June, 2009
Articles from prior issues of beijingkids can be found by checking out the archive links below for the month and year you are interested in.
Dining Out
Bring the Family: Lau Pa Sak
Was your favorite childhood restaurant impervious to change? If so, Lau Pa Sak may be for you. The clientele is composed of regulars, including cheerful huaqiao clans on weekends. As for the décor, a patron of seven years failed to identify any change after renovations in January; the sepia-toned photos of olde Singapore, the fruit shrine, the statues of deities Guan Gong and Shou Lao were all in their usual places. Also immutable is the menu, featuring well-executed “hawker” cuisine, the Lion City’s street food that fuses Chinese, Indian and Malay influences. A neophyte would be well advised to try the curry puffs (airy dough pockets stuffed with chicken and potato), Hainan chicken (slices of cold poached chicken served with rice and dipping sauces, RMB 40), Beef Rendang (spicy Malay coconut curry, RMB 50), and Nasi Goreng (fried rice with shrimp served with a fried egg and satay skewers, RMB 40). Some kids may feel more comfortable with a ham sandwich or cheeseburger, but one pint-sized regular who recently tried curry puffs and fish ball soup for the first time, exclaimed in reference to her past ordering decisions, “What was I thinking about eating only sandwiches?”
Daily 11am-11pm. Xindong Lu (opposite Canadian Embassy), Chaoyang District (6417 0952). 朝阳区新东路加拿大使馆对面
Fast Food
Michael Emmenegger’s Fruit Pavlova
“This recipe has been tried and tested by me and all my friends back home, and it creates a truly magnificent pavlova. The best part is arranging all the fruit on top and licking the bowl of whipped cream…” – Loo Li Ann, Marketing Communications Manager at Westin Financial Street
Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 tablespoon corn flour
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Topping
300ml carton thickened cream
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
1 tablespoon icing sugar mixture
1 punnet raspberries
1 punnet blueberries
1 punnet strawberries, halved
4 kiwi fruit, sliced
1 orange sliced
4 passionfruit, pulp (tinned works as well)
Preheat oven to 150°C/130°C (fan forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Trace a 22cm circle using a cake pan on baking paper – turn paper over so circle faces down.
Freeze Out Summer
When I was in grade school, I didn’t have much respite from the steaming, cicada-filled Beijing summers other than bamboo sleeping mats, my grandmother’s languid afternoon fanning, and her softly repeated mantra: Xinjing ziran liang. “When your heart quiets down,” coolness (apparently) naturally follows. Yeah, I never really got that either, but since air conditioning was still a rarity and the fan was considered a waste of electricity, my options were limited.
Chishui
FlightChina Eastern Airlines operates one daily flight aboard a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 to Luzhou (泸州), Sichuan, which despite being in a separate province is just two hours away from Chishui by car. A wider and cheaper range of flights serves Chongqing, five hours away, and Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou - an arduous eight to ten hour drive away.
Summer Daze
Jane KH Smith Deputy Head of Primary,
The British School of Beijing It is generally believed by educators that some children experience a decline in their studies during summer when they are out of school of several months. They appear to drop back academically and take some time in the autumn to get back on track with their learning. But research gives us some clues on how to avoid the phenomenon in our own children without needing to send them to summer school.
I Want to be a TV News Anchor
Canadian James Aitken has been a news presenter at CCTV’s international channel, CCTV9, for the last four and a half years. Although he admits he was shy as a kid, Aitken grew up to become an award-winning broadcast journalist in his native Canada before bringing his smooth, earnest delivery across the Pacific. For almost 20 years now Aitken has presented and hosted for television and radio, as well as live stage events, always at home in front of the microphone. He answered questions from Grade 5 students at the Canadian International School of Beijing and reveals some of the perks, pitfalls and all of the hard work behind the authoritative face of the news.
Downing Douzhir
Douzhir (豆汁, Mung Bean Milk) is one of the most famous traditional Beijing snacks, but unfortunately it has three strikes against it: a weird smell (think food that’s gone bad), an unusual taste (a slightly sour fermented bean flavor with a hint of sweetness) and a less than appetizing gray and sometimes green pallor that some may liken to swill. But like most true delicacies, it’s an acquired taste with a hefty fanbase – ask any older native Beijinger relaxing on the streets of the capital and they will almost certainly declare their appetite for the mung bean milk. Mother of Nine, Dressed to the Nines
Glamorous makeup for a superstar mother
When Barbara Moore Toronto nominated Megan Raines for a makeover, she gave us quite a convincing argument. “Megan is the mother of nine (yes, nine) children, she has long beautiful brown hair and skin like the Dove soap commercial girls. She could definitely use some pampering.” With those qualifications, beijingkids just couldn’t resist.
With children ranging from five months old to 12 years old, Megan typically spends a precious 20 minutes getting ready in the morning with the same self-taught makeup routine she’s had since 1985. “Someone recently told me I look like a ‘70s hippie,” Megan said, although that doesn’t bother her much, since this mother of nine is also a classically trained and aspiring folk singer. Mei Li Autumn, a professional makeup artist trained by the ultra chic MAC cosmetics company, revamped Raines’ brunette locks and creamy skin with a modern twist that rendered her less Joni Mitchell and more Julianne Moore.
The Grass Is Always Greener
I count myself fortunate that I never experienced the infamous culture shock “U-curve.” Supposedly, the typical newly arrived expat rollercoasters from a honeymoon high, down through disorientation and adjustment before finally climbing back up to a wiser, more stable place. But I’ve never made it out of the honeymoon stage. Beidaihe
Spend 4 days in villas by the sea
When the blazing Beijing summer heat threatens to permanently melt your patience, just ask yourself “What would Mao do?”
He would do what you want to do - bust out to the beach. Relatively close to Beijing, Beidaihe is an oasis of sandy dandy fun in the sun, and has been a favorite getaway of China’s highest-ranking officials since the 1950s. These days Mao Zedong’s favorite beach resort is as jumpin’ as ever in the summer months. Boasting yellow sandy beaches, convenience, and a colorful history as the perfect picturesque retreat for backroom deals, Beidaihe is probably the most famous ocean resort town in China.
Indulge at the Great Wall
Three-day-weekend at the Commune
Inspired by its majestic natural setting and the pertinacious engineering of the Great Wall itself, the Commune by the Great Wall is one of China’s most successful and distinctive architectural projects. The collection of 11 modern villas and a clubhouse (known as Walnut Valley) and the 31 villas (Rock Valley) were each designed by one of 12 prominent Asian architects. The structures convey a palpable sense of place and integrates seamlessly with its environment. Combining scenic drama with luxury and a chance to bask in an ambiance of architectural innovation, is the perfect weekend retreat. For those of us who think about paying for things like food and rent, however, a daytrip to tour the project – which is in effect a museum of modern architecture – is more feasible (RMB 120).
Get Artsy
Buy supplies, take classes, explore galleries
Visit 798
The upscale restaurants, galleries with rotating exhibitions and charming shops make for a fun family outing. Pop into galleries, pick up colorful post cards, peruse the bookstores, and dine at outdoor kid-friendly eateries. Older kids will like the gigantic, miraculous and colorful outdoor sculptures that dot the lanes – most double as a textural paradise kids can get their hands on. Avoid going on Mondays, when most of the galleries aren’t open to the public. Our picks for kid-friendly galleries include Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) and Galleria Continua, both of which specialize in large installation works. Also check out Pei-Ming’s Landscapes of Childhood (Jun 19-Sep 13 at UCCA), which will feature 20 portraits of Chinese newborns. Partnering with non-for-profit organization, The United Foundation for Chinese Orphans (UFCO), the exhibition hopes to raise awareness of the plight of orphans and children whose families cannot afford medical health care.
Get Ice Cream
Treat yourself all summer
Summer might just have been invented so that we could have the perfect excuse to eat creamy, cold ice cream. It makes the little ones happy and is the best reason to venture out of the house. Whipped up into a smoothie, atop a cone, loaded with toppings or served with fruit – nothing makes kids stop screaming like ice cream.
Eden Juice Bar
So, smoothies aren’t ice cream, but they’re close enough. And sneaking fruit into healthy smoothies is akin to hiding vegetables in dinner. Get smoothies made with fresh fruit and organic ingredients at this centrally located Sanlitun juice bar. Try the Berry Bash. Daily 9am-midnight. 81 Sanlitun North Road Unit A101, Nali Patio, Chaoyang District. (5208 6086).
Get Your Walking Shoes On
Explore the Legation Quarter
The Legation Quarter has a unique appearance born from a unique history. This is the oldest diplomatic quarter in the city. Following China’s defeat in the Second Opium War (1856-1860), foreign military powers demanded and received the right to build their embassies here. The Boxer Rebellion of 1900 resulted in the near-total destruction of the neighborhood and its later reconstruction as a walled and fortified city-within-a-city. The colonial-style architecture visible today dates from this era, though it is now mostly occupied by Beijing government offices. Text adapted from Beijing by Foot
11.30am
Start your tour through the Legation Quarter from Chongwenmen Dajie. Walk west towards Dahua Lu and then onto a little alley called Taijichang Toutiao, once known as Rue Hart after a British Customs official named Robert Hart. If you look closely you can still see the old street sign under a coat of paint.
Get Smart
Immerse yourself in a good book, learn Mandarin, get cultured
Ni Hao!
The summer holidays are a great time to beef up your Mandarin skills. If your kids need a little boost over that language barrier, try a Chinese language summer camp. Check out summer camp options at Mandarin House (5203 6550) www.mandarinhouse.cn, or The Bridge School (8451 7605) www.bridgeschoolchina.com.
Get Moving
Semi-extreme sports for fearless kids
Horse Around
There’s no better way to spend those last lingering days of summer like a quiet ride on horseback through the wilderness. And though Ascot it is not, that doesn’t mean Beijing doesn’t have its fair share of equestrian options. Horseback riding is a great way to get the kids active in the great outdoors and allows kids to build bonds with animals as well as the natural environment. Both owners and instructors stress that teaching a student to care for and understand the horse is almost as important as the actual riding. Try Asgard Horsemanship Club for professional instructors.
Get Hungry
Load up your plate with Chinese staples
Did someone say ‘scorpion?’
Test your sense of culinary adventure and challenge your taste buds at the infamous Donghuamen night market. Located just west of Wangfujing Beilu, the long line of red lantern-adorned stalls makes it hard to miss. The brave among you can sample delicacies like crickets, starfish, and seahorses. Alternatively, you can keep the kids happy with chuan’r (meat skewers) and tanghulu (fruit skewers) as they stare wide-eyed at the exotic array of creatures on sticks.
Get Cookin'
A hands-on culinary journey in the capital
Bake Away
Exquisite Bakery in Shunyi is your one-stop baking shop. You can pick up all the supplies you need to bake your own homemade creations, or sample some of their yummy in-house treats (we recommend the cupcakes). If you’re looking for an afternoon activity to occupy the children, book the kids into a cooking class, where they’ll decorate their own cakes and cupcakes. Ask them to bring some of their creations home to share with the family. Closed Jun 15-23. From Jul 10-Aug 10, open 9am-5pm. Shop 7, Riverville Square, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (6450 9838) 南炉, 顺义区天竺温榆广场07店
Get Active
Work up a sweat indoors
Fundazzle
This cavernous indoor playground has a huge two-story jungle gym, trampolines and a toddler area with small cars, swings, see-saws, toy houses and so on. On weekends, counselors put on shows, lead the kids in song and dance, and teach arts and crafts. RMB 35 (kids), adults free (except on weekends when entry costs RMB 15). Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun and public holidays 9am-7pm.Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District.
Go Bowling!
Bowling gets a bad rap for its associations with tacky venues, bad shoe requirements, and the alleged claim that bowling isn’t a real sport – but that’s what makes this game so exceptional. Try Gongti 100 (which is named for its number of lanes). Small-sized shoes are available for kids over 6. See Directories for more options in the capital.
Get Inside
You might not be able to beat the heat, but you can escape it
Beijing Aquarium
Modern, well-equipped and recently restocked, the aquarium features thousands of freshwater and saltwater fish from around the world, including huge Amazonian arapaima, giant sturgeon and many sharks. The piece de resistance may be the enormous tank containing an entire coral reef – with sea turtles, manta rays and garoupa. There are also several Sea World-style shows every day, featuring seals and dolphins. 9am-5.30pm (Jun-Jul), last ticket sold at 4.30pm. Haidian District.
Get Suited
Bathers for babies
Go shopping for these cute suits for little ones. Outfit Hawaiian hula girls and stylish toddlers at H&M and Juicy Couture. For protection from the sun and surf, check out the sunsuits by BabyGro (see below). They’re clinically tested to a rating of UPF 50+, so there’s no need to worry about sunscreen washing off. For the littlest swimmers, invest in swim nappies. They will contain spills and are machine-washable.
1. H&M. Striped two-piece. RMB 129.
Get Outdoors: Parks for Playing
Chaoyang Park
Kitschy but fun. Kids can kick or throw a ball on the big grass fields near the southern and northern entrances. There’s lots of room to stroll, a range of boating options, a handsome merry-go-round and many rides including a roller coaster, flying dinosaurs, bumper cars, sky swings and several large inflatable castles. The delightful northwestern section of the park includes a lake, flower beds and grassy expanses where families can enjoy a picnic. RMB 5, RMB 2.5 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 6am-10pm (last entry at 9pm). 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6506 5409) www.sun-park.com 朝阳公园, 朝阳区农展馆南路1号
Beijing Mamas Around Town
Wang Ai Ling
Where are you from?
Beijing.
What do you like to do in summer?
We like to go to Houhai or head out of Beijing to the countryside.
Where is your favorite place to go shopping?
I like going to Solana because the atmosphere is really nice – my little boy can run around and play.
What are you wearing?
I’m just wearing clothes I bought from Landao Dasha.
Describe your style.
Casual and free.
Favorite place to take your little one during summer?
The Red Yellow and Blue school; it’s Chinese.
Where do you go to buy kids clothes?
I like a Chinese brand called Mom and Good Boy. They have a lot of choices.
