Expat Connection’s Family Fair & Picnic

We give you all the essentials in Beijing, from events to news to community connections.

For those of us who have just arrived in this magical city, Beijing can be a big and bewildering place. Yet for all that, it's certainly not beyond comprehension. The fact that you're reading this article on beijingkids means you're already off to a great start!

Words, no amount of expertly curated lifestyle content can replace the unique benefits that come with finding a solid network of veteran expats to help you get acclimated to life in the People's Republic. These are the folks who have a litany of successes and failures under their Belts and they're always happy to dispense these invaluable lessons to newcomers. And if you've made the trek with little ones in tow, you'll want them to have a group of buddies to help ease their transition into their new home.

On Sunday, Oct 13, Expat Connection's annual Family Fair & Picnic will be a one-stop shop for new arrivals in Beijing who want to meet families and learn about all the fun groups available for their kiddos. The event promises to be a veritable smorgasbord of everything this beautiful metropolis has to offer.

Swipe for more photos

The event is free and runs from 11am to 6pm at Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) (38 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 中国北京市朝阳区亮马桥路38号). If you're already feeling brave enough to navigate the Subway system, the school is located near the Liangmaqiao Subway Station, Line 10. However if you haven't attempted to ride the rails beneath Beijing, then maybe you'll meet someone who can help you make sense of this labyrinthine system.

Either way, the day is sure to be replete with entertainment and activities including archery, live music, handicrafts, and sports, as well as raffles with more than RMB 40,000 in gifts and prizes.

So come on out! New friends and a lifetime of memories await.

Photos: courtesy of Expat Connection