Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

Ajit Khan is the Executive Assistant Manager in charge of the Food and Beverage department at the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun. Hailing from India, Ajit completed his hotel management studies in Malaysia, and began his hospitality career in China as a management trainee in 2007.

This has been a really difficult time for the F&B industry. How are you and your team staying positive?

Necessity is the mother of invention (or innovation in our case!)

If we look back at our most loved offers – Bee Brunch at Char, Dim Sum & More at Ying, Ladies Night at Top Tapas, Royal Afternoon Tea at Royal Lounge, Staycations, and recently popular home deliveries – all have been launched during the most challenging of times.

All the excitement we create keeps the team positive. It’s infectious! Try it.

What’s your motivation to keep going right now?

Very often, a change of self is needed more than a change of scene. With this motto in any situation, you can outperform your competitors, attract the best talent, and continuously delight the people around you.

What is one thing you try and do for yourself every day so that you can be at your best?

Listening to a podcast for about 30 minutes. The topics range from TED talks, social matters, history, finance, environment conversation, music, and more. I find it fascinating how these seemingly unrelated topics provide a new perspective and are applicable to the hospitality industry on many different levels!

What advice do you have for other hospitality workers right now?

Focus on quality, personalization, and attention to detail. Remember, in the process of innovation, learning is more important than knowing.

And lastly, make mistakes! It is proof you are trying!

To check out all the new and innovative ideas percolating at InterContinental hotels, message Ajit at the QR code below.

Images: Ajit

KEEP READING: Von Ng’s Bag Keeps Him Ready for Anything!

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!

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. 

3e Tea Talk: How to Better Communicate within Family Relationships, Nov 14
This 3e International School workshop helps parents understand communication within their family group (husband/ wife, with our parents, with our kids) and learn how to better communicate with them. Attendees will learn how to recognize their own and other personalities and understand communication tools in order to have better relationships with them. Adults. Free admission. 1.30-3pm. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

Parent Workshop: Parenting With Emotional Intelligence, Nov 14
Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s (YCIS Beijing) school counselor, Rachel George, is hosting this Parenting with Emotional Intelligence workshop, which explores the concept of emotional intelligence and teaches some simple and proven techniques for emotion management at home. This workshop is designed for parents and/or grandparents and is open to everyone – including those who do not have children at YCIS Beijing. Adults. Free but RSVP required (register here). 8.30-10am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing.

The 2018 British Business Awards, Nov 15
Join the best of British business at the Gala Awards Dinner for the 2018 British Business Awards on November 15. The pinnacle of the British business calendar will see nine awards presented to those companies and individuals who best showcase excellence in innovation, enterprise, and endeavor in the British and Chinese business communities. Tickets include a champagne reception, canapés and a four-course meal, as well as seats at an awards ceremony that only takes place in Beijing every four years. Adults. RMB 1,000. 6-9pm. Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning, Nov 15
The International Newcomer’s Network (INN) holds the November edition of their Shunyi Coffee Morning, taking place at Balmain Cafe. This time around, they will be joined by zero-waste lifestyle promoter and mom writer Rebecca Archer who will give tips and ideas to newcomers to the city. To join this session, scan the QR code on the poster. Adults. Free admission. 10am-noon. Balmain Cafe, Central Park Building.

Pauline’s Cuisine: What Does the Chicken Say?, Nov 15
Don’t chicken out of learning more recipes! Chef Pauline is back with another bespoke cooking class: from butchering to roasting chicken. Besides that, Chef Pauline will teach attendees how to make chicken soup, chicken salad, and chicken liver pate. After that, eat your creations! Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. Lido. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

TechStars Global Startup Weekend – Beijing, Nov 16-18
The Startup Weekend begins with pitches and brainstorming, business plan development, and basic prototype creation on Friday night, and culminates in demos and presentations on Sunday. Participants create working startups during the event and are able to collaborate with like-minded individuals outside of their daily networks. All teams hear talks by industry leaders and receive valuable feedback from local entrepreneurs. Students aged 15+ and adults. RMB 288. See event agenda here. AIOSpace机遇空间 , D Block, West Road of 798 Art Zone, Jiuxianqiao Road #2, Chaoyang District. (5762 6082, andre.queme@startupdigestmail.com)

Canadian Embassy’s Fifth Annual Casino Night: A Night in Macau, Nov 16
The Canadian Embassy invites everyone to their fifth annual casino night that supports charity. This year’s theme is “A Night in Macau”, where you can enjoy rolling the dice and spinning the wheel to earn Macanese pataca chips that you can exchange for raffle prizes. There are over RMB 30,000 in prizes to be won. Proceeds go to charitable causes selected by the Canadian embassy. Adults. RMB 200. 7-11pm. The Embassy of Canada.

Learn Japanese Furoshiki Wrapping at Domain, Nov 17
The gift-giving season is around the corner, and instead of buying disposable wrappers, why not learn the art of wrapping using sustainable materials? The crafting activity will be led by Emilie of Emilie 工dea Embroidery, who will teach how to stitch creative and decorative designs into furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth), while a session on zero-waste lifestyle will be hosted by Carrie Yu of The Bulk House. Every participant will take home their own furoshiki wrap ready for Christmas or Chinese New Year. All ages. RMB 50 (register here). 4-5.30pm. Domain.

“From the Himalayas” Exhibition and Bazaar, Nov 18
Artisans and artists from the Kashmir region in the Himalayas and Nepal will hold an exhibition and bazaar at Xinyuan Hotel in Haidian on November 18. Jump-start your Christmas shopping while taking a closer look at the culture of the Himalayas and enjoying free Nepali snacks during the bazaar. Part of the sales goes to help charities in these Himalayan regions. All ages. Free admission. Visit this page for more info. Noon-10pm. Xinyuan Hotel, Haidian District.

Learn Traditional Chinese Painting & Papercutting, Nov 18
Cultural Keys offers another round of their Traditional Chinese Culture Workshop, where participants get the opportunity to learn and enjoy two different aspects of Chinese culture in one place. The workshop is centered around Chinese painting and paper cutting, including their language and history. After the activity, the group will go to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner of Chinese dumplings. All ages. RMB 528, RMB 988 (two people), price includes transportation, snacks and dinner, and workshop materials. 1-8pm. Cultural Keys.

Chamber Music for Accordion, Nov 19
Try something a little different at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on November 19 as they present works for the accordion as part of the 2018 China Art Schools Week. There’s something for everyone with works from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Chinese classical and folk music. All ages. RMB 80-160 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Yoga at BMC with Shandra, every Tue until Dec 18
Beginning November 13 (Tuesday), yogi Shandra will host a series of vinyasa yoga sessions that focus on slow flows and breathing techniques to allow participants the time needed to experience the healing power of breathing, as well as help them cultivate the practice of balance. This yoga session takes place at the Beijing Mindfulness Centre every Tuesday until December 18. Adults. RMB 150 (scan QR code to register). 10-11.15am. Beijing Mindfulness Centre.

Photos: Kunchan via WIkimedia Commons; courtesy of event organizers; Prakash Aryal via 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!

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. 

Dulwich College Beijing’s First Student-Led Enterprise Fair, Nov 3
The first Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Enterprise Fair on November 3 will feature a range of local entrepreneurs, startups, and self-starters including student businesses. Year 11 STEM students of DCB lead the fair, which is focused around design and enterprise. All ages. 10am-4pm. Dulwich College Beijing.

Comedy Club China Presents: Comedy for Charity, Nov 3
Comedy Club China presents an evening dedicated to mental health awareness. Comedy for Charity features a truly impressive line-up of acts from Comedy Club China, and there will be more than RMB 30,000 in prizes and activities throughout the evening. All proceeds of the event go to Lifeline Shanghai, a non-profit social entity providing the only English-speaking crisis, helpline and online chat service across China. Adults. RMB 80 (entrance ticket + small surcharge). Raffle tickets at RMB 20 (buy 5 get 1 free). 8pm. The Local.

A Magical Halloween Awaits at Renaissance Beijing, until Nov 3
BLD Café of Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel turns into a mysterious coven of witches, where kids can learn magic and perform tricks. The cafe has prepared a Halloween-themed buffet to fill up the kids’ magical power, and there are even more surprises and discounts on their journey to becoming a real wizard! Put on a pointy hat and grab a flying broom for this experience that’s very different from the usual Halloween dinner buffets. All ages. RMB 218 per person, RMB 318 per family (2 adults, 1 child under 12). 5.30-10pm. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

Go Nuts! Naked Team up With Feast for One Nutty Brunch, Nov 3
Feast (Food by EAST) has teamed up with the ladies behind Beijing-based all natural nut butter experts NAKED Nut Butters for a special weekend brunch. Join them for a special brunch that is sure to be nutty (in more ways than you can imagine), and treat yourself to some guilt free sweets while meeting the nut butter founders! All ages. RMB 298 (includes free-flow selected drinks). 11.30am-3pm. Feast at EAST Beijing. 

Hello Future Conversations: Family First Steps to Zero Waste, Nov 8
Hello Future Kindergarten’s monthly Conversation series aims to inspire and educate parents towards creating a meaningful family life. This session is for parents who have been thinking about starting the journey towards producing less trash, but wondering how to start with the added ‘Beijing’ challenges. Adults. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Honk Jr. Musical at ISB, Nov 8-10
Honk Jr. is an award-winning, family-friendly musical based on the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes each one unique and truly special. Produced and directed by Hannah Northcott and choreographed by PJ Rebullida. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. Show dates: Nov 8 (4 PM), Nov 9 (6:30 PM), Nov 10 (2:00 PM). International School of Beijing. (Hannah Northcott: 186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Chi Fan for Charity 2018, Nov 10
The beneficiary of this year’s Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) citywide event is Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), a China-based Canadian charity established in 2005 which provides higher education to financially-challenged women from rural parts of the country. They will use CFFC funds to sponsor 10 female students to finish their four-year university education within the greater Beijing area. Adults. For more details about the participating venues and prices, contact chifanforcharity@outlook.com.

Ms. Plus Size International Beijing, Nov 9-10
Prepare for a big weekend on November 9-10 as Ms. Plus Size International Beijing holds two “Plus Size” events: a pageant featuring 12 international ladies, and a concert with a performance from 4ThirtyTwo Curvy Girl Dance Group. Adults. RMB 500 (concert and pageant), RMB 220 (concert only), RMB 380 (pageant). 7.30pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast. (151 0151 7496)

InkBeat Arts Creative Workshops, Nov 11/25, Dec 9
InkBeat Arts’ Creative Workshops are for students who want to develop creative skills through self-expression. The workshops are delivered in English and Chinese for students ages 8-18 and are led by experts in creative writing, drama, visual art, art therapy, design, architecture, and dance. In these workshops, students will find their own voice, gain self-understanding, and feel empowered through self-expression. Ages 8-18. Contact InkBeat Arts for pricing and registration details. 2-3.30pm. Crossboundaries. (185 1979 1662, simon@beijingyouthlit.com)

3e Tea Talk: How to Better Communicate within Family Relationships, Nov 14
This 3e International School workshop helps parents understand communication within their family group (husband/ wife, with our parents, with our kids) and learn how to better communicate with them. Attendees will learn how to recognize their own and other personalities and understand communication tools in order to have better relationships with them. Adults. Free admission. 1.30-3pm. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

The 2018 British Business Awards, Nov 15
Join the best of British business at the Gala Awards Dinner for the 2018 British Business Awards on November 15. The pinnacle of the British business calendar will see nine awards presented to those companies and individuals who best showcase excellence in innovation, enterprise, and endeavor in the British and Chinese business communities. Tickets include a champagne reception, canapés and a four course meal, as well as seats at an awards ceremony that only takes place in Beijing every four years. Adults. RMB 1,000. 6-9pm. Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun.

TNT Britain: Macbeth Theatre Performance, Nov 18
One of the most psychologically profound of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth weaves a tale of ambition and conscience, charting the career of Macbeth, the once-brilliant hero who became a cruel tyrant. It has been presented by the British TNT Troupe across 31 countries. A must-see for drama lovers, this is also a lively tutorial for English learners. All ages. RMB 280 per person. 7-10pm. TheArt Drama Centre, Shunyi. (WeChat ID: Rita-8090w, 188 1312 5882, 1692391223@qq.com)

Environmental Week Artwork Show at Ivy Bilingual School, Nov 23
Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus holds an artwork show on November 23, which showcases students’ creativity in turning waste materials into something valuable. All ages. Free but registration needed. 2-4pm. Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus. (8446 7286, wenwen.gao@ivyschools.com)

BSB Shunyi Secondary Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nov 30-Dec 1
Come and see this musical performed by The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Secondary students. A car called Chitty comes into their lives and becomes a factory of dreams and their most trusty ally. All ages. RMB 100 (adults), RMB 65 (kids). Performance schedules: Nov 30 (Fri) at 7pm; Dec 1 (Sat) at 2pm and 7pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com)

Gone with the Wind the Musical (English Version), Nov 30, Dec 1-2, Dec 4-5
This is the world premiere of the English musical, Gone with the Wind, based on the original French musical Autant emporte le Vent. This version stars Rachel Gold, who also played the leading lady in the musical Phantom of the Opera. This musical presents a time racked by the tumult of war, telling a heart-wrenching romantic epic, in which a girl never surrenders to life’s challenges and grows to be a woman. Adults. RMB 180-1,000. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater.

3e Library Story Time, all Tue of Nov
3e International School invites children 1-3 years old to join the weekly “Library Story Time” at the 3e Anne K. Soderman library, where they can find many volumes in Chinese and English and a growing number of books in international languages, appropriate for pre-elementary children. The 3e Library Story Time sessions provide the opportunity for children and parents/ grandparents to read books, play with puzzles, and listen to stories in English and Chinese. Note that registration is a must to be able to join the session. Ages 1-3. RMB 50 per child per session. 10-11am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)

October Events

Yosemite Chic, Oct 30
Yosemite Chic Bazaar combines top local designers and charities. From on-trend fashion, elegant cashmere, sassy jewelry, and gorgeous clothes, there’s something for everyone. West Hair Salon will be offering free hair styling, consultations and neck, and shoulder massages. Adults. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Yosemite Villas.

Mindfulness 101, Oct 31
Join Taozi Tree Yoga for an introduction to mindfulness with Erin Lee, the co-founder of The Mind Body Project. Learn the basics of neuroscience and contemplative practice as they relate to self-care, creativity, motivation and human connection. Participants will practice the basics of breath work, movement, intention setting, and mindful communication. Please wear comfortable clothing. Adults. RMB 350. 6.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel.

School Open Days

HoK Xinglong Campus Family Day, Nov 10
House of Knowledge holds a Family Day at their new kindergarten campus in Xinglong Park on November 10, offering families an opportunity to view the campus and get a feel for their learning practices. All ages. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (400 650 7747, admissions@hokschools.com)

Hello Future Kindergarten Open House, Nov 17
Hello Future Kindergarten welcomes families of children aged up to 6 to tour the campus and learn more about the philosophy and the programs available for children from 5 to 6 months old. All ages. Free but registration needed. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Harrow Beijing City Campus Open Morning, Nov 21
Come and experience Harrow Beijing in action! Parents of Early Years pupils will have an opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, meet their educators, and learn about the Harrow pedagogy. Adults. Free but reservation is needed as spots are limited. 8.30-11.30am. Harrow Beijing City Campus. (6444 8100, cityadmissions@harrowbeijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Open Day, Nov 27
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Co-Principals will introduce the school’s Co-Leadership and Co-Teaching model, and parents will learn about the benefits of its bilingual program and teaching methods designed to prepare students for the changes and challenges of their generation. All ages. 9-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing. (8585 1836, enquiry@bj.ycef.com)

ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 29
The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to learn about their curriculum, meet school officials, learn more about their high school and college guidance programs, hear first-hand accounts from their student panel, and tour the campus following each divisional discussion. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.45am-noon. International School of Beijing. (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)

3e International School Open House (Elementary), Nov 30
3e International School invites parents to experience the school’s bilingual dual immersion Elementary program. They can tour the campus and get an overview of the Grades 1-6 bilingual program and curriculum. Adults. Free. 9.30-11.30am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, info@3einternationalschool.org)

Photos: Courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity and featured event organizers

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!

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.

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival at InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, Jun 18
The Dragon Boat Festival happens near the summer solstice, and it’s a tradition to eat zongzi, a traditional bamboo leaf rounded rice dumpling. InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun brings a set of modern zongzi with different flavors, to give an insight into the annual celebration. RMB 238 per set of 12 pieces of zongzi. Available from 9am-5pm. Ying Restaurant, InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun Level 3. (6530 8888-6519)

Dragon Boat Festival @ O’Steak, Jun 18
All ages. Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival at O’Steak with free zongzi with a French twist, as well as their new summer menu. Order one dish and get a free summer cocktail. 11.30am-11pm. O’Steak.

Rice Dumpling Hamper @The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Jun 18
Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with The Westin Beijing Chaoyang’s rice dumpling hamper. Choose from two types of rice dumpling hampers with salty or sweet stuffing. From RMB 168 per box. Available until 5.55pm. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. (5922 8702)

Midsummer Fairs and Parties

Canada’s 151st Birthday Fair, Jun 23
All ages. Join the Canadian International School of Beijing at Canada’s 151st National Birthday Fair! There will be great food and wine, live music, luxury fashion, entertainment, games and more! Performers will include indie artist Ember Swift, Tupelo Honey’s Dan Davidson and country and soul singer-songwriter Tami Neilson. RMB 100, RMB 20 (kids). Visit this page to buy tickets. 11am-5pm. Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB).

Madagascar Day, Jun 23
All ages. The Association of Natives of Madagascar in China (ANMC) presents Madagascar Day for the first time in China to promote and let everyone know more about the beautiful island country. The event is part of the celebration of the 58th anniversary of the independence of Madagascar, and is an opportunity for all visitors to indulge in Malagasy culture and cuisine. The ANMC will also collect donations to help and support the homeless in the country. Free to attend. 10am. Embassy of Madagascar. No. 3 Sanlitun Dongjie, Chaoyang District.

Rotaract Casino Royale Gala 2018, Jun 23
Adults. This year, Rotaract Beijing and Rotaract Beijing West are joining forces once again for the third Annual Rotaract Gala of Casino Royale! Free flow food, drink, great company, music, dance and more all in the guise of the Casino Royale at East Hotel’s beautiful terrace function space! Don your finest evening wear, and party the night away with the best crowd in Beijing. There are loads of prizes to be won along with themed games and special after-party rates at Xian Bar. RMB 500 (buy tickets here). 7-11.45pm. EAST Beijing.

Samajam Kids Show -You Are the Show! In Beijing, Fri-Sun until Jul 1
All ages. Samajam Kids Show is a new concept, a participatory musical show, in which all participants receive several musical instruments during the performance. RMB 180-350 (visit this page to buy tickets). 10.30am. Tianqiao Arts Center. (400 610 3721, 1010 3721, ponypiao@aliyun.cn)

Vegan Outreach Dinner at Pebbles, Jun 20
All ages. Vegans of Beijing presents another Vegan Outreach Dinner at Pebbles. They have just launched their new Baja-themed menu, making it the most vegan-friendly Mexican restaurant in Beijing. RMB 128 (visit this page to register). 7.30-9.30pm. Pebbles Courtyard.

Good Day Beijing Brunch with the Soul Band, Jun 24
All ages. Blue Note Beijing dishes up hot food and cool jazz with the Good Day Beijing Brunch featuring the Soul Band. Featuring great local musicians, Soul Band will touch on everything from Gershwin, to tango, to pop, all with a jazz flavor, while you enjoy the flavors of their delicious brunch. RMB 288 (visit this page for more info). 12.30-3.30pm. Blue Note Beijing.

Work Your Body Out

Yoga with Cats, Jun 19
All ages. Love cats & yoga? Try Ms. Uptown’s yoga class with our guest cat, Yuan Bao (lit. “Treasure”). Yuan Bao will keep you company while you challenge yourself on the mat. He loves people, and aspires to also become a yogi one day and teach Ashtanga yoga to his cat community. When Yuan Bao isn’t hanging out at Ms. Uptown’s yoga with cats class, you can always visit him at his home (MAOO Cat Cafe). RMB 168 (visit this page to register). Noon-1pm. Miss Uptown.

Adult Gymnastics, every Tue and Thu until Jul 19
Adults. Sports Beijing is launching a program of adult gymnastics, which can help us stretch our body, shape our muscles and enhance physical coordination. This project will combine the gymnastics and yoga, and participants will learn some gymnastics movements like rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. RMB 160 per week (visit this page to register). 1.30-2.30pm. Sports Beijing.

Feed Your Mind

Chinese Breakfast Seminar: Cash Flow Management, Jun 22
Adults. This Chinese-language seminar teaches you the essentials of cash flow management. Learn why cash flow management is critical to business management, how it looks at the different stages of development, how to tie it into funding and business planning and what factors affect it. RMB 100. Visit this page for more info. 9.30-11.30am. German Industry and Commerce (GIC) Beijing.

Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club, every Tue until Jun 26
All ages. The Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club is a book club for those who are English-speaking and trying to learn Chinese, and need some friends! The club invites Chinese learners of all levels and everyone to bring their own learning goals. The session will start with a fluent Chinese community member sharing about a book they recently read and help others practice listening and communication. In the next portion, the group members will share personal goals, and then try and converse about what everyone read and learned in Chinese. Free to attend. From 8pm. Bookworm. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details.

Mindful Mothers, every Wed until Jun 27
Adults. Join the Beijing Mindfulness Center for the Mindful Mother meditation series; three maternal meditations which focus on rejuvenating the woman’s body, mind, and spirit. If you are a first-time expecting mother or a mother of many years, it is essential to maintain your energy and life balance. Join a community of mothers who desire to renew their life source from within. RMB 150 per session. 10-11.30am. Beijing Mindfulness Center, No.44, Qian Yong Kang Hutong, Dongcheng. 北京市东城区前永康胡同44号 (6403 4923, hello@beijingmindfulness.com)

Exhibitions and Concerts

London Symphony Orchestra with Gianandrea Noseda and Yefim Bronfman, Jun 21
All ages. The London Symphony Orchestra appears at the NCPA under the direction of Gianandrea Noseda, widely recognized as one of the leading conductors of his generation. Pianist Yefim Bronfman appears as the soloist, playing a programme that includes works by Dvorak, Liszt, and Shostakovich. RMB 280-1,680 (visit this page to buy tickets). The event starts at 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA).

Stage: Notre Dame de Paris, Jun 21-23
Adults. Adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel Notre Dame de Paris, this production brings the classic novel to the stage in French with Chinese subtitles. Produced in partnership with Britain’s TNT Theatre, the production focuses on the novel’s themes of religion and morality, sex, and love. RMB 148-370 (visit this page this page to buy tickets). From 7.30pm. Nine Theater.

Art Exhibition: Bazaar Bizarre by Mary A. Johnson, Jun 23-Jul 7
All ages. Bazaar Bizarre is an exhibition of Mary Johnson’s multimedia works, including a site-specific installation – a large-scale, hyper-fantastic, phantasmagorical compound of unknown origin. A multilayered spectrum of organic dyes, wet-market finds, and synthetic-sensational Taobao treasures, it investigates and reappraises the ontology in Franz Roh’s magic realism for the 21st century. It is an exercise in alchemy, an exhibitionist exhibition to expose the intricate, often grotesque beauty of an increasingly artificial world. Visit this page for more information. Free to attend. The opening reception is on June 23 at 4pm. aotuspace – 67, Beixinqiao Toutiao, Dongcheng District 凹凸空间 – 北京市东城区北新桥头条67号

Photos: Burst via Pexels, courtesy of event organizers