As a household name in China, Hayao Miyazaki and the animations he made with Studio Ghibli have had a huge influence on generations of viewers. Hayao Miyazaki’s movies always have the perfect balance between engaging children and adults alike, and his masterpiece Spirited Away raked in about USD 27.7 million during its opening weekend, according to Chinese film ticketing website Maoyan.

There are many Miyazaki-related events going on in town right now, not only can you enjoy a Japanese animation and Studio Ghibli manuscript exhibition, but there’s also the Hayao Miyazaki Hisaishi anime themed concert going on. Here’s our guide to his classics, to help you choose a Miyazaki movie with your little ones and appreciate these events even more.

Spirited Away (2001)

With a score of 9.3 out of 10 on Chinese film rating and review website Douban, Spirited Away is the highest rated of all animation films listed on the site to date. It’s my personal favorite, and I’ve watched it five times, every time feeling something different and reflecting more about myself. Spirited Away documents the adventures of a young girl in a magical world of river gods, witches, and other spirits. The world is tainted by human garbage, but through the help of others and her own persistence and bravery, she finally gets the curse lifted from her parents and is able to take them home.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Based on a novel by the British author Diana Wynne Jones, the story is about a castle made out of junk which moves with the help of a lovable little fire demon named Calcifer, and the relationship between a wizard named Howl and the spunky milliner Sophie. It focuses on how love can lift curses, old and new. The background scenes are drawn with a watercolor aesthetic while characters are vividly portrayed with beautiful colors. Some little children might be upset by the war planes and bombs in the movie, but older ones will enjoy the magic and romance.

Castle in the Sky (1986)

This high-flying adventure begins when a young boy encounters a girl floating down from the sky. They discover they are both searching for a legendary crystal, floating castle, and together they protect it from greedy air pirates and secret government agents. It won the Animage Anime Grand prix in 1986. As classic as the movie itself, the theme song “The Merry-Go-Round of Life” draws you into the beautifully depicted scenes Miyazaki is famous for.

My Neighbor Totoro（1988）

Arguably, My Neighbor Totoro is the most kid-friendly Miyazaki movie. It features the incredible journey of a girl and her four-year-old sister as they move to be closer to their sick mother and discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro. During the journey, they also make friends with different woodland creatures. The movie’s beautiful landscapes and charming characters make it an enchanting treat.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

This film is about two forces battling against one another for survival. The main characters, a young warrior and the brave Princess who was raised by wolves, together protect the forest. The film stands as an allusion to mankind’s desire for economic prosperity while disregarding the destruction of the environment in that pursuit. As it was his first PG-13 film, younger children might be scared by some scenes.

Ponyo (2008)

Ponyo, the eighth film Miyazaki directed for Ghibli, and his tenth overall, features a lovely story about a young boy and a magical goldfish named Ponyo. Drawing its influences from Japanese folklore and The Little Mermaid, Ponyo charms the audience with its simple but touching story. With its likable characters and colorful storytelling, it’d be a visually sweet fairy tale for children of all ages.

Photos: imdb.com, 3lian.com, fathomevents.com

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

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. 

Awaken: Live with Confidence Masterclass, Jul 8-29

Adults. Certified life coach, Caneisha Berry is back, and this time will be offering a four-week online masterclass program aimed at helping women and men to improve their relationships, self-belief, and emotional intelligence. There is lots to gain from this comprehensive and well curated program, including: gaining emotional clarity, dealing with mental turmoil and insecurities, overcoming self-sabotage, and improving your decision-making skills.

8-9.30pm. This event has no physical location. (WeChat: BerryThoughfulLife).

Green Drink Film Screening Event, Jul 9

All ages. BJ Green Drinks is a casual networking event that draws a steady crowd, which includes green-collar professionals, government, academia, media, and NGOs. BJ Green Drinks aims to provide a fun and casual atmosphere for people to learn more about China’s sustainable development. The event takes place every 2nd Tuesday of each month and everyone is welcome to attend.  This week they will be screening a documentary film focused on the environmental impact of plastic waste in our oceans.

RMB 30. 7.50pm. The Bookworm. (For more information please contact, alinagd@163.com, 419586125@qq.com, www.greendrinks.org)

Parent-Kid Classes: Indian Cooking, Jul 10

All ages. It’s time to spice it up and gain some hands on experience and knowledge of Indian cooking. Indian food is varied and rich and the characteristically spicy cuisine is known for it’s flare, color, fragrance, and robust aromatic flavors. Take one of these classes with the kids and get them trying something new! You will learn how to cook chicken tikka’s and garlic naan. Complimentary cold buttermilk and masala tea will be served and following the masterclass there will be many yummy treats to be had.

RMB 300 (Parent and Child) 11am-1pm. For more information scan the QR code above.

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).

Bake Me Happy: No Bake Treats Workshop, Jul 13

All ages. Bake Me Happy presents your little ones with a sweet treat. What’s better than eating deliciously sugary, creamy, and gooey treats? Yes, I heard you loud and clear – of course it’s learning how to make them, so you’ll never have to do without. Little ones love to get messy and creative, particularly when at the end of their toil, there’s a sticky sweet treat to be had. Kids will be learning how to make; Chocolate mousse, Fruit Popsicles, and chocolate truffles! Yum! For more information scan the QR code in the poster above.

Family Show: I Love Science, Jul 14

Kids aged 4-12. This English-language show for kids and families is sure to delight audiences. Children 4-12 will enjoy live science experiments designed to teach children to experiment and decrypt knowledge, as well as increase their interest in science, in a fun, relaxed and interactive environment.

RMB 100-380. 3pm. Renmin University of China (Renda). 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).

Lucy Sparrow’s Felt Art Imaginarium, until 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, 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.  (Go here for tickets and more information)

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

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)

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

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. 

America’s Backyard BBQ – AmCham China 2019 Independence Day Party, Jul 6
Join AmCham on July 6th as they celebrate American Independence Day! They’ll be throwing an American-style backyard BBQ with food and drink, kid’s activities, a live band, and a raffle with lots of fun trips and prizes up for grabs.

RMB 550, RMB 250 (kids 5-14). 11am. JW Marriott. (Go here to reserve your tickets)

Double Piano Concert: Tom and Jerry, Jul 7
All ages. The piano has long been a favorite for composers, but two pianos at once is even better. Join this concert, as it presents a family-friendly program of classical works like “The Trout” and “The Carnival of Animals”, plus classic songs from the movies and television shows like Tom and Jerry, Beauty and the Beast, and My Neighbor Totoro.

RMB 100-380. 10.30am. Beijing Theater. (Go here for tickets and more info)

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).

Beauty Unites Us- Chinese Art from the Vatican Museum, Now-Jul 14
All ages. The Palace Museum brings together Chinese artifacts from the collection of the Vatican Museum. The Vatican collection includes a great variety of approximately 5,000 items from China, spanning the ages. Those shown here are divided into three sections:, Catholic Art, Buddhist Art, and Secular Art. The Palace Museum, in a gesture of friendship and generosity, has furthermore added masterpieces of its own to be exhibited alongside works from the Vatican Museums.

RMB 60. 8.30am-5pm. The Palace Museum.

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). 

Awaken: Live with Confidence Masterclass, Jul 8-29

Adults. Certified life coach, Caneisha Berry is back, and this time will be offering a four-week online masterclass program aimed at helping women and men to improve their relationships, self-belief, and emotional intelligence. There is lots to gain from this comprehensive and well curated program, including: gaining emotional clarity, dealing with mental turmoil and insecurities, overcoming self-sabotage, and improving your decision-making skills.

8-9.30pm. This event has no physical location. (WeChat: BerryThoughfulLife).

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).

PAW Patrol Live! – Race to the Rescue, Jul 24-27

Ages 2+. It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol Race to the Rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place.

RMB 180 – 580. 10.30am-7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Center Theater. (Go here for tickets and more information) 

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

Hayao Miyazaki‘s films have won millions of fans all around the world, not only for their stunning animation but also for the memorable theme music contributed by acclaimed composer Joe Hisaishi. They’ve been working together for over 30 years, collaborating on nine films from renowned production house Studio Ghibli.

The Castle in the Sky Concert, at Beijing Concert Hall on October 13, will feature music and film clips from Studio Ghibli classics including Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, as well as the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, bringing the timeless work of Hisaishi and Miyazaki to vivid new life.

The selection of music will be performed by the orchestra Music Fans Classical (MFC), whose extensive touring has won them great popularity among Chinese audiences of all ages. Adding elements from pop music to classics, the orchestra has presented hundreds of performances over the past years in big Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

If you or your little ones are fans of these charming Japanese animations, then you won’t want to miss this concert. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Castle in the Sky Concert, Oct 13
No age limit (all attendees need a ticket); RMB 100-580 (RMB 92-515 after discount); 7.30-9.30pm. Beijing Concert Hall, No. 1 North Xinhua Street, Xicheng District 西城区北新华街1号北京音乐厅 (010-6605 7006).

Photos: pchome