The Year of the Tiger
According to myth, the first emperor held a race for 12 animals, each symbolizing a birth year. The Ox was the fastest animal in the race, but the Rat jumped on the Ox’s back at the last moment and so won the race – relegating the Ox to the second spot in the zodiac lineup. The Tiger followed shortly after, exhausted from swimming across the river.

Chinese people believe their characters are more or less similar to their Chinese zodiac counterpart. People born in the year of the Tiger are supposed to be courageous, generous, and brash. Although not many people believe in the zodiac anymore, it’s a good way to subtly reveal one’s age.

The Feast to End All Feasts
Even more than fiery paper-cuttings or popping firecrackers, the seemingly boundless eating that takes place during Spring Festival is the new year’s most important – and loved – tradition. Dumplings, whose shape resembles ancient Chinese money (元宝 yuánbǎo) and so represent good fortune, are the main dish for Chuxi dinner, also called tuányuán fàn (团圆饭), which means “family reunion dinner.” It’s common to wrap lucky fillings inside dumplings to send wishes to family members; sugar means a sweet life, peanuts signify a long life, and dates or chestnuts forecast pregnancy.
A delicious dessert for this time of year is tāngyuán (汤圆), balls of soft, sticky rice stuffed with sweet fillings – such as haw fruit or black sesame – and served in soup. Tangyuan are traditionally eaten on the last day of Spring Festival, alternately called Shíwǔ evening (十五), or the Lantern Festival. Other popular dishes during the holiday include: smoked meat (larou 腊肉); niángāo (年糕), a sweet, sticky cake made from
glutinous rice; and zǎohuā mó (枣花馍), a type of bread shaped like a flower and sprinkled with dates.

Rage All Night
Chúxī (除夕), the last day of the lunar year, is a time to dispel bad luck from the previous year and welcome new fortune. On this night, which falls on February 13 this year, Chinese people are supposed to stay awake all night – which translates into crazy parties that last until dawn.

According to legend, a ferocious monster called Nián (年) rose from the sea every Chuxi to devour human beings. One year, the creature suddenly turned up in a village in southern China and ate everyone – except for one couple dressed in red clothing who had hung a red curtain on their door and a group of children who had been playing with firecrackers. People concluded that Nian feared the color red and the noise of firecrackers – which explains the tradition of wearing red, decorating with red paper-cuttings, raising red lanterns, playing drums and bells, and setting off firecrackers.

Prepping for the Party
Nowadays Spring Festival lasts seven days, but traditionally the holiday was a month long. The festival dates back more than 4,000 years, and Chinese people still follow traditions passed down through the generations, though by now most of the customs have been simplified.

Traditional activities include holding sumptuous banquets, decorating the house, and of course, going home for a big family reunion. Preparation for this celebration begins several days or even weeks in advance.

On February 6, get out your brooms and mops. That day is the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, when tradition calls for a top-to-bottom cleaning of your home in preparing for the new year. Chinese people also place paper-cuttings on windowpanes and illustrations of mythical door guardians on doors; the guardians defend the residents of the home against evil with their scary faces and weapons.
Families also hang the character for fortune, 福 (fú), upside-down on walls or doors. It’s believed that this custom originated in the Ming dynasty, when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang tried to use the 福 character as a marker to identify people he wanted killed. To prevent this bloodbath, his wife, Empress Ma, secretly ordered every family in the city to paste a 福 on their door. Later, when Zhu dispatched his assassins, they were unable to distinguish their targets from the general population. One unfortunate family accidentally placed their 福 upside-down. When the soldiers reported this back to Zhu, the emperor ordered the killing of this family.

To save the family, Ma reasoned with her husband, saying, “My dear Emperor, they knew you would visit them, and that is why they pasted the 福 upside-down. The upside-down 福 just means their fortune is coming.” Indeed, dǎole (倒了), which means “upside down,” shares the same sound as dàole (到了), meaning “to arrive,” and thus the upside down 福 can therefore be interpreted as meaning, “Fortune is arriving.” Ma’s words calmed the emperor, and Zhu removed the death sentence placed on that family, as well as his earlier targets.

Although this story has not been proven to be historically accurate, Chinese people still like to paste the 福 character upside-down on their doors every Spring Festival to promote good fortune and to commemorate the mercy and virtue of Empress Ma.

The Best Gift is Cash
Chinese children look forward to receiving special pocket money wrapped in red paper, called yāsuì qián (压岁钱), from their parents and older generations in their family.

Like other Chinese customs, pocket money has an ancient story behind it. A small devil, Sui (祟), who had a white face and black hands, used to haunt children during the last night of the year. One couple started putting a red paper bag filled with eight copper coins under their child’s pillow because copper coins were engraved with various lucky symbols and were thought to ward off evil. When Sui got close to the child, he was scared away by the glowing light under the child’s pillow. This story spread across the country, and soon all parents were putting coins under their children’s pillows on the last night of the year.

Gradually, however, the meaning behind this custom gradually changed. Now, money is given to bless children and bestow luck upon them. Yā (压) means “to press,” while the name of the devil has been replaced by a homophone, suì (岁), which simply means “year.” Qián (钱) means “money,” and while yasui qian is no longer comprised of copper coins or left under pillows, it is still given to children wrapped in red paper, otherwise known as hóngbāo (红包) or red envelopes.

In Beijing, you can take part in one of the many temple fairs in Beijing (See Playing Outside). This year, look for lantern exhibitions held in the parks at night. In the old days, Chinese people used to write riddles on Lantern Festival, the last night of Spring Festival, and attach them to lanterns for visitors to solve.

Nanshan Ski Village
All-Around Skiing and Snowboarding
Located in the south of Miyun Country and just an hour away, Nanshan is the most popular and well-organized of the resorts nearby. Skiers of all levels can glide down ten well-kept trails and experienced snowboarders can show off their skills at Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park, which boasts a half-pipe, seven rails and five kickers. Resort instructors speak English, so foreign beginners don’t have any excuse to hide indoors sipping hot chocolate (lessons RMB 120 for 3-4 people). For those who want to focus on their nose and tail rolls, the Nanshan International Snowboarding School has Austrian ski instructors on hand. Lodging is available and snowmobiles are available for rent (RMB 40 for five minutes). Mon-Fri: RMB 100-220. Weekends: RMB 150-360.

Take the shuttle bus from Dongzhimen, 8.30am every Sat and Sun. Daily 9am-5.30pm. Shengshuitou Village, Henanzhai Town, Miyun County (8909 1909) 北京南山滑雪滑水度假村有限公司, 密云县河南寨镇圣水头村 www.nanshanski.com

Dolomiti Mountain Resort
Ski Like a European
This Hebei resort strives to live up to its name, which comes from the spectacular Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy. The ski lifts are imported from Italy and Dolomiti boasts a full-service equipment shop. Located 226km northwest of Beijing (a two-and-a-half-hour drive), Dolomiti has five slopes ranging from beginner to advanced skiing levels, as well as one run for snowboarders. The lack of accommodation may deter some skiers, but this resort does offer coffee and pizza at the base lodge and the ski school has more than 30 professional teachers who speak English. One-on-one lessons are available.

Mon-Fri: RMB 100 (2hr), RMB 120 (3hr), RMB 140 (4hr), RMB 220 (full day). Weekends: RMB 150 (2hr), RMB 180 (3hr), RMB 200 (4hr), RMB 360 (full day). Contact the Beijing office at 8453 5186. Head out on the Badaling Highway, which will turn into Jingzhang Highway. Exit onto Shengli Lu and cross the Qingshui Qiao. Turn right just before the gas station and follow the road to Dolomiti. Xiqueliang, Sitaizui Village, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei (158 1099 2506). 多乐美地度假山庄, 河北省张家口市崇礼县四台嘴乡喜鹊梁 www.dolomitiski.cn

Huaibei Int’l Ski Resort
Skiing With Great Wall Views
With a majestic vista of the snow-covered Great Wall, Huaibei Ski Resort touts a 3.8km-long ski trail and a ski lift that climbs 1,200m high to accommodate both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort will operate a seven-day winter camp for children ages 3 and up that starts January 10 and includes accommodation, equipment rental, dining and classes (RMB 2,800 per student). Inspired by the Dai ethnic minority’s water festival, the resort is organizing a “Snow Play Festival” on January 28 – basically, a giant snowball fight.

Full day lift ticket: RMB 150 (Mon-Fri), RMB 200 (weekends), RMB 240 (holidays). Hop on a free shuttle bus to Huaibei from Dongzhimen subway station. Take the 936 bus from Dongzhimen. Daily 8.30am-9.30pm. 548 Hefangkou Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District (8969 6677) 怀北国际滑雪场, 怀柔区怀北镇河防口村548号 www.hbski.net

Shijinglong Ski Resort
Slopes and Hot Springs
Shijinglong is located in Yanqing, 74 miles northwest of Beijing, covering 600 acres with seven trails divided into beginner, medium and advanced levels. Those who aren’t keen on breaking a sweat can try riding a snowmobile, a dog sled or a donkey-pulled sleigh. After a strenuous day in the cold, soothe your tired muscles with a soak in the hot springs by the snowmobile circuit. Bring your own ski clothes and gear if you can, since the rentals available aren’t the newest.

Mon-Fri: RMB 100 (2hr), RMB 140 (4hr), RMB 220 (full day). Weekends: RMB 150 (2hr); RMB 200 (4hr); RMB 360 (full day). Take the 919 bus from Deshengmen to Yaqing and change to the 920. Daily 8am-5pm. Zhongyangfang, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing County (6919 1614/15/17) 石京龙滑雪场, 延庆县张山营镇中羊坊 www.sjlski.com

Beijing Jundushan Ski Resort
Night-Time Sporting
Located at the famous Xiaotangshan Spa in Changping, Jundushan is the ski resort closest to downtown Beijing and is also best for night skiing. Although many resorts close around 7pm, the trails at Jundushan are open until bedtime. Check out the snowboard competitions every night. Sleds, inner tubes and snowmobiles are also available for rent, as are stay-in Mongolian tents or Russian-style villas. The gear shop Icon X also organizes an all-beginner weekend on Jundushan’s slopes to give full support to all newcomers.

Full day: RMB 180 (Mon-Fri), RMB 280 (weekends), RMB 320 (holidays). Take either the 345 or 919 bus from Deshengmen station to Dongguang Guandao, then the 21 bus to the resort, which is about 34km from Beijing. Daily 8am-10pm. 588 Zhenshun Village, Cuicun Town (5 km north of the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Holiday Village), Changping District (6072 5888) 军都山滑雪场, 昌平区崔村镇真顺村588号 www.bjski.com.cn

Qiaobo Ice and Snow World
Indoor Skiing for Beginners
Beijing’s only indoor ski park is located in Shunyi and contains a Children’s Snow Paradise that’s perfect for kids who want to learn basic skills and grow familiar with the equipment. Skis, boards and boots are all in great condition and come from well-known brands like Burton. English-speaking instructors provide private lessons (RMB 150 per hour), and kids as young as 3 are welcome to participate. This winter, Qiaobo’s “Family Fun Package” (RMB 898) includes two-hour weekend ski runs for three people, plus a free lunch or one-night stay. Kids can also sign up for a five-day camp (RMB 3,300/person) for beginners. Qiaobo Snow Dome is located 15km from the airport.

Daily 9am-10pm. Inside Chaobai River National Forest Park, Mapo, Shunyi District (8497 2568) 乔波冰雪世界, 顺义区马坡潮白河国家森林公园内6号 www.qbski.com

It seems like almost every Chinese festival is related to food – dumplings for Spring Festival, moon cakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival and zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in leaves) for the Dragon Boat Festival. Taking place each December 8, Laba is a Han Chinese festival where tradition calls for rice porridge.

In ancient China, people celebrated the harvest and made sacrifices to the gods and their ancestors for good luck in the following year. Some parts of China regard Laba as the beginning of Spring Festival. The twelfth month in the lunar calendar is called “là” (腊), and eight is “Bā” (八) in Chinese, which is how the name Laba was derived.

To make Laba rice porridge, glutinous rice is boiled for hours with various beans, millet, Chinese sorghum, dates, peas, dried lotus seeds, walnuts and almonds. Adding meat yields a savory flavor, while sugar sweetens the porridge.

The Laba Festival originated in the Song dynasty (960-1279) and became popular during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). People started preparing rice porridge the night before Laba; they washed the rice, peeled the nuts and fruits, and boiled them from midnight until the early morning. They carved nuts into the shapes of men, animals or flowers; one popular creation was the “Fruit Lion,” made of a dried date shaped into the body of a lion, walnuts that stood for the head and feet, and an almond for the tail.

According to a well-known legend, Laba marks the day the first Buddha and founder of the Buddhist religion, Sakyamuni, attained enlightenment. Sakyamuni, a prince in India, wanted to save his people from illness and pain. He abandoned his royal position and went off to seek wisdom. For six years he endured the harshest of living conditions and survived on cereal grains. Finally, on the eighth day of December in the lunar calendar, he finally understood the meaning of life while sitting under the bodhi tree. Since then, monks have prepared rice porridge to commemorate the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Some people also believe eating rice porridge celebrates Yuè Feī (岳飞), a famous general from the Song dynasty. When the general led his army to fight against the enemy in winter, the army was short of food. So local people collected all the food they had and put everything into a big pot of boiling water. After Yue Fei and his army ate this porridge, they successfully defeated their enemies on the eighth night of the twelfth month.

Stories aside, Laba rice porridge has the rich flavors and nutrition that make for a perfect winter food. It contains many grains – including glutinous rice, oat, and corn – several types of beans and dried nuts, as well as melon seeds, lotus seeds and preserved fruits. Northerners like to cook porridge with sugar, while southerners prefer a salty porridge made with meat. Because of its ingredients, Laba porridge is said to aid in digestion, strengthen the spleen and calm nerves. Perhaps this is why Laba porridge is also called bābǎo porridge (八宝粥), the porridge of eight treasures. 

XingMu Craft
Specializing in wooden toys and stationery, Xing Mu just launched its second store on the same street. In its first branch, near the entrance by Di’anmen Dajie, look for wooden pencil cases, leather notebooks and sepia-toned frames. The new shop carries more hand-crafted toys, made not only of wood, but also unconventional materials. For instance, one wall is full of action figures in funny postures, made of forks and PVC pipes.

Daily 10.30am-midnight. 35, 99 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (8401 1219) 兴穆手工, 东城区南锣鼓巷35号, 99号

J MAX Handmade Jewelry Design Station
Great for hip moms and teenage daughters with a talent for crafting, this store offers handmade bracelets, necklaces, earrings, belly chains, toe rings and barrettes. If you’ve tired of wearing jewelry made from the same old beads, stones and pearls, you’ll enjoy the use of materials like shell, wool, leather, wood and feathers here. The designers often work in the shop, so if you or your kids are struck by inspiration, they can help you turn your design ideas into wearable art.

Daily 1-10.30pm. 17-4, Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (6404 5394, 130 2105 9183) 饰绝手工饰品店, 东城区南锣鼓巷17-4号

Woo Scarf & Shawl
A well-designed scarf not only keeps you warm, but also adds color to dark wintry clothes. Founded in Shanghai in 2002, Woo offers upscale accessories like scarves and shawls, as well as soft blankets made of luxurious cashmere, pashmina, fur and silk. If you fancy Chinese styles, you can pick up a double-layered silk scarf with hand embroidery. For an Indian style, opt for festive pieces decorated with mirrors and beads.

Daily 9am-11pm. 17-4, Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (6404 5395) 妩, 东城区南锣鼓巷110-1号

Esydragon
Catering to young customers who like Chinese traditional art but are also keen on modern trends, Esydragon sells various handmade gifts that have been vamped up with Chinese touches. On a recent visit, a bamboo carriage by the door was filled with stuffed pigs (RMB 50) – modern-era cuteness that also happens to remind many Chinese of their childhood. The store also stocks mugs carved from animal bones and painted with Peking opera masks and Chinese traditional fashions. From soaps that look like stones to ox bone napkin rings, all of the store’s wares are highly innovative, which explains the relatively hefty price tags.

Daily 10am-11pm. 19-1 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (8401 1516) 石怡集家居生活礼品店, 东城区南锣鼓巷19-1号.

Plastered T-Shirts
Even before the Nanluogu Xiang Festival started featuring a T-shirt catwalk, Plastered T-shirts was already renowned for creating fun, attitude-laced shirts for adults and kids alike. Founded by Dominic Johnson-Hill, a British expat, the store carries hip shirts that will please even the most discerning teen shopper in your household. If you aren’t charmed by the ironic kitsch of model peasants on T-shirts, choose from subway tickets, antique cups, and other quirky designs.

Daily 10am-10pm. 61 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (139 1020 5721) 创可贴T-恤，东城区南锣鼓巷61号

Mirch Masala: Indian Cuisine
Located roughly midway down the alley, this popular eatery offers authentic South Asian food in a friendly and cozy environment. The menu includes both classic lamb and chicken entrees as well as seafood, vegetarian, and even vegan selections for diners. On the dessert menu, Roshmalai, a dish of homemade cheese, nuts and cream, might just become your kids’ favorites.

Mon 4-10.30pm; Tue-Sat 11am-2.30pm, 5-10.30pm; Sun 11am-10.30pm. 60-2 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (6406 4347) 马沙拉之香，东城区南锣鼓巷60-2号

During the Warring States Period (453-221BC), there lived a man who sold spears and shields in the markets of Chu kingdom. To attract the attention of passersby, he would raise a shield and shout, “Attention, gentlemen! Behold the shield in my hand. It’s made of the best iron, and is extremely durable and solid. It can protect against any sharp spear.”

His shouting attracted the attention of several bystanders. He then grabbed a spear and bragged,“Look at this mighty spear! It is the most wonderful spear made with the latest technology. It is sharp enough to break any shield.”

A man stood up and shouted, “What will happen if I try to pierce your strongest shield with your sharpest spear?” The man could not answer this question. His face was flushed with embarrassment. He collected his things and disappeared into the crowd.

Chinese people use this idiom to describe those whose behavior or words are contradictory. It is similar to the phrase “pot calling the kettle black” in English. The next time you’re around a hypocrite, you can just say “你自相矛盾” Nǐ zì xiāng máo dùn.

On a recent Tuesday, painter Jiang Zhuqing had yet to put the finishing touches on work that would soon be on public display. As part of Common Ground, a digital art festival that takes place at the Huan Tie Art Museum from November 9 to 19, Jiang plans to show an abstract creation that use cassette tape ribbon and black hair clips to embroider a human shape. 

Titled Li Yue (礼 乐), or “Etiquette, Music,” these works are part of a series Jiang calls Tian Ren He Yi (天人合一), or “The Combining of Humans and Nature.” She says she hopes to make people think about the important relationship between human beings and the world. 

In a few weeks time, more than 40 artists from around the world will present works on the theme of the environment. Jiang, an associate professor at Tsinghua University’s Academy of Art and Design, decided to take part in Common Ground after she saw how  innovative the other artists’ works were.

“Here, artists use new technology to present art. Doing the same could enrich my painting style,” says Jiang, speaking slowly and quietly in a way that suggests she never loses her temper. Sitting in her studio at Tsinghua University, Jiang is surrounded by many works in progress. On the floor is a brown-hued portrait of a woman in traditional Chinese clothing. Nearby lies another unfinished work, a painting of a group of children playing.

In many ways Jiang epitomizes the current generation of Chinese contemporary artists who have found success. Born in Qingdao, she studied decorative art at Beijing Central Academy of Arts and Design. After graduating in 1991, Jiang took up a professorship at Tsinghua, all the while rising in stature as an artist by designing murals, experimenting with different mediums like animation, and exhibiting her work in China and abroad.

At the same time, Jiang is also an unconventional woman. The fortysomething artist gave birth to her son just a few years ago and is raising him mostly by herself – a relatively unusual occurrence in a country where young women typically marry in their mid-twenties.

Jason, her 4-year-old son, came as an unexpected gift, says Jiang. On her desk sits a picture of Jason, a boy with dark hair, and Jiang’s eyes light up as she talks about her most precious creation. Jiang met her husband, also an artist, while teaching art in Los Angeles ten years ago.

“I am different from women who have their baby in their twenties,” says Jiang, who has an abundance of patience and is fiercely independent. “They grow up with their children, but at my age, I am more tolerant and more forgiving of my son’s mistakes.”

Jiang gave birth to Jason in the US, then brought him back to China 100 days later. Both parents are dedicated to their respective careers, and so have chosen to live in their own countries most of the time – an arrangement that they’re happy with.

Unlike some other Chinese parents, Jiang isn’t very eager for Jason to be bilingual right now, or to have a lot of Western influences. “Many Chinese parents want their children to learn in the Western style, but I hope he can learn more Chinese traditional culture,” says Jiang.

Jason’s English isn’t fluent, and sometimes the boy needs Jiang’s help to communicate with his father on visits, but Jiang isn’t worried. It’s better to master one language first before starting on another, the artist says, and she’s confident Jason won’t have trouble polishing his English skills.

As Jiang is the parent with nearly all the childcare duties, being a mother sometimes seems more of a challenge than being an artist. Since she teaches, though, Jiang’s schedule is quite flexible and she has the luxury of spending a lot of time with her son. But like many moms in the city, Jiang struggles over decisions like whether to send Jason to an international school or keep him in Chinese schools. And she worries that, by spending so much time with her, Jason might grow up with too much of a feminine influence.

In Beijing, Jiang often takes Jason around to attend art exhibitions, but so far her son hasn’t shown a special interest in art. It’s okay with Jiang, though. The artist and mother, no stranger to unconventionality herself, won’t be pressuring him to follow her wishes.

A long, long time ago, playing a game didn’t mean plugging in a PlayStation or turning on the computer. In fact, in Chinese society, traditional games were a great way to form intimate friendships, get some exercise and have a great time with your peers. Here’s an introduction to a few Chinese children’s games from the era before fancy video games and high-tech gadgets. If you want to play these old-school games, you’ll probably have to find a Chinese partner who was born no later than in the 1980s.

Throwing Sandbags
砸沙包
For three or more players

A popular game among Chinese girls, this game involves sewing six square pieces of cloth together into a cube and then stuffing the bag with uncooked rice, sand or beans. Two kids stand facing each other, while one player stands in the middle. The two outer players will take turns trying to hit the child in the middle with the sandbag. The middle player, meanwhile, has to avoid being hit and catch the bag instead. He loses a point each time he is hit, and gains a point each time he catches the bag. Once he reaches a balance of zero points, it’s time to switches positions with one of the outer players.

Dropping the Handkerchief
丢手绢
For seven or more players

Children sit in a circle and chant “Dropping the Handkerchief” while a designated “handkerchief dropper” stand ups. Holding a handkerchief, the child has to walk around the circle and drop the handkerchief behind one player before the chant is finished, then run back to his original position.
The kids in the circle wait until the end of the chant to look around for the handkerchief. As soon as a player finds the handkerchief behind him or her, he or she stands up and chases the handkerchief dropper, trying to catch the dropper before the child reaches the original seat. If he or she cannot catch the handkerchief dropper, then this player becomes the handkerchief dropper in the next new game (similar to the chasing part of Duck Duck Goose). If caught, a new game begins with the same handkerchief dropper.

The Eagle and the Chicks
老鹰抓小鸡
For five or more players

With plenty of running, chasing, hiding and teamwork, this game is probably one of the most fun ways for kids to play outdoors. The strongest or tallest two children play the mother hen and eagle. The remaining kids, who play the chicks, line up in a row behind the hen and hold on to the waist of the person in front of them. When the game begins, the eagle will try to chase down and tap a chick; meanwhile, the hen faces the eagle and waves her arms to defend the chicks. To catch a chick, the eagle must try to go around the mother hen while the other chicks remain linked behind the hen. If the eagle catches a chick, the game ends and the captured chick plays the eagle in the next round. 

Many kids games in China are similar to those popular in the West. In Jumping House, which is similar to hopscotch, children draw squares on the ground, jump and kick empty candy tins. Telephone, the game in which kids sit in a circle and pass a whispered phrase from one person to the next, goes by the name of Chinese Whispers. Girls also like to stretch pairs of jump ropes taut above the ground, then execute fancy twists, steps and jumps.

From kung fu to couture, Han Wenyan has designed for a roster of celebrities in her eight years in the fashion industry. Han, 30, recently spoke with students at the International Academy of Beijing about her current gig as a women’s couture fashion designer. Although the Shandong native studied at the Art Academy at Tsinghua University and in Milan for two years, this fashionista doesn’t wear her own creations exclusively; since she spends her time cutting cloth for others, she really enjoys shopping. Her style icons? Kate Moss and, believe it or not, Paris Hilton.

Gala Marin, 9, Chilean
What kinds of clothes do you make?
Couture. I also design clothes for famous stars like the Hong Kong kung fu movie star Zhao Wenzhuo.

Kelly Wen, 9, American
Why do you do this job?
I love making clothes. It’s always interesting work.

Joel Gilmore, 9, American
How long does it take to design clothes?
It depends on the type of clothes. Usually for couture, it takes about half a month, because you have to think a lot about the design.

Jeremiah Holsclaw, 9, American
How many clothes have you designed?
If I design clothes for a big brand, my team and I make about 200 pieces in three months.

Cindy Choi, 9, Korean
Why did you want to design clothes?
I think it’s important. When I was 8 years old, I liked drawing – I drew everywhere and everything. At that time, I wanted to be a big designer.

Ted Jeong, 10, Korean
What kind of clothes are easiest to make, pants or shirts?
T-shirts.

Angel Pollydore, 9, Guyanese
What is one of your favorite styles?
Styles that make you feel exciting, romantic and beautiful.

Micah Kim, 9, American
What is the hardest part about fashion designing?
When I’m working for celebrities, it’s hard to communicate with them and satisfy their needs.

Cindy Choi, 9, Korean
What’s the worst and best time in your designing career?
The best moment is when I’m inspired, when I know how I want to make the clothes. The worst part is trying to make the clothes the right way; there are so many details and it’s really hard to make everything perfect.

Leo Kim, 9, Korean
What is the price range of your clothes?
It depends on what clothes and the customer. Normally, the clothes cost around RMB 8,000.

Cindy Choi, 9, Korean
Who helped you the most to become a fashion designer?
My mother. She made clothes for me when I was a child, so I thought I could do it, too.

Micah Kim, 9, AmericanMicah Kim, 9, American
What would you be if you had to get another job?
A painter.

Angie Kim, 10, Korean
What is your favorite brand?
Chloe is my favorite international brand. Lawlandee is my favorite children’s brand in China.

After adventuring in London and Paris and city-hopping in Australia, expat mom Tania McCartney came to Beijing in 2004 and proceeded to find inspiration everywhere in the Chinese capital. When she isn’t busy chasing her children, Riley, 5, and Ella, 8, or contributing to beijingkids, the native Australian taps into her passion for writing. McCartney’s forthcoming book, Riley and the Sleeping Dragon, an illustrated story for kids up to 7 years old, grew from her observations about life in Beijing. The author sat down with us to discuss the release of her first book for children. Jessica Pan

Tell us about your book.
It’s an illustration-rich book about a boy, Riley, who flies his tin plane throughout Beijing searching for a mystical dragon. The sleeping dragon is really the Great Wall – it represents the Chinese people. I believe that China is awakening, so this kids story has an adult undercurrent to it. I wanted to do something to link the West with China. It also has black and white photographs of Beijing, so it can be a memento for families here.

Why did you decide to write a children’s book?
I absolutely adore children’s books. I used to buy them for myself before I had kids. When I had kids it was a joy to go out and buy them. The thought of doing my own book was always a dream. It’s a cliché, but I was inspired by my kids. I can’t believe I’ve actually done it.

What do you read to your kids? I started them with books from my childhood, like the Amelia Jane books by Enid Blyton – they’re just wonderful adventures. As they’ve become older, I’ve discovered more modern children’s authors. We love David Shannon.

How have children’s books changed?
They’ve become more obscure and more abstract. What I like about modern books is that they leave a lot to the imagination and are open to interpretation. One child can read the book and see something different from another child. Retro, older books tend to fill in the gaps and tell wonderful tales but they provide it all for you.

What do you think about Chinese children’s literature?
The Chinese literature market is shifting and I think it’s really going to change in five years. Right now, most Chinese children’s books are fairytales or traditional stories – few are imaginative, quirky or can spark a child’s creativity. I’d love to be able to tap into that market and reach Chinese children. If Riley and the Sleeping Dragon does well, I hope to get it printed in Chinese.

What are your favorite children’s books?
Naughty Amelia Jane! by Enid Blyton, Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak, the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, No, David! by David Shannon, and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.