Stay in Touch!: Tips for Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships From China
In a transient city like Beijing, don’t lose the friends you’ve made just because of distance.
Content by: Anna Pellegrin Hartley
Beijing’s Best Family-Friendly Events, Sept 12-13
Computer coding for kids, mooncake making sessions, an amazing hike out into Beijing’s own UFO platform, and a special exhibit by surrealist artist Salvador Dali… it’s all happening this weekend!
“That’s Not Jianbing, It’s a Galette!” French and Chinese Cuisine in Solidarité
Though thousands of miles apart, France and China have a surprising number of cultural similarities, including their long, rich and proud culinary traditions. Here are a few key dishes that connect these diverse nations…
Spam, or Super Important? Tips for Deciphering SMS Messages When You Don’t Read Chinese
Figuring out how to get a mobile phone contract isn’t easy when you don’t speak or read Chinese, but even once you’ve overcome this hurdle, the battle isn’t over quite yet.
In the age of WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and Whatsapp, text messages can feel pretty antiquated, so you might be surprised by the number of messages you begin to receive once you activate your service. Was your number previously used by an A-list Chinese celebrity? Are these long-lost friends coming out of the woodwork? Sadly, probably not.
When Will This Racket End?! Drilling Into Beijing Construction Law
We are not thrilled about the fact that our apartment is now uninhabitable for 10 hours every weekday, and have become much more interested in the regulations about renovating Beijing apartments. Is it ok to start ear-splitting drilling at 8.30am? At what time in the evening must the din cease? Weekends are off-limits, surely?
The Clifford Family’s Advice on Making Family Travel a Breeze
As a family, the Cliffords are used to traveling long distances. Mom Kim and Dad Aaron first met in their home country of Canada then jetted off to set up their new lives together in China just 40 days after their wedding. They welcomed their son Lachlan to the clan in 2013, and have since enjoyed exploring Thailand and Malaysia as a family, as well as taking a very special trip with their ayi to her hometown of Nanchang for Chinese New Year. When it comes to finding great family travel advice, Kim says you just can’t beat the local expat community for the great wealth of information available, so we quizzed the young family for their best travel tips.
British School of Beijing Shunyi Students Capture the Spirit of Vacation
“The best vacation is always spent with friends. The beach, sea, and happiness together create a perfect picture.”
Brand New Beijing: How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Many Beijing families will be spending their summer vacation in China for the first time this year. While domestic travel is a great option, there is no reason you can’t recreate that vacation feeling right here in Beijing. Here are some simple tips on how to be a tourist in your own home, and reignite the spirit of exploration and discovery that goes hand in hand with vacation.
Throwback Thursday: The First Ever Hot Chili Eating Competition … in Canada?!
We are beyond excited that the 2020 Hot & Spicy Festival is coming back to Galaxy Soho Aug 7-9. It’s hard to believe that this will be only the 3rd year the festival has been held because it’s already become such a keystone of our social calendar. Combining delicious and spicy food from all over the globe, loads of live entertainment, and a great festive atmosphere for all ages, it is an event not to be missed.
How to Score Great Last-Minute Domestic Flight Deals
While most international travel is still off the cards, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to be a couch potato all summer. After all, being an expat doesn’t mean you’re confined to exploring only the fine things our fair city has to offer. One needs to take advantage of living abroad to explore all the hidden corners of the country. You never know what adventure awaits.