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!

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.

Summer Parties and Fairs

YCIS Beijing’s ‘Re-Market,’ Jun 9
All ages. As part of Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s Zero Waste month, the school invites everyone to attend their recycle, reuse, and repair ‘Re-Market.’ There will be workshops, organic products on sale, a film screening and stalls for buying and exchanging books, clothes, toys, and furniture – all in promotion of waste reduction. Free to attend but registration is needed (visit this page to register). 1-5pm. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731, phoebe.yu@bj.ycef.com)

British Chamber’s 2018 Summer Garden Party, Jun 7
All ages. Kick off summer with the 2018 British Chamber Summer Garden Party, a highlight of Beijing’s social calendar. This year’s party will celebrate a classic British summer sporting festival: Wimbledon. Join the British Chamber at the British Ambassador’s Residence, and enjoy an evening of delicious food from TRB Catering; free-flow British beer, Pimm’s, and gin and tonic; and live music. The Annual General Meeting of the British Chamber of Commerce in China will be held before the party and is exclusive to members only. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 200 (members). Price includes all you can eat and drink. 4.30-8.30pm. British Ambassador’s Residence.

BCIS Rockfest & Beijing Runway 2018, Jun 8
All ages. Are you someone who knows how to rock out and get the crowds cheering? Or maybe you are a fashionista who wants to see their designs strutted down the catwalk? If so, join Beijing City International School’s (BCIS) Rockfest & Beijing Runway shows, popular events that will run from 5.30-8.30pm on June 8. Free to attend. BCIS. (8771 7171, emma.parker@bcis.cn)

Relax and Have Fun

A Sense of Rejuvenation – Global Wellness Day at Sense, a Rosewood Spa, Jun 9
All ages. Beijing Sense Spa at Rosewood celebrates Global Wellness Day in luxurious style with a program filled with revitalizing wellness activities and restorative pampering. Take time out to refresh the mind, body, and soul with a curated range of health and wellness programming. Refresh with cold-pressed libations at the juice bar, relax poolside with foot reflexology, create your own face and body masks at the spa, move the body and soul with a dance class, attend relationship healing and communication workshops, and much more. Activities start from 8am. For more details, contact 6536 0158 or email beijing.sensespa@rosewoodhotels.com.

Free Comedy Show at the Bookworm, Jun 7, 28
Adults. Comedy Club China is thrilled to announce a new show that will occur the first and third Thursday of each month at the Bookworm. The Bookworm has been one of the biggest supporters of the comedy and arts scene in Beijing, so we are happy to start this partnership. The show will feature many of Beijing’s best comedians before they head down to Shanghai for the Shanghai Comedy Competition! Shows like this are not normally free, so get to the Bookworm and show CCC some love. Free to attend. 8pm. The Bookworm.

1st Annual Nordic Dragon Boat Tournament, Jun 9
All ages. The first Annual Nordic Dragon Boat Tournament in Beijing is the biggest Nordic event of the year, and everyone is invited to either participate or cheer for the teams. Challenge your colleagues, competitors, clients, and Nordic friends in a fun and interactive competition to settle which Nordic country has the best dragon boat team. Festival grounds offer something for everyone. Spectators can take in the action and follow the excitement of racing while learning about the sport of dragon boat. Cheerers can enjoy a nice breakfast while supporting your favorite team and families are invited to bring their children and spend time at the race and enjoy the outdoors. Free to attend for families and friends of participants. RMB 100 breakfast price for cheerers. 9am-noon. Houhai (the biggest of the three central lakes in Beijing).

The Color Run 2018 Hero Tour, Jun 9
All ages. The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. Now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide in more than 35 countries. This year’s Color Run features a Foam Zone full of colored bubbles and a great big paint-throwing party at the end. RMB 228 (classic kit), RMB 288 (superhero kit). 9am-4.30pm. Beijing Garden Expo Park.

A “Schubertiade” – The Summer Concert of The German Kantorei Peking, Jun 9-10
All ages. The German Kantorei Peking takes its inspiration for this year’s summer program the greatest classical compositions of Austrian composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828). Juxtaposed with these are works by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) and two contemporary composers, Ola Gjieilo (* 1978) and Eriks Esenvalds (* 1977). More intimate musical moments will also not be missing, which guarantee an exciting and enjoyable evening with the chance to perhaps discover some new favorites. RMB 100 (students), RMB 180 (regular price). Tickets are available in the library of the German Embassy School as well as via the QR code on the posters. 5pm. German Embassy School Beijing, Liangmaqiao Lu 49A.

Bout à bout: French Family Theatre, Jun 9-24
Ages 3+. Bout à bout is a unique puppetry show connecting life, arts and imagination for children. It is inspired by artist Jean-Marie Hobet and a group of pre-school children and teachers. Bout à bout (“end to end”) is a story full of poetry and light, and it features ropes of various sizes, and music and sounds played by three invisible puppeteers, who give life to the ropes: fire lances, boa constrictors, means of transport or sumo preparing for battle, dog and cat, snake, octopus, and fish. RMB 245-780. Shows are from 10.30am, 3.30pm, 6.30pm, and 7.30pm. Tong Playroom. For more info, visit this page. (WeChat subscription account: tongtiyan)

More Upcoming Events

Deep Reading Workshop, Jun 10
Adults. Annie and Steve from Inspire Citizens will be facilitating a deep and strategic reading workshop for parents and educators. The workshop is an opportunity to explore and experience strategies and thinking to help children and students improve comprehension while building their love and appreciation of literature. Limited space available for this three-hour active learning event. More information available via the QR. RMB 600-700 (visit this page to register). 9am-noon. The Hutong.

Chinese Floral Art Salon, Jun 10
All ages. Les Salons de Pauline holds a Chinese Floral Art salon, which will be taught by Chinese scholar, ceramic artist and calligrapher Ma Yuejun. Attendees will learn more about Chinese culture through the theme of Chinese floral arrangement. The gathering is an opportunity to fully understand the rich poetic world of ancient Chinese literati where floral creations played an essential role in their daily lives. Many Chinese paintings represent floral arrangements creations, and the salon will help attendees discover the hidden meaning of some works of art. RMB 245 per person. The salon is open to 20 people maximum. 2-5pm. La Plantation Art Center. (159 0146 9727, laplantation.intern@hotmail.com)

BSB Secondary Soirée, Jun 6
All ages. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi invites everyone to an evening of creative arts, showcasing a delightful mix of art and music presented by their secondary students. Stunning pieces of artwork, including outstanding IGCSE and IB Art, will be displayed in the foyer. There will be a musical program that showcases the range of music talent of the student performers. Free to attend. 6-8.30pm. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3588, www.bsbshunyi.com)

Blossom Montessori Elementary School Open House, Jun 9
All ages. Blossom Montessori Elementary Program open doors to Beijing families and friends! Come along and check out their Montessori environment. Free and food will be served. Activities for kids start from 10.30am. (WeChat ID: Blossom_Montessori, 135 8188 7792, alessia@blossom-edu.com)

”Hall of Fame” by Artist Jensen Moreno, until Jun 10
All ages. Filipino artist Jensen Moreno showcases her collection of portraits of people she has admired over the past few years. “Hall of Fame” marks her fifth solo painting exhibition. Experience Moreno’s unique artistic perspective and profound understanding of the celebrities and people who inspired her. Free to attend. 9am-5pm. A. C. Embassy Hotel. (Contact curator Daisy Zhao for more info at 183 1013 8251)

The Story of the Peterhof Palace Treasures, until Jun 10
All ages. The Story of the Peterhof Palace Treasures showcases 243 treasures that unveil the grandeur of the Romanov Dynasty in Russia. Originally shown at Peterhof State Museum Reserve, the treasures make their first appearance in China at the China Millennium Monument until June 10. RMB 50 (entrance ticket fee). 9am-5pm.

Photos: Courtesy of featured event organizers

Spring is the season to finally shrug off that heavy jacket, enjoy the breeze and sunshine, and indulge in a fancy afternoon tea session with old friends who’ve been hibernating all winter. Just in time for the warmer weather, here are three new afternoon teas that caught our attention.

Conrad Hotel Beijing
To celebrate their fifth anniversary, Conrad Hotel Beijing has revamped a sugar-free High Tea menu at Chapter and Lobby Lounge, featuring mango & passion-fruit cheesecake, chocolate cannoli, apple mousse tart, carrot cake, vegan scones, cookies, gluten-free crisps, nachos, and rye bread crackers with hummus. To avoid any refined and processed sugar, the culinary team used xylitol, and fresh ingredients as alternatives, Harald Feurstein, the General Manager explained.

Among a dozen bites, we especially liked the carrot cake, which had two layers of round dough filled with cream cheese frosting between the layers. It was satisfying and sweet, seasoned with cinnamon, and topped with a tiny fake carrot made of meringue. The healthy cookies were infused with superfood chia seed, and oatmeal, which made them sturdy and rustic.

Chapter has an elegant atmosphere with a library-esque ambiance, designed by Spin Studio from Japan. Having delicate afternoon tea among all those books will surely impress your guests. This mindful afternoon tea costs RMB 298 (plus 15 percent service charge), and is available between 2.30-5pm at Chapter. It also includes two cups of teas or coffee. Call 6584 6270 for reservation.

Laurent Moreno

Nuo Hotel Beijing
Meanwhile, Nuo Hotel Beijing has collaborated with Laurent Moreno, a world-renowned executive pastry chef from France, and will launch a new afternoon tea for chocoholics at Lobby Lounge on Apr 2. Moreno has 15 years of professional experience and has worked with the famous Pierre Hermé (dubbed “the Picasso of Pastry” by Vogue), Michelin three-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent, Champs-Elsyées Ladurée shop in Paris, Fauchon, and Dalloyau. Sounds impressive? He is also a training and business consultant at the World’s Top Ten Pastry School Ferrandi, and Ecole Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil, and represents Cabosse Chocolate and Grand Marnier brands as a Celebrity Ambassador.

The chocolate-heavy delights that he brings to Nuo are artsy and elegant in appearance. They include strawberry and basil chocolate cheesecake, French dark chocolate (using cacao from Vietnam), Le Carnaval (milk chocolate cake, raspberry confit), Choux Laurent, and more. His Le Bounty was very impressive, thanks to its glossy ganache glaze, topped with a chocolate sheet and tart passion-fruit flavored cream, and a generous spoon of caviar with savory and umami flavors to balance the rich sweetness of the dark chocolate. The touch of a tiny gold leaf foil made it more like a work of art than a mere dessert. The Sesame Blanc, green tea, vanilla chocolate Ivoire was also impressive, which involved Moreno creating the perfect ratio between Chinese tea and chocolate. Its white chocolate was not overly sweet, with a hint of tea flavor.

You could also pair the sweets with their creative iced coffee – they freeze the coffee into cubes, put them in a nice glass, then you could just pour milk and syrup on those cubes to make your perfectly chilled cup of joe. The chocolate afternoon tea will be available from Apr 2 at Lobby Lounge, Nuo Hotel. Call 5926 8888 for reservations.

Rosewood Beijing
After collaborating with China’s notable Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry, Rosewood Beijing joins Delvaux, one of the world’s most famous luxury brands to present an exquisite afternoon tea at Bistrot B Lounge and Bar until Apr 30.

Founded in Belgium in 1829, Delvaux filed its first patents for handbags in 1908. Their bags are works of art with dynamic and incandescent colors, such as chili orange, turquoise, flamingo pink, saffron red, and ebony, inspired by Ethiopia. Executive pastry chef Florian Couteau and his team create a number of savory and sweet delights to echo Delvaux’s latest collection, such as orange and roasted pine nut marmalade with Madagascar whipped vanilla ganache, which came in a beautiful ball-shape with shiny orange glaze that was not overly sweet; Caribbean chocolate crèmeux with Himalayan salt sable, which mirrors the season’s Ethiopia silk twill; and rye bread with ricotta and asparagus. This afternoon tea costs RMB 388 and is available between 2.30-5.30pm at Bistrot B Lounge and Bar, and includes an exclusive gift prepared by Delvaux. Along with the afternoon tea, there will be a pop-up store in the Lobby Shop with the maison’s latest Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Call 6536 0066 for reservation.

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos courtesy of venues, Tracy Wang

Looks like more and more people want to fly to Beijing. Or away from it. Regardless, the big travel news this week is that Air China plans to double the number of flights from Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) to London Heathrow, beginning in October. This comes after all the bluster earlier this year about Air China flying or not flying into London Gatwick. Air China currently offers three flights per day to Heathrow, some with stops in Shanghai Pudong. Doubling capacity is a ton of flights, and after the increase, China’s national carrier will offer 51 flights per week to Heathrow from various destinations within China. Heathrow’s CEO gloated about it big time: “It’s also recognition that despite other UK airports having spare capacity, only Heathrow can deliver daily, direct flights to emerging economies that will help Britain win the global race for growth. Gatwick can’t, Heathrow can," he said. Wow.

I certainly hope that the increased capacity will also reduce airfares, even though Heathrow is one of, if not the most expensive airport in the world in terms of fees charged to airlines and then passed on to passengers. With flights from both the US and China running well over USD 1,000 per person, it’s quite a surprise to see so much demand for air travel there, especially heading into the winter. An Air China flight from Beijing to Heathrow departing September 10 and returning September 17 is over RMB 12,000 for economy. That’s ridiculous.

Once again visitors to Beijing can take advantage of deals that aren’t available going the other way. Fly from Washington, DC to Beijing on one of a few airlines (Hainan Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada) for USD 769, with stops in Seattle or Toronto. Not a bad deal at all, if not quite a long flight.

If Heathrow seems unappealing, how about … Bucharest. Romania’s national airline, Tarom, will start flying direct from the Romanian capital to the Chinese capital on September 16. Fares will be about EUR 600 (RMB 6,000). Might not be a bad flight for people traveling to Eastern Europe.

The Rosewood Hotel at the northwest corner of Jingguang Qiao is set to open this autumn. We’ve been threatening to go over and take a look, but until then, DestinAsian has some photos here.

Now we understand why there’s all the excitement about Kempinski’s massive new Yanqi Lake complex: it’s the site of the APEC meeting later this month. The lake is also the subject of a song by rocker Xie Tianxiao and his first band, Cold Blooded Animal. Check the song out here.

Not too bad for a Tuesday. By the way, flying on the east coast of China is still a joke. Take the train until August 20 unless you have a great book you’ve been keen to finish. In the meantime, one road flat safe.

This post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on August 12, 2014.

Photo: thebeijinger.com