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. 

Roundabout Summer Sale, September 5 – 12

All ages. To coincide with the Alipay and Tencent “Week of Giving” Roundabout is having a great sale. Find some fantastic clothes on sale this week at Roundabout! You get to have great clothes and give to their wonderful charity. Buy two items of summer stock and get one free. Any purchase in the vintage and designer section of the shop that is over RMB 750 receives a further 20 percent off (excluding consignment items).

Free. All day. Roundabout Cathay View Plaza.

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration, September 13

All ages. Come and celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with an evening of music and culture at The Children’s House Kindergarten’s garden at their Oceanwide campus. Celebrate in a child-oriented, relaxed, and intimate setting. There will be moon-themed arts and crafts, moon cake making, and traditional Chinese musicians will provide live music. This event is done potluck style, so please bring a sweet or savory dish to share. The evening will end with lighting and floating of candles on the water by moonlight.

Registration needed. 5pm – 7pm. The Children’s House Montessori Kindergarten, Oceanwide Campus.

Russian State Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty, September 13

The well known story of Sleeping Beauty is coming to the stage with the Russian State Ballet. For twenty years the Russian State Ballet Theater has been considered one of the leading Russian ballet companies. The ballet opens with the King and Queen preparing their daughter, Aurora, for her christening. Many are invited, including the fairies of the realm, the new princess’s Godmothers. However, one fairy is left out of the party. Her anger at being left out leads to a series of events that leaves the beloved baby princess cursed.

RMB 180 – 880. 7.30pm. Mei Lanfang Grand Theater.

Mooncake Making With Black Sesame Kitchen, September 13 and 14

All ages. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Black Sesame Kitchen. Black Sesame Kitchen is hosting an open house party on Friday, Sept 13 to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Learn to make moon cakes, paint Beijing clay rabbits, fold a paper flower or enjoy a tea ceremony for adults only. Family moon cake making class starts at 10am on Saturday and includes a light lunch.

RMB 150 for general entry or RMB 198 per person for the moon cake making class, registration needed. 10am. Black Sesame Kitchen.

Wild Great Wall BBQ, September 15

After a long break, Beijing Experience’s famous BBQ at the wild Great Wall comes back on Sunday September 15. Uruguayan grass feed beef, craft sausages, home made salad, sangria, and other delicacies will be offered. Enjoy amazing wild Great Wall views while eating prime quality products. Book your spot before Friday Sept 13.

RMB 599. All day. Wild Great Wall. Wechat: 13071139166

KidsCity: Architect for a Day! September 15

Ages 6-14. KidsCity believes that cities can be better by inspiring and empowering the next generation of city-builders: our kids. This is an architecture workshop for kids where they will spend a day together with a team of designers and learn what it is like to be an architect. Kids will learn how to read plans, design roads, parks, and interesting buildings, and then collaborate to build a vertical hutong. This event is outdoors and offered in English and Chinese.

RMB 350 needs registration. 11am-3pm. 798 Art District.

2047 Apologue 3, September 13 – 15

Zhang Yimou, the award-winning director of House of Flying Daggers, Raise the Red Lantern and other classic films, turns to the stage, and directs 2047 Apologue 3. 2047 Apologue 3 is a conceptual theater presentation, exploring the future of AI and how it brings new possibilities into our lives both positive and negative. This is a dialogue between humanity, science, and technology.

RMB 280 – 1280. 7:30pm. National Centre for Performing Arts.

The Beatles: Beat On, Now to September 15

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,” and “Come Together.” Apart from the music, the exhibition is also a panoramic look back into the Beatles’ golden era, to let Chinese fans enjoy the years they missed.

All ages. RMB 68 – 178.  Chaoyang Joy City. 

Musical: Les Choristes (Mandarin), September 13 – 22

Ages 3+. Les Choristes (The Chorus) is a 2004 European drama directed by Christophe Barratier based on the 1945 film, A Cage of Nightingales. The story concerns a successful orchestra conductor, Pierre Morhange, who returns to France when his mother dies and explores the childhood inspirations that brought him to music. He reminisces with his childhood friend about their time at Fond de L’Etang, a school for “difficult” boys, and a teacher who brightened up the school by assembling a choir.

RMB 180 – 880. Offered at multiple times. Haidian Theater.

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. 

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

All ages. Go on a journey to the four corners of your imagination, with 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 cannot 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. 

NBA Exhibition: Unstoppable Beijing, Now – October 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, videos, and exciting memorabilia, the multi-level experience will showcase the passion of the league, its teams, and will explore the many ways the NBA has evolved since its founding in 1946.

RMB 90. 10am. Yang Art Museum. 

Dynasty of Brick: LEGO Chinese Culture Exhibition, Aug 25 – Oct 14

All ages. There is something new in Beijing for Lego fans – the Lego Chinese Culture Exhibition at Indigo from Aug 25 to Oct 14 promises to show Beijing families the big picture of Chinese culture, using five million pieces Lego bricks.

RMB 79 – 899 (Visit here to buy tickets). Daily 10 am-10 pm. 18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District.

Mental Health Peer Support Group, Second and fourth Tuesday of every month

Adults. There are many things that can be challenging in life: moving to a new country, going through a breakup, job loss, living with mental illness, or just the difficulties of this fast-paced modern life. Allow this bi-weekly mental health peer group to help you out. CandleX established an English speaking mental health peer support group in Oct 2015. It provides a safe environment for people living in Beijing to share personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings, through small, confidential gatherings.

50 RMB, free to people with incomes lower than RMB 6,000, needs registration. 7.30pm. U-Town Shopping Center. 

Great Wall Camping | See Sunset and Sunrise from China Wall, Every weekend through Oct 20.

Ages depends on ability. Spend two days on the Great Wall, experience the Great Wall at sunset and sunrise, and camp overnight at a Great Wall tower. This camping experience is organized by Cultural Exchange Trips (CET) who will provide camping equipment, transportation, and guides (an English speaking guide and local guide). The hiking portion is relatively easy but there are some steep sections. Please contact CET for more information, and to find out if this trip is right for you and your family!

RMB 365 (Discounts are available for groups). Needs registration.  Cultural Exchange Trips. (Jon 185 1420 3469 / Jane: 155 1030 7192).

Safari Time Songs at The Bookworm, Every Saturday

Children 3 months to 4 years. 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! These classes will give your child a chance to learn simple songs from all around the world, have fun, and socialize.

There are two classes available, one for Toddlers up to 4 years old from 9.30am – 10.30am and one for babies 3-18 months old from 10.30am – 11.30am. RMB 80. 9:30am. The Bookworm.

Children’s Gymnastics at WAB, Now to Dec 8

Ages 4+. Flips and Kicks Plus is offering classes for the international community in Beijing. This company provides gymnastics at a variety of locations. 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 1,540 for 11 beginner classes, RMB 1,760 for 11 advanced classes. Classes are offered on Fridays after school and Sunday mornings. Needs Registration. Western Academy of Beijing.

New Street Dance Term at WAB, September 1 to December 12

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, and are led by professionals who have danced with stars like Justin Bieber, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga.

Classes are every Wednesday, Thursday, and weekends at a variety of times. TBD. Western Academy of Beijing. 

Karate and Martial Arts Class with Adventure Zone, Every Tuesday and Thursday, now through December

AGes 4+. Adventure Zone is offering Goju-ryu classes, a traditional Okinawan style of karate that uses techniques executed at close range. Your child can enjoy learning martial arts while strengthening and conditioning their body, gaining confidence, and learning discipline.

RMB 3500 – 3700 needs registration. 4pm. Kerry Sports Center L3.

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. 

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

Photos: Pixabay, Event Sponsors

The summer break is in full swing, however before you know it the new school year will be upon us and the rush to stock up on school supplies will be the call of the day. For many families, pressing the reset button for another year of ensuring that the kids have what they need to start their new academic term at school can be full of angst.

When schools open up their gates once more, there are a lot of expenses to expect. I am nowhere near that stage with my little one but have friends who, no matter how well they try and prepare for the new school year, still sometimes get overwhelmed with the impending rush to fill school bags with fresh stationery supplies. However with a little creativity and savviness, not to mention common sense, we parents will be able to save on these costs.

Ways to save on school supplies

Make an inventory and reuse non-consumable school supplies

Salvage whatever you can from your kid’s school bags, study table drawers and shelves to find what is still usable. You will be impressed and surprised by how much you can save on unused notebooks, pencils, pens, and other ad hoc stationery. Encourage your children to re-use non-consumable items like staplers, ruler, sharpeners, calculators, and pencil cases, to name but a few.

Buy from the wholesalers

This you can easily do via online platforms such as Taobao. You can find just about anything on the Taobao website, where wholesalers offer a number of bulk items for purchase, from cereal to canned goods, and what we parents need for the kids and their next term at school. If you really want to score low on school supply prices, go directly to wholesalers for those extra items for the following year. You may have to purchase in bulk but you can set aside surplus items for the following year, or better yet, make your bulk purchase with other parents, save on cash and split supplies between the kids. You will be able to save a ton!

Do not follow the crowd 

If I try and revisit some basic economics, the law of supply and demand comes to mind. Usually when there is a high demand for school items because it’s the beginning of the academic year, prices tend to hike. Given this, you can be purposeful and creative in the timing of buying school gear as well as school supplies. Try and purchase school shoes, socks, and other clothing items off-season. Avoid making these kinds of purchases during the school opening because you may hit the crowds and the prices will hit your pockets.  Check out clearance and inventory sales during term time in preparation for the following year.

Go for quality

It’s simple but effective. You may find a steal when it comes to some items, but usually you get what you pay for and when making a purchase that seemingly saves you on cash, if the quality is not up to par, you will be making another purchase too soon after your initial buy and spending double if not triple on school supplies and clothing you have to repeatedly replace. Pay that little bit extra for a quality purchase that will save you money in the long run.

Wishing you and the family well! Don’t leave your school supply shop to the last minute, plan ahead and help your kids start their new term at school the way they mean to go on.

Photos: Pixabay

We at beijingkids are shopping lovers (me at least.) I have been finding cool shopping spots in Beijing, and this is another little gem that won’t disappoint. Elisabeth and Malinda share a great shopping space in Sanlitun, and welcome you to come and try on hats and find some frocks for winter. Today and tomorrow (November 15 and 16) from 10am to 3pm, these ladies will have a pre-Christmas studio sale. If you are looking for designer fashion Malinda is the woman for you; she has found fabulous pieces for me that I fit and treasure.

We all need a hat to wear to our many parties and events in Beijing, and Elisabeth can help you find the most suitable headwear for any occasion. Even if you don’t need a hat, trying them on is so much fun. I had a hat session myself, and can’t wait to return and do it again.

“Elisabeth Koch is a hat designer. This Beijing-based milliner offers custom-made & ready-to-wear hats for all occasions. Koch’s hats have been worn by royalty & celebrities worldwide. After 2 TED talks, Koch can give talks on hat-history, hat-etiquette & how hats are made.” Find out more about this hat lady here.

Elisabeth Koch Millinery Studio Address:
朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣园公寓D座204单元
Glory Gardens, Club House D-204, XingFuCun ZhongLu, Chaoyang

Picture credit: Vendors and Pauline van Hasselt

Nothing says childhood more than an after school evening spent pumping pedals through the neighborhood. The challenge for parents in Beijing is determining which kid bicycle is of best quality and most reasonable price on the Chinese market, full of unfamiliar brands at sporting stores.

The Beijing International Children’s Bicycle & Buggy Exhibition plans to solve this problem with a contest of the Most Beautiful Children’s Bicycle Selection between the brands and models recommend by the public.

The Expo will be held on July 30 through August 1 at the China National Convention Center, as part of the Beijing International Bicycle and Spare Parts Exhibition 2016, which you can read about more here on our sister publication’s site, the Beijinger.

When shopping at the expo, beijingkids encourages parents to consider these questions:

1. What are the height and weight suggestions set out by the brand/manufacturer of the bike?
2. Are bike safety measures all included or available for purchase (double breaks, bells, reflectors on the back, front, in the pedals, and on the basket)?
3. Is any sort of warranty provided with the brand?
4. How easily can replacement parts be found in Beijing (handle pads, tire tubes, bike saddle, basket, wires)?
5. Consider the style of the tire. If your child will mostly be riding around on pathways and in courtyards of a neighborhood, a thinner and less grooved tire is best, not the wide and heavily inlaid mountain-like tire.

Bicycle nominations are held between June 1 and July 5, and bicycle brands can also submit their product for consideration. Brands can find out minimum requirements here while parents can recommend bikes through the Exhibition’s official WeChat account, which can be found here.

Products that do not receive 50 “likes” from voters will not be able to participate.

Contest winners will be determined based on customer love, user friendliness, cost, beauty, and social responsibility.

Beijing International Children’s Bicycle and Buggy Exhibition, July 30 – August 1
All ages. Free. On July 30 and 31, Saturday and Sunday, the exhibition is open between 9.30am and 4.30pm, while on Monday August 1, the doors will be open from 9.30am to 2pm. China National Convention Center (Exhibition Website).

This week Shunyi Happenings brings some yoga, art, entertainment and shopping opportunities right at your doorstep! If the weather cooperates, some of these outdoor activities are going to be loads of fun, but if not, then find your zen with yoga and other indoor activities. If you want to promote an event, store opening or closing, sale, and any other fun family friendly event taking place in Shunyi, please get in touch with our Shunyi Correspondent Anjana Kainikkara by emailing anjanakainikkara@beijing-kids.com

Shayne’s Final Gem Sale, May 2-13
Update your wardrobe with a twist for summer by adding pops of color, with bright and eye-catching gems for jewelry. Topaz, Citrines, Black Onyx, Rose Quartz and much more, on sale for up to 70 percent off. With prices as low as RMB 20, they’re a steal! They make great gifts too!

Shayne’s Treasures, Lake View Place Dragon Bay Villa, Yu yuan Road, Hou Sha Yu, Building 1-Unit 8, Shunyi District (+86 18501051998, clicia@cliciadesigns.com)

Beijing’s first ever ‘Yoga Gives Back’ event, May 21
Ages 13+.  A two-hour bilingual yoga class successively hosted by five different yoga teachers: Gwen, Robyn, Sean, Theresa, and Desiree.  The session consists of 108 sun salutations, which is an auspicious number in India (e.g. Vedic tradition, yoga, astrology), and is equivalent to the number of beads in a Mala (a string of beads).  “For the cost of one class, you can save a life,” is the powerful slogan of Yoga Gives Back, an organization that helps impoverished women and children in India. Participants are encouraged to practice at their own pace and bring their own mat. Coconut water will be sponsored by Vita Coco. Snacks and juice can be purchased from Juice by Melissa, Shunyi.

Minimum donation RMB 150. 9.30-11.30am. International School of Beijing (ISB), 10, An Hua Street, Shunyi District, (+86 10 81492345)

WAB Rock in the Park, Fun Fair & Identity Film Festival, May 20, May21
All ages. Get things started Friday afternoon with a series of student, staff and community musicians taking to the stage, helping you warm up to summer weather in this annual music festival. Bring blankets and snacks along for later when the sun sets and they turn on the big screen to showcase the best films from WAB directors in the 2nd annual Identity Film Festival. On Saturday, Parent Link invites you all to join in on Tiger Field for an afternoon of fun – with games, activities and performances for the whole family. Rock in the Park will continue on Saturday from 2-9pm.

Free. 3.30-8pm. Sat, May 21. 2pm-9pm. Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, (+86 10 5986 5588, www.wab.edu)

HoK 2016 Annual Community Yard Sale, May 21
All ages. Have you wanted to have a clear out, but can never find the time? Do you have lots of unwanted items around your house? The ‘HoK 2016 Annual Community Yard Sale’ is back again! You need not find any further motivation to clear the clutter from your home and help your items find a new home! At the cost of baked goods, book a table to sell your unwanted items.  The baked goods will go on their cake table for raising money for Roundabout. If you don’t have anything to sell, swing by to get a bargain yourself and eat cake guilt free, as all cake money goes to charity! If anything is left unsold, all spring cleaners turned charitable bakers can donate these unwanted items at the drop-off point for Roundabout. To learn more about Roundabout, visit www.roundaboutchina.com

Free. 10am-1pm. At two locations: House of Knowledge, Victoria Gardens Campus, 15, Victoria Gardens, Chaoyang Park West Rd., Chaoyang District, (vg@hokschools.com, 6438 2624). House of Knowledge, Quanfa Campus, Quanfa Gardens North Gate, just off Shun Bai lu (Close to Beijing Rivera), Shunyi District, (qf@hokschools.com, 6431 8452)

Roundabout Children’s Art Exhibition, May 21-22
All ages. Roundabout is hosting a Children’s Art Exhibition at Shine Hills Community Center, showcasing artwork by young artists from within the community. All proceeds from sales will support art projects in the future. Step into their imaginative worlds and rediscover simplicity through their eyes. If you would like to donate or include more artwork for this exhibition, please contact bbbaijuan@126.com by May 15.

Free. Shine Hills Community Center, (13161648280, bbbaijuan@126.com)

Photos Courtesy: Shayne’s Treasures, Gwen Tan Wynne and Yoga Gives Back, WAB, HoK and Roundabout

Shunyi Happenings this week presents opportunities to indulge in therapeutic experiences. Mind and body therapy, retail therapy or both!

If you want to promote an event, store opening or closing, sale, and any other fun family friendly event taking place in Shunyi, please get in touch with our Shunyi Correspondent Anjana Kainikkara by emailing anjanakainikkara@beijing-kids.com

Style Butler stock sale for the first time in Beijing, Apr 21-23

Style Butler fashion is debuting in Beijing with a stock sale of their ready-to-wear collection at the Riviera Club House for three days. This Danish brand, synonymous with affordable luxury, is presenting a one-of-a-kind collection featuring exclusive furs, jackets, silk dresses, shirts, tops, cashmere knitwear and other exquisite items.

Who doesn’t like indulging in some retail therapy every now and then?

Invite your friends to go shopping with you and have fun playing dress up. With up to 85 percent off, you’re bound to find fabulous pieces at fantastic prices to update your wardrobe for spring and summer! Visit their website to find out more about them.

Beijing Riviera Club House
Apr 21, 10am-8pm. Apr 22, 11am-8pm. Apr 23, 10am-4pm. No.1Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District  (13810926489, www.stylebutler.com)

A Journey to Wholeness: A Wellness Retreat in Shunyi, Apr 30

Carnisa Berry, a certified life coach from Berry Thoughtful Life, and Hannah Northcott, a certified yoga instructor from Holy Yoga, are collaborating together to offer a wellness retreat in Shunyi. Rejuvenate your mind and body with this therapeutic experience. Using yoga to guide you through a process of reflection, the workshop will help you channel your energy to find equilibrium and inner peace. Limited spots! For more information and sign up, please visit their website.

700RMB. 9am-4:30pm. (http://www.berrythoughtfullife.com)

Photo Courtesy: Style Butler, Berry Thoughtful Life

Radiance had its “Moving Sale” and final vendor bazaar this weekend. The moving sale part has been going on for over a year now, but with the festivities, crowds and a moving date in sight (end of the month), people feel compelled to look around and consider bigger purchases.

My husband was one of those people. He has a compulsion for buying rugs. I think part of it has to do with the good rugs being less expensive here than in the states, and part has to do with the cold, hardwood floors in every house. He has purchased rugs that have not been unrolled yet because we really have no place for them. And today he purchased an extra-large size, with the intent of putting it underneath our main dining table off the kitchen.

I question the wisdom of this idea, because we have two kids who still leave plenty of their meal remnants behind (on the table, on the floor…). Chairs sometimes get pushed in, sometimes not. No, our children are not back in the cave times unable to use utensils or display proper table manners, but they are kids. Even witnessing the eating behaviors of their friends makes me realize that mine are pretty normal.

But a sale is a sale is a sale, and the one this weekend caught my husband’s attention. So we ended up with a beautiful wool rug from Afghanistan, with lovely warm colors and a subtle design to go with the furniture and other décor in that particular room. I’m not so sure that it’ll go with the food that will ultimately end up all over it, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. After all, life is too short not to enjoy a beautiful rug right now, even if it may not remain as pristine as it is today.

Radiance is continuing its moving sale until the end of the month. Furniture and décor is 40-60% off; rugs are 60-70% off. The store is located on Tianbei Lu, next to Mrs. Shanen’s. Call 8049 6400 for directions.
 

ROUNDABOUT CLEARANCE SALE

Regular classes have been stopped for now at the studio until further notice, or until another party wants to take over the name, curriculum, etc. In the mean time, Karen is leaving the space on January 20, 2011. This Saturday and Sunday, Jan 15 and 16, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Contact Karen at 138 1150 3992, 136 7129 5154, or outsiderinside@gmail.com

To get to Beijing Color Studio, see map below: