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Cultural Activities in Beijing this February

We are facing difficult times at the moment in China. People are worried about getting sick, and transportation and daily life is being disrupted. Despite this, life does still have to go on. If you have decided to stick it out, and are looking for things to do in Beijing in the coming few weeks, there are still several options for cultural activities from Cultural Keys, Culture Yard, Black Sesame Kitchen and B-Electric Beijing . Read on to find out what’s happening!

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How to celebrate the Lantern Festival!

In 2020, the Lantern Festival (Yuánxiāo jié 元宵节) falls on February 8th, the fifteenth and final day of Spring Festival. Although it’s not a public holiday, it is still widely celebrated, especially in southern China and amongst the diaspora.

What’s this holiday all about and how can you celebrate it? Read on to find out!

Updated: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation, we have had to postpone our celebration workshop until a later date. This article will be updated as soon as a new date has been set.

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Rising Warrior – Perfect stay-home kung fu workout for kids and adults!

Between the cold weather and concern over the novel coronavirus, residents in Beijing, both locals and expats alike, have been under a lot of pressure recently to stay home and avoiding going out as much as possible. But moving every day is important for everyone’s mental and physical health, especially for children.

Short-step kung fu moves give both adults and kids the ability to exercise the whole body in a fun, interesting and challenging way. Read on for more ways you can kick ass outdoors or in, no matter how much space you have available! 

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What to expect in the Year of the Rat!

In many Western countries rats and mice are simultaneously considered to carry disease and also to be cute. Similarly, in China, whilst the animal itself is still unwelcome, as the first of the twelve zodiac signs rats are actually very auspicious. So what lies ahead this new year? Read on to find out what kind of energy the Rat will be bringing you!

In China, the new year is calculated according to the lunar calendar (农历; Nónglì). Although the Gregorian calendar is standard, the lunar calendar dictates the dates of traditional Chinese holidays and helps people choose auspicious days for important life changes such as weddings, funerals, moving house or starting a business.

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福 – China’s luckiest character? 2020 Edition

At Spring Festival there are many ways to decorate, but one of the most common is to paste the character ‘fu’, 福, on doors and windows. There is evidence that this custom dates back to the Song dynasty (AD 960 – 1279).

福 is pronounced fú and means ‘blessings’. It is traditionally handwritten in black or gold ink by itself on square red paper, with the corners pointing in the directions of the compass, and it is hung up facing outwards to keep bad luck away and bring good luck to the home. It is often hung with other decorations, such as couplets and red lanterns.

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