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!!!

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

When my husband secretly booked a weekend stay at ZhiResort Hotel (北京在之禾酒店), I admit my expectations were low. It’s a local hotel that many have never heard of, but this hidden gem nestled within Ziyu Park – sandwiched between Beijing’s Fourth and Fifth Ring Roads – completely rewrote our definition of urban family retreats.

The hotel shares its grounds with views of the Olympic Tower and direct access to Ziyu Park’s sprawling greenery. Three things to note:

1. Day visitors are allowed from 10am to 4pm (with clearance starting at 3.30pm). We arrived at 2pm and shared the park with outside guests for an hour.
2. Upon reaching the gate, you need to provide the reservation name for entry.
3. Hotel guests enjoy exclusive free parking – a rare perk in Beijing!

​Animal Encounters Beyond Zoos​

The park transforms into a private wonderland after 4 pm when day visitors depart:

• ​Free-roaming friends: Alpacas graze freely (though we missed the sika deer’s appearance).
• ​Feathered performers: Peacocks compete in impromptu feather displays.
• ​Curious residents: Capybaras, monkeys, foxes, and ostriches observe guests from their enclosures.

Feeding guidelines

You can purchase feed from vending machines if you want to feed the animals. There’s no outside food available, so you need to buy it there. They’ve got different selections for different animals, like seed mixes for the birds, carrots for the alpacas and deer, and jerky for the dogs and foxes. However, there’s a strict no feeding rule when it comes to the capybara.

Hotel Highlights for Families​

The property balances functionality with subtle luxury:

• ​Bike adventures: Parent-child bicycles feature clever child seats mounted on adult frames.
• ​Water play: The outdoor pool connects to hot springs. We recommend changing in your room first (no changing room in pool area).
• ​Thoughtful touches: Child-sized toiletries, simple but nice afternoon tea, free mini-bar with soft drinks and beer, and fresh mulberries so sweet they might’ve been picked from the hotel’s own trees.

Pro Tips:​

• ​Bug defense: Arm yourself with plenty of mosquito repellent. There’s plenty of greenery there, which means you’ll need to fight off those pesky bloodsuckers.
• ​Mealtime hacks:
  • Breakfast (served until 11am) offers congee, noodles, Cantonese dim sum, salad, baked food, and coffee.
  • Order delivery to the gate. Staff will happily drive you there via golf cart to pick up your food.
  • Explore off-property dining options for better value.
• ​Golden hour magic: Stroll the forest boardwalks after 4pm for some peace and quiet.

The Price of Exclusivity

​While standard rooms start around RMB 1,500/night (private hot spring rooms may double this), the cost buys what money rarely can in Beijing, which is an unforgettable child-friendly playtime with animals without zoo crowds, space to breathe (literally – the air smells like proper countryside), and the luxury of watching your kids chase alpacas instead of iPad screens.

​In a city of cookie-cutter luxury hotels, ZhiResort delivers something different. Relish serene and pleasant leisure time. Parents rediscover quiet moments, and children learn nature’s rhythms from creatures who’ve never known cage bars. I’m not saying it’s a perfect hotel. Their rooms lack the five-star polish you can come to expect from international luxury chains, but when golden light filters through the park’s mist at dusk, you’ll forget you’re still inside the Fifth Ring Road.

Find it:
1 Ziyu East Road, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区紫玉东路1号
Tel: 6491 7488

Images: Siyu He

There’s something about trekking through nature that shifts the way we connect with our children. Escaping the everyday—schools, screens, the busyness of Beijing’s speedy pace—to immerse in forests and mountains, it feels like time slows down and space opens up to be more mindful of our surroundings. Breathing in green scents, crossing a cool stream, spotting a salamander, wondering what a tree species might be – hiking heightens our physical sensations and sense of wonder, and invites a new flow to conversations.

On top of promoting wellness and family bonding, hiking is time in nature’s classroom. Children develop resilience by learning how to persevere through challenges encountered along the way. How to deal with a flash rainshower? A stumble, cut knee, bug bite? Hangry parents? Their confidence grows when they are able to calmly handle unexpected situations, reach a summit, or complete a long trail. Finally, spending time with flora and fauna strengthens their appreciation for biodiversity and ecological stewardship.

So that’s the case for upping your family’s hiking game from occasional leisure to essential monthly ritual. But, how can you coax your little one into falling in love with conquering mountains from drama-prone preschoolers to too-cool teens? We ask Steven Zhang of Steven’s Hikes, who has 20 years of experience hiking around Beijing and across China, for his tips on turning ‘Are we there yet?’ into ‘Let’s summit!’

How to Choose Trails – According to Steven:

Start Small and Local. Nearby trails like Fragrant Hills or the National Botanical Gardens offer short, familiar routes that build confidence and enthusiasm to take on more challenging routes.

Match to Ability Level. As you build up to longer trails, opt for routes that match your child’s stamina. Consider distance, elevation gain, terrain, and total duration against her ability, pace, and attention span. Steven classifies five difficulty levels (L1-L5, see his QR code at the end of the article). A simpler rule to adapt for ability and age:

• Under 10: Flat, shaded trails, some moderate inclines, with interactive elements.
• Over 10: Introduce steeper inclines, longer distances, and set goals for summits.

Favor Trails with Kid Appeal. Some trails are built with learning stations or play areas along the way. Others may feature waterfalls and stream crossings, or cultural draws like temples and ruins. Trails along larger lakes and rivers invite a dip in the water in summer, even a rest area for a scenic picnic goes a long way in appealing to young hikers.

Get the kids involved in the preparation process.

Involve Kids in Planning. Look up the route on an online map together, let them pack the backpack, and choose snacks. This involvement increases their enthusiasm.

Gear Up Appropriately. Invest in a lightweight backpack, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a first-aid kit. Local brands

Long is Better Than Short. Many go hiking in shorts and tanks during summer, but Steven recommends light, breathable long-sleeve shirts and long pants to guard against the sun and scratches. Use a variety of outer layers, such as rain jackets, windbreakers, or fleece jackets, depending on the season. Protective headwear is also essential, even in cooler months, to protect the face and eyes.

Pack Light and Smart. Plenty of water, snacks, head coverings, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray (summer), a first-aid kit (or at least plasters), a spare pair of socks if there are water crossings, and for good measure, more snacks.

What about when you’re on the trail?

Mindset is Everything. A successful hike has as much to do with the right gear as it does the right attitude. Patience, humor, and curiosity. Gently remind kids (and yourself) to take a breath when frustration hits.

Safety First. Teach basic safety rules—staying on the path, recognizing trail markers, and what to do if separated.

Respect Nature. Instill a leave-no-trace ethic and model care for the environment.

Give Kids a Role: Whether it’s trail navigator, photographer, or sunscreen monitor, small responsibilities increase engagement and confidence.

Relaxed Pace. Frequent snack and view breaks are a must, especially for under-10s. It’s a cliché, but so true: The journey is the destination.

Spot Birds, Bugs, Plants: Play a scavenger hunt to see who will find the first lizard, centipede, or (whatever bird is local to the area – look it up!). Curious by nature and closer to the ground, kids often notice what adults miss. The excellent Seek by iNaturalist app IDs trees, flowers, and insects – it’s free and works offline.

Make It a Story. Weave in local legends, myths, or made-up tales about the landscape. It’s a great way to fuel imaginations and hold attention.

Practice Mindfulness. Teach children to observe, listen, and connect with their surroundings. Slow down and simply BE.

Expect the Unexpected. Be ready to adjust. Pack rain gear and keep an open mind if plans need to shift.

High-five the wins! Victory dance at the summit, finishing a loop, and even mark smaller wins along the way. Positive reinforcement builds motivation and resilience.

End on a High Note. Develop a ritual for rewarding your conclusion of the hike. For example, Steven likes to end hikes with a local village meal.

Reflect Together. On the ride home, talk about what everyone enjoyed or learned. Post-hike chats help reinforce positive experiences.

Share with Jingkids! Tongue in cheek… but seriously, we’d love to learn from your adventures to inspire us and fellow readers…

And that’s your trail toolkit! Ready to put it to use? Coming up next, Steven takes us on three spring hikes where ancient pagodas, forgotten temples, and imperial gardens await. Let the adventure begin.

For more information on classifying hiking levels and group hiking tours, contact Steven at:Images: Tara Fegelein

After talking about the people, services and food my family will miss most in Beijing, we now move on to our favorite venues in the capital city that we have such great memories of. The list includes parks, museums, kid playgrounds and hiking areas that are all family-friendly! Of course, as always, all the opinions stated in this article are just that – my opinions – and completely subjective.

1. Long Qing Gorge 

We first visited this AAAA tourist site in winter for its Ice Lantern Festival (which should open really soon!), but I think its true beauty lies in the summer months when the lake is as emerald green as the trees surrounding it. That’s when you can take the short 20-minute hike up to the top and zip-line across from cliff to cliff over the water then speed boat across it. It also boasts the Guinness World Record for longest series of escalators – if you’re into that sort of thing.

Find it:
Longqingxia Scenic Area
Guchengcun, Jiuxianzhen, Yanqing District

2. Ice Hiking on the White River in Miyun

It’s actually the perfect time to do this in Beijing right now! There are many tour groups that will do this hike and we’ve actually tried it with two different ones – the Beijing Hikers and the Cub Scouts – and it’s definitely a must-do in Beijing at least once. Preparation is key here, though, so make sure you get all your crampons and winter gear ready!

3. Skiing/Snowboarding in Nanshan

It’s not the greatest skiing in the world, it may not even be the best skiing in Beijing, but skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort is certainly the most accessible and by far the cheapest I’ve encountered in the world. Just an hour outside of main Beijing (with good traffic) and with all accessories and clothing rentable on site, it’s so easy to just show up, gear up, and start skiing. Aside from the RMB 200 deposit for each person, it costs less than RMB 500 to ski for the day and rent everything you need!

Find it:
Shengshuitou Village (圣水头村), Henanzhai Town（河南寨镇), Miyun County（密云县)

4. Picnicking / Cycling in Yanqing Scenic Area

Again, this is an area that we’ve explored a few times with various travel tours, and every time has been a refreshing break from the city. Beijing Hikers, Tayrona and Our Beijing are among the travel groups that we have experience with and would recommend booking a tour with. Our only issue is that it can take up to three hours to drive one way, which could mean up to a six-hour commute for a day trip. There are several comfortable and reasonably-priced local inns and hotels in the area if you would prefer to stay the night.

5. Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping

While there are numerous hot spring hotels in Beijing, this one is my family’s go-to because it’s expat-friendly (Marriott brand) and also just far enough away to warrant a good staycation. Three cool things about the hotel:

1. The water that fills your bathtub is hot spring water so you don’t even have to leave your room for the experience.

2. The kids’ water park on the hotel grounds uses hot spring water.

3. The hotel is right next to a local amusement park and outlet shopping mall.

Do note that the hot spring water park in the basement of the hotel costs an additional fee, starting from RMB 98 for kids and RMB 238 for adults for a day ticket. There is an indoor and outdoor water play area, complete with slides, waterfalls, water jets, and colored pools to add to the fun.

Find it:
Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping
29 Nankou Lu, Changping District

6. Beihai Park 

Definitely one of the most scenic, historical and beautiful parks, especially if you can visit it without sprawling crowds. What made it really memorable for my family was the Beihai Park Scavenger Hunt that you can do on your own any time as long as you get the guide book!

Find it:
1, Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District

7. Peking Man Museum

It was such a historical thrill to see the Peking Man Museum and its actual excavation sites in Zhoukoudian. We were lucky to be able to tour the facility under the expert guidance of Dr. Tom Stidham, who has since moved back to the States, but the museum continues to be a one-of-a-kind visit in Beijing. The most fun part is definitely the access to the caves where the actual fossils were found, which is a fun adventure for aspiring Dora the Explorers and Indiana Joneses.

Find it:
1, Zhoukoudian Jie, Fangshan District
(北京市房山区周口店大街1号)

8. Paleozoological Museum of China

Hands down one of the best museums in Beijing, this dinosaur-focused museum offers bilingual information so it’s super expat-friendly. It’s also the only museum that I’ve ever had the privilege of spending the night in, thanks to a cool partnership with the Scouts/certain student groups!

Find it:
西城区西直门外大街142号
142 Xizhimenwai Dajie

9. Bom Bom Space

There’s always a new kids’ playground popping up somewhere around Beijing, but Bom Bom Space has consistently been my kid’s and his friends’ favorite for the five years we lived here. Their facilities have been well-maintained and the premises kept clean despite the staggering amount of kids that run amok in there. Plus, it’s located in an outlet shopping mall so you can just leave the kids to play while you shop!

Find it:
BomBom Space
3/F, Surprise Outlets, Jinzhanxiang Forest Park East
北京斯普瑞斯奥莱商城二期3层

10. Shenglu Vineyard 

I just cannot get enough of this vineyard plus dog-friendly campground plus outdoor natural kids playground! Since we discovered it couple years ago, it’s been one of our go-to haunts any time we have a day off from school. Feel free to set up your own tent on their nicely-manicured grassy fields, or use any one of their canvas tents complete with chairs and tables at a higher price. More details can be found in this article.

Find it:
Shenglu Vineyard 圣露庄园
奶乐村村东顺白路471号东1门
East Gate 1, 471 Dongshunbai Lu, Chaoyang District

KEEP READING: 10 Beijing Restaurants and What I’ll Miss About Them

Images: Ray Wu, VivienneTseng-Rush, Beijing Hikers

Yes, Beijing gets really hot in summer.
Yes, summers are getting hotter every year.
And yes, it’s due to climate change, global warming and other important stuff.
But no, it doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors, glued to your sofa, sitting in front of your air conditioner with a pint of ice cream.
Luckily, there are quite a few swimming pools and water parks you can cool off at and actually enjoy the hot weather.

One of those pools is located inside Qingnianhu Park near Andingmen, and it offers a full day of fun for the whole family. Definitely one of the larger outdoor pools in Beijing, the Qingnianhu pool tends to get busy, especially on weekends. When we visited it was crowded, but we still managed to find a spot for our towels and the stroller in the shade by the little kids’ pool.

When you pass through the gate, you may leave your stuff in a locker and get changed in the changing rooms. You can also bring in your own food and drinks (glass bottles not allowed in), although there are snacks available inside, too.

The Little Kids’ Area

The kids’ pool is divided into two areas: the super shallow one with an elephant-shaped structure in the middle (which the kids thought was a slide, so the lifeguards on duty had to constantly blow their whistles) and an area that is a tad deeper, with a water playground my kids got all hyped up over. This pool was super busy, with kids of all ages going down the slides and screaming with excitement when the huge bucket on top of the structure would tip over and splash water on them.

The Water Massage Area + The Foam Party

There’s another small round pool for kids to play in and for adults to enjoy hydrotherapy jets massaging their aches away. However, the star of the show (for the kiddos, at least!) is the area by the kids’ pools where a foam machine blows foam and bubbles onto a slip-resistant surface and makes a unique experience for the kiddos.

The Bigger Kids Area

The main pool is around 1.5m deep, features multi-colored slides, and is perfect for various water activities. When we were there, it was crowded with parents and kids swimming and playing with water toys and floating devices, which are available for rent or purchase at the park.

The Chill Area

The area closest to the changing rooms was the least crowded one and was perfect for swimming and just chilling in the cool water.

Qingnianhu swimming pool is super kid-friendly with all the water equipment and shallow pools, but due to its size it may not be perfect for parents with older kids who still need supervision. My 6-year-old kept jumping from one pool into another, so it was quite tiring following him around in the heat.

Tickets to the pool can be purchased online or at a little booth by the entrance for RMB 98/adult,  RMB 78/child (under 1.3m), RMB 138/one parent and one child, and RMB 218/two adults and one child.

Find it:
Qingnianhu Park Swimming Pool
Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (South gate of Qingnianhu Park)
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm (weekdays), 10am-6pm (weekends and holidays)

Images: Sanja Stojkov, Dianping

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to take the kids to a birthday party in Lucheng, a town in Tongzhou District. It is quite far, and it took us an hour to get there and an hour and a half to get back, but I jumped at the opportunity to have a relaxing afternoon at a nice pool villa, where the party was taking place.

The Didi ride was pretty smooth as the kids were entertained by looking out the windows and commenting on the beautiful surroundings and counting people sitting at the side of the road selling cherries and other produce. My 3-month-old was lulled to sleep by the vibration of the car engine, so when we got to our destination at 11 in the morning, we were in a good mood.

The party was already in full swing, with kids in their swimsuits playing in and around the small swimming pool and the adult guests enjoying their drinks on the patio. The sweet smell of BBQ smoke filled the air as we walked towards one of the five rooms to get changed into our swimwear and join the party.

With the pool season officially starting and the kids out of school soon, renting a villa to spend a weekend at or to celebrate a birthday in seems like a great idea.

These villas come equipped with everything you need to enjoy your stay: fully-equipped kitchen, gas stoves, outdoor BBQ, entertainment rooms with KTV, mahjong, bedrooms with private bathrooms, jacuzzis, outdoor swimming pools, and beautiful views. Some even have parent-child rooms that come with slides, little ball pits and other entertainment options for the kiddos.

The place my friend rented for her son’s birthday last week was a five-bedroom villa with a big yard, a separate BBQ area, a small swimming pool for the guests to cool off in, a room with a big projector screen, arcade games and a huge kitchen with a fridge, an ice-machine and everything else one might need to fully enjoy a hot summer day by the pool.

The villa in Tongzhou

It was a truly fun party to be at and was a perfect way to spend a hot day in Beijing.

Here’s Why You Should Consider Renting Out a Villa…

Other than being the perfect venue to throw a birthday party at for kids in summer, it’s also a much more affordable way to do it, as opposed to paying for a play space for 10-15 kids and their parents. Paying for a birthday package at any of the kid places costs anywhere between RMB 10k and RMB 30k for 10-12 people. The food is usually limited to a few dishes, and the kids get bored after a few hours of playing. Having the party at a big house where they can run around in the yard, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the BBQ smell and taste seems like a much better option.

Most of these luxurious villas are located in Miyun, Yanqing and Huairou, so it does take some organizing, but the pros outweigh the cons.

Here’s How To Find The Perfect Villa…

Finding the right villa for you might take some time, but if you have a budget in mind and know what amenities you’re looking for, booking it is a straightforward process. Tell your agent the number of guests, dates, with/without swimming pool (there are heated and non-heated options), entertainment options and any other detail, and they will send you options with pictures and descriptions so you can choose. After you’ve chosen and paid, they’ll put you in contact with the landlord so you can arrange everything.

You can also look for houses on ctrip.com. Enter your preferences and choose. Easy peasy!

We actually chose to celebrate our son’s birthday at a pool villa last year and it was amazing. We chose a four-bedroom house with a rooftop pool at the foot of Mutianyu Great Wall. The view was breathtaking, and all the kids (and parents) enjoyed it. All adult guests and older kids were required to show their passports at check-in.

We had the meat, cake and drinks delivered, but there were also a few restaurants nearby. The landlady would come every morning to ask us if we wanted anything from the grocery store (bread, eggs, milk) and she would personally go and buy things for us.

We would spend mornings sitting on the patio, grilling, listening to music and taking turns in the pool. One of the rooms was super kid-friendly with a slide and toys, so when it would get too hot outside, all the kids would go inside and play.

As the villa was walking distance to the Great Wall, we went up on Saturday afternoon. We spent two nights at the villa and the price for one night on weekends was RMB 4,400. A deposit of RMB 500 was required, and it was returned during check-out.

If you’re looking into places to celebrate a birthday or simply spend a day or two far from the crowds, why not rent out a whole villa and enjoy the nice weather with friends and family?
Tip: Share the cost with friends and make it an affordable mini-vacation.

Images: Sanja Stojkov

Kids are out of school and the Chinese New Year festivities are in the air. There are plenty of cool things to do as a family in Beijing. Check out this year’s list of Temple Fairs here and all the cool events coming up that’ll keep you busy throughout the CNY holiday. Want to check out some lion dancing? Here’s a list of where to find them for free.

And of course, don’t forget the big list of indoor playgrounds.

FEAST’s Chinese New Year Celebrations

The most kid-friendly brunch in town comes with free-flow selected drinks and an RMB 50 cash coupon for guests who dine in FEAST.

When: Feb 9-18
Where: 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店2层
Tel: 8414 9820
Price: Price: RMB 398 for the CNY Eve Reunion dinner; RMB 368 for all other brunches and dinners. Free for kids 6 and under; half price for kids 7-12.

Kids’ Club: Immortal Valley and the Big Buddha

There’s a lot to see on the Immortal Valley hike – pools filled with clear water, waterfalls, big trees, wildflowers, some distant Great Wall, the Miyun Reservoir, and long views of valleys and mountains.

Take a walk up the valley, passing those cliffs, waterfalls, boulders, and pools of water on the way to the ‘Big Buddha’ carved into the cliffside. It’s an up-and-back trail, and you can make it into a more relaxed walk by not going all the way up.

This is a really scenic hike in winter because of all the icefalls, and we’ll also be able to step out onto a frozen reservoir.

Longer option available for big kids.

When: Feb 11
Price: RMB 380 / RMB 340 members / RMB 220 for kids / free for kids 3–4yo

For more updates on hikes and trips, follow our WeChat account BeijingHikers北京爱山 and keep an eye on www.beijinghikers.com

Check out these ongoing events taking place in Beijing on a regular basis:

teamLab Massless

teamLab Massless is a body immersive museum composed of artworks created by art collective teamLab.

Humans have been liberated from material substances, and human creations now transcend the conventional notion of matter. The contour of the artwork’s existence transcends material boundaries, transforming it into an ambiguous continuity in relation to space and its surrounding environment. The boundary between the human body and art becomes blurred, enabling the body to move more freely. As a result, human perception expands from the artwork itself to the environment. teamLab Massless is a world created by artworks that transcend the notion of material substances.

With your body, immerse yourself in the art, explore the 10,000-sqm complex three-dimensional world, and create a new world with others in which your body and the world become continuous without boundaries.

Where: 10/F, Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang District
When: Monday to Friday, noon-6.30pm (last entry at 5.30 pm); weekends and holidays: 10.30 am-8 pm (last entry at 7 pm)
Price: RMB 198 per family of 1 adult + 1 child (2-12 years old), RMB 298 for 2 adults, RMB 298 per family of 1 adult + 2 children (2-12 years old) OR 2 adults + 1 child (2-12 years old)

Baby Group at BSB Sanlitun on Wednesdays

Calling all parents and little ones! Join the BSB Baby Group every Wednesday. It’s a wonderful opportunity for bonding and exploration that awaits you and your little bundle of joy. Share in the joy of parenting and connect with other families as you create memorable moments together. Happening every Wednesday is a heartwarming and enriching experience at the BSB Baby Group!

Where: 5 Xiliu Jie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Wednesdays from 9am-10.30am
Price: Free

Mama & Baby Yoga on Mondays & Thursdays

Join Taozi Tree Yoga for a series where fitness, fun, and bonding with your baby are one. Let Marie guide you through a journey filled with joyful connections, healthful movements, and endless smiles. Here’s to celebrating motherhood and welcoming every new day with your baby in your arms and joy in your heart.

Where: 301 Unit 3 No 301 International Wonderland, Xingfuercun, Xingdong Lu, Chaoyang District
新东路幸福二村首开幸福广场39号楼三单元301
Price: RMB 200 for single drop in or 2 Taozi class passes; RMB 1,060 for 6 classes

Kids’ Yoga on Saturdays

Many children today feel academic and social pressure from a young age and can easily become self-critical and insecure. Kids yoga can relieve daily stress and promote healthy physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Besides that, it is a fun way to learn important skills in a non-competitive environment.

Yoga for kids improves coordination, balance, and other motor skills in addition to strengthening and flexing. But most importantly, yoga for kids is fun! It’s important to give kids space to be creative, invent, and explore their imaginations, and to help them find themselves. Join Avisha Space and give your little ones the opportunity to plant seeds of wisdom and self-knowledge through Kids’ Yoga.

Where: 1-3-38 Building 3, Shoukai Bojun, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Saturdays, 10.45am-11.35am
Price: RMB 650 (5 classes) or RMB 150 (single class)

Looking to learn more about Beijing’s international schools? Here are some open days coming up. To sign up, scan the QR code on the posters.

BIBS Open Houses

Established in 1998, BIBS (Beijing International Bilingual Academy) has evolved from a small kindergarten into a comprehensive educational institution offering classes up to Grade 12. They’re excited to invite you to their Open House events throughout February, providing a firsthand look at their educational journey and the distinctive ways they integrate Western culture into their curriculum.

Shunyi Campus: Grades 1-12

• • Feb 21, from 9:30am-11:30am

Shangdong Campus: Kindergarten – G6

• • Feb 9, 16 and 23, from 10am-1pm

Changying Campus: Grades 1-12

• • Feb 25, from 9:30-11am

Haidian Campus: Grades 1-12

• • Feb 25, from 9am-4pm

Huairou Campus: Grade 7-12

• • Feb 20, from 2-4pm
  • Feb 24, from 9-11am

Meeting with Huijia Private School’s Principals

Beijing Huijia Private School warmly invites prospective students and their families to an informative session with their heads of school. Established in 1993, their K-12 day-and-boarding school is proud to offer three authorized IB programs (PYP, MYP, and DP), embodying a future-oriented education philosophy.

Highlights:

• • Meet the Heads of School
  • Learn about the school’s future-oriented education philosophy
  • Overview of IB Programs (PYP, MYP, DP)
  • Explore day-and-boarding school facilities
  • Q&A session

SIBS Open Day

Springboard International Bilingual School (SIBS) warmly invites parents to an exclusive opportunity to explore their campus and gain valuable insights into their IB, A-level, and AP curriculums. Their staff will be present to answer any questions you might have, providing a comprehensive overview of their educational approach.

Images: Courtesy of organizers

Summer is in full swing now, and the best way to enjoy this charming weather is to get outside and soak up the sunshine. And we’ve found a great outdoor day glamping place that’s perfect for that! It is located within Chaoyang District (in the vicinity of Surprise Outlet Mall) and on regular days it costs RMB 98 per entry all day (half price for kids and free for those below 1.2m)!

Shenglu Vineyard is a sprawling, lush piece of nature that combines a vineyard, day camping green fields, natural playground, petting zoo and even picturesque wedding grounds. While you are welcome to pack your own picnic basket, there are food vendors and a restaurant onsite, offering really tasty chuan’r, freshly baked-in-a-panda-shaped-kiln pizza, and cool icy drinks like honey lemonade.

For entertainment, Alan’s Natural Playground, tucked in the northeast corner of the place, offers hours of fun climbing, jumping, sliding, swinging and other general kids’ fun. To the southwest, there’s Bambi’s Home – which I didn’t get to explore personally, but which I’m guessing is a petting zoo for deer. Don’t forget the swimwear, because there’s also a small lake area where you can canoe or SUP,  plus an inflatable kiddy pool to splash around in. There are also mini electric cars that kids can drive for RMB 75 for half an hour or RMB 120 for a full hour, plus a RMB 300 refundable deposit.

A full day goes by easily when you’re at Shenglu Vineyard, whether or not you’re sitting snugly in their wooden camping chairs under their tents for rent (RMB 800 per day) or in the shade of your own tent that you are welcome to bring. We arrived after 3pm on a Saturday and it was happily uncrowded, with many available tents. The place is open from 9am to 8pm, and most vendors leave the premises after 7pm.

Find it:
Shenglu Vineyard 圣露庄园
奶乐村村东顺白路471号东1门

East Gate 1, 471 Dongshunbai Lu, Chaoyang District

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush