 9am-6pm. 18 Zhongguancun Street, Handian District 海淀区中关村大街18号(8253 6688)

Maliandao Tea City 马连道茶城 Mǎliándào cháchéng
If you or any of your family member is a tea fan, then this place is a great place to get a glimpse into Chinese tea culture. As the largest tea market in northern China, the market specializes in anything associated with tea. You can find many different types of tea with prices ranging from dirt cheap to super expensive, as well as teacups and teapots. Here, some tea shops offer free tea for guests to taste first, and then you can bargain with the owner.

Daily. 8.30am-6pm. 11 Maliandao Road, Xicheng District. 西城区马连道路11号 (6334 2683)

Photos: pexels.

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 Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival 2019, Apr 20-21
The carnival of capsaicin, the jamboree of jalapeño, the party of pepper, and the terror of your taste buds that is the Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival 2019 is returning to Galaxy Soho, on the weekend of April 20-21. China’s only spicy food festival is shaping up to be an absolute knockout, featuring a massive two-day Chili Pepper eating contest, a hot and spicy dating tree, a spicy sauce testing station, a chili roulette game for the risk-takers, two full days of floor shows and entertainment, and a pumping dance floor at night. All ages. 11am-8pm. Galaxy Soho.

Christian Marriage Retreat, Apr 5-7
Christian couples aim to spend their whole lives together, and to create a safe and loving space in which to raise children. But this can be a long road, and sometimes it helps to make time for each other and rediscover what makes your relationship work. This retreat is led by married couple Grady and Sandy, and is open to all foreign passport holders. Adults (childcare available for kids 4 and under). RMB 2,200. Friday 9am to Sunday 1pm. Goose and Duck Ranch, Huairou. 怀柔区北寨.

Pauline’s Cuisine: Tea for Two, Apr 6
Join Pauline’s Cuisine for a fun Saturday at EAST Hotel, and learn how to create the ultimate afternoon tea: scones with clotted cream, homemade jam, chocolate mousse, and finger sandwiches. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. East Hotel. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

Positive Discipline: A One Day Parenting Workshop, Apr 9
Hello Future Kindergarten invites parents to this one-day workshop where they can learn how to bring the power of positive discipline to their parenting style. Learn to avoid power struggles and invite cooperation, connect before corrections, avoid punishing children without letting them get away with everything, and to become a kind but firm, solutions-focused parent. The workshop is designed for parents of children aged 1-10. Adults. 9am-2.30pm. RMB 1,200. Hello Future, Cathay View West Gate, Maquanying. (WeChat ID: becstarnz)

Pauline’s Cuisine: Pop-Up Lunch in Lido, Apr 10
A special lunch is waiting for you, courtesy of professional chef Pauline van Hasselt! Life has given her a lot of lemons, and she has turned them into lemonade through her successful ventures in Beijing, including Beijing Mother’s Guild and Pauline’s Cuisine. Her expat journey in Beijing may have come full circle but this amazing chef and mother has tons of lemonades to make and more upcoming kitchen adventures to share with her next students! Come and join her last pop-up lunch in Beijing before she rides the rainbow-tailed unicorn to London! Adults. RMB 350. Starts noon. Pauline’s Cuisine Lido. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

Help Your Child Beat School Anxiety, Apr 11
Due to popular demand, Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) will be offering a second workshop on “Beating School Anxiety” on April 11. The workshop will help parents recognize the signs of anxiety in their children and offer some strategies for helping them overcome their stress. It will build on the lessons shared in the previous workshop, but include new information and resources so will be worthwhile for both new and returning parents. The workshop will be presented by YCIS Beijing’s School Counsellor, Rachel George, and is open to the public. Adults. Free 8.30-10am. YCIS Beijing. (RSVP: info@bj.ycef.com)

Positive Discipline in the Classroom Workshop, Apr 11-13
Hello Future hosts a three-day workshop for parents or educators to help them teach children or students important social and life skills. The workshop will also help the participants understand the positive discipline approach that integrates social and emotional learning and reduces challenging student behaviors. Adults. RMB 5,800. 9am-5pm. Hello Future Kindergarten. (WeChat ID: 13071162352)

The Cleveland Orchestra in Beijing, Apr 12-13
One of America’s “Big Five” Orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra is performing live in Beijing. The orchestra boasts a long history of eminent musicianship, as well as a deep catalog of recordings. Today, they are acknowledged among the world’s best orchestras. On April 12-13, they will perform classics by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, and more. All ages. RMB 280-1,680. Performance starts 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts. (6655 0000)

Rumble in the Jumble: Blue Skies, Apr 13
This April 13, expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble is dreaming of Blue Skies! This month’s theme is a salute to the people, vendors, and volunteers alike, who are working to protect the environment. The Rumble in the Jumble team is known for gathering together makers and artisans from the international community for a weekend extravaganza with creative monthly themes that capture what’s fresh and what’s happening in the community. All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

Day Trip: Beijing Arrivals: The History of Dashilar, Apr 13
Beijing has always been a city shaped by waves of migrants and a great example of this is Dashilar, just southwest of the Qianmen Gate. For hundreds of years, this area of Beijing was the ever-simmering melting pot of the capital. Beijing Arrivals is a combined walk and talk by Beijing Postcards. The activity includes a hutong gallery tour and an exploration of the different districts of the neighborhood, with a visit to a couple of families who have worked with Beijing Postcards’ ongoing Oral history project. All ages. RMB 150-300. 3-5.30pm. Beijing Postcards, No. 97 Yangmeizhu Byway, Dashilar Area. (130 1107 8680, beijingpostcards@gmail.com)

Let’s Waltz: The Kempinski Vienna Ball 2019, Apr 13
Celebrate the magic and elegance of Vienna at the Kempinski Vienna Ball 2019. Savor premium Austrian wines and a five-course gala dinner, and enjoy the stunning ball performance, plus a Vienna Coffee House, and much more. Buy charity raffle tickets for a chance to win a round-trip ticket from Beijing to Vienna, including stay prizes. All proceeds will be donated directly to Hefeng Art Foundation. Adults. RMB 1,580. Starts at 6pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center. (6410 4077, meeting.beijing@kempinski.com)

BWYA Annual Musical: The Sound of Music, Apr 13-14
Sing along to The Sound of Music at Beijing World Youth Academy’s (BWYA) annual musical on the weekend of April 13-14! The musical weekend is set to be BWYA’s biggest student-led musical in its history yet, with pupils and members of the BWYA Theatre Troupe taking up roles in acting, directing, costume and set design, stage management, music and more! All ages. RMB 100 (standard ticket), RMB 120 (VIP ticket). 7-9pm. BWYA Performing Arts Centre, 11 Xinshengcun, Chaoyang District.

BSB Shunyi Car Boot Sale, Apr 14
Spring is coming, and the British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) and Roundabout will be holding their second Car Boot Sale! Come and shop for great deals. Interesting used items will be on sale by parents in the school’s parking lot. Part of the proceeds from this event will go to Roundabout. Free entrance for the public. All ages. Free. 10am-1pm. BSB Shunyi. (marketing@bsbshunyi.com)

Pauline’s Cuisine: Chop Chop Knife Skills, Apr 14
Are you a budding chef? Is cooking your passion? One of the main cooking skills that you need to master is the art of handling and using the knife. Professional chef Pauline will teach you how, in her last class before she goes on to another adventure! At this Pauline’s Cuisine class, you’ll also learn how to sharpen and hone your knife. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. East Hotel. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

HoK Parents Education Workshop III: Setting Rules for Children – Why and How?, Apr 18
House of Knowledge (HoK) is arranging a series of workshops for parent education, to share the 21st-century educational spirit and methods to help them understand child behavior more clearly and build effective communication with their children. The third part of the series is themed “Setting Rules for Children – Why and How?” and HOK co-founder Farshad Danicek will explain what rules and boundaries mean to children, why they are important for their well-being and healthy development, and how children learn responsibility through rules. Adults. Free. 9.30-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (6430 2161 ext. 803, marketing@hokschools.com)

Seussical Jr. at Dulwich College Beijing, Apr 18-19
With a cast of over 40 and a live onstage band, Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Junior School is bringing to life all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in Seussical Jr., a musical perfect for the whole family, from age 3 to 300! Scan QR code for tickets. All ages. RMB 50-80. Starts 7pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (RSVP: rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

TNT Theatre Britain: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Apr 18-20
Shakespeare’s most popular comedy deserves its reputation, for here the “lunatic, the lover and the poet” combine with a magical world to create a perfect mix of comedy and romance. This production by the TNT Theatre Britain combines music, dance, and song with a powerful conflict that demonstrates not just the joy but also the pain and madness of love. All ages. RMB 80-380. Starts 9.30pm. Nine Theater 9个剧场.

Learning to Read: English Literacy Foundations, Apr 19
3e International School’s Tea Talk for April provides parents with a sequential understanding of the English reading process from Pre-Kindergarten through Elementary. The session will assist parents with advice and guidelines to help children establish strong English literacy foundations, and further understand the process to support them during these formative years. The activity will be presented by 3e educators Jovita Yenata (Pre-Kindergarten English teacher), Amanda Boarman (Kindergarten English teacher), and Katherine Crawford (Elementary Principal). Adults. Free. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

Samajam: Kids Show 2, Apr 19-21
Dubbed as a “200 percent participatory musical show”, Samajam Kids Show returns to Beijing. Young audience members will join in with the performing musicians as they will receive several musical instruments during the show, helping them learn music while having fun. There will also be a live interactive video game! All ages. RMB 180-380. 10.30am-7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Roundabout Book Fair at Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, Apr 20
Enjoy the reading and happy spirit of Roundabout book fairs! This month, it’s taking place at the Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy on April 20. Find your treasures from any of the 10,000 recently donated, gently used books. Paperbacks cost RMB 10, while hardbacks are RMB 20 each. There are tons of kids’ books and special books starting from RMB 1. Bring your unwanted books with you on the day to donate if you would like to help. All proceeds from Roundabout book fairs will be used to change someone’s life. All ages. Free admission. 10am-3.30pm. Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy.

Day Trip: Under Siege – Boxer Rebellion Walking Tour, Apr 20
Hear the incredible story of the summer of 1900, when 4,000 foreigners and Chinese lived under siege from radical mystic rebels for 55 days. Join Beijing Postcards in this Walk and Talk session into the old Legation Quarter to hear stories about the bombing of the French embassy, the wavering Qing Court and how 200,000 bullets flew without finding a single target. The tour ends at a hutong gallery for a small exhibition curated by Beijing Postcards of original photos and maps from the early 1900s. Adults. RMB 300. 3-5.30pm. Meeting point Tian’anmen West Subway Station Exit B. (130 1107 8680, beijingpostcards@gmail.com)

“The Best of British” Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich College, Apr 20
With the 400th anniversary of its founding school in London, Dulwich College Beijing’s annual charity gala is taking on a special meaning this year! Enjoy an executive chef dinner, exciting prizes, great entertainment, and free flow of wine while supporting the New Hope Foundation. Adults. RMB 1,100 RMB per ticket, RMB 10,000 for a table of 10. Starts 6pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (RSVP: rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Day Trip: Forbidden City – From Dynasty to Republic, Apr 21
On November 5, 1924, the last emperor of China, Puyi was ousted from his residence in the Imperial Palace – the Forbidden City of Beijing. The dismissal of the young bespectacled “boy” emperor was an event of truly epic proportions: the most important institution of Imperial China had now been dissolved. Learn more about this through this Walk and Talk series by Beijing Postcards. Adults. RMB 160-350. 11am-3pm. Meeting point Tian’anmen West Subway Station Exit B. (130 1107 8680, beijingpostcards@gmail.com)

The Bookworm Eco Spring Fair, Apr 21
The Bookworm has invited 35 vendors from across the city and from the local communities of fine artists, handicraft makers, fashion designers, organic food vendors, charity groups, including The Bulk House to stop by and show us how one can produce and consume the green way. Ages 16+. Free. Noon-6pm. The Bookworm, Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District. 北京市朝阳区三里屯南街4号

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)

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)

Mr. Rommel’s Cooking Classes at Ivy Academy Sanlitun, every Sat
Mr. Rommel’s Cooking Class aims to let your kids have fun in the kitchen, and helps them to build positive memories, good vibes, and great food. Your kids will learn the basics of cooking … there’s cutting, smelling, pouring, kneading, and most of all, having fun and learning without being aware of it! The classes run until June 22. All ages. RMB 2,860 (for 13 classes), RMB 260 (individual class). 10-11am. Ivy Academy Sanlitun Campus, (187 1004 6911, rommel.penullar@ivyschools.com)

“Little Italy” at Via Roma, every Sun
Via Roma and its new Chef de Cuisine Andrea Giannini present “Little Italy”, a new type of family Sunday lunch buffet built for an all-inclusive food journey and will serve up Italian classics, specialties and creations fit for an entire Italian family, bambini included! All ages. RMB 288 per person, RMB 388 (with free flow drinks). 11am-3.30pm. Via Roma, 1F of Kempinski Hotel Beijing. (Reservations: 6410 4200)

Four Seasons and One Vivaldi Puppet Show, May 4/5 and May 11/12
Introduce your little one to the world of classical music with this fun puppet show. Little Vivaldi is fascinated by the story his father tells him about young Petrolino the shepherd, interwoven with details about the four seasons. This award-winning English language play is suitable for children 3-8 years of age. Ages 3-8. RMB 80-220. 10.30am-3.30pm. Qinglan Theatre. (400 610 3721)

“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 along the course to cheer on 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.

School Open Days

House of Knowledge Open Day – Xinglong Campus, Apr 4 and 17
Xinglong campus is the third campus of House of Knowledge (HoK), following the success of the Shunyi and Chaoyang Park campuses. Early Years learners follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), a research-based curriculum focused on the social, emotional and cognitive development needs of children age 2-5. It maintains the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child-centered and personalized learning. HoK invites prospective families to their Open Day to get a real feel of the school’s learning practices and learn more about what the Xinglong campus has to offer. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (4006507747, admissions@hokschools.com)

Beijing No. 55 High School Admission Open House, Apr 18
Beijing No. 55 High School International Students Section will hold an open house for recruitment and admissions on April 18 from 9am to 11am. Staff members will tour parents around the campus, answer questions, and give a lecture about the IB Curriculum. All ages. Free admission. 9-11am. 3e International School. (RSVP: bj55iss@bj55.cn)

BSB Shunyi Open Day, Apr 22
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see their school in action. Parents will be able to visit the school’s Primary, German Primary, and Secondary classrooms, and other facilities; talk to teachers; and learn about the enhanced English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme. BSB Shunyi benefits from collaborations with some of the very best organizations including MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (RSVP: admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

Photos: Featured image courtesy of Joy EL International Academy; Luis Quintero, rawpixel.com, Lukas via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers