Father’s Day at NUO Hotel

If, like my family, traveling home for the holidays isn’t on the cards for you and the family this Christmas, then look no further if you’re trying to figure out how to spend your festive day. Beijing Experience has organized a merry day of Christmas fun at the Badaling Ancient Great Wall. Enjoy a not-so-traditional Christmas with a BBQ featuring Uruguayan beef, Argentinian delicacies, craft sausages, salads, panettones, Spanish turrones, wine, and so much more!

Get your fill of all the meat you can eat, while enjoying epic views with a glass of bubbly for what will no doubt be a day worth remembering. Seeing as you won’t be too stuffed with turkey, you might just be able to put aside the carnivorous festivities for a walk along the Ancient Great Wall, to take in some clean air (hopefully) and the historical views surrounding you. This will be an opportunity to create a wonderful memory and experience of Beijing for all the family in a private space for an intimate gathering of 30 people.

After what was a hugely successful first Beijing Experience Christmas BBQ on the Great Wall last year, this time around organizers will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that all who sign up for a new way to do Christmas will not be wishing they’d camped at home rather than on the Wall. I think there is nothing much more to say than – BOOK NOW! RMB 550 (adults) RMB 1,350 (two adults and one kid) RMB 1,499 (two adults and two kids) (free for children under 4 years old.) December 16. 8.30am – 7pm. WeChat: 130 7113 9166.

Photo: Pixabay

With blue skies once again greeting the whole city, it’s so much awesome to picnic and relax outdoors with the family. This Saturday (Sep 23), prepare to go to the Land Down Under… in Beijing, with the return of the Great Aussie BBQ!

This family-friendly event will take place at Dulwich College Beijing from 11.30am. Enjoy Beijing’s cool autumn breeze and be captivated by a thrilling game of AFL where the Beijing Bombers will take on the Shanghai Tigers. The fun does not stop there as visitors will also witness big hits in Beijing Ashes’ cricket match. While everyone munches on fantastic Aussie food and beverages, don’t forget to also try your luck at the raffle for two return tickets to Australia and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The Great Aussie BBQ, Sep 23
All ages. RMB 200 (for adult members of AustCham Beijing), RMB 250 (for non-members), RMB 100 (for kids under 12), free for kids under 4, RMB 460 (family of 2 adults and 2 kids). Price includes free flow of draught beer, BBQ (steak, lamb chops, burgers, and sausages), return bus from the Australian embassy to Dulwich College Beijing. 11.30am-4.30pm. AustCham Beijing. Dulwich College Beijing 北京德威英国国际学校, 89 Capital Airport Rd, Shunyi (Email events@austcham.org to RSVP)

Photo: Courtesy of AustCham Beijing

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Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
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Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add KippWhittaker on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Free
BSB Secondary Soiree, Jun 7
All ages. British School Beijing, Shunyi (BSB, Shunyi) will be hosting an evening of creative arts, showcasing a delightful mix of art and music presented by their secondary students. Stunning pieces of artwork will be displayed in the foyer. A musical program will include a vast range of music and talent. A drinks and canapes reception will be hosted at 6pm. Free. 6-8.30pm. BSB Shunyi. (brenda.leung@britishschool.org.cn, 8047 3588).

Keystone Spring Music Celebration, Jun 8 and Jun 9
All ages. Grade 6, 7, and 8 students will perform on Thursday, June 8 at 7pm in the Performing Arts Theater featuring a guest performance by Yin Yue Orchestra. Grade 9, 10, and 11 students will perform on Friday, June 9 at 7pm in the Performing Arts Theater featuring a guest performance by Yin Yue and Keystone Orchestras together with the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Choir. Free. Starts 7pm. Keystone Academy Performing Arts Center.

Women in Leadership: Mentor Walks Asia, Jun 9
Adults. Mentor Walks Asia in Beijing will bring together established and emerging women leaders in the community for a morning walk to discuss professional and personal successes, challenges, and aspirations. This event aims to provide women in the workplace a platform to share their experience and help them progress in their careers. Free. 7.45-9am. Ritan Park. (jia.wang@cbbc.org.cn, 8525 1111 ext. 371).

UK Election Results Live, Jun 9
All ages. British Nationals in Beijing– we invite you to the British Ambassador to China’s Residence Gardens to watch the BBC broadcast of the results from the UK General Elections as they come through. Guests are invited to bring a rug. Registration is obligatory. For more information click here. Free. 8am-11am. British Ambassador’s Residence.

Hyde Boarding School Information Event, Jun 10
Ages 10+ Representatives from top boarding schools, and third parties such as Vericant, will provide parents and students with the information they need to make informed decisions about their boarding school selection and provide insight on a range of topics such as school life abroad, adapting to new environments, application processes, and the types of support available to them. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register call 8046 7085 or email office@hyde-education.com. Free. 10am-3.30pm. Hyde Academy.

OASIS Hospital Summer Family Party, Jun 10
All ages. This free event for kids and families features fun events for kids, including a water fight, a scavenger hunt, a bubble party and other fun summer events. Bring a bathing suit, towels, and a bag for your cellphone, and be prepared to get wet and have fun! For more information or to register click here. Free. 10am-6pm. OASIS International Hospital.

Unique
South African Food Festival, Jun 5
All ages. South Africa will arrive in Beijing in the form of a special food festival at Village Café happening for a limited time. South Africa’s popular Chef Zola Nene will work in concert with Village Café’s Chef Hubert and his team to bring about an unforgettable culinary experience. Available for lunch and dinner, guests may reserve seats by calling or emailing Village Café with the contact info at the end of this post. Prices vary. 11am-10.30pm. Opposite House. (6410 5210, villagecafe@theoppositehouse.com).

Six Thinking Hats, Jun 5
Adults. AmCham will host a Chinese-language seminar on the Six Thinking Hats system. Designed by Edward de Bono, this system helps develop group discussion and individual thinking, helping participants to hold critical meetings without ego, avoid easy but mediocre decisions and reduce conflicts. For more information or to register click here. RMB 1,500 (non-members), RMB 1,100 (members). 8.45am-5pm. The American Chamber of Commerce.

Easy Mandarin’s Public Spoken Chinese Class, Jun 6
All ages. Easy Mandarin will be hosting their public spoken Chinese class this coming Tuesday. The total price is RMB 40 per person, but you can get a discount by sharing their poster to your WeChat moments. Participants can also get a 50% discount for themselves and a friend if they bring that friend along with them to class. RMB 40. 2pm-2.50pm. Easy Mandarin.

Beijing Runway, Jun 6
Ages 9+. Beijing City International School will be hosting its first Beijing Runway event. Student designers from across the Beijing international school community are invited to share their unique and extraordinary garments and walk the runway in a celebration of fashion, creativity, innovation, and design. RMB 40. 7-9pm. Beijing City International School. (philip.clarke@bcis.cn, 8771 7171).

Art Therapy Studio, Jun 7
Ages 10+. The art therapy studio is a weekly space where participants can explore their creative potential in a safe environment, free from criticism. The main purpose of the studio is to help participants develop self-awareness and increase self-esteem through creative projects. RMB 100. 7pm-8pm. 789 Art District, Friendship Building, 3rd Floor.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Jun 8
Adults. This Chinese-language course is based on the best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and will familiarize participants with the most important theories of modern management and how to apply them to your work in China. The session will focus on self-management, your team, and a larger organization. For more information click here. RMB 6,100 (members), RMB 6,500 (non-members). 8.45am05pm. Beijing Kerry Center.

Life Coach: Make Better Decisions in a Fast-Paced Environment, Jun 8
Adults. Life coach Shane Yan comes to Glo to help participants make better decisions. Instead of the usual tricks for decision-making (pro/cons lists), he’ll help participants understand their own preferences and go through the decision-making process with ease. Signing up includes the English-language session, free snacks and a free class voucher to use later at Glo. For more information click here. RMB 128 (members), RMB 148 (non-members). 7.30pm-9.30pm. Glo Kitchen + Fitness.

Outdoor BBQ Funday, Jun 10
All ages. Enjoy the sunshine at Dulwich College as the Australian and British communities clash in a thrilling 20-20 Cricket Match while grabbing a ‘snag off the barbie’, a delicious snack from a local vendor, or a cold beer or soft drink. There will be supervised activities for kids throughout the day. RSVP by emailing events@austcham.org. RMB 20 (child), RMB 50 (adult), RMB 100 (a family of 3), RMB 110 (a family of four). 11am-4.30pm. Dongfeng International Sports Park.

National Theatre Live at UCCA, Jun 10
Ages 10+ “National Theatre Live” is jointly staged by the National Theatre of China and the Royal National Theater. This month, UCCA will bring back two titles from the screening series—Coriolanus and Hamlet—for a second showing, together with the new screening series, “New Classic,” which includes Man and Superman, The Deep Blue Sea, The Threepenny Opera, and One Man, Two Guvnors. Tickets can be purchased here. Ticket package (includes 2 tickets): RMB 200 per adult, RMB 160 for UCCA members; Single ticket: RMB 120 per adult, RMB 80 for UCCA members. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA).

The Harvard Krokodiloes 2017 in Beijing, Jun 10
Ages 10+ Ivy Education Group is set to end the school year on a high note by hosting Harvard University’s most prestigious a cappella group “The Krokodiloes”. Tickets can be booked online here. The night is sure to be full of classic American hits and more. RMB 80 to RMB 100. Sanlitun CHAO Hotel. (ponypiao@damai.cn, hotline: 400 610 3721, 1010 3721).

Acro Yoga, Jun 11
Adults. Acro-Yoga is the combination of yoga, inversions, therapeutic and acrobatic flying! Come learn to trust and play with your enthusiasm and smiles. No prior knowledge or partner is required. Open to all levels and ages. The golden rule: “If you are having fun, it is right”. Classes are taught in English. RMB 100. 4.30pm-6pm. Flow Creative. (Wechat ID: JustineShanti).

Yunmeng Gorge Swim and Picnic, Jun 11
All ages. Head to Yunmeng Gorge for a hike-and-swim combo. The sandy beaches and pools of water in Yunmeng Gorge make it an ideal place to picnic and swim. The group will walk up the gorge, find a spot to settle their things, and either take a dip in the water or follow guides for a longer hike up into the hills. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8am-5.30pm. Beijing Hikers. (info@beijinghikers.com, 6432 2786).

Best of Next Week
Aidi School Summer Charity Music Concert, Jun 12
All ages. Students at the Aidi School will show off their talents at the Aidi School Summer Charity Concert this month. Proceeds from the sales of tickets will be donated to the Beijing Dandelion School, a school for children of migrant works, who need support for their music education. Register here. RMB 380, RMB 280, and RMB 180. 7pm 9pm. Poly Theatre. (zhaoyini@aidi.edu.cn, 8439 2266-8897).

ReNuMe Mind and Body Transformation Program, Jun 12
Adults. Transform your body and detoxify your mind with the ReNuMe mind and body program exclusively at Ms. Uptown Studio. The program includes: weight loss classes with personal trainer, yoga and meditation sessions, 3 in depth ReNu workshops, candle lit meditation class, and more! RMB 3,000 (early bird), RMB 3,300 (normal price). 7pm-8pm. MsUptown. (WeChat: uptownyoga).

Learn to Play Majiang at the Sinology Institute, Jun 17
Ages 10+ Students can learn to play Majiang like pros at the Sinology Institute. Participants will not only learn a new, fun game, they will also learn about Chinese culture along the way. RSVP required. Free. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Sinology Institute. (admissions@sinologyinstitute.com, 6400 0905).

Zen Retreat with Ms. Uptown, Jun 17 to Jun 18
Adults. Ms. Uptown will be hosting a Zen Retreat on the Great Wall. Price includes accommodation at Kungfu zen, transportation, food (include BBQ, French style picnic with wine at Great Wall), and various activities including hiking, picnic with wine, yoga, silent meditation, and a site visit to the secret anti-gravity portion of the wall. RMB 800 (first 10 to register), RMB 950 (normal price). 7am-4.30pm. The Great Wall.

YCIS Beijing Student Charity Dinner, Jun 18
All ages. The Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) students will be hosting a charity dinner at the Taj Restaurant. The night will consist of a five-course meal, an extensive variety of high-quality auctions, and a number of performances from YCIS Beijing’s talented students. All funds raised through the night will go towards the Dew Drops Little Flower charity, which provides medical and financial support to local Chinese orphans. RMB 246. Starts at 6pm. Taj Pavilion. (vanivgupta@hotmail.com, 13718384938).

Hike Down the White River, Jun 18
All ages. The group will cross the river multiple times, passing the outskirts of small villages in an area that’s a bit quieter, featuring fewer cars and more goats. Note: If the river level is raised because of rain the group may not be able to hike. Plans will be solidified the week before the hike. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 RMB (members), RMB 200 (kids under 12). 8am-5.30pm. Beijing Hikers. (info@beijinghikers.com, 6432-2786).

Father’s Day at Brickyard Lodge, Jun 18
All ages. Dads deserve something special, too. Go for a family hike or climb the Great Wall at Mutianyu and then treat the Dad in your family to a lip-smacking free meal. Dads accompanied by at least one of their children may enjoy a complimentary lunch. Free for Fathers. 12pm-7pm. The Brickyard Inn and Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall.

Survival Camp, Jun 19
Ages 7 to 18. Through making fires, building rafts, crossing rivers, and making traps Survival Camp will show participants what nature has to offer. All classes are taught by BSA-qualified (Bushcraft and Survival Association) guides with many years of experience leading survival camps abroad. RMB 750 RMB per day (normal price), RMB 650 per day (sign up two weeks before start), RMB 650 per day (3 kids). 8am-4.45pm. Huairou. (WeChat: Imagine24x7Service, 010 57394933).

David Hockney Workshop, Jun 19
Ages 5+. Students can discover contemporary painting with Atelier’s journey through David Hockney’s oeuvre. This year Hockney has two major retrospectives in London and Paris to celebrate his work. From the villas of Los Angeles to the countryside in Great Britain, get inspired by his landscapes, his experimental photography work, his iPad monumental paintings, and the harmony of his vivid palette. RMB 1,800 per week. 10am-noon (ages 5 to 8), 1.30pm-4pm (ages 9+). Atelier.

On July 12, I had the chance to go for a local hike set up by Jetbay. Firstly, I had never heard of the company; secondly, I hadn’t heard of the place we were meant to check out. Both turned out to be pleasant surprises. The one day trek was going to feature a barbecue dinner and after staying in Beijing for some time, I have come to the conclusion that out of town barbecues are simply delicious.

Jetbay has decided to let expats in on the local secrets get away hikes for families and singletons alike. The company describe itself as “your local guide in traveling in China.” This hike happens to be one of the yet-to-be launched local series offered to locally based foreigners.

Reasons to make it out there:

• Landscape: The trek is along a spring which provides little spots for cooling down and you’ll find Chinese families trying their luck to catch the little fish. The atmosphere is filled with squeals of delight from the children. The trail has washrooms along the way but squatting toilets and trash bins at nearly every corner therefore making the place very clean and well kept. Walking will be mostly in the shade for about 3.5km with green trees and lush bushes surrounding you. There was a little construction going on at the beginning of the trail but nothing too severe.
• Food: We first had lunch before heading out, and it was yum. The freshness of the vegetables and the different dishes we ordered will put you in a good place to want to walk off the binge eating that just took place. The dinner, which was a barbecue, was succulent and we all were in a food coma on the ride back.
• Company: You will meet interesting people from various walks of life and it will be exciting to hear about their experiences and lives. Along, the way you will laugh at the anecdotes told and get to know that the trip was fun despite the 8.45am meeting time on a Sunday.
• Relaxing: The trip wasn’t exhausting like others I have been too. I was worried that the trail was going to be physically draining that meant that come Monday morning, I was going to struggle to get to work. But this hike had the opposite effect as I was relaxed and ready to tackle the week ahead.
• Boat ride: We had to take a boat from the entrance to the beginning of the trail and that was one short but pleasing. If only we were allowed to go back and forth for several more trips. The boat ride sets the tone and mood of the hike. The other hikers will be itching to get out as they don’t want to miss out on a spot.

It’s RMB 399 includes transportation in a nicely air conditioned van, lunch and dinner, entrance, and boat ride fees. To make your booking send an email to marketing@jetbay.com. Get RMB 20 off for referring a friend when booking.

Photos: Jetbay

MINT Vietnamese Pho & Snacks
There’s a new arrival on Pinnacle Plaza, with MINT Vietnamese restaurant replacing Tapas Plus. During the current soft opening, diners can enjoy complimentary dessert of the day until the end of July. MINT is a member of the Eatalicious Group, which includes popular restaurant chain Loft Eatalicious, and are working in partnership with Dickson Noodle.Delivery service will be available in the very near future.

MINT Vietnamese Pho & Snacks
Daily 11am-11pm. 709 Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District; (6143 8910 / 6143 8951 / 13041177292)  

Moon River Farm Summer BBQ
Head to Moon River Farm for a full day of organic BBQ, beer, kids activities, and music on Saturday August 1, from 2-9pm. Feast on dumplings from the team of Mr. Shi, followed by BBQ food from Sue Zhou, including pork belly bao sandwich, lamb skewers, roasted eggplant, baked potatoes, salads, and curry’s. Drinks will be available or you can bring your own wine. Family and kids activities by The Hutong education team, music by DJ Tiger snake, a bouncing castle, and kids can help feed the farm animals, including pony’s, sheep, and pigs.

Ticket price includes organic snacks, full organic BBQ dinner, free flow local draft beer, lemonade, and tea, goodie bag of 500g seasonal organic vegetables, and if you book for 4 persons or more you get a free picnic blanket. RMB 280 (early bird RMB 230), RMB 100 kids aged 6-12 (early bird RMB 80), family ticket RMB 620 for 2 adults, 2 kids (early bird RMB 500). Early bird ticket prices: book before 26th of July.

Moon River Farm
1 Liqiao Shougang East Road, Shunyi District (138 1169 1305, hello@suezhoudoesfood.com) www.suezhoudoesfood.com 月牙河农场，北京 顺义区李桥首钢东路 1号

Chen Hao Furniture Closing Sale
Chen Hao Furniture has been given notice to move. The whole row of stores along Tian Bei Lu will be demolished in the coming months. They hope to be up and running in a new Shunyi location next month. In the meantime, they are having a clearance sale across the majority of their furniture stock. Beautiful hand-made items of furniture, including chairs, tables, consoles, and beds, plus a good selection of lamps. The owner assured me the new location would be bigger and better, with a significantly larger furniture making workshop on-site.

Chen Hao Furniture
Daily 9.30am-6pm. Tian Bei Lu; (5145 1102, chenhaofurniture@163.com); 天北路

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: insatiablemunch, Alpha (Flickr), courtesy of Chen Hao Furniture

Last weekend, expat neighborhood Shuangjing came alive as vendors from different industries including the Beijinger and beijingkids were hosted by Plan B at the Shuangjing Block Party. The block party breathes fire and brimstone to the otherwise dull area, this isn’t from me but from the residents themselves, check out what this resident had to say. All in all, the atmosphere was that of summer comes to Beijing with blue clear skies, children’s laughter, smell of food on the grills, and a tighter bond of camaraderie. Here are the photos of the action. More after the jump.

Photos: Ken

The main focus of Beidong Flower Market is, of course, plants and flowers – beautiful displays of roses, orchids that are as colorful as they are fragrant, flowering felicia, and budding bougainvillea. Flowering plants, shrubs, herbs, and potted indoor plants are all available at this Shunyi market and most vendors will deliver to your home. Be sure to haggle; the more you buy, the better the price. If you want to grow your own garden, there are hundreds of seed packets for vegetables, fruits, and herbs. You can also pick up gardening tools, hoses, compost, fertilizer, watering cans, and even lawnmowers.

If you prefer your plants in pots rather than beds and borders, you can choose from a huge selection of ceramic, terracotta, wooden and plastic pots, and urns. There are decorative bird cages for your begonias, hanging baskets galore, and stepped stands to display your potted wares. Outside the market, there are many stalls selling statues, stone carvings of lions, tigers, terracotta warriors, busts, garden ornaments, and even a gnome or two. For kids and adults alike, there are a good selection of colorful kites in an array of shapes and sizes.

Outdoor Dining
Once your garden is looking pretty, it’s time to start enjoying it. What better way than al fresco dining? There are monstrous gas barbecues that can rotisserie, smoke, and griddle enough meat and fish to feed a hungry crowd of World Cup supporters.

If that’s too much, there is a very good choice of standard-sized, quality barbecues. If space is an issue, try a compact grill or tajine; if you don’t have a garden but still want that chargrilled flavor, pick up a portable picnic grill. Every accessory you need for marinating, skewering, slicing, dicing and cooking is also here. Don’t let those pesky mosquitos spoil your party; there are several devices on sale to get rid of the blighters.

Beidong is a popular place to buy quality garden furniture at very competitive prices. There are tables, chairs, sun loungers and umbrellas, in solid wood, metal, woven furniture, with or without fabric coverings and cushions. Bartering is a must; if you can be referred by someone that has purchased already, then all the better.

The tranquil sounds of water can be heard throughout the market coming from a number of stalls selling water features. Many are pretty elaborate in design, but if you long to enjoy water in Beijing that doesn’t just flow from your dispenser, then you may find something for you.

For the Home
Beidong isn’t all about outdoor furniture. One of my favorite stalls is the crockery man. I have an entire white china dinner service from here at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. It’s dishwasher safe, ovenproof, and so far it’s all still in one piece. There are modern styles for plates, bowls, serving dishes, condiment sets, rice spoons, tea and coffee pots, Chinese tea sets, mugs, and cups. The majority of the products are simple, white and stylish. A few have beautiful contemporary or traditional Chinese patterns that wouldn’t look out of place at Shanghai Tang.

You can stock up on wine glasses, shot glasses, and tumblers at the glass stall. The vendor also sells candles and tea lights that are infinitely more exciting than Ikea’s – and a lot cheaper.

There are several stalls selling furniture in traditional Chinese styles. You can pick up chairs, stools, occasion tables, sideboards, cupboards, wardrobes and lamps. Pieces are not as unique as you may find in other locations, but the prices reflect that.

Need something to brighten up your floor or keep your toes warm? There is one stall selling rugs in a range of sizes, colors, and patterns. If you’re into wicker, the stall next door sells baskets, hampers, laundry bins, trays, and even slippers, all made out of that woven wood. If vases are your thing, you’ll find a great selection of varying sizes, styles, plain or patterned, ceramic or tin.

There is tank after tank crammed full of fish (unfortunately), aquariums of varying sizes and designs plus everything you need to raise fish. If you’re more of a bird fancier, you can also take home a feathery companion. However, like most Beijing markets that sell animals, the longevity of your newfound pet isn’t always guaranteed.

Art
Beidong is also host to a number of artists selling their paintings. There are oil, water and prints of modern, traditional, and abstract art. There are portraits, drawings, several depictions of pandas, and paintings of the Wall, but in amongst these you can find some very special pieces: hutongs looking haunting in winter, a Banksy interpretation, and a modern take on a terracotta warrior.

One fabulous artist is Sunny. His use of vivid colors and hues and incorporation of traditional Chinese symbols within his pieces is wonderful. You can commission one-off pieces and his prices are very good.

If you decide to buy some unframed artwork, you are spoiled for choice with framing services. Each offer a vast array of frame and mount styles, colors, and sizes. Turn-around time is quick and prices competitive.

Shopping at Beidong is thirsty work; luckily, there are two places right next door where you can enjoy brunch, lunch or early dinner. The English Tearoom, with its quintessentially British decor, cakes, and Scotch eggs. Their indoor playroom is great for the little ones, toilet facilities are clean, child friendly, and with baby changing table. Now the weather is warmer, you can sip tea at their outside seating area.

Next door is Pinotage, with its authentic South African cuisine, great wines, and cold beers. They too have an indoor kid’s play room and good, clean toilet facilities. The restaurant’s wonderful outdoor terrace and lawn is perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s shopping.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos by Sally Wilson