For most teenagers, the immediate future involves deciding which class is next. For 19-year-old Milly Wang, the horizon is occupied by her next restaurant concept.

Milly has opened Farmily, her second business venture, and this time, the hyper-successful teen is deliberately pressing the brakes. Moving from the quick-service model of her first enterprise,  EIS Engelchen, Farmily is designed as a space to slow down. The concept is simple: a place to grab a quality sandwich, linger with friends, and take home fresh-baked pastries.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere immediately communicates that intention. The scent of fresh bread drifts through the air, settling over wooden tables bathed in soft light. The effect is one that’s warm and calm, a stark contrast to the typical pace of fast food.

That tranquility is rooted in a philosophy of provenance. Their bread is baked on-site using grain sourced directly from a farm, reflecting Milly’s belief that knowing where your food comes from is essential. This attention to detail is a lesson learned from her previous experience running an ice cream shop, where she discovered how small, intentional choices can define a space.

While the buttery croissants are the daily stars, often selling out before the day is over. Milly’s personal favorite is a quieter offering: the yogurt bowl. Featuring zero-sugar yogurt, homemade granola, and a drizzle of fresh honeycomb, it represents the kind of wholesome, crafted food she wants to be known for.

Managing the launch of a restaurant while attending college is a monumental balancing act. Milly admits the hardest part is the daily mental shift required to toggle between the mindset of a student and that of a business owner.

Ultimately, Farmily is more than just a business expansion; it is a personal project. With this new venture, Milly is aiming to build a sanctuary—not only for her customers seeking a respite from their day but also a quiet space for herself.

Looking for more family-friendly dining recommendations? Join the FamFriendlyEats group on WeChat by scanning the QR code below.

Inspired? We know we are! If you’re a teen with an incredible achievement, let us know! Get in touch with Mina Yan via email at minayan@beijing-kids.com or WeChat (ID: Wilhelmina87).Find it:
No. A1, Xiyang Hutong, Beixinqiao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
(Enter South Park through the West Gate and go 20 meters to the right)

Tel: 13811486972

To celebrate Lantern Festival today (March 3), families gear up for the sweet traditions of enjoying glutinous rice dumplings. Both yuanxiao and tangyuan share the spotlight during this festive time, so what sets them apart? These desserts essentially look the same and are made of the same ingredients, right? Let’s delve into the delightful world of yuanxiao and tangyuan to unravel the flavors, traditions, and cultural significance behind these iconic Chinese dumplings.

It all comes down to three things: region, method, and the filling.

The dumplings, known as yuanxiao in northern China and as tangyuan in southern China, originated over 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty. The terms are often used interchangeably, but regional differences persist.

Both yuanxiao and tangyuan feature glutinous rice flour dough, creating a chewy and slightly sticky texture.

The northern yuanxiao tend to have a thinner outer layer and are often filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste, red bean paste, or sweetened osmanthus flowers. Tangyuan, on the other hand, typically has a thicker skin and can be filled with a broader range of ingredients, including peanuts, walnuts, or savory fillings like minced meat. The fillings in tangyuan also tend to be smoother than those of yuanxiao.

Tangyuan are prepared by making sticky dough wrappers, stuffing in the stuffing of your choice, and making small balls. Yuanxiao, on the other hand, are created with a harder filling, and the sticky rice flour is then rolled onto the filling.

Beyond their culinary appeal, yuanxiao and tangyuan hold deep cultural significance. The round shape of the dumplings symbolizes family unity, emphasizing the importance of togetherness during the Lantern Festival. Enjoying these sweet dumplings is a way for families to express their wishes for a harmonious and complete life.

Whether you’re savoring the round and white yuanxiao in the north or relishing the colorful and diverse tangyuan in the south, these delightful dumplings bring warmth and joy to the Lantern Festival celebrations. And the best part? They’re easily found at every supermarket around town.

As families gather to enjoy these sweet treats, they not only indulge in the delicious flavors but also partake in age-old traditions that celebrate unity, happiness, and the vibrant tapestry of Chinese culture.

Images: Mina Yan, FreePik

Hey there, late planners and festivity missers. Thanksgiving has passed, but the celebration continues! Here are the options you have left.

Thanksgiving at Georgia’s Feast and Turkish Feast

Georgia’s Feast and Turkish Feast’s Thanksgiving Turkey Set Meals include a whole turkey, five sides and two sauces. You can read more about them both here.

Thanksgiving Turkey Set Meals
Date: Nov 28-Dec 31
Price: RMB 988
Reservations: 010 8448 6886 (need to book 48 hours in advance)

Festive To Go Sets From the Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency has a few different Festive To Go Sets this year. They’ve got traditional offerings like the Apple Honey Glazed Turkey (serves six to eight people) and the Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham (serves six to eight people), as well as less classic options such as Sous-Vide Grain Fed Beef Striploin (serves 10-12 people) and Grilled Inner Mongolian Lamb Rack (serves four to six people).

Date: Now-Dec 25
Location: The Lounge (pick up)
Price: Apple Honey Glazed Turkey (RMB 788); Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham (RMB 888); Sous-Vide Grain Fed Beef Striploin (RMB 1,888); and Grilled Inner Mongolian Lamb Rack (RMB 888)
Reservations: 010 8630 1234 (need to book 48 hours in advance)

Vegan Thanksgiving and More Meals at Arrow Factory

There is good news for vegans or vegetarians this Thanksgiving: Arrow Factory is doing Vegan Thanksgiving Dinners that feature an Aubergine, Lentil and Mushroom Duxelles Wellington with vegan sides and Apple Pie with Vegan Custard for dessert. They’re also doing Turkey Thanksgiving Meals and both this and the vegan meals are dine-in and are running from Nov 24 to 30. As well as dine-in meals, they’ve got Turkeys To Go, for prices and more details, you’ll need to contact them directly.

Turkey and Vegan Thanksgiving Meals
Date: Nov 24-30
Location: Arrow Factory
Price: RMB 218
Reservations: 010 8532 5335

Turkey To Go
Date: Nov 24-Dec 27
Location: Arrow Factory
Price: Contact them for more details
Orders: 010 8532 5335 (need to book 48 hours in advance)

Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich at Moka Bros

For those looking for the taste of Thanksgiving without splurging on a whole feast, Moka Bros has you covered with their seasonal Turkey Sandwich + Americano deal. The sandwich sees rye bread stuffed with smoked turkey, traditional bread stuffing, cream cheese, lettuce, cranberry sauce and gravy, and it also comes with a medium Americano.

Date: Now-Nov 28
Location: Moka Bros
Price: RMB 65
Reservations: 010 5905 6259

Thanksgiving at the Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is doing a few Thanksgiving deals this year. They will have a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at the Balcony on Nov 28 from 5.30pm to 9pm. It includes their usual buffet offerings plus roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham and pumpkin pie, plus free-flow drinks including house wine and beer. They also have Turkey To Go Sets (serves eight to ten people) and Ham To Go Sets (serves eight to ten people), both of which include four sides, gravy and sauces.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
Date: Fri, Nov 28, 5.30pm-9pm
Location: The Balcony
Price: RMB 388/adult; RMB 818/two adults, one child
Reservations: 010 6510 9024

Thanksgiving Set Menu at Hi-Town Bistro

Hi-Town Bistro has created a Thanksgiving Set Menu which will run from Nov 27 to Dec 4. It includes Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Quinoa Salad, Seafood Chowder with Puff Pastry, Black Truffle Mushroom Soup, Provençal Lamb Chops with Skewer Platter, French-style Potato Baked Beef and Cheese Spinach Pumpkin Pie. Beijinger readers can also enjoy a 12 percent discount on the set by showing our official WeChat account to staff when you dine there.

Date: Nov 27-Dec 4, from 5pm
Location: Hi-Town Bistro
Price: RMB 298/set
Reservations: 131 6125 3530

Thanksgiving Steak Set at Gung Ho!

To celebrate both Thanksgiving and their 15-year anniversary, Gung Ho! has created a special Thanksgiving Steak Set for Two. The set features Grilled Angus Sirloin Steak, Black Truffle or Lord of the Lambs Pizza, Shrimps and Avo Salad, wings, dessert, and two drinks.

Date: Nov 24-30
Location: Gung-Ho! Sanlitun, Gung-Ho! Grand Summit and Gung-Ho! Shuangjing
Price: RMB 428/set
Reservations: Sanlitun: 010 8587 1663; Grand Summit: 010 6888 2678; Shuangjing: 010 6778 2678

Thanksgiving Delights From China World Summit Wing

China World Summit Wing has got a few different Thanksgiving offerings this year. They’ve got the Turkey, Toast & Together Set Menu for Two on Nov 27 at The Lounge, as well as the Thanksgiving in the Cloud Set Meal for Two at Grill 79 from Nov 24 to 30. Both sets include an appetizer, main, soup and dessert. China World Summit Wing also provides a variety of delivery set options: 5-7kg Whole Roasted Turkey Set; 2-2.2kg Honey Roasted Ham Set, 1kg Turkey Drumsticks Set and 1.7kg Roast Chicken Set. All of the delivery sets come with seven side dishes and two sauces. You can read the full details about their Thanksgiving offerings here.

Thanksgiving in the Cloud Set Menu
Date: Nov 24-30, 11.30am-2pm; 5.30pm-10pm
Location: Grill 79
Price: RMB 1,088/for two
Reservations: 010 8571 6459

Thanksgiving Delivery Sets
Date: Now-Dec 25
Location: China World Summit Wing
Price: 5-7kg Whole Roasted Turkey Set (RMB 1,188); 2-2.2kg Honey Roasted Ham Set (RMB 400); 1kg Turkey Drumsticks Set (RMB 428/two people); 1.7kg Roast Chicken Set (RMB 328)
Reservations: 010 8571 6459

Slow-Roasted Turkey Set and More Festive Treats From Beersmith

Date: Now-Dec 31
Location: Beersmith
Price: Slow Roasted Turkey Set (early bird* RMB 1,066, regular RMB 1,288); Single Roasted Turkey (early bird* RMB 966, regular RMB 1,088); Slow Roasted Turkey Roll (RMB 488/dine-in, RMB 428/delivery); Whole Roast BBQ Turkey Leg (RMB 138/dine-in, RMB 118/delivery); Christmas Ham (RMB 588/dine-in, RMB 488/delivery); and Christmas Snack Platter (RMB 428/dine-in, RMB 399/delivery)
Reservations: 010 8647 1098
*Early bird prices are only available for delivery

Thanksgiving Meals at The Local

The Local has a few different Thanksgiving options to choose from this year. First up, they’ve got individual Roast Turkey Dinners available Nov 27-29 from 6pm until 8pm. Then they’ve also got a few Thanksgiving Feasts: Turkey (serves 10-12 people), Beef Rib Roast (serves six people) and Roast Chicken (serves four people). The Thanksgiving Feasts can be booked from now until Dec 7. You can read the full details here.

Roast Turkey Dinner
Date: Nov 27-29, 6pm-8pm
Location: The Local
Price: RMB 338/adult, RMB 118/child
Reservations: Add WeChat ID: localkenn

Thanksgiving Feasts
Date: Now-Dec 7
Location: The Local
Price: Turkey RMB 2,880; Beef Rib Roast RMB 1,880; Roast Chicken RMB 788
Reservations: Add WeChat ID: localkenn

Thanksgiving Dinner at Dastaan

For those really looking for a different Thanksgiving experience, Dastaan is putting on an Indian Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet on Nov 27 and 28 from 6pm until 10pm. On the menu, they’ve got themed dishes like Thankful Tandoori Bites, Masala Autumn Harvest Salad, Turkey Tempest Vindaloo and Ghee Cranberry Kaju Pilaf. The buffet also includes free-flow Tsingtao beer, red and white wine, whisky, soft drinks and more. You can see the full menu below.

Date: Nov 27 and 28, 6pm-10pm
Location: Dastaan
Price: RMB 178/adult, RMB 78/child aged 5-12
Reservations: 150 0135 8663

Turkey and Ham To Go Sets From Regent Beijing

The Regent has 5-6kg Turkey To Go Sets, 8-9kg Turkey To Go Sets, and for non-turkey fans they also have Ham To Go Sets. They all come with an array of sides, including Traditional Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots, Green Beans with Bacon Cream, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, Fluffy Rolls, Turkey Gravy and Cranberry Sauce, plus Classic Pumpkin Pie and, to top it all off, six bottles of Appenzeller Lager Beer.

Date: Now-Jan 31
Location: Regent Beijing
Price: Turkey Set (RMB 1,288/5-6kg, RMB 1,588/8-9kg); Ham Set (RMB 988/2.5kg, RMB 1,688/5kg)
Reservations: 010 8522 1888; 186 1070 5570

Celebrate Thanksgiving With Lily’s American Diner

Lily’s will be offering dine-in Thanksgiving Set Meals at both their locations from Nov 27 until Nov 30. The meal includes a choice of starter, main and dessert (see full details below), plus a glass of wine, mulled wine or juice. Along with the set meals, they also have a few different Thanksgiving delivery options available: Honey Glazed Ham (2kg), Roasted Half Turkey (4kg) and Roasted Whole Turkey (6kg or 8kg). All can be ordered either with or without sides. For more details on all of Lily’s Thanksgiving offerings, you can click here.

Thanksgiving Set Meal
Date: Nov 27-30
Location: Lily’s Sanlitun and Lily’s Shuangjing
Price: RMB 229/adult; RMB 189/child
Reservations: 131 4642 7090; 135 2072 3887; 186 1836 4557

Thanksgiving Delivery Sets
Date: Nov 27-30
Price: Honey Glazed Ham Set (RMB 899); Roasted Half Turkey Set (RMB 979); Roasted Whole Turkey Set (RMB 1,299/6kg, RMB 1,699/8kg)
Reservations: 131 4642 7090; 135 2072 3887; 186 1836 4557

Thanksgiving Turkey Takeout Package From Empark Prime Hotel Beijing

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving meal with a bit of a twist, then Empark’s Turkey is a great choice. Their set includes a whole turkey, a vibrant assortment of side dishes and, for the twist, three special sauces: Thai Style Yellow Curry Sauce, Cranberry Coconut Milk Sauce and Sambal Sauce.

Date: Now-Dec 31
Location: Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
Price: RMB 1,199
Orders: 010 6513 6666 ext. 6718

Thanksgiving Offerings From Eudora Station

Eudora Station has a variety of Thanksgiving options this year. Firstly, there’s the Thanksgiving Day Family Dinner (serves four to six people), where you get a salad, soup, your choice of either Roast Whole Turkey or Pineapple Glazed Ham (both come with sides), a family portion of pasta or a pizza, a dessert and a carafe of Mulled Cider or Malbec.

For individuals or smaller groups, they have the Thanksgiving Day Chef’s Special Menu, which you can order as a set (four courses) or the dishes can be ordered individually. Lastly, they’ve got Thanksgiving delivery options with a Whole Roasted Turkey Package for either six to eight people or eight to ten people. You can read the full details here.

Thanksgiving Day Family Dinner
Date: Now-Dec 25
Location: Eudora Station
Price: RMB 980
Reservations: 010 6437 8331; 185 1369 6276 (need to book two days in advance)

Thanksgiving Day Chef’s Special Menu
Date: Now-Dec 25
Location: Eudora Station
Price: RMB 198/set
Reservations: 010 6437 8331; 185 1369 6276

Whole Roasted Turkey Delivery
Date: Now-Dec 25
Location: Eudora Station
Price: RMB 880/four to six people; RMB 1,280/eight to ten people
Orders: 010 6437 8331; 185 1369 6276 (need to book two days in advance)

Thanksgiving Offerings From CHAO Hotel

CHAO Hotel has a few different Thanksgiving offerings this year. First up there is the Thanksgiving Turkey Set, which includes a 6kg turkey, five sides, traditional stuffing and three sauces: cranberry, chimichurri and foie gras. Then, they have a less traditional Grilled Venison Rack Set, which comes with four sides and juniper berry sauce. They also have some à la carte options like a Thanksgiving Cold Cut Plate, Thanksgiving Salad and special desserts. You can read the full details in this post.

Thanksgiving Turkey Set
Date: Nov 27-28
Location: CHAO Living Room
Price: RMB 1,688
Reservations: 180 1012 5998; 138 1129 5825

Grilled Venison Rack Set
Date: Nov 27-28
Location: CHAO Living Room
Price: RMB 1,508
Reservations: 180 1012 5998; 138 1129 5825

Thanksgiving at Courtyard by Marriott Beijing Changping

Courtyard by Marriott will be doing a special Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch on Nov 29 and 30. They will have roast turkey along with their usual buffet offerings, plus free-flow drinks including beer, red wine, white wine and sparkling wine. They’ve also got Thanksgiving Turkey Delivery Sets, which include a 6-8kg turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, six sides and pumpkin pie. You can read the full details in this post.

Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch
Date: 11.30am-2pm, Nov 29-30
Location: Pavilion, Courtyard by Marriott Beijing Changping
Price: RMB 238
Reservations: 010 8193 5555

Thanksgiving Turkey Delivery Sets
Date: Now-Dec 31
Price: RMB 988
Reservations: 010 8193 5555

Thanksgiving Turkey Set From Blue Frog

Blue Frog is offering a Thanksgiving Whole Turkey Set for pick up this year. The set features a whole roasted turkey (about 6kg), cranberry sauce, mushroom sauce, turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes and beans.

Date: Now-Dec 25
Price: RMB 968
Reservations: Scan the QR code in the poster above for details

Images: Courtesy of organizers

We all have that go-to list for reliable Italian cravings. The place for a quick and satisfying slice, the spot for a romantic bowl of pasta, and the hidden gem you only share with your closest friends. But what if you could find all of that – plus one of the most decadent, conversation-sparking dishes imaginable – under one roof and in Tongzhou of all places?

I don’t know how long they’ve been open, but my latest hangout

They don’t just serve Italian food; they serve an experience, and in my case, that experience is nostalgia for my early 20s.

Let’s start with the foundations, because they are rock-solid.

For the purists, the pizza here is a revelation. Each pie is hand-stretched to order and blasted in a searingly hot brick oven. The result? A crust that is a masterpiece in itself – charred, chewy and impossibly light, providing the perfect canvas for tomato sauce, cheese and a whole variety of toppings you can choose from.

Their pasta is equally impressive, but we’re a cheese-obsessed family and our favorite on the menu has got to be their pasta alla ruota (or cheese wheel pasta). It’s exactly what it sounds like. Perfect cooled al dente pasta gets a generous coating of cheese as it’s rolled it in a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese before being served to you.

But wait. Pizza and pasta weren’t why we went to Grande A’moo. I wanted my 5-year-old daughter to have a taste of her first cheese fondue.

I used to live in Switzerland. If there’s one thing that my friends and I did every winter, it was to open up a reasonably priced bottle of wine and eat some homemade cheese fondue.

Now, to be completely fair, the fondue at A’moo is not what I would call authentic, but we had a great time dipping everything in a thick layer of cheese. The bread was great, but the fried chicken (although tasty) was a bit weird.

We spent an amazing afternoon unbuckling our belts at Grande A’moo and even ended the meal with a super-rich vanilla ice cream that my (normally very generous) daughter didn’t want to share.

Find it:
1/F, West Zone, Longhu Beijing Changying Tianjie, 1 Changtong Lu, Chaoyang District (next to Entrance 8)
朝阳区常通路1号龙湖北京长楹天街西区一楼8号门旁
Tel: 8507 4360

If you’re looking for more kid-friendly restaurants, be sure to join the jingkids FamFriendlyEats WeChat group by scanning the QR code below.

Images: jingkids, Freepik, Mina Yan

The Forbidden City is one of the most phenomenal historical sites to see. There is an unwritten law that says that one cannot come to Beijing without seeing the Forbidden City. My grandparents visited us for my tenth birthday recently, but unfortunately, we could not go because of the military parade. But we had a backup plan.

The unwritten law says you’ve got to see the Forbidden City, so instead of actually visiting the palace, we would still be able to see the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park, 景山公园.

Jingshan Park is located north of the Forbidden City, and on a clear day, one can climb to the top of a hill situated inside the park and be rewarded with a stunning view of the grand Forbidden City. On the other side, one can view the famous Confucius Temple, Beihai Park and even the National Theater. I have been inside the Palace Museum, but I never knew exactly how vast it is. On top of that hill, we could finally see the true size of the Forbidden City. Interestingly, this hill happens to be a tall mound of dirt. Have you ever dug a hole? What did you do with the soil from this hole? In fact, the hill of Jingshan Park is the mound of dirt dug from the moat of the Forbidden City. The park was the royal garden of the imperial family. Visit Coal Hill to learn about the tragic final days of the last Emperor of the Ming dynasty.

The park was lovely and peaceful. Visit in the autumn to see the glorious changes of foliage along the golden roof tiles. Come in the spring to see the blossoms and peonies take over the park. The park is just perfect in size for a nice little stroll. If you want to see the Forbidden City but are allergic to crowds, Jingshan Park is a perfect alternative.

Find it:
Jingshan Park
44 Jingshan Xijie, Jingshan, Xicheng District
西城区景山景山西街44号
Entrance Fee: RMB 2 for adults, RMB 1 for kids

If you are hungry for more Beijing experiences but craving Southeast Asian flavors like my grandparents, Susu, a Vietnamese restaurant, is a good compromise.

I recommend visiting Susu in one of the alleyways of the hutongs! My grandparents are visiting from Vietnam; they had recently been eating a lot of Chinese cuisine, so it would be kind to treat them with familiar flavors. The outside of Susu looked quite shabby and unimpressive. However, my grandparents were surprised that the restaurant interior was very modern and the courtyard very quaint and peaceful.

We really enjoyed eating the shaken beef with the salt and pepper dipping; the meat was so tender, and it melted! The papaya salad was tart and refreshing. My grandma ordered a stir-fried tofu, and she was very happy with this choice. For myself, I ordered bun bo, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup.

The food was very tasty, and the ambience of the courtyard was better. Eating in the courtyard was very peaceful, and it was a perfect place to take photos. It is very surprising how a restaurant can be so scenic.

And if you think your adventure is incomplete, the Llama Temple is just a ten-minute walk away from Susu.

Find it:
Susu·苏苏(四合院创始店)
10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng District (north side of Longfu Hospital, near 56 Qianliang Hutong)
东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号(隆福医院北侧,靠近钱粮胡同56号)

So, there’s another way to spend your weekend from Clark Yap! Have fun exploring!!! Stay tuned. And stay reading!

Want more family-friendly restaurant recommendations? Join the FamFriendlyEats WeChat group and get real recommendations from other families in Beijing. Add TBJButler on WeChat to request to join.

Images: Clark Yap

Tucked away just outside the Fourth Ring Road is a restaurant that’s made for the inner paleontologist in all of us. Jurassic Club 侏罗纪博物馆餐厅 runs like it’s never heard of the word copyright. It’s essentially a restaurant that’s turned itself into its own version of Jurassic Park.

Before you even walk into the restaurant, you know you’ve found the right place because you come face-to-face with a gigantic T-Rex with a burger in its mouth.

From the moment you walk in, you know that whoever owns this place is as obsessed with dinos as you are. There are giant dinosaurs all over the place and lush greenery that looks like you’re in a jungle. Life-sized T-Rex skeletons tower over the dining area, a gentle brachiosaurus peeks through the foliage, and detailed murals depict scenes from the Jurassic period. It’s a visual feast that captivates the imagination before the first course even arrives.

The restaurant masterfully balances a menu of delicious and approachable comfort food designed to please every member of the family. Think juicy burgers, crispy golden fries, hearty pastas, and pizzas that are a hit with both kids and adults.

The real treat, especially for the younger dino enthusiasts, is the restaurant’s meet and greet. Aside from their giant dinosaur installations, the restaurant also has “live” dinosaur appearances. Periodically, their resident dinosaurs come out to roam among the tables. Looking surprisingly similar to Beta from Jurassic World, the little velociraptor is always a hit, especially when you keep missing the raptor meet and greet when you visit Universal Studios.

Jurassic Club offers special birthday packages that often include a reserved “expedition site” (a private table area), a themed birthday cake, and a special visit from the dinosaurs to lead the crowd in a roaring rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Instead of traditional party games, kids are treated to an educational and exciting show about these magnificent creatures. It’s a party that will be talked about on the schoolyard for weeks to come.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more kids’ birthday party ideas in Beijing, check #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for our recommendations of venues, entertainers, photographers, and tips on how to save money while having fun.

So, if you’re in Beijing and ready to embark on a culinary adventure 65 million years in the making, make your reservation at the Jurassic Club. It’s where the magic of the prehistoric world meets the joy of a family meal.

Find it:
2/F, Wanli Center, Jinchan Beilu, Nanmofang Township, Chaoyang District (north side of Roma Plaza, above Starbucks)
朝阳区南磨房乡金蝉北路弯里中心2层罗马
广场北侧(星巴克楼上)
Tel: 135 2152 2918

Want more family-friendly restaurant recommendations? Join the FamFriendlyEats WeChat group and get real recommendations from other families in Beijing. Add TBJButler on WeChat to request to join.

Images: Dianping, Douyin

From the bustling streets of Beijing to night markets in Los Angeles, 糖葫芦 (tánghúlu), China’s iconic candied fruit skewers, have captivated taste buds around the globe. This centuries-old snack, with its glittering sugar shell and tangy fruit center, isn’t just a treat; it’s now a fun, easy DIY adventure you can share with your kids at home. With just sugar, fruit and a little creativity, you can bring a piece of Chinese tradition into your kitchen while making sweet memories together.

The key is getting the sugar syrup to the right stage. Here’s a basic, safe recipe for beginners.

Ingredients:
1 cup hawthorn berries or strawberries if you’re feeling fancy
1 cup white granulated sugar
½ cup water

Equipment:
6-8 wooden skewers
heavy-bottomed pot
pastry brush and a small bowl of water (for managing sugar crystals)
baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Wash your hawthorn berries and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Any water will prevent the sugar syrup from sticking.

2. Skewer the fruit onto the sticks (3-4 pieces per skewer).

3. In your heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat. Do not stir once it begins to boil. Swirling the pan gently is okay if needed. Let it boil until the syrup turns a light golden color** (around 150 C / 300 F on a candy thermometer, if you have one). This is the “hard crack” stage.

4. Once the syrup is ready, immediately remove it from the heat. Work quickly but carefully (the syrup is extremely hot!). Tilt the pot and dip each skewer of fruit into the syrup, rolling it to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off.

5. Set the candy. Place the coated skewers on the oiled parchment paper and let them cool and harden completely at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the sugar to become sticky.

Images: Freepik

Get ready for a fantastic family day out at the very first Beijing  River BBQ Fest! From September 19 to 21, the Riverside Cultural Plaza at Langyuan Station will be transformed into a welcoming paradise of delicious food and fun for all ages.

Our special early bird ticket is a great value for a full day of fun! Here’s what’s on offer:

Standard Early Bird Ticket: RMB 19.9
Includes:
– Festival admission wristband for one
– A refreshing Signature Drink (375ml)
– A fun themed bandana

On-site Ticket: RMB 29.9
Includes:
– Festival admission wristband (drink and bandana not included)

Best of all: Kids under 1.2m tall get in for FREE when accompanied by an adult! The venue is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry family members along for the adventure.

What are you waiting for?! Grab your tickets now by scanning the QR code below!

Embark on a delicious global tasting adventure with over 40 vendors! It’s a perfect opportunity for the whole family to explore exciting new flavors together. Enjoy everything from classic American BBQ and Mexican tacos to Brazilian churrasco, Mongolian barbecue, Chinese chuan’r, and even unique fusion flavors from Africa and Vietnam.

Of course, we’ll have plenty of options for everyone, including fresh juices, soft drinks and sweet treats for the kids. With its lively music and welcoming atmosphere, the River Beijing BBQ Fest is the perfect food-filled event to create lasting family memories and welcome the autumn season.

Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza

The River BBQ Fest will be taking place at Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza. Last year, the space underwent an upgrade and now features a scenic platform overlooking the Ba River. With blue skies, grassy lawns, river views, pedestrian streets and a sunken plaza, it’s the perfect setting for an autumn event.

Langyuan Station itself is a cultural and creative landmark featuring both industrial and international styles. Its location by the Ba River and adjacent to the greenery of Jiangfu Park makes it a place where you can enjoy nature and pop-up cultural activities at the same time. It’s home to an array of businesses and industries such as art museums, cafés, home design, trendy fashion, upscale dining, sports and film, and it has become a popular hotspot for shopping and socializing in Beijing.

Langyuan Station Riverside Cultural Plaza 郎园Station滨河广场
53 Banjieta Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区半截塔路53号

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Images: the Beijinger

I’ve got an almost-5-year-old little girl who’s obsessed with reptiles. So, when we could only do ONE thing in Solana one afternoon, she had to pick her favorite restaurant. She doesn’t love it for the food, though the food is not too shabby. She loves this place for their pets – reptiles.

Dragon Planet in Solana lets you pet lizards while you eat. My daughter’s been obsessed with the place since we first discovered it, and every time we visit, she’s as excited as ever.

We order a few quick dishes to share since, after so many visits, I know she’s not going to eat much food anyway. She’s there for one purpose, and one purpose alone: to pet as many lizards as she can get her little hands on.

In the past when we visited, the restaurant only had beaded dragons. While the bearded dragons are still there, getting passed from table to table like the one who found a cosy spot to rest in our fries basket after we’d devoured it all, other reptiles have been added to the Dragon Planet collection.

If you’re into reptiles, the crested gecko is super popular among reptile owners. They’ve got a docile nature, silky soft skin, and beautiful eyes that look like they’re batting long eyelashes at you. Dragon Planet now has multiple of these geckos for diners to play with.

We absolutely love this place. You’re never rushed by the staff so they can turn the tables, and on more than one occasion, we’ve had knowledgeable staff chat with us about animal behavior and left the restaurant with a belly full of food and interesting bits of reptile knowledge. For less than the admission price of one adult plus one child to your local petting zoo, you get a clean booth, delicious food, and all the personal time with these reptiles your child’s heart desires. So if you’ve got a reptile-loving kid, Dragon Planet is a lot easier on the parents than the zoo.

Find it:
L-VD1-21, 1/F, Bldg 2, Solana, Chaoyang District (Northeast of Steakhouse)
Tel: 158 0127 5556

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Images: Mina Yan