My dad reading me an amazing story

When I was little my dad was Superman. He was the tallest man in the world, he wore the coolest clothes, he could fix any toy, and I knew I could always sweet-talk him into buying me snacks and candy whenever I wanted. I was daddy’s little girl and I had him wrapped around my pinky. Then I started middle school. My parents got divorced, and suddenly I saw my dad less and less. It took years before I was even willing to attempt to mend our relationship. Our father-daughter relationship didn’t sour overnight and it’s not going to be rebuilt in a day. We’re still working on it with every visit, video chat, and silly meme sent over WeChat. It took years but my dad’s starting to get his red cape back.

In this Beijing Baba issue, we give Beijing’s dads some much-deserved love and attention, and get a bit of insight into some unconventional lives of dads in the city. Jack Smith is a loving husband and father of twins by day, but by night he’s Elizabeth Stride, beautiful, fierce drag queen. Smith shares his story (p. 49) and tells us about the challenges of being a parent and a drag performer. We also touch on the family dynamic of a newly single dad and his relationship with his now ‘roommate’ son (p. 54).

We give one Beijing dad a total makeover (p.14), transforming his early morning bedhead into a runway-ready look for winter that rocks. Chef Nick shares the holiday dessert recipes that he makes for his little girl (p. 26). And a few of Beijing’s musicians prove that they can still rock on after having kids (p. 16).

When it comes to education, male teachers from Canadian International School Beijing, British School of Beijing, Sanlitun, and Beijing City International School share their views on how men are now defining their place in early childhood education (p. 34) as positive role models. Those valuable life lessons we learned as children stick with us our entire lives. Beijing’s dads share some valuable advice that their dads passed on to them (p. 44).

These are just a few of the topics we tackle in this issue. Flip through for more advice on life and parenting in Beijing, school news, and fun things to do with the family.

Scan the QR code below to check out our November issue.

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2019 Beijing Baba issue

Each month we round up the news about all the markets, bazaars, and fairs which Beijing has to offer. We aim to include all events, large and small, so if you have a market you want to let our readers know about please shoot us a message by commenting on this post or through WeChat. Winter is here and what better way to celebrate than to buy Christmas goodies on the markets. Beijing is filled with Christmas bazaars, markets and fairs, and we have them all (hopefully) here. No problem if you can’t make it to one, there are always 15 more.

German Charity Christmas Bazaar Beijing 

Adults RMB 100 kids RMB 10, December 2nd, from 11am to 6pm at the German Embassy for more information look here.

Give a Present Christmas Market 

Free, December 3rd from 11am to 5pm at Café Zarah

Christmas Delight Sale

Free, November 26 and 30 from 11am to 5pm at Kerry Center Mall

2017 Christmas Bazaar

Free, December 2nd from 11am to 3pm at BCIS Main Campus.

Rumble in the Jumble

Free, December 2nd from12 to 6pm at Modernista.

Couleur de Chine Bazaar

Free, November 28, 9am – 3pm at Institut Francais de Pekin

Beijing Flea Market

Free, December 9, 12 noon to 6pm at the Pop Up Sanlitun

International Newcomers Network Thriving in Winter 

Fee 60 RMB, November 27, 10am – 12 noon at Capital Mansion

Rivera Christmas Market

Free, December 9, 11am – 8pm at Riviera Country Club

Canadian International School Charity Bazaar

Free, December 3, 10am – 3pm at Canadian International School Beijing

A Dulwich Christmas Bazaar

Free, December 5 and 6, 3.30 – 7pm at AstriumLegend Campus, Dulwich College

Hutong Winter Fayre

Free, December 10, 11am – 4pm in the Hutong

WAB Winter Charity Bazaar

Free, November 25, 10.30am – 3.30pm at Western Academy of Beijing

British Embassy Christmas Bazaar

50 RMB Fee, register in advance by scanning the QR code, December 1, 3-7pm at the British Ambassador’s Residence.

Sew Gorgeous Christmas Sale

Free, 6 December, 10am – 12 noon at Beijing Riviera number 211

Riviera Chic

Free, December 8 – 9, 10am – 4pm at the Beijing Riviera Clubhouse

Christmas Fayre German Market

Free, December 9, 4-8pm at British School Beijing in Shunyi

Polish Club Christmas Bazaar

Free, December 10, 11am-5pm at the Polish Club

Farms to Neighbors Christmas Market

Free, December 16-17 and 23-24, 12-3pm at Grand Summit.

Migrant Children’s Foundation Riviera Christmas Fayre

Free, November 26 from 11am – 4pm at Riviera Country Club.

Marche de Noel

Free, December 10, 1-9pm at Solana Mall.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Oasis Hospital

December 1, 6-8pm, OASIS International Hospital.

Cultural Keys Treasure Trove

Free, December 23 and 24, 12-7pm at the Yongli Mall

Photos: courtesy of the vendors

Ramo’s Hip New Lido Location Now Open

This pizza joint has leaped the rubble of Fangjia Hutong to some massively upgraded digs in Lido and, in the process, given the brand a completely new and family friendly slant. In addition to their already pretty stellar list of pizza pies, salads, and breakfast items you can also now find a play area complete with ball pit and other soft things for kids to act a fool with or on. Meanwhile, parents can sit back and watch their kids play while relaxing with a variety of the concessions they have on offer.

China’s Short-Lived Cheese Ban Has Been Lifted

Phew… we were really scared there for a minute. To be 100 percent honest, we were actually thinking about calling our China adventure completely off when we heard the news. But as of Oct 20, the highly contentious ban on brie, camembert, and other soft and blue, stinky cheeses was lifted. Cheese Republic, a popular importer and seller of the flavorful golden dairy product on the mainland, announced on its WeChat account on Friday, Oct 20 that it was given the clear to sell once again, before thanking “the Chinese authorities and especially to the CIQ [the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau]of Shanghai! I would also like to congratulate the French Embassy in China, as well as Great Britain for their success!” The post went on to say that all such cheeses should be fully available on the Mainland in five to six weeks.

Liaoning Ballet of China Perform “Swan Lake”

As Beijing’s winter months become a reality, there’s no better time to up your culture game. To do this, why not catch some ballet from one of the most respected dance companies in all of Asia, the Liaoning Ballet, as they perform Swan Lake this month at the National Center of the Performing Arts on Nov 17-18. Swan Lake is a stunning romantic tragedy, shaped by Tschaikovsky’s heartbreakingly beautiful score, that is equally technically and emotionally demanding for all involved in its production. In short, this ballet is a work of art in its purest form.

The Beijing International School Expo (BISE) Website Has Officially Launched!

We at beijingkids are pleased to announce the launch of our new Beijing International School Expo (BISE) website (bise.truerun.com) that will be your immediate source for all information related to our one-of-a-kind education-focused event scheduled for Jan 13-14 at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. Here you will be able to learn more about what exactly will be happening throughout the two-day event giving Beijing families convenient access to over 100 exhibitors from schools across the city so that you can be more informed when it comes time to decide what school or program best suits the needs of your child.

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 webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Featured Events This Month

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB Chatterbox, Nov 16

Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB),Shunyi is hosting this months’ International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning. Join them for this great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area! Free. 10am-12pm. (RSVP: receptionsy@britishschool.org.cn)

Masterclass Series: Changing the World Through Education, Nov 17

Adults. China-Britain Business Council will work with Venture Education to present our members with a unique day of training on enterprise education. Enterprise education is a response to the challenges facing modern students in all levels of education and society,creating students whose positivity allows them to thrive in any situation. Educators and those in the field are welcome. RMB 1,600 (BritCham members), RMB 2,000 (non-members). 9.00 AM-4.00 PM.The British Business Centre, Beijing. (010 8525 1111 ext. 371, jia.wang@cbbc.org.cn)

Join 200,000+ People Celebrating Universal Children’s Day, Nov 20

All ages. To celebrate the United Nations’ Universal Children’s Day, Six Seconds are organizing POP-UP Festivals in 100+ countries during the month of November — where children and their adults will learn about emotions, well-being, and children’s rights. Free.(RSVP: jinshuju.net/f/IrZs50, Follow WeChat ID:Sixseconds-EQ for more information) 

Come and See BSB, Shunyi’s Production of “Oliver!” Nov 24-25

All ages. Come and see this amazing musical performed by The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s Secondary students. Oliver! is a musical based on the Charles Dickens novel with music and lyrics written by Lionel Bart. RMB 100 (adult), RMB 65 (children), 7-9pm (Nov 24), 2-4pm and 7-9pm (Nov 25). British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588,receptionsy@britishschool.org.cn)

Innovation Expo at ISB, Nov 25

All ages. The International School of Beijing will proudly host the second annual Innovation Expo on Saturday, November 25. Supported by Creatica, this family-friendly event invites the whole Beijing community to view exhibitions by students and local makers, try their hand at makers’ space workshops, and learn more about great innovation, creativity and STEAM education going on all over Beijing. Free. 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. (info@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Middle School/ High School Open House at ISB, Nov 29

All ages. The International School of Beijing invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to come and learn about ISB’s challenging curriculum and innovative teaching practices. Meet their new Head of School, Mr. Patrick Hurworth, learn more about our high school and college guidance programs, and hear first-hand accounts from our student panel. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the campus following each divisional discussion. Free. 8.45 am – 12.00 pm. International School of Beijing. (RSVP:admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Workshops and Seminars

Atelier French Holiday Picasso Workshop, Nov 6-10

Aged 5+. Picasso was a mixed media artist, known for his paintings, drawings, etchings, and, sculptures. Each day we will discover a masterpiece of this wonderful artist. The week will be divided into several topics regarding his inspirations and key examples of his style. RMB 1,800. 10-12pm (5-8 years old), 1.30-4.00 (9+years old).Atelier (atelier.cn.com)

Tea Talk: How to Ensure Optimal Nutrition Intake for Young Children, Nov 10

For Adults.  3e International School’s Tea Talk helps guide parents to understand the optimal daily levels of nutritional intake for children.Presented by Dr.TuHuiling, a pediatrician from Dr.Cuiyutao Pediatric Clinics with over 20 years experience in pediatrics, child nutrition, and gastrointestinal function and disease research.Free.  9am-10.30am. Emailcommunity@3einternationalschool.org to register.

DSS: David Begbie “Be the Change,” Nov 13

All ages. David Begbie will visit WAB as part of the school’s Distinguished Speaker Series to talk about his career and lead an inspirational conversation about how making a small change can have a worldwide impact. David is the Director of Global X-perience at the Crossroads Foundation. Free. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing (visitwww.wab.edu/dss to register, contact wabinfo@wab.edu for more information)

Markets and Bazaars

The Great Kids Clothing Swap (Cancelled), Nov 11 and Nov 18

All ages. Bring your used clothing (from newborn to eight years old) to swap for some new threads. Sort your clothing by age before you arrive. Items must be in good condition, free from stains and rips. Please also bring a plate of finger food to share during the mix and mingle time, when all the clothing is being sorted. All unsold clothing will be donated to charity. RMB 100. 1.30-4pm. Nov 11 at International School of Beijing, ES Cafeteria; Nov 18 at YCIS, Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District. Check out yoopay.cn/event/71598901 and yoopay.cn/event/47984646 to register.

WAB Winter Charity Bazaar, Nov 25

All ages. Beijing’s biggest and best holiday bazaar is back. Come to Western Academy of Beijing to get yourself into the holiday spirit with a diverse range of traditional winter food and drinks, unique handicrafts, and gifts for your friends and family, as well as some spirited entertainment from WAB students and staff. Proceeds go to a number of worthy charities both in Beijing and around the world. This is an event you will not want to miss as your family gets ready for the holiday season!  Free. 10.30am-3.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. (5986 5588, email: wabinfo@wab.edu)

Fun For Kids

Celebrating Dance Beijing 2017, Nov 11-12

Ages 6-16. This is a two-day performing arts workshop with a showcase on Sunday afternoon for parents.Each day there will be five classes taught inmany different genres of dance as well as voice and drama.At the end of each day, they will spend an hour preparing for a final showcase to show off the skills that they’ve learned.RMB 1,600. 10am-4pm.Please contact Kelly Charles (Wechat: Ilovematisse104) for sign up or email kelly@charles.com.au

Weekly drawing class, until Nov 25
All ages. These weekly art sessions will run until November 25. They’re perfect for families with children that have a passion for art. Students at The SLab can learn correct drawing techniques, how to draw portraits and even papier mâché. Come join the Academic Drawing Class from 1-3pm, and/or the Creative Drawing Class from 4-6pm. RMB 290 per class. The SLab. (138 1121 8031)

Flips & Kicks plus Gymnastics, until Dec 8

Ages 3-12. At Flips & Kicks, they’re dedicated to giving all their students the opportunity to reach their full potential while still keeping the emphasis on fun. They offer children the chance to improve their fitness, coordination, concentration, self-esteem, and confidence in an environment that is stimulating, challenging, and safe. RMB 1430-2100. 9am-12.30pm, 4-7.30pm, 6-8pm. Western Academy of Beijing (13718462044, info@flipsandkicksplus.com)

BSB, Shunyi Baby & Toddler Group Friday Mornings, until Dec 8

Ages 0-18 months. Come to BSB, Shunyi’s Baby & Toddler Group to meet other expat families, enjoy playing with age-appropriate toys, creating seasonal crafts, singing, actions and lots more! Free to attend. Drinks and snacks provided. Free. 9-10.30am. BSB, Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Fun-filled Mom and Child Playground, every Saturday

Ages 1.5-5. Join this fun-filled mom and child playground at Happy Family Kindergarten every Saturday morning. This playground is aimed for children 1.5-5 years old and moms to meet new people while spending some quality time together with their little bundles of joy. The kids will engage in storytelling, arts and crafts activities, as well as music and movement. Free. 9.00am-11.00am. (RSVP: 136 9573 7808)

Outdoor Activities

In the Footsteps of the Emperor: A Walk and Discussion at the Temple of Heaven, Nov 12

All ages. The Temple of Heaven is where Beijing’s past and present exist prominently side by side. This walk and discussion will look not only at the complex and its rituals and historical significance but will also discuss the connections between present and past. The walk is led by a trained historian who has spent over a decade in Beijing teaching and researching Chinese history. 240 RMB (200 RMB for members). 9am – 11.30am. The Hutong (159 0104 6127, thehutong.com)

American Thanksgiving at the Great Wall, Nov 23

All ages. Come and share a feast and give thanks under the Great Wall. There will be a roasted turkey, and all the trimmings served family style along with a dessert buffet. In addition to this, there will be live jazz and a kid’s playroom with activities hosted by a professional. For those who can’t get away for Thursday, there is still a chance to come together for a real family Thanksgiving on Saturday night. Every year these events have been sold out so make your reservation early! RMB 158-388. 6.30-11.30 PM. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall. (6162 6506, brickyardatmutianyu.com)

In the October issue of beijingkids, we compiled a list of places to see the fall leaves. Although with all of this snow the autumn foliage might be a little damp, if you act fast you can still pick up some leaves and try the following crafts at home.

Leaf People
have your kids create an entire leaf family by drawing the faces of the under side of the leaf and even use different colored leaves for different members of the family.

Leaf Tree
This is bound to get messy. Paint your leaves different colors and press the painted surface on a clean sheet of paper before the paint dries to create a beautiful tree.

Thanksgiving Wall Art
A great way to get ready for the holiday. Get an old board or picture frame and have the kid(s) glue leaves into the shape of a turkey or maple leaf. Use multi-colored leaves to get a more dramatic effect.

Leaf Lanterns
Create lanterns by gluing leaves inside a glass jar, (for example using mod podge which can be bought on Taobao).

Leaf Place Cards
For a personal touch at Thanksgiving dinner let kids create their own place cards. Head to the nearest art supply store for stiff art paper then add leaves, paint, glitter, and write people’s names using a sharpie.

Look for other fall crafts leaves ideas on www.diycrafts.com

Photo: diycrafts.com

After a humble beginning in 2013 that raised more than RMB 20,000, local charity event Maovember exploded in 2014 when it generated over RMB 100,000 in donations for eye health organization Orbis, with every RMB 800 raised representing cataract surgery for one recipient in rural China. As it gears up again, we spoke to Maovember co-founder and prime mover Jim Boyce about its roots and the plan for this year.

How did Maovember start?
Julian Tavalin and I were getting drunk at the Hilton wine fair two years ago. He was running Tavalin Bagels at the time and had some unsightly lip hair and we started talking about Movember, when guys grow mustaches during November to raise money for research into men’s health issues like prostrate cancer. I suggested a further word play and asked if he’d donate one "mao" — a tenth of a yuan — to charity for every bagel he sold in November. Maovember! It was also Halloween weekend and I remembered how in Canada kids dressed up and visited their neighbors to get treats as well as pennies for UNICEF. The idea of helping someone with lots of small donations sounded good.

Anyway, Tavalin agreed and some other bars, restaurants, and vendors soon signed up and we launched Maovember. We didn’t have enough time to find a reliable men’s health charity so the donation went to the Library Project. I had worked with them on Beers for Books and had faith the money would be well spent. We raised more than RMB 20,000, enough to furnish a library for a migrants’ school in Beijing.

Plus, we grew mustaches. Andrew Papas of Two Guys and a Pie had an especially dubious pie duster. He also turned out to be the ultimate salesman for our 50-kuai Maovember lapel pins — few people have the skill set to turn cynical and sloppy drunks into pin-buying softies at The Den at 3 AM. Anyway, Two Guys was kind of our unofficial headquarters and we ended the campaign on the last — and very cold — day of November by selling Vedett beer, with labels featuring pics of donors, and with a show by The Beijing Beatles, who were juiced up on CHEERS mulled wine, in its modest confines.

That was in 2013. What about 2014?If 2013 was a pencil ‘stache, 2014 was a full-fledged flavor saver with bonus sideburns. This time, there was a men’s health angle — George Smith, a part owner of The Irish Volunteer, works for Orbis and said we could fund cataract surgery for men in rural China at RMB 800 per operation. We also had a lot more events — over a dozen — and participating bars, restaurants and vendors. And it turned out many people were willing to donate RMB 800 to fund an operation. In the end, we raised over RMB 100,000, enough for more than 130 surgeries, including 60,000-plus from events, 20,000 from personal donations and 20,000 from pin sales.

How are the charities chosen?
The idea is to choose charities that show a visible result. We couldn’t find a men’s charity in time in 2013, so we teamed up with Library Project. Andrew Papas and I went to the partner school on the edge of Beijing to help put the tables, chairs, and shelves together, and stocked the shelves with books, so we saw the physical manifestation of the donations. Or maybe a more accurate way to describe it is that we figured we were going to some ribbon-cutting ceremony and ended up being given hammers and screwdrivers and set to work.

Last year, I tried to get in touch with the China branch of the Prostate Cancer Foundation several times–they didn’t respond until February! In the meantime, we connected with Orbis. George Smith provided photos and biographies for some of the guys we funded as well as the charity’s quarterly reports that list progress on the surgeries.

What are the challenges Maovember faces?
Like any project, it comes down to people. There will always have people who promise to help but don’t come through or who have hundreds of ideas but little interest in implementing them, but we’ve been lucky to team with a lot of people who want to do something good and believe in the cause.

We had great venue partners last year, particularly The Irish Volunteer, Paddy O’Shea’s and Jing-A — which also teamed up with Beijing Foodies, Home Plate and The Loca l– who raised the majority of the event money. But there were others who came out of the blue. At the risk of singling out some and being accused of ignoring others, I was surprised when Stefan Schober of Q-Mex got in touch about organizing a quiz night and even more so when it raised over RMB 3,500. Or when Teesh Law of Deli De Luxe, who I had only known a few weeks, agreed to sell hot chocolate and coffee for charity at The Turkey Bowl, an annual flag football game organized by Mash Up. One of my most vivid memories was seeing a taxi, its trunk loaded with full cups of coffee, driving at 10 km per hour around Chaoyang Park in search of a football field. That’s only a couple of examples. There are many more.

What’s planned for this year?
My suggestion is to focus on the basics, to be less concerned about beating last year’s donation total and more concerned about maintaining the spirit of the event and its focus on small businesses, transparent fundraising, and concrete results. My big worry is that as Maovember grows, so do the odds of something dodgy happening and reflecting poorly on everybody, one reason we were pretty picky about events last year. We also raise money through pin sales and it would be nice if the venues who sell them paid up front — we’re talking RMB 500 for 10 pins — as a lot of time was spent running around collecting money and unsold stock last year that would be better spent elsewhere. But mostly it’s about teamwork. I’m not even keen on doing interviews like this because there were literally hundreds of people involved last year, from bar owners to donors to — once again! — The Beijing Beatles. And why not get involved — most of us have our sight, and our health, and are lucky to be able to help.

Keep an eye on the Maovember website for more information.

Photo: Maovember/Jim Boyce

this post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on October 8, 2015

It’s never too early to plan your child’s birthday and doing your homework just got easier with the latest issue of the beijingkids. The November issue features where to get your hands on cakes, decorations, entertainment, a list of seasonal venues (with and without birthday packages), and tips from parents on what’s needed in the birthday checklist.

Give thanks this (American) Thanksgiving that falls on November 27 in the three different alternatives compiled in our dining section. Also get a detailed description to baking and decorating a birthday cake from Charlotte Friis-Lodahl as she makes delicious Teddy Bear cake and British pizza parlor PizzaExpress touches down in Sanlitun Taikooli.

Beijing Sideways takes a family out and about the city on their sidecar and get a condensed history version of Beijing’s new and old. The Cruz family share with us their Bogota and San Andres Island.

We introduce our new health columnist, Clinical Psychologist Dr. George Hu from Beijing United Family Hospital as he explores the meaning of birthdays and Dr. Melissa Rodriguez discuss the effects of sugar. The health feature of the month touches on fussy eaters and how to deal with meals.

We spotlight the Andy Horowitz of Andy Sausages, PPKids that recently opened in Indigo, and Bianca Teti‘s makeover to fiery hot in our living section. Hear what Beijing Baba, Christopher Lay and the Echo Chamber, Ember Swift talk about nostalgia and power blackout respectively.

As for our schooled article, find out what three kids think about wearing uniforms from different schools that have and do not have school uniforms policies. There’s also the perspective of a student attending a local school. We hear from Beijing BISS International School students as they debate tech addiction. We showcase the young ones at Beanstalk Wanghu Kindergaten in Blank Canvas.

Due to the car restrictions imposed during to APEC Summit, delivery of the magazine will take a few extra days to reach your usual pick up points. Before then find the online version here. If you can’t find a print version email  distribution@beijing-kids.com

With the help of Google analytics, we came up with a list of the ten most viewed post in the month of November. Some are new, some are old, some written by the team. The honors of the most viewed post in the month was written by a Beijing mom. Take a look at the ones that made the cut.

Passionate About Me: One Mum’s 40kg Weight Loss Battle
Beijing mom Paula Zhou shares her inspiring story about how she became comfortable in her own skin.

Tiger Cubs Strike Back: Top 5 Ways to Evade A Screaming Parent
This is a blast from the past blog. Written in 2011, the post puts a smile to begin with and ends in a state of hysteria.

Where Are They Now: Beijing Alumnus Harrison Kim
A blog series that gives a glimpse of into the lives of alumni of Beijing’s international school after graduation. Harrison was a student at the Western Academy of Beijing.

Kerry Debuts new Adventure Zone for Kids
A welcomed addition of a play area for the young and the young at heart. There are just so many zones to choose from.

A Wallet Work-out! The Directory of Holiday Bazaars
We come up with a list of this year’s Christmas and Charity bazaars that began in early November and will end sometime in the second week of December.

5 Chinese Online Shopping Sites to Rival Taobao
The mammoth that is taobao does have some competition especially from lesser known websites.

Do Try This At Home: Zha Jiang Mian
This is shared recipe to make a traditional beijing dish in the confines of your home.

The Painted Skin and Other Scary Tales: A Chinese Ghost Story Primer
This post looked at the various horror flicks from China make a fun watch for movie night even if Halloween is over.

5 Local Markets for Air-Filtering Houseplants
This post is part of a series that looks at various market around Beijing on where to get the air in the house a little fresher.

What’s That Air Purifier Really Doing for You?
Air pollution is a concern for most Beijing residents both local and foreign and instinctively the first thought is to get an air purifier. But what does an air purifier really do?

Photos courtesy of Paula Zhou, beijingkids, Liangjinjian,
Kevin Dooley  (Flickr)

The November issue of beijingkids is about protecting and nurturing what’s most important: your family’s health.  

Our features are packed plenty of ideas for places to do where the whole family can exercise together, which local brands of healthy, organic groceries to buy, a guide to traditional Chinese medicine, and a guide to dealing with diabetes in Beijing.

Just in time for cold season, our resident doctor Dr. Richard Saint Cyr explains cough syrup safety, and nutritionist Olivia Lee provides pointers on maintaining healthy habits through the cold weather.

Just because winter has settled in doesn’t mean you should stay in; layer up and head out to Wangfujing, where you can wander through book stores, tea shops, and more. We’ve also got a primer for equestrian-inclined families looking for a polo club in Beijing, and wild family adventures through Russia, Finland, and Tanzania.

Our learning section spotlights BJU orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ren Gang in When I Grow Up, and four Dulwich College Beijing students discuss the impact of culture and media on body image.

Learn to concoct a creamy coconut pumpkin soup in Food For Thought, and of course if you’d rather not chop and wash dishes, you can head to Southern Barbarian for delicious Yunnan cuisine.

And of course, search our event listings for fun family events, or check our directory listings for help finding anything in Beijing.

Can’t find the print edition? Send an email to distribution@beijing-kids.com or call 5820 7700.

Or, check out the PDF version at Issuu.com.