Playing Outside
What's Fun In: Houhai
The Shichahai lake area of Xicheng district, commonly known as Houhai, has fast become one of the city’s most animated nightlife hotspots. But this lively area is not only a popular destination for young people at night, but also for families seeking relaxation by the peaceful lakeside. There are hordes of shoppers in search of trinkets, winding their way through the hutongs’ maze of charming shops. The Houhai area encompasses three lakes: Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. Houhai, the largest and most striking of the three, freezes in the winter, providing a picture-perfect setting for a spot of ice skating. The area merges the traditional with the modern; you’re sure to find plenty to see and do here.
The Comeau Family
Gina Comeau hails from Vancouver, Canada. She moved to Beijing six years ago after teaching in South Korea for two years. She currently teaches at the House of Knowledge International Kindergarten and lives in Beijing with her 18-month-old-son, Mateo. Together, this single mom and her son shared some of their favorite spots in Beijing.
Favorite Restaurant
I like the tofu fish at Pure Lotus and Chef Too is quite accommodating when it comes to kids.
Favorite Neighborhood
Maizidian. It has Ladies Street, Solana, Chaoyang Park, German supermarkets, and a good mix of Chinese and Western restaurants.
Favorite Dessert or Snack
Cake made from the box. Duncan Hines cake mix from Jenny Lou’s is what we like.
All Bundled Up
Sandra Jumpertz
What is your occupation?
I work at admissions at the
German Embassy School.
Where are you from?
Germany
How many children do you have?
I have a 13-year-old daughter
named Elisa. She attends the
German Embassy School.
How long have you been living in
Beijing?
13 years
Where do you like to shop?
For myself, I shop at Lido Place
and Solana. For Elisa, we go to
H&M and Bershka.
Where do you like to eat?
Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu in
Maizidian, Matsuko, and SALT.
What’s your favorite spot in
Beijing?
Elisa likes the All Star
Champion Skating Club. I
think Tiananmen Square is
amazing.
Describe your style.
Relaxed
Where is your outfit from?
My sweater was custom-made at
a market in Beijing and my jeans
are from Select at Lido Place.
Favorite park:
Chaoyang Park
Jan-Feb Top 10
Ring In the Year of the Dragon
From January 23-February 6, celebrate Chinese New Year by setting off firecrackers, wearing lots of red, putting the fu (福) character on your door for good luck, and passing out red envelopes to the wee ones. Your neighborhood market will have Chinese New Year supplies like red envelopes, paper fu, and Chinese couplets to mount around your door.
Keeping Cool
Danna Mattas-Applerot
What is your occupation?
I’m a Parent Effectiveness
Training (P.E.T.) instructor, and the vice-chairman of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce.
Where are you from?
Israel
How many children do you have?
I have three children:
Rommie (6), Tomer (5), and
Mika (8 months).
How long have you been living in Beijing?
Five years
Where do you like to shop?
Solana, Yashow Market, and everywhere we go abroad.
Where do you like to eat?
It can be Chinese or international. We just came from Union Grill.
What’s your favorite spot in Beijing?
Since it’s winter, my house.
Describe your style.
Mummish
Where is your outfit from?
Family Favorites: The Chow Family
Julia Chow and her husband Kwok are from the UK and have been living in Beijing for six years. They have a 18-month-old son named Luke and both of them work at Dulwich College Beijing, where Julia is the community programs manager and Kwok is the director of sports. Here are some of their favorite spots around Beijing.
Si’de Park and Beyond
It’s no secret that autumn is one of the best times to be in Beijing. Though the days are winding down, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy some outdoor fun. Tucked away in the northeast of Beijing between the Airport Expressway and the Fourth Ring Road, the area around Si’de Park in Lido is ripe for exploration. The presence of several hotels, international schools, and foreign companies make this a popular spot for expat families. Though small, this diverse and laid-back neighborhood is dotted with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
The Chong-Lewis Family
Denise Chong, an educational consultant, and Matt Lewis, an entrepreneur, met in Beijing in 1999 and married in New Zealand four years later. Both their children Rachel (7) and Samuel (4) were born in Australia, but Beijing has been home to the Chong-Lewis family for fourteen years. Here they share some of their favorite spots in Beijing. Would you like to share your Beijing Favorites? E-mail editor@beijing-kids.com.
Leader of the Pack
As parents, we strive to connect our kids with good friends, positive influences, and activities that build character and instill a sense of responsibility. When there is an organization as highly regarded as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for boys and young men, we encourage our sons to actively participate. Being far away from home, we’re quite lucky to have such an outstanding program available for our kids right here in Beijing.
Fragrant Hills Park and Beijing Botanical Garden
Every autumn, hordes of eager tourists descend upon Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) Park to take in the blushing maple, smoke, and sweet gum trees. Take heart: there’s plenty to see in the park’s 395 acres besides Incense Burner Peak (Xianglu Feng), named for two rocky outcroppings that (very) vaguely resemble incense burners. Lace up your hiking shoes and head to the northwest of Beijing to explore the various temples, pavilions, and lakes. For a more rewarding experience, drop in on a weekday to avoid the swarms of visitors.
