WeChat groups are a vital resource for Beijing’s international community, not only providing information but bringing together people with shared interests. Each week we’ll be highlighting a thriving group chat, so whether you’re new to town or just looking to expand your networks, you can find your people.

It’s not always possible to describe Beijing’s international community as “close-knit”, but here’s a group that definitely measures up! Beijing Guild is a group for people who love a good yarn. We asked Sharee Hebert, who is a teacher at Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing), to tell us more.

Sharee Hebert

Tell us about yourself, and how you became admin of this group.
I learned how to knit in 2010, shortly before moving back to China. I saw an ad on theBeijinger for a knitting group, so I contacted the woman in charge and started attending meetings. I have made so many great friends through this group, and also learned how to make beautiful projects with yarn! Now I run my own knitting club at school and am sharing the craft with as many students as I can.

We’ve had more than 100 women come and go over the years. I’m not the official admin, but am sort of the “assistant admin,” as I take over when it’s time for a clean-up. It sort of happened by default, since I’m one of the longest running members. There are about three of us left from the original meetings way back in 2010.

Who’s in the group and what do you talk about?
The group consists of mostly women, with the occasional man, who knit, crochet, sew, or embroider. At our regular gatherings, we chat about everything, but the WeChat group mostly talks about knitting projects, yarn questions, our upcoming meetings, and daily life in Beijing. We are from all over the world.

Do you meet up in real life?
We meet regularly in various locations in Chaoyang, Tuesday afternoons from 1.30-3.30pm, and Thursday evenings from 5.30-8.30pm. There’s also a Shunyi group that meets on Fridays during the school year. Sometimes we do special workshops for specialized projects. Last year we knitted and crocheted hats and socks to donate to the babies at Dew Drops. The location changes weekly, and an email is sent out on Sunday with the address and details. We welcome any kind of crafter to come join us, and don’t require any sort of commitment.

If you’d like to join Beijing Guild, contact WeChat ID Shareehebert to be added to the group. You can request to be on the mailing list at www.beijingguild.com.

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Unique 
Peter Pan’s Adventure Island, Dec 17 to Dec 31 
All ages. Chidren’s drama Peter Pan’s Adventure Island has premiered in Beijing in an immersive theatrical format. The play, with art direction by renowned Broadway producer Randy Weiner, is the latest work by a team of Broadway veterans. RMB 580 (1 person), RMB 880 (2 people), RMB 1280 (3 people). 10.30am-3pm. Xie Dao Dui Cun Resort (蟹岛度假村).

New Years Eve Dinner at Bistrot B, Dec 31 
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 6.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.

Immortal Valley Loop Hike, Dec 31 
Adults. Join the Beijing Hikers on their New Years Eve hike through the Immortal Valley. This hike is intense so may not be for the average sunny day hiker. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8.30am-6pm. The Great Wall (Immortal Valley Loop).

Sunset Hike Over Huanghuacheng, Dec 31
Adults. The Bejing Hikers will also be hosting a sunset hike over Huanghuacheng. This hike is a bit of a challenge, so perfect for those looking for a little bit more intensity in their hike. RMB 420 (non-members), RMB 380 (members). 11am-4pm. The Great Wall (Huanghuacheng).

Sound of Veinna: Beijing New Year Concert 2017, Dec 31 
All ages. In 1992, New Year concerts began in China. Since then, people in Beijing are used to celebrating New Year in festive orchestral atmosphere with Strauss music. Listen to the exciting sounds of Austrian Strauss Legacy Philharmonic Orchestra as they play some of their most beautiful melodies. Prices range from RMB 120 to RMB1680. 7.30pm. The Great Hall of the People.

Gubeikou Great Wall Loop, Jan 1
Ages 12+. The Bejing Hikers will also be going on a hike to Gubeikou on the Great Wall. Bring your hiking shoes and gear for a wonderful afternoon with great scenery and even better company. RMB 450 (RMB 405 for members, RMB 200 for under 12’s). 9.30am-4pm. The Great Wall.

New Years Day Brunch at Bistrot B, January 1 
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 6.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.

Best of Next Week

Safari Song Time, Jan 6
Ages 3-18 months. All babies – from the quietest to the most vocal – love singing and rhymes! Every Friday a group will host a Safari Song Time at the Bookworm to take your little one on a fun safari as he/she learns songs and rhymes from around the world, that you can also practice at home. RMB 60. 10.30-11.30am. The Bookworm.

Legally Blonde: The Musical, Jan 12 and Jan 14
All ages. This January, the Yew Chung International School of Beijing will wow audiences with a performance of the critically acclaimed show: “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Featuring students from across their Secondary School, this fun and upbeat production will have you clapping and singing along! Free. 7.30pm (Thursday, Jan 12), 2pm and 7.30pm (Saturday, Jan 14). YCIS Beijing Auditorium.

Chinese New Year Workshops: Surrealism, Jan 23 to Jan 30
Ages 5-12. Through exploring surrealist techniques such as collages, exquisite corpses, 3D works, etching, automatic writing and drawing students will discover new artists such as Magritte, Dali,  De Chirico, Escher, Ernst and their impressive and imaginative art works. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,500 for both Atelier’s students and who registered before the 10th of January). 10am-Noon (5-8 years old), 1:30-4:00pm (8-12 years old). Atelier Art School.

Chinese New Year Workshops: Modern Revolution, Jan 30 to Feb 3
Ages 5 – 12. Students will learn about the Modern Revolution, a period during the 19th century when many artists started to make art about people, places, or ideas that interested them, and of which they had direct experience. Challenging the notion that art must realistically depict the world, some artists experimented with the expressive use of color, non-traditional materials, and new techniques and mediums. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,500 for both Atelier’s students and who registered before the 15th of January). Atelier Art School.

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Free
The Show of Embroideries: ‘25℃on Fingertips’, Dec 19 to Jan 5 
All ages. The SHOW OF EMBROIDERIES, presented by NICE and Artron ARTPLUS, blends Chinese intangible cultural heritage with fashion design and craftsmanship, respectively demonstrated by eleven independent brands.Participants will take a closer look at the development of intangible culture protection in modern times. Free. 10am-5pm. Gallery of Network Center of International Cultural Exchange (NICE).

Teacher’s Day, Thursdays
All ages. JMB Shunyi will be hosting Teacher’s days every Thursday. Get 10% off the entire menu and 20% off organic wines! Stop by every Thursday at JUICE by Melissa! Make sure to stop by between 5pm until closing. Free. 5pm-9pm. Juice by Melissa.

Learning About Dongzhi – The Winter Solstice, Dec 21
All ages. Make an appearance at The Mandarin as they delve into the history behind another traditional Chinese winter festival, Dongzhi. They will discuss the why and the how behind Chinese people’s celebration of this holiday. RMB 100, Free for kids under 10. 6pm-8pm. The Mandarin.

Unique
3 weeks of Drawing and Painting Masterclass at Atelier, Shunyi, Dec 12 to Dec 30 
Ages 9+. This year Atelier is offering a three-week painting course for all children ages nine and above. Begin with basic drawing and sketching, move on to oil painting, and lastly ascend to acrylic painting. RMB 1,800. 9.30am-12pm. Atelier Art School, Shunyi.

Smart Coding Plus Winter Camp @ WAB or at YCIS, Dec 19 to Dec 30 
Ages 6-16. Smart Coding Plus is the first high-end youth creative coding education brand that offers cutting-edge coding curriculum to 6-16 years old students. Courses include Scratch series, Minecraft series, and JavaScript series. RMB 5,000. 10am-3pm. WAB and YCIS. (18500933181, info@smartcodingplus.com).

The Slab One Week Fashion Course, Dec 19 to Dec 23 
Ages 7-12. Does your house have a burgeoning fashionista? The Slab has just the thing for him or her. This December The Slab will be hosting two, one week fashion courses for kids. Join The Slab and let your child’s fashion senses grow. RMB 1,888. 10am-4pm. The Slab.

Flips & Kicks Plus Winter Camp, Dec 19 to Jan 6 (Monday thru Friday) 
Ages 8-15. If you and the family are staying in Beijing this winter BSB and Kerry Sports has an exciting sports camp that is perfect for your kids to have fun and stay active! Participants will have the chance to try many different sports including fencing, gymnastics, martial arts, vollyball, and more! RMB 1,950. 9am-2.30pm. BSB Sanlitun.

“Let’s eat!” Art Workshop, Dec 19 to Dec 22 
Ages 5-12. Join Atelier Art School this holiday season for a delightfully surrealist food art workshop! Salvador Dali’s surrealist cookbook to Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s portraits, the activities will stimulate the children’s imagination to explore food in exciting new ways, from smelling, touching textures, sculpting new flavor and forms! RMB 1,200. 10am-12pm (ages 5-8), 1.30pm-4pm (ages 8-12). Atelier Art School.

Great Wall Christmas Eve: Hemp Village to Gubeikou Great Wall, Dec 24
All ages. This Christmas Eve exercise and outdoors enthusiasts will want to join the Beijing Hikers on their scenic Hemp Village to Gubeikou Great Wall hike. The hike will be followed by a visit to the Gubeikou restaurant for a big lunch and then a dumpling-making contest, with prizes to be won! RMB 450 (non-members), RMB 405 (members). 8.30am-6pm. The Great Wall.

Learn Flamenco Dance and Guitar, Dec 24 and Dec 25
All ages. Casa Flemanco will present private flamenco dance and guitar class on the weekend from 26 Nov to 25 Dec. 10 kuai will get you 15 minutes instruction of essential flamenco movement and rhythms by an experienced flamenco teacher. RMB 10. Casa Flamenco. (13910914251).

Best of Next Week 
Ho Ho House of Knowledge Christmas Camp, Dec 19 to Dec 23 
Ages 3-6. Join HoK for their 2016 Christmas-Camp-Wonderland for a fun filled week that will get your little one into the Christmas sprit! This action packed camp will have many activities including letters to Santa, festive stories and play, Christmas art’s, baking, crafts, jingles, and so much more. RMB 2,200 (full day), RMB 1,350 (half day w/o lunch), RMB 1,720 (half day w/lunch), RMB 200 (school bus). 9am-3.30pm. House of Knowledge.

Hike at Immortal Valley Loop, Dec 31
Adults. Join the Beijing Hikers on their New Years Eve hike through the Immortal Valley. This hike is intense so may not be for the average sunny day hiker. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8.30am-6pm. The Great Wall (Immortal Valley Loop).

Sunset Hike Over Huanghuacheng, Dec 31 
Adults. The Bejing Hikers will also be hosting a sunset hike over Huanghuacheng. This hike is a bit of a challenge, so perfect for those looking for a little bit more intensity in their hike. RMB 420 (non-members), RMB 380 (members). 11am-4pm. The Great Wall (Huanghuacheng).

New Years Eve Dinner at Bistrot B, Dec 31 
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 6.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.

Photos: theBeijinger

This week’s Shunyi Happenings promises something for everyone in the family. Read through to discover what perks your interest and where you’ll be this week! If you want to promote an event, store opening or closing, sale, and any other fun family friendly event taking place in Shunyi, please get in touch with our Shunyi Correspondent Anjana Kainikkara by emailing anjanakainikkara@beijing-kids.com

Art, Culture and Charity Talk at Ricamo Art Gallery, May 5
Shell’s Outpost’s events for Shell partners, brings together two amazing women to share their stories and creativity. Du Juan is a Chinese Embroidery artist and owner of the amazingly beautiful Ricamo Gallery. Over the past 10 years she has worked with highly skilled embroidery craftswomen in the rural villages around Suzhou to produce high quality, stunning works of embroidery based art. She is an expert on the historical and aesthetic roots of Chinese embroidery, and her pieces are widely collected internationally as well.

Jenny McGee is founder and C.E.O of the Starfish Project. Since 2006 the mail order/party jewelry business set up by Jenny in Beijing, has been working to empower and change the lives of exploited women in China. Bring your friends to take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear them talk about their inspirations, goals and aspirations. Enjoy an interesting morning immersed in culture and mesmerizing art!

Free. 10am-Noon. Ricamo Gallery, Shun Huang Lu, Shunyi District, (tandckh@gmail.com)

Riviera Chic at Riviera Country Club, May 11
All ages. An exclusive one-of-a-kind design and fashion event for everyone! Come along and browse the spring/summer collections of select vendors such as, DdW Handmade Textiles, Antonia Sampson’s Jewelry, Vera Bradley, Taitai Designs, Sew Gorgeous, Xiang Spa, and many more. Steer clear of driving into the city to engage in retail therapy. Instead, swing by to check out this chic event with your friends. Indulge yourself or spoil others with fabulous gifts from such a varied range of products.

Free. 10am-8pm. Riviera Country Club, No.1, Xiang Jiang Bei Road, Chaoyang District (+86 10 84506888)

3rd Annual Super Sprint Triathlon at WAB, May 14
Age 16+. TRI4CHANGE is collaborating with Roundabout to give you this unique opportunity to keep fit and raise money for charity at the same time!  This fun, competitive race will feature a 400m swim, 12km cycle, and a 3km run to get to the finish line. The winners from both the men’s and women’s divisions will be handsomely rewarded with a spot in next September’s Beijing International Triathlon. Money raised at this event will go to Roundabout to pay for a needy child’s medical expenses. The races will commence at 7am. Choose to support by participating, sponsoring, or volunteering. For more information or to register, go to http://www.tri4change.net/

RMB 300/Athlete, RMB 300/Team of 2. Sat, May 14. 7am onwards. WAB, (tri4change@gmail.com)

Imagival: Giant Outdoor Festival by Imagine, May 14-15
Ages 7-13. A unique weekend of outdoor action and adventure, with a variety of fun activities to choose from! It’s definitely going to be one humongous fun-fest for your children, one of the biggest China has ever seen. Six hundred lucky kids in attendance will experience extremely exciting and thrilling activities on a mountainous terrain in Changping District. For more information click on www.imagival.com

Ayi Western Cooking Workshop at Chopstix and Sporks
For adults. The new schedule for May is out! Help your ayi work toward a perfectly balanced Western meal! Sign her up for these classes that take place every Thursday. She’ll acquire the basic skills to make delightful meals with a focus on food safety, while your family will benefit from healthy, nutritious food. Scan the QR code (on the flyer) to join their WeChat group or Facebook page and get regular updates. Registration required.

RMB 200 per class, RMB 700 for four classes (paid in advance). 10am-Noon, 1pm-3pm. Chopstix and Sporks (Scan QR code)

Photo Courtesy: Ricamo Gallery, TRI4CHANGE, Riviera Country Club, Chopstix and Sporks, Imagine