This Beijing Family Hikes series features kid-friendly hikes in rhythm with the seasons. Spring blooms and fall foliage, wild swims in summer and frozen rivers in winter – we handpick trails that celebrate seasonality and explore Beijing’s ecological and cultural heritage.

“Reading ten thousand books is not as useful as traveling ten thousand miles,” an old proverb goes. Indeed! I wrote earlier about the many benefits of hiking with kids along with tips provided by trusted guide Steven Zhang of Steven’s Hikes, who has trekked thousands of miles across China.

This spring, Steven has selected three trails in and around Beijing where early blooms meet echoes of imperial grandeur – perfect for sparking young imaginations. One is a perennial favorite within city limits; the other two venture further afield. Read on for highlights of each trail, plus ideas on upping the fun factor through scavenger hunts, storytelling, and more.

Give these a go, and if you’d like to share your family’s adventures, we’d love to see your notes and snaps! For information on guided tours, contact Steven on WeChat via the QR code below.Silver Mountain Pagoda Forest (Yínshān Tǎlín, 银山塔林)

Location: Changping District
Drive time: about 1.5 hours from Liangmaqiao, Beijing

Option A:

• Hiking distance: 9km
• Elevation gain: 500m
• Difficulty level: L3 (suitable for ages 10+)

Option B:

• Hiking distance: 4km
• Elevation gain: 300m
• Difficulty level: L2 (suitable for ages 7+)

Why Go?

From late March to early April, peach blossoms frame a postcard-pretty backdrop to Silver Mountain’s Fahua Temple ruins. A “pagoda forest” of seven pagoda towers dating back to the Jin dynasty gives kids a captivating glimpse into China’s rich Buddhist history. At its peak, this ancient monastic site housed over ten thousand monks!

Terrain: For a more challenging hike for teens, Steven recommends a longer “off-road” approach from the back of Yinshan (Option A), which follows a rugged, rocky path with sections of steeper gradients. For kids under 10, he suggests a shorter “out-and-back” route from the main gate (Option B) following a paved path. Both routes include climbing stairs to the top platform for a mountain panorama, while on the descent pathway, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the pagoda forest.

Fun Factor: The pagoda grounds’ open area is perfect for running around and turning cartwheels. Play an improvised scavenger hunt of who can find a secret cave with rock art? Which pagoda has elaborate relief carvings? Let kids explore like archaeologists in the ruins or channel their inner Indiana Jones on a temple trek.

Snacks: Enjoy ice cream (bīngqílín 冰淇淋) for the kids, cold beer (bīngpíjiǔ 冰啤酒) for the grown-ups, or a full local meal in the nearby village of Xiangtang.

Price: RMB 20 for adults and RMB 5 for children. Purchase at the ticket counter on-site or book one day in advance via WeChat.

Find it:
Yinshan Pagoda Forest Scenic Area
银山塔林风景区
Xihu Village, Xingshou Town, Changping District
昌平区兴寿镇西湖村
Opening hours: 8am-4pm
WeChat: 银山塔林

Qiyin Temple aka “Wild Forbidden City” (Yǎngshān Qíyīn Sì, 仰山棲隱寺)

Location: Mentougou District
Drive time: about 1 hour from Liangmaqiao
Hiking distance: 7km
Elevation gain: 400m
Difficulty level: L2 (suitable for ages 7+)

Why Go?

Imagine the Forbidden City swallowed by forest … in the Taihu Mountains. Over a thousand years old, Qiyin Temple was once a grand royal sanctuary. Destroyed in the Japanese invasion, the site feels frozen in time: Half-standing halls, crumbling stonework, and overgrown paths give it an air of mystery and melancholy, all the more evocative when cherry blossoms appear.

Terrain: While multiple trailheads lead to Qiyin, the child-friendliest route is to start and end at the village of Yingtaogou (樱桃沟). This roughly 7km loop meanders through rocky mountain paths and narrow dirt tracks, with modest elevation gain and a few steep sections. The route is mostly exposed with little shade, and dry bushes can be scratchy, so don long sleeves and long trousers. Watch out for trail forks and occasional loose gravel; good shoes and sun protection are a must. The abandoned temple sits at the midway point, an atmospheric pause in the heart of the hills.

Fun Factor: Bring along a printed photo of the temple from the 1920s and play “then and now” – what’s changed, what’s still there? It’s a low-key way to spark curiosity about history. In late May, pop into one of the cherry orchards on the trail, where, for a small fee, your hungry young hikers can pick and feast on cherries.

Snacks: Enjoy a panoramic picnic with views over the yellow-tiled roofs of the temples at the top of the hill. Yingtaogou village also has a restaurant.

Price: Free

Find it:
Yangshan Qiyin Zen Temple
仰山棲隱禪寺
50 meters north of Yingtaogou Folk Tourism Village, Mentougou District
门头沟区樱桃沟民俗旅游村北50米

Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan Gongyuan, 香山公园)

Location: Haidian District
Drive time: about 30 min from Liangmaqiao
Hiking distance: 4km
Elevation gain: 400m
Difficulty level: L1 (suitable for ages 5+)

Why go?  Xiangshan is a serene escape west of the Summer Palace and easily accessible via metro, just one stop past the National Botanical Gardens. True to its name, the spring air in this former imperial garden is sweet with plum blossoms, violet cress, and wildflowers, while towering evergreens provide welcome shade as the days warm up.

Terrain: “Choose your own adventure” among a network of footpaths, from gentle paved steps to steeper, wooded detours. Go up one way and down another, letting kids lead the route (the park is well-signposted). The final ascent gets steeper and less shaded, but the top deck rewards hikers with a pavilion teahouse and sweeping views over Beijing. Dance a summit jig and see who can spot landmarks like the Summer Palace’s vast lake or CBD’s iconic skyline.

Fun Factor: Don’t miss Temple of Azure Clouds (Bìyún Sì, 碧云寺) located at the park’s eastern end, which houses a dizzying 512 Bodhisattva statues! Local lore says to pick a number, then count off the statues – whichever you land on is your protector. A plaque reveals their special powers, and for a few kuai, you can take home a protective amulet card as a souvenir.

Snacks: The Commerce Street along the south gate has a mix of teashops and street food, or get quirky ice creams and chocolates at a Russophile convenience store.

Price:
RMB 10 for adults and RMB 5 for children.

Find it:
40 Maimaijie, Haidian District
北京市海淀区买卖街40号
Metro: Fragrant Hills Station (香山站) on the Xijiao Line
Opening hours: 6am-6.30pm last entry

Images: Uyanga Jaeckels, Tara Fegelein, Steven’s Hikes

There’s something about trekking through nature that shifts the way we connect with our children. Escaping the everyday—schools, screens, the busyness of Beijing’s speedy pace—to immerse in forests and mountains, it feels like time slows down and space opens up to be more mindful of our surroundings. Breathing in green scents, crossing a cool stream, spotting a salamander, wondering what a tree species might be – hiking heightens our physical sensations and sense of wonder, and invites a new flow to conversations.

On top of promoting wellness and family bonding, hiking is time in nature’s classroom. Children develop resilience by learning how to persevere through challenges encountered along the way. How to deal with a flash rainshower? A stumble, cut knee, bug bite? Hangry parents? Their confidence grows when they are able to calmly handle unexpected situations, reach a summit, or complete a long trail. Finally, spending time with flora and fauna strengthens their appreciation for biodiversity and ecological stewardship.

So that’s the case for upping your family’s hiking game from occasional leisure to essential monthly ritual. But, how can you coax your little one into falling in love with conquering mountains from drama-prone preschoolers to too-cool teens? We ask Steven Zhang of Steven’s Hikes, who has 20 years of experience hiking around Beijing and across China, for his tips on turning ‘Are we there yet?’ into ‘Let’s summit!’

How to Choose Trails – According to Steven:

Start Small and Local. Nearby trails like Fragrant Hills or the National Botanical Gardens offer short, familiar routes that build confidence and enthusiasm to take on more challenging routes.

Match to Ability Level. As you build up to longer trails, opt for routes that match your child’s stamina. Consider distance, elevation gain, terrain, and total duration against her ability, pace, and attention span. Steven classifies five difficulty levels (L1-L5, see his QR code at the end of the article). A simpler rule to adapt for ability and age:

• Under 10: Flat, shaded trails, some moderate inclines, with interactive elements.
• Over 10: Introduce steeper inclines, longer distances, and set goals for summits.

Favor Trails with Kid Appeal. Some trails are built with learning stations or play areas along the way. Others may feature waterfalls and stream crossings, or cultural draws like temples and ruins. Trails along larger lakes and rivers invite a dip in the water in summer, even a rest area for a scenic picnic goes a long way in appealing to young hikers.

Get the kids involved in the preparation process.

Involve Kids in Planning. Look up the route on an online map together, let them pack the backpack, and choose snacks. This involvement increases their enthusiasm.

Gear Up Appropriately. Invest in a lightweight backpack, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a first-aid kit. Local brands

Long is Better Than Short. Many go hiking in shorts and tanks during summer, but Steven recommends light, breathable long-sleeve shirts and long pants to guard against the sun and scratches. Use a variety of outer layers, such as rain jackets, windbreakers, or fleece jackets, depending on the season. Protective headwear is also essential, even in cooler months, to protect the face and eyes.

Pack Light and Smart. Plenty of water, snacks, head coverings, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray (summer), a first-aid kit (or at least plasters), a spare pair of socks if there are water crossings, and for good measure, more snacks.

What about when you’re on the trail?

Mindset is Everything. A successful hike has as much to do with the right gear as it does the right attitude. Patience, humor, and curiosity. Gently remind kids (and yourself) to take a breath when frustration hits.

Safety First. Teach basic safety rules—staying on the path, recognizing trail markers, and what to do if separated.

Respect Nature. Instill a leave-no-trace ethic and model care for the environment.

Give Kids a Role: Whether it’s trail navigator, photographer, or sunscreen monitor, small responsibilities increase engagement and confidence.

Relaxed Pace. Frequent snack and view breaks are a must, especially for under-10s. It’s a cliché, but so true: The journey is the destination.

Spot Birds, Bugs, Plants: Play a scavenger hunt to see who will find the first lizard, centipede, or (whatever bird is local to the area – look it up!). Curious by nature and closer to the ground, kids often notice what adults miss. The excellent Seek by iNaturalist app IDs trees, flowers, and insects – it’s free and works offline.

Make It a Story. Weave in local legends, myths, or made-up tales about the landscape. It’s a great way to fuel imaginations and hold attention.

Practice Mindfulness. Teach children to observe, listen, and connect with their surroundings. Slow down and simply BE.

Expect the Unexpected. Be ready to adjust. Pack rain gear and keep an open mind if plans need to shift.

High-five the wins! Victory dance at the summit, finishing a loop, and even mark smaller wins along the way. Positive reinforcement builds motivation and resilience.

End on a High Note. Develop a ritual for rewarding your conclusion of the hike. For example, Steven likes to end hikes with a local village meal.

Reflect Together. On the ride home, talk about what everyone enjoyed or learned. Post-hike chats help reinforce positive experiences.

Share with Jingkids! Tongue in cheek… but seriously, we’d love to learn from your adventures to inspire us and fellow readers…

And that’s your trail toolkit! Ready to put it to use? Coming up next, Steven takes us on three spring hikes where ancient pagodas, forgotten temples, and imperial gardens await. Let the adventure begin.

For more information on classifying hiking levels and group hiking tours, contact Steven at:Images: Tara Fegelein

“Icy winds on your face are awesome!” said no parent with restless kids indoors ever. As the chill fades and the blossoms burst into bloom, it’s time to let loose your energy outdoors. Beijing’s parks are calling – whether it’s scaling obstacle courses, biking an 11km loop, or gliding around in a giant pink flamingo, there’s no shortage of ways to get active together. Truth be told, I’ve had my share of cop-outs where I encourage my daughter Leili to try something new while I “supervise” from the sidelines (aka backside on a bench plus doom-scrolling). But with her grandmother visiting, I wanted to make this April outdoors a family affair. So, pack the snacks, slap on the sunscreen, and let’s celebrate spring with these fun-filled adventures!

Treetop Thrills at Happy Gorilla

We kicked off our spring reboot by heading skyward. Suspended between tall trees, Happy Gorilla Tree-Top Adventure Park (快乐猩猩树上穿越主题公园) is a high ropes obstacle course tucked into the southwest corner of Chaoyang Park – a network of wobbly planks, cargo nets, swinging ropes, bridges, tunnels, and trapezes, all suspended in the air.

Happy Gorilla offers two difficulty levels, divided by height: under or over 140 cm. The junior course (starting from RMB 320) was perfect for our crew – Leili, Eva, and Enya, all age six. Harnessed in and helmeted up, they clambered onto the starting platform with big grins and a touch of nervous energy.

Despite a few shaky steps on the swingiest bits, the girls tackled it all with surprising aplomb – no meltdowns, no fear of heights, just giggling, pink-cheeked determination. The course ended with a mini rock wall and a breezy zipline to land back on terra firma. It took just over an hour, and while the area was lively with other families, we didn’t have to queue. For a dose of fresh air and adrenaline, this one’s a must-try.

Find it:
Happy Gorilla at Chaoyang Park
200m inside the No.7 East Gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District
朝阳区,朝阳公园东7号门内200米
Subway Line 14: Chaoyang Park
Open daily from 9am-6pm

Biking the Olympic Greens at Olympic Forest Park

The next stop is Beijing’s green lung! Designed by Tsinghua University’s Urban Planning and Design Institute as a “back garden” to the 2008 Summer Games, Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园) is the largest public green space in Beijing. Its whopping 680 hectares are split into north and south zones, linked by an “Ecological Corridor” – a bridge that cleverly spans the Fifth Ring Road.

Both zones are havens for running clubs, picnicking families, romping kids, and young cyclists. While adult bicycles are unfortunately prohibited, children’s bikes are welcome, making for an amusing dynamic of kids pedaling ahead while parents jog to keep up.

This imbalance is offset by the joy of the ride: 11km and 7.5km loops, respectively, in the north and south gardens. We entered via the park’s north gate and ended at the south gate, weaving through sections of both loops and stopping to see wetlands, scoop up blossoms from the ground, and savor an ice cream.

On a recent Saturday, the park was teeming with sports teams, vendors, dogs, strollers, and tents. After crossing the Corridor, we turned left to follow the western edge of the south loop along a near-empty stretch hugging a tranquil tree-lined canal. The route encircles Yangshan Hill (仰山) and winds down to the southern tip of Aohai Lake (奥海) (where crowds reappeared). The incline is mostly flat, making it accessible for those new to riding – we even saw younger kids on balance bikes. For a springtime ride, the highlight is catching glimpses of the iconic Olympic Tower through a flurry of pink and white blooms.

Find it:
Olympic Forest Park South Gate
33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang, Beijing
Subway Line 8, Senlin Gongyuan Nanmen (森林公园南门) station
Open daily from 6.30am-10pm

Captaining a Flamingo Boat at Aohai Lake 

We returned to Olympic Park on a quiet Tuesday with friends – this time, Laura joined Leili to co-captain a flamingo-pink boat across the glassy waters of South Garden’s Aohai Lake. Technically, this outing isn’t quite “active,” since the boats are electric rather than pedal- or oar-powered, but it’s the perfect cooldown after a bike ride: a chance to rest tired legs and take in the lakeside scenery.

A boat for six costs RMB 240 for unlimited usage time. Our captains took their mission seriously, taking turns navigating past ducks taking flight and steering clear of collisions with other boaters. The gentle pace, the fresh breeze, the Olympic Tower gleaming in the sun, and blooms ringing the lake all made for a meditative ride to soak in spring vibes.

Find it:
Olympic Forest Park South Gate
33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang District
Subway Line 8, Senlin Gongyuan Nanmen (森林公园南门) station
Open daily from 6.30am-10pm

Want more ideas for getting active outdoors this spring? Stay tuned for where to go for hikes, camping, fishing, and tree-planting excursions both inside and outside the city – coming soon!

Join Tara Fegelein and her family as she explores family-friendly destinations in and around Beijing. Click on the #Kidventures hashtag below to check out her full list of recommendations.

Images: Tara Fegelein

I’m always on the lookout for an outdoor pool in Beijing – I attribute it to growing up in Singapore where outdoor pools are the norm thanks to our tropical climate. So, when I spotted this joint set up with deck chairs around a small blue outdoor pool, I just had to check it out.

Alas, the pool at Blue Ark isn’t a swimming pool, or even a wading pool. It really isn’t a pool at all, according to the owner of gelato shop Beiping Gelato. Lacking in any filtration systems whatsoever, the “pool” is just meant to be a backdrop for summer-esque photographs. Well, it certainly worked – those photographs I saw on social media really lured me in.

Thankfully, Blue Ark’s open-air poolside has more to offer – with a smattering of cafes (like D.A.O Coffee), Baddie Sandwiches, a Yunnan cuisine place, Mosto restaurant (described as “Authentic Western Cuisine”), a bakery and even an izakaya place round the back, there’s plenty to snack on while you work on your suntan on their deck chairs. There are outdoor beanbags for kids to lounge on, too. What’s more, the place is dog-friendly – we even saw fur babies sitting with their owners inside D.A.O Coffee, which also offers a pet menu!

Pro Tip: While you’re there, try out the hyperlocal “hot pot” ice cream flavors at Beiping Gelato! For our full review of their ice-cream, follow jingkids International’s Dianping account.

The whole area is part of Dongfeng International Sports Park, which is just down the road from the south entrance of Chaoyang Park. There are soccer fields, a golf putting green, and basketball and badminton courts available for rent too. While they strongly discourage getting in the water since they can’t vouch for its cleanliness, kids are allowed to bring water guns to play with around the pool.

It’s worth checking out next time you’re in the area after exploring Chaoyang Park and want to try somewhere new for a little R & R! As with most places in Beijing, do note that it’ll be pretty crowded on the weekends!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Staying in Beijing for the May Day holiday but itching to get out and about? Here are some fun day trip recommendations for the whole family to enjoy the wonderful weather this weekend (*fingers crossed).

Longqing Gorge 

Even if you’ve been here in winter for the Ice Lanterns, you’ll definitely want to revisit Longqing Gorge in the warmer months because it is an entirely different landscape. Gone are the desolate arid mountains and frozen lake. In their place cascading green hills and an emerald river transport you to a little slice of nature’s paradise!

There’s some hiking involved to get to some scenic spots, but even for little ones it’s nothing that a little perserverance, plus lots of patience and snacks, won’t overcome. As a reward, you can enjoy a cable car ride, ferry boat ride and a slide for life! And don’t forget to queue up for the fun toboggan ride that goes around the mountain and over the lake!

PRO TIP: Dogs are welcome here, though there are a few escalators and the floor of the ferry is metal which was scorching hot in summer for their paws! I had to carry my pooch in my lap on the ferry, which drew some stares.

Longqingxia Scenic Area
Guchengcun, Jiuxianzhen, Yanqing district

Beijing Back Garden 北京后花园

Forgive its poorly translated name but this massive park in west Beijing has been on my radar for some time because of the huge outdoor rainbow slide that’s on my Beijing bucket list!

There are also playgrounds with mildly inclined climbing walls for kids, little pools with fish and boating activities, and plenty of hiking and nature exploration. Bring a picnic mat and picnic basket if you want more than just Chinese hot dogs and instant noodles.

Beijing Back Garden
Yangfangzhen, Changping district

Survival Island

Less than 60km north of Beijing lies an unassuming park with a more intimidating name – Survival Island. Aside from offering scenic walks, the park features a 15m-tall rock wall and a series of Ninja Warrior-esque obstacle courses over land and water. Kids above 1m are welcome to try any of them, but be warned, there is no lifeguard on duty to fish you out from the murky water if you fall in, nor any ranger to rescue you should you wish to give up halfway through the rope bridge.

For the full review of Survival Island, read our previous post here!

Beijing Survival Island Practice Base 北京生存岛实践基地售票处, 6 Hong Luo Dong Lu, Huairou District, Beijing 北京市怀柔区红螺东路6号 

What are you doing this May Day holiday? Share with us your discoveries of family-friendly places in Beijing in the comments below!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, courtesy of vendors

Golden Week is coming up, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of Beijing and into the mountains (or deserts!) Escape crowds, closed restaurants, and the sadness of slow or no waimai by finding your peace in nature. Here are some family-friendly adventures to help you see parts of China you’ve never imagined and avoid the big shutdown during the October festivities.

Subashi Ancient Ruins

First up! Journey to the West, along the Silk Road: Korla to Kashgar. This seven-day adventure brought to you by Beijing Hikers will cover more than one thousand kilometers and take you to west China by jeep through the vast empty areas of Xinjiang Province. This trip goes through some of the most remote parts of the ancient Silk Road, so you can imagine what it was like for travelers going by camel or on foot. Visit the Baicheng Landforms, the ancient city of Subashi, and the Daksiliya Grand Canyon, and see a part of China unlike any other. During this trip, you will stay in local hotels at night.

Baicheng landforms

Second option is another seven day Silk Road trip. Journey From the West, Urumqi to Jiayuguan. This trip explores the northern part of the Silk Road, a more well-traveled portion than the Korla to Kashgar trip. Enjoy hikes and walks as the scenery changes from grassland to desert. Visit the beautiful and stark Nanshan Grasslands, and the ruins of Jiaohe, an ancient city sacked by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. In Dunhuang, see the Magao Grottoes and Crescent Lake. Visit the fortress at Jianyuguan, which marked the western end of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall. This trip will give you a taste of the rich Muslim culture alive in western China.

Crescent Lake, Dunhuang

The details for the Silk Road trips: Suitable for children 6+. October 1-7. RMB 19,150 (members get a discount), RMB 15,220 for ages 6-11, RMB 15,670 for ages 12-17. This is an all-inclusive trip; the fee includes plane tickets, guides, hotel stays, food, and drinks. Click here for more information on Korla to Kashgar, for more information on Urumqi to Jiayuguan click here. There is a lot of driving on these two Silk Road trips, broken up by hikes and sightseeing. If you don’t like long drives, you may want to consider another option.

Chongqing at night

If you’re looking for a more urban experience, you can join Cultural Exchange Trips (CET) for their Chongqing, Chengdu, Xian – 3 Most-Go Cities Tour, and spend seven days exploring these three famous Chinese cities.  You’ll visit Chongqing, the largest inland municipality in China; see Chengdu where the biggest panda research center in the world can be found; and last visit Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties. This tour will include pandas, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mahjong, Sichuan hotpot, and the Terracotta Warriors.

Pandas at the Breeding Center in Chengdu

The details: October 1 – 7. RMB 4,585 with discounts available for groups, fee includes round-trip transportation by high-speed train, hotel, meals, and an English-speaking guide. Fee does not include entrance fees to all places.  Meet at Beijing West railway station.  Click here for more information.

Tengger Desert dunes in Inner Mongolia

If you have less time during Golden Week, but still want to get away for a few days, consider a 4-day trip to Tengger Desert Lakes in Inner Mongolia instead. This trip from Beijing Hikers travels through the desert by foot, jeep, and camel. Spend one night camping in the desert, and visit an oasis. This trip is relatively easy with climbs up sand dunes and some short desert hiking, it is recommended for ages 7+. Tengger Desert is very special, with a long history and a lot of cultural diversity. It is located in the northernmost part of Inner Mongolia.

Riding Camels through the Tengger Desert

The Details: October 2 – 5. RMB 8,800 (members get a discount), Kids ages 7-11 RMB 6,850, kids ages 12-17 RMB 7,090. The price includes flights, transportation, hotel stays, food, drinks, and a guide. Click here to learn more.

Longji Rice Terraces 

Or you can visit one of the most beautiful places in China with CET, on their four day Guilin: Li River, Yangshou, Longji Highlight Tour. This area is known for its mountains, rice terraces, and the Li River which snakes its way like a ribbon through some of the greenest scenery on the planet. Highlights include staying in the Mahai Village in the Longji Rice Terraces, going bamboo rafting along the Li River, and a hike through karst formations in the ten-mile gallery.

The details: All ages are welcome to come on this trip, but check with the organizer to see if it is right for your family. October 2 – 5. This trip arrives and leaves from Guilin train station or airport, you are responsible for getting to and from Guilin. The trip fee includes bus, accommodation, meals, ticket fees, guides, and insurance. RMB 1,845 for adults. Children under 1.2m are RMB 895, children under 3 are free. Click here for more information.

The Silver Pagodas stand on the site of a Tang Dynasty temple

Only have one day to spend sightseeing in nature? We have you covered. Kids Club: The Silver Pagodas will take an easy walk through the countryside for a picnic by the 600-year-old Silver Pagodas. After seeing the Pagodas, spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun with an optional climb up to Silver Mountain. Join Beijing Hikers for this fun and relaxing day exploring China’s beautiful countryside.

View from Silver Mountain

The details: This trip is recommended for ages 5–12. RMB 360 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6–12 and RMB 150 for ages 3–5. The hike is 2–3 hours over 4–6km. The trip leaves on October 6. Pick up areas are Liangmaqiao subway area at 8am and Lido Metropark Hotel Starbucks at 8.30am. Click here to learn more.

If none of these trips spark your interest visit Beijinghikers.com or CET’s WeChat: CultureExchangeTrip for many more options to get outdoors, learn something, and have fun!

Photos: Beijinghikers.com, CETtrips Beijing

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Saxo Carnival of the Animals, Sept 4

All ages. This concert is a collaboration between La Sax, a local saxophonists group, and two Hong Kong pianists, theater director Freddy Wong, and storyteller Uncle Hung. La Sax is a group of twelve enthusiastic saxophone players, established in 2005, who work to encourage public interest in art and music. Through drama and music members of La Sax transform themselves into different animals to share a story about freedom that connects us all.

RMB 180 – 480. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre Studio Theatre.

Indo-Israeli Fusion Class, Sept 4

Pure Vegan is offering an exciting cooking class, where you can learn to make famous vegan recipes from India and Israel. This class will teach four classic recipes: aloo gobi (cauliflower with potatoes), paratha (flatbread), a vegetable pastry and hummus.

RMB 400, registration needed. 10.30am. Shuangjing.

YCIS Beijing Welcome BBQ, Sept 6

All ages. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is hosting its first community event of the academic year, their annual Welcome BBQ. Enjoy seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and delicious food. Students, staff, new and returning families, are all welcome to join YCIS Beijing for this big event.

Free. 5pm – 9pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing.

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Sept 4 – 7

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle comes to the stage. In a clever performance, five actors take on 42 roles adding humor and a strong air of British comedy to the show. Famous playwright Ken Ludwig takes this classic tale and adds comedy, energy, and imagination to the stage with a retelling of this favorite story.

RMB 200 – 880 tickets needed. 7:30pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Sept 5 – 8

Moka Bros: WeChat Wednesday, Every Wednesday

Wednesdays are great days at Moka Bros! Simply show the cashier that you follow the official Moka Bros WeChat account and receive 50 percent off any coffee. Start following them by scanning the QR Code or search mokabros in your WeChat app to receive this deal.

Free. Every Moka Bros. All day.

Prima Ballerina Classes, Every Friday

Age 4-9. Prima Ballerina through the Royal Academy of Dance offers fun ballet classes for children. Every Friday they offer Pre-Primary, Primary and RAD Grade 2 classes.

Pre-Primary ballet. Age 4-5. Fridays, 4-4.30pm.
Primary ballet. Age 5-6. Fridays, 5-5.50pm.
RAD Grade 2 Ballet. Age 8-9. Fridays, 5.50-6.50pm

RMB 160 – 200 per class. 4pm. Prima Ballerina. 

Safari Time Songs at The Bookworm, Every Sunday

Toddlers and Babies. Does your tot love to sing and dance? Does your baby get excited when she hears music? Bring them to the Bookworm for Safari Time Songs! All children love singing and rhymes. These classes will give your child a chance to learn simple songs from all around the world, have fun, and socialize. Learning new songs and playing also fosters healthy brain development. There are two classes available, one for toddlers up to 4 years old and one for babies 3-18 months old.

RMB 80. 9:30am. The Bookworm phone 6503 2050, email: order@beijingbookworm.com

New Street Dance Term at WAB, every Wednesday, Thursday and Weekends starting Sept 1.

All ages. Learn some new moves with Sunshine Studios! Sunshine Studios provides street dance classes where children and adults can learn from one of the biggest dance studios in Europe. Classes are available for a wide range of ages and skill level, including adults. Classes are led by professionals who have danced with stars like Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and more.

RMB TBD. Times vary. Western Academy of Beijing. 

The Beatles: Beat On, Now-Sep 15

All ages. The Beatles were a legendary rock group that formed in Liverpool, England, in 1960, and went on to transform popular music into a creative art form over the next decade. As one of the most popular bands of all time, they wrote songs like “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Penny Lane,” “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” “Day Tripper”, and “Come Together.” Apart from the music, the exhibition is also a panoramic look back into the Beatles’ golden era of the 60s.

RMB 98, RMB 68 (advance). 10am-10pm. Joy City Chaoyang. For tickets click here.

《Love Is Blue》—— Art Opening Ceremony, Now – Sept 22

Go on a journey to the four corners of your imagination, with the contemporary artists selected by Art-Des for this summer exhibition, artists who see life through blue and love. Blue is a symbol of truth, like limpid water that can not hide anything. Blue is the echo of life, travel, and discoveries. The exhibition LOVE is BLUE is like the water that quenches, the blue has a small refreshing and pure side which allows us to find a certain inner calm related to the deep things.

Free. 4pm – 7pm. Contemporary Art Culture Center 

Register for Atelier’s 2019-2020 Program, Now – Sept 26

Ages 6 to Adults. Atelier Art School is offering three programs for the 2019-2020 semester in Art, Fablab, and Fashion. Atelier provides high-quality, signature art education from kids to adults. Join their Art program to improve your drawing skills or create to learn new skills. Fablab or digital fabrication laboratories were invented by MIT professor Neil Gershenfeld and are increasingly being used by schools as a platform for project-based, hands-on STEAM education. Finally, the ever popular Fashion classes, including sewing for adults, where adults learn to create beautiful outfits. Click here for more information and registration.

RMB 300 – 520 per class. Campuses located in Sunlitun, Shunyi, and Beigao. 

Colorful World and Common Destiny, Now – Sept 21

The 8th China Beijing International Art Biennale is here. This is an art competition based on the original Venice Biennale, where every two years countries send works of art representing them to the city and display them together. The National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) displays 640 pieces from 595 artists, representing 113 countries with the theme, “Colorful World and Common Destiny.” Artists work in every medium, and there is a great diversity of art to appreciate. NAMOC focuses on presenting the diversity of world civilizations and the wisdom and development of China.

Free. 9am. The National Art Museum of China. 

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Now – Oct 13

All ages. Aimed at showcasing the excitement of the game and the rich history of the league, the NBA is launching its touring exhibition in Beijing. By using interactive exhibits, video, and exciting memorabilia, the multi-level experience will showcase the passion of the league, its teams and players, and will explore the many ways the NBA has evolved since its founding in 1946.

RMB 90. 10am. Yang Art Museum.

New Karate and Martial Arts Classes, Aug 18 – Dec 15

Ages 4+. Flips and Kicks Plus is offering Martial Arts classes for this September through December. Give your child a chance to improve their physical strength and coordination while having fun in a challenging, safe, and stimulating environment. These classes are taught in English by an international staff. Karate is a beautiful art form great for personal development, focus and discipline.

Classes are offered at a variety of locations and times. Please visit this website for more information or email info@flipsandkicksplus.com. RMB 2380 – RMB 3360 prices vary depending on class level.

Children’s Gymnastics at WAB, Sept 1 –  Dec 8

Kids. Flips and Kicks Plus is offering gymnastics classes for the international community in Beijing. Give your child a chance to have fun and learn new skills while developing physical strength, coordination, and building self esteem. These classes are taught in English.

RMB 1540 for 11 beginner classes, RMB 1760 for 11 advanced classes. Western Academy of Beijing.

There’s no denying it, summers in this city can be brutal. So, it’s not particularly difficult to empathize with those who desire to spend this season barricaded in an air-conditioned building. Perhaps you’re new to Beijing, or maybe you’re an old timer who has come to see that no indoor play-place can adequately replicate the sense of freedom and discovery that often goes with spending time outdoors. When the perfect balance of clean air and picturesque blue skies combine to make venturing outside irresistible, it’s helpful to be in the know about some tried and tested activities that are suitable for families wishing to part with the sofa. With this in mind, we spoke to three families to find out how they like to spend time outdoors in and around Beijing.

Jogging with the Crawfords

Terry and Gloria met in Beijing almost 16 years ago. Six years later they moved back to Beijing as a married couple, and they now live in the same part of Haidian where they first got to know each other. Together, they run InitialView, a company that interviews students who are applying for schools abroad. Terry and Gloria have three children aged 13, 12, and 9.

What outdoor activities do you pursue as a family?

My favorite activity is going running with my kids around Tsinghua University, every Sunday afternoon. While we often brave the wet or the cold, if the air is terrible, we don’t go. Our runs tend to last for about 40 minutes, and we’ve been doing this for about a year.

What made you decide to start running with your children? 

I love to run, and while they have come to appreciate it, they also like complaining about it. When we are done, we always get a sports drink at 7-Eleven and sit down and talk. I realized that grabbing a cold drink after a “long” run and sitting on the curb somehow facilitates heart-to-heart conversations with your kids. It’s great father/kid time.

Why did you choose Tsinghua University as the venue for your running sessions?

Tsinghua is across the street from where we live. I used to live there as a student, and some parts are quite scenic, historical, and even iconic.

Do all the children participate in these running sessions?

Our youngest, Mia, just started running with the boys and me. She did great and even complained less than the boys. They know that she’s going to be the best runner of us all.

What do the kids think about running?

My oldest protests less than his younger brother, but both are always in good spirits when we are done and admit that they were glad to have done it. The boys and I are training to run the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on the 4th of July. It’s the 50th anniversary of this massive race, and it will be my sons’ first 10K. It will be a milestone for us all, and my wife is looking forward to wishing us well from the sidelines.

What do you especially like about running?

I think that dealing with the pain of running and having to power on through it is one of the best “life lessons” that comes from running. All of my kids have active interests (like organized sports or dance), so running is just such a great foundational activity for these other interests.

Camping with the Fidlers

Ashlea and her husband Owen hail from Australia, work at the International School of Beijing (ISB), and have two children who are aged four and 20 months old. While most of us keep our Beijing experience within the confines and comforts of this urban jungle, the Fidlers enjoy hitting the trail. Here’s more about their experiences.

Tell me about your experience of camping in Beijing.

The first time we went camping, we didn’t know there were these caravan park things. We just went for a walk and found a piece of ground. Back in Australia, my husband and I were both outdoor teachers, that’s what we did for a living, and so we were very comfortable being in the backcountry. Our daughter was three months old when we first took her camping. Camping is always going to be something that our family does, so it just makes sense. If it’s something you love, you just can’t help but share it with your kids.

What tips do you have for a successful camping trip with kids?

1. With very little kids, just go out for one night, then you don’t have to take too many clothes and stuff. With regards to what food to bring, we have a camp stove which we use to cook. Sometimes, we’ll just look at what’s left in the fridge, and we’ll take that. Things like pasta and tomato sauce work well.

2. Children also need to have the right clothes. If it’s going to be cold, there need to be enough layers. At least one extra set of clothes so that if they get wet they can change into something dry. There almost has to be too many clothes, because being cold is the best way to be unhappy when you’re camping.

Do you have any other advice?

Decide on what type of camping you are going to do. Some campsites already have the tents set up. These usually have toilets and other home comforts. You can also go camping when you take everything yourself and walk down a trail and try and find a flat piece of land. If you’re just getting into camping, I would recommend starting with a campsite.

What are some of the benefits of camping in Beijing?

Just spending time outdoors without any entertainment and screens forces us to find entertainment in the things around us. There’s also the opportunity to develop perseverance. For example, not too long ago, we went for a hike with my son, and he walked about 7-8 kilometers. For a four-year-old, I think that’s pretty good. Camping also allows you to see a side of Beijing that you wouldn’t usually see.

Park-ing with the Hanaway Family

Cory and Ginelle left America for Beijing in August 2018. Cory is a stay-at-home-dad, and Ginelle is a primary school teacher. They have a three-year-old daughter and a 21-month-old son and have quickly adapted to their new life in the capital. Here’s how and why they spend most of their free time seeking out the variety of green and lush public spaces that this city has to offer.

Do you spend much time outdoors as a family?

If the air is good, we try to go outside every day. The weather isn’t really a factor. We go out when it’s hot, and we go out when it’s cold. We just dress accordingly. It’s good for kids to go outside and play because it burns their energy and the fresh air does them good. If they are stuck indoors for days on end, they tend to start damaging the house.

Where do you go?

Sometimes we go to the zoo, or we’ll go to a park. We basically just go somewhere the kids can run. We try to mix it up, so we don’t go to the same place every day for a week. The destination is more to entertain me; the kids are just happy to be outdoors. There are lots of parks in Beijing. We’ve been to a fair percentage of them. I really like going to the Purple Bamboo Park, which is just south of the Beijing Zoo. It doesn’t have any play equipment, but it has lots of shaded spots and walking trails. If I want a playground, I’ll go to the zoo because they have a very nice play area there.

What are your thoughts about taking public transport with children?

I use it almost every day. It’s not that hard, but I would recommend avoiding rush hour. Quite often you’ll just be given a seat because you have children with you, which makes it a little easier.

Is there a limit to how far you will travel to reach a point of interest?

No. If there were a park in the depths of South Beijing, we would try it. It pretty much takes me an hour to get anywhere on public transportation anyway. I usually have to take a bus to the subway station and then transfer a couple of times. Even if I go to a friend’s house in Haidian, magically the journey still ends up being an hour.

When your wife is off work, what sort of outdoor activities does your family participate in?

We have participated in some day excursions, including The Great Wall and Baishishan. We also spent a few days in Tianjin. For the trip to the Great Wall, we used a tour company that is geared towards young adults. Our children were the only kids on the trip, but they were really accommodating. During out little excursions, we make sure to move at a slower pace, and pack enough diapers and snacks. We have two baby carriers, so we were able to carry the kids on our backs as we hiked along the wall. It was a very memorable experience.

This article appeared in the beijingkids June 2019 Home & Relocation Guide.

Photos: Courtesy of the families, Kipp Whittaker

You may have heard of attention deficit disorder (ADD), but have you ever heard of “nature-deficit disorder?”

I hadn’t heard of it until I read Richard Louv’s seminal work, Last Child in the Woods. This worldwide best-selling book shows how our cities and schools are producing a generation of kids who suffer from a host of ill effects due to their lack of contact with genuine, unbridled nature. He believes that the condition of growing up without access to nature causes enough problems in kids to warrant its own name hence the term “nature-deficit disorder.”

For Louv, outdoor spaces help develop kids’ imaginations and allows them to run wild, which aids self-confidence and physical fitness.

Think about the difference in creativity we can apply to indoor and outdoor “toys.” A doll is just a doll. A toy truck is just a toy truck. But a tree stump, on the other hand, can be a podium for a president’s speech, a launch pad for a Mars Rover, or a diving board for the Olympics.

This potential for nature to stretch our imaginative horizons is known as elasticity. Nature is the primary elastic environment for our kids to explore, discover, and grow in.

Nowadays, there just aren’t enough spaces for kids to chop wood or build treehouses without adults trying to stop them.

According to Louv, kids experience a decrease in creativity, risk-taking, and mental wellness due to spending time sequestered inside. Coincidentally, creativity, risk-taking, and mental well-being are all necessary traits to be an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader in our modern society. 

Louv argues that kids become video and computer game addicts because they aren’t getting the type of unstructured stimulation they need from the outdoors.

But finding nature in Beijing is difficult, right? Actually, you’d be surprised.

This city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and natural parks that can make an easy day trip for you and your little ones. I’d suggest hikes like Yunmengshan National Forest Park or the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Exploring parks like Chaoyang Park and Ritan Park can also help cure “nature-deficit disorder.”

Whatever you decide, get outside this summer! It could end up saving your kid’s creative muscles.

About the Writer
Kassandra Lee is a published poet, arts organizer, and education entrepreneur. In her free time she enjoys talking about education and bicycling around the eclectic hutong neighborhoods of Beijing in search of surprises.

Photo: Kassandra Lee