While nightclubs litter the Gongti area, it still remains a great family-friendly destination during the light of day. Kite flyers can be found at the north entrance of Workers’ Stadium in the summer and the stadium itself has hosted crowds of enthusiastic fans cheering for the local team Beijing Guoan Football Club. If you’re looking for an easy-to-plan afternoon, the Workers’ Stadium is your giant playground. Browse a wide selection of French films and books, say hello to marine life at Blue Zoo Beijing and get the family into some healthy bowling competition at Gongti 100. From hot dogs and pizza to crepes and croissants, there’s also plenty of kid-friendly fare to keep the clan energized for the day’s activities.

Begin your exploration of Gongti at Dongsishitiao subway station (Line 2). From here, take exit C and walk east, turning right on Gongrentiyuchang Xilu. Continue walking south to the French Cultural Centre (1), where you’ll find a library full of French magazines, newspapers, movies and books. Watch a film with French or Chinese subtitles at one of the viewing stations. In addition, the center has a wellstocked bookshop with an extensive collection of French books, a movie theater (check their website for upcoming films), and a cafe serving croissants (RMB 8) and other snacks.

Enter through the south gate of Workers’ Stadium to reach the next stop: Blue Zoo Beijing (2). Explore the 7,800sqm aquarium, with over 6,000 species of marine creatures, including sharks, piranhas, starfish and lobsters. Within the aquarium’s underwater walkway, watch out for the occasional scuba diver, as well as turtle and shark feedings and the mermaid and water ballet shows. Check the timetable to avoid missing any of the action!

Swing around the Workers’ Stadium towards the East Gate and grab a quick bite to eat at Stadium Dog (3). At the toppings bar, accentuate your hot dog and nachos with cheese, salsa, olives, sour cream, mustard and more.

Next, head out of Workers’ Stadium East Gate and let your kids run wild at Fundazzle (4). This indoor activity center consists of a large play area, complete with a ball pit, slides, tunnels, a two-story jungle gym and an area for toddlers. One round costs RMB 50 per child and lasts for three hours. It is free for parents on weekdays and costs RMB 15 on weekends and holidays. The center also has a considerable collection of toy stands at the entrance.

After playtime, find your way back to Gongrentiyuchang Xilu and swing by Pizza Buona (5), where the family can refuel with some hearty American-style pizza for lunch. Located beside Hotel G, Pizza Buona offers a wide variety of tasty thick crust pizzas (including the classic pepperoni and an extra cheesy cheese pizza), salads, soups, and sides. Pies come in sizes of 9, 12 and 16 inches and prices start around RMB 40. The restaurant also provides a great free delivery service (call for delivery areas), so pick up a delivery menu on the way out.

Once you’ve satisfied your pizza craving, cross back towards Workers’ Stadium and get active at Gongti 100 (6), which is home to a whopping 100 bowling lanes. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, this is something that the whole family can enjoy. Each game costs RMB 40 per person, and there is a charge of RMB 5 for renting shoes, which are required.

If everyone is still up for it, finish the day with a delicious crepe at Jaya Crepes (7) in Sanlitun Village South. Walk east along Gongrentiyuchang Beilu until you come to Sanlitun Lu. Located in the basement, Jaya Crepes has a mouth-watering selection of both sweet and savory, and hot and cold crepes. Prices start at RMB 20. If you’re not keen on shopping, exit Sanlitun Village and head back along Gongrentiyuchang Beilu towards Tuanjiehu subway station (Line 10).

French Cultural Centre 法国文化中心
Daily 9am-6pm. Monthly fee: RMB 50, RMB 25 (students). 1/F, Guangcai International Mansion, 18 Gongrentiyuchang Xilu (6553 2627) 朝阳区工体西路18号

Blue Zoo Beijing 富国海底世界
Daily 8am-7.30pm (summer), daily 8.30am-6.30pm (winter). RMB 90, RMB 60 (kids under 12), free (kids under 1m). Scuba diving show 8-9am, 1-2pm; Turtle feeding 9.40-9.50am; Shark feeding 9.50-10am; Shark show 10.10-10.30am, 2.30-2.50pm; Ocean show 10.30-10.50am, 2-2.20pm; Mermaid show 11-11.10am, 1.30-1.40pm, 3-3.10pm, 4-4.10pm; Water ballet 11.10-11.20am, 1.40-1.50pm, 3.10-3.20pm, 4.10-4.20pm. Worker’s Stadium South Gate, Chaoyang District (6591 3397) 朝阳区工人体育场南门

Stadium Dog
Daily 10am-2am. Gate 10, Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District (6546 8364) 朝阳区工体东路工人体育场东门内10号进口

Fundazzle 翻斗乐
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. RMB 50 for children (for 3 hours), RMB 15 for adults (weekends). Gongrentiyuchang Nanlu (6593 6208) 朝阳区工体南路

Pizza Buona 百好乐
Daily 10.30am-midnight. 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District (6551 3518) 朝阳区工体西路7号

Gongti 100 工体100
Daily 12pm-11pm. RMB 40 per game, RMB 5 for shoe rental. 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District (6552 2688) 朝阳区工体西路6号

Jaya Cafe 三轩茶屋
Mon-Thu 11.30am-11pm, Fri-Sun 11.30ammidnight. SLG53, B1/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6416 2966) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区地下1层SLG53

This article is excerpted from beijingkids April 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Some 50 kilometers to the northwest of Beijing, the great Yanshan mountain range parts abruptly like a theater curtain, opening into an enclosed basin of around 40 sqkm of peaceful, scenic countryside. When the great Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle arrived here early in the 15th century, he realized that he had at last found the ideal place for himself and his successors to practice rutu wei’an (入土为安), a traditional Chinese funeral practice. Over the next two centuries, a total of 13 imperial mausoleums (or shisanling 十三陵) were completed in the valley. The complex has in modern times undergone considerable restoration work, and while only three of the tombs are now open to public view, a visit to the site provides
an insight into the styles and obsessions of the age, as well as making for a pleasant day out in a picturesque valley away from the busy central suburbs.

Sacred Way 神道
Almost better known than the tombs themselves is the Sacred Way, the 7km pathway leading to the central tomb that was the official approach for the imperial coffins. In the middle of what is now an isolated field, visitors will find a large marble paifang gate, composed of six pillars and five entrances. This is the first of three archways, which were constructed in 1540. They are the largest of their kind that exists in China today. Following paifang is the Great Red Gate, or dahongmen.

A short walk leads to the Shengong Shengde Stele Pavilion, which houses a great stele (an upright stone pillar bearing an inscription) resting on the back of an enormous tortoise. Beyond the pavilion stands an odd but fascinating series of six animals and human statues on either side of the path.

Find out more here

This post first appeared here on April 18, 2012.

Photos: archive

Officially known as Sun Park, Chaoyang Park is a picturesque, action-packed getaway sandwiched between Sanlitun and Fourth Ring Road. This kid-friendly haven covers a whopping 288 hectares and has a lake, outdoor swimming pool and beach, and an amusement park with roller coasters, bumper cars, and a 4D movie theater. Pack your swim trunks, sunscreen, a picnic blanket, and your favorite treats – now is the perfect time to enjoy one of Beijing’s greenest spots.

To reach Chaoyang Park, take the subway to Tuanjiehu subway station (exit B). Head east for 10 minutes, make a left on Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu and walk north to Chaoyang West Gate 3. Follow the signs to the Waterfront and Island Boat Dock (1). The dock has boats of all shapes and sizes, including yellow taxi cabs and army tanks. Prices start at RMB 40 per hour (plus a RMB 200 deposit) for a pedal boat and go up to RMB 90 for the ultra-cool laser warship that can fit four people. If you don’t fancy taking part yourself, there is a nearby grassy area that overlooks the lake, where you can enjoy the view.

To cool off, head east to Chaoyang Park Water World (2), a 250,000sqm water park with an artificial beach. Swimmers can lounge around on the sand or play beach volleyball. Exit the water park and head towards the Amusement Area, and you will soon arrive at a large grassy area (3) perfect for family picnics. Food in the park is limited to fangbian mian (instant noodles), chips, hot dogs, burgers and ice cream, so remember to pack a healthy lunch. While you’re eating, indulge in some people-watching; you’re bound to spot some kite flyers and other families here.

After lunch, walk straight along the path towards the Amusement Area. You’ll come across the Happy Monkey Tree Top Adventure Park (4), where kids can run wild in an elevated obstacle course with ziplines and climbing frames. Depending on the course, prices range from RMB 80 to RMB 240. Note that there are a number of courses suitable for different age ranges, but all kids must be at least 1.1m tall to take part. Rest easy – the adventure park features a fully-trained staff and follows European standards for its tree-top obstacle courses.

After “monkeying” around for a bit, cross the small bridge nearby and follow signs for the Amusement Park (5). This is an extensive area packed with rides for all ages. From classic bumper cars to more nerve-racking rollercoaster rides, this place has it all. Rides range from RMB 15 to RMB 30 per person (the latter are designed for older kids and require a stronger stomach than the RMB 15 rides). The area also has several snack stands and a small selection of Chinese eateries. Treats like cotton candy and hot dogs cost RMB 10 each. When you’ve had enough excitement, cool off in the air-conditioned 4D movie theater with a selection of Chinese-only short films.

The last stop is the Sony ExploraScience Centre (6) located near Chaoyang Park’s South Gate. The three-storey center has interactive games, activities, and educational programs split into four sections: illusion, refraction, light, and sound. Live science shows in Chinese only take place throughout the day.

Finally, head back towards the West Gate exit and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu. Choose from Chinese, Vietnamese (Muse), Korean and Italian cuisine (Annie’s and Alio Olio). Or, pick up some groceries at Jenny Lou’s before heading home to cook a family meal.

Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园
RMB 5, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 6.30am- 9pm. 1 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6595 3490) www.sun-park.com 朝阳公园南路1号

Waterfront and Island Boat Dock 游船
RMB 40-100 (pedal boat), RMB 90 (laser warship), RMB 60 (battery boat). All rentals subject to RMB 200 deposit. Daily 6am-9pm (6506 5409)

Chaoyang Park Water World 朝阳公园水世界
RMB 120 (weekends), RMB 80 (weekdays), free for kids under 1.2m. Mon-Fri 9.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-9.30pm. (6591 5258)

Happy Monkey Tree Top Adventure Park 快乐猩猩
RMB 50-240 (depending on attraction). Daily 9am-9pm (summer). 200 m from Chaoyang Park East Gate 7 (400 699 2909, 8447 7369) www.kuailexingxing.cn 朝阳区东四环中路朝阳东七门内200米

Amusement Park 朝阳公园游乐场
Near Chaoyang Park South Gate (6506 6339) 近朝阳公园南门

4D Movie Theater 4D电影院
RMB 25. Daily 9am-5pm. Inside Chaoyang Park (135 2079 3810) 朝阳公园内

Sony ExploraScience 索尼探梦科普乐园
RMB 30 (adults), RMB 20 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Closed on the second Mon and Tue of each month. 200m from Chaoyang Park South Gate (6501 8800) www.sony.com.cn/ses/index.html 朝阳公园南路1号朝阳公园南门内200米

Muse Parisian Vietnamese Brasserie 妙巴黎越南小吃
Daily 10am-11pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6586 3188) 农展南路1号朝阳公园西门

Annie’s 安妮意大利餐厅
Daily 11am-11pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6591 1931) www.annies.com.cn 朝阳区朝阳公园西路（朝阳公园西门）

Alio Olio 艾利欧意大利餐厅
Daily 11am-10.30pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6594 0938) www.alioolio.com 朝阳区朝阳公园西门

Jenny Lou’s 婕妮璐
Daily 8am-midnight. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6501 6249) www.jennylou.com.cn 朝阳区朝阳公园西门南侧

This article is excerpted from beijingkids Jun/Jul 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Freshly relocated from Shuangjing to Soho Shangdu, Italian eatery Meeting Point serves a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes with Abruzzese flair in Soho Shangdu. Choose from family favorites such as spaghetti bolognese (RMB 46) or spicy tomato penne all’arrabiata (RMB 38). Pizza options include a tropical Hawaiian pizza (RMB 52) with stringy mozzarella cheese, bacon, and juicy pineapple. The menu also offers a variety of fresh salads and soups like the delicious creamy mushroom soup (RMB 28). Round off the meal with one of their desserts, like the chocolate mousse cake (RMB 28). With a selection of hearty Italian food, a welcoming environment, and friendly wait staff, Meeting Point is a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Daily 11am-10pm. 2208, 2/F Soho Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5869 9469) 朝阳区东大桥路8阿訇SOHO尚都2层2208

This article is excerpted from beijingkids Jun/Jul 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Aslak Grinsted (left)

Helen Holland
Where are you from?
Australia
What do you do?
I’m a school nurse at the British School of Beijing (BSB).
How many children do you have?
Four: Jessica (7), Ryan (4), Mason (18) – all students at BSB – and Blake (20).
How long have you been living in Beijing?
One year
When the weather’s gloomy, where’s the best place to play indoors?
Beijing Planetarium or All Star Champion Skating Club.
What about outdoors?
Beijing Botanical Garden
What’s your favorite little known gem in Beijing?
Hot springs around the city and Butterfly Valley.
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
We love all of the shops in Houhai.

Tim Lyddiatt (left)
Where are you from?
The UK
What do you do?
I’m a journalist.
How many children do you have?
One: Seren (3 months).
How long have you been living in Beijing?
We live in Qingdao at the moment, but we’re moving here in two months.
What’s the best thing about summer in Beijing?
The best thing is going to all the parks.
What’s the best place to play outdoors?
Chaoyang Park
What’s your favorite little known gem in Beijing?
We love Middle Eastern restaurant 1,001 Nights.
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
The shops in Houhai.
Where is your kid’s outfit from?
Tesco in the UK.

Kate Axup
Where are you from?
Australia
What do you do?
I’m a lawyer.
How many children do you have?
Two: Bridget (9) and Harry (8), both students at Beijing City International School.
How long have you been living in Beijing?
Four months
Where’s the best place to get hot weather treats?
Cold Stone Creamery
When the weather’s gloomy, where’s the best place the play indoors?
We like to browse for books at Page One.
What about outdoors?
Ritan Park
What’s your favorite little known gem in Beijing?
Pekotan at Central Park
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
The pet market in Sanlihe.

This article is excerpted from beijingkids Jun/Jul 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Near the Beijing Zoo subway station in Haidian District is an unexpected oasis of exotic animals and aquatic creatures. From pandas to giraffes and dolphins to stingrays, the Beijing Zoo and Beijing Aquarium are right next door to each other. Founded in 1906, the Beijing Zoo covers a massive 86 hectares and houses over 5,000 animals of around 450 different species; no wonder the zoo welcomes over 5 million visitors every year! Beijing Aquarium is just as impressive, being the largest inland aquarium in the world; it is home to over 1,000 marine species and freshwater fish. So take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Beijing’s busy streets to explore this amazing sanctuary with the whole family.

To begin your animal adventure, take exit C at Beijing Zoo subway station (Line 4), which emerges right outside the east entrance of the zoo. To save trouble and money, buy a combined ticket for the zoo and aquarium from the ticket stand for RMB 130. Pick up one of the free maps located just inside the entrance to avoid missing out on any of the action.

Begin your exploration of the zoo by taking the entrance to the left to spot some giraffes, amphibians, and reptiles. From there, proceed straight ahead across the moon bridge (月桥) towards the Children’s Education and Conservation Center (1). The center provides an interactive environment for kids to learn more about the history of the zoo, as well as its many animals. There is also an arcade and on Saturdays, there are educational classes on animals for 4- to 6-year-olds (RMB 10 per person). After you’ve had a quick tour of the center, stop off at the gift shop before making your way out.

Next, turn right and follow signs leading straight ahead to take you to the Giraffes (2). Here, you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants as you watch them in their playpen, so don’t forget to bring your camera! If just watching the giraffes isn’t enough, you can feed them for RMB 5.

Once you’ve finished feeding the giraffes, carry on straight ahead for a short distance and on the right, you will see the Children’s Zoo (3). For a charge of RMB 10, you can explore the pony garden and feeding zone to get closer to some more of the fascinating animals. There is also a farmhouse zone, a bird garden, as well as a cat and dog zone – where you can even walk a dog (starting at RMB 30).

Continue your exploration with the Golden Monkey House, Chimpanzee House, and the Penguin House. Follow the signs for the Giant Panda (4) until you arrive at the ticket stand. For RMB 5 per ticket, you can make your way through the large area, which is home to a variety of pandas. In the outdoor area, you can watch pandas eating, playing, and lazing around in the sun. Make your way around the panda area until you arrive at the exit, where you will find another souvenir shop with panda teddy bears to take home.

Next, follow signs for the Beijing Aquarium (5), past the Pheasant Garden and Nocturnal Animals House, until you can see the large white building. Around this area, you can refuel with a hot dog (RMB 10) or popcorn at one of the snack stands by the entrance. Head into the aquarium, stopping first at the Rainforest Adventure (6). There are some exotic types of fish, such as the South American freshwater stingray and catfish; you can feed the fish for RMB 10.

Make your way through the seven areas of the aquarium to take a look at the vast array of aquatic life on display, from the huge sturgeons in the Chinese Sturgeon Hall, to the adorable dolphins in the Whale and Dolphin Discovery. Once exploring has taken its toll, make a stop at the Food Court Area (7), located between the Whale and Dolphin Discovery and the Marine Mammal Pavilion. Indulge in some hearty fast food-style meals, including a variety of burgers (around RMB 12), fries, hot dogs, and drinks.

Finally, end your underwater exploration at the Marine Mammal Pavilion (8), where you can catch one of the four daily dolphin and sea lion shows. Show times change daily, so check the performance schedule located just outside the arena. If you’re not quite ready to take in the full atmosphere of the sea at the show, then sit a few rows back from the front to avoid getting splashed! Before heading home, there is a gift shop downstairs if you still haven’t managed to pick up any souvenirs along the way.

Beijing Zoo 北京动物园
RMB 15, RMB 8 (students). RMB 130 (includes aquarium). Daily 7.30am-6pm (summer), 7.30am-5pm (winter). 137 Baishiqiao Lu, Xizhimenwai Dajie, Haidian District (6839 0274) www.bjzoo.com 海淀区西外大街白石桥路137号

Children’s Education and Conservation Centre 科普馆
Free. Additional RMB 10 for educational classes: Sat 11am-noon and 1-2pm.

Children’s Zoo 小动物爱心俱乐部
RMB 10. Daily 9am-5pm.

Giant Panda House 大熊猫馆
RMB 5, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 8am-6pm.

Beijing Aquarium 北京海洋馆
RMB 130 (includes zoo), RMB 60 (kids under 18), free (kids under 1.2m). Daily 9am-5pm (6217 6655) www.bj-sea.com

This article is excerpted from beijingkids May 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Crêpanini 可百尼尼
Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Unit A110, 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District (5208 6092/93) 朝阳区三里屯北街8 1 号那里花园1 层A110

This article is excerpted from beijingkids May 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Liu Wei

Cassie Jin
Where are you from?
China
What do you do?
I’m a designer.
How many kids do you have?
One; he is 6 years old and attends Beijing Huijia Kindergarten.
How long have you been living in Beijing?
10 years
Where’s the best place to get hot weather treats?
T.G.I. Friday’s
Best place the play outdoors:
Ritan Park
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
Any of the shops at The Place
Where is your son’s outfit from?
Adidas
What’s the best thing about spring in Beijing? What’s the worst?
The best are the plants and flowers blooming; the worst is the air quality.

Han Petry
Where are you from?
Belgium
What do you do?
I’m a housewife and the co-founder of Mon Petit Magasin.
How many kids do you have?
Two: Alice (10) and Lucie (7), both students at the Canadian International School of Beijing.
How long have you been living in Beijing?
Almost four years
Best place to play outdoors:
The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
What’s your favorite gem in Beijing?
Wuhao (5号) in Mao’er Hutong
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
My daughters love to go to Hongqiao Market.
Where is your daughter’s outfit from?
Her jacket and shoes are from Catimimi and Le Coq Sportif in Belgium.

Irmela Breitung
Where are you from?
Germany
What do you do?
I work for a multinational company.
How many kids do you have?
Two. They’re 8 and 3, and attend the German Embassy School.
How long have you been living in Beijing?
Three years
Best place to get hot weather treats: Splash Recreation Club at the Sino-Swiss Hotel.
When the weather’s gloomy, where is the best place to play indoors?
At home or the indoor playground at Si’de Park.
What’s the most interesting shop you’ve come across?
We love to look around the shops in 798 Art District.
Where is your son’s outfit from?
His jacket is from Germany, his t-shirt is from H&M, and his jeans and shoes are from Sunny Gold Market.

This article is excerpted from beijingkids May 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.

Mark your calendar! On Sunday May 20 in Central Park, Hummingbird Spa, China Breast Cancer Foundation and Savills Property Services (Beijing) come together to bring us a one-day charity event. The event will feature food stalls, games, art, clothing, a garage sale and a lucky draw where you will have a chance to win I-phones, hotel stays, restaurant vouchers and Health Club Memberships. There will also be mini-lectures on breast health, free breast examinations and professional consultations available throughout the day.

In China, one woman dies of breast cancer every twelve minutes & breast cancer has become the number one cause of death of adult women in urban areas.
All funds raised will be donated to the China Breast Cancer Foundation’s various projects. The event hopes to raise RMB 100,000 to aid at least 5 less fortunate women to receive treatment.

Starts at 1pm noon. Ends at 5pm.

More details in our Event section here.

Photo by ymc_photos via Flickr