When I moved away five years ago, I had just finished 10^th grade at the International School of Beijing. I sobbed against the airplane window as the plane left the tarmac and hated my parents for taking me away from the city I had lived in the longest, the place I loved the best. Adjusting to Canada – its public schools, its blistering winters, and its spaces that seemed to be devoid of any kind of history or culture – was far harder than settling in to China to had been. Nonetheless, I eventually gave up resenting my parents, and Canada became home. 

Of course, one of the most difficult parts of leaving Beijing thinking I would never see my friends again. This crushing certainty turned out to be false; leaving China taught me one thing – if a relationship is strong enough, it will persist across oceans and continents. 

If you’re leaving Beijing this summer or have good friends that are moving away, be sure to explore areas of the city you’ve never been to as well as revisiting favorite haunts.  

Spend a day at Chaoyang Park, the largest green space in the city. Relax under weeping willows, take a boat ride across the pond, or walk on water in giant, plastic balls. Chaoyang Park will be home to the Olympic beach volleyball tournaments and its Olympic area is worth checking out. If you’re feeling brave, roller coasters guarantee a thrilling ride.  Ladies Street, or Laitai Flower Market, is nearby if shopping is more appealing than being outdoors. 

If you want to take one last trip with the friends you fear you’ll never see again, trek out to Beijing World Park in Fengtai district. It’s a long way from anything and is a bit tacky – it’s filled with large models of the world’s most famous landmarks and has been known to blare techno beats from hidden speakers. Yet, the park offers well-kept greenery, and who doesn’t want to pose under Beijing’s very own Eiffel tower or sit atop the Sphinx? 

After a full day in the summer sun, Guijie Street, or “Ghost Street”, is a great locale for late night snacks. Red lanterns and flashing signs light up the night sky and summer diners line the sidewalks. Grab a group of friends and join the locals for a quality Beijing meal. 

The opportunities for summer playing in Beijing are endless – whether it’s your last summer here or your first, be sure to put them to good use!

Last year’s quality crisis in the toy industry saw babies swallowing magnets, scathing reports of playthings covered in toxic paint and huge shipments of toys being returned to their countries of origin. Since children are renowned for putting anything and everything into their mouths, ensuring that the toys they play with are safe and toxin-free is essential. 

However, for responsible parents there is even more to think about in the world of child’s play – the environment. The Scottish-based online store, The Carbon Neutral Company (TCNC), offers to set you on the right path. TCNC not only guarantees that their products are safe for consumers but also that they are planet-friendly. Their selection of eco-friendly products for children range from lunch boxes made from recycled foil packaging by a fair-trade project in the Philippines to solar powered radios. 

Hoping to avoid the guilt that often plagues people when it comes to global warming, TCNC advocates that environmentally conscious shopping is one of the easiest ways to make a difference for you, your child and your planet. Although they don’t have a store in China, their website is easy to use and has the option of ordering items in Chinese prices. 

The environmental effects of shipping produce from one country to another certainly contradict the store’s overall mandate yet TCNC is upfront about environmental degradation. Their online carbon calculators help individuals and businesses calculate the size of their carbon footprint according to daily practices. Household, flight and transport calculators offer a look at the various ways one can consciously reduce their carbon impact. 

Unfortunately for expats, air travel is downright terrible for the environment. Luckily, there are a myriad of ways to counteract those long flights home – like making sure the household is filled with eco-friendly goods and children’s toys are toxin-free!
 

Many countries celebrated Father’s Day a couple of weeks ago; male parenting was applauded and all the nice things fathers do were given recognition. For much of the year, however, children spend more time lamenting the embarrassing things that both their mothers and fathers do than embracing parental quirks. 

In a recent Washington Post article,  Donna Scaramastra Gorman, a tbjkids contributing writer, bemoans the type of father she had growing up – the extremely intelligent, overly helpful kind.  
When asked for the answer to a simple math equation, her engineer father would pull out his physics textbooks to explain the complex science behind her seemingly straightforward question.  

Math was never my raison d’ être – memorizing multiplication tables in Grade 4 was my mathematical peak – and I can sympathize the predicament described in the article. As my parents patiently explained the reasons behind any given problem, I only grew more and more frustrated. Now I watch as my youngest brother gives my mother uncalled for attitude (although I’m sure he thinks it’s entirely justified) while she attempts to help him with his homework. 

As ungrateful as kids can be, few deny that they need a certain amount of help and encouragement from their parents –especially, at least in my family, when it comes to anything mathematical that is more complicated than counting apples. Although summer holidays have begun, there are plenty of children attending summer courses and the following tips should prove invaluable year round.

The Kidsource website lays down a few rules of thumb for homeworkin’ parents. Firstly, setting a regular homework time and designating a specific work area is essential. Once students have established a routine surrounding homework, it becomes less of an ordeal and more of an accepted fixture. Parents can also help by removing distractions, limiting TV time and providing all the necessary supplies. Of course, showing interest in their homework is necessary – how you really feel about algebra or infinite plant species is of little consequence.  

Although parents shouldn’t help with homework incessantly, in the event that you are called upon to delve into subjects that you haven’t studied for decades, knowing how your child learns will prevent hours of aggravation. Methods of learning are relevant for every single subject, from chemistry concoctions to literature compositions.  

For many children – and even adults – absorbing information is facilitated if they can envision what it is they are learning about. Diagrams and drawings are a simple way to explicate more complicated problems. For oratory learners, having them or someone else recite information out loud is often the best bet. Helping physical learners takes a little extra work but is often the most fun. For example, Kidsource suggests cutting an apple into 8 pieces to explain fractions to the elementary school set. Who doesn’t love learning when food is involved? 

Don’t forget that a certain amount of praise – many professionals argue that praising not the finished product but the process leading up to completion adds icing to the cake of scholarly success.

Study habits are best learnt young so the sooner a student can settle into their own routine and learn what works best for them, the less stress it is for the whole family.

And kids, remember that when your parents spend 2 hours trying to explain the answer to an assignment that your teacher clarifies in 2 minutes, they are only trying to help.

Taking a trip to Shanghai is less like traveling in China than it is being transported into another world. While the glitzy shopping malls and high-rises attest to the city being one of China’s fastest growing modern metropolises, a visit to the French Quarter or the Bund, with its stone facades and grand architecture, takes you back an entire century. Turn the corner and pass the old residence of some famous leader or former diplomat. Hip cafes and trendy restaurants serving international cuisine line the blocks everywhere you go, but be sure to try the xiaolong bao ­– steamed buns filled with pork and a tasty, piping-hot broth. Take a turn in People’s Square, shop till you drop along Huaihai Lu, visit the Shanghai Museum (which holds one of China’s finest collections of classical art), then stroll down Nanjing Road and end the day wandering the Bund.

The Travelers: Chinese/Japanese couple Shiqiang Liu and Akiko Yamashita and their daughter Yoko (7).

Where to Stay: The family enjoyed Oriental Riverside Hotel, right on the Huangpu river (facing the Bund), which houses an indoor swimming pool, miniature golf and six-lane bowling alley (21 5037 0000).

Cruising the River: A Huangpu River cruise was one of the highlights of the trip, which Akiko booked with an agent on the river. The three-level vessel cruises to the Yangtze River and back, a journey of three hours (RMB 120).

Swim with the Fishes: The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a comprehensive sea-fest, showcasing creatures from nine different world zones including Deep Sea, Antarctic and Southeast Asia (021 5877 9988)

Culture Vulture: The 400-year-old Yu Gardens feature gorgeous grounds surrounded by a bustling nest of old-style shops where you can bargain for toys and faux antiques. The Shanghai Museum has a marvelous range of Chinese artifacts, as does the Chinese Minority Art Gallery, which makes it a fascinating venue for older kids (021 6372 5300). For a spiritual experience, families can visit the divine Jade Buddha Temple – an active Zen Buddhist monastery.

This famous beach resort destination is the summer haven your family has been seeking. Sanya is easy to navigate and has a wide choice of beach resorts. Of the two main beaches, Yalong Bay generally has fewer tourists and a more peaceful setting. If the relaxing beach life becomes too monotonous, families can take advantage of the snorkeling and hiking trips available. Day trips to and from Sanya can also help add a little spice to the experience. Most notable are Nanwan Monkey Island, the extensive Jianfengling Nature Reserve (which shows off the jungle that once covered Hainan) and the Nantian Hot Spring Resort – a veritable oasis of relaxing hot springs and gardens.

The Travelers: British couple Nick and Sally Mulvenney, and their son Max (3).

Where to Stay: An ocean-view room at the Marriott in Yalong Bay. The landscaped gardens and hammocks on the hotel beach provided never-ending fun for Max.

Monkey Around: Nanwan Monkey Island is the only tropical island reserve for macaque monkeys. Access to the island is via a 2,138-meter ropeway – the longest in the world.

Downtown: Sally found some great snacks and sand toys at a local supermarket for a fraction of their resort’s prices. The Yalong Bay Central Plaza will delight parents and little ones alike with its Shell Museum. The nearby Butterfly Valley will also have the kids entranced.

What to Eat: Hainan chicken rice was a hit with Max. Sally and Nick enjoyed the giant prawns, hot off the barbecue. Don’t miss having the fresh coconut on the beach!

You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy some fun in the sun. Qingdao, just a train ride away from Beijing, is one of China’s best options for a seaside holiday, and with its six beaches children won’t be disappointed. If you are a seafood lover, visiting the local fish market is a must! The winding cobblestone streets of the old town are the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll in search of interesting architecture among the red roofs, blue sea and white sand. Qingdao began as a small fishing village, and the local cuisine attests to these authentic roots. The city emanates a very modern and European feel due to its Germanic legacy and fresh seaside appeal.

Visiting Pingyao is a real step into China’s past: The ancient city walls and picture-perfect red lanterns recall an era that has been lost in many of China’s modernizing towns. Pingyao is best explored on foot, and the sights possess enough charm to keep antsy children entertained. Just after Chinese New Year is a good time to go, as Pingyao hosts a lively Lantern Festival. If you wish to leave the brick walls of the Ming dynasty, you can visit Buddhist temples and traditional family courtyard homes that lie on the outskirts of the city.

The Travelers: Australians Peter and Maxine Hewitt, and their kids James (10) and Bethany (7).

The Plan: Wanting to see more of China, the Hewitt family chose this ancient market town, taking the overnight train on Friday night and arriving early Saturday morning. On Sunday they drove to Taiyuan via other sightseeing spots before taking another overnight train home.

Where to Stay: The Hewitts loved their guesthouse, the Tian Yuan Kui, right in the middle of old Pingyao. One of the oldest in town, it boasts a beautiful courtyard setting, kang-style beds and great breakfasts (0354 568 0069).

What to Eat: Both Chinese and Western eateries abound in Pingyao, and the family enjoyed the local food as much as the pizza!

Out of town: The family took a day to travel by private car to Shuanglin and Zhenguo temples, then on to the Qiao Family Compound (where the Zhang Yimou movie “Raise the Red Lantern” was filmed) – a beautifully preserved courtyard mansion shaped in the character for xi, or “happiness.” Their last stop before Taiyuan was Jinci Gardens, which feature a Never Aging Spring!

Time-Saving Tips: Maxine recommends buying the RMB 120 ticket that allows entry into 19 of Pingyao’s historical sites, letting you pick and choose what suits your plans. Don’t waste money on a guide – the town is small, gridlike and easy to navigate, especially by bicycle (available for hire everywhere) or golf-cart taxi. Also, as Pingyao’s weather is changeable, best to take warm clothes unless you’re going during summer.

Upon entering the city it is immediately obvious that Nanjing has twice served as the country’s capital. A wealthy and chic city, Nanjing is replete with lovely rivers, parks, boulevards and shopping malls, where families can combine a cosmopolitan holiday with a vacation rich in history, while still being surrounded by nature. The luxurious aspects of Nanjing ensure that a stay is pleasant and generally devoid of stress, even if traveling with small children. With a history of over 5,000 years, Nanjing’s attractions include prehistoric sites and original Ming city gates. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which is situated on the bordering Zijin Shan, or “Purple Mountain,” is accessible by cable-car. What better way to observe a beautifully forested mountain peak than with a birds-eye view from above?

The Travelers: Australian/New Zealanders Joe and Sarah Sergi and their daughter Scarlet (18 months).

Culture Cluster: Nanjing Museum is one of the best in China, with ancient relics, porcelain and some 30,000 works of calligraphy. A visit to Zhanyuan Garden, one of the five most famous gardens of southern China, is a pleasant way to spend a day outdoors.

On the River: Qinhuai River, a branch of the great Yangtze, is the lifeblood of the city. Go cruising on painted boats from Panchi Wharf (in front of the Confucius Temple) and enjoy tea, local snacks and traditional music onboard.

When to Go: During the Cherry Blossom Festival in late March, Xuanwu Park is awash with cherry blossoms.

Lijiang’s Old Town, the best preserved ancient town in China, is overwhelmingly beautiful. Pedestrian-friendly, its narrow cobblestone roads, canals and arched bridges promote hours of slow meandering. With high numbers of tourists, there is no shortage of friendly cafes and hostels. For an “authentic” experience stay in a traditional Naxi guesthouse. Souvenir shopping – Naxi trinkets in particular – is also plentiful here. The area provides a wealth of natural beauty; the nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge is impressive, and if the family isn’t up for a long hike, there are inexpensive buses that leave from Lijiang. At peak times the old town can feel a little overwhelmed with tourists, but it’s not difficult to avoid the heavily visited areas, and the volume of visitors speaks of the appeal of Lijiang, an important stop on the China tour.

The Trekkers: Swedish couple Thomas and Sanna Jönsson and their children Wilhelm (10), Carl (7) and Amanda (4), were joined by Carl and Elin Christensson and their sons Hugo (8) and Wilhelm (10).

How They Did It: Last Frontiers (21 5404 8806) allowed the Jönssons to tailor a set itinerary to suit their needs. Though a bit more expensive, it was worth it because of the remote location. All flights, transport, accommodation, meals and guides were included in the price, as well as the transportation of luggage by car while the family trekked the gorge.

Concerns for Younger Ones: The family’s travel agent didn’t recommend trekking with children under 6, but being experienced outdoor travelers the Jönssons felt that then-3-year-old Amanda would cope well. Sanna says that at this age a child can trek if you are well-prepared and able to carry them if necessary. Thomas occasionally used a hard frame backpack for Amanda.

Where to Stay: The families stayed at the San He Hotel, a Tibetan-style courtyard lodge (888 512 0891). They pre-booked inns during the gorge trek through their travel agent for as little as RMB 60 a night.