If your family’s idea of a perfect day out involves tasty food, sunshine, and plenty of space for little legs to run around, then mark your calendars: Juicy Burger Fest is rolling into Beijing from May 1-4 at Chaoyang Park, and this year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and more family-friendly than ever.

The burgers are the star of the show (think juicy patties, creative toppings, and buns that hold it all together), but there’s so much more for families to enjoy. Set against a fun Wild West theme, the festival will have a line-up of Beijing’s best burger joints, plus out-of-town guests that you can only get a taste of at the fest.

Best of all? Entry is free!

Want to make a day of it? Treat the kids (and yourself) to a VIP package that includes a cowboy hat, bandana, and 10% off all food and drinks – perfect for getting into the spirit.

Expect plenty of space to spread out, a lively but relaxed atmosphere, and food that’ll satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. Whether you’re a burger purist or love trying something new, this is a festival the whole family can sink their teeth into.

Calling All Vendors:

Got a standout burger joint or a signature creation you want the city to taste? Vendor applications for Juicy Burger Fest Beijing are now open! Just scan the QR code in the poster below to get in contact with us.

Find it:
Juicy Burger Fest 2026
May 1- 4 at Chaoyang Park

Images: The Beijingers

At just 16 years old, Tony Ding is already thinking about how to grow lacrosse in China. A junior in high school who balances his passion for diabetic biology studies with his love for the sport, he recently launched Laxmeter, a website designed to connect players across the country and help build a community around a game still finding its footing in Beijing.

A former student at Beijing World Youth Academy, Tony’s own journey began only three years ago when he entered high school in the US as a freshman. He played thirds lacrosse and was, by his own admission, terrible at it. It took him a week just to learn to successfully catch and throw the ball. But despite the steep learning curve, he fell in love with the fast pace, the aesthetic motion of a well-aimed shot, and the way the varsity team celebrated a win where everyone sprinted onto the field to high-five their goalie. For Tony, the beauty of lacrosse lies in that tension between fierce body contact and delicate stick movement.

With lacrosse set to return to the Olympics in 2028, he saw an opportunity.

The sport is growing in China, but there’s no platform bringing players together. When his parents suggested that hiring a professional to build one would be too expensive, Tony took matters into his own hands. Drawing on what he learned in AP Computer Science and a post-AP data structures course, he programmed Laxeter himself.

Right now, the site features a rankings system meant to motivate more players to participate in games. But his ambitions are bigger: he wants to eventually rank players by stars and help them build profiles that college coaches can see.

His vision doesn’t stop online. Tony is now working to establish a school lacrosse league among Beijing’s international school communities. He’s calling it BALL (the Beijing Academia Lacrosse League), and he’s already reaching out to schools to invite them in.

The plan is to start with a 3v3 format and scale up to a more competitive Tier I league for players with real talent and drive. For anyone interested in starting, he recommends BUX Lacrosse Club and the Beijing Lacrosse Association as great places to begin, filled with passionate athletes and professional coaches ready to help.

For Tony, this moment matters. “This is a pre-Olympic stage of Lacrosse (as I would like to call it), so every player is a pioneer. They’re not just learning a sport—they’re building a community from the ground up. That sense of ownership makes their journey deeply personal, which not only creates future influencers in the lacrosse community to publicize this sport we love more, but also presents opportunities (colleges, national teams, branding, etc.)” says Tony. The story of lacrosse in Beijing, he believes, is ultimately one about belonging and identity.

When asked what advice he’d give to kids who want to pick up a stick, he quotes his high school’s varsity goalie, John: “Lacrosse is an easy sport to pick up, but a hard sport to excel in.” What matters most, Tony says, are the friends and connections you make along the way. Whether you’re playing in big games, tossing the ball with a neighbor, or doing wall-ball with music in your ears, you’ll find yourself improving with a smile on your face. And then he adds John’s signature send-off: “Let’s go hit the wall.”

For kids in Beijing who want to give the sport a try, it’s easy. “I am working to create lacrosse teams at every high school that shows interest in this sport. Not only can they come to play at BUX lacrosse club, but they can also aid me and convince their teachers about including this sport in their school. We have professional coaches who are happy to show up and teach you the tricks!”

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).

Images: Tony Ding

Have you ever experienced a snow day and wanted it to never end? I sure had one of those days last weekend. A snowy winter day is definitely one of the most magical things to see, especially at one of the most famous places in Beijing- the Forbidden City. My family and I have been to the Forbidden City or Palace Museum several times. However, we have never been during the winter. A few days ago, a snow day gave us a perfect excuse to explore this familiar space in a different way.The Forbidden City is the most popular sight in Beijing, or maybe even China, so you can be sure that there is always a crowd! However, you can avoid this by visiting during the colder months. Winter can be much less stressful to visit in comparison to spring, summer, and fall.

In these seasons, the Forbidden City can be packed with tourists, locals, and foreigners alike, preventing you from really enjoying this historical sight. Also, visiting in the Summer can be incredibly hot, even for a history lover like me; I had a hard time enjoying this magnificent Palace Museum in the brazen heat. While Spring is mild and can be pleasant, if you are like me and suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable. So, if you can endure the cold, consider coming to the Forbidden City this winter.

If you are planning on visiting the Forbidden City during the winter, there are some things you should know and do to stay warm in the harsh weather. First things first, dress warmly. Dress well, thick and in many layers, so that the heat molecules trapped inside your body stay insulated, and conduction does not occur while you are exploring the Forbidden City. In other words, try to stay heated! If you have any heat packs, be sure to bring them! They could come in handy for your hands and feet! Although stomping in the snow just once or twice will not kill you, do not go stomping and playing in the snow too much, unless you are wearing waterproof shoes.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  Trust me, cold, wet feet are an unpleasant experience, no matter how beautiful the Forbidden City is.

It is a good idea to pack a thermos with a hot drink to soothe your throat and warm your body. And also, a little helpful tip! If you are a foreigner and did not reserve an entrance ticket, not to fret!  Get dropped off at Dongmen Gate and follow the sign and crowd around the moat toward the entrance. You can use your passport to purchase a ticket on the day.  Do not go to the main entrance by Tiananmen; the lines are extremely long, and security is more strict.

Recently, there has been a new section of the Forbidden City that been opened to the public, Qianlong Garden. This section of the Forbidden City has not been open for twenty-five years due to renovation. So, it was the perfect and very exciting opportunity explore a newly opened area. But FYI, Qianlong Garden ticket fee is not a part of the entrance fee; it is RMB 10 for adults and RMB 5 for children.

Tucked away in the north-west corner of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity area of the Forbidden City it can be a bit difficult to find but well worth the trouble. It was constructed between 1772 and 1776 and was personally designed by Qianlong Emperor after his abdication. This garden is extra special because most of the Forbidden City is all office buildings where the emperors would hold court and work. However, Qianlong Garden showed another view, another impression of the Forbidden City- where the imperial family lived, rest and relaxed.

Unfortunately, only 25% of the Qianlong Garden is open for sightseeing, while the other parts are still under renovation. You’ll experience exquisitely designed halls where the emperor sat to read edicts, his collection of porcelain vases, some bedrooms, and rock gardens with odd-shaped boulders that were imported from Jiangnan. The Qianlong Garden was also the home of the infamous Well of the Concubine Zhen. If you are looking for a thrilling story, look up the story of the infamous Concubine Zhen. The Qianlong Garden also houses the beautiful two-story opera house, to entertain the Empress Dowager, who did, in fact, enjoy opera. A lot.

I sure hope that this article will aid you if you plan on visiting the Forbidden City in the Winter. That’s all from me, and as always, stay tuned. And stay reading!!!

It’s the spooky season! Are you trying to make things scary yet fun for the family? Here are our picks for kid-friendly happenings in Beijing for the next two weeks to give you some inspiration this Halloween. For even more goings-on, and for weekly events, be sure to join one of our Family-Friendly Events groups on WeChat (add wilhelmina87 to be added).

Bonus: We’re also listing all the upcoming open houses for schools. Scroll to the bottom for the list.

Yoga in the City With Theresa

Join Taozi Tree Yoga for an evening 90-minute yoga experience in one of Beijing’s most stunning locations, Life Infinity Center, with a view of the beautiful Beijing city skyline! At Yoga in the City, we combine community, movement and music together to create a meaningful time of connection, both inside and out.

Where: Life Infinity Center, 6/F of Yintai Center
When: Oct 30
Price: RMB 220
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Red Dragon Lounge Double Set Meal at Universal Studios

Head to the Universal Studios Grand Hotel and indulge in the Red Dragon Lounge Double Set Meal! Available for a limited time from Sep 5 to Nov 2, this package is perfect for a themed meal with a friend or date. Enjoy a selection of dishes and brightly colored cocktails in a vibrant, spooky atmosphere.

Where: Red Dragon Louge
When: Until Nov 2

2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival

The 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival · Consumption Season is underway, taking place now until the end of October. Here, you’ll encounter radiant light-and-shadow art installations created by internationally renowned directors and creative teams.

There is also a wide array of cultural and entertainment events. From light shows, art exhibitions, festivals and fun outdoor activities to concerts of all kinds, dance performances, musical theater and more, this festival is packed with fun for everyone in the family. You can find more information about all the different activities happening throughout this month here.

Where: Liangma River and Olympic Park
When: Now until Oct 31, 6pm-10pm
Price: Free

Dark Night Feast: A Halloween Bewitchment at Chapter

The Halloween celebration season is here! The Chapter of Conrad Beijing Hotel has transformed into a dark fantasy wonderland. The “Halloween Buffet” grandly opens! Strange decorations blend with warm lights, creating an immersive atmosphere. The event is rich in activities: face painting, making/painting pumpkin lanterns and making Halloween drinks. Invite your friends and family to unlock a thrilling and delicious carnival feast together.

Where: Chapter Restaurant
When: Oct 31

Family-Fun Halloween “Booffet” @ Kempinski Hotel Beijing

Celebrate Halloween with your family at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center! Signature’s Restaurant will hold a spooky party for you and the little ones, which is packed with scary cake, fearful pumpkins and more creative themed international eats. Highlights include the Beijing duck station, suckling pig, freshly steamed hairy crabs, tiger prawn skewers, lamb leg with Arabic rice, roast turkey with cornbread stuffing, German-style roasted pork knuckle, whole roasted beef tenderloin and a rich imported and local cheese selection. Don’t forget to save some space for the sweets, including seasonal pumpkin pie, themed blood orange panna cotta, classic black forest cake, nut tart and a chocolate fountain with marshmallows.

While the adults enjoy their free-flow Paulaner beer and wine, the kids can be entertained with holiday-themed face painting, a clown magic show, joining the Trick or Treat team for sweets or enjoying the themed playroom.

Where: Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center
When: Oct 31-Nov 1
Price:
Adults & Kids above 12: RMB 488/Person
Children 6-11 years old: RMB 238/Person
Children 3-5 years old: RMB 100/Person

Feast of Shadows at Georgia’s Feast

Step into the Feast of Shadows at Georgia’s Feast 格鲁P秀色 this Oct 31-Nov 1, from 6.30pm till late! Enjoy a mysterious host, fun games, and thrilling performances – dance and live music on Oct 31, live band on Nov 1. Come in costume for a free Halloween shot and join the Best Dressed Contest!

Where: Georgia’s Feast
When: Oct 31

Halloween Fun at Market Café

Join us for a Halloween celebration dinner buffet at Market Café on Oct 31! Kids can enjoy our fun-filled kids’ corner, a wide selection of delicious treats and our Themed Cooking Class, while adults can indulge in seasonal specialties: Salmon Sashimi, Marinated Crab with Yellow Wine, Teppan Black Tiger Prawn, Prawn Soup with Rice, Roasted Lamb Red Willow Branch Skewer, Garlic Roasted Dalian Oyster and our festive Halloween Pumpkin Pie. RMB 498 per family, including two adults and one child under 12, or RMB 218 per person. Everyone can embrace the Halloween spirit here!

Where: Market Café at Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing
When: Oct 31
Price: RMB 218/person; RMB 498/family, including two adults and one kid under 12

Halloween Party at Zarah

Where: Turkish Feast
When: Oct 31

Frights & Bites Buffet at Dastaan

This Halloween, join this night of deliciously haunting flavors and festive fun at Dastaan Indian Cuisine, Sanlitun SOHO. Enjoy a special buffet featuring seasonal Indian dishes with a spooky twist – perfect for families and food lovers.

Where: Liangma River and Olympic Park
When: Oct 31 (Fri), 6pm-10pm
Price: Starts at RMB 78

Beijing’s Best HYGGE Halloween

The most planet-friendly and plastic-free Halloween activity in our overview of upcoming places to enjoy this festival.

Where: FamFunFarm
When: Nov 1-2
Price: RMB 300

Halloween at EAST Beijing

This Halloween, EAST Beijing is transforming into a magical lantern of delights! Whether you’re here for some family fun or a taste bud-tingling feast, our spooky celebrations have something for everyone. Get ready to dive into a world of eerie excitement and let us be your guide to a fang-tastic holiday!

Where: Feast at East Hotel Beijing
When: Nov 1 – 2

Taozi’s Family Glow Yoga

Join JinShang Yuan and Taozi Tree Yoga for a spooky and fun Family Glow Yoga session! Celebrate Halloween on Sunday afternoon with costumes, glow accessories, and an hour of family-friendly yoga and bonding. Price includes one adult and one child (or two children) with special passes.

Where: JinShang Yuan
When: Nov 2
Price: RMB 280 per family

MAMA Moove in the Park

Join MAMA Workout in the Park every Friday from 10.30am-11.45am at Chaoyang Park West. A fun, full-body workout designed to be postpartum safe – with or without your baby. Stay active, connect with other moms and enjoy the fresh air. Just RMB 118 per session. Don’t forget to bring your own mat. Scan to join today!

Where: Chaoyang Park West
When: Fridays from 10.30am-11.45am
Price: RMB 118

Scares @ Universal

Universal Beijing Resort is bringing back its Scares @ Universal event from now until Nov 2. During this time, the closing time of the themed lands will be extended to 11pm.

Four themed haunted mazes (including two new ones) and two scare zones will open to visitors altogether. The Universal Monsters Crypt, one of the new haunted zones, will gather original characters from Universal Pictures’ classic movies and provide visitors with multi-sensory assaults through blockbuster-level production quality. Another new area, the silent and mysterious House of Hua Pi, will open for a limited period. Jack’s Circus and House No. 91 will also come back.

Where: Universal Beijing Resort
When: Daily until Nov 2, 10am-11pm
Price: Starts at RMB 270

2025 EUNIC Film Festival China

With a theme of “Growing Old Together,” the 2025 European Union National Institute for Cultures (EUNIC) Film Festival is part of a series of cultural activities sponsored by the Embassy of the Netherlands in China, co-organized by Beijing Normal University, curated by art image curator Lin Li and executed in close collaboration with other local partners. A total of 18 member countries, 21 films and 31 screenings will be held in multiple venues in Beijing from Oct 12 to Dec 7, 2025. Get to see films from all over Europe at this event. Check more details here.

Where: Various locations
When: Daily until Dec 7
Price: Scan QR for more details

VISION by Taozi

This mentorship creative experience with Annette Golden happens every Wednesday at Jinshang Yuan. In this space for young creatives aged 8-12, attendees will get to experience and express art with confidence, which will help them to find their artistic voice and think outside the box. See the poster below for more details.

Where: Jinshang Yuan
When: Every Wednesday until Dec 17, 5pm-7pm
Price: Starts at RMB 233 per hour

Little Learners at BSB Shunyi on Tuesdays & Thursdays

Join the Little Learners program at The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi. Designed for children from birth to 3 years old, this program encourages socialization, eases the transition into school and inspires a lifelong love of learning through purposeful play.

Foreign passport holders only. Scan the QR code to register.

Where: The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-10.30am
Price: Free

Upcoming School Open Houses:

It’s open house season again, and these schools are opening their doors to give prospective parents and students a chance to take a peek at what they do best and meet their awesome educators.

Duckling Discovery Days for 2-3 Year Olds

Joyful learning starts at a young age. Discover this with your kids at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB)’s Duckling Discovery Days as they welcome prospective families and students aged 2-3 to their on-campus event. Grab this opportunity for your child to play, grow and make friends in the school’s world-class spaces.

Contact DCB now to find out all the exciting details. Scan the QR code in the poster to register for the event.

Where: Dulwich College Beijing
When: Nov 10 and Nov 24 (both Mon), 8.45am-10.30am
Price: Free

WAB’s Autumn Open Houses

Register now to explore the Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) innovative and joyful learning environment and see how their world-class, innovation-driven program will help your child thrive.

As a leading independent, non-profit International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, WAB is known for its innovative, student-centered approach to education. Across the school’s Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), students engage in inquiry-driven learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence. With cutting-edge resources, flexible learning spaces, and over 400 extracurricular activities, their diverse and inclusive community empowers students to thrive.

To give you the opportunity to learn more about WAB’s diverse and inclusive community and meet with school leadership and student ambassadors, they are offering multiple opportunities in October and November for families to explore their Early Years through to High School programs. Check out more details here.

Where: Western Academy of Beijing
When: Oct 31, Nov 3 and 13 (times and programs vary; click here for details)
Price: Free

Join ISB’s Fall Open House

The International School of Beijing (ISB) is welcoming parents and students for a morning of discovery and connection. Take a closer look at the school’s Early Years and Elementary programs as you explore their learning spaces, hear from teachers and students and meet members of the leadership team. This is your chance to take a glimpse of life at ISB!

Where: International School of Beijing
When: Nov 8 (Sat), 9am-11am (for Early Years and Elementary School) and 12.30pm-2.30pm (for Middle School/High School)
Price: Free

Dulwich Senior School Open Day

Dulwich Senior School Open Day welcomes prospective students and families to explore the school’s inspiring senior campus. Meet passionate teachers, tour modern facilities and learn about a curriculum that cultivates critical thinking, creativity and leadership. Experience firsthand the vibrant community and opportunities that prepare students for academic excellence and success in a global environment.

Where: Dulwich College Beijing
When: Nov 8 (Sat), 9am-noon
Price: Free

Create Your Future at BSB Sanlitun’s Primary Enrichment Taster Day

The British School of Beijing (BSB), Sanlitun’s next Primary Enrichment will take place on Sat, Nov 8, in the student kitchen. Non-BSB students, aged 6-10, are invited to join for a tasty and fun morning. The event is free to attend.

Where: British School of Beijing, Sanlitun
When: Nov 8 (Sat), 9am-11am
Price: Free

BWYA Open House

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) invites parents to its upcoming Info Sessions. Join the Secondary Info Session on Nov 13 (Thursday, 9am-11.30am) or the Primary Info Session on Nov 14 (Friday, 9am-11.30am). Each session includes a School Tour, Info Session and Q&A.

Register via the official website or by scanning the QR code on the event poster below. After completing registration, enter the Checklist to make an event reservation. You’ll see a “Successful Appointment” page and receive an automatic email confirmation once all steps are completed.

Where: Beijing World Youth Academy
When: Nov 13-14 (Thu-Fri), 9am-11.30am
Price: Free

YCIS Beijing Weekly School Tours – Every Wednesday

Yew Chung International School Beijing is pleased to welcome parents of prospective students for dedicated school tours every Wednesday. Families considering enrolment for ECE, Primary or Secondary in Semester 1 are invited to book an appointment and explore their vibrant campus.

Where: Yew Chung International School Beijing
When: Every Wednesday, 9.30am-11am
Price: Free

LMMP Open House

We warmly invite you to visit La Maison Montessori de Pékin (LMMP) and discover our school. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet and speak with our class teachers and admissions team, learn more about our philosophy and community and explore our fantastic facilities.

Where: LMMP
When: Nov 29 from 9.30am
Price: Free

Did we miss any upcoming family-friendly event worth attending? Let us know in the comments below!

Images: courtesy of the vendors 

We’re all too familiar with Universal Studios and Happy Valley, but many of us have never heard of Chimu Wonderland. It’s a 43,500sqm fantasy land built with rustic wooden architecture where fairy tales are meant to feel real. They don’t have the crazy, exciting roller coasters. What they’ve got is more similar to what you’d find at a carnival.

But every year when Halloween rolls around, the park traditionally transforms into a pumpkin paradise.

There are literally pumpkins and Halloween decorations everywhere. There are outdoor playgrounds for kids and even a small petting zoo.

Families are allowed to bring in their camping equipment, so if you bundle up, you can make it an all-day picnic event.

Right now, the park is decorated with countless pumpkins, haystacks, and whimsical settings like a pumpkin carriage and Hobbit-style cottages, making it an incredibly photogenic spot for those looking for a super cute pumpkin patch vibe for their annual Halloween kids’ photoshoot.

Prices:
RMB 79.9 for all ages and includes three tickets for rides within the park.
RMB 128 for all ages and includes unlimited rides within the park.

If you go on the weekends, be sure to catch their pumpkin parade during the day and stay for the interactive kids’ shows.

Find it: 
13 Laiguangying Beilu, Chaoyang District (take Exit C at Qingheying station on subway Line 17, then walk 300 meters from the west gate of Wenyu River Park)
朝阳区来广营北路13号地铁17号线清河营C
口出温榆河公园西门步行300

Images: Douyin, Dianping

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

It is always good to take advantage of the nice weather of autumn before the harsh cold winter ushers itself in to Beijing. Luckily for me, the Chrysanthemum Festival had just begun at the Beijing International Flower Port. So then, it is another weekend exploring with Clark Yap!

Want to know why I loved it so much? Read on!

1. The whimsical and vibrant colors of the garden provide an excellent place to take a lot of photos, as in engagement photos or family memories. As for myself, I took a lot of photos and videos to make films. It is as if the garden was designed to be photogenic for people who love to take pictures. There were beautiful arches of trees, and some structures of the Great Wall. By the lake, there was a large floral statue resembling the goddess of the earth, Gaia. The garden had fields of flowers of all colors: bright oranges, deep purples and different shades of pink. And don’t forget about the chrysanthemums! According to my mother, in about two weeks they should be in full bloom! Unfortunately, the time we came it was still early in the season, so we only saw a bit of bright yellow chrysanthemums.
2. The Beijing International Flower Port has something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from playgrounds for children to activities for the elderly. The playground was quite large with bouncy trampolines, a carousel and even a train for the little kids. There was also a large platform built on top of the lake surrounded by lily pads. The ground is quite large, so getting around can be tiresome for children and seniors. You can rent a car to drive or a bike to ride around the garden with your family or friends. The garden is also very wheelchair accessible!
3. Do not miss out on the magical Butterfly World, where one can see the wonders of butterflies. But please note you must not touch the butterflies against their will. Yet it is acceptable if the creature lands on you. The butterfly world is large greenhouse where butterflies are free to fly around as they please. Many art murals of butterflies wings are hung on the walls, and models of large butterflies are on display. One butterfly I saw looked like an old leaf. If you are lucky, a butterfly may decide to land on you, as did one on my mother. However, do not touch the butterfly on your own or hold it by the wings.
4. The Flower Port sold many beverages and snacks, and my mother and I bought two ice cream bars to sustain us while we enjoyed the nice weather. Many snack vendors stood along the paths through the beautiful flower port, and they sold meat sticks and sausages. Souvenirs like little plants and clay figures were also sold, and my mother bought me a little succulent baskets for me. We received a bunch of coupons to use from the purchase of entrance, and since the succulent plant was RMB 30, the coupon gave us a discount and we only had to pay RMB 20.
5. The Beijing International Flower Port is one hour and 15 minutes from urban Beijing, an easy drive in the country for my mom. The Chrysanthemum Festival very much reminded me of when my family would take me to a local farm for the pumpkin patch or a state fair in the fall back in the USA. For those who miss the fall in your home country, this spot can offer you some relief.

Find it:
Beijing International Flower Port 京國際鮮花港
9 Xianhuagang Nanlu
Entrance tickets cost RMB 80 and at the gates we were given a bunch of coupons for things over the price of RMB 30.
You can rent bike carriages for RMB 100 an hour and golf cars for RMB 150 an hour.

Images: Clark Yap

Beijing parents are always asking “Where can I throw a birthday party for my kid?” Well, we’re here to tackle that big bouncy question as we explore different types of venues all over the city and give you an in-depth look at your kids’ party options. Search #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for more recommendations from us.
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My mother is a magnificent party planner, but she finds birthday parties particularly challenging in Beijing. We originally had planned for a garden birthday, but there was a miscommunication with our chosen venue, so our plans had to be pivoted. However, we do not give up so easily! So, when my mother asked me again what I would like to do, I said I would love to spend my tenth birthday outside. I had recently been wanting to go apple picking, and Mom had the perfect place: FunFarmFam.

FunFarmFam, aka FFF, is an urban oasis in the suburbs of Beijing. It is designed and owned by Mr. Morten Holm. For my birthday, Mr. Morten and his team led three fun activities for us kids to enjoy.

I had wanted to go apple picking, but unfortunately, apples were not in season at the moment. Our first activity happened to be picking food at his farm. Wait a minute – not picking, digging. Mr. Morten explained that more vines in one spot indicate more potatoes. Our parents were impressed to see that the children enjoyed digging for sweet potatoes and taking pride in finding the biggest one. And us youth had a phenomenal time.The second activity was making sweet potato cupcakes. Right after potato digging, we were led back into the cafeteria to begin creating sweet potato cupcakes. It was fun to whisk the cake batter and crack eggs into a bowl, and mash up the potatoes. After we finished mixing the batter and poured our batter into our cups to be baked, it was lunchtime. And lucky for us, FFF also had a sweet little playground for us kids to spend some time while we waited for our lunch to be served.Lunch was included in our party package, which is beneficial for my mom because she didn’t have to worry about catering lunch for our guests. According to my mother, this was the least stressful birthday party she had hosted. FFF did not allow us to bring outside food onto the farm, but we were allowed to bring in our own drinks. The lunch was all seasonal products from the farm and was very healthy and delicious. Mr. Morton also gave the option to order a special pizza from his kitchen. A large 40cm pizza would cost us an extra RMB 168. Mr. Morten baked the pizza himself, so it was fresh straight from the oven. The farm staff was so nice that we packed up the plentiful leftovers from our lunch. My mother did not have to fret over making my family dinner that evening!FFF was very thoughtful; they helped my mother order a birthday cake on Meituan. They received the cake at the gate from the deliveryman, carefully stored it in their refrigerator, and served it at my mother’s request. In fact, when we first arrived, the staff greeted us and quickly offered to help set up the decorations we had ordered on Taobao.

FFF also was very communicative. Days leading up to the party, they reached out and offered activities and helpful reminders such as to wear appropriate clothing and bring bug spray and sunscreen. They were very flexible when my mom wanted to make changes to the schedule to accommodate our guests and offered the third activity to be one of the following:

1. Go hunt for material to feed the animals.
2. Water gun fight near the small river on the farm
3. Go treasure hunting with a map of the orchard
4. Egg harvesting in the chicken coop

The last activity, which was the one that everyone looked forward to the most, was hanging out with the animals. All morning, my guests had been inquiring about this opportunity. We collected herbs and vegetables from the garden to feed the animals. There were many goats just roaming around the place, and when they saw us coming toward them, we were almost mobbed by a herd of hungry, cute goats. What is rather comical is that when I tried to offer this one goat and a small handful from my pile, it just went straight to the big pile instead.

After that, we went into the chicken coop to pick up small eggs. We were all allowed four eggs each, and everyone had the excitement of finding one with a chick inside it. Unfortunately, if we had a chick inside an egg, it would be better to put it back in the coop, because without an incubator for the eggs to stay warm, the chicks inside would be goners.

I learned so much during this whole experience! It was a fun-filled day full of educational facts. Our guests got to keep their sweet potatoes and cupcakes, along with our four eggs. Though it was sad to leave, it had been a wonderful party. Mr. Morten helped my parents pack up our things, giving me a lot of time to feed the goats some more.There you have it: my amazing, fun tenth birthday at FunFarmFam. If you are into nature and love feeding animals, be sure to check them out for your kid’s next party! As many of my friends share, they thought it was the best birthday party that they had attended. It was a magical birthday for me, and I hope your upcoming birthday party is as magical as mine!Cost:
FFF charged per kid, it was RMB 399 per kid attending and RMB 199 for the parents. We got an extra ten percent off because we are affiliated with Western Academy of Beijing. Mr. Morten will offer a ten percent discount to teachers and staff at other schools as well.

Click here to see more information on their party packages.

Stay tuned. And stay reading!!!

Find it:
畈畈畈FunFarmFam
FunFarmFam Ecological Farm, 7 Litian Lu Nan, Shunyi District
顺义区天竺镇李天路南7号院畈畈畈生态农园
Contact: Morten Holm
Wechat: mortenholm123

Images: Clark Yap

Do you dream of becoming the next Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt or Simone Biles? Whether you are an amateur athlete or someone who prefers to sit in a corner and quietly read about sports, you may find the Beijing National Stadium museum particularly fascinating! When my parents and I visit a famous historical sight, it’s typically something ancient in Beijing. But this time we had a little change. This time, we visited the very modern Beijing National Olympic Stadium Museum.

The Beijing National Stadium 北京国家体育场 started its construction in 2003, when it was declared that Beijing would be hosting the 2008 Olympic Games. This building was completed within five years, and they really put the pedal to the gold medal. The structure of the Beijing National Stadium represents the sticks and twigs put together to form a nest, giving it the nickname “the Bird’s Nest 鸟巢.” The Bird’s Nest is not only famous for hosting the 2008 and 2022 Olympics, but it’s also celebrated for its glorious structure. The stadium’s seating capacity can hold up to 91,000 attendees!

You can have a chance to become a dignitary or VIP guest of the Bird’s Nest by taking the escalator from the ground floor to the second floor! It is called the Golden escalator, and while the escalator was not golden itself, the walls were constructed with shiny golden tiles. And it gave me absolute satisfaction to run my hands along these beautiful golden walls.

The most unique feature of this experience was exploring the rooftop of the stadium.

I have been to another Olympic stadium before, in Athens, Greece, where the Olympics originated. I even ran the marble track with my dad, but I was not allowed to walk on the roof. In fact, the stadium in Greece did not even have a roof! But at the Beijing National Stadium, you can take the elevator from the sixth floor and walk up a staircase that will lead you to the stadium roof! I am positive that not many other buildings allow visitors to walk on the rooftop. Though it was terrifying to be so high up, it was still quite remarkable to look over the Olympic Park along with the well-known Water Cube and Olympic Towers.

There are also many Olympic props from the 2008 to 2022 Games in the stadium.  We saw a large percussion drum that was used in the 2008 Opening Ceremony. Very impressive!!! We also saw one of the very first fans that was used in the fan dance Olympic opening of 2008! If you have dreams of becoming a famous Olympic track star, you may begin your career by trying out the simulated race tracks. It was fantastic seeing many artifacts of Olympic history.

Since the Beijing National Stadium is a museum, you may learn about the history of the stadium by going on a Virtual Reality tour.  It is by the entrance of the stadium. It will take you on a journey through the Bird’s Nest and tell you about the history of the stadium.

Although the Bird’s Nest historic events – the 2008 and 2022 Games – were a while ago, the stadium is still in operation. In fact, when we were visiting, we noticed that it was being prepared for another event. Therefore, the stadium facilities were so clean and organized, with many water dispensers throughout the stadium that served paper cups where you could get a drink. There were also some vending machines. The building did have a lot of restaurants, like KFC and McDonald’s, and there were plenty of restaurants around the Olympic Park.

Even if you are not much of a sports fanatic, the Beijing National Stadium is still a phenomenon to visit. Stay tuned, and stay reading!!!

Find it: 
Beijing National Stadium, Bird’s Nest 北京国家体育场·鸟巢
1 Guojiatiyuchang Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区国家体育场路1号
Price: approximately RMB 263 for two adults and one kid

Images: Clark Yap