Happy Magic Water Cube Waterpark 水立方嬉水乐园
Beijing’s National Aquatics Centre, located just next door to the Bird’s Nest, was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, but after the Games were over, the center was transformed into Happy Magic Water Cube and open to the public as an impressive indoor waterpark. The park features a kiddie pool, wave pool, lazy river, and spa pools. For the adventurous, there are water slides with fanciful names like Tornado, Bulletbowl, Aqualoop and Speedslide.
Daily 10am-8pm. RMB 200, RMB 160 for kids (1.2m-1.5m), free for kids under 1.2m. Olympic Green, Tianchen Lu, Chaoyang District (8437 0125) www.water-cube.com 朝阳区天辰东路11号
China Science and Technology Museum 中国科技馆
What makes the China Science and Technology Museum unique is that it is the only state-level comprehensive science and technology museum in China. There are various sections and floors here, but the busiest gallery in the museum is The Glory of China, where kids can experience the technology of looms, plows, iron casting and a waterwheel. The second floor of exploration and discovery has dinosaur fossils, and rooms focusing on human biology, nature and the physics of sound. In another gallery, there are displays urging visitors to consider ways to limit their carbon footprint. One of the displays on futuristic technology lets kids (over 1.4m) experience walking on the moon or floating in space! Finally, there is Science Paradise, a massive play center designed for children ages 3 to 10 years old, with a jungle gym, science-themed obstacle courses, and presentations on health and science.
RMB 30, RMB 20 for students. Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm. 5 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District (5904 1188) www.cstm.org.cn/eapdomain/home/index.jsp 朝阳区北辰东路5号
Olympic Forest Park 奥林匹克森林公园
To the north of the Olympic Green, there’s a massive 11.5sq km park with countless trees, a big lake and several ponds. Here’s your chance to take a long walk or jog. While outside bikes are not permitted, families can rent a special four-person bike on the grounds. There is a serene spot on the grass by the central lake, perfect for a family picnic. Afterward, take a scenic tour of the lake by row boat or electric boat (RMB 80/hour on average). There is a small playground with a merry-go-round, among other entertainment facilities.
Free. Daily 6am-8pm (summer), daily 7am-7pm (winter). 15 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District (6452 9060) www.bjofp.cn/sy 朝阳区北辰东路15号
Xin’Ao Shopping Center 新奥购物中心
Within the Olympic grounds area, there is a giant underground mall that has all your heart’s desires. Pick up some groceries at the huge Rainbow Shopping Mall supermarket, or purchase electronics and household appliances at Sundan. Within these three underground floors, there are also numerous restaurants, clothing shops, and a CGV movie theater.
Daily 10am-10pm (summer), daily 10am-9.30pm (winter). 9 Hu Jing East Road, Chaoyang District (8437 1122, 8437 1133) www.xinaoshopping.com/sy.php 朝阳区湖景东路9号
Pangu 7-Star Hotel 北京盘古七星酒店
Dine in one of Beijing’s finest hotels at Jufuyuan, or “Auspicious Garden.”
This all-you-can-eat brunch consists of Eastern and Western cuisine: dumplings, pizzas, sliced beef, fresh shrimp, and fresh fruit. Drinks (beer, wine, juice, soft drinks) are included in the price of brunch. One of the best parts, however, is the stunning view of the Olympic Village.
RMB 428 (Sat and Sun), RMB 398 (Mon-Fri), half price for ages 3-12, free for kids under 3. All prices subject to 15 percent surcharge. Daily 11.30-3.30pm (brunch). 2/F, Pangu 7-Star Hotel, 27 Beisihuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang District (5906 7777) 朝阳区北四环中路27号盘古七星酒店2层
Photos from creativecommons.org
This article originally appeared on p59 of the beijingkids June 2013 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com