Stay Cool, Go Back to School with beijingkids

It’s that time of year again… when kids pick up their schoolbags with a weary sigh, and parents breathe a secret sigh of relief. Another school year has begun, and beijingkids will be there as always to document all the joys and challenges ahead for the city’s international school community. If you’re new to Beijing then welcome! China’s capital is a busy, exciting, and vibrant place to be, if sometimes an exhausting one. Check out our website at www.beijing-kids.com and join our WeChat official account. (What do you mean you’re not on WeChat? You’ll need to be to get the best out of life in China.) On our website right now you can find out how to save money on school supplies, and get advice on the transition from primary to secondary school, as well as Taobao bargains to get you through the August heat. (What do you mean you don’t use Taobao?…) And throughout the year we’ll be bringing you all the latest news and top tips so you can get the best out of life in the city. That’s why we’re Beijing’s essential international family resource.

Longer Days and Facial Pays on Beijing’s Subway

Beijing’s subway system is an efficient way to get around a sometimes traffic-choked city, though it can get uncomfortably crowded during the rush hour. However, early closing times can sometimes leave us stranded, and reliant on Didi. Fortunately running times have now been extended on lines 1 and 2, which now operate until around 12.30am. On the Airport Express Line, however, the news is not so good. Experiments with facial recognition technology are intended to make it easier to travel: no need to even wave your phone at the barrier, a friendly camera will recognize you and add the fee to your personal account. However all this is bound to raise further concerns about the spread of surveillance in China. The choice of the Airport Express Line is an interesting one, as this will disproportionately capture foreigners, and there has been no information about whether it will be possible to opt out and buy tickets the old-fashioned way. However, with Alipay and WeChat Pay gradually replacing cash, we face a future where the government will know everywhere you go and every penny that you spend.

Hiking Ban for Beijing’s Landlords

Beijing’s landlords are notorious for their dodgy practices, such as suddenly announcing a huge rent increase. Now at last the city authorities have proposed new regulations which might curb some of their more excessive behavior. The regulations will forbid any rent hikes unless they are agreed by both parties, prevent landlords from making structural changes to the property during the lease, and set new rules about deposits. All good news for the city’s renters – all we need now is for the regulations to be implemented…

Zaijian to Jialefu

Carrefour, Europe’s largest retailer, has been a godsend for many international families in Beijing, with their supermarkets stocking affordable imported western treats. Sadly the French company has begun the process of withdrawing completely from China, having sold 80 percent of their business to Suning. At the time of writing there was no visible change in our local store, but over the coming months shoppers might need to start looking for a new source of fromage de chèvres.

Witness the Birth of a Genius at UCCA

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is widely regarded as the twentieth century’s most important artist, over his long career having experimented with many different styles while always remaining distinctively himself. This month offers an unprecedented opportunity for Beijingers to see how he developed his talent. Birth of a Genius features 103 works from Picasso’s first three decades, including paintings and sculptures, with the earliest having been created when he was only a child. The art comes from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris, and has been specially chosen by the museum’s Head of Collections for display in Beijing. The exhibition, which has been described as “the most significant exhibition of work by Picasso ever to take place in China,” can be seen at UCCA in the 798 Art District until 1 September. Tickets cost RMB 188 (holidays) or RMB 158 for adults, and RMB 138 for students.

Clampdown on Profiteering Preschools

Changes to the rules governing private kindergartens recently caused concern among international families and teachers. Parents were told that the kindergartens had been forced to reduce their fees, and therefore could no longer afford foreign teachers. This led to speculation that further restrictions on international schools might follow. However, the move appears to be part of a clampdown on profiteering by kindergartens on compounds, to make local childcare affordable for all parents. The kindergartens in question were often given the space at low or nominal rent, and education authorities are unimpressed at the tendency to jack up fees. Kindergartens which own their own settings are unaffected, and we have no reason to believe that any changes with regard to international schools are planned.

This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue

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. 

Magic Drama: One Starry Night & Out of the Blue, Jul 12-21 

Ages 2+. This stage work for kids and families gives children a taste of 28 pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo, telling the story of Lena, a little girl who falls asleep while reading a book of classical paintings her grandfather sent her. This performance is suitable for children over the age of 2, and is performed in English.

RMB 180-480. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

Beijing Hikers Kids Club: Intelligence Valley, Jul 21

Ages 5-12. Kids Club, by Beijing Hikers, is a relaxed outing for kids to enjoy some family time in nature. Hike an easy 5km down Intelligence Valley, using stepping stones to cross small streams, and stopping midway to picnic and explore a small, rocky beach by a bend in the river. Make your booking through their website, and they’ll email you all the information you’ll need for a fun day out, including contact details for your guide and information about where to meet.

RMB 380, RMB 340 (for members), RMB 180 (kids 5–12), RMB 150 (kids 3–4). 7.30am. Go here for more info and to book your spot.

Brunch for A Cause at Moka Bros (The Place), Jul 21 

All ages. A Charity brunch will be held at Moka Bros (The Place) this Sunday. Roots and Shoots is teaming up with this health-focused restaurant to bring you an alternative brunch packed with plant-based goodness! Try something different with your little ones and lower your carbon footprint for a day. Enjoy a lovely Sunday with nice food and joy!

RMB 140. 11am. Moka Bros. (The Place). Scan the QR code above for menu and to RSVP.

Keystone Academy China Discovery Program, Jul 15 – Aug 2

Kids aged 8-17. Keystone’s Summer Archway language immersion program serves Western students in mastering their command of the Mandarin language. In three weeks, students will explore the past, the present, and the future of this exciting and influential city while simultaneously strengthening the communication skills of Chinese language learners. In the classroom, students will interact with creative and experienced lead teachers through discussion and exploration activities. Outside the classroom, students will visit historic and contemporary sites that demonstrate the diversity of experiences that make up Beijing’s cultural environment.

For more info please contact Keystone Academy (8049 6008 ext. 2777 or summer@keystoneacademy.cn).

Japanese Animation & Studio Ghibli Manuscript Exhibition, Now-Aug 29

All ages. Studio Ghibli is best known for its animation feature films, with notable pieces like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, which are loved widely by many. Polar Bear Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of rare production celluloids – original artworks featuring some of the fascinating scenes from these celebrated films, traditionally hand-drawn before the advent of computer animation.

RMB 68. 10am-6.30pm. Polar Bear Gallery 798 Art District. (Go here for tickets and more information)

Picasso – Birth of a Genius, Now-Sep 1

All ages.  “Picasso – Birth of a Genius”—the most significant exhibition of work by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ever to take place in China—will be presented at UCCA between June 15 and September 1, 2019. The exhibition, which offers a comprehensive overview of the first three decades of Picasso’s career, is drawn from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris. It includes 103 works in total, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

RMB 138-188. 10am-7pm. UCCA. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

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 as a creative, highly commercial art form over the next decade. The Beatles were one of the most popular bands of all time, producing 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 eras, to comfort Chinese fans of the years they missed.

RMB 98, RMB 68 (advance). 10am-10pm. Joy City Chaoyang. (Go here for tickets and more information).

Anthony Browne’s Happy Museum, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. The exhibition displays 162 original paintings from renowned British writer and illustrator Anthony Browne, who is a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition given to creators of children’s books. Themed ‘happiness’, the exhibition shows how Browne portrays his characters with impeccable details and pencil strokes to truly bring them to life. The exhibition is filled with paintings and interactive activities that people of all ages can relate to. As Browne has said: “Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older.”

RMB 58. 10am-6pm. National Museum of Classic Books. (Click here for more information and tickets). 

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Fantasy of the Inner World, Now-Sep 22 

All ages. Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to get the kids excited about a trip to the museum. But, when you throw VR into the mix then you have another thing all together. From now until Sep 22, The National Museum of China is hosting this immersive VR exhibition, bringing to life some of the most famous works of famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The experience has more than 200 works by Van Gogh, reconstructed into a multi-sensory experience for new audiences.

RMB 55. 9am-5pm. The National Museum of China. (6512 8901,For more information or to buy tickets, visit here). 

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium, Now-Oct 11

All ages. This summer, M WOODS presents 70 masterpieces recreated by Lucy Sparrow, one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today. Each piece was hand-crafted from the annals of art history and covered the entirety of the museum in her signature, colorful felt. Having received worldwide attention for felt installations in London, New York, and Los Angeles, Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium marks the artist’s debut in Asia, and creates an immersive installation commissioned specifically for this Beijing gallery.

RMB 80 (RMB 50 for students).Tue-Sun 10.30 am-7 pm. M Woods 

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Now-Oct 13

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 (Before Jul 12 early bird ticket: RMB 66 per person). 10 am – 8 pm. Yang Art Museum.  (Go here for tickets and more information)

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

Want to learn more about all the wonder that exists above our heads on an interactive journey to Mars? Or how about getting up close and personal with original artwork from legendary Japanese animators? These and more family-friendly offerings are now on display in Beijing’s creative spaces this July.

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium, until Oct 11

This summer, M WOODS presents 70 masterpieces recreated by Lucy Sparrow, one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the UK today. Each piece was hand-crafted from the annals of art history and covered the entirety of the museum in her signature, colorful felt. Having received worldwide attention for felt installations in London, New York, and Los Angeles, Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium marks the artist’s debut in Asia, and creates an immersive installation commissioned specifically for this Beijing gallery.

RMB 80 (RMB 50 for students).Tue-Sun 10.30 am-7 pm. M Woods (D-06, 798 Art Zone, No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District).

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Jul 13 – Oct 13

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 (Before Jul 12 early bird ticket: RMB 66 per person). 10 am – 8 pm. Yang Art Museum (3F, Building 14, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District).  (Go here for tickets and more information)

RMB 66-256 (May 8-Jun 20 early bird ticket: RMB 66 per person). Tue-Sun  9am-5pm. The China Millennium Monument. (Go here for tickets and more information).

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Fantasy of the Inner World, Now-Sep 22 

Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to get the kids excited about a trip to the museum. But, when you throw VR into the mix then you have another thing all together. From now until Sep 22, The National Museum of China is hosting this immersive VR exhibition, bringing to life some of the most famous works of famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The experience has more than 200 works by Van Gogh, reconstructed into a multi-sensory experience for new audiences.

RMB 55. 9am-5pm. The National Museum of China. (6512 8901, go here for tickets and more information). 

Anthony Browne’s Happy Museum, Now-Sep 22 

The exhibition displays 162 original paintings from renowned British writer and illustrator Anthony Browne, who is a winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition given to creators of children’s books. Themed ‘happiness’, the exhibition shows how Browne portrays his characters with impeccable details and pencil strokes to truly bring them to life. The exhibition is filled with paintings and interactive activities that people of all ages can relate to. As Browne has said: “Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older.”

RMB 58. 10am-6pm. National Museum of Classic Books. (Click here for more information and tickets). 

Picasso – Birth of a Genius, Now-Sep 1

“Picasso – Birth of a Genius”—the most significant exhibition of work by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ever to take place in China—will be presented at UCCA between June 15 and September 1, 2019. The exhibition, which offers a comprehensive overview of the first three decades of Picasso’s career, is drawn from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris. It includes 103 works in total, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

RMB 138-188. 10am-7pm. UCCA. (Go here for more information or to buy tickets).

The Soften The Glow, Jun 29 – Jul 28

“The Soften the Glow” exhibition was created by the artist Shao Wenhuan, and displays his explorations of natural Swiss landmarks such as the Matterhorn and the Aletsch Glacier. By using mixed media, while remaining firmly rooted in photography, he is able to capture climate change on a deeper level.

RMB 60 (RMB 30 for students).Tue-Sun 10am-6 pm. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre (155A Caochangdi, Chaoyang District). (6432 2663, go here for tickets and more information)

Photos: courtesy of event organizers