Since Jan 15 this year, the Ice Lantern Festival at Longqing Gorge 龙庆峡 (lóng qìng xiá) has been a must-visit for locals. Located near Yongning Ancient Town past Changping District in the northeast of Beijing, it’s a couple of hours drive from the city. Many families prefer to go after dark so as to truly enjoy the illuminated spectacle in all its glory.

While you are able to drive all the way into the entrance of the Ice Lantern Festival, there is also the option to walk from the main parking area. Moving at a distracted kid’s pace, the walk from the parking lot to the main entrance was less than an hour and lets you cross the “heart” bridge over the frozen lake. This is what former editor Cindy Marie Jenkins and I did with our young ones in 2021, which you can read about here. There’s also a shuttle bus for RMB 20 each way.

Once you get to the Ice Lantern Festival grounds, entry is RMB 100 per person, while children below 1.2m or under 6 years of age get in for free. There are lanterns of animals, Peking opera masks, and Chinese characters on display at this year’s festival, but some new highlights include the Beijing Winter Olympics-themed lanterns and ice sculptures.

Pro Tip: You can also check if the toboggan ride is still available, which depends on the weather conditions during your visit.

The ice exhibition itself is in an enclosed space past the open area with the lanterns. In here, you’ll find all sorts of beautiful ice creations including a model of the Forbidden City and other Chinese landmarks. When we went last year, our kids discovered a mini ice slide which they played on, though I’m not sure we’re supposed to touch the sculptures. One of the coolest things you’ll definitely want a photo of is the frozen waterfall, which will be flowing and gushing when you return in summer!

The Ice Lantern Festival is open from 2-10pm daily, with last entry at 9pm.

KEEP READING: Cold Hard Lessons That Parents Learned From Ice-Hiking

Images: Dianping

It may not quite feel like it yet, but autumn is already upon us, and this means that Mid Autumn Festival is right around the corner – on Sep 21 to be exact. To know more about the legends of the Mid Autumn Festival, read our previous article here. But on a more practical note, the festival gives us a great opportunity to bring the whole family out on a walk outdoors to appreciate the beautiful full moon, while relating the tragic tale for some cultural immersion.

My own memories of the Mid-Autumn Festival are of crafting lanterns with my sister, and then lighting them up with a candle inside (a highly precarious undertaking considering the lanterns were paper back then!). Lit lantern in hand, we proceeded to a nearby park at sunset to walk around, ending the evening at a pavilion where we shared mooncakes and tea under the shining orb in the sky. This is what we hope to achieve at the Jingkids Mid-Autumn Festival event, which will take place later this month.

In honor of the festivities, we are inviting all kids under 18 to submit a poem about mid-autumn, the moon, or the Mid-Autumn Festival mythology! They are welcome to submit their poem through the following methods – 1) a video recording where you recite the poem 2) a written submission of the poem. Either way, kindly send your works to wechat@beijing-kids.com. Winners will be invited to our live Mid-Autumn Festival event, and take home some lovely prizes.

More details of the event will follow, so stay tuned! In the mean time, get those creative juices flowing to start penning down your poems and send them over to us at wechat@beijing-kids.com before Sep 15!

KEEP READING: Chinese Folklore Special: Mid-Autumn Festival Stories

Images: Pexels

I love Chinese New Year in Beijing, there’s a quietness that takes over the city as thousands make the journey to different corners of the country to spend time with family and loved ones during the biggest occasion on the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

By next week, School’s out and the Lunar New Year will be upon us. Use this opportunity to explore Beijing further without heavy crowds or traffic and partake in some of the cool activities made available for families throughout the city. Your first stop should be The SLab!

Whatever itinerary you have planned for the kids this Chinese New Year, make a stop at The SLab to enjoy Afternoon Tea with the family.  The creative hub that hosts all kinds of cool camps and activities throughout the year will be hosting an afternoon of crafting, sweet and savory snakes and an opportunity to take away a keepsake of the day.

One ticket for the whole family will get you a set of Afternoon Tea, for up to five people, lantern crafting and ninhua painting, a family makeover with an onsite makeup artist who will prepare you and the kids for a professional photo shoot, and three retouched studio family portrait photographs. Yes, all this fun and festive joy for the whole family. Pre-booking is required, so secure your ticket while you can! WeChat: JenPoland.RMB 1,118. 2pm-6pm. January 27. The SLab, 2/F, Building 2, 7 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District

A procession of brightly colored lanterns winds its way down the darkening lane, to the sound of children’s voices singing traditional songs… On Friday 11 November, House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten (HoK) will bring all the magic of the Lantern Walk, a centuries-old European custom, to Beijing.

To find out more, we talked to Tara Gillan, Head of Marketing at HoK. She shared with us the story behind this atmospheric tradition.

“One dark, wintry night,” she told us, “a Roman soldier was riding his horse when he saw a beggar on the side of the road, shivering in the cold. The soldier, Martin, got off his horse, took out his sword and sliced his cloak in two, giving half to the freezing beggar.”

Martin converted to Christianity, and became Bishop of Tours, in France. Canonized after his death, he was one of medieval Europe’s most revered saints. The small churches where his famous cloak was displayed were named after the Latin for “little cloak,” capella – the origin of the word “chapel.”

His holy day, falling on 11 November and known as Martinmas, marked the transition from fall to winter, and was associated with the butchering of animals and the first of the year’s wine being ready for drinking, so it was an excuse for a feast before the Advent fast.

“The tradition of St Martin’s Day,” Gillan said, “is to participate in a lantern walk with paper lanterns and singing, to celebrate modesty and altruism. This is the ninth year we have done the lantern walk in Beijing, and we do it every year as it is part of House of Knowledge’s traditions linked to our German roots.”

But as well as the fun, Gillan told us, there’s a serious purpose to the event.

“We want to teach our students about goodwill and helping those in need. Every year we have a charity or someone our children help to raise money for, while at the same time educating the kids why we should help others as part of our moral duty in life.

“This year we are helping to raise money via Roundabout for a boy called Wu Ya Chao. He is a nine-year-old boy from Henan Province and he has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. This young boy is currently in Beijing Children’s Hospital and needs 11 chemotherapy treatments to help him recover. This treatment costs RMB 10,000 which his family does not have, so every penny you raise counts!”

We asked her what people can expect if they come along.

“You will be given a free book full of traditional songs we will sing on the lantern walk. The walk is suitable for all ages. This year it will only be a short walk, so our friends with little legs can do it too!

“After, there will be traditional food and drink like goulash, hot chocolate for the kids and the famous traditional mulled wine for the adults, made by our German HoK founder Farshad Danicek. There will also be games for children, who can win a traditional gingerbread man! All profits will go towards helping Wu Ya Chao.”

Do people need to bring their own lanterns, we wondered?

“Of course its fun to make and bring your own lantern, but it is not essential,” Gillan said. “Just bring your smile and your singing voice, and wrap up warm!”

Photo: courtesy of HoK

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
Boarding School Reception at Hyde Academy, Nov 8
5+. Hyde Academy will host three boarding school receptions this fall at their Shunyi campus. Admissions Directors and other school officials will be present to answer parent and student questions and provide insight into the boarding school experience. Free. 6.30pm to 8pm. Hyde Academy. (8046-7085, office@hyde-education.com)

St. Martin’s Lantern Walk 2016, Nov 11
All Ages. House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten will host a lantern walk this week. There will be traditional songs and after finishing the walk parents and children will able to try typical St Martins foods and drinks, such goulash, sweet treats, hot mulled wine or a cup of hot cocoa and more. Free. 5pm to 7.30pm. House of Knowledge. (vg@hokschools.com).

Christmas DIY Cards, Nov 13
All Ages. Monikards is hosting a special Christmas DIY Card making class this week. Come to celebrate the Christmas holiday and have fun with the whole family! RMB 280. 2pm to 4pm. PAPP’s Tea Lab.

Riviera Christmas Chic, Nov 8
All Ages. Gather at the Riviera Club on Tuesday to enjoy a unique and varied fashion show. Designers vendors include Taozi Yoga, Jenny’s Dresses, Yellow Pumello, and more! Free. 10am to 4pm. Riviera Clubhouse.

Unique
Charity Yoga with CandleX @ Ms. Uptown, Nov 7
Adults. Sooth your soul with a Charity Yoga class at the newly opened Ms. Uptown. Revenue from this event will be given to depression peer support project in Beijing. The class includes a cup of tea, an hour of socializing, and one hour of yoga. RMB 100. 6pm to 10pm. Ms. Uptown Galaxy SOHO.

Women in Leadership Gala, Nov 11
Adults. This year the Beijing Women’s Network will host their annual Leadership Gala at the Intercontinental in Sanlitun. Come for a night of great speakers, networking, and a glorious after party. RMB 780. 5pm to 11.30pm. Intercontinental Sanlitun. (wechat: kwoksamantha).

Six Days Children Yoga Workshop of Angelina, Nov 12-13
Ages 3+. The Beijing Wake Yoga and Cultural is hosting a series of Incy Wincy kids yoga for 3-12 year olds. These classes are designed to incorporate the naturally happy and fun state of children into yoga. RMB 1200-5000. 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. Beijing Wake Yoga and Cultural. (15869128491).

TaiChi Fan, Nov 27 (register by Nov 18)
All Ages. For those interested in increased flexibility, try 太极扇 (taiji shàn) an ancestral fan dance! You will accomplish flexible and elegant movements. In China, this traditional dance is performed mostly in groups so the perfect venue to meet friends. RMB 100. 3pm to 5pm. That’s Mandarin.

Ongoing
Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Mondays
Adults. Parents of Primary School-aged students are invited to attend Active Parenting Workshops every Monday from October 24 through November 28 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Parents will learn a set of techniques to help their child develop their human potential. Free. 10am to 12pm. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Active Parenting Workshops: Secondary School, Tuesdays
Active Parenting uses entertaining and informative programs, activities, and discussion to show parents ways to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. These workshops will run from October 25 through November. Free. 10am to 12pm. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Free Public Class – BMS, Mondays & Wednesdays
Adults. Beijing Mandarin School offers free lessons every Monday and Wednesday. Different weeks have a different schedule. Head out to BMS to practice your Mandarin and meet some great people! Free. 1pm to 3pm. Beijing Mandarin School. (8441 8391, info@beijingmandarinschool.com).

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Fridays
Ages 0-18mnths. Meet other moms of small children at this playgroup with plenty of age-appropriate toys, seasonal crafts, singing, actions, and more. Open to foreign passport holders only, the mother or father needs to attend, not the ayi. Drinks and snacks provided. Register by email. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Bumps2Babes Playgroups
Ages 3 and under. This thriving parent community is geared toward parents with kids born after January 2013. It has free playgroups meeting throughout the city. We suggest parents new to the city get involved and hang out with a playgroup in your region. English speakers only. Don’t forget to ask to receive the newsletter and be added to the official Bumps2Babes WeChat group. Free. Time and location vary (beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com)

Best of Next Week
Photography Workshop, Nov 16 – Wednesdays
Adults. This workshop takes you through the steps of manually setting up your DSLR camera using a professional studio and lighting. This workshop is perfect for those who want to take their photography to the next step. You will also to leave with a professional studio portrait of yourself. RMB 1200. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Sanlitun.

ECE Education Forum, Nov 17
Adults. This week the Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) will host an insightful education forum. YCIS’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) experts will introduce the attendees to YCIS’s unique Co-Teaching Model and the importance of dual-language acquisition in today’s global world. Free. 9.30am to 11.30am. YCIS Beijing. (info@bj.ycef.com).

Photo: Jill Wellington, Jenia Nebolsina, Startermedia

St Martins Lantern Walk
Everyone’s welcome to join the 9^th House of Knowledge (HoK) Lantern Walk. This free family event takes place on Friday November 13, from 5-7.30pm at the HoK Quanfa Gardens Campus. People throughout parts of Europe celebrate the feast day of Saint Martin with a lantern walk and traditional songs. HoK’s celebration will also include performances from students. Enjoy traditional food and drinks, including hot chocolate and mulled wine. Roundabout will host a "book nook", selling gently used books, with adult and children’s books from as little as RMB 1.

If you are downtown and would like to book return transport, departing from HoK Victoria Gardens Campus at Chaoyang West Gate, contact vg@hokschools.com. RMB 30 per person and bus tickets must be purchased in advance. The bus will depart promptly at 4pm, and don’t forget to wrap up warm! For more information, call 158 1108 5797 or 6538 1389.

Sew Gorgeous Open House Sale
This coming Thursday November 5, from 9.30am-12.30pm at House 128, Section A, Yosemite Villas. Everyone is welcome and there’s no need to RSVP. The Sew Gorgeous Community Project will be showcasing a new range of bags, homeware items, and decorations made from fabulous felt. All profits go towards the Sew Gorgeous sewing classroom and equipment at the Love & Hope Migrant School in ShuiPo Village, Shunyi. For more information on the project, email sewgorgeous@yahoo.com.

Wheels for Life at Roundabout
The United Family Charitable Fund’s Wheels for Life bus will be at Roundabout on Saturday November 7, from 11am-2pm. Come along and learn more about how this initiative is working. The bus enables underserved women and children, in orphanages and migrant schools, to receive onsite medical visits and cancer screenings.

Food & Health Market
A new food and health market will be held every Sunday, from 10am-4pm at Beijing Riviera Clubhouse. Starting this coming Sunday November 8, browse and shop from a range of fresh produce and tasty goods, all from quality independent suppliers in Beijing. Sausages and meats, vegetables and fruits, wines and beer; this new market is sure to have something for everyone.
Beijing Riviera Clubhouse, No 1 Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District.

DCP Ice Skating
Dulwich Community Programmes (DCP) has announced its ice skating schedule for this coming winter season, which starts on November 23. Programs include ice hockey and figure skating group lessons. The ice hockey is headed by Canadian Cutis Dracz and the Can Life hockey coaches. Different sessions cover the different aspects of ice hockey including learn to skate, learn to play, and full gear hockey. The figure skating is headed by Coach Camilla Ojansivu Underhill, a former competitive figure skater from Sweden. Different sessions are available depending on age and experience. Adult skating lessons and public skating sessions are also available. For a full schedule and pricing, email dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Courtesy of HoK, United Foundation, DCP

The mid-autumn festival is clearly upon us-well soon enough-walk through the aisle of the bigger supermarkets especially local ones and there’s bound to be huge discounts on moon cakes in large boxes. Moon cakes are synonymous with mid-autumn festival but this is just one of the things to do during the festival or leading up to the big day on Sunday, September 27. Here’s what you’re meant to do during the festival: 

Gazing at the Moon
The tradition of looking at the moon during the festival is explained through the folklore of Chang’e and Hou Yi, a local archer and his wife’s ultimate sacrifice. However, the custom of appreciating the moon can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). According the legend, there were 10 suns that appeared all at the same time, which brought dried the crops so the local archer, Hou Yi, climbed the highest peak then shot down 9 suns and left one. He was given an elixir that one of his apprentices went but his wife drank the elixir. Chang’e the wife floated up to the moon and for a while Hou Yi would try to catch the moon after a while he stopped. He would gaze at the moon to see her figure and brought out her favorite food once when the moon was at its brightest. This is how the tradition begun. Beijing has nice places to watch the moon if your house doesn’t have a nice direct angle towards the moon.

Moon Cakes
Made of flour and stuffed sweet condiments such as sugar and lotus seed powder, mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries that are famous in the mid-autumn festival. The pastry symbolizes family reunion and is cut into equal pieced according to the number of the people in the family then wash down with some tea. It’s not well documented how many families follow this tradition but the more commercial aspect is people buy to give to friends, family, clients, and potential clients as a method of getting to know one another.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Lanterns
Nothing can beat or be compared to the Lantern Festival’s colorful and eye-catching lanterns, which are put up all over the streets and buildings but mid autumn are fun to make. The making process of lanterns is a group activity that brings people to try and test out their creativity and love of color side. The lanterns are let to float on a river and everyone watches them until they disappear. The more dangerous one are those with fire that can be lit and set to float upwards but this is a risk as it can catch a branch and set the tree on fire. So make sure this is something that you want to try.

Photo: filefootage