Despicable Me 4 is out in Beijing cinemas and we know the best kids’ cinema to watch it in, just for this week!

I first discovered the 亲子厅 qīnzǐ tīng (parent-child cinema) at Hopson One a few years ago and still continue to be awed by its offering of a long slide into a ball pit and sofa arm chairs right inside the movie theater! Not to forget its cosy indoor playground right outside the theater, perfect for younger kids who might need a little more wiggle room during the course of the movie (and after!).

Sadly, this cinema usually only plays kids’ movies in Chinese, so I know it’s not ideal for children who might not be so well-versed in the local language. Luckily, I found out that for the first week of an international movie’s release, the cinema will offer some showtimes in the original English language! Since Despicable Me 4 was just released last Friday (Jul 12), it’s still playing in the Hopson One 亲子厅 in English a few times a day! When we checked today, future screenings beyond this week do not show that there will be screenings in English at this particular family-friendly cinema … so take advantage now!

On either WeChat (Me – Services – Event Tickets – search 朝阳合生汇) or Dianping where you’re looking up the movie timings, pick the correct movie poster and scroll down – you’ll want to see the words 原版 yuánbǎn or 英语 yīngyǔ next to the movie timing to know that it’s in the original language or in English. You can also proceed to buy the movie tickets right there online to save time and choose better seats.

From what we see, the English 3D movie ticket prices are at RMB 95.9 apiece and kids pay the same price as adults. Ticket prices include complimentary single-use shoe covers, though our kids were more than happy to throw off their shoes and run around in socks.

As for our thoughts on the film, let’s just say that as a fourth (or sixth installment, depending on how you count it) in the Despicable Me/Minions franchise, manage your expectations and expect plenty of wacky absurdities with a half-baked plot line that hardly maximizes the vocal talents of the A-list cast list, especially Sofia Vergara. Still, the studio’s counting on the loyalty of its kid fanbase to lure you back to the cinema, and you know you’re going to watch it anyway…

Hopson One is located at 21 Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District (朝阳区西大望路21号).

KEEP READING: New Downtown Parent-Child Club Provides Full Day of Educational Fun

Images: Dazhongdianping, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Winter time always poses a challenge to keep moving and stay active, even for kids and teenagers. That’s why turning to a new sport that is conducted safely and warmly indoors might be a great option!

Indoor rock-climbing may not be your usual sport of choice, but it’s actually a fantastic activity for all ages. Aside from developing physical strength, coordination and endurance, it’s actually just as beneficial for the brain as you have to plan ahead and strategise your next move.

Grand Rock 浩石运动攀岩空间 (Hào shí yùndòng pānyán kōngjiān) is a well-rated and reputable indoor rock climbing business in Beijing, with a focus on the youth market. They have an outlet up in Huomao Place, a shopping plaza in the north of Chaoyang district in Laiguangying, and just recently opened a new store in Gold Long Shopping Center 久隆百货（酒仙桥店) Jiǔlóng bǎihuò (jiǔxiān qiáo diàn) in the Jiuxianqiao area.

As part of their new store opening promotion, there’s a nice offer for you to try out their 10m+ indoor rock walls at RMB 99 for three trials. You can even opt for a one-on-one session that lasts 60 minutes at just RMB 299 instead of the usual price of RMB 620.

If you already have a young climbing enthusiast at home, you’ll be glad to know that they are offering a youth class package at a discounted price of RMB 1,888 for 9 group classes. These 9 classes have to be used up before 10th Feb this year, which may make a good rock climbing day camp option for those staying in Beijing through Chinese New Year with no plans.

Grand Rock also conducts outdoor rock-climbing classes around Beijing come summertime, so your kids can get their hands on some real rocks then!

Find it:
Grand Rock
Gold Long Shopping Center
39 Jiuxianqiao Road
​浩石运动攀岩空间 （久隆店)
酒仙桥路39号久隆百货1层中厅
​Tel: 130 122 03711​

KEEP READING: Indoor Play Areas Reopen Around Town With Discount Tix

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, courtesy of Grand Rock 浩石运动攀岩空间

Beijing parents are always asking “Where can I throw a birthday party for my kid?” Well, we’re here to tackle that big bouncy question as we explore different types of venues all over the city, and give you an in-depth look at your kids’ party options. Search #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for more recommendations from us.

The other day I was browsing through Dianping, searching for options for a lazy late afternoon with my kids, and I found this place that was quite far for me, but I decided to give it a shot.

Located in Fengtai District and reachable by Line 10 on the subway, my newest finding is a huge indoor playground with everything to keep the little ones entertained for hours. Boreal Star & Flower Land is actually a part of Borui Sports Complex, a big indoor venue that features a basketball court, a tennis court, an archery hall, indoor skiing and rock climbing halls, indoor go-karting, a fitness arena, a trampoline park and more.

To get to the play area, you need to walk down a long hallway, pass the rock climbing hall and turn right into yet another long hallway that takes you to a flight of stairs. Go up the stairs and you’ll find little lockers to leave your stuff in (not mandatory) and that’s where a huge children’s paradise will unfold before your very eyes.

My kids couldn’t wait to kick their shoes off and dive into a massive ball pit. It was Wednesday afternoon, but I still couldn’t believe how empty it was. The whole place was ours to explore and I love, love, loved that the kids could run around freely. With padded walls, posts, and flooring, every surface is as safe as it gets.

There are trampolines, slides of different sizes, climbing structures, a mini carousel, activity panels, foam play pieces, and also interactive walk-on piano keys that my toddler found scary at first, but as soon as he figured them out I couldn’t drag him away from them. As for Noa, he finds air tubes fascinating, and since the playground has them in every play area he got pretty busy watching balls whizz through tubes. There is, of course, a dress-up room, a supermarket, and a play kitchen for the kids to enjoy.

The playground includes a lot of interactive play equipment and activities for kids of different age groups, but I’d say that kids aged 0-10 can all find something to keep themselves entertained. And dear fellow tired parents, don’t fret! There’s something for us, too. Those nice, big massage chairs inside the playground are there so you can sit, relax and watch your kids going all excited while you get a well-deserved time-out.

We got the tickets on Dianping for RMB 98 which included two hours of play for a child and a parent (we got there after five so there was no point buying the unlimited play ticket). However, there are different options ranging from RMB 98 to RMB 158.

The downside? I had to buy two tickets for two kids and two parents, as there was no option for getting a deal for two kids with one parent (but that’s something that’s very common in China).

Another thing: While there is a nursing room where you can feed and change your babies that also has a few potties for young kids, the actual toilet is on the ground floor, so you need to walk downstairs through the hallway from the beginning of this article if you or your older child needs to use the restroom.

Boreal Star & Flower Land offers a birthday package with a very affordable price tag. RMB 888 will get you unlimited play for the kids, and for an additional RMB 1,000 they will provide snacks, cold salads, sandwiches, soft drinks and even dessert. Decorating the party room will cost you an additional RMB 200. You can also opt for having a professional clown entertain the kids for RMB 600.

So, whether you want to find an affordable place to host your kid’s birthday party or just a new place to let your kids run their energy off while you sip your coffee in a comfy massage chair, we highly recommend this experience. And who knows, maybe you end up going back for go-karting or rock climbing!

Find it:
Boreal Star & Flower Land 博锐星朵主题乐园
2/F, Yuquanying Hall (west side), Borui Sports Complex, 89-16 Jijiamiao, Fengtai District
丰台区纪家庙89-16博锐体育综合体玉泉营馆西侧二楼
Tel: 136 8137 2991

Images: Sanja Stojkov

It’s no secret that Beijing is the historical and cultural heart of the vast nation of China, so it’s little wonder that there are so many live performances and shows happening all the time! Of course, unless you’re fluent in the native tongue, many of those performances may be rather confusing. Luckily, there are a number of worthwhile shows that are subtitled, or simply need little translation to be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.

1. Golden Mask Dynasty Show 金面王朝

Sporting a large ensemble of dancing and stunt-performing cast members, birds of paradise, real aquatic special effects, and costumes up the wazoo, the Golden Mask Dynasty show was a spectacular extravaganza. With subtitles displayed on the screens next to the stage, you’ll be able to get more than a rough understanding of the legendary tale. Truth be told, I hardly remember the story, but I remember my son and me being on the edge of our seats the whole time. One show reviewer wrote, “If I could give this show more than 5 stars I would, it is definitely a once-in-lifetime-must-watch-show, very captivating, once it starts, it just gets better and better till the end, you would not want to miss any minute of it!” 

One show is available daily from 4-5pm at the OCT Theatre outside Happy Valley, Chaoyang District

2. Flying Acrobat Show at Chaoyang Theatre 杂技飞翔

You can’t possibly leave China without having watched a live acrobatic performance, so why not watch one of the best acrobatic shows in town? The Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show features tumblers, gymnasts, contortionists, and acrobats performing jaw-dropping feats of skill and finesse. Aside from stunts such as the Flying Trident, Giant Wheel of Death, and Human Pyramid on a bicycle, there’s even the Motorbike Globe featuring a – wait for it – motorcycle in a globe! This is a thrill ride for the whole family you don’t want to miss.

One show is available daily from 4-5pm at the Chaoyang Theatre

3. Flyover Experience 飞越中国

Tired of the travel restrictions and afraid you won’t see the rest of China while you’re here? Then Flyover China is the ride for you. The ride utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the ultimate feeling of flight. You’ll be whisked away on an exhilarating journey across China as you hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 25-meter spherical screen. Special effects recreate the wind-in-your-hair sensation and even your olfactory senses will be tickled! The ride may only be 11 minutes long, but you’ll feel like you just went around the whole of China in that time. As a bonus, the theatre is right next to the Shijingshan Amusement Park, which is one of Beijing’s larger theme parks (before Universal Studios opened) that’s worth a day trip while you’re there!

Shows available from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-4.30pm at Flyover the World Theatre, Shijingshan Amusement Park, Shijingshan District

4. Laoshe Tea House 老舍茶馆京味综艺演出

Looking for some authentic Chinese flavor? The Laoshe Tea House itself is a beautiful piece of living history and a testament to 1930s Chinese architecture and style. But there’s more – within these walls awaits a variety of traditional folk performances including Peking opera, hand shadow play, face changing, acrobatics, magic tricks, and even Chinese martial arts. Due to covid restrictions, the tea and pastries that are included in your ticket price cannot be consumed on the premises but can be brought home to enjoy after the show.

One show is available daily from 7.30-8.40pm during winter at Laoshe Teahouse, No.3, Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District.

To purchase tickets to these shows at a discount even compared to Dianping, contact May Zhang from Show Beijing.

Jingkids is happy to announce that we struck a deal with May to give away a pair of tickets to one of these four fantastic shows of your choice*! All you have to do is share this article on your moments with a comment about which show you want to watch and we’ll pick a lucky winner by Friday, Jan 28.

*subject to availability

KEEP READING: Your Beijing Guide to Indoor Skiing

Images: Show Beijing

It may be a bit of a cliché but now that we’re well into negative temperatures, I’m sorely missing all those quintessential summertime activities. We don’t know what we have until it’s gone, right? But hold up, water sports aren’t off the table quite yet, not while these indoor wave houses are around anyway. So come on down and dip your toe into the lukewarm 28-degree water, which will allow you to splash around in comfort and fun!

Subconscious Heat Wave Player 潜艺视热浪玩家

Don’t let the overly verbose and odd name deter you from checking this place out. Suitable for kids and adults, this wave house has been complimented for its clean water and premises. Located east of downtown Beijing, they even have a hot spring pool too! As for the surfing part, they have instructors on hand, ready to help you get up on the board, or you can simply surf solo if you already know how. A first-time 30-minute trial class costs RMB 168 on Dianping and includes use of the hot spring to unwind either before or after your gnarly surf session. During winter, opening hours are daily from 10am-8pm.

Search 潜艺视热浪玩家 qián yì shì rè làng wán jiā in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

Wavorhouse 威波豪欺冲浪俱乐部

Wavorhouse goes all out to promote that sunny lifestyle, as seen from their sandy beach backdrop and surfer van decorative set up. Their local coaches have received rave reviews, so this may be the place to go for a surf class if that’s what you’re looking for. They also offer group classes at RMB 198 for 30 minutes. Pro tip: On your birthday you can join the group class for just RMB 99 instead! Opening hours are Tuesday through Friday, 1-8pm, and weekends from noon-8pm.

Search 威波豪欺冲浪俱乐部 wēi bō háo qī chōng làng jù lè bù in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

Surf Park 冲浪公园 探水冲浪体验店

Calling all Instagrammers and aspiring models/influencers! This wavehouse offers an in-house videography and photography package for RMB 283 so you can forever capture the moment when you successfully stand up on the board and hit the waves. A first-time hour-long experience – which consists of 10 minutes of instruction, followed by 45 minutes of surfing – costs RMB 328. Note that this place is only open on Mondays and Wednesdays through Sundays (i.e. closed on Tuesdays) from 2 to 9pm.

Search 探水冲浪体验店 tàn shuǐ chōng làng tǐ yàn diàn in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

KEEP READING: These Snow Parks and Ice Rinks Are Open!

Images: Dianping

So much for outdoor summer fun huh? This week’s weather forecast is predicting rain all week, so we’ve decided to share one of my most well-kept secret indoor hangouts to give you some shelter (both physically and mentally). As a self-declared cinephile, I just had to find a cinema that I could bring my kid to when we first arrived in Beijing. By lucky coincidence, I found that I could buy movie tickets on WeChat (step-by-step guide below), and at that time, the closest cinema in my vicinity was at Hopson One. The only animated film I was remotely interested in was showing in the 亲子厅 (qīngzǐtīng) parent-child cinema, so I bought the tickets and made my way to the very popular mall.

Introduction to Hopson One: This family-friendly mall is in the heart of Shuangjing, and boasts a six-floor shopping and dining paradise, with the third floor dedicated entirely to kids products and services. During the holidays, the sixth floor usually puts up temporary kid-friendly installations like ice-skating rinks and basketball courts.

There’s no poetic way to translate this, but I learned that the qingziting is basically the family-friendly cinema. How is it family-friendly you ask? Well, check out the video below and see for yourself!

Outside the cinema is a small but perfectly adequate playground with a mini rock wall and trampoline, but the real prize lies within the theatre itself. The interior is decked out in welcoming colored sofas, and features a…wait for it…5m-long slide with a ball pit! In my experience, all the kids generally behave really well and practically play in silence while the film is on. In fact, most often, they end up watching the film from the ball pit, as you can see in the photo below.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to purchasing movie tickets on WeChat. Qingzi ting cinema tickets are RMB 80 apiece, and both you and the kids will need to purchase a full-priced ticket. Ticket prices include complimentary single-use shoe covers, though our kids were more than happy to throw off their shoes and run around in socks.

Go to WeChat Pay and scroll down to the Event Tickets option. That will bring you to movies straight away. The family-friendly cinema option is qingziting and movies in English are listed as 英语 yīngyǔ English-language.

The films they show in Hopson One’s qingziting are mostly in Chinese, which is great for an immersive language experience for parents and children alike. Plus, they’re animated films which have universal appeal. Worst-case scenario, you’re lying back on a roomy, comfy sofa watching a cartoon while your kid is safely, happily, and pretty quietly occupied, all for under RMB 160. For me, that’s worth the price. Side note, my non-Chinese speaking kid was engaged the whole time, and could even make out some of the plot. So if you’re looking for an indoor cinema retreat, this is the place to go. And afterwards, there’s a Haagen Dazs and Pizza Marzano right outside for eats. Enjoy the movies!

Hopson One is located at 21 Xidawang Lu Chaoyang District (朝阳区西大望路21号).

KEEP READING: Fun DIY for a Rainy Day: Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders

Images: Dazhongdianping, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

For those of us abiding by quarantine policies and effectively holding onto our health throughout the Coronavirus epidemic, one thing that still threatens our wellbeing is a tendency towards inactivity and lack of exercise. For the first few days, video game and movie binges were all well and fine, but as this thing continues to drag on, it’s important that we look after the entirety of our health, as opposed to the limited view of what can be compromised by the virus.

Previously, we shared some moves and exercises from KMG X Global One’s head instructor, Von Ng, that the whole family could do at home. But today, we’re hitting the pitch. Or rather, bringing the pitch inside.

Over the next few weeks, the folks at China ClubFootball will be rolling out their series, Skills in Small Spaces, to help soccer fans continue developing their skills, even in the comfort of their own home. In each video, a China ClubFootball instructor will share new skills, followed by a set of challenges to help hone those skills.

The first video, released yesterday, focuses on Side to Side and Toe Tap drills. Players are encouraged to see how many of each they can do within a 30 second period, and whether or not they can continuously beat their own score. Once these two drills are well-practiced, it’s time to move onto the Side to Side-Toe Tap combo!

So clear a space in your house and get that body moving. It’ll not keep only your body sharp, but your mind as well.

Scan the QR code above to stay up on all of China ClubFootball’s videos.

Photos: China ClubFootball, Pixabay

When we think of summer, we think of lots of outdoor fun. There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors during the summer break: pool parties, nature walks, hikes, and alfresco dining are all awesome summer activities for the family to enjoy. However outdoor fun is not always feasible in Beijing.

When the sun is high, sometimes it’s just way too hot to venture out with the kids. I have found that waiting until the weather cools during the late afternoon to head out for some air or go for a walk is best. There’s also the matter of smog. Families are sometimes either contending with poor air quality or stifling temperatures in Beijing, so what to do with the kids when staying indoors is the only option?

There are plenty of exciting indoor activities that involve more than just positioning yourself comfortably in front of the TV. Prepare for some indoor fun with the following activities and yield some incredible keepsakes and memories of time with your little ones.

Fun Indoors

Set up a tent and snuggle with night lights

You may not have room for an open tent indoors, however crafting your own tent out of blankets, sheets, and comforters is way more fun anyway! I used to love rummaging through the airing cupboard when I was small, tugging away at sheets that were old enough to be given the seal of approval by mom to be used as a play item. Make a fort and play with dolls, cars, or whatever your kid’s favorite toys are. Alternatively turn the lights off, get the night light out or a torch, and snuggle up with some good short stories.

Make frozen ice-pops together

This is perfect for those stifling hot days most of us will never become accustomed to here in Beijing! Who doesn’t like a cool, refreshing frozen ice-pop? You can make a sweet but healthy ice-pop using your favorite fruit and yogurt, it’s as simple as that – for a frozen strawberry pop, mash strawberries, add Greek or another plain yogurt, and scoop into ice-pop molds or cups with sticks. Freeze until sold, and enjoy. Watermelon or coconut water on its own works well, too!

Write and illustrate a book together

You don’t just have to read books to your little ones. Get creative and get the kids’ imagination flowing! Why not try writing a short story with your kids? You can start by crafting the first sentence and then have your child continue with the next. Keep going until you have a full story. Once complete get the colored pencils out and start illustrating your book. Gather the family and have an author’s reading session in your living room!

Have a treasure hunt

I can’t wait to do this with Lux. Gather up some toys or treats, such as lollipops, mini bags of popcorn, or your child’s favorite fruit, and hide them from your kid to find. Play music in the background and when the time is up, turn the music off to indicate that the treasure hunt is over and give hints to help your kid find any undiscovered items. Place new treats in new places, and repeat!

Have a movie party

If you do like the idea of getting comfortably settled on the sofa, make it more exciting by having a movie theater day. Pop popcorn, close the curtains, get the pillows out, and be creative by preparing a pick and mix the kids can select from and purchase using chocolate coins! To make it even more exciting, prepare a movie trivia session as a post-viewing activity to liven things up again.

Photos: Pixabay

Beijing will be witnessing another temperature drop next week. Yet worry not! There are plenty of places for family fun in winter that numbing coldness can’t spoil, from kid-friendly museums, theme parks, and playgrounds, to some free attractions for kids. Check out our selection below, and step out of your warm apartment to have a fun family day out!

Indoor

Le Cool Ice Skating Rink 国贸溜冰场

Le Cool Ice Skating Rink is an environmentally-friendly venue with a wide range of skate sizes available for rental, catering for all ages. The good thing about it compared to an outdoor skating rink is the surrounding outlets offering snacks and beverages for grab-and-goes and the clutch of cafes and restaurants for a proper meal. The rink also provides skating classes and hockey training.

10am-10pm. RMB 30-50 for 90 minutes. B2/F China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 北京朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸地下2层 (6505 5776)

Beijing Pacific Underwater World 太平洋海底世界

Beijing Pacific Underwater World presents an amazing variety of aquatic life, the comprehensive collection including very rare species. And there are performances scheduled throughout the day, not only entertaining the little guests but also helping them get to know more about the underwater world.

8am-5.30pm. RMB 150 (one parent and one kid). Beneath CCTV tower, No. 11, W. 3rd Ring Rd. Middle, Haidian District. 海淀区西三环中路11号中央电视塔院内 (6871 4695)

Beijing Natural History Museum 北京自然博物馆

If dinosaurs are popular in your house, this place will be right up your street. Home to an abundant collection of artifacts, fossils, and specimens, Beijing Natural History Museum presents permanent exhibitions featuring reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, dinosaur fossils, plants, and rare animal specimens from around the world, as well as explaining the evolution of human beings.

Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm. Free entrance (some charges apply for temporary exhibitions, and reservations one day in advance are recommended since the museum might get full during the summer holiday). No. 126 Tianqiao South Street, Dongcheng District. 东城区天桥南街126号(6702 7702; office@bmnh.org.cn).

MK Reptile Theme Park 魔界爬行动物主题亲子公园

MK Reptile Theme Park is home to both an open-air area, and an indoor exhibition area that has an extensive collection of turtles of various species and sizes, lizards, rare snakes, fish, birds, and even crocodiles. The park also hosts family-friendly events regularly, including pet talent shows, creative markets, and other outdoor activities that help children stay active and encourage team building.

10am-6pm. RMB 45 per person (free for children under 1.2m and those aged above 60, check the website for tickets). Yu’an Road, Ximagezhuang, Gaoliying, Shunyi District. 北京市顺义区-高丽营镇裕安路 (185 1901 7909, 189 1034 7110)

Outdoor

The Olympic Park Skating Rink奥林匹克公园

Olympic Park Skating Rink is the biggest outdoor rink in Beijing, with a total area of 23,000 square meters. The rink is divided into three parts, one for leisure skating, one for ice cycling, and one for hockey. Note: Skating equipment rental available.

9am-9pm. RMB 10 for weekdays, RMB 20 for weekends (rent fee for skating equipment not included). No.1 Anding Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区安定路1号

The Chinese Minorities Park 中华民族园

Set within peaceful and lush grounds, the Chinese Minorities Park is more an outdoor museum, consisting of a North Park and a South Park which provide education about the traditions and cultures of the different ethnic groups of China in an engaging and memorable format. Traditional buildings that can be found dotted around the park are kitted out with authentic looking furniture and instruments of daily life.

Daily 8.30am-5pm. RMB 90 (Mar 16-Nov 14), RMB 60 (Nov 15-Mar 15, only the North Park is open), RMB 45 on Mondays (no performances). 1 Minzuyuan Lu Chaoyang District. 朝阳区民族园路1号 (6206 3647).

Milu Park 麋鹿苑

Milu Park hosts more than 800 Milu (Pere David’s deer) in suburban Beijing. Covering an area of 67 hectares, the park is a natural reserve with swamps, grassland, ponds, and forests. It is not only an important place to display the deer and other wild animals, but also ideal for teenagers to learn about environmental protection, and for photographers to catch the endangered animals roaming around.

Tue-Sun 9am-4pm. Free admission. Luyuan Lu, Sanhaizi, Daxing District. 北京市大兴区南海子 (8796 2105).

Photos: Justgola; brazilian-architects