With the long holiday around the corner, there’s no better time than now to enjoy the amazing weather and everything Beijing has to offer:

Roundabout Book Fair

Join us for a day of community and giving at the BIBA & Roundabout Charity Book Fair. All proceeds will go toward supporting children in need. Browse a wide selection of books and make a difference with every purchase.

Where: BIBA North gate
When: May 10, 10am-3pm
Price: Free

FEAST Mother’s Day Full-Buffet Brunch

Celebrate Mother’s Day at FEAST with a full-buffet brunch, featuring delicious dishes and fun activities for kids. Children can create heartfelt cocktails and cupcakes for Mum, made with love. Enjoy this special day with your family at EAST Beijing.

For reservations, call +86 10 8414 9898 or scan the QR code in the poster to buy tickets

Where: EAST Beijing
When: May 10 and 11, 11.30am-3pm
Price: RMB 398/person, RMB 199/kids

2025 Life Festival

Spend your May holiday surrounded by the amazing architecture of the Drum Tower, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances at this year’s Life Festival. There will be something for everyone, from an art exhibition and a hanfu parade to loads of interactive fun and games. Buy your tickets by scanning the QR code.

Where: Drum Tower
When: May 1-5, 9.30am-5.30pm, 7pm-9pm
Price: RMB 38-228

Taco Fest

BSB Sanlitun Virtual Open House

BSB Sanlitun invites you to join their principal for an engaging online presentation followed by a live Q&A session. No matter where you are in the world, sign up today to receive the open house link and explore what BSB Sanlitun can offer your child.

When: May 5, 4pm; May 6, 8.30am
Where: Online
Price: Free

The May Day holiday is coming up which means nearly a whole week off from work and school! Anyone who’s leaving Beijing has likely already arranged their travel plans, but I’ve never been a fan of traveling during the May break (or really any holiday for that matter). When the entire country has the same days off, you’re bound to get stuck with crowds anywhere you go.

So sticking to my habits, instead of traveling to another city I’m planning staycations right here in Beijing, where I can take full advantage of time away from the office, and enjoy some top-notch amenities and room service with my family.

Fairmont Beijing Hotel

The Fairmont has a whole slate of kids’ activities planned for the entire duration of your stay. How thoughtful is that!? Not only will the family get to enjoy all the comforts of a five-star luxury hotel, but the kids will also get to learn some new skills, make some new friends, and create memories that they can’t wait to tell their friends about when school starts up again.

For more information and reservations, call 8511 7777, email beijing@fairmont.com, or visit https://fairmont.cn/beijing.

East Beijing Hotel

East Hotel is one of the city’s go-to places for family-friendly brunch. During the May Day holiday, they’ll be selling their kid’s room setups for RMB 2,099 which includes breakfast for two adults + one child, and dinner at Feast. If you’re planning on going during the upcoming break, we recommend booking for May 1-3, so that your child can participate in the super unique – not to mention, completely adorable – Little Chef Cooking Class by Domain.

For more information and reservations, please call 8426 0888 or visit http://www.east-beijing.com

Kerry Hotel Beijing

The Kerry Hotel has decided to make the May Day holiday as family-friendly as possible with a multi-part staycation. And the best part is, you don’t even have to be a hotel guest to enjoy some of them (though, honestly, you should totally stay there if you can).

• Part 1 – Kid’s Carnival where they can create, play, and explore together with games and activities all day. Full day price for two adults + one child is RMB 300/day or RMB 88/activity.
• Part 2 – Go-Karting. There’s a multi-purpose court at Kerry Sports Center where kids can drive. RMB 118/7 mins for hotel guests or RMB 138/7 mins for nonguests.
• Part 3 – Staycation packages. Kerry Hotel has created three family-friendly room packages priced at RMB 1,458-2,099 that include a range of activities like Jiabao-themed decorations, the Kid’s Carnival, and access to the Adventure Zone.
• Part 4 – Flower Young theme buffet at Kerry’s Kitchen for RMB 368/person including two hours of access to Adventure Zone.
• Part 5 – Panda Party Room with craft activities for RMB 98/set.

For more information and reservations, please call 8565 2460.

Nuo Hotel Beijing

This one’s not quite for the whole family, however, for couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway, Nuo offers a DIY Staycation. For RMB 1,688 you can enjoy a night in their Deluxe Room plus breakfast for two. What’s more, guests are entitled to two of the seven privileges (listed below) per each day of their stay, and the privileges can be accumulated and used together, making for an experience uniquely tailored to your personal taste.

DIY Options to choose from:

1. Room upgrade to the expansive NUO Studio Room (60㎡)
2. Sumptuous buffet lunch for two
3. Impressive Saturday Lobster Mania or Sunday Brunch for one at N’Joy All-Day Dining
4. Delightful afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge
5. Pampering 45-minute massage for one at NUO SPA
6. One-way limousine transport service

For more information and reservations, please call 5926 8888, email reservations.beijing@nuohotel.com or visit https://www.nuohotel.com/en/beijing/beijing-jiangtai/.

KEEP READING: A Feast of Flavors: Mother-Daughter Bonding Time at East Hotel’s Int’l Brunch

Images: Courtesy of hotels

If you read the words “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… “ and the image of text scrolling through space doesn’t automatically come to your mind, this probably isn’t the article for you.

For the Sci-Fi fans in Beijing, today (May 4) is somewhat of a holiday, as it coincides with the state national vacation. Yet thanks to its similarity with the famous quote “May the Force be with you”, May fourth has become international Star Wars Day, a day when fans all around the world celebrate their favorite Sci-Fi franchise.

The first Star Wars movie, Episode IV – A New Hope, came out way back in 1977 and the latest one, The Rise of Skywalker came out just last year. There are now 10 episodes that span across 42 years (and counting) in the canon, but is it still possible for a die-hard parent fan to share their love for the way of the Jedi with their kids? Do young kids still find Star Wars cool?

We couldn’t think of anyone better to answer that question than Vincent Rondia, a member of the 501st – Vader’s Fist International Costumier Club, an intentional fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, Clone Troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. Rondia’s love for Star Wars started at the age of 6 when he saw it in theaters for the first time in his home country of Belgium, according to him, it took all 20 seconds of the opening sequence for him to be totally hooked, and to date, he’s made multiple Storm Trooper armors, and (our personal favorite) a life-size Chewbacca costume that he made from scratch. Rondia’s works are so accurate that they’ve been exhibited in Beijing at East Hotel for all to enjoy and admire.

Rondia in one of his hand made costumes

What is it about Star Wars that you like so much?

It draws on a very basic concept of storytelling; good vs. bad. The simplicity of the story, as well as the tried-and-tested classic literature framework makes it easy to get into if you let it. A lot of Sci-Fi movies try to find their place in actual science, but not Star Wars, it does not care much for it, it’s just a fantasyland, a huge universe with many planets, species, and stories.

Does your daughter enjoy Star Wars? Is this something you’ve tried to share with her?

My daughter has been into Star Wars since she was 3 years old when she watched the first Family Guy: Star Wars Special. Don’t judge! At the time she did not speak enough English at the time to understand the swearing or innuendos [laughs.] She enjoyed watching me laugh and then when I showed her the actual movie she enjoyed it. Since then, she has watched every movie and animated series in the canon and knows probably more than I do. At the time I was looking for something for us to bond over and it just happened that Star Wars was it. She came with me to a couple of Celebrations (Star Wars mega convention) and while she is not necessarily as outgoing about it as when she little, she still enjoys coming to the movies or watching the films at home.

Why do you think Star Wars is important, and why does it continue to have such an impact?

The original Star Wars films came out at a time when people needed something different, unique, and crazy to get them out of the funk they were into at the time. Because it met all the criteria and more it was embraced, and became part of popular culture, inventing a lot of what we know today as pop culture actually.

So many movies, TV shows, and books have references to the Star Wars Universe. It transcends, culture, gender, religion, and social status and it offers an escape for all. The story is as relevant today as it was then; it is easy to identify with certain characters or some story arcs. Visually, the design is so iconic that anything black and white is often referred to as ‘stormtrooper-esque’. Again it has to do with the simplicity: of the story, of the visual design, of the characters.

The original trilogy re-invented to use of orchestra for movie scores and invented practical effects and sound effects techniques that are still in use today. It launched merchandising in the way we know it, grandfathered cosplay, and redefined “Fandom”. And it also launched the most iconic character ever: Darth Vader.

The prequel was equally amazing in their technical contribution: it reinvented green screen techniques for EFX, and featured the first fully CGI character integrated into a movie, who was probably also one of the most hated characters in the history of movies: Jar Jar Binks.

Nope, not a scene from a film… just some more amazing costuming

Star Wars fans seem to be a pretty tight-knit community. What do you enjoy about being part of this family?

The 501’s consists of about 20,000 people around the world doing accurate replicas of the costumes used in the films. This is a really tight community with loads of passion. Being able to be out in public in costume, sharing the Star Wars Universe for a brief moment, and seeing both kids and adults get excited about taking a picture with their favorite character is awesome. Working alongside the Make-a-Wish Foundation to visit children at hospitals or meeting fans in need is also truly special.

I traveled to Japan for Comic-Con once, and had a medical issue. Fellow members of the 501st that I had just met the day before had no issue dropping everything and coming to help me. This is the spirit of what we do: knowing that there are plenty of people of different colors, races, genders, beliefs and so on who are actually just like us. This is a powerful feeling.

Of course, we are the very top of the ‘fans pyramid’, spending hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on our creations. But you only have to take a step into a Star Wars Celebration convention to meet 80,000 fans of all levels from casual to hardcore to realize that we all have something in common: a sincere love of Star Wars. This is hard to find anywhere else.

KEEP READING: Star Wars, a Film for all Ages

Photos: Courtesy of Vincent Rondia, Unsplash

We might not be able to travel very far this May Holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make it a special occasion for you and your family. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Beijing hotel staycation options that are catering specifically to families. As well as treating yourself and your tribe to a well-deserved break, and a change of scene from your apartment, it also offers a great opportunity to discover a part of town you may not know too well.

Please note: due to COVID19, all hotel guests will be required to prove that they have been in Beijing for more than 14 days, and have completed any necessary quarantines. They may also be required to complete a nucleic acid test, or show proof of having taken the test within the last 7 days. For more details and any queries, it’s best to contact the hotel directly.

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza

As well as a cute play-tent for the kids, the Grand Hyatt is offering your family bath amenities, a special kids menu, and a host of family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts, family races in their Grand Ballroom, a pastry baking class, and even a street dancing class for kids.

Price: From RMB 900 per room per night
Offer valid: From May 1 to July 31
How to reserve: visit www.grandhyattbeijing.com, call 8518 1234, or email reservation.beigh@hyatt.com.

EAST Hotel

For Labor Day weekend East Hotel’s family staycation package includes a stay in their Studio room with panoramic views and RMB 600 of dining credit that can be used at any of the hotel’s F&B outlets including Domain, Feast (which will reopen on May 1), and Xian.

Price: From 800 per night. Minimum of 2 nights stay is required.
Offer valid: Until May 10
How to reserve: call 8414 9922, or email reservations@east-beijing.com

Grand Mercure

Take advantage of the Grand Mercure Dongcheng’s eastern location to get to know a side of town that you may not have enjoyed recently. The team at Grand Mercure are great with kids, and can offer flexible sleeping arrangements depending on your needs and the age of your family. From the hotel, you and the family are within easy reach of Beihai Lake, Lama Temple, Ditan Park, and the Qianman area, giving you plenty of options to get out and explore.

Price: From RMB 650 per room per night
Offer valid: Until May 31
How to reserve: call 8403 1188, or email h8909-RE@accor.com

China World Hotel

This Labor Day weekend, China World Hotel is launching its family fun package filled with family-friendly accommodation, delicious dining options, merry children’s entertainment, and great shopping, all in the heart of the city. China World Hotel, Beijing has created a “toy kingdom” for our younger guests. Parents and children will have the opportunity to share a day together at BB Union CWM Store Yaolan, a parent-child sharing community center that’s usually valued at RMB 580 for free.

Price: From RMB1,100 per night
How to reserve: call 6505 8866, or email reservations.cwh@shangri-la.com

The Opposite House

If you haven’t stayed at Sanlitun’s chic The Opposite House yet, perhaps now’s the time, as they are including a complimentary upgrade to Studio 70, and RMB 500 dining credit to use at all their restaurants when you book a stay this May holiday. Little ones get a cute bathrobe and slipper set, as well as customized play tent while parents get to enjoy the luxurious amenities and access to the vibrant Sanlitun area. And parents, if you’re looking for a great date night option, you can’t go past Jing Yaa Tang or stop by for a Silk Road inspired cocktail at Union (open daily from 5pm – midnight) located on the ground floor of the hotel.

Price: RMB 1,999 net per night
Offer valid: Until May 31
How to reserve: Call 6536 0601, or email reservations@theoppositehouse.com

NUO Hotel

Central Beijing hotel NUO have put together a pretty cool deal for this Labor Holiday weekend: by adding just RMB 1 to your booking, you can customize your stay to suit your family by choosing from one of two options. The ‘safe travel’ option will get you one-way pickup or drop-off limo service. ‘Eat well’ gets you access to exclusive Chinese and Western set menu and beverage packages (for two adults and 2 children). Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, for an extra RMB 200 you can opt for the ‘Dependable Stay’ which gets you a double upgrade to NUO Club Studio with Exec Lounge access.

Price: regular room rates, plus RMB 1 or RMB 200
Offer valid: Until Aug 31
How to reserve: call 5926 8888, or email reservations.beijing@nuohotel.com or visit https://www.nuohotel.com/

KEEP READING: Parents on Beijing Staycations and Exploring the Capital’s Hidden Treasures

Images: Toa Heftiba (via Unsplash), courtesy of featured hotels

These past few days have been gorgeous and catkin-free. But according to the Beijing Meteorological Service, that’s all about to change this weekend as the second wave of catkins hits the city. Starting from tomorrow (April 25) until the end of May holiday (May 5) areas inside the 6th Ring Road will be met with annoying fluffy catkins that’ll undoubtedly irritate those of us with seasonal allergies.

Beijing’s Yanqing, Miyun, and Huairou areas will be hit between April 27 and May 7. So if you’re planning some May holiday family time out in the countryside, be sure to pack your allergy medicine. Click here for a list of recommendations on how to best protect you and your family from catkin season.

For those with seasonal allergies, COVID-19 has made it a faux pas to cough or sneeze in public. But, the symptoms for seasonal allergies and COVID-19 are different. Click here to find out more about seasonal allergies in the time of COVID-19.

Photos: CGTN