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 KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Learn

R3’s Kitchen: Learn How to Make Chicken Curry and Puto, Jul 27
All ages.  A cuisine is a characteristic style of cooking practices and traditions, usually associated with a specific culture. Asia is home to many cultures, many of which have their own characteristic cuisine. R3’s Kitchen offers a fun way of learning Asian cuisine. On July 27 at 10-11am, come to the Golden Century Garden to learn how to make Nepali style chicken curry, and Philippine steamed rice cake called puto. RMB 180 per session (copy of recipe included). R3’s Kitchen. (WeChat ID: R3Discovery, 186 1811 4978 – Leng, 136 2106 5844 -Sabina, r3discovery@sina.com).

Arrival Survival, Aug 28
All ages. Come and join the International Newcomer’s Network (INN) for a fun and informative morning with guest speakers discussing ways to survive and thrive in Beijing. Some topics covered include safety in the city and counterfeit money, the stress of settling into life in Beijing, water and air purification systems, health insurance, WeChat Pay, and financial planning. Afterwards, indulge in a lunch bunch in a nearby restaurant and enjoy delicious traditional Chinese cuisine. Foreign passport holders only. RMB 75. Capital Mansion Athletic Club. Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nan Road, Chaoyang 100004. 北京市朝阳区新源南路6号，京城大厦50层100004.

Weekly Drawing Classes, until Nov 25
All ages. The 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). R102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzimenwai Street, Dongcheng. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Explore

On the Road: Young Chinese Artists, until Jul 26
All ages. This sculpture exhibition brings fresh new works from artists around China to Beijing for your viewing pleasure. The exhibition looks at the interactions of the sculpture, space and the public, as well as the development of contemporary science and society using the vocabulary of sculpture. 10am-6pm. Dachin Contemporary Art Center – A-4 798 Arts District, Chaoyang. 北京朝阳区 798艺术区A区04 栋大千当代艺术中.

Living Digital Forest and Future Park, Tue-Sat until Oct 10
All ages. ‘Living Digital Forest’ is an exhibition of twelve digital works, which includes ‘Future Park’, an interactive, dynamic playground where kids can explore, experiment and play. Click/tap here for more details about the exhibition. Click/tap here to buy an e-ticket (page in Chinese) or follow Pace Beijing’s WeChat (ID: pace_service). RMB 80 (weekdays), RMB 150 (weekends). Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-6pm. Pace Beijing, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区8502信箱

The Bookworm’s Weekly SciFi Book Club, every Thursday
All ages. Join The Bookworm’s weekly SciFi Book Club to talk about your favorite science fiction short stories! Each meeting you get a chance to read and discuss a short story. Some of the authors chosen so far include Greg Egan, Iain M. Banks, Cory Doctorow, Andy Weir, Liu Cixin, Peter Watts, Neal Stephenson, Ted Chiang, and many others. Add Olga on WeChat @Merukaba for more information. Free. 8pm.

Experience the Avengers, until Aug 20
All ages. One of the world’s favorite comic series comes to Beijing! Following stops in Times Square, Paris, Las Vegas and Singapore, this interactive comic book experience hits Beijing, giving kids, families, and fans a chance to see Avengers memorabilia up close and to learn more about their favorite heroes. RMB 198 on weekdays, RMB 258 on weekends. Chaoyang Park West Gate. 8 Square, 4th Gate West Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang. 北京 朝阳区 北京朝阳公园西4门08广场.

Heart of the Tin Man, until Aug 10
All ages. The ubiquity of new technologies in daily life serves as a backdrop for the diverse positions presented within Heart of the Tin Man. Twelve artists, with unique understandings of the world and its forces, embrace alternative modes of creativity and unprecedented languages of expression that underline dramatic shifts occurring in the realm of human experience. Incorporating virtual reality, digital mechanics, and interactive installations predicated on the latest in scientific achievement, Heart of the Tin Man stimulates the senses of sight, smell, touch, and sound, drawing predominantly from the M WOODS Collection and the post-internet focus of co-founder Michael Xufu Huang. RMB 60, RMB 40 for students. 10.30am-6pm. M Woods. D-06, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 酒仙桥路2号798艺术区，D-06.

Enjoy

Beijing Art Theatre for Children: You Look Tasty, Jul 23-27
This Chinese-language play for kids is designed for dinosaur lovers. An Ankylosaurus egg rolls in front of Tyrannosaurus and breaks. When the baby Ankylosaurus cries out “Daddy!” he decides not to eat the little dinosaur, but instead teaches him his famous three tricks and protects him. RMB 80– 400. 7.30-9pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区 西长安街2号.

Water Cube Audiovisual Feast – “Bird’s Nest Attraction”, every Thu to Sun until Jul 30
All ages. A visual and acoustic cultural feast titled Bird’s Nest Attraction will be staged at the Water Cube every Thursday to Sunday. RMB 180, 280, 480, 880, 1,280 (for VIP). Contact Lucy for more information. (WeChat ID: lucy18600208126, 186 0020 8126). Water Cube, National Aquatics Center.

Rhythm of Youth: The Asian Youth Orchestra in Concert, Jul 25
All ages. Richard Pontzious will direct the Asian Youth Orchestra at the National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). The members of the orchestra are among the finest young musicians from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and are selected via a highly rigorous audition process. Their program includes Strauss, Sibelius and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. Tickets from RMB 80 to RMB 500. 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA).

Beijing Flea Market, Jul 29
All ages. The Beijing Flea Market is always a popular choice among Beijingers, and it’s nice to see that the summer heat hasn’t scared them away from shopping for their usual range of food, clothes, and goodies. Noon-6pm. Pop-Up Beijing. (http://popupbeijing.com/). North Side, Ground Level, Building 22, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang. 朝阳区 朝阳区工体北路4号22号楼104室.

Swiss National Day Celebration, Jul 29
All ages. Everyone’s invited to the Swiss Embassy for the National Day Celebration. Enjoy Swiss beer and wine and food from the Nuo Hotel while enjoying the Embassy’s garden and pool (before sunset). As night falls, a bonfire will be lit and children will be invited to carry paper lanterns with the Swiss cross in a parade through the Embassy. The event will also include a draw with chances to win tons of great prizes. RMB 300 for Swiss Club members, RMB 450 for non-members, RMB 150 (kids), free for kids 5 and under. 3pm. Register with Jeff on Wechat ID: InternsInBeijing or by email to info@swissclubbeijing.com. Registration deadline: 26 July. Embassy of the Swiss Confederation. Sanlitun Dongwujie 3. 朝阳区三里屯东五街3号(近昆仑饭店).

Monster Jam, Jul 29
All ages. Monster Jam® is the most action-packed live event on four wheels where world-class drivers compete in front of capacity crowds in both monster truck racing and freestyle competitions. Celebrating 25 years of adrenaline-charged family entertainment, Monster Jam combines spontaneous entertainment with the ultimate off-road, motorsport competition. July 29th, don’t miss it for the first time ever in China at the National Stadium. RMB 180-680. Learn more about this event here. To buy tickets, click here. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).

Discount Tickets for Panda Kungfu Show – Shichahai Theater, every night
All ages. The Kungfu extravaganza “Shichahai” combines some of China’s most treasured performance arts including martial arts, Peking opera, and acrobatics.Led by Kungfu masters, many of who are champions of various martial art tournaments, “Shichahai” plays nightly at Shichahai Theater. Cute Kungfu pandas make this show a big hit among kids. 5.30-6.30pm. “bookingticket” offers discounted tickets for the Panda Kungfu Show as well as others. Click here for more info.

Indulge

Rmb 80 All-You-Can-Eat-And-Drink at Mr. Shi Sanlitun, until Jul 30
All ages. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings is offering a special promotion. Spend only RMB 80 and enjoy unlimited dumplings, dishes, draft beer, and seasonal fruits. The deal requires a minimum of 5 people. Contact the store to make a reservation by calling 131 6100 3826 or 6415 6388, or by emailing laoshisj@qq.com. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings Sanlitun Branch. No. 37 Sanlitun South, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 三里屯南37号楼

Fresh Imported Oysters at Xian, until Nov 30
All ages. Now at Xian, we have also prepared freshly imported oysters from France. Among the selections are: Largest oyster-producing region Fine de Claire – Fine de Claire #3, and the most famous oyster in the world Belon – Belon #2. For parents, Michel Lynch Sauvignon Blanc White Wine and Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne have been prepared as well to pair with your oysters. Xian operating hours:
Monday-Sunday. 5pm-2am. Unity live show: every Wednesday to Sunday, 9pm-midnight. For more information or reservations, please call 8414 9810. EAST, Beijing Hotel. No. 22 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, 100016. 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路22号100016.

Hike

Jiankou – Gubeikou Great Wall Hiking and Camping (2 days),
Ages 5+. If you love the outdoors, you won’t want to miss this epic Great Wall hike that covers 2 fantastic sections of the Beijing Wild Great Wall:  the amazing Wild Jiankou Great Wall and Gubeikou, Beijing’s oldest Great Wall. Dates: Jul 29-30, Aug 5-6. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 7pm. RMB 1,600 (RMB 1,440 for kids 7-17, RMB 1280 for membership, RMB 800 for kids younger than 7). ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

1 Day Sunset Great Wall Hike, Jul 29
Ages 5+. Hike 8 km on a recently restored Wild Great Wall section with stunning views on Beijing’s highest Great Wall in the north, miles and miles of the Great Wall in the south, and the Chen Castle General Tower in the east. You will need an average to good physical condition and some balance for this trail. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. Departure at 11.30am, arrival in Beijing at 10pm. RMB 600 (RMB 540 for kids 7-17, RMB 480 for membership, RMB 300 for kids younger than 7)  ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

West Jiankou to East Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall, Jul 27-28
Ages 5+. The 18-km Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall camping offers an in-depth exploration of the Wild Jiankou with a finish on the restored Mutianyu Great Wall. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 7pm. RMB 1,600 (RMB 1,440 for kids 7-17, RMB 1,280 for membership, RMB 800 for kids younger than 7).  ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

4 Days Wild Great Wall Trekking /Camping From Chen Castle to General Xu Great Wall, Aug 7-10
Ages 7+. An amazing 45km Great Wall trekking on long forgotten & rarely seen wild sections of China’s Great Wall. Hikers will pitch their tents twice on the Great Wall and stay once overnight with a local farmer. This Great Wall trek starts on the crumble staircases of the Chen Castle Great Wall from where hikers head to the highest Great Wall watchtower of Beijing. After passing through the long forgotten but amazing Border Defense Great Wall, hikers will pitch their tents on the General Xu Great Wall. Once you conquer this hiking this trail you can truly say you hiked China’s wild Great Wall. Hike level: 4 strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. RMB 3,300. ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

Camp

Atelier Summer Camps, various dates in Jul
Ages 4+. Like every year, Atelier’s team has created a series of epic and adventurous workshops about art history, literature,  history, and science! Upcoming Atelier workshops include Frida Kahlo and Mexico, Marco Polo, and Picasso. Room 10L, Building 7, Julong Garden, No. 68 Xinzhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 北京市东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼10L室

Sea Touring Kayak Training Summer Camp, various dates in Jul & Aug
Ages 8-18. Beijing Warren Kayak Club is organizing the first kayak summer camp in Beijing history. The purpose of the camp is to teach ACA (American Canoe Association) sea touring kayak level 1 and level 2 lessons. Students will learn and master long distance paddling, practice rescue drills, and learn about kayak trips. At the end, the students’ learning will be assessed, and their skill levels will be certified by ACA. English is the main language of the kayak summer camp, but the instructors are more or less able to communicate in Chinese. Dates: July 24-28，July 31-August 4, August 7-11, August 14-18, and August 21–25. (WeChat ID: Kayaking_China, 151 0166 2018, boston5678@qq.com).

French Immersion Summer Camp, Aug 7-25
Ages 4-10. All Levels – New Learners Encouraged! Introduce Your Child to French and experience a new language and culture. This summer camp gives your children a chance to immerse themselves into a French language environment through fun activities with native French teachers. RMB 2,500 per week (lunch/snacks included). 9am-4pm. For more information, email frenchcampbeijing@yahoo.com.

Summer Camp with Flips & Kicks Plus and Kerry Sports, various Aug
Ages 4-12. Due to the positive response regarding previous summer camps, Flips & Kicks Plus and Kerry Sports will host additional ones. Upcoming camps will take place during August 7^th to 11^th, and August 14^th to 18^th. Registration is required. RMB 3,200-4,500. 9am–2.30pm. For more information or booking please contact the Kerry center (8565 2460, hbkc@thekerryhotels.com) Guang Hua Lu no. 1. 光华路一号

Photos: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay; other photos courtesy of the organizers

More stories by this author here.

Although schools are closing for the summer and friends are heading out of town, even we were surprised by how much is going on in Beijing. Check out all the city has to offer in Free Events, Unique Events, Ongoing Events and the Best of Next Week.

Free Events

Give Blood. Save Lives. June 14
Ages 18-55. The blood drive is held in cooperation with the Tongzhou Blood Bank and open for donations from people between the ages of 18 and 55. Come give the gift of life to those in need. For more information on the importance of giving blood or for address and map information see UFH website. Free. 10am-3pm. Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics Blood Drive (3rd Floor, Building 2, Jiangtai Road)

Casa Tea Talks, June 15
Adults. How to create a bilingual environment at home will start this series by Elizabeth Hardage, Chief Academic Officer of Ivy Education Group. Free. 10.30am-Noon Daystar Main Campus (Register here)

International Newcomer’s Network – Shunyi Coffee Morning, June 16
Adults. If you’re new in Shunyi, this is the perfect event to meet your most social neighbors. Free. 10am-Noon. BSB Shunyi. (contactus@innbeijing.org)

Latino Bazaar, Colorful Fiesta, June 18
All ages. As with all authentically latin events, the family is integrated and always welcome at this bazaar.  Come try drinks, delicious food, handcrafted goods, original creations, wine tastings, and gourmet delicatessen. Dress code is guayabera and latin chic. Free. 2pm-8pm. Sanlitun Soho Building 3 (5785.3850)

Yogi Bazaar, June 18
Ages 12+ If you love practicing yoga, this is the place for you. Enjoy quality yoga products, handicrafts, organic food, and other healthy lifestyle products. Free. 10am – 6pm. Chaoyang Park Plaza 08 (wechat id: sheishei)

Father’s Day Summer Fair, June 19
All ages. Join EtonKids for the “Summer Fair” to enjoy a variety of exciting activities including but not limited to plate drawing, magic balloons, Lion Family photo shooting, Montessori classroom experience and Father’s Day Parenting Storybook, and lots more. Cakes and drinks are served. Free. 9.30am-1.30pm. EtonKids International Bilingual Kindergarten, Peking House (Scan QR Code to Apply)

School Warming Party and Family Day, June 19
All ages. Join Daystar for painting, stories, music, snacks and cultural activities to get ready for an easy transition from home to school. Free. 9am-2pm. Guantang West Gate Campus (Register here)

Many Farms to Neighbors workshops have been popular with kids and adults alike.

Unique Events

Calligraphy Class in English, June 14
Ages 7+ Chinese calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practiced and revered in the Sinosphere, which often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  The Four Treasures of the Study – the ink brush, ink, paper (made of rice & bamboo), and inkstone are provided. RMB 250 (Door) RMB 200 (Prepaid) 10.30am-Noon. China Culture Center (6432.9341)

Richard Galliano & Geneva Camerata, June 15
Ages 13+ This globally-travelled and innovative orchestra has recently collaborated with soloists such as Emmanuel Pahud, Steven Isserlis, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Andreas Scholl, Avi Avital, and Daniel Hope, among others. David Greilsammer and GECA regularly work with choreographers and visual artists, as well as jazz, world, and rock musicians. RMB 80+ 7.30-9pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (6655.0000)

Chinese Stuffed Pancakes, June 15
Ages 7+ Xian bing is the Chinese version of a stuffed pancake, and the secret to a great one is making a rich, crispy dough that isn’t greasy, while adding some flavorful spices to the more traditional fillings: beef, pork, lamb, veggies and other mixes. RMB 300. 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (events@thehutong.com )

Half Day Beijing Walking Tour, June 18
Ages 7+ Join Beijing Trips for a four hour tour of the city. Participants have a say in this tour as it’s designed with each individual involved in mind. Price includes lunch. RMB 190. 8am-Noon. Beijing Trips (beijinghutongtrips@yahoo.com)

Mindful Eating Practice at Farm to Neighbors Market, June 19
All ages. This week, at the regular free Farm to Neighbors market held every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm, the Mindfulness Centre is teaming up with Farm to Neighbors and Food Revolution to offer a non-profit workshop to practice mindfulness with healthy eating. This workshop will be conducted on the third floor (Yoga Summit). Kids session is held from 1.30-2pm and the adults session is 2.15-4pm. RMB 30 (Kids) RMB 60 (Adults). Grand Summit (WeChat: 18600116714)

Yoga Dance for Charity, June 19
Ages 13+ Combine vinyasa, dance and charity at this community supporting class. Minimum RMB 15. 7-8.30pm. Yoga Yard (WeChat: Malgo85)

Alright, we admit it’s not going to be Audrey gracing the stage, but My Fair Lady is still a beloved cultural experience.

Ongoing Events

My Fair Lady, June 14-19
Ages 6+ This heartwarming and classic story of love, language, and society is perfect for avoiding summer fallback. Just remember to end the performance with a discussion about themes and presentation. Tickets under RMB 480 already sold out. RMB 480 – 1280. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Aerial Yoga Class, Tuesdays
Ages 16+ Join this sexy and fun class to nail those handstand poses you can’t reach on your own. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 12.30-1.30pm and 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Taekwondo Fit Girl’s Class, Wednesdays
Ages 13+ NB8 Taekwondo classes for women will help you achieve greater strength and improved self-control. Classes teach how to effectively stop an attacker who is bigger than you, while at the same time improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and build faster reflexes. RMB 1250. 7.30-8.30pm. Shangdu Soho, (ntep3@me.com)

Cavalia, June 15 – July 31
All ages. Cavalia has extended its stay for the whole summer. Cheap seats sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want in on a budget. RMB 120-1980. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park Dong San Men Parking Lot (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Jazz-Pop Class, Fridays
Ages 13+ Got problems with coordination? Let Giselle at Diva Dance Academy whip you into shape with some moves to boot. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Summer Concerts of the German Choir Beijing, June 18-19
Ages 5+ The German Choir will be supported by a multinational Madrigal Chorus. June 18, German Embassy School Beijing, then June 19 at Hilton Hotel Beijing. RMB 100. 5pm. (deutsche.kantorei.peking@gmail.com)

Multicultural Volleyball, Saturdays
Ages 16+ Laid back fun with a mix of volleyball-loving men and women is a great way to start off the summer. Fee is just for court costs. RMB 55. 2-4pm Shichaihai Sports School (WeChat: chubidubby)

Watching us or watching you? Philosophical questions at the Beijing Zoo must be answered.

6 Best of Next Week

Beijing Zoo, June 21
Ages 3+ Take a walk on the wild side with That’s Mandarin at the Beijing Zoo. Home to animals from around the world, it’s fun for all the family. RMB 500. 1-5pm Beijing Zoo (info@thatsmandarin.com)

International Newcomers Network’s Beer Night, June 23
Adults. We will be exploring little gems along with some of our old standby favorites around town! Come join INN to meet new friends and fellow beer enthusiasts to talk beer, sports or wherever the topic goes. Free. 7-9pm. Contact William Frisby for location. (WeChat: 13141443186)

Professional Development Series: Changing Jobs and Industries, June 23
Adults. JingJobs is teaming up with Beijing Women’s Network for this talk on the price of changing industries and jobs. This workshop seeks to answer, how much change is too much? RMB 50 (Door) 7-9p. Inn Cube (Register here)

Science Museum Visit, June 23
Ages 3+ Join That’s Mandarin on a visit to China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, where you can explore hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing China’s contributions to the scientific field. RMB 500. 1-5pm. That’s Mandarin (info@thatsmandarin.com)

Chinese Kungfu Class, June 24
Ages 7+ Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a student here. Reservation needed, signing deadline June 21. RMB 200. 1-3pm. (info@beijingmandarinschool.com)

Playdate for All! End of School Extravaganza, June 25
All ages. Sanfine has mixed up the perfect playdate for literally the whole family. They’ve planned bowling, ballet, face painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for kiddos under six. For kids between seven and sixteen, they’ve planned competitions (basketball, scooters, and electric cars), and DJ training. For the most mature of the party people, they’ve planned Thai massages, manicures, hair styling, and henna tattoos. Early bird tickets until June 16 cover two parents and two kids, RMB 100, then RMB 50 for each additional ticket. 11am-3pm. Sanfine International Hospital, Outdoor Sky Garden (Register here)

Photos: Courtesy of Fran Hanshing (VSP), Farm to Neighbors, Robert Nyman (Flickr), and The Coincidental Dandy (Flickr)

Dulwich College Beijing hosted their 2014 Founder’s Day on Saturday May 10. The day was a celebration of school life at Dulwich College, to showcase the talents of its students and provide a fun filled program of events, food and entertainment for the entire school community.

The Friends of Dulwich put on a delicious International Food Festival, with 16 stalls selling food and drink from the different countries and regions represented at Dulwich. Some stalls had activities; from how to make Kimchi with the Korean parents to Henna tattoos on the Indian stall. I helped organize the UK stall this year, where we sold hundreds of glasses of Pimm’s and dozens of gorgeous cakes, all donated by our parents. Each stall also put together their own hamper, stuffed full of goodies from that country or region. The Australia/New Zealand baskets were particularly popular in the hamper raffle, perhaps due to the number of bottles of wine they contained…

All profits made from the Food Festival, hampers, and drinks sold on the day will be split; fifty percent going to the Dulwich Student Enrichment Fund and fifty percent to charity – to schools in Li County in need of school equipment. The total raised at this year’s event was a staggering RMB 120,000, a superb achievement.

The day began with a dragon dance and an international flag parade. With 45 different nationalities represented at Dulwich, it was wonderful to see students from across the year groups proudly carrying their country’s flag. As well as sports matches, different year groups sang and performed on the main stage throughout the afternoon.

Ever popular with younger children, Mr. Liu the clown from Magic Hospital performed two shows in the Early Years activity area. Magic Hospital offers support to hospitalized children in Beijing.

The evening’s entertainment included a Pop Idol competition, won by Keevern Lai of Year 10 and a Battle of the Bands, won by “Trap Card” with Ethan Ooi, Kartik Jain and Gabriel Tan. To close the event, the school Orchestra played synchronized with an impressive laser show.

Founder’s Day is not only a celebration of the school and all its achievements, it’s a way of bringing together the diverse parent community and its students to help raise money for charity, all whilst having a huge amount of fun.

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 DCB and Sally Wilson