There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you take a child to an exhibition that was clearly made with them in mind. You watch their usual restless energy settle into focus, wonder, that quiet hum of engagement that every parent recognizes as a small victory. The Love Monster: Spring Reverie of Love exhibition, running now at Li Gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art District, offers just that.

If you’ve been looking for something to do with your kids that feels a little more thoughtful than the usual weekend rotation, this one is worth the trip.

From the moment you walk into Li Gallery, your children will find themselves surrounded by the world of Love Monster. Instead of cold white walls and roped-off installations, the space has been transformed into something warm and inviting.

What makes this exhibition particularly successful for families is its pacing. It’s not so large that kids become overwhelmed or exhausted halfway through, but it’s substantial enough to feel like a proper outing. You’ll probably spend about 45 minutes to an hour inside, which for most young children is the sweet spot between “engaged” and “over it.”

And the best part, the entire exhibition is completely FREE!

Find it:
Li Gallery 骊画廊
Middle 2nd Street, 798 Art Zone
No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路2号
798艺术区中二街

Images: Toni Ma

There’s a certain kind of exhaustion that comes from a day spent exploring Beijing’s 798 Art District. It’s a fulfilling tiredness, born from hours of walking through industrial-chic galleries, taking in the installations and soaking in the art, creativity and heat. But as the summer sun beats down on the repurposed factory roofs, one thing becomes crystal clear: You need a haven. You need a place to sit, to recharge and to debrief on the art you’ve just seen.

For my group, that haven was Commune Reserve. By the time we made our way over, I could feel my brain melting and my skin burning. We were getting heatstroke. Forget the food; we were starting with icy cold desserts first!
Made by Vai Gelato, their pistachio (RMB 68) and mixed berries sorbet (RMB 68) were the perfect combination of thick and refreshing to cool us back down to being functional again. But since we were already starting the meal with desserts first, why not throw in a piece of their famous cheesecake as well RMB 68)?

Stepping into this Commune Reserve in 798 feels like a seamless transition from artistic spectacle to culinary comfort. The airy, industrial design pays homage to 798’s roots while offering a clean, modern and welcoming space. If you take the time to admire their interior artwork, there’s even some stuff that’ll give you a good giggle, like it did with our group.

We slid into a spacious booth, our feet grateful for the rest. The menu still has all our all-time favorites, like their Oxtail Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RMB 88), but it also now has a section that features an array of new stuff.

What struck me first, even as we perused the menu, was the atmosphere. Commune Reserve isn’t just one type of place; it’s a chameleon that perfectly adapts to its occupants. In front of us, a couple leaned in for a quiet date. On our other side, a group of friends clinked glasses and laughed as they shared plates of appetizers. And beside us, a multi-generational family happily coexisted, with grandparents sipping coffee while parents managed the joyful chaos of their little ones. And of course, there was us, a group of various ages from almost 5 to almost 50.

*vid*

Here’s a major bonus for parents: Commune Reserve gets it. Before we could even dig into our bags for distractions, a server arrived with a huge coloring page and a brand new pack of crayons. It was an instant game-changer, transforming fidgety impatience into focused, quiet creativity.

And the perks don’t stop there. We learned that if you sign up for their free membership, you get a bunch of cool perks like three hours of free-flow drinks for RMB 98, discount vouchers, BOGO deals and free kids’ meals! 

Pretty soon, our table was filled with the new dishes and our classic favorites. Their Smoked Brisket Burger (RMB 98), made with Australian Angus M3+ brisket and smoked for 16 hours, was a perfect combination of sweet and savory; the Sous-Vide Beef Focaccia sandwich (RMB 78) came with unbelievable bread that shouldn’t go under-appreciated; and the Crisp Fried Pig Ears (RMB 68) with roasted potatoes, which changed textures as it cools down, made for a great drinking snack. The pig ears may sound odd, but they’re definitely a must-try. We also had a hearty portion of four giant Fried Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Balls (RMB 78). And instead of regular fries, we ordered a big portion of Lotus Root Fries (RMB 45). Although they look exactly like fries, they’ve got a crunchier texture, and we absolutely loved it. But my personal favorite has got to be the new Roasted Pumpkin & Quinoa Salad (RMB 68) with baby potatoes, buffalo mozzarella, dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts.

Then the debate began almost immediately. Was the new sandwich the undisputed champion? Or does their Oxtail Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RMB 88) still hold its title for being the family favorite? We spent a good chunk of our meal passing plates around, sampling and passionately defending our chosen dish.

We all thought we ordered the tastiest one, and it was a delicious argument with no real loser – only very happy, very full winners. All, except for one…

My daughter has an exceptionally bland palate and almost zero tolerance for spices and seasoning. To her, ground pepper is too much. So as I was picking out the jalapeños from the oxtail grilled cheese (that was originally ordered for her), I remembered the member perk: a free kids’ meal!

All you need to do is pull out the digital voucher from the mini program (once you become a member) and voilà! RMB 0! You get an option of either pizza, a burger or Fried Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Balls, and your kid gets their free meal in a matter of minutes.

The small Margherita pizza was perfect for my daughter, and the table let out a unanimous sigh of relief as we watched her devour her pizza and do her happy food dance. Whew! Now we could go back to enjoying our incredible meal guilt-free.

As we finally settled the bill, we left feeling utterly refreshed. The mental fatigue from hours of visual stimulation had been replaced by the warm contentment of a great meal and shared laughter.

Commune Reserve is more than just a restaurant in 798; it’s the final, essential exhibit. It’s where the day’s experiences are processed, where connections are strengthened, and where you refuel both body and soul, whether you’re on a romantic date, catching up with old friends or managing a family expedition.

Find it:
朝阳区酒仙桥街道万红路5号万红路慢生活园区内（近正门）
5 Wanhong Lu, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (near the main entrance)
Tel: 185 1324 3857

For more family-friendly restaurant recommendations, be sure to join our WeChat group. Add TBJButler on WeChat and ask to join to FamFriendlyEats group.

Images: Mina Yan

Are you sick of the cold Beijing winter blues? Well, there’s an exhibition in 798 that’s perfect for lifting your mood. Meet You Museum’s “Naked Flowers” exhibition is just the place to give you a bit of colorful blossoms to lift your spirits during the cold winter.

Created in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the return of Macau, this exhibition uses 3D living carving digital technology to create a 1,300-square-meter space with 12 themed units, presenting the beautiful scenery of different seasons. It takes you through all four seasons as you experience the wildflowers in spring, the lotus pond illusion in summer, the maple leaf path in autumn, and the micro-flower language in winter.

There are also prop flowers and space diffusers on site, allowing the whole family to be fully immersed in the wonderful world of flowers and scents.

The exhibition will continue to run until Feb 16, 2025. Tickets range from RMB 58 for students to RMB 78 for adults. This unique experience offers a great opportunity for family members to spend quality time together, enjoy the beauty of art and nature, and enhance family bonds. It is a place where parents and children can create beautiful memories and have a fun and educational experience.

But this isn’t the only exhibition that Meet You Museum has to offer at the moment. While you’re there, be sure to check out “Meet Ancient Egypt: Mummy Life and Death in Ancient Egypt,” where you can discover the mysteries of the ancient world. Click here to learn more about that exhibition.

Find it:
Meet Museum · Beijing 798 Art District, E02-1, Ceramic Street, 798 Art District
遇见博物馆·北京798馆，798艺术区陶瓷一街E02-1楼

Images: Pexels

For kids and parents who are infatuated with the wonders of the ancient world, the newest mummy exhibition at 798’s Meet You Museum is a must-see. This exhibition, titled “Meet Ancient Egypt: Mummy Life and Death in Ancient Egypt,” has drawn the attention of many history and culture enthusiasts.

Currently on display until Feb 16, 2025, this exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of 123 pieces of precious ancient Egyptian artifacts sourced from the Museums and Special Collections of the University of Aberdeen in the UK. Among the highlights are two extremely rare female mummies along with their coffins. Additionally, there are mummies of animals, mummy wrappings, noble jewelry, statues of gods, murals, canopic jars, and cosmetic utensils from ancient Egypt.

Divided into four sections – “Mummies and Immortality,” “Beauty and Protection,” “Gods and Humans,” and “Offerings and Rituals” – the exhibition presents the mysterious history and the concept of eternal life in ancient Egypt from various perspectives. The spatial design replicates the architectural style of ancient Egypt, and the display of exhibits recreates their actual usage scenarios and arrangements, with a pyramid-shaped display case adding to the authenticity.

For the kids, the exhibition features several interactive elements. Visitors can explore ancient Egyptian temples and interact with ancient Egyptian deities. There is also a “Papyrus Research and Learning” activity where visitors get a more immersive experience and better understand ancient Egyptian culture by making papyrus themselves. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the world of ancient Egypt and unlock its secrets right here in Beijing.

The exhibition is open daily and tickets start from RMB 36.

Find it:
Meet Museum · Beijing 798 Art District, E02-1, Ceramic Street, 798 Art District
遇见博物馆·北京798馆，798艺术区陶瓷一街E02-1楼

Images: Dianping

If you have little dinosaur enthusiasts at home, there’s an amazing event taking place at the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District. “Dinosaurs Unearthed – 200 Million Years of Earth’s History” is a dinosaur exhibition that is sure to thrill and educate children of all ages from now until Oct 7.

The exhibition is a captivating journey back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. As you step through the doors, you are immediately transported to a prehistoric world filled with life-sized dinosaur models that seem to come alive right before your eyes. From the mighty T-Rex to the gentle Brachiosaurus, the variety of dinosaurs on display is truly astonishing.

Not only are the dinosaur replicas visually impressive, but they are also accompanied by detailed and engaging information. Kids can learn about the different species, their habits, and how they lived millions of years ago. Interactive displays and educational panels make the learning experience fun and accessible, ensuring that children absorb knowledge while having a great time.

The exhibition also offers hands-on activities that allow kids to get up close and personal with the dinosaur theme. Kids can literally measure up to giant dinosaurs and even get a feel for what their favorite reptile might have felt like back when they roamed the earth. This combination of visual displays and interactive elements keeps children engaged and entertained throughout their visit.

What makes this exhibition particularly special is its ability to spark the imagination and curiosity of kids. It encourages them to ask questions, explore, and develop a love for science and history. Whether your child is already a dinosaur expert or just starting to show an interest, this event provides a wonderful opportunity to deepen that passion.

The Meet You Museum has taken great care to create an environment that is both educational and enjoyable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and guide visitors through the exhibition. The museum’s facilities are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational outing for your kids, head over to the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District and let them embark on a dinosaur adventure they won’t forget. It’s an event that promises to bring the wonders of the prehistoric world to life and leave a lasting impression on young minds.

Check out the “Dinosaurs Unearthed” exhibition at Meet You Museum Monday through Thursday from 10am to 5.30pm and Fridays from 10am to 6pm.

Ticket prices:
RMB 69 per kid
RMB 89 per adult
RMB 129 for 1 adult + 1 kid
RMB 199 for 2 adults + 1 kids

Find it:
Meet You Museum
Bldg E02-1, Taoci Yi Jie, 798 Art District
798艺术区陶瓷一街E02-1楼遇见博物馆

Images: Dianping

It’s summer, and 798 is hopping – but traipsing around in the heat can leave you needing a place to chill out.

The Nice Beach Club by Nice Cream is just what you’re looking for – an iconic ice cream café complete with a sandy beach, parasols, beach chairs – and an awesome selection of cool treats.

Nice Cream was born in Beijing in 2019 with the mission of making delicious ice cream but with less fat and sugar. They create their recipes using erythritol, a sugar substitute, and imported skim milk, and the combo is dynamite.

You can get your ice cream in a cup or a cone, and there are nine flavors: Mint Chocolate, Choc Choc Chip, Sea Salt Caramel, Rum Raisin, Very Berry, French Vanilla, Red Velvet Cheesecake … and two limited edition local flavors, Beijing Tanghulu and Fermented Rice Wine. Two scoops set you back RMB 39, while three is RMB 52.

I tried the Beijing Tanghulu and Fermented Rice Wine, both inspired by traditional Beijing flavors. The Tanghulu had the nice tart flavor of hawthorn, the fruit used to make tanghulu, that classic candied fruit-on-a-stick you find all over the place during the winter.

The Fermented Rice Wine had a very special flavor; it tasted like sweet rice, with crunchy bits of crispy purple rice in it. The crunch of the crispy rice compliments the creamy texture of the ice cream base giving this flavor a whole different level of enjoyment. Fermented rice wine typically contains alcohol and Nice Cream’s ice cream does have a slight hint of booze, so avoid this concoction if that turns you off.

No matter what flavor you choose, The Nice Beach Club makes a hot spot for cool treats and sizzling selfies this summer at 798.

Learn more about Nice Cream and where you can find their tasty treats by following them on WeChat.

Find it:
798 Art Center Plaza, Chaoyang District
朝阳区798艺术中心广场

Hanyu Cho is an 10th grade student from Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) currently interning at True Run Media (the parent company of Jingkids) through WAB’s World of Work program. 

Images: Hanyu Cho, Pexels

Jingkids has been an essential family resource for Beijing international families since 2006. And just as kids grow up in the blink of an eye, Beijing has grown and changed almost beyond recognition in that time. In Throwback Thursday we jump in the time machine, traveling through our 15 year-strong blog archives to dig out the most entertaining, fascinating, and thought-provoking stories for your reading pleasure. Ready? Let’s go…

Beijing’s getting warm again and this Thursday we #TBT back to a scavenger hunt created last March by Shelby Gleadow. Gleadow is a trainer, teacher, smitten wife of artist Stephen Gleadow, and proud mom of two wild boys. She has lived in Beijing for 17 years working in the arts, education, and development. She is passionate about fun, practicality, gratitude, and getting the pengyou price.

The Gleadows live in the 798 area and the scavenger hunt was a perfect way to get to know the neighborhood. This hunt stays within 798 and the alleys to the South in an attempt to keep it walking friendly for even our littlest of Picassos. The hunt is great for all ages and is simple enough for pre-readers with a little help from mom and dad.

Getting to 798 Art District

Enter by car or bike through the South Gate: prepare for a 10-15 minute wait as you stop to scan two QR codes to show your health status, register, and of course take your temp. There is a parking garage to your left as you enter.

Enter by foot through the West Gate (Gate 1) on Jiuxianqiao Road where you will also have to register and get your temp checked.

KEEP READING: Throwback Thursday: No More DIY Bowlcuts!

Images:

Winter is coming. As the breezes get brisker and chills get chillier, we need more indoor places for our kids to play. So welcome to our new Tuesday series, where we’ll share all our latest findings for winter play spots! Comment if you have suggestions.

Are your kids dying to be wizards? Can’t wait for the Hogwarts Express to pull into Tongzhou for the new Universal Studios Beijing Theme Park? Then you’ll want to head over to Indigo Mall for their special event, A Magical Harry Potter Holiday.

First things first. You need a reservation. Like, now. Scan the QR code in the photo below and be flexible with the date and time you can make it. As of the publishing of this article, there are sporadic times available in November but you will definitely need to reserve a spot for December. Reservations are free and you just show your code at the entrance to the area. Be ready to stand in line, as they only allow a certain number of people in to enjoy the festivities at once.

Once you’re inside, it is a blast for adults and kids alike. I was worried that because we’d been to both Hogsmead and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida it wouldn’t feel as fun. These are not much stronger than cardboard cutouts of the real themed buildings in those parks. You can’t order a butterbeer or buy Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans here, nor are there real magic tricks for purchase.

You can’t buy candy at this Honeyduke’s, but it does feel sweet.

Not to fear. The magic is not lost, not even nestled right next to a Blue Frog Restaurant. Something about the excitement and anticipation, plus some nicely chosen pastel colors that create a little bit of magic help you journey through a different kind of Harry Potter experience, and one that makes sense inside the massive Indigo Mall.

Of course, there’s a gift shop. Why not?

Indigo Mall offers cool benefits for their members, like exclusive entry into the Niffler’s treasure chest (the crane working outside lost a bit of the magic, but hey). Here you pile oversized gold coins onto the Niffler’s stomach, balancing and unbalancing them until they fall onto one of the receptacles on either side. Kids can either work together and help one another or compete with each other.

You’re actually supposed to be taller to play, but they let us in any way.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Hogsmeade without Platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express. They did a nice job of recreating the photo op train in all of the parks, but it does fall a little short that you’re not allowed to sit on it for a picture. I mean, what else are you going to do?

Don’t tell, but we did sneak a sit-down photo. You just have to be fast!

When not a series of Hogsmeade cut-outs, this area is merely for resting and playing, a part of the mall where kids are allowed to run and romp, aunties or grandparents can chill on the benches, and parents can sit in peace. That was the part of this adventure that my kids enjoyed the most after an hour or so of wandering the mall: a place where they could just run and be happy.

The “grassy” hills had nothing to do with Harry Potter, but they were great for rolling, running, and staring up at the ceiling.

We didn’t buy a wand, but if you did purchase one then they also had an area where you can practice your magic spells. They also had a special experience inside one or two of the stores.

Every window held a display that was at least pretty to look at.

All in all, this is one of those low impact outings that can also center around holiday shopping or dinner out. We also ventured downstairs to Page One, a great bookstore with both Chinese and English language books, and the LEGO Store near it. That’s probably how I resisted this adorable Dumbledore Funko and friends; we’d already made some nice purchases.

If they had had a Snape, I would have been a goner.

If it sounds like your cup of Treacle Tart Tea, scan their QR code and find a time you can attend. I’d suggest using the subway or a car service, however, as there was some sort of altercation in the parking garage on the day that I visited.

A Magical Harry Potter Holiday at Indigo Mall in the Winter Garden
Address: 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
颐提港：朝阳区酒仙桥路18号
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm, event runs until Jan 1, 2021
Phone: 8426 0898
Website: www.indigobeijing.com
Reservations: Scan QR code

Images: Cindy Jenkins, courtesy of Indigo Mall

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

We all gripe about wanting to have extra time on our hands, and the current COVID-19 crisis has done just that – dumped oodles of spare time on many laps. For some, this is a simple case of ‘too much of a good thing’, with many longing to go back to the regimented chaos of normal Beijing life. While for others, this bit of spare time is exactly what the doctor ordered (quite literally).

Stephen Gleadow, an artist, freelance creative director, creative consultant and designer, and father of two shares his balancing act between being a dad, artist, and husband.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I have been in Beijing for 12 years. I’m originally from the US.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

Yeah, I took it seriously, but tried not to take it fearfully.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I really feel my best and thrive on time alone in my studio. Being separated from my workspace is its own form of cabin fever. We’ve been able to get out and about since the beginning for scenic drives and shopping, etc. However not being able to flex those creative muscles in my space has been the most cabin fever’esque for me. The rest I feel like we’ve adapted to pretty well.

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

My life is totally different. I’m, as I mentioned, separated from my studio where I do most of my work. We are managing our kids from morning till night, leaving freelance work as a night job from home. So daily rhythms have changed a lot. We’ve adapted as best we can, but it’s definitely not ideal and we face daily sacrifices and flexibility challenges to make life work and fit in healthy, sanity-saving rhythms.

What’s a typical day in quarantine like for your family?

Up at 7.30am then breakfast time and a little screen time for kids. We’re not really morning parents. The first hour, at least, is a coffee supported chill session where the kids mostly watch some kind of educational cartoon bonanza. Keep in mind our youngest is 2 so although our oldest can quietly chill while our minds come to life, our 2-year-old basketball star runs around coaxing us into some form of play.

By 9am we move towards homeschooling projects supplied by our oldest son’s kindergarten. The rest of the day is usually filled with school projects/a rich supply of activities planned by mom, or improvised art projects/play adventures, fort building, and ruff housing usually managed by me. We gave up the parental puritanical desire to not let our kids have screen time so we adults can engage in non-childcare related things like exercise, reading, work, email, etc. My wife and I switch off and on with the kids when work responsibilities come a-callin’.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

Going to art world events like gallery openings, studio visits. Being around the creative community of artists in my hood (798, Caochangdi). Going out in nice weather to explore the ever-changing nuances and cool locales in Beijing.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? IE: Have you discovered any pet peeves, phobias or ticks that you never knew you had?

As a parent of six years, I’ve struggled off and on with parent guilt. Time-to-time I have found myself asking the question, “Am I doing this correctly”? Feeling bad on weekends, that even though I’m with my kids all weekend long, I’m not having a ton of fun entertaining them all day. In short, feeling bad that I wasn’t a super dad always motivated to, or longing to spend more time with my kids.

Some of this, I realize, has to do with the age of our children. Just before the Coronavirus outbreak, I was enjoying them more than ever because they are maturing and there are more things we can enjoy that connect with my personality. Anyway, flash forward through Corona time and I’d venture to say one cannot spend more time with their children than we have in the last nine weeks. However not much has changed for me other than my capacity to do more.

On the other side of that growth is the realization that I’m okay with my parenting, both the weaknesses and strengths! My kids love me, I love them and I don’t have to feel like I have to martyr myself in order to be a solid, balanced, loving parent. In the midst of all this, I have felt more confident that I’m a good dad and it’s okay to also be frustrated, tired, annoyed and a bit burnt out on your children. It’s normal and not necessarily fixed by engaging more and more and more. I’m grateful for this experience and what it’s provided.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

Date night out with my wife. Our ayi helping us out so we can have date night. Working in my studio. I’m in an exhibition coming up in Los Angeles that I’m looking forward to one day happening, as it’s been postponed “indefinitely” .

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

We’ve stayed through thick and thin for a long time. We’ve seen friends come and go and Beijing change like the seasons. However this is our home that we hold with fondness and with open hands. If we haven’t left by now, then, well, maybe I leave it there. I like a good mystery.

Photos: Courtesy of Stephen Gleadow