Discover the best things to do in Beijing with our round-up of art and exhibitions, performances and popular activities.

Jazz With JLCO and Wynton Marsalis

Jazz at Lincon Centre Orchesra and trumpet master Wynton Marsalis will join hands to tour three Chinese cities: Shenzhen, Beijing and Tianjin in April, bringing the most popular jazz music from the US. Their Beijing stop will be on March 20, at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

If you go: 7:30 p.m. April 24.

Ticket: 180 — 1,080 yuan

Chen Sa Piano Recital

Chinese pianist Chen Sa has appeared at many music festivals, including the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival and the Purl Piano Festival. The performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts features the melodies of French composer Debussy.

If you go: 7:30 p.m. December 20.

Ticket: 80 — 500 yuan

African Wood Carvings

African art motivated artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse in the early 20th century. But besides art, the continent has a long and rich heritage of wood carving. Tree of Life, an exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, features African wood carvings from countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique and Benin.

If you go: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. January 21.

Ticket: Free

Another Way of Telling

This exhibition, staged at the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, shows almost 100 works of Anna Fox and Karen Knorr, two leading documentary photographers in the UK. It features different series of works, such as photographs discussing problems of social classes, working environments, and self- awareness.

If you go: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. January 6.

Ticket: 60 yuan

Want to improve your writing skills? New Writing South is directing the way!

Towner Writer Squad (班组) for kids aged 13-17

Led by comedy and TV writer, Marian Kilpatrick, Towner Writer Squad will meet once a month at the contemporary art museum for 11 months, starting 12 October, 2024.

The FREE squad sessions will include introductions to a wide range of writing styles, from poetry to play writing and lyrics to flash fiction, to support the development of young writers.

Application &Selection

If you would like to apply to be part of the Towner Writer Squad, please send a sample piece of your writing (about 500 words), responding to the title “LUNCH,” with your name, age, address and e-mail address to: debo@newwritingsouth. com.

Once all applications are in, you will be invited to an open selection event on 17 September, 4 — 5pm,at the gallery of Towner. This will be an informal opportunity to meet the Squad Leader, Squad Associate and other young people. You will also have a chance to get to know the fantastic gallery space and get a taste of what’s to come.

Deadline for applications: 8 September, 2024

For further information go to: facebook.com/towner or towner.org.uk or newwritingsouth.com.

Any questions-feel free to send your e-mail to Towner Writer Squad Associate: whame@towner.gov.uk.

Beginner Writing Project for kids aged 10 — 13

Due to popular demand, a writing project will be started for eager beginners.

Start time: 6 September, 2024

Meet every other Saturday, 2 — 4pm, at the Towner Study Centre.

Study and write at your own pace-you do not have to rush-as you have a year to go through the project. Practise under the guidance of some experienced writers and teachers who can help you with basic writing skills. Most importantly, build confidence and have fun while writing!

No previous experience or special background is required. Many others have been successful this way. If they can do it, why can’t you? Fee: £179.

For more information go to: newtowner.org.uk or generate.org.uk.

Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu is famous in history. Its sheltered bays were used as camping sites by Maori travelling to the Mararoa and Oreti Rivers to hunt moas and gather expeditions.

Situated on picturesque Lake Wakatipu’s western shores, the farm is the perfect place to spend a few relaxing hours. The Farm Tour itself is a wonderful experience for the whole family, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy. The rural host will meet you after you leave the steamboat and take you for a walking tour of the farmyard. The first stop is the holding pens(畜栏), where you can feed the sheep and deer, and even get up close to the Scottish Highland cattle. Then walk slowly through the lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel’s Homestead for morning or afternoon tea. Afterwards the farmer will lead you over to the shearing shed(剪毛棚)where you can watch the farm dogs rounding up sheep on the hills, and see the farmer cut the wool off a sheep. You will then board the steamboat for your cruise back to Queenstown.

Ticket Information

Child Ticket $22.00

Adult Ticket $77.00

Visitor Information

Opening Time:10 a.m.

Closing Time:4 p.m.

All tickets purchased at MyFun must make a booking at +64-3441-8166. Please mention your MyFun barcode(条形码)number when making your booking. Please print out your voucher(收据)and take along with you to the attraction. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.