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.

This Week’s Fresh Events

The Beijinger 2017 Pizza Cup Launch Festival, Sep 16-17
All ages. Our sister publication, the Beijinger, brings back its annual Pizza Festival at Wangjing Soho for what will be the fourth celebration of all things cheesy, saucy, doughy, not necessarily triangular, but certainly squarely one of our favorite foods ever to exist. Following the success of last year’s event, at this year’s two-day carnival-themed festival we’ll have entertainment fit for all the family in the form of some of the city’s best live performers, as well as carnival games, magic shows, and carnival dancers, and of course, unlimited amounts of the city’s best pizza, snacks, and drinks. We’ve even invited the Guinness Book of World Records to witness what will hopefully be the biggest dough toss of all time. RMB 25 at the door (food and drink not included), RMB 20 presale (free picnic blanket included). The Beijinger.

Morning Cuppa, Sep 12
Adults. Come join the British Club Beijing for the monthly Morning Cuppa, a great venue to make new friends and meet with old ones for coffee and tea, also to hear interesting speakers on alternate. Bring along your unwanted/read books to share with other members. Any books left at the Morning Cuppa will be donated to the Roundabout. This month’s guest speaker is Tanya Kostova, founder of GloberWeb. RMB 150 (members), RMB 180 (non-members). The event starts 10am. The British Club Beijing. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Winning at Love: Marriage and Relationships Seminar, Sep 12
Adults. Join Carnisa Berry, relationship life coach, for a discussion about love, marriage, and relationships. Berry will help participants evaluate expectations and learn communication techniques that help win at love. Scan QR code for more info. RMB 200. 7-9pm. ILotus Space, No. 20 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang (WeChat ID: BerryThoughtfulLife, carnisa@berrythoughtfullife.com)

The Mindful Mothers Meditation Series, begins Sep 12
Adults. The Mindful Mother meditation series are three maternal meditations that focus on rejuvenating a woman’s body, mind, and spirit. To discover more than we experience every day, as we answer the call to bring forth life, let us respond by renewing our life source from within. The class will be given by Renée, a mindfulness practitioner from the University of Toronto, whose experience as a mother and as a career-women has been centered in meditation. RMB 150. 10-11.30am For more information and to sign up click here

Love Your Teeth Day, Sep 13
All ages. Join the whole community in celebrating and promoting oral health education and awareness. IDC Dental is offering FREE dental check-ups (including x-rays) to all patients on September 13-27 (two weeks). In addition, any subsequent treatments needed based on these check-ups will be 20 percent OFF! To book an appointment for a free dental check-up, call 6538 8111 or message their patient services team via WeChat: idcdental. IDC Dental. 2/F Richmond Park Clubhouse, Fangyuan Nanli Chaoyang District; 朝阳区 芳园南里丽都水岸会所2层

WABX to the MAX, Sep 15-16
All ages. A celebration of sports and arts, Western Academy of Beijing will host a multi-sport tournament and arts festival with high school students from international schools all over Asia. Free. Visit wabx.wab.edu for details. 8am-7pm. Western Academy of Beijing. No. 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) 来广营东路10号

International Newcomer’s Network’s Artsy Mixer, Sep 16
Adults. The International Newcomer’s Network (INN) is excited to announce it is hosting an “Artsy Mixer” at TRB Copper on Saturday, September 16 at 6-9pm. They have lots in store for you that evening with international artists of varying realms to help stimulate your mind, eyes, ears, and stomach! You can purchase your tickets via Wechat at INNBeijing1994 or you can RSVP via email: INNBeijing16@Outlook.com. Tickets: RMB 300/person, including 3 drink tickets and canapes. Additional drink tickets can be purchased on site at the venue. Check out more of INN’s upcoming events at www.innbeijing.com.

Family Fun

St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet: Anna Karenina, Sep 13-14
All ages. The St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet works under the direction of master choreographer Boris Eifman. They appear in Beijing to dance his interpretation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Eifman set aside the secondary storylines and focuses solely on the love triangle between Anna, Karenin and Vronsky, bringing the timeless emotional content of the novel to the stage of the NCPA. Tickets from RMB 160 to RMB 880. Shows start from 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000) www.chncpa.org

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert, Sep 15
All ages. East meets West during this performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Robertson. The ensemble plays a selection of chamber pieces including two by Zhou Juan created for the NCPA’s Young Composer’s Programme, Gnarly Buttons by John Adams and Spirit of the Wild by Nigel Westlake. Tickets from RMB 80 to RMB 480 (click/tap here to buy tickets). 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000) www.chncpa.org

Charity Readers Theatre Presents “Grapes of Wrath,” Sep 16
All ages. John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic captures the horrors of the Great Depression and probes into the very nature of equality and justice in America. 100 percent of all ticket sales are donated to Social Work Development Center 北京市协作者社会工作发展中心. RMB 80. Email the box office at artsforagoodcause@charityreaderstheatre.org. 7.30pm. Charity Readers Theatre. 10 Anhua Street, Shunyi District 北京市 顺义区安华街10号 (Contact person: Chris Verrill at 134 6638 8333) www.charityreaderstheatre.org

Next Week’s Best

The Fifth Annual China Women’s Film Festival, Sep 16-24
Adults. See dozens of films and a Q&A with acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Sunny Bergman at this socially conscious film festival that tackles misogyny in the tech industry, gender conformity in the Middle East, ageism in the beauty industry and more. For a full schedule and list of venues, click here. CWFF.

Beijing Health Week Opening Ceremony, Sep 17
All ages. Beijing Health Week kicks off at the Paradise Lounge in the Park Hyatt Hotel. The ceremony will be every yogi’s dream with an exclusive yoga flow experience from yoga teacher Theresa Taozi and a JBM fueled energy lunch including deliciously nutritious food, nourishing juices, and guilt-free snacks. RMB 120 (click here to purchase tickets). The opening ceremony takes place on Sep 17 at 11am-2pm. Juice By Melissa. Paradise Lounge, 6F Park Hyatt 柏悦酒店6层 天堂书屋 (130 4112 1556, quality@juicebymelissa.com, www.juicebymelissa.com)

WAB Distinguished Speaker Series: Kevin Westgarth, Sep 19
All ages. As the NHL China Games in Beijing approaches, hear from Kevin Westgarth, a Princeton University pre-med student who went on to capture ice hockey’s greatest treasure, the NHL’s Stanley Cup.  Free. Visit www.wab.edu/dss for details. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. No. 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) 来广营东路10号

Featured Events This Month

Workshops and Seminars

2017 China Summit of the Association of Leading Independent Schools, Sep 15
Adults. If you are considering boarding school for your kids, this event is for you. Learn about creating a study abroad plan, preparing for entrance examinations and the application process for British boarding schools, and meet representatives from a long list of visiting schools in the UK during this educational summit. Free. 9am-5pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. Beijing Imperial Academy, Imperial College Street, Andingmen, Dongcheng District. (Kitty Chen 137 6497 1435, kitty.chen@be.co)

UK-China Education Development Forum – British-Style Early Years Education, Sep 19
Adults. The UK Department for International Trade, the British Embassy Beijing, and the China-Britain Business Council invite everyone to the “UK-China Education Development Forum – British-Style Early Years Education” to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore collaboration opportunities in Early Years Education between the UK and China. Free but needs RSVP before Sep 12. 8.30am-1.30pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. The St. Regis Beijing (contact Holm Jiang, Events Manager, CBBC: 8525 1111 ext. 366, Holm.Jiang@cbbc.org.cn)

Introduction to Montessori Pedagogy, Sep 20
Adults. The introduction to Montessori pedagogy will be led by Myriam Lapalus. This is a great event for parents, educators, and everyone interested in early childhood development. Open to all but seats are limited. There will be an open discussion and buffet after the event. RMB 30 (for LMMP parents), RMB 80 (for non-LMMP parents). Register before Sep 18 (Mon) and pay in advance via WeChat ID t06021988. 5-6.30pm. LMMP Workshop – 5 Cang Nan Bei Xiang Jia, Dongcheng

3e TEA TALK: A Parent’s Guide to Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Development of Young Children, Sep 22
For adults. 3e International School’s Tea Talk for September helps parents learn what to expect, and deepen their understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children. The workshop will also examine some red flags of behavioral issues and basic principles of positive behavior management.  Presented by Dr. Lynn Turner, Lead Psychologist and Educational Psychologist, LIH Olivia’s Place. Free, but parents need to email community@3einternationalschool.org to register. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. No. 9-1 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang (6437 3344)朝阳区将台西路9-1号

Work Your Body Out

Chinese Traditional Qigong Class, Sep 16
Children nine years old and over are welcome. Benefits of Qi Gong include better sleep, more energy, a calmer mind, and relief from aches and pains. We will practice meditation, Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong, and Raising Qi practice with our instructor is Dr. Peng Haitao, a practitioner with over 20 years of experience healing himself and others. Shelley Ochs, an acupuncturist, writer, and translator, will interpret the class into English. Dr. Peng will also give each participant a mini qi-adjustment if they wish. Follow official WeChat account DaFuTangChineseMedicine for more information.

Yoga Yard Workshop: Know and Flow Your Energy, Sep 15-19
Adults. TCM Doctor Cameron Tukapa and yoga teacher Sean Ren lead this bilingual workshop that connects you to your qi through a fusion of Chinese and Indian medicine and yoga systems. Go home with a clear of how energy is produced, circulated, regulated and maintained in your body and learn to understand how your mental and emotional processes impact your body’s energy. 9.30-11am and 1.30-4.30pm. RMB 3,500. Click here to sign up. Yoga Yard.

Sophrology Workshop for Women in Beijing, Sep 23
Adults. Come to spend a Saturday morning in a mindfulness workshop under the guidance of Nathalie Dorbes, mindfulness and stress management practitioner. Practice how to relax, breathe, visualize, and remain yourself, getting rid of stress. Join Nathalie for some deep rooted connections and a deeper sense of energy to create a balance and harmony for yourself and the people around you. RMB 100, including light snacks. Starts 10.30am. (WeChat ID paulus155) OASIS International Hospital, 9 North Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号

Cool Culture

Wandering China’s Trip to Pingyao and Writers’ Competition, Sep 22-25
All ages. Wandering China 观览国际 is organizing an exclusive trip to Shanxi province during the Pingyao International Photography Festival, held every September. Join the adventure and automatically participate in their writer’s competition in which participants will get extraordinary gifts, Pingyao tourism bureau diploma, and exceptional opportunities like having your piece published in Wandering China’s magazine and online platforms. RMB 1,600 per person (fee includes a round trip train ticket, transportation, admissions fee to scenic spots, English-speaking tour guides, hotel accommodation, dining – 3 breakfast and 2 dinners).  Contact Rose Quan at 139 1152 4254 to sign up. Wandering China 观览国际. Rm 2604, Tower A, U-Space, No 8 Guangqu Rd, Chaoyang (WeChat ID: guanlanzhongguo, 2561696019@qq.com) www.wanderingchina.com 北京朝阳区广渠路8号优士阁A座2604

Mooncake Making, Sep 23
All ages. The 16th of 24 solar terms is characterized by the autumn equinox, or qiūfēn (秋分), which also means that Chinese Mid Autumn Festival is approaching. When the day comes, the daytime and the night-time are the same. Moreover, in the ancient times, Chinese worshipped the moon as a god and were preparing many food and sacrifices. But do you know why we eat “moon” cake then? In this activity, you will create a mooncake, which you can fill with plenty of delicious flavors, such as lotus paste, bean paste. RMB 100. 7-9pm.

The Divine Michelangelo at the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre, until Sep 30
All ages. In cooperation with Italy’s Buonarroti Museum, the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre is displaying over a hundred works by famed Renaissance artist Michelangelo, including sculptures, paintings, sketches and other masterpieces by the sculptor of David and the Sistine Chapel painter. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. RMB 80, RMB 40 for students, RMB 160 for a family pass. 10am-9pm. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).

Fun Fairs and Outdoor Activities

The Great Aussie BBQ, Sep 23
All ages. Head over to Dulwich College Beijing for the Great Aussie BBQ – it’s like being back home. Enjoy Beijing’s cool autumn breeze and be captivated by a thrilling game of AFL where the Beijing Bombers will take on the Shanghai Tigers. The fun does not stop there as visitors will also witness big hits in Beijing Ashes’ cricket match. While everyone munches through fantastic Aussie food and beverages, don’t forget to also try your luck at the raffle for two return tickets to Australia and a Nespresso coffee machine. RMB 200 (for adult members of AustCham Beijing), RMB 250 (for non-members), RMB 100 (for kids under 12), free for kids under 4, RMB 460 (family of 2 adults and 2 kids). Price includes free flow of draught beer, BBQ (steak, lamb chops, burgers, and sausages), return bus from the Australian embassy to Dulwich College Beijing. 11.30am-4.30pm. AustCham Beijing. Dulwich College Beijing 北京德威英国国际学校, 89 Capital Airport Rd, Shunyi (Email events@austcham.org to RSVP)

Fifth Annual Shuangjing Block Party, Sep 23
All ages. The Shuangjing Block Party is back and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Now in its 5th year, the Block Party has grown into one of the premier events in Beijing bringing the Chinese and foreign communities together for a day of great food, drinks, and entertainment. There is something for everyone with live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and clowns, international food and drink booths and other interactive events. The organizers are expecting crowds of over 5,000 people this year, making it the biggest and best event so far. Free. 1-6pm. North Pingod, 22 Art Street, Shuangjing

Expat Connection Family Fair & Picnic, Sep 24
All ages. The Expat Connection team invites everyone to their yearly Family Fair & Picnic at the Canadian International School of Beijing. There will be more than 35 different activities, like pony riding, climbing, art coloring and many other activities while also enjoying food and drinks. The event closes with a huge lottery, sending the lucky winners home with a special memory. Starts 11am. Free entrance. Expat Connection. Canadian International School of Beijing, 38 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang. 中国北京市朝阳区亮马桥路38号(www.china-expat-connection.com)

October Holiday Camp for Kids: Adventure Camp, Sep 30-Oct 8
Kids 7+. This upcoming National Holiday, Imagine brings a new adventure for the little ones of the house (age 7+): Indoor ski (室内滑雪), climbing (室内攀岩), parkour (跑酷), Civilization Game (文明帝国游戏), and Adventure Park (奇妙探险乐园). This camp is the perfect choice for parents who want to stay in Beijing but are looking for outdoor activities that are creative and challenging at the same time to send their kids. RMB 900 per day for indoor ski; RMB 700 per day for climbing or parkour; RMB 750 per day for Civilization Game or Adventure Park. Click here for more information about each activity. 8am-6pm. Imagine. (WeChat ID: Imagine24X7service, 5739 4933)

Photos: courtesy of organizers

See more of my stories here.
Subway Sunday | Mandarin Monday | The Bucket List | Doctor’s Corner

Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
Web: coolkidandy.wordpress.com
Instagram: @coolkidandy

From last week’s trip to Yungang Grottoes, we go a little bit further south and visit Pingyao County for the second part of our China Bucket List in Shanxi.

Though I have yet to spend time in Pingyao, many say that going to the ancient city is like traveling back in time to the Ming Dynasty. Many of the buildings and courtyards retain their historical layout and structure. The ancient city is also one of the three World Cultural Heritage Sites in Shanxi (the other two are the Yungang Grottoes, which I covered last week, and Mount Wutai, which is another to-go place soon). The World Relics Committee of UNESCO calls Pingyao “an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, which was the major center for the whole of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries.”

Another remarkable happening in the city is the annual Pingyao International Photography (PIP) Festival, which gathers professional and amateur photographers from across the world. The event is held in the old town, which becomes a “one large, indoor and open-air photo gallery,” featuring artworks and other displays of local and international photographers. The 17th PIP this year takes place on September 19-25, with a theme of “original inspiration; a brighter future.”

Just thinking how exotic and intriguing Pingyao is makes me excited to travel there. In a few weeks’ time, our friends in Wandering China will be organizing an exclusive trip to the heritage site during the festival. The four-day excursion begins September 22 and costs RMB 1,600, which includes a round trip train ticket from Beijing, private transportation in the old town, admissions fee to scenic spots, English-speaking tour guides, hotel accommodation, dining – 3 breakfast and 2 dinners. What’s more is that all tourists in the trip are automatically participants of Wandering China’s Writers’ Competition.

Checking the net, I found these places of interest in Pingyao, which are definitely my point-and-shoot targets once I get there:
-The three Key National Protected Relics: (1) the City Wall, (2) Shuangxiu Temple, and (3) Zhenguo Temple;
– Rishengchang Bank, the first draft bank in China established in 1823 in the Qing Dynasty;
– Shuanglin Temple, which houses more than 2,000 colorful sculptures including the one-thousand-hands Avalokitesvara and the Sakyamuni.

Wandering China’s Trip to Pingyao and Writers’ Competition, Sep 22-25
All ages. Participants in Wandering China’s Writers’ Competition will get extraordinary gifts, Pingyao tourism bureau diploma, and exceptional opportunities like having their piece published in Wandering China’s magazine and online platforms. RMB 1,600 per person (fee includes a round trip train ticket, transportation, admissions fee to scenic spots, English-speaking tour guides, hotel accommodation, dining – 3 breakfast and 2 dinners). Contact Rose Quan at 139 1152 4254 to sign up. Wandering China 观览国际. Rm 2604, Tower A, U-Space, No 8 Guangqu Rd, Chaoyang (WeChat ID: guanlanzhongguo, 2561696019@qq.com) www.wanderingchina.com 北京朝阳区广渠路8号优士阁A座2604

The Market Tower in Pingyao’s old town

Our final stop in China Bucket List in Shanxi: We go back to Datong and hang out in a hanging temple.

Photos: janeb13, aitik, broquitos, via Pixabay; Courtesy of Wandering China

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Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
Instagram: @coolkidandy