Introducing Jingkids!

You might have noticed the brand new name on our cover. Our magazine name has been shortened from beijingkids to just jingkids. This marks the third name change our publication has undergone since we first published 14 years ago. Jingkids will continue to be the city’s source for everything expat families need to know to make the most of life in Beijing.

Meet Julie Wolf

In February of 2020 an amazing woman contacted us and became our Ask The Expert columnist. A year later, we’re so thrilled to announce that Julie Wolf has joined the jingkids team as an Editor. Wolf is the Director of First Five Early Education Centers in New York and Director of International Education for Newhattan Early Education Centers in China. She’s been working with children and parents for over 18 years as a teacher, arts integration specialist, curriculum designer, and staff development expert. We’re so excited for Wolf to join the team. Welcome to the family!

Summer Camp Plans?

Summer’s going to be here sooner than you think and if the current travel restrictions are still in place, it looks like domestic travels and local summer camps are the way to go this year. The good news is that no matter what your child is into nowadays, there’s a camp for that in Beijing. Scan the QR code or visit our website at www.beijing-kids.com for info on summer camps and family-friendly activities all around town.

Brandon Goes to Hong Kong

Last year we interviewed children’s book author Eugenia Chu on her book “Brandon Goes to Beijing”. The bilingual children’s book told the story of her visiting Beijing and discovering the wonders of the city. “Brandon Goes to Beijing” is an English book with Chinese vocabulary that makes Chinese learning fun and easy for English speaking kids. Recently Chu has published another book based on the adventures of her son called “Brandon Goes to Hong Kong” where Brandon visits iconic landmarks and discovers his love for dragons.

Jingkids Video Channel is Live

WeChat video channels are all the rage right now and we’ve joined in on the fun. Scan the QR code to follow the jingkids WeChat Channel where we put out videos on Beijing life hacks, parenting, education, and fun activities for the family.

Talk to Kids About: Sandstorms

Beijing woke up to a sandstorm one Monday in March. At first it looked like just another “bad air day,” but according to China Daily, dust from southern Mongolia traveled south, blanketing our streets until Beijing issued a yellow alert, the second lowest severity level and the strongest in nearly a decade.

But how to explain it to kids? Scan the QR code to watch our short explainer video.

We All Cheer for School Choice!

No parent wants to choose the wrong school. That’s why our annual School Choice Guide is jam packed with profiles of the best schools Beijing has to offer, plus advice on what you need to know to make the right decision for your family.

Scan the QR code to go straight to the school choice profiles on our website.

The Covid-19 Vaccine: What Do We Know?

It may be the most anticipated launch since Apollo 13, as various vaccines for Covid-19 are ready and being administered in different countries, including China. For the most up to date and accurate information on who can get the vaccine and how it affects your summer plans – without the clickbait – follow jingkids’ coverage on our website and WeChat channel.

This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 March issue

Tough New Recycling Rules Aim to Cut Landfill

Beijing has a trash problem. The city produces a staggering 25,000 metric tonnes of garbage every day, with around 40 percent of it going straight to landfill. It’s not sustainable, and now the authorities are taking action. Under draft regulations recently published, residents will face a RMB 200 fine if they don’t separate their household waste into four categories: hazardous waste, kitchen waste, recyclables, and “other”. It’s an important step forward, if the city is to achieve its goal of eliminating the use of landfill for domestic waste by 2035. However, there’s an awful lot more we can do, and even more important than separating our garbage is producing less of it in the first place.

Community Comes Together for Miracle Baby Camila

Beijing’s international community have come together recently to help a very special baby. Camila Cortavitarte Urdandeta was born at just 25 weeks after her mother Coro was diagnosed with preeclampsia. Camila weighed only 590 grams, and requires intensive medical care. She is in an incubator and needs round-the-clock medical supervision. Family friend Anna Lin Yip launched a campaign to help Coro and dad Marco pay for the their little miracle’s care, and the community responded magnificently. The target of RMB 600,000 has been reached, and any money left over after all medical bills have been paid will be donated to a local charity. At the time of writing Camila had reached a weight of over 1.3 kilograms, and her parents have been able to hold her for the first time. If you want to help baby Camila, then you can contact Anna via WeChat: annalinyip.

Sinking Ships and Blue Men Come to Beijing

Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, often host to international touring productions, this month has two  shows which will appeal to families. Titanic the musical debuted in the same year as Titanic the movie, but there’s no connection between the two, which tell different stories about the infamous 1912 disaster. However the Broadway show was a huge hit in its own right, winning five Tony awards including Best Musical. It’s playing at Tianqiao from November 12-24, and will be followed by a show that’s been touring for even longer. The Blue Man Group has been delighting audiences worldwide since 1987 with a unique mix of comedy, mime, and music – all performed by bald blue men. You can sample it for yourself from November 27 to December 1. For more information, and to find out what else is happening in the city, check out the Events section of our website, www.beijing-kids.com.

Spend Thanksgiving at the Great Wall

Towards the end of this month Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving (Canadians had their special day last month.) This year the celebration takes place as late as it possible can, as the fourth Thursday of the month falls on November 28. For some it can be a challenging time, a reminder of loved ones far away whom they would normally be sharing this day. So if you’re feeling homesick this Thanksgiving, why not spend it somewhere that reminds you what an amazing place you are living in? The Brickyard Retreat Centre are holding a Thanksgiving dinner in the stunning setting of Mutianyu Great Wall. They promise “roast turkey and all the trimmings served family style and with a dessert buffet.” A live jazz band will provide the mellow vibes. And if you really want to make it special, for RMB 2,488 you can spend the night in a room with a view of the Wall, make use of the Jacuzzi and Health Center, and enjoy breakfast the following morning before returning to the city. However you’re spending Thanksgiving, we at beijingkids wish you health and happiness!

Speed Reading Schools Attract Derision

Are your kid struggling to plow through lengthy textbooks or reading assignments? One Beijing company claims to have the answer: “quantum speed reading”. They claim that once students have mastered the technique, after a mere 72 classes, they’ll be able to memorize up to 100,000 characters in five minutes. And of course they’re willing to teach you, but they’ll have to charge: up to RMB 260,000 for the full course. A promotional video has gone viral, showing what appears to be students simply flipping through the pages of a book, and it’s fair to say China’s netizens are skeptical. “I have invented a new reading method, too. By putting a book on my head during sleep, the knowledge flows right into my brain because the concentration of knowledge in the book is greater than that in my brain,” China Daily quotes one Weibo user as saying. The authorities have now taken an interest, and are understood to be asking the company to drop their more outrageous claims.

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2019 Beijing baba issue

Stay Cool, Go Back to School with beijingkids

It’s that time of year again… when kids pick up their schoolbags with a weary sigh, and parents breathe a secret sigh of relief. Another school year has begun, and beijingkids will be there as always to document all the joys and challenges ahead for the city’s international school community. If you’re new to Beijing then welcome! China’s capital is a busy, exciting, and vibrant place to be, if sometimes an exhausting one. Check out our website at www.beijing-kids.com and join our WeChat official account. (What do you mean you’re not on WeChat? You’ll need to be to get the best out of life in China.) On our website right now you can find out how to save money on school supplies, and get advice on the transition from primary to secondary school, as well as Taobao bargains to get you through the August heat. (What do you mean you don’t use Taobao?…) And throughout the year we’ll be bringing you all the latest news and top tips so you can get the best out of life in the city. That’s why we’re Beijing’s essential international family resource.

Longer Days and Facial Pays on Beijing’s Subway

Beijing’s subway system is an efficient way to get around a sometimes traffic-choked city, though it can get uncomfortably crowded during the rush hour. However, early closing times can sometimes leave us stranded, and reliant on Didi. Fortunately running times have now been extended on lines 1 and 2, which now operate until around 12.30am. On the Airport Express Line, however, the news is not so good. Experiments with facial recognition technology are intended to make it easier to travel: no need to even wave your phone at the barrier, a friendly camera will recognize you and add the fee to your personal account. However all this is bound to raise further concerns about the spread of surveillance in China. The choice of the Airport Express Line is an interesting one, as this will disproportionately capture foreigners, and there has been no information about whether it will be possible to opt out and buy tickets the old-fashioned way. However, with Alipay and WeChat Pay gradually replacing cash, we face a future where the government will know everywhere you go and every penny that you spend.

Hiking Ban for Beijing’s Landlords

Beijing’s landlords are notorious for their dodgy practices, such as suddenly announcing a huge rent increase. Now at last the city authorities have proposed new regulations which might curb some of their more excessive behavior. The regulations will forbid any rent hikes unless they are agreed by both parties, prevent landlords from making structural changes to the property during the lease, and set new rules about deposits. All good news for the city’s renters – all we need now is for the regulations to be implemented…

Zaijian to Jialefu

Carrefour, Europe’s largest retailer, has been a godsend for many international families in Beijing, with their supermarkets stocking affordable imported western treats. Sadly the French company has begun the process of withdrawing completely from China, having sold 80 percent of their business to Suning. At the time of writing there was no visible change in our local store, but over the coming months shoppers might need to start looking for a new source of fromage de chèvres.

Witness the Birth of a Genius at UCCA

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is widely regarded as the twentieth century’s most important artist, over his long career having experimented with many different styles while always remaining distinctively himself. This month offers an unprecedented opportunity for Beijingers to see how he developed his talent. Birth of a Genius features 103 works from Picasso’s first three decades, including paintings and sculptures, with the earliest having been created when he was only a child. The art comes from the collection of the Musée national Picasso-Paris, and has been specially chosen by the museum’s Head of Collections for display in Beijing. The exhibition, which has been described as “the most significant exhibition of work by Picasso ever to take place in China,” can be seen at UCCA in the 798 Art District until 1 September. Tickets cost RMB 188 (holidays) or RMB 158 for adults, and RMB 138 for students.

Clampdown on Profiteering Preschools

Changes to the rules governing private kindergartens recently caused concern among international families and teachers. Parents were told that the kindergartens had been forced to reduce their fees, and therefore could no longer afford foreign teachers. This led to speculation that further restrictions on international schools might follow. However, the move appears to be part of a clampdown on profiteering by kindergartens on compounds, to make local childcare affordable for all parents. The kindergartens in question were often given the space at low or nominal rent, and education authorities are unimpressed at the tendency to jack up fees. Kindergartens which own their own settings are unaffected, and we have no reason to believe that any changes with regard to international schools are planned.

This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue

Is China’s Appeal for Foreign Students Fading?

We at beijingkids wish the very best of luck to those seniors at our city’s schools who will be receiving their acceptance letters from colleges round about now. Wherever they’re studying, we hope it’s the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning and discovery. Meanwhile, the dramatic growth in overseas students coming to China to study seems to have ground to a near halt. Almost half a million students, 80,000 of them in Beijing, from 196 countries chose Chinese universities for their studies – impressive numbers. However, this represents less than one percent increase on the previous year, while numbers grew at an average of 10 percent between 2006 and 2015. Whether this means that recent clampdowns and closures have diminished China’s appeal, or simply that the numbers have maxed out, remains to be seen.

Head to Outer Space, or at Least Shunyi, for Fun in a Good Cause

May sees a number of opportunities for Beijingers to help good causes while having some fun too. The American Chamber of Commerce holds its annual ball on May 11, with this year’s theme being “Mission to Mars” – perhaps the beginning of a new space race? AmCham promise dinner at the Tatooine Cantina, and a dancefloor that’s “out of this world.” Proceeds go to Educating Girls of Rural China. More down to earth, but no less dedicated to helping the needy, is the Mad Dogs China fundraiser at the Beijing Riviera on May 18, featuring ten bands and a chili cook-off. And there’s an intriguing newcomer to the Beijing scene on May 19: Run to the Beat, a marathon and half-marathon with music, in the incredible setting of the Ming Tombs. While this is a commercial venture, not a charity, there’s nothing to stop you signing up and getting sponsorship for your favorite cause. Details of all these activities can be found on our May Events calendar, right here.

The Hatchery Closes, But Promises New Sanlitun Location

The changing of the seasons in Beijing always brings sad closings of favorite purveyors of food and drink, and openings of exciting new prospects on the culinary scene. Culinary incubator the Hatchery is closing its Guomao venue The Arcade, home of Common Burger. But it’s not all bad news: at the time of going to press they were planning to reopen at a new, undisclosed location in Sanlitun, so keep an eye out for updates on our website and our sister publication the Beijinger.

the Beijinger Hot and Spicy Festival 2019

On April 20 and 21, there were over forty food and drink vendors prepped and ready for the Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival 2019 at Galaxy Soho. China’s only spicy food festival featured a massive two-day Chili Pepper eating contest, a hot sauce testing station, a chili roulette game for the brave, two full days of entertainment, and lots of dancing.

Kita Kits, Andy P!

Once again we are saying goodbye to an important member of our team. Andy Peñafuerte III, or Andy P. as he is known to us, has been beijingkids’ Deputy Managing Editor since 2016, and he’s a well-known figure in other circles too, whether it’s networking with educators, organizing events for bloggers, or his activities in Beijing’s Filipino community. We wish him all the very best for his future adventures!

This article appeared in the beijingkids May 2019 Identity issue.
Photos: Uni You, Hatchery by Arcade, AmCham China, Adobe Creative Cloud, Andy Penafuerte III

JISE 2019 the Place to Be for Forward-Thinking Parents and Professionals

Parents, kids, and education professionals gathered at the Kerry Centre on February 22-23 for this year’s Jingkids International School Expo (JISE 2019), Beijing. Reflecting the rapidly evolving world of learning and work, the theme was “Education Beyond School Choice”. A competition for young entrepreneurs attracted 17 teams and was won by Dulwich College Beijing students for their creative approach to overcoming an AI future. At a series of packed forums the topics under debate included not only education but also parenting issues. With over 4,000 families attending, this year’s event confirmed JISE as the essential place to be for all those who want the very best future for their children.

“Balance” is Better for International Women’s Day 2019

March 8 is International Women’s Day, with this year’s theme being “Balance for Better”, and most women in China being entitled to a half day’s leave. Unfortunately an event intended to highlight the struggle for gender equality and women’s rights across the globe has in some quarters become an occasion to buy your secretary or wife a bunch of flowers. However, keeping the true spirit of the day alive will be Rumble in the Jumble, whose March 9 fair will be a “Femme Festival”. The fair takes place at Modernista from 12-6pm, and is free to enter (even for men…)

New Fair Highlights Career Opportunities in the Capital

Another sign of changing times in education can be found at Harrow Beijing on March 12. Traditionally students graduating from Beijing’s international schools might be expected to study abroad for the degree before following careers all round the world. However the inaugural Harrow International School Careers Fair invites employers from the Greater Beijing area to meet up with senior pupils and talk about the career opportunities available in this constantly-changing city (as well as discovering the talent emerging from our international schools). The fair runs from 4.30 to 7pm, and is free for both students and companies, though the latter need to register.

“Frecklegate” Puts Focus on Standards of Beauty in China

Questions of gender were also at the forefront in the latest clash between Chinese netizens and a multinational company. The Weibosphere, like social media worldwide, is never slow to take offence, and an advertisement for Zara was criticized for featuring a Chinese model with freckles and “a face like a pie,” as one commenter put it. A somewhat puzzled Zara spokesperson pointed out that the model, Li Jingwen from Guangzhou, is one of the world’s top fashion models, and that the photograph was entirely natural and had not been retouched in any way. Therein, perhaps, lies the problem, as the use of apps to make women’s faces in pictures conform to conventional ideas of beauty is now commonplace in China. The view of the government was made clear in a China Daily editorial which slapped down complainers and blamed the furore on “lack of cultural confidence”. Meanwhile, police in Guangdong have apologized to a female bodybuilder after accusing her of sharing “obscene content” when she posted a picture of herself posing in a bikini on Weibo. True gender equality is still some way off, it appears.

This article appeared in the beijingkids March 2019 Sustainability issue
Photos: Pixabay, photoplus.cn, www.zara.com, www.internationalwomensday.com

What’s behind the government clampdown on city farms and gardens? That, the introduction of the newest member of our team, and more in this month’s What’s New.

Iconic Toy Store to Open in Beijing

Toy-lovers of all ages are rejoicing at the news that FAO Schwarz is opening a branch in China World Mall. The iconic New York store is best known from the movie Big, in which Tom Hanks famously dances on its floor piano, but the Fifth Avenue location closed down suddenly in 2015. Now it’s reopening, not only in the Big Apple, but also in Beijing and Shanghai. The store is expected to be in business by March 2019, so start practicing your “Chopsticks”!

Disaster for Dolce & Gabbana in China Racism Row

Chopsticks were the cause of a disastrous PR snafu for fashion company Dolce & Gabbana. An ill-judged advertisement depicting a Chinese model struggling to eat pizza with chopsticks caused some offense, but it was comments allegedly made by founder Stefano Gabbana (pictured left, together with D&G co-founder Domenico Dolce) on his Instagram account when asked about the advertisement that triggered a major backlash. A fashion event in Shanghai was canceled, and D&G products have been removed from stores across China. While they engage in a damage limitation exercise, a Beijing hotel manager has also been forced to apologize, after a post complaining that Chinese men missed the urinal was taken amiss. It’s worth remembering that anything posted on the web is public, and whatever frustrations we might occasionally feel about life in the capital, any venting is probably best done in private.

Beijing Authorities Close City Farms and Gardens

Following the “Great Brickening” which closed so many cafes and bars in the hutong area, the latest government clampdown has been on city farms and gardens. In October, Green Cow City Cafe was ordered to get rid of all its livestock. This was followed by the news that Thomas Holly, known as the Herb Whisperer, has lost his botanical garden due to compulsory purchase by the government. In the south of the city, the owner of The Roots western restaurant, Antoine Mansuy, was devastated to lose 80 percent of the herb garden he had lovingly grown on waste ground to supply fresh herbs for his kitchen. The reason given was that the owners of the mall needed to run pipes through the land. However, the closures come in the wake of a clampdown on polluting urban pig farms, and at a time when African swine fever has been discovered in Beijing pigs. If the disease spreads it could be devastating for China, which produces half of the world’s pork. However as so often, we might applaud the good intentions, while wondering if a more nuanced approach could have produced better results.

Welcome Nicole, and Happy Holidays to Our Readers!

We’re very pleased to welcome Nicole Bonnah to the beijingkids team, as our new Associate Content Planner. You may know her as the entrepreneur behind delicious Halo Hummus, and you can read about her perspective on life as a busy Beijing mom on our website. From Nicole and from all of us, whatever festival you may be celebrating this winter, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

This article first appeared in the beijingkids December 2018 Charity and Goodwill issue.
Photos: Uni You, Kipp Whittaker, Wikimedia Commons, Flickr

Register Your E-Bike or Face Fines and Confiscation

Beijing authorities brought in strict new regulations on November 1 to clamp down on the many unregistered, unlicensed, or illegal electric vehicles on the city’s roads. If you own an e-bike and haven’t yet registered it, then you risk being stopped and fined, and having your bike impounded. Among other significant changes, Segways and customized tricycles are banned from both traffic lanes and bike lanes. The sudden introduction of the new rules caused a rush at Transportation Bureau offices, so the registration period has been extended to April 2019. It’s not clear yet what impact the regulations will have on the city’s delivery services and its already overcrowded public transport system.

Beauty Pageant for Bigger Women Challenges Assumptions

The world of fashion is slowly moving away from its requirement that all models be stick-thin. Increasingly “plus-size” (larger, curvier) women can be seen on catwalks and magazine covers. In China, though there’s still an unhealthy obsession with slimness, as was seen in 2016’s craze for women posting pictures on social media showing that they’re thinner than a sheet of A4 paper, and a recent BBC report highlighting the rise of eating disorders in the country. So a beauty contest for larger women might challenge local preconceptions. The event at Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast on November 9 will feature 12 curvy ladies competing for the title of “Ms. Plus Size International Beijing”, as well as music and a dance performance. Feminists might question whether a beauty pageant is the best way to tackle the issue, but will surely welcome the celebration of diversity in the female form.

Hello PM2.5, My Old Friend

The approach of winter in Beijing brings not only cold weather, but an increase in pollution, as coal-fired power stations crank up production to meet the demand for heating. After another greatly improved summer, we have seen the unwelcome return of smoggy skies and high AQI. So the city authorities have responded by… changing the warning system. The lowest level, a “blue” alert, will be scrapped, and the standards for red, orange, and yellow warnings are being revised. The argument for the changes is that it prioritizes longer-term problems, while the sort of low-level pollution which triggers a blue alert will usually dissipate on its own. It should be noted too that levels of particulates in the city’s air continue to fall, though they’re still higher than WHO recommendations.

Western Masterpieces on Display

There’s a rare opportunity this month for Beijingers to see works by some of the greatest artists in the western tradition. Tsinghua University Art Museum is hosting an exhibition called 500 Years of Western Art – Collection of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. As the name suggests, it features works dating from the Renaissance to the late twentieth century, from Cranach to Warhol via Goya, Monet, and Van Gogh. Art lovers won’t want to miss it, but hurry; the exhibition only runs until December 23.

A Non-Existent Elephant, and a Dog That Wasn’t

Two odd animal stories have been amusing Beijing’s netizens recently. In one, a plausible-looking announcement from the police warned that Beijing Zoo had lost one of its elephants, and the creature was believed to be wandering around Haidian. The real police quickly confirmed that the announcement was a hoax, and invited the perpetrator to turn himself in, so they could imprison him for up to five years. Canny Beijingers weren’t fooled though; “the Zoo is in Xicheng, not Haidian,” one observed. In a rather sadder story, a lonely young man bought a puppy from a local pet shop, to keep him company. As the animal grew though he noticed that it was distinctly un-canine in appearance, so he posted pictures on social media and asked for help. The creature was eventually identified as a bamboo rat, a burrowing rodent which lives on the roots of bamboo plants. The eventual fate of the animal is unknown, but in southern China, where the animals are a significant pest to bamboo farmers, they’re hunted and eaten…

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2018 Beijing Makers issue
Photo: Jon Worth via Flickr; courtesy of Miss Plus Size Global; artmuseum.tsinghua.edu.cn, Beijing News

LookOut Poised to Break Ground as “First Ever Chinese Arts Festival on Gender”

Billing itself as the “first Chinese arts festival on gender,” the four-day LookOut Fest (poster in the featured photo) certainly has ambitious aims. The festival encompasses a wide range of mediums, styles, and topics to dissect modern day gender dynamics. Slated to take place Jul 6, 7, 8, and 15, the festival is organized by Ibsen International and the China AIDS Walk in collaboration with the Faculty for Dramatology and Applied Theatre Studies of the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. Beijingers are invited to enjoy the socially conscious works in a safe and open space.

Gaokao Scores Now Accepted in the United States
For Chinese students and their families, gaokao scores are everything. Studying for the test begins years in advance, so much so that some would say schooling itself is mostly just preparation for the grueling exam. Now, students have options, as this test can be used for international college admission in the US, beginning with The University of New Hampshire. Currently, several schools in Europe, Australia, and Canada are already accepting gaokao scores, and given that more than a third of international students in the US are Chinese, many more American schools of higher education can be expected to follow suit.

Bend It Like Beckham
Superstar ex-footballer David Beckham visited Beijing in June, where he stopped by a charity event, played a fun match of football with a children’s team, and posed with fans outside of Sanlitun’s Taikooli. Beckham himself is no stranger to China. In 2013, Beckham was given the title of global ambassador for Chinese football. ”I’m excited by the prospect of promoting the world’s greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I’ve seen first-hand the growing interest in football there,” said Beckham during the visit.

Tian’anmen Rostro Closed for Renovation
Beijing’s most famous tourist attraction, The Tian’anmen Rostrum, will be closed for an entire year, reopening late April 2019. According to The State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the landmark is being given a fresh coat of paint, waterproofed, replaced with new pipes as well as other necessary maintenance. The iconic gate with Mao’s portrait has been closed or covered for maintenance several times before, most recently in 2015 and 2011. If you’re planning on visiting the adjacent Palace Museum after gazing at green mesh, note that they are now closed Mondays for the indefinite future.

Hainan Is for Families
The Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Commission courts International families with its “Love Hainan” tourism event. Looking to expand tourism to previously unserved sectors, Hainan is doubling down on promoting the pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery, and clean environment to the flocks of foreign tourists who usually eschew China and instead head to South East Asia on holiday. Last month, Hainan adopted new visa exemption access to citizens from 59 countries, granting 30-day visa-free entries (when applied in advance), making it easier than ever to “Love Hainan.”

Photos: The Beijinger, wenr.wes.org, courtesy of Love Hainan organizers, South China Morning Post, dailymail.co.uk

This article appeared on p6 of beijingkids July 2018 issue

Chinese League Players Hope to Make Their Mark at Soccer World Cup
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia on June 14, with 32 teams from around the world ready to serve up a feast of football. China didn’t make it, sadly, with Asian interest represented by South Korea, Iran, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. However, several players from the Chinese Super League will be there, some of them famous names. Javier Mascherano, now at Hebei China Fortune, will play for Argentina, while Jon Obi Mikel of Tianjin Teda has been selected for Nigeria. And Beijing Guo’an’s very own Renato Augusto (pictured above) is in the squad for tournament favorites Brazil. If your country will be there we wish you the best of luck; and if not, we can all enjoy a month of the beautiful game played at the highest level.

May the Force Be with You at the Star Wars Experience
Kids, and more than a few dads, will be excited to hear that the Star Wars Experience will open at Wukesong Stadium on June 16. Exhibits include a life-size X Wing fighter, virtual reality games, and recreations of sets from the movies. Pose for pictures with a lightsaber, unleash your inner Jedi – and try not to embarrass your younglings too much.

Summer Rings in the Changes
Summer always brings changes in Beijing’s international community. If you’re leaving, we wish you joy on your next adventure; and if you’ve just arrived, welcome to a vibrant and exciting, if sometimes challenging, city! Sadly, this month, beijingkids will be saying goodbye to our senior editor and Shunyi correspondent Andrew Killeen. He has been a wonderful person to work with and to learn from over the past couple of years. While he won’t be completely absent from the pages of our magazine and the website, all future insights into the funny world of being an expat dad will be done from the Killeen’s new base in Ningbo. We wish the Killeen clan all the luck in the world on their new adventure!

Rock Around the Clock (well, from 11am to 8pm) at the Beijinger Burger Festival!
One of Beijing’s most popular food events returns to Galaxy Soho on June 16-17. The Beijing Burger Festival of our sister brand the Beijinger has a rock’n’roll theme this year, so as well as 40 different vendors tempting you with their wares, there’ll be live bands, a karaoke competition, and a kids’ area for your little rockers. For more information and tickets, check out the Beijinger website: www.thebeijinger.com.

Nothing Sinister at All about Use of Facial Recognition at School
China is at the forefront of the use of facial recognition technology, so the news that a Hangzhou school is monitoring students’ faces with cameras is in no way sinister at all. The system assesses whether the kids are angry, sad, or sleepy, and then sends information to their parents, in a development which is perfectly normal and definitely not a horrific glimpse of a nightmare future. Strangely some parents were not delighted about this ingenious method of putting further pressure on children to conform and perform, but the Principal of the school defended the decision, saying that the cameras didn’t film the students, only tracked their movements and facial expressions. So that’s all right then.

This article appeared on p6 of beijingkids June 2018 issue
Photos: Courtesy of the Beijinger, Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil via Wikimedia Commons, South China Morning Post, Pixabay