This super simple project only requires four items you already have in your house, and it will provide hours of summer fun. Scan the QR code to watch the one-minute how-to video.

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Photos: Canva

I love to travel. Any time a friend asks me to pack a bag and hop on a plane, train, or automobile, my response is “When do we leave?” But much like Dorothy, I often find myself exploring areas well outside my own backyard, which is a shame because we live in one of the most interesting cities in the world! When I arrived in Beijing, I had a list as long as my arm, of places to go and things to see. But as so often happens, daily life (not to mention Covid) have gotten in the way of truly making the most of this amazing city. So, this summer I am going to try and cross off a few of the day trips that I keep putting on the backburner. I invite you to grab the kids, pack a picnic, and join me!

The Tanzhe Temple: Less than an hour’s drive into the western hills of Beijing sits Tanzhe Temple. This Buddhist structure was one of the most important spiritual sites in China. The compound, nestled snugly in the mountains, boasts a hall of heroes, an imperial residence, and the stone dais that Kublai Kahn’s daughter did penance on every day for her father’s sins.

Marco Polo Bridge: This one won’t even take a full day to explore because it’s right inside the city! Fengtai district boasts the famous Marco Polo Bridge. Constructed in 1189, this bridge was specifically mentioned in the Venetian explorer’s accounts thanks to its incredible architecture. It also happens to be the historic site of a 1937 battle against Japan. Spend the morning walking the famous site with a friend and then grab lunch at your favorite local spot.

Zhoukoudian Historic Site: If you or your little one is interested in fossils, then you’re in luck! Smithsonian Magazine recognizes China as having more prehistoric fossils than any other country in the world and the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Museum (a world heritage site) is less than an hour’s drive southwest of Beijing. Local farmers originally thought they had stumbled upon dragon bones. However, excellent excavation and preservation efforts by the government led to the discovery of a treasure trove of dinosaur and human fossils including the first completely preserved skull of Homo Erectus.

Ming Dynasty Tombs: Drive north for about an hour to Changping District and you can spend the day exploring the Tombs of ancient royalty. Marble archways, excavated courtyards, and refurbished pavilions are all nestled in a picturesque valley. A walk in the fresh air surrounded by history? I’m in!

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Photos: Unsplash, Beijinger archives

Dragon Boat Festival falls on Monday, Jun 14 and there are plenty of options for family-friendly fun over the long weekend.

Jing-A is getting in on the action one weekend early with a Dragon Boat-themed edition of their hit kid-friendly event, Pint-Sized Party, at the sunny Longfusi Taproom this Sunday, Jun 6 starting at 11.30am. Local artist Blanca Mei will host crafts for the kids! The cost is RMB 100 and includes lunch. Reservations are required. Scan the code for more info.

Amazing Land will host a Dragon Boat Festival Summer Solstice garden party with a traditional Chinese costume theme, where you can also learn about nine different folk activities pertaining to the Festival, from 1-6.30pm on Jun 13. Tickets range from RMB 200 to RMB 350.

Scan the QR code in the flyer for details and tickets.

Boating Lesson: Learn to row a Dragon Boat and make the festival’s signature treat, zongzi, while basking in the beautiful lakes of Shichahai. The event is for children 7-14 and runs from 3-7pm on Jun 14. Tickets cost RMB 488.

Black Sesame Kitchen will have cooking, crafts, and dragon-themed movies at their Qianmen Kitchen. Those activities are free with the purchase of a set menu lunch (RMB 298 for adults, RMB 98 for children). The event takes places from Jun 13-1, from 12 noon to 3pm each day.

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Photo: Unsplash, courtesy of the organizers

Oh, the weary educator! We love our jobs but between runny noses, late homework, overprotective parents, and overbearing administrators sometimes we just need a night to let loose. Luckily Beijing offers plenty of options, from wholly extravagant to cool and relaxed, for the expat teacher to regroup and revive. Here are a few of my favorites.

For a summer breeze and an upscale cocktail: If you need to feel like a grown-up without worrying about a dress code, Hulu by TRB in Taikoo Li is my spring and summer go-to! Ask to be seated on their terrace to catch a breeze and some gossip with your besties. They greet you with a welcome glass of bubbly (who doesn’t love a freebie?) and you can find a solid menu of well-made European dishes from pasta and risotto to salad and soufflé.

My go-to order: Leechy Martini (BOGOF happy hour!) and a spinach Boazza, which is basically pizza filling in a fried dumpling…trust me, it’s worth the calories!

For good beer and unpretentious food: As I recently told our Managing Editor Mina Yan, I’m not a fan of beer. I want to be. It’s cool and low maintenance… unfortunately, however, I am neither of those things. But if you need a lazy afternoon playing card games with friends, Great Leap Brewing is a great place to be. For those of us who are beer averse they offer a full bar and solid house wines. The laid-back vibe, plenty of what I am assured by my German friends are good quality beers on tap, and unpretentious classic bar fair makes for a much-needed recharge.

My go-to order?  Glass of house wine (very solid) and a double cheeseburger… because who really wants to fit into their skinny jeans anyway? With six locations around town, there’s likely one a mere hop, skip, and a jump away.

Because I feel better when I’m dancing: Sometimes I need to feel classy and irresponsible at the same time. If you are ready to dance it out with your girls, get dressed up and head to Mei Bar at the Rose Wood Hotel. The drinks are pricey but the real reason to go is the band. A great mix of pop, R&B, and Latin music performed by musicians who are doubtlessly having as great a time as you are. Ladies’ night is Thursday. Be warned though, it kicks off pretty late for a school night. The band begins around 11pm, meaning you’ll have sore feet and quite possibly a slight headache during first period on Friday, but once in a while…#worthit!

For a taste of home: Teachers get homesick too and sometimes you just need comfort food. I’m an American so for me that means BBQ. Homeplate is the most authentic I have found in Beijing. In addition to a large assortment of American BBQ styles, (think Memphis ribs, Carolina pulled pork or classic Texas brisket) they also have tons of different sauces from various regions and more than enough stick-to-your-ribs sides to properly fill out your plate. There are two locations, Sanlitun and Sanyuanli.

My go-to order: Carolina pulled pork, horseradish potato salad, and a Bourbon-filled Kentucky Mule. However, an honorable mention definitely goes to my friend’s favorites: Annie loves the BBQ quesadilla and Paul dreams about their fried Okra.

Hutong Fusion: One of my favorite things about expat life is the all strange fusions you can find about town. I love Pebbles Courtyard for this reason. The food is amazing authentic Mexican but it’s nestled in one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods, Wudaoying Hutong, giving it lots of personality and local color. The menu is always evolving because they use what’s fresh and local, and the tequila selection is unbeatable. Be warned, the margaritas are strong and hit you with little to no warning.

My go-to order? Anything with slow-roasted and adobo in the description paired with a Paloma and a slice of Dulce de Leche cheesecake.

OK teachers, I’m always ready to try something new. What are your favorite R&R spots in our fair city?

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Images: Unsplash

Welcome to our new video series Fun DIY for Bad AQI, where we’ll be sharing ideas for unique activities to entertain the kiddos, using stuff you already have lying around the house.

This week we are celebrating Children’s Book Week with a Strega Nona-themed project. Scan the QR code to watch the video and don’t forget to send us pics and videos of your own masterpiece!

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Photo: Canva