It’s back-to-school time, which means it’s time to declutter and restock your home library. Don’t miss out on the next Roundabout book fair this Saturday from 10am – 1pm at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB).

Head to the primary school gym and browse through about 10,000 recently donated, gently used books for the whole family.

Paperback books are RMB 10, hardcover books are RMB 20, and kids’ books and unique books start from as low as RMB 1.

Bring your family and enjoy the Roundabout book fairs.

Feel free to bring your book donations that day, too. They will show up at one of the following Roundabout book fairs. All books at Roundabout Book Fairs are donated.

Pro Tip: Bring your own shopping bags to reduce unnecessary waste.

Find it:
10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区来广营东路10号

If you’d like to volunteer to help out on the day, please get in touch by scanning the QR code below:

Images: Roundabout

Local social enterprise Roundabout has announced its final results for 2017, and it’s been another highly successful year of helping those less fortunate.

“With the help of the Beijing community, we have raised nearly RMB 27 million of funds in 2017,” said Becky Wang, Roundabout’s co-director. “We donated nearly RMB 11 million to 226 children needing medical treatment, and have donated over RMB 10 million in educational aid to help 23,000 children.”

Particularly important for the organization’s work are its volunteers. Nearly two thousand people helped out in 2017, contributing over 13,000 hours of their time.

Roundabout’s always popular monthly book fairs helped too, as well as providing reading material in different languages, in a city where a good book can be hard to come by. The fairs raised RMB 630,000.

“2018 is Roundabout’s 10th anniversary,” Wang told us. “We have very exciting plans for the year ahead, and look forward to the Beijing community joining us to raise further money to help even more children and vulnerable people in need.”

Roundabout runs a shop at Cathay View Plaza, where you can help good causes and reduce waste by purchasing pre-loved items of all kinds, from toys to clothes, from sporting goods to electronics. They also have a community center in Shine Hills. The next book fair takes place at Beijing City International School (BCIS) on Saturday March 10, from 10am to 3pm.

If you’d like to get involved in volunteering, you can find out more from their website: www.roundaboutchina.com

Photo: www.roundaboutchina.com

Adjusting to Life in Beijing
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting a free community event on Wednesday October 21, starting at 8.45am. Aimed at those that are new to Beijing, if you’ve managed to get the kids settled in school, your house resembling a home, then you may be thinking what next? This informative discussion will focus on adjusting to life in Beijing, with two speakers covering a range of topics.

Discussions will focus on air quality, what to do in an emergency, immunizations, cultural adjustment, and transportation options, plus the best resources for information, from websites, magazines, and WeChat. Following the discussion, coffee and pastries will be available, and there will be a chance to raise other issues directly with the experts. For more information call 8047 3588, to reserve a seat e-mail nicole.washko@britishschool.org.cn

Liu Guoliang at WAB
On Tuesday October 13 from 6-7.30pm, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) will be hosting Chinese table tennis legend Liu Guoliang. Olympic champion and coach of the Chinese men’s table tennis team, Liu will be giving a presentation about his life and his sporting success. He began playing at six years old and was selected to join China’s national youth team in 1989 at age 13. In 1991 he made the national table tennis team, and has won several championships and titles. After retiring from the game, he went on to become head coach of China’s national team, leading them to a team gold medal and a sweep of individual gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. For more event details, click here.

Roundabout Book Fair
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) will be hosting a Roundabout book fair on Saturday October 24, from 10am-3pm. Thousands of gently used books will be on sale, from a variety of categories including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. All proceeds will be used to help children in need.

Rugby Rivalry
On Saturday October 31, the Shanghai Rugby Football Club (SRFC) will descend upon Beijing to take on the Sports Beijing Rugby team in the U9, U11, and U15 age divisions. This seasonal rivalry started in 2013, when SRFC first came to Beijing. Games will take place from 9am-4pm at Dulwich Legend Garden. After the players are done, the whole group will enjoy the Rugby World Cup final at Fella’s. This event will no doubt be the highlight of the season for the two rugby clubs. For more information, contact 6430 1370, info@sportsbj.com.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Jens Schott Knudsen (Flickr), courtesy of WAB, Sports Beijing

United Family Shunyi Clinic Extended Hours
To better serve their patients in the Shunyi community, the United Family Shunyi Clinic is now open until 9.30pm from Monday to Friday, and 7.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) 24hr Service Center 4008 919191, Emergency 5927 7120 www.ufh.com.cn

Roundabout Book Fair
The next Roundabout book fair will take place on Saturday September 19, from 10am-3pm at Keystone Academy. Pick up some paperbacks from RMB 10, hardbacks RMB 20, and kid´s books RMB 1, with many languages and genres available. Every single RMB you pay will directly help a child in need. Keystone Academy is located directly opposite Subway Station Houshayu (Line 15).

The Great Aussie BBQ
Enjoy a fun filled day at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) as the Beijing Bombers and Shanghai Tigers compete in the AFL China Cup Game. Saturday September 19, from 11.30am-4pm, come and watch the Australian and British communities clash in a thrilling 20-20 Cricket Match. There will be plenty of food and drinks, with BBQ meat and veggie options. Snacks from a range of local vendors will also be available, and the kids will be kept entertained with supervised activities throughout the day.

Members RMB 180, RMB 90 kids under 12, free for kids under 4, family package RMB 450 (2 x adult, 2 x children), non-members RMB 230/120/580. Price includes ‘All You Can Eat’ BBQ and salads, free flow beers, free transport to and from the Australian Embassy and DCB. RSVP: events@austcham.org. For more information, contact 6595 9252 or visit www.austcham.org/events/great-aussie-bbq-2015

Sew GORGEOUS Community Project
Back by popular demand, another Sew Gorgeous trip to the Muxiyuan Fabric Market. On Thursday September 17, you can join in whatever way suits you best – take the guided tour if you haven’t been before, or just peruse the many alleyways yourself using the handy Sew Gorgeous Market Map. The bus leaves from The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi campus at 8.30am sharp, or you can meet the group directly at the market. It’s a fun day out, where you can stock up your sewing room or fill up your orders for the tailor. All proceeds from Muxiyuan Market Tours go towards the project’s Sewing Room at the Love & Hope Migrant School in Shunyi. RSVP sewgorgeous@yahoo.com

Mooncake Making Class
Bring your family for a traditional mooncake making class on Saturday September 26 or Sunday September 27, from 3-5pm at Green T. House. With hot chocolate, tea, and all the ingredients and instruction you need to make mooncakes. RMB 288 per family (up to 4 persons). To book, call 6434 2519, 136 0113 7232.

HEY @ the Clubhouse
Every Tuesday and Friday at 10am, keep fit and have fun at a Heyrobics class. Held in the gym at River Garden Villas, 7 Yuyang Road, Houshayu, Shunyi District. For more information, contact (8046 1918, Beijing@heyrobics.com) www.heyrobics.com

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Jasleen Kaur, Mike Haller, Franz & P (Flickr)

Roundabout Book Fair
Probably the biggest Roundabout book fair ever, with thousands of recently donated books for sale. Pick up some late summer reading at this huge fair, and do some good at the same time, with all proceeds going to save lives. The book fair will run on Saturday August 29, from 10am-3pm at The British School of Beijing (BSB)Shunyi. Thereafter you can pop in daily from Monday August 31 through Wednesday September 2; from 10am-3pm. Books will be restocked every day, with gently used books for all the family. Paperbacks from RMB 10, hardbacks RMB 20, kid´s books from RMB 1. Many languages and genres available, and every single RMB you pay will directly help a child in need. For more information, contact (137 1805 3814, bettinahaupter@hotmail.com)

Dulwich College Open Afternoon
To celebrate the official opening of Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) new West Dome, the College and their partner Dulwich Community Programmes (DCP) have organized a series of free activities for students. The event takes place on Friday August 21, from 3.30-5pm at the West Dome, Legend Garden Campus. Students can take part in free trials of a range of after school activities (ASAs) offered by DCP; including football, basketball, and tennis. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for Term 1 ASAs. The official opening of the West Dome will take place at 4.30pm, marked by the cutting of a ribbon at the entrance. The event is followed by the school’s Welcome Back BBQ at 5pm.

Flips & Kicks Plus: New Schedules
The autumn gymnastics and karate schedules, for Flips & Kicks Plus, have been announced. Check their website for full details, of all class dates and relevant holidays. To register, email info@flipsandkicksplus.com (cc to yderstrom@hotmail.com)

Friday Gymnastics at WAB, September 4 – January 29
Beginners: 4-4.55pm
Returners: 5-5.55pm
RMB 1,820/block (14 classes) 
Intermediate & Advanced: 6-7.25pm RMB 2,100/block (14 classes)

Sunday Gymnastics at WAB, September 6 – January 31
Beginners: 9-9.55am
Returners & Intermediate: 10-10.55am
RMB 2,210/block (17 classes)
Advanced: 11am-12.25pm RMB 2,550/block (17 classes)

Monday Gymnastics BSB Shunyi, August 31 – December 7
3-4 Years: 3.30-4.15pm
5-6 Years: 4.15-5pm
7 Years+: 5-6pm
RMB 1,690/block (13 classes)

Karate & Martial Arts at BSB Shunyi, August 25 – December 8
Tuesday
8-12 Years: 5-6.30pm
13 Years+: 6.30-8pm
RMB 2,100/block (14 classes)

Wednesday
8-12 Years: 5-6.30pm
13 Years+ 6.30-8pm
RMB 2,100 (14 classes)

Sunday
5-7+ (Introduction) 2.30-3.30pm
Advanced/Adult 3.30-4.30pm
RMB 1,690 (13 classes)

Imagine: Family Day at the Lake
BRISC (Boat Races of International Schools in China) gives kids and adults the chance to learn and compete in a variety of water sports. Have a go at kayaking, paddle boarding, and rafting all in the space of a single day. The event takes place on Sunday September 6, from 10am-4pm. Imagine will provide transport from The British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun campus and from Beijing Riviera. Join the fun at the beautiful Olympic Rowing Lake, 19 Baima Lu, Shunyi District. For more information, contact (5739 4933, ben@imagine-china.com) or click here for the website page.  

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Courtesy of Roundabout, Flips & Kicks Plus, Imagine

As the kids return to school, for the final term of the academic year, it’s time to sign them up for some after school and weekend activities. Registrations have opened for the summer term, and there are plenty of activities and programs for kids of all ages and interests. It’s a busy time of year for Roundabout, as they gear up for another of their big book fairs. Volunteers are needed, so please do sign up if you can spare just a few hours. Save the date for their open day on May 9, where you can meet some of the charities that have received such valuable support through the work of Roundabout.

Girl Scouts Collection Drive
On Saturday, April 11 the Girl Scouts Troops 11 and 89 will be collecting donations for Roundabout. From 9am-noon, they will come by houses in River Garden and parts of Capital Paradise. If you are interested in donating, please put your donations by your door and clearly mark them for Roundabout. Right now, Roundabout is in desperate need of more clothes in good, clean condition, books, baby equipment, and kitchenware. To schedule a pick-up of large items call 137 1877 7761 or fill out an online “pickup request form” at www.roundaboutchina.com/donate

Charity Book Fair
On Saturday, April 18 and Monday 20 – Wednesday April 22, Roundabout will be holding a book fair at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Legend Garden Campus. From 10am-3.30pm you’ll be able to browse and buy hundreds of gently used books, for all the family. All proceeds will be used to help a child in need. Volunteers are needed on Friday, April 17 from 9am-1pm to help set up the fair, to help at the book fair itself there are two shifts 9.45am-12.30pm, or 12.15-3pm, and volunteers will be needed to help pack up the books on Thursday, April 23 from 9am-noon. If you can spare some time and wish to help, email Friederike at fhm197@yahoo.com

Charity Open Day
On Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm, Roundabout will be holding a charity open day at their store. Come along and meet some of the charities that you support. There will be refreshments available to buy and activities to keep the kids entertained. Save the date.

Dulwich Summer Term Activities
Registration is now open for the Dulwich Community Programme (DCP) summer term activities. There are a number of exciting programs, including some brand new activities, to keep the kids busy this summer term. Activities take place at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Legend Garden and Riviera Campuses. Programs include girls football, tennis, mandarin club, ballet, football, swimming, basketball, science club, in-line skating, taekwondo, golf, hockey, kung fu, Chinese cooking, and music. Registration is at Legend Garden Sports Club and Riviera Main Campus. For more details on times, locations, and course fees click here.

Flips and Kicks Summer Schedule
Registration is now open for Flips & Kicks Plus gymnastics program and their karate and martial arts. Please note, some classes are already full, however there is a waiting list. For more information, details of other classes, and to register click here.

Gymnastics at BSB Shunyi
Mondays from April 6-June 22
3.30-4.15pm 3-4 years
4.15-5pm 5-6 years
5-6pm 7 years and over
RMB 120/class (RMB 1,440/block)

Karate and Martial Arts at BSB Shunyi, Dome 1^st floor
Tuesdays from April 7-June 23
5-6.30pm 8-12 years
6.30-8pm 13 years and over
RMB 140/class (RMB 1,680/block)

Wednesdays from April 8-June 24
5-6.30pm 8-12 years
6.30-8pm 13 years and over
RMB 140/class (RMB 1,680/block)

Sundays from April 12-June 28
2.30-3.30pm 5-7 years plus (introduction)
3.30-4.30pm advanced/adult
RMB 120/class (RMB 1,440/block)

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: courtesy of Roundabout, DCB

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• Capital Paradise Clubhouse: Tue and Thu, 10-11am
• Chateau Regalia Clubhouse: Mon and Fri, 9-10am and Wed, 10.30-11.30am
• Lane Bridge Clubhouse: Wed, 9-10am
• Rose and Gingko Clubhouse: Tue and Thu, 10-11am

• Lane Bridge Clubhouse: Tue and Fri, 8.45-10am at the Dance Studio (2/F)
• Cathay View Clubhouse: Wed, 8.45-10am, and Sun, 4-5pm at the Dance Studio (2/F)

 

• Farmers’ Market showcasing the best organic produce Beijing has to offer. Once only in Shunyi this month. 10am-2pm
• Kids’ activities hosted by Daystar Academy to keep the little ones busy while you shop and dine. 10am-4pm
• Modern Chinese dining experience at the Bath House Residence. 11.30-2.30pm (on the festival day and daily)
• Afternoon T., stunningly presented selection of finest Chinese teas served with traditional tea and snacks. From 11.30am (on the festival day and daily)
• Art Exhibit of selected works from the collection of Red Gate Galleries. From 10am
• Mooncake making classes for the entire family. RMB 250 for a family of four, including tea. 2-4pm. Other dates available: Sat Sep 14, and Sun Sep 15. Reservations required via email at  t.classes@green-t-house.com or by calling 6434 2519.
• Family Mid-Autumn Festival Dinner (five courses). RMB 558 per guests (+15% service charge). Only from Sep 19-21. Reservations required via email at t.classes@green-t-house.com or by calling 6434 2519.