Weekend Trips

Ice Ice, Baby

pandaroo — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:02:00 +0800

Can't face the distance, price gouging and arctic conditions of Harbin's Ice Festival? Fortunately, the industrious residents of Longqing Gorge have established a worthy alternative: the Longqing Gorge Ice Sculpture Arts Festival, which attracts visitors in the dark heart of winter, while providing Beijingers with a comparatively convenient and high-value winter wonderland.

Diamonds in a Coal Town

pandaroo — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:00:16 +0800

Coal is everywhere in Datong: in glistening black veins underground, fueling the factories, loaded onto and falling off massive trucks, thick and gray particulate in the air around you. But don't come for the coal. Come for the monastery that hangs, the grottos (specifically the complex at Yungang), and a dose of Shanxi history.

Reclining Among the Flowers

pandaroo — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:05:52 +0800

If you've already taken the bumpy ride out to the hills that gird the city in the northwest to see the crimson display of autumn leaves at Fragrant Hills, take it on good advice that you'll also want to catch a glimpse of the foliage at the Botanical Gardens.

Conquer the Great Wall

pandaroo — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:00:24 +0800

The Travelers
Gregory and Colleen Bryant, their sons Michael (14) and Cian (4), daughters Katie (11) and Cole (7) and Grandpa Gregory, Sr.

Sitting Seaside

pandaroo — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 07:40:30 +0800

Accommodation
Regarded as a major historic relic preservation project, The Astor Hotel in Tianjin is a luxury hotel decorated in classic Victorian era style. Open since 1863, it has been recently restored and reopens this month. The Astor has hosted Prime Ministers and Presidents, including Dr. Sun Yat Sen and US President Herbert Hoover.

Sunny Shanhaiguan

bjkid — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:30:51 +0800

The Travelers

Pat Sommer and her daughter Ellie (8), and Julie Johnson with her daughter Kaylen (10).

The Cost

The total cost of the three-day trip was roughly RMB 1,300. Roundtrip train tickets set them back RMB 290, a double room at their hotel was RMB 310 per night; meals, tickets and taxis made up the rest of the costs.

The Plan

The Sommers and Johnsons packed their bags for a last-minute weekend getaway to Shanhaiguan. There was a lot on the itinerary: exploring the Old City, visiting the Jiaoshan section of the Great Wall, swimming at the beach, visiting the Great Wall museum, and more.

The Accommodation

Escape to Commune by the Great Wall

bjkid — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:30:20 +0800

The Commune's collection of modern villas sits nestled in a green valley about 80km outside central Beijing. For those looking to splurge on a retreat from Beijing's bustle, the Commune combines beautiful scenery with striking architecture and award-winning service.

Modern Luxury

The Commune began as twelve unique modernist houses, each designed by a different Asian architect. The contemporary designs, with their sleek angles and sharp silhouettes, stand out from the verdant hillside while still complimenting the valley's natural beauty. Large windows, sweeping porches, and rooftop patios make every house feel open and airy.

Due to rising demand, the Commune has since duplicated the original designs; now, a total of 42 villas sprawl across the valley. Each has several private bedrooms and a common living room and kitchen, stocked with complimentary sodas and water. Couples can rent an individual room for privacy, or families can rent out an entire villa.

China Excursions Part 1

beijingkids — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:15:57 +0800

Inner Mongolia

The trek to Inner Mongolia may lead some travelers to question whether or not they are still in China. The flowing grasslands and desert expanses of this exotic land are a far cry from Beijing, and the capital city Hohhot offers exposure to mystic traditions and delicious cuisine. While organized tours are available in and around Hohhot, families with older children may want to visit more remote towns and villages. Spend a night in a traditional nomadic yurt and visit the mausoleum of Genghis Khan. Culture-seekers can soak up traditional Mongolian singing and dancing, while adventurers can try horse and camel riding. Due to the normally harsh climate in this part of the country, visiting between June and September is recommended.