Remember the weary day you dragged the kids off that dreaded long-haul flight and tumbled headlong and wide-eyed into the capital of China? Probably all too well. Whether you’ve just arrived or are about to leave Beijing, have fallen in love with the city or are aching for home shores, there is one thing for certain: Living in Beijing is a completely unique experience, one that passes far too quickly, especially for youngsters.

Preserve and celebrate your child’s time in Beijing by using these simple, whimsical memory-keeping ideas. These projects are fast and easy but will be treasured for a lifetime, and all are perfect farewell gifts for friends leaving Beijing.

Visual Journals

This idea is particularly good for older kids. The journal can be used for any subject – travel, a school trip, special experiences and events. If your child is a diary-writer, it could simply be a daily account of Beijing life.

Using a spiral-bound journal, gather together bits and pieces: tickets, postcards, stickers, letters, invitations, photos and other memorabilia. Kids can paste them into the journal and title each page, adding their own drawings, designs and thoughts.

Have your child decorate the front of the journal or wrap it in Chinese wrapping paper, using double-sided tape.

Scrap Book

For younger and older kids alike, this scrapbook idea is also perfect for the family in general. Using a large scrapbook, have your children create a title page – perhaps “Our China Adventure” or “My Life in Beijing” or “A Mandarin Odyssey.” Decorate the exterior or wrap it in Chinese paper.

A scrapbook is really just that: a book for scrapping and storing of memorabilia. Paste in anything and everything that will lie flat, including photos, and don’t be afraid to layer your pages. You can label certain pages if you like or just periodically record the date as you go. Have kids contribute to this book regularly and watch it grow fat with priceless memories.

Friendship Book

Just like a visitor’s book in the doorway of a country manor, this allows kids to revisit their friendships when they return home to ‘real’ life.

Use a small book, title it and have the kids decorate the cover. Have them collect mementos from their friends to paste inside – notes, cards and photos work perfectly. They can also have their friends write messages and autograph the inside.

Another idea is to catalogue friendships by entering friends in the book, bio-style. Add photos, stories of fun times together, drawings, descriptions of friends and a list of their favorite things.

Some ideas for a friend’s bio page:
My friend:
Age:
Nationality:
Favorite color:
Favorite food:
Favorite thing about Beijing:

Window Box

All you need for this 3D project is your memorabilia and a deep picture frame (available at IKEA, or you can have one made at a framer’s shop).

Print off a photo of your child. You can cover the entire background of the frame with their picture, or you can crop it and add your own clip art and text around the photo using decorative paper or even your childís artwork. You can also add clip art to the inside of the glass for a real 3D effect.

Once the background and photo are in place, allow your child to add their own mementos, toys or souvenirs to the front of the picture, layering them for visual interest.

These frames are great because the memento can be changed around. You could do one for each season of the child’s first year in Beijing ñ kicking amber autumn leaves, skating on Houhai, sniffing pink blossoms and running through a water fountain. You could also do several of their favorite Beijing places.

Concertina Cards

These cards are quick and easy and make for great gifts. From a large piece of cardstock (available at markets and art supply stores), cut a long strip at least 12cm wide. Fold into a concertina strip, making a sharp crease along the edges. If desired, you can trim the card into a circle or give it rounded corners.

Kids can put a title on their card and then paste in photos of their favorite Beijing places, things, events, pastimes, friends or even travels. Use colored paper, stickers, red tassels, hongbao and other flat decorations. You can also print off quotes to paste in, or have your child write in it, adding their own personal touch.

Fast Photo Books

Make quick and easy photo books that kids can use as brag books or as an excuse to revisit their memories. They can be photos of school events, travels, parties – the list is endless.

Pile a stack of photos on top of each other and cut two pieces of card to serve as a front and back cover. All photos and card must be exactly the same size. Line up the left-hand edges so they are perfectly aligned and clamp the photos together with bulldog (aka binder) clips. Brush this left-hand edge of the photos with a thick layer of craft glue and allow to dry for at least eight hours. Undo clips and decorate your front cover with a title, stickers and other embellishments.

Memory Picture

Print a large (at least 20x25cm) black-and-white picture of a Beijing street scene – the hutongs in summer, Houhai lake in winter, the Great Wall or your child’s favorite place. You could also print one of your child’s special interests.

Using a color photo of your child, cut out their head and hair neatly. Their face itself should measure at least 4x4cm.

Now think about the ‘body’ you can use for your child. Is your child into sports? Are they a dancer? Do they like to hike? Decide on your theme and scour the Internet for pictures (preferably drawings, artwork or clipart) that you can print off and cut out.

Glue the body and face of your child onto stiff cardboard and cut out carefully. Using double-sided thick foam tape (available at local markets), place your child into their Beijing scene. The tape raises your child up against the black-and-white photograph, giving them a fantastic 3D effect.

Take your finished picture to a framer and have it matted and framed simply. This makes a unique and very special memento of your child for many years to come.

This article was originally posted on beijingkids.com on January 15, 2008

Getting There
Bus: Take Bus 588 to the Xiedao Dongmen stop; or Bus 418, 909 to the Xiedao stop and then follow the signs labeled "Xiedao," head north 600 meters.
Car: Take the Weigou Exit off the Airport Expressway and follow the signs labeled "Xiedao." Parking is free.
City Seaview 蟹岛绿色生态度假村
Daily 9am-8pm. RMB 60, RMB 40 for children under 1.4m; an additional RMB 1 for insurance. (Entry into Crab Island is free.) 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District (8433 9689, 8433 9191, cityhj@sina.com) www.cityseaview.net (Chinese only)朝阳区蟹岛路1号

Beidaihe
Not too far from Beijing, Beidahe is an oasis of sandy dandy fun in the sun; it’s has been a favorite getaway of China’s highest-ranking officials since the 1950s, including Mao Zedong. Boasting yellow sandy beaches, convenience, and a colorful history as the perfect picturesque retreat for backroom deals, Beidaihe is probably the most famous ocean resort town in China.
Life in this once-quiet fishing village on Bohai Bay was forever altered by the arrival of laowai in the late 19th century seeking relief from the heat of Beijing and Tianjin. The foreigners built bungalows and golf courses and, to the bemused surprise of locals, bathed in the ocean.
There’s a reason Beidaihe’s unofficial motto is "lick ice lollies by day – crunch crab shells by night!" From boat and bike rentals to seafood and people-watching, Beidaihe has all the essential elements of a beach adventure. The main public area of the beach can be lit up for safer night swimming, and during the day there are several kilometers of beach to explore. Be warned: Beidaihe is very crowded during the peak summer tourist season (June through August).
Owing to Beidaihe’s fame and popularity, the surrounding region has been built up with tourist attractions – ranging from classic and cheesy to magnificent. Aside from the beach, you can take your brood to any one of the many shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, and amusement areas. For example, the Jade Snail Tower Bar Park (碧螺塔酒吧公园) is widely renowned as the most sumptuous snail tower bar park on Earth.
Beidaihe is about an hour away by bus from Shanhaiguan (the eastern end of the Great Wall), so visiting both places in one weekend is fabulously plausible. If you need some respite from the crowds, Qinhuangdao City, a short bus ride away, boasts a large port as well as plenty of other swimming locales. South of Beidaihe is the intuitively named town of Nandaihe. Compared to its neighbor, Nandaihe offers seaside at marginally cheaper rates, with marginally less intense crowds. However, for those hoping to follow Mao Zedong’s footsteps in the sand, Beidaihe is the place.
Every single building is a hotel, some fancier than others. If you like to shop around, you might be able to make a deal. If you like to plan ahead, there are a few websites you can use to reserve rooms in advance. Visit www.chinahotelsreservation.com/Beidaihe or
www.beidaihe.org (Chinese only).

Getting There
Bus: Long-distance buses run directly to Beidaihe from the Lizeqiao and Bawangfen bus stations. In the high season there are direct buses from Beijing Railway Station every hour.
Train: Thirteen trains connect Beijing Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station to Beidaihe every day from 0.28am to 8.54pm.
Car: Take Jingshen Expressway to Beidaihe Exit.

Qingdao
This Shandong coastal city is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike who seek a refreshing swim in the sweltering summer months. Qingdao was and still remains a major seaport, naval base and industrial center. The city was occupied by the German navy from 1897 until 1914. That country’s influence is still visible in Qingdao, from its European architecture to China’s cold, perspiring Tsingtaos.
Qingdao was also the location of the 2008 Olympic sailing events, but currently, its main allure is Number One Beach (第一浴场), a 580m expanse of yellow sand. However, this beach is often the most crowded. If that’s the case, head to one of Qingdao’s five other smaller, but more secluded beaches.
Kid-friendly attractions include two aquariums, the Qingdao Underwater World (also known as Qingdao Aquarium) and Polar Ocean World. The latter is newer and is dedicated to polar marine animals: polar bears, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and seals. For an additional fee, kids can feed the seals or have their picture taken with a dolphin. Folks traveling to Qingdao between June and September should visit Laoshan Mountain, home of the well-maintained Taiqing Palace Taoist Temple.
Qingdao has great food options, ranging from fresh, abundant seafood to excellent Western food. For accommodations, reserve a room at family-recommended Zhan Qiao Prince Hotel or the Crowne Plaza, which has a swimming pool.

Getting there: A 75-minute flight from Beijing.

Sanya
This famous sandy 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 the extensive Jianfengling Nature Reserve (which shows off the jungle that once covered Hainan) and the Nantian Hot Spring Resort – an oasis of relaxing hot springs and gardens with hammocks, a perfect playground for kids. 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.
Local supermarkets sell great snacks and beach toys for a fraction of the resort prices. The Yalong Bay Central Plaza will delight parents and little ones alike with its Shell Museum. The nearby Butterfly Valley will also entrance the kids. For a delicious meal, dive in to a serving of Hainan chicken rice, which is a hit with kids. Also try giant prawns, hot off the barbecue, and don’t miss having a fresh coconut on the beach!

Getting there: A four-hour flight from Beijing.

This town in central Yunnan combines natural beauty with exotic local flavor. Dali has a striking physical location and an interesting history as a former capital. The Bai people have inhabited the area for thousands of years, and their cultural influence is immediately evident in the food and romantic legends of the region.
If your family is feeling adventurous, renting bikes is a great way to explore the area and avoid the tour buses. Since the town is small, it’s no hard task to navigate its thin, cobblestone roads and ancient walls. Its small-town charm has attracted a fair-sized foreign community, which means that decent Western cuisine such as pizza, coffee and pancakes can easily be found. History aficionados will find the Dali museum and its three main pagodas particularly interesting, while hikers can explore Mt. Cangshan – an exquisite mountain famous for strange cloud formations. The nearby Erhai Lake, one of the seven largest lakes in China, is surrounded by tiny villages.

Minorities Rule: Visit the Bai and Yi villages, where families can walk through rice fields, lunch on boats, relax in a local courtyard, browse local markets or enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

What to Buy: Minority clothing is a specialty, along with marble, jewelry and tablecloths – all at great prices. Try some traditional Bai snacks and treats on Foreigner Street.

Where to Stay: Jim’s Tibetan Hotel in the old town is a good choice for families. It’s decorated in the Tibetan style and has great Western breakfasts (0872 267 7824, www.jims-tibetan-hotel.com). For a guided tour, try China Minority Travel (www.china-travel.nl).

Where to Snack: Findaaing a small cafe isn’t difficult, but Sweet Tooth on Boai Lu is a favorite among the local expats. One bite of a chocolate chip cookie from this quaint shop will make you forget you’re in China. The cafe also supports the local deaf community.

Travel Tips: Having a local guide is priceless because you get the chance to see how people really live – looking inside their houses, viewing schools and local places that you would never find by yourself.

Getting there: Four-hour flight from Beijing to Kunming, then catch a flight or a 3-hour bus ride to Dali.

Xi’an

As the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, Xi’an is a city rich with history – and with numerous tourist attractions, it’s easy to navigate with a family. The thousands-strong Terracotta Army is a sight sure to enthrall adults and children alike (the largest pit holds around 6,000 warriors and horses). The city also boasts early imperial tombs, a thriving Muslim Quarter and a nearby Neolithic village, in addition to the majestic cliffs of Huashan Mountain.

Where to Stay: The four-star Bell Tower Hotel (29 8760 0000, www.belltowerhtl.com) is highly recommended. Request a room that overlooks the Bell Tower – the exact geographical center of Xi’an. Markets, shops, the fascinating Muslim quarter and the ancient city walls are all within walking distance.

What to Eat: Loud and bustling Huimin Jie in the Muslim quarter behind the Drum Tower is packed with restaurants and stalls serving local specialties like lamb skewers. There are also child-friendly Western options, such as the ubiquitous McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Off the Wall: Families can take part in a bike tour around the City Wall (29 8208 2218, www.xa-cq.com). The ride is nice and flat and takes about an hour, though it can get hot and dusty.

Best Splurge: If traveling by train, deluxe-class sleepers are great. The upgraded seats feature a spotless Western-style toilet and washbasin ensuite, a comfy easy chair and an adjustable climate and sound system. The buffet car can get smoky, however, so families should stock up on provisions before boarding the train.

Getting There: One hour and 40 minute flight from Beijing.

Chishui

Almost a thousand years ago, Chishui was a strategic port city involved in the lucrative salt trade. Although located in Guizhou, this river town is closer to Sichuan province historically, culturally, geographically and economically. Get your bearings with a stroll around the city, being sure to take in the riverside along Hebin Lu. You can head straight to Sichuan by crossing the river or take the kids to enjoy the rare exhilaration of being in two provinces at the same time, with a foot on either side at the middle of the bridge. 
The Communists’ legendary Long March also involved a notable adventure around this river. In an attempt to shake off the pursuing Guomindang, the Communists crossed and re-crossed the Chishui river a total of four times as they battled hither and thither. History buffs can re-trace Mao’s footsteps, commemorated at each of the four fording spots, scattered around the region.

Where to Stay: The nicest option in Chishui city is Zhongyue Hotel (中悦大酒店), a clean and comfortable four-star stalwart (0852 282 3888/5999). Mid-range options are abundant, though quality varies. For a rural experience, check out Chishui Electric Power Hotel (赤水电力宾馆), situated near some of the region’s most famous scenic areas and within walking distance of Yanziyan National Park and Shizhangdong Waterfalls. It features villa-style lodgings and a riverside terrace (0852 299 5555).

What to Eat: Chishui restaurants specialize in many delicious bamboo dishes, including fresh bamboo shoots stir-fried with bacon (zhusun chao la rou), stewed dried bamboo (tongtong zhu), and a "Panda Feast" (xiongmao yan) – a bamboo-themed banquet perfect for larger parties.

Parks Galore: Chishui has lush forests due to abundant rainfalls and has a rich array of parks. The noble sala tree (桫椤), which dates back to the time of the dinosaurs, is particularly numerous in the Shaluo National Preservation Area (赤水桫椤国家级自然保护区. RMB 25). Nearby is Chishui’s Bamboo Ocean (竹海, RMB 25), a protected forest where mighty stalks of nanzhu (楠竹), one of the world’s thickest and tallest bamboo species, nod and sway in the breeze as far as the eye can see in every direction. (The parks mentioned above are free for children under 1.3 meters tall and half-price for students with valid ID. Aside from Shizhangdong, which is open only in the morning, all parks are open from dawn to dusk.)

Site to Remember: Wuzhufeng (五柱峰, RMB 80) deserves a whole day of exploration. The curious red rocks (danxia 丹霞) here are officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of this sublime assortment of geological formations may be an enormous, breathtaking arc of red rock wall (佛光岩丹霞绝壁) – a natural amphitheater lightly tickled by a waterfall.
Getting There: Three-hour flight from Beijing to Luzhou, then a 2-hour drive to Chishui.

Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of this post.

The trek to Inner Mongolia may lead some travelers to question whether or not they are still in China. The flowing grasslands and desert expanses of this exotic land are a far cry from Beijing, and the capital city Hohhot offers exposure to mystic traditions and delicious cuisine. While organized tours are available in and around Hohhot, families with older children may want to visit more remote towns and villages. Spend a night in a traditional nomadic yurt and visit the mausoleum of Genghis Khan. Culture-seekers can soak up traditional Mongolian singing and dancing, while adventurers can try horse and camel riding. Due to the normally harsh climate in this part of the country, visiting between June and September is recommended.

The Route: Experience Mongolia’s magnificent landscape from a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Drive north via Fengning, then past Duolun, where only 4WD vehicles can venture. The truly adventurous can continue north through the southern reaches of the Gobi desert. A regular car is also fine, providing you don’t plan to go off the beaten track or into the desert. Brush up on your vehicle knowledge, and be sure to carry spare parts as well as a manual.

Camping Out: A pop-up tent that fits snugly on your 4WD roof is ideal, though a regular camping tent is also fine. Camping out may not suit those accustomed to comfort, but it does offer the breathtaking experience of sleeping under the stars. Remember: Stock up on food, water and toilet paper, good-quality sleeping bags, torches and a lamp. Local restaurants serve very basic fare, which includes mutton jiaozi and yak meat in strong and fibrous stews.

Sight to Remember: The serenity of the landscape – with nothing but the breeze in your hair, the hills on your horizon and a happy kid running across the Mongolian plains, chasing meandering cattle as he goes.

Getting There: One-hour flight from Beijing.

Tibet
 At 3,600 meters above sea level, nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. Its name means "place of the gods" and its remote snowcapped mountains make it a pristine, peaceful destination indeed. Spiritual sites of interest include the sacred Potala Palace, Johkang – the holiest place in Tibet – and Norbulingka. Home of the Dalai Lamas, Potala Palace lies in the center of Kyichu Valley, which divides Lhasa’s new and old towns. Norbulingka, or Jewel Park, is a stunning palace that was once the summer home to the 7th and 8th Dalai Lama. Its gardens are ideal for outdoor picnics and it plays host to various theater events and festivals. In August, people camp out for days in Norbulingka to celebrate Sho Dun, or the Yoghurt Festival. During the festival, tourists can expect to see traditional dancing and bonfires. While this trip is not recommended for young children, Tibet is a great country to explore for elementary and high school kids. A sense of adventure is a must.

Where to Stay: The Sheraton Hotel has friendly and helpful English-speaking staff. While there is no playground or pool, there is a nice outdoor patio. The central location is within walking distance of the old Tibetan part of town. Connecting rooms are a great option for families and the hotel has special discounts on meals for children.

Kid-Friendly Site: Children will love the zoo at Norbulingka. It originally housed animals that were given to the Dalai Lama and has recently adopted a snow leopard. Head to the Ganden Monastery, where lucky guests can befriend locals and get a taste of yak butter tea.

Travel Tips: Having a bilingual guide is helpful and will enrich your trip. If you take the train, beware of mediocre food and leaking toilets.

Getting there: 24-hour train ride from Xining or a five-hour flight from Beijing via Chengdu.

Chengdu

No stay in China is complete without a glimpse at the country’s most treasured animal, the giant panda, and Chengdu is just the place to do it. These magnificent creatures are becoming increasingly rare, so an opportunity to hold a baby panda would be an experience that the little ones will never forget.
Though pandas may be Chengdu’s biggest draw, the city itself has a lot to offer. This hub of Sichuan is much easier on the eyes than most of China’s more populous cities and is filled with charming side streets and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Numerous temple parks will impress with their green spaces, bamboo forests and Taoist pavilions.

Panda Experience: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (www.panda.org.cn). If you want assured panda interaction, travel to the Wolong Panda Research Station (www.pandaclub.cn), located 138km from Chengdu, but expect to pay a bit more.

Where to Hike: Try the hike up Qingcheng Mountain, which passes Taoist temples and wonderful views (the trek features many steps, so younger children may need to be carried). Stop at the restaurant for lunch, then take a ferry across the lake located a third of the way up the mountain (www.qcs.cn).

What to Eat: As the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is an ideal place to sample some of the country’s best hot pot (dishes can be adjusted for spiciness at most restaurants).

Getting There: Two hour and 40 minute flight from Beijing.

Don’t forget to check out Part 2 of this post.

Bake Away
Exquisite Bakery in Shunyi is your one-stop baking shop. You can pick up all the supplies you need to bake your own homemade creations, or sample some of their yummy in-house treats (we recommend the cupcakes). If you’re looking for an afternoon activity to occupy the children, book the kids into a cooking class, where they’ll decorate their own cakes and cupcakes. Ask them to bring some of their creations home to share with the family. Closed Jun 15-23. From Jul 10-Aug 10, open 9am-5pm. Shop 7, Riverville Square, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (6450 9838) 南炉, 顺义区天竺温榆广场07店

Hutong Cooking
Co-founded by two Australians, The Hutong offer­s Chinese culture classes in its charming Chinese teahouse facilities. The twice-weekly cooking class covers two or three dishes (Level I classes teach two dishes and also includes a market tour). Bilingual instructors ensure good engagement with the students, although classes can get crowded on weekends. Check online for a description of kids’ cooking classes available on Saturdays, such as learning how to make hand-pulled noodles or jiaozi. RMB 200, 150/child. Tue 10am-12.30pm and Sat 2-4pm; also available for private classes/events. Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong near Beixinqiao subway station. (8915 3613, www.the-hutong.com) 东城区九道弯中巷胡同 (北新桥地铁附近）

Cooking Classes for the Older Set
For adults who want to try their hand in the kitchen, try the cooking courses offers at the Hilton Beijing (near the Kempinski hotel). Cuisine ranges from Thai to Italian and each class provides history and background of cuisine, introduction to basic ingredients and preparation followed by a cooking demonstration. Dinner follows with soft drinks, wine and fruit included in the RMB 300 price. For classes in June and July, see Events.

Shake it Up
What better way to beat the heat than with an icy cool shake? These delicious drinks are packed with vitamins and fiber, plus a hidden super-food ingredient that blends in so well, the kids won’t even know it’s there! Each recipe below makes two servings.

Tutti Fruiti
• 1 cup chopped strawberries • ½ cup blueberries • 1½ cups sliced banana • 1¼ cups chopped pineapple • 1 cup ice cubes • Super Boost: 1 heaped tablespoon of tofu

Tofu is rich in iron, protein, calcium and the essential amino acids found in meats (but with no cholesterol). Blend fruits and tofu until smooth. Add ice cubes and pulse until liquefied. If you like your smoothies on the sweeter side, add honey to taste.

Orange Pudding
• ½ sachet (55g) powdered vanilla pudding mix • 2 apples, peeled and chopped • 1½ cups orange juice • 1 cup ice cubes • Super Boost: 1 tablespoon wheat germ

Wheat germ is almost a complete food – it contains more nutrients than any grain or vegetable, and more protein and iron per volume than most meats. Blend all ingredients. If your kids don’t mind pulp, use three peeled and seeded oranges instead of the juice, making sure to remove all the pith. Blend at high speed until liquefied.

Travelers: Steve and Sally McDonald, and kids Jenna (7) and Zack (5).

The Plan: This American family loves living in Beijing, but their hearts belong back home in San Antonio, Texas. Here’s a summer vacation trip to the McDonalds’ favorite spots in cowboy country.

 The Itinerary: The family arrived in San Antonio, Texas after a month-long city-hopping journey that started in Beijing and made stops in London, Manchester, Dublin, Tokyo and Minneapolis.

How to Plan: Beijing travel agencies such as Beijing Westminster Air Services (8527 6936 or itravel@hkwtl.com) can help plan round-the-world trips. Tickets start from around RMB 26,000, with four to five stopovers allowed. Kids aged 2 to 11 usually pay 75 percent of the adult fare.

Where to Stay: Sally recommends the Omni La Mansión del Rio for authentic San Antonio flair, or anywhere located along the River Walk downtown. An online search yields plenty of hotels to suit every budget.

Getting Around: Rental cars are the easiest way to get around town. There is no subway, but public transportation aboveground is extensive and inexpensive; a one-day pass for unlimited travel on all buses and streetcars costs only USD 3.75. Tickets are also available online.

Caliente Cuisine: Mexican food is muy delicioso, and San Antonio’s famous fare will delight the whole family. Sally recommends La Fonda, Mamacita’s and Los Barrios  for spicy meals with Mexican flavor. Be sure to try traditional fajitas, enchiladas and tacos, but Sally says chalupas and chimichangas shouldn’t be missed either. Cheese and bean tacos are the McDonald kids’ favorite, and adults may take a liking to the local margaritas. Visitors who don’t care for spicy food will enjoy the famous Texas BBQ. To find classic BBQ fare like pinto beans, brisket, creamed corn and spare ribs, head to Rudy’s.

What to Buy: Everyone will be happy at La Cantera, according to Sally. At this large outdoor shopping mall, stylish moms will love luxe department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, while the kids can haunt the children’s play area or chow down at the food hall. Cool Texan mementos to take home include cowhides, leather boots and, of course, the ubiquitous cowboy hat.

Wet and Wild: SeaWorld is great fun for the whole family, with shows like Pirates 4-D and plenty of opportunities to get wet on rides like the Texas Splashdown and Journey to Atlantis. Hold on tight when you ride the Great White loop-the-loop rollercoaster. Texan summers are sweltering, so water parks are the perfect way to cool down. Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, 40 minutes north of San Antonio, is well worth a day trip, according to the McDonalds. There are loads of water activities including slides, tubing, surfing machines and water playgrounds. Six Flags Fiesta Texas also houses a water park with family rides, kiddie rides and “super” rides like the Superman Krypton Coaster, which should have everyone screaming. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks.

Ranches and River Walks: Animal lovers should pay a visit to the San Antonio Zoo, which is a McDonald family favorite. It features a small kids zoo with a beach, train ride and butterfly house. Outdoorsy families will want to make a trip to Natural Bridge Caverns, where kids can wander deep into an underground world and see some marvels of nature. Older kids can even abseil on an adventure tour (). For the ultimate in Texas living, visit a ranch. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a wildlife safari experience, all in the comfort of your own car. Kids can feed the animals from their window, and there’s also a petting zoo and picnic area. San Antonio’s famous River Walk, which runs right through town, is an outdoors must-see. Stroll along the buzzing shoreline or take a dinner boat cruise.

Get into the Game: Basketball fans can cheer on the San Antonio Spurs – the McDonald family’s favorite NBA team – at the AT&T Center. In the fall, catch a football game with another Texan team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys and Indians: Remember the Alamo? It’s a must-see for history buffs – a historical mission where Texans fought Mexican troops in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Kids can peek down a cannon, see treasures like Davy Crockett’s original buckskin vest, and witness a live reenactment – check for dates online. For those interested in cowboys, witness that other must-see Texan institution – the rodeo. Time your visit for February, when rodeo season will be in full swing, with horse racing, bull riding and calf roping. Afterwards, hit Far West Rodeo (+1 210 646 9378) for some country music and some serious boot scootin’.

Scenic Daytrip: For their favorite Texan excursion, the McDonalds head to the gorgeous Hill Country a little more than an hour’s drive away. Fredericksburg is also a long-time favorite of the family, and there are B&Bs if you want to stay the night. You can pick famous Fredericksburg peaches from May through August and lap up the town’s Texan/German fusion food. If you prefer the ocean to the mountains, head to Port Aransas near Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast. Located less than three hours away, Port Aransas has long, wide beaches and, of course, the temperate Gulf sea. Tania McCartney

Nils-Arne Schroeder and Renate Lee-Schroeder know all about making homes in new places. The German and South Korean couple moves every few years as part of Nils’ work in the hospitality industry. After living in Malaysia and Namhae, South Korea, today Nils, Renate, and their kids Kyla, 5, and Kaden, 18 months, love their new life in Wangfujing.

Place for weekend fun

We go to the parks if weather permits. We find Chaoyang Park the easiest one for walking around with a baby stroller. Plus the kids love to run around on the grass, which is difficult to find
in Beijing.

Outdoor play space

Since we live so close to the Forbidden City, we like to stroll around the old hutongs by Wangfujing on the way to Tian’anmen Square.

Easy getaway

Singapore. It’s warm year-round and they’ve got a great zoo, night safari, aquarium, toy stores and bookstores for the kids, as well as fantastic shopping and restaurants for mom and dad.

Weekend ritual

Kyla has ballet and ice skating lessons on weekends, so we always go out for lunch afterward. We like to go to Vascos for Macanese food.

Kid’s clothing

We go to Zara Kids for Kyla and
Mothercare in Solana for Kaden.

Remedy for homesickness
It’s difficult to justify homesickness for our family, since all four of us were born and raised in different countries. We bring Kyla, who was born in Malaysia, to Awana on Ladies Street for authentic Malaysian food.

Toy shopping

We go to the toyshops on the fourth floor of the APM Mall, which includes a big Lego shop. There’s also a guy who performs magic for kids.

Good report card award

We take Kyla to her favorite ice cream shop Romana, located in the basement of APM Mall in Wangfujing. She can’t get enough of their strawberry and mango ice creams.

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When Feeling Homesick
We go to La Mansarde for dinner since we like the cozy environment, then we lunch at Café Peranakan, opposite the Russian Market.

Weekend Ritual
We have lunch at Matsuko Japanese
restaurant because our kids can’t get enough sashimi and sushi. Then we go cycling or read at Alliance Française.

Restaurant for a School Night
We go to Lau Pa Sak restaurant – the food reminds us of Malaysia. We love their nasi lemak, kuay tiau noodles or laksa all year long.Birthday

Celebration
We go to The Jaan at the Raffles hotel – the food is yummy.

Lazy Sunday Fun
We love watching DVDs with the kids after a busy week and ordering in from O Sole Mio – we love their salmon and cheese pizzas.

Favorite Toy Shop
We usually go to the Russian market and Hongqiao for the selection of toys, puzzles and puppets. The prices are reasonable – when you know how to bargain.

Rainy Day Activity
We stay home and play puzzles and read stories in French, English and Malay. No matter what, we have to watch Mickey and Donald or Dora the Explorer on DVD.

Family Getaways
Every three months, we try to go back to Malaysia to shop, enjoy Malaysian food and see our friends and family. Once a year, we go back to Perros-Guirec in Brittany, France to see the grandparents and eat seafood, cheese and bread.

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The travelers: Australians Andrew and Eleanor Flowers, and kids Grace (11), Celeste (8) and Jasper (6).

The Perfect Itinerary: Berlin is a great city for families with kids of all ages, with attractions ranging from its numerous parks, playgrounds and delicious chocolatiers, to fun museums and fascinating war paraphernalia. As seasoned Berliners who spent three years in the capital, the Flowers family has many suggestions for the ideal trip to Berlin. Germany can be expensive, but with a little local know-how, you’ll save enough euros to splurge on local delicacies and treasures.

The Sights: The views from the top of the Reichstag’s glass dome will delight the whole family; kids will love racing up the ramps to the top. Home to the German Parliament, the Reichstag has an inner cupola that features a mirrored cone that will split your reflection into myriad pieces. Eleanor says to expect long queues, so go early. If you have a stroller, bypass the queues and take an elevator straight to the top (+49 30 2273 2152, 10am-1am; subway stop: Unter den Linden). Little princesses will love a visit to Schloss Charlottenburg, a whimsical 17th century castle with ornate French-style gardens. The Flowers family recommends the palace tour. You can picnic in the forested area behind the lake and the two playgrounds will keep the kids busy.

The Wall: Alas, not much remains of the historic Berlin Wall that once divided the capital. At Checkpoint Charlie, only the East German watchtower remains, and few places offer more than a small pile of bricks. For the largest section of Wall still standing, go to Mühlenstrasse along the Spree River. Now called the East Side Gallery, this part of the Wall has been decorated by artists from all over the world. Don’t miss the 200-year-old Brandenburg Gate, where thousands cheered as the Wall was torn down in 1989.

History on Tap: Berlin is packed with a mind-boggling assortment of more than 170 museums. Must-sees include the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, where the history of the Berlin Wall is documented at this most famous of border crossings. Kids will love the tales of espionage and daring escapes; be sure to tour the display of children’s art that documents the fall of the Wall.

The Pergamonmuseum is Berlin’s premier spot for older kids who love art and history, with a full-scale, jaw-dropping replica of the Gate of Babylon along with other ancient wonders. The Deutsches Technikmuseum enthralled the Flowers kids with its Spectrum science center and fabulous exhibits on machinery and technology – there’s plenty to push and pull. Don’t miss the Natural History Museum for its full-size dioramas on the evolution of life, covering everything from dinosaurs to the solar system. Get a three-day museum entry pass and remember that all state museums are free the first Sunday of the month.

Out and About: Berlin abounds in parks and playgrounds. For a great family outing, Eleanor suggests the Tiergarten – once a summer residence of Prussian kings. Hire rowboats, then relax with a coffee at the Biergarten on the lake. Feeling restless? Rent a bike from just about anywhere in Berlin and pedal around the capital. Like Beijing, the city is quite flat; you can also take bicycles on trains at off-peak times. In summer, take a cruise on the Spree River – locals like to sun on the banks. Three-hour round-trip cruises leave near Schloss Charlottenburg and include the Landwehrkanal canal, which runs through Tiergarten.

Eleanor says the kids loved Berlin Zoo, especially its famous resident, Knut, an abandoned polar bear cub who has been raised by zookeepers. Visit the neighboring Aquarium, which offers an impressive playground for when the kids are all fished-out. After the zoo, take a walking tour from Zoo Station. For one of the most informative ways to explore towns, Berlin Walks offers a number of affordable and interesting tours. Eleanor says the walks can easily be done with strollers, despite some stairs.

Food: If you are a family of foodies, you’ll love Germany. Sausage, in all its incarnations, is a must-try, and the Flowers family thinks everyone should try Currywurst – a hotdog with ketchup and curry powder. The Berlin drink of summer is Berliner Weisse mit Schuss – German wheat beer with raspberry syrup. Germans love their coffee and the winter drink of choice is Milchkaffee – a large bowl of milky coffee that will warm your hands while your toes defrost. The exquisite Fassbender und Rausch has an incredible array of fanciful chocolates, as well as what the Flowers family promises is the world’s best hot chocolate.

Other Berlin delicacies include Wiener schnitzel (Viennese cutlet) and Johannisbeer-Baiser, a heavenly meringue and red currant cake from the Leysieffer patisserie chain that can be found all over Berlin. For a lazy brunch, Eleanor suggests the gorgeous Café Wintergarten at Literaturhaus, where kids can browse the bookshop in the basement (Fasanenstrasse 23, +49 30 882 5414, 9.30am-1am).

Getting Around: Berlin’s public transport, including the U-Bahn underground train and S-Bahn above-ground train, is convenient and affordable, especially if you buy a 72-hour Berlin WelcomeCard, which allows unlimited travel on trains, buses and trams for three days, as well as up to 50 percent off entry fees for more than 130 sights. Families can buy a card for one adult and three kids (up to 14 years old), saving even more money.

Another tip is to take the hop-on/hop-off bus, which makes 15 stops around the city. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you can board at any time, with shuttles every 15 to 30 minutes. If you have two hours, take the full tour, which comes with English commentary.

Where to Stay: The Flowers family recommends looking for a pension or guesthouse in Berlin, as they are better value than hotels. Try venere for unbiased reviews on pensions, B&Bs and serviced apartments.
Buyfest: Kurfürstendamm (aka Ku’damm), the Rodeo Drive of Berlin, is a must-browse. If you want something a little less damaging to the wallet, Berlin’s regular weekend markets are great for antiques, handicrafts, toys and an assortment of food. If you have older children who love to shop, don’t miss KaDeWe, a Harrods-like department store that is the largest on the continent. Steiff Bears on Ku’damm will send teddy-bear lovers into a nostalgic daze.

Biggest Splurge: Restaurant meals are expensive in Berlin and you could easily blow a fortune on the exquisite local porcelain. Stores sparkling with Christmas decorations are open year-round and will quickly empty your wallet, but nothing beats Germany’s superb, handmade ornaments, according to Eleanor. She highly recommends the beautiful Weihnachts Pyramide, or Christmas candle pyramids.

Biggest Bargain: Beer lovers will appreciate the cheap brew everywhere, and strict laws on production mean it’s all good. As for food, Eleanor suggests going out to brunch or a late breakfast; these enormous meals are great value for money. Laden with traditional meats, sausage, eggs, cheeses, bread, juice and coffee, they will fill up your family till dinnertime.

When to Go: All seasons are wonderful in Berlin but winter creates a fairytale wonderland. If you go in December, you can’t miss the Christmas fairs and markets all over town, making the city sparkle with ornaments, candles, food and Christmas magic. Glühwein-sampling (mulled wine) for mom and dad is a must. Check out the list of festivals before you travel. Check out Visit Berlin and Berlin Life for more information.