The Archer family – Caleb, Rebecca, Neriah (6), Levi (5), Malachi (3) have been in Beijing since 2013. They are originally from New Zealand but have been expats since 2010. They love Beijing because of the surrounding mountains where they can ski, hike, and camp. Caleb is in school administration, and Rebecca runs Clothes Auctions, blogs and writes. All the kids currently attend kindergarten.
Favorite way to transport your family around the city
We use a combination of Didi, shared bikes, subway, buses, and electric scooter. On the weekend, we drive our own car.
Favorite spot to relax
We relax in nature where the kids can be outside and exploring.
Favorite weekend activity
To drive into the mountains with no fixed destination, find a small farmhouse somewhere and explore. We also love skiing in the winter.
Favorite website
NZ Herald and Stuff.co.nz to keep up with what is happening at home.
Favorite Chinese restaurant
We love supporting the small local restaurants in our neighborhood with names we don’t know.
Favorite non-Chinese restaurant
Ramo in Lido has great food, staff, and play area.
Favorite day trip
Heyuan Park in Shunyi, Liyuan Library, 1,000m Sandy Beach (actually 10m long) where we go walking and swimming, and Hongluo Temple by Mutianyu.
Family rituals
Birthday pancakes in bed; pizza and movie night every week; playing glow-in-the-dark hoop throwing outside after dark.
Adapted Chinese culture
Drinking hot water; celebrating Chinese New Year with our adopted Chinese family; multiple family members riding on one electric scooter.
Best kid’s clothes shop
Kids clothing swaps, Cotton On Kids
Parents’ date night
Strolling around 798 Art District
Best place to play indoors
In the past, we have loved Lilliput in Wangjing and English Tearoom in Shunyi; also trampoline parks.
Best place to play outdoors
Any local park where the kids can run wild and free and the Indigo Mall’s outdoor playgrounds.
Favorite museum
The National Science and History Museum
Photo: Dave’s Studio
This article appeared on p64 of beijingkids May 2018 issue