Consider yourself a connoisseur of the finest tunes in the form of rock? Catch yourself head banging with devil horns in the air to only the choicest cuts of heavy metal and more? Then head to Pinnacle Plaza on Apr 27, where you can rock out for a good cause at Rock Against Cancer.

Eighteen bands – all formed by students and parents from Beijing’s international schools – will be playing live on the day of the event, with all proceeds from the music extravaganza going to Happy School, a project organized by Roundabout for children to go before, during, and after treatment for leukemia.

There’s also food in store throughout the day, with Llama Mexican Pub serving up burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of beers for attendees.

This is not one to miss if you’re a fan of all things rock ‘n’ roll and want to help those in need too!

Rock Against Cancer Beijing is happening on Sat, Apr 27, from 2pm ‘til late at Pinnacle Plaza in Shunyi. There is a suggested donation of RMB 100 at the door.

Images: Event organizer

Even before I arrived in China, I had heard nothing but praise for Yunnan. This land South of the Clouds lives up to the literal translation of its Chinese name – blue skies, big clouds, all in a place filled with color and contrast, especially if you’re starting out from Kunming.

Ask anyone about where to go in Yunnan and they’ll say start from the provincial capital but don’t just stay there. They will usually tell you that it’s a starting point for all your exotic excursions to Dali, Pu’er, and Xishuangbanna and nothing more.

Smack dab in the city center, Moon & Chalice isn’t just a great place to stay, but good-looking as well

So, when it came time for me to finally visit Kunming, all I could think was, “What is there to even do there?”I took a step out the door, hopped on a plane, and found myself in the capital, riding the subway from Kunming Changshui Airport to my hotel…

A Home in the Old City

This was my first taste of an out-of-the-ordinary journey. Dubbed the Moon & Chalice Boutique Hotel, the hotel occupies two French-designed twin yellow buildings erected in 1944. It’s named as such because they both curve to form a crescent moon embracing two lanes that, when looked at from above, form a chalice.

Entering the hotel, the interior is a sight to behold. Keeping with the aesthetic of the era the buildings were born in, the whole space is art deco with a contemporary flare here and there. Gold metal and marble meeting with blue and green walls, and art of all kinds throughout.

The rooms are slim but still comfortable

Even the rooms (some thin, due to the width of the structures, but not cramped) are phenomenal. A stay in a Standard Double Room runs about RMB 468 per night and can get you a dose of that local luxury that gives you all the comforts that you would want.

---

Around Green Lake

Think of Green Lake, 翠湖 Cuì Hú, as a miniature version of Beijing’s Beihai with a few elements of Shichahai (namely the shopping for kitsch aspect), with features like temples, pavilions, and bridges throughout. It’s green under the summer sun, and entering through a stylized red and blue gateway, I’m greeted by a long bridge flanked by placid waters covered by lily pads not yet in bloom.

Wenlin Jie has a great many quirky shops and storefronts

Green Lake isn’t just a nice place to walk around and gaze at the green of spring or summer, but there are plenty of activities to try as well. For small children in tow, there are singing mall trains cruising about. There’s also the option to paddleboat your way around the lake as well.

---

A Little Bit of History

When looking for a spot that can be called one of the most significant historic sites in the city, the honor goes to Yunnan Military Academy. Founded in 1909, the academy’s history goes from the end of the imperial era and into the modern era.In between all the history, there are little tidbits like mock classrooms thrown in, as well as a look at students’ living quarters and, in the middle, yet another café and shop overlooking the training grounds. In keeping with wanghong trends, they’ve even got ice creams shaped like the academy entrance.

 

The city was also home for a time to the American Volunteer Group, aka the Flying TigersBesides the Yunnan Military Academy, a few other museums worth a visit include the Kunming Museum (which houses a special exhibition on the American Volunteer Group, aka the Flying Tigers), the Yunnan Provincial Museum, and the Yunnan Railway Museum. The latter institution, housed near Kunming North Station, has a collection of trains – making it a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with children.

---

Where to Refuel

While one could just skip hunting for the perfect cup of Yunnan coffee and head to the nearest Starbucks (fun fact: they use only Yunnan beans in China), instead hit up local cafés and check out all the different sub-varieties of Yunnan beans there are to be had. Best bet: right outside Moon & Chalice there’s 日常咖啡 Rìcháng Kāfēi, which has three different Yunnan beans to choose from to try or take home (I got one for RMB 98 for 100g).

My first taste of proper Yunnan cuisine took place just off Wenlin Jie, at a small eatery called Heavenly Manna. The stuff to go for at this cheap and popular lunch and dinner spot include the Yunnan-Style Mashed Potatoes (RMB 22), Lotus Root in Dai-Style Sauce (RMB 25), Stir-Fried Goat Cheese With Tomato (RMB 45), and the vaguely named Spicy Tasty Pork (RMB 38), which is true to its name and pretty tasty.

Heavenly Manna is a great lunch and dinner spot

Last but not least, no trip to Kunming is complete without getting yourself an 饵块 ěrkuài. Not exactly two yuan (it translates to earpiece), erkuai is sticky rice dough that’s pounded until soft and molded into different shapes. The most common form sees the dough rolled around a youtiao with sweet and savory fillings (烧饵块加油条 shāo ěrkuài jiā yóutiáo). Get it, it’s good! But don’t try using it to get on public transit.

---

The Western Hills & Dianchi Lake

Much like Beijing, Kunming has a Western Hills (RMB 30/entry), but unlike their dryer and more massive counterpart in the north, the hills in Kunming find themselves next to a lake, the sixth largest in China to be exact.A commanding view of Dianchi Lake (滇池 diānchí) can be had when summiting the mountain via chair lift (RMB 25/person). Aside from the breathtaking view, on the walk down there’s another difference setting it apart from the north: this spot is part climb part Daoist holy site. Small outcroppings dot the path downward, each with a shrine hiding deities within. One of the highlights of the trek is Datian Pavilion, where the 龙门 Lóngmén (Dragon Gate), for which this series of outcroppings and shrines is named, can be found.

For a closer look at Dianchi after a climb down, it’s a bit of a drive, but worth it. Visiting there on an afternoon rewards one with the slowly setting sun dancing across the waters. The crescent-shaped lake is massive, 39km in length and 13km in width at its widest point.

Naigu Stone Forest

Not to be confused with the larger and more popular Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area (乃古石林风景区 nǎigǔ shílín fēngjǐngqū) is a great place to witness Yunnan’s karst topography while avoiding crowds of tourists. When our group of eight visited, we were the only souls in the entire scenic area beside a film crew we ran into well into our tour.

Unlike Major Stone Forest, Naigu’s rock formations are predominantly black in color. The formations can either be viewed from a series of paths amongst stones or from a path snaking through the center of the formations. The latter is a bit more fun to traverse, as you can duck and dodge under and around protruding pieces of stone.

Like many before me, my journey to Kunming has made me fall in love with the local culture, scenery, food, and art. It’s something that should be on every person’s China travel bucket list — but there’s yet more to see just outside the capital that’s worth sharing. Stay tuned!

Images: Vincent R Vinci

Traveling out of Beijing this National Holiday is going to be challenging. Whether you can return in time for school and meet all their return policy requirements is a tough call. So, without leaving the city, here are the family-friendly staycation deals happening in town that’ll give you the relaxation and fun you want all while staying within the city limits.

Staycation at Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing

Pricing: RMB 1,188 per night

Artyzen is one of those hotels that has fantastic offerings but sometimes seems to get forgotten. Located right by MOMA, it’s within walking distance from a huge outdoor playground that’s completely free for kids of all ages. Inside the hotel, they offer that luxury hotel dining without the high expensive prices at the family-friendly San Restaurant. While parents dine, kids can play and read at the play area at the entrance of the restaurant.

This holiday, they’re offering a staycation package that lets you enjoy all of it for RMB1,188. Spend a night in the 55sqm Santury Suite with a king bed or the 60sqm Habitat with twin beds including breakfast for two adults. This staycation package also includes a set dinner for two adults and one kids’ meal.

Pro tip:
During your stay be sure to either order waimai or ask for toiletries or something at least once. Artyzen delivers things to the rooms with a super cool robot. The kids will definitely enjoy seeing this surprise when they open the door.

Find it:
Building 11, No.1 Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京东城区香河园街1号院11号楼
Tel: 84743000

Family Staycation Deals at Hotel Kempinski Beijing

Pricing: RMB 1,688-2,888 per night depending on room type

Kempinski, situated along the Liangma River in Chaoyang District, has two deals for the holiday: their National Day Kids Club Package, available from Sep 30-Oct 1, and their Double Ninth Festival Family Fun Package.

The Kids Club Package includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, executive deluxe room, or salon suite, access to the National Day buffet brunch at the hotel’s Signature’s restaurant for two adults and one child under 12, and a full day of family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities.

The Double Ninth Package includes the same deal as the Kids Package but with even more Double Ninth-themed activities like Chinese fan making, Chinese cooking classes, and Qigong health exercises for the whole family.

Find it:
Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路50号

EAST Beijing Staycation & Family Packages

Pricing: RMB 2,300-4,800 per two-nights (depending on room type); Starting at RMB 2,299 (for Family Package)

Guests can enjoy a two-night stay in one of EAST Beijing’s sunny rooms, with slots available in their EAST Room as well as in their highest available accommodation, the Upstairs EAST Studio Room. Wake up with the sun and head down to FEAST to enjoy breakfast for two — and a little extra, with an additional RMB 500 dining credit per stay.

Families can check out the hotel’s special Family Package, which includes a stay in one of EAST’s fantastic kid-friendly rooms, complete with a fun tent, shampoo, bathrobe, and slippers made just for children, plus the option to add another bed for a suite stay. Families can also enjoy a special semi-buffet Surf & Turf dinner at FEAST for two adults and one child aged 12 or under.

Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号
Tel: 8426 0888

Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing X UCCA Lab Kids Staycation

Pricing: Safari @Urban Forest staycation from now until October 16 for RMB 1,288 per night in Standard Room, RMB 2,188 per night in Regency Suite.

Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing and UCCA Lab take you on an Eric Carle’s adventure! Book our from now until October 16 and enjoy 3 tickets to The Playful World of Eric Carle exhibition at UCCA Lab in Beijing. Embark on an exciting childhood and every little explorer is all set and ready to go!

At Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, a special kid staycation has been prepared for you and your little ones. With great expectations and excitement, they enjoy the warm sunshine within this urban forest and sleep at night with blinking stars looking over. To create an exploration within this urban forest, guests and their little ones will immerse themselves in Kengo Kuma’s design and enjoy a wonderful journey to a fun family time.

Find it:
Lei Shing Hong Center, 8 Guangshun South Street, Chaoyang District
朝阳区广顺南大街8号院利星行中心
Tel: 86301234

Staycation Above the Clouds at China World Summit Wing

Pricing: Starting at RMB 2,288 per night

Spend the National Holiday in style at China World Summit Wing, Beijing’s highest hotel, situated 330 meters above the China World Shopping Mall and the rest of the CBD. The hotel’s Staycation Above the Clouds Package includes two breakfasts at their Michelin Plate honoree restaurant Grill 79, two complimentary cocktails, and dinner for two at a select restaurant or a select spa treatment. The package also includes free parking.

For families, there’s also the Kids’ Friendly Package, which includes Adventure Zone parking, a complimentary tent, and plush toys for children.

What’s more, guests who choose to stay in a suite room can enjoy a complimentary ride in a McLaren supercar.

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

Images: Courtesy of hotels

After being postponed this May, the Highland Games, presented by BritCham, the Scottish Government, and Beijing Scottish Society, are back at the end of this month.

The Highland Games are a mix of sporting, cultural and social events – with the big highlight being the sports. The Games kick off around May each year and culminating in July or August, depending on where they’re being held.

First hosted in Beijing by BritCham in 2019, the games are an increasingly popular event, with over 1,500 people coming to the 2021 edition last year.

This year the layout of the games will be much the same as it was over the past three years. Along with the main athletic events – tests of strength like log and tire throwing, shotput, and tug-of-war – there will also be Scottish dancing, a bagpipe performance, kids’ activities, and even a whiskey tasting and a chance to try Scottish and British delicacies cooked up by some of Beijing’s best restaurants.

If this year is going to be anything like the last, it’ll be a day that’s fun for the whole family. From babies who just enjoy being around new people to older kids wandering around the place with their friends, to just friends having a great afternoon out in the sun.

Pro tips:
Bring a picnic blanket! It got a bit hot during the day last year and the spots under the shade are precious.
Get your tickets early! Don’t wait until the last minute and assume that they’ll be tickets left. If memory serves, there were plenty of people desperately asking around for tickets the day before.