Summer has announced its arrival in Beijing with humid air and blistering heat. The last activity one wishes to do is physically move around. Afternoons continue to be the hardest, especially when the sun culminates and vertical solar rays warm the atmosphere. Most people have no idea how to pass an afternoon in Beijing, so here is an assortment of activities for you to have a shot at.

Reading a novel

Why not start a new book? Situate yourself on the grass with a cool iced drink and a good story to enjoy your afternoon. Perhaps you’ll be immersed in another kingdom or experiencing a great romance. Anything is possible. You can also invite your friends over and enjoy a quiet reading afternoon together.

Trying a new recipe

Sometimes, you might just feel like spending time inside with the wonderful air-con. However, perhaps instead of succumbing to the summer lethargy, you can sharpen your mind and cooking skills by attempting a new recipe. By the time twilight rolls by, not only will you have a delectable dish ready, but the afternoon will also be well spent.

A romantic picnic at the park

When life gives you lemons, make delicious lemonade. And then grab a French baguette from a nearby bakery, some salami and cheese, and your aesthetic champagne glasses for a lovely picnic. You can invite your friends and loved ones, or enjoy an amazing time alone. Although casual picnics are wonderful, there is just something special about an elegant picnic. Beijing has some beautiful picnic spots just at your fingertips. Some of my personal favorites are Liangmahe River and Chaoyang Park.

A slow biking adventure

Exercising doesn’t have to be hard! Biking slowly around downtown is faster than walking and is also a way to exercise. Beijing is a perfect biking city thanks to an even terrain and not a lot of hills. You may find yourself immeasurably lost in the old hutongs, savoring a scenic tour around Beihai Lake, or seeking forgotten alleys in your contiguity.

Afternoons are an ideal time to complete things and spend time with yourself or someone else. Picnics, reading, bike rides and baking are all fantastic solutions to the summertime drowsiness. Arm yourself with an unlimited amount of lemonade and some good music albums, and you should be good to go!

Images: Unsplash

Tired of resorting to McDonald’s for a quick lunch? Here are a couple of healthier, equally cheap Meituan waimai options.

You can put in 健康 (jiankang) in the search bar for all the restaurants on the app that offer healthy options, but we’ve taken the time to short list a few favorites to get you started.

When I think of ordering take-out, my mind automatically crosses to McDonald’s. Is it because we generally think of take-out as fast food, hence the association with the American Junk food company? I totally understand that not everyone has the time to cook, and sometimes we just feel like ordering food and watching TV. So how about instead of ordering McDonald’s (again!), we could try something more nutritious and balanced? If you are lost on what to order, I recommend these yummy alternatives on Meituan!

Avocado Tree （鳄梨树）

Avocado Tree first opened in Beijing in 2010. This dine-in salad bar also has a Wai-Mai option. They serve delicious Mexican-inspired salads and burritos, as well as a nice selection of juices and smoothies to compliment your order. It also serves as my go-to “healthy” Wai-Mai store, not only because of the cute packaging, but also because of the convenience and price. Their original salad bowls can be served as one meal and they come in four different types of flavors: chicken at 32 RMB, barbacoa (beef) at 40 RMB, tofu at 30 RMB and Carnitas (pork) at RMB 32.

You can find them on Meituan. Just type in “Avocado Tree”.

(Menu from their website: https://www.avocadotreechina.com )

Foodbowl (超级碗餐厅)

This casual restaurant serves yummy salad bowls that come in different flavors such as tofu, chicken, beef, salmon, and shrimp. You first order a basic bowl and then include add-ins! Prices range from RMB 37-50. I love their vegetables because they are cooked and marinated to perfection. It is a delicious comfort food salad and can also be eaten during the colder months as well.

You can find them on Meituan. Just type in “Foodbowl”.

Green Option

This healthy restaurant also serves delectable salad bowls. However, the portions are slightly smaller so it might be better to order them as sides to the main meal. My personal favorite is their chicken salad, served with feta cheese, sweet pumpkin, crunchy onions, and creamy avocado. Their flavor combinations are top-tier and provide a delicious variety of flavor.

You can find them on Meituan. Just type in “Green Option”.

Annie’s （安妮意大利餐厅）

Hear me out! My opinion might be controversial, but Annie’s salads are great! It’s also a great solution if your family wants to eat pizza, but you want something healthier! I personally love their Greek salad!  

You can find them on Meituan. Just type in “Annie’s”.

So now you have four alternatives healthier than McDonald’s!

Of course, these aren’t the only options, as there are many local restaurants and cafes on Meituan that also serve healthy and delicious food! I strongly encourage you to explore and find your own personal favorite. Have fun ordering!

Images: Anne E, Unsplash