BIRTHDAY BASH LIVING
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t The Hutong, children can munch on sweet treats while channeling their extra energy towards learning kung fu with “the Cupcakes and Kicks” package. Situated in the historic Dongcheng District, The Hutong is a culture exchange center that regularly offers cooking classes, Beijing day tours, and TCM programs. The traditional Beijing courtyard provides plenty of space for children to play games, exchange gifts, and learn martial arts with Xie’s Martial Arts Academy. The academy’s founder Master Xie combines traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, karate, and Western martial arts styles to “cultivate personality, self-defense skills, performing arts, and physical fitness through training.” After the lesson, kids can re-energize with a DIY cupcake class in the kitchen. Staying healthy is important, but it’s good to have rewards in moderation – and children get to experience every aspect of a celebration with the “Cupcakes and Kicks” package. Guided by The Hutong’s chefs, kids can build their own sweet creations from scratch. Alternatively, for less sugary kitchen fun, kids can make their own tea blends by mixing dried fruits, flowers, and spices. “It’s amazing to see the kids experiment with different flavors and taste what they come up with,” says Jeremiah Jenne, The Hutong’s executive director. The most basic package with a minimum of six children starts at RMB 400 per child. This includes a DIY cupcake class, all-you-can-drink soft drinks and juice, an hour of martial arts, and a special gift for the birthday boy or girl. Parents can opt to add on activities like the tea art workshop, Chinese kite making, or Peking Opera mask painting, as each birthday plan can be customized.
The Hutong Starting at RMB 350 per child. 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong (southeast of Beixinqiao subway station), Dongcheng District (6404 3355, 159 0104 6127, info@thehutong.com) www.thehutong.com 东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号(北新桥地铁站东南边)
September 2015 beijingkids
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