Starbucks has a notorious reputation for being expensive, bitter, and not very child-friendly.

Regardless, many people choose to order it simply because they see no better options, or even because they’re just more used to the trans-national company. However, it’s not the only option around anymore: two options, which are just as good or even better, are in town to give Starbucks a run for its money!

1. Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee’s greatest benefit is perhaps that it’s a cheaper coffee option than Starbucks. Comparing both brands’ basic options, the Americano, Luckin offered a deal of RMB 20 while Starbucks coffee, for the same size, had a base price of RMB 27.

Additionally, Luckin Coffee has options that are good to beat the summer heat (albeit the slight price rise), especially for you non-caffeine drinkers: different types of frappuccino, and even some fruit-seasonal drinks such as the peach and jasmine frap! This is perfect for kids and teens looking for softer options, and for parents who are craving caffeine but don’t know what to get their kids at cafes.

Luckin also offers a much wider variety of non-drink options such as mochis and different bread. They’re a lighter and cost-friendlier option than Starbucks’ traditional dessert options that are a little more on the heavier side, such as its cakes and sandwiches.

Not only that, but in case the summer heat may be too much for anyone, Luckin Coffee is also famous for its ordering and delivery system, where customers can use the company’s mobile app and deliver it directly to their door within 30 minutes – especially since Luckin is more numerous and easily accessible than the fast food giant, and offers a maximum of RMB 3 delivery fees. Thus, it’s the best option for couch potatoes who aren’t keen on going for the faraway Starbucks.

2. Manner Coffee

Manner coffee is less famous, but has increasing popularity among those who know of it. Firstly, Manner Coffee offers a unique and innovative menu that caters to the Chinese palate, including drinks such as the “Osmanthus and Jasmine Latte” and the “Iced Orange Peel Latte.” This is more unique, and certainly more popular for people who wish to experience a more diverse taste than the mainstream Starbucks coffee. Even better if your palates have been accustomed to the tastes of Beijing!

Manner’s coffee is also much more affordable: making it the perfect choice for those who want to pop out to recharge some caffeine during a quick work break! A cup of standard Americano coffee starts at just RMB15, making it a great choice for those wishing to grab it on the go. Even better if you want to help out the environment, too – Manner Coffee offers coffee at RMB 10 for those who bring their own cups.

3. Cotti Coffee

Cotti Coffee is perhaps more prone around areas like Shanghai, but no matter. It’s a franchise that offers various options, including summer drinks of various kinds, especially fruits such as standard coconut, watermelon, and the regional specialty hami-melon. Its coffee is priced at a simple 15RMB for for an Americano coffee, and for those of you gamers, even offers a collaboration with infamous Chinese game Wangzhe.

Not only that, but it combines two things that no one would have thought of putting together: coffee, and hot dogs. Its simple 13RMB hot-dogs come in pepper and spice, and offer a good lunchtime alternative to those who would rather go for a fast snack than a full-course meal. If hot dogs aren’t really your forte, don’t worry – sweet options such as mochi are available too!

From this, it’s obvious that there are so many great alternatives to Starbucks that are gaining popularity in Beijing, including Luckin, Manner, and Cotti Coffee. Whether you’re looking for affordable and convenient coffee or a different taste that represents Beijing, all three coffee chains have something unique to offer. So next time you’re looking for a fresh new option, consider trying out any of these for a tailored coffee experience.

Image: Meituan, Manner Coffee Website

In a city with practicality, money, and no classics, we see the quiet Beijinger. Its youngest live in two worlds: the television static, and the cradle. Its oldest between the hospitals and telephones. Finally, the readers. They live in paragraphs more often than on earth. They speak with so much passion, and we want to be the main character of their books.

From the youngest to the oldest, there is a search for perfect places, the sweet shapes of coffee, cushions, and chords. They are found in the following compendium, those bookstores sequestered in quiet streets, some cafés flowing with Clair De Lune instead of cups. Where rabbit holes lead to typewriters, all hiding in a languorous afternoon, a summer in Beijing.

Café Clark

A Japanese or Korean-style café offers a panacea for any ailment. They beautify the confetti of life in woodwork, its details, and escapes. Café Clark has the cherubic cushions, Zakka scenes, Ghibli comics, and lo-fi incantations of a quintessential Asian bookstore café. Would you not read a little (long) chunk of noon away, and breathe in, breathe out, to feel that increasingly foreign concept of belonging. 

Address: 青年路29号华纺易城小区19-02号底商（近润枫水尚）
(Qīngnián lù 29 hào huá fǎng yì chéng xiǎoqū 19-02 hào dǐ shāng)  
No. 19-02, Huafang Yicheng Community, 29 Qingnian Road (near Runfeng Shuishang)

The Fingerprint Café 

Cafés are said to have reached their initial apex of popularity in the 17th century, from Italy to France and Germany to England. Coffee was to replace alcohol and its culture of drunk geniuses. Hence, cafés became a monument for nebulous scholars and professors, artists and madmen. British-style coffeehouses are rare in Beijing, but Fingerprint Café is one indeed. Its book list reveals criminology novels, Japanese poetry, and other esoteric, elusive manuscripts of the owner.  

Address: 北京市海淀区花园北路35号 (Běijīng shì hǎidiàn qū huāyuán běi lù 35 hào) 
No. 35, Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing

J Coffee

This is one of those inconspicuous cafés only found in cities – on the second floor, a sapid sanctuary for empty streets blossoming with hunched shadows. Time flies. Its footprint is messy. The coffee shop is silent, introspective. Time thickens and stops. The light is dim, the wood is soft, the chamois is dazzling. Oh, and the book, it should be therapeutic.

Address: 北京市朝阳区东大桥路8号SOHO尚都北塔2楼2201室
(Běijīng shì zhāoyáng qū dōng dàqiáo lù 8 hào SOHO shàng dū běi tǎ 2 lóu 2201 shì)
Room 2201, 2nd Floor, SOHO Shangdu North Tower, No. 8 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

The Kubric

A true bookworm always finds their favorite friend: a true bookstore. Style, stories, and time are all art in itself, for the US auteur Stanley Kubric once jested, “Directing is writing on film.” As such, Kubric Bookstore stands as an artistic edifice, flaring antique freedom and elegant sadness, flinging beauty and regret. Beneath its mahogany lattice and academic stairs, books build walls, and walls build more books. Coffee suffuses the floor, and Persian rugs warm the lamps. The night is young and throws a pillow fight of stars through the blinds. Meanwhile, readers will read, and coffee drinkers will drink. The two can communicate, but not commingle. 

Address: 香河园路1号北区当代MOMA内 (Xiānghé yuán lù 1 hào běi qū dāngdà)
Inside Contemporary MOMA, North District, No. 1, Xiangheyuan Road

KEEP READING: Hello K-Pop Archetypes, Meet C-Pop Clones!

Images: Baidu, Pinterest, Pexels

Shh… did you hear traffic? No? We didn’t either! It’s the quietest time to be in Beijing and with most of the city gone for Chinese New Year, those of us who stayed behind get to take advantage of the empty subways and empty streets. Just imagine it, a clear shot from CBD to Haidian in 30 minutes or less, plus unfettered access to all the holiday pizzazz lighting up the city. To help you make the most of the season, we’ll be posting daily recommendations for the best deals and coziest places in town, as you and your family usher in the marvelous, magical, and sure to be majestic… Year of the Rat!

We’re great believers that holidays are meant for indulging, and staying in Beijing during Chinese New Year means that you get to take advantage of all the great dining deals at the tastiest places all over the city.

Zarah

Zarah’s still holding their annual My Jiaozi Party for the whole family on January 29 starting at 6pm. Make and eat as many dumplings as you can all night long.

RMB 158 for adults, RMB 98 for kids 6-12.

Feast (Food by EAST)

During Chinese New Year Feast (Food by EAST) is setting up their semi-buffet every day for lunch and dinner with full, unlimited access to their kids’ playroom. Adults are RMB 268 for lunch. As always, kids 6 and younger dine for free.

For reservations or more information, call 8414 9820.

The latest addition to The Opposite House is the cool, new Sichuan-inspired Superfly, located where Mesh used to be. Before they get swamped with foodies, be amongst the first to taste. During CNY they’ll only be open for dinner from 6-10.30pm.

For reservations or more information, call 6410 5220.

Hulu by TRB and Merci French Food by TRB

During every major holiday, TRB creates an entire themed menu just for the occasion. Remember their adorable Halloween and Christmas menus? We do! For Chinese New Year they’ve created another menu that’ll be available from now until February 8 at both Hulu and Merci French Food.

For reservations or more information on either location, call 6512 5701.

For more information add them on WeChat (trbchina).

Frasca

Although Taikooli isn’t as bustling as it usually is, it’s still fun to people watch and enjoy the festive vibes. Frasca at The Opposite House will be open all through CNY for both lunch and dinner. With a menu created by Chef Marino D’Antonio, Frasca is the place to find the Italian comfort food that’ll satisfy your carb cravings.

Lunch: 12-2.30pm. Dinner from 6-10.30pm. For reservations or more information, call 6410 5210.

Photos: unsplash, courtesy of venues

Those of us who come from coffee-dependent cultures, where stimulants are essential upon waking and absolutely required before braving a morning commute, finding that many coffee shops don’t even open here until 10am can be a dealbreaker. C’mon, Beijing, are we meant to make the damn coffee ourselves? That sounds like a lot of effort, and we don’t do effort before we’ve had our coffee.

Finding an early cuppa is tough, but not impossible. So as to save you any additional morning stress, we’ve drawn up this handy list of coffee shops around town that are open at 8am or earlier:

Gulou

• Cafe Alba – Be careful when coming in early to this café, as it’s comfy chairs and smooth tunes might lure you to stay well into the afternoon. Rooftop seating is also available in the warmer months. Food options are aplenty and select breakfasts come with a coffee discount. Opens 8am.
  70 Gulou Dongdajie (east of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District
  东城区鼓楼东大街70号

• Big Small – This café now has four venues across Beijing, with this specific location being tucked into a hutong apartment complex. Mosey around with your coffee in the mini-gallery that is updated with a different artist’s work monthly, or enjoy the outside seating overlooking the building’s communal exercise equipment and ping-pong table. Opens 8am.
  13 Langjia Hutong, Dongcheng District
  东城区郎家胡同13号

Guomao

• Brew Bar – This Pacific Coffee-owned shop is the chain’s attempt at experimenting with the latest coffee trends. Don’t be surprised if you find the experience similar to SOE Coffee (see under “Sanlitun” below), because they use SOE’s beans. Edibles are mostly sweet, ranging from blueberry cheesecake to coconut mousse, but whitebread sandwiches are also served. Opens 8am.
  B1, Door 119, 1 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District
  朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区地下一层3B119号铺

• Jamaica Blue  – As the name suggests, Jamaican beans are the main draw at Jamaica Blue, but they also have a number of mouthwatering and downright Instagrammable food options. Opens 7am.
  Door 107, Bldg 16, Section B, Xincheng International Apartments,  6 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District
  朝阳门外大街6号新城国际公寓B期16号楼107号商铺

• GREYBOX – Aiming to make specialty coffee more accessible, GREYBOX sets reasonable prices while maintaining both quality and ingenuity. Some examples of the shop’s creativity include the Dirty Mocka, which looks a bit like a volcano of cookies and cream, and the Coffee Jelly, which incorporates the popular milk tea add-in into coffee. Opens 8am.
  4012 Guomao Soho, 1 Jianguomenwai street
  建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区四层NL4012号

Liangmaqiao

• Joy Beans – Keep your eye out for the pandas, because that is the theme of this off-the-beaten-path shop. It’s a cozy little venue with limited seating, but it will do for early commuters looking for their fix. Opens 7.30am.
  F113, Bldg 5, 19 Dongfangdong Lu, Chaoyang District
  朝阳区东方东路19号院5号楼F113

• 关关雎鸠 Guanguan Jujiu – Meaning “The Chirping Ospreys,” Guanguan Jujiu is great for early breakfasters looking for a nice croissant breakfast sandwich or a veggie and cheese panini with their coffee. Opens 7am.
  10 Xinyuannan Lu, Chaoyang District
  朝阳区新源南路10号

• Hello Coffee – Found at the front of Liangmaqiao’s Hello Mart, Hello Coffee strives to make visitors feel like Wonderland royalty with hints of Lewis Carrol’s tale throughout the shop. Prices are a bit higher than average, so maybe reserve it for an early morning breakfast date (if you dare). Opens 8am.
  1/F, Hello Mart, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu
  亮马桥路48号城市市集一层

Sanlitun

• SOE Coffee – Also known as Square of Eight, this shop’s light blue colors are easy on the eyes in the early morning. Central American and Ethiopian specialty blends are popular here, and they tend to get creative with some of their coffee serving methods, one of which involves a beaker if that’s your kind of thing. Opens 8am.
  23 Yaijianyuan Road (one block north of Hujialou subway station exit B), Chaoyang District
  朝阳区白家庄东里23号联合办公社1楼

• Café Flatwhite – Serving more typical espresso beverages in the Sanlitun Soho, this New Zealander-owned shop is known for roasting their own specially selected beans. They have great food too, including a diverse brunch menu to get you started on the long day ahead. Opens 8am.
  B1, Unit 239, Bldg 2, Sanlitun Soho, 8 Gongtibei Lu, Chaoyang District
  朝阳区工体北路号三里屯SOHO 地下1层B1-239号

Wudaokou 

• Sculpting in Time – Though Sculpting in Time once had a shop in the heart of Wudaokou next to Bridge Café (also defunct), early rising Wudaokou brethren must now trek southward to Beihang University campus for the same nostalgic experience. The coffee is nothing special, but it’s a good place to lounge under nostalgic movie posters for an early morning study sesh. Opens 8am.
  2/F, Campus Tennis Courts’ Building 2, Beihang University Campus, 37 Xueyuan Lu, Haidian District
  海淀区学院路37号航空航天大学天行网球馆2楼(篮球场东)

• 1911 – A bit more modern and a bit more pricy, 1911 is fairly standard for a Chinese coffee shop and is known for nice fruit teas as well. Opens 8am.
  1/F, Qinghua University Art Museum, 30 Heqing Lu, Haidian District
  海淀区3荷清路30号清华大学艺术博物馆一层

If none of the above strike your fancy, or if you really can’t be bothered to put on pants before 9am, then you may have to settle for delivery chains like Starbucks or Luckin Coffee. Both companies have shops all over the city that are ready to deliver to your door by 7am.

Happy sipping, coffee fiends!

READ: How (and Where) to Order the Perfect Cup of Coffee in Beijing

Images: awaaznation.com

Central Sanlitun seems to be having a bit of a café and bakery explosion right now. To add to the plethora of ground-floor bakeries in Topwin Center as well as the newly minted Moleskine Café, Gertz Danish Bakery continues the positive trend toward baking that aligns more with western standards (read: bread that’s not sweet and cakes not slathered in whipped cream).

Gertz wears its Scandinavian roots on its sleeve; a neat minimalist décor moves the gamut of neutral tones from cream to light gray to dark blue. Edison bulbs match the sparse design and have the effect of illuminating the mountain of bread (RMB 9-42), with a warm and comforting glow.

Aside from those loaves, there are plenty of basic Danish-style dishes, such as salads (RMB 66/68), soups (RMB 25-42), open sandwiches (or smørrebrød, RMB 48-54), sandwiches (RMB 58/62), breakfast sets (RMB 48-62), as well as the usual drink options: coffee (RMB 24-34), tea, and juice.

The salmon sandwich (RMB 62)

The salmon sandwich (RMB 62) was a satisfying wedge of baguette covered with black and white sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a filling of thick slices of smoked salmon, a generous spoonful of caviar, sour cream, dill, and lettuce. The sandwich more than proved its heft via the fact that it required both hands to pick it up as well as a fork to shove the fillings back in from time to time.

The egg and shrimp open sandwich (RMB 48)

Of the open sandwiches, or smørrebrød, we tried the egg and shrimp version (RMB 48), featuring a large lettuce leaf atop a piece of rye bread and finished with a sliced boiled egg, tomato, shrimp, and mayonnaise served on a wooden board. Similar to the sandwich, it required a certain technique to best tackle this fresh and wobbling flower-like tower. For a dessert option, the large, moist, and delicious kanelsnegle (cinnamon bun, RMB 18) comes covered in icing sugar and a punchy cinnamon kick that is sweet enough to have you instantly hooked.

Indeed, from the moment you enter this inviting bakery and café, breathe in the soothing aroma of the freshly baked bread, and devour one of Gertz’s sizable sandwiches (open or closed), you’ll soon be wrapped in a plush blanket of what is now perhaps Denmark’s most famous export: A deep feeling of coziness.

Gertz
Daily 9am-10pm. S2-11, 1/F, Bldg 2, Sanlitun Taikooli, 19 Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路19号院2号楼1层S2-11单元

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos: Tracy Wang

On the weekends, I’m generally solo with my kids. Their dad is often out of town and I actively insist that my mother-in-law take time off when I’m not working. With no ayi on the weekends, this time becomes English-speaking “mommy time.” So, this past Sunday morning, we spontaneously made our way to 751 “to see the big train.”

The Ace Café, just newly opened in July of 2015, is a monumental structure built where an earlier Ace Café had been established in 1938. The vintage locomotive that sits outside is striking and photo-worthy, and the ample public square that sits between the café and the small roadway within the gallery district’s north side is a great place for kids to play.

We didn’t eat at the café because it was early morning but I took pictures as my 3-year-old asked me why the train wasn’t moving, why the tracks just stopped, why the wheels were red, etc. She was completely confounded by this strange train that looks nothing like the train that takes her back to my husband’s home city in Shandong province with her grandparents!

The original café was destroyed by fire in 1940. Missing from the historical plaque (pictured?) are the more juicy details, namely how a café – especially one linked in name and history to the London establishment – survived the political movements in China over the next four decades. Like, who set it on fire? Had I not had my two rug rats, I would have politely asked a few leading questions about the site’s history. I’m so curious!

Photos: Courtesy of Ember Swift

I’ve been meaning to visit Xishiku Cathedral in Xisi ever since I caught a glimpse of it on a bike ride. With its elaborate Gothic marble facade, the building stood in stark contrast against the surrounding hutongs. I finally got my chance last Saturday.

Also known as Beitang or the Church of the Saviour, Xishiku was founded by the Jesuits in 1703. The cathedral moved to its present location in 1887 on the order of the Guangxu Emperor, who went on build Zhongnanhai Park on the original site near the Forbidden City.

The cathedral itself isn’t open to visitors outside of the daily mass times, so we contented ourselves with admiring the architecture and walking around the modest grounds.

To either side of the main building, there are two imposing stone steles covered by Chinese pavilions and mounted on bixi (赑屃), mythological animals with the body of a turtle and the head of a dragon. The steles are inscribed with calligraphy by the Kangxi Emperor, who granted the land to the Jesuits after benefiting from their medical knowledge.

During the Boxer Rebellion, Xishiku was also the site of the Siege of Beitang from June 14 to August 16, 1900. The defense was led by French bishop Pierre-Marie-Alphonse Favier, the cathedral’s architect.

During the siege, over 3,900 people (including 850 orphans) sought refuge in the church. The defense forces consisted of 41 French and Italian marines and two French officers. By Favier’s estimate, between 15,000 to 20,000 members of his congregation died during the Boxer Uprising.

Though the church was locked during our visit, we managed to peek through a crack in the door on the west side. We could make out stunning stained glass windows, which danced in colorful patterns on the floor. The comforting smell of old wood emanated from the pews.

I imagined what Xishiku might look like on Sunday Mass with a full house singing hymns in Chinese. According to one anonymous worshipper, Xishiku’s service is a surprisingly formal affair with "full (correct) modern Western Rite Catholic ceremonies," holy water, incense, and "bows and changes in posture … signaled by a clapper in the west gallery."

Recharging at 1901 Cafe
After our visit to Xishiku, we walked south to the nearby 1901 Cafe to acquaint ourselves with the business end of a cold drink. The cafe is housed in an annex of Xishiku Cathedral and is named after the year of the building’s foundation.

Prices are outrageously expensive (think RMB 48 for an iced Americano), but it’s worth getting a drink just to sit on the small but secluded balcony at the top of the building.

We ordered a pot of iced pomelo tea (RMB 78) and climbed two sets of creaking wooden stairs to the third floor, pausing on the way to breathe in the smell of aged books and admire the cafe’s large, vaulted windows.

The balcony is located just off the last room on the third floor. The door looks padlocked, but it’s not; simply lift the red latch and step out onto your own semi-shaded, private space. We propped our feet up and took our time sipping our team while listening to the sounds of the neighborhood.

Discovering the Inner Life of a Siheyuan at Shijia Hutong Museum
We first posted about Shijia Hutong Museum when it opened to much fanfare in 2014, but I wanted to see the preserved courtyard home for myself.

Located in a storied hutong off Dongsi Beidajie, the sprawling siheyuan complex features bilingual English and Chinese displays that take visitors through hutong history, the house’s famous inhabitants – Danish diplomats, poets, musicians, authors, scientists, academics, generals – and significant periods of cultural and social upheaval.

One of the most interesting displays is a soundproof room with sound bytes from Old Beijing. Though a bit haphazard in design, visitors can select a number of variables on the control panel (season, time of day, historical era, and weather conditions), then press "play" to listen the sounds of hutong life.

I also enjoyed the collection of kitschy objects towards the end, including creepy old children’s toys, tape decks, medieval-looking irons, and hollow lamps with plastic flowers embedded in the middle.

Considering the museum was established with funds from the Prince’s Charities Foundations China, the displays could’ve honestly been a lot better. The museum didn’t always have a clear flow and the text betrayed a distinctly propagandistic bent. The museum is more appropriate for older kids and teens, as it involves lots of reading and learning about historical events and figures.

More pics of Shijia Hutong Museum:

Xishiku Church 西什库天主堂
Free admission. Daily 5am-6pm (Chinese mass every Sun at 8am). 33 Xishiku Dajie, Xicheng District (6617 5198) 西城区西什库大街33号

1901 Cafe Daily 9am-1am.
101 Xi’an Men Dajie, Xicheng District (6616 0335) 西城区西安门大街101

Shijia Hutong Museum 史家胡同博物馆
Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm. 24 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District (6525 1069) 
东城区东城区史家胡同24号

Sijia Chen is a contributing editor at beijingkids and a freelance writer specializing in parenting, education, travel, environment, and culture. Her work has appeared in The Independent, Midnight Poutine, Rover Arts, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @sijiawrites or email her at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Photos: Sijia Chen

On Sunday, a friend and I finally got the chance to visit the Green Cow City Cafe, an offshoot of Green Cow Organic Farm and the long-running Mrs. Shanen’s Bagels in Shunyi.

The cafe sits along a bustling wet market in Dashanzi. It was a bit tricky to find, but the contrast between the peaceful inner courtyard and its chaotic surroundings made brunch taste that much sweeter.

Green Cow Cafe is in a very local area just southeast of Indigo Mall. Assuming you’re coming from Lido, the easiest way to get there is to take Jiuxianqiao Lu (酒仙桥路) and turn right (north) on Jiuxianqiao Nanlu (酒仙桥南路).

Turn right (south) again at the next T-intersection (confusingly, the road is still called Jiuxianqiao Nanlu).

Keep going straight until you reach the market area called Sanjie Fang (三街坊). Green Cow City Cafe will be on your left, sitting a bit further back from the road. You’ll recognize it from its turquoise metal doors and the sign that says "Green Cow."

The first thing you’ll see upon entering the cafe is a small courtyard with a couple of picnic tables and umbrellas.

The restaurant was quite busy for Sunday brunch, so we opted to sit outside. The staff was nice enough to bring out an oscillating fan and a steady supply of cold lemon water.

We were given two menus – a brunch menu and a regular menu – which we had to tick off and give to the wait staff. The brunch menu was a la carte with an extensive selection of bagels, toppings like cream cheese and smoked salmon, eggs, sides like yogurt and fruit, coffees, and teas.

Dishes are made with organic produce from Green Cow Organic Farm, so you can rest easy about taking the kids. Prices were on the higher side (RMB 30-45 per item on average), but not outrageous considering the wholesomeness and quality of the ingredients.

Brunch cost RMB 240 for two people. We had:

• 2 iced coffees
• 1 order of ricotta pancakes (two per plate)
• 2 sesame bagels with plain cream cheese and salmon
• 1 bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit

Service was friendly and accommodating, if a bit slow due to brunch hours. There’s a composting toilet onsite, so don’t worry about having to wander out into the wet market in search of a public bathroom.

Green Cow City Cafe
Tue-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm. South of Bldg 13, Sanjie Fang, Jiuxianqiao, Chaoyang District (6435 9561) 朝阳区酒仙桥三街坊13号楼南侧

Sijia Chen is a contributing editor at beijingkids and a freelance writer specializing in parenting, education, travel, environment, and culture. Her work has appeared in The Independent, Midnight Poutine, Rover Arts, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @sijiawrites or email her at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Photos: Sijia Chen

Most bucket list items tend to be geared towards the individual, but why keep all the fun to yourself when could share it with your family? The first part of this two-part blog post will detail five outings and activities that I think are unique to Beijing and can be adapted to include people of different ages.

1. Camp on the Great Wall
You’ve walked the Great Wall before (probably way too many times), but how many people can say they’ve camped on it? It’s illegal to camp on the wall without a permit, so you can join a hiking group or chance it at your own risk. It may be a little pricier or riskier, but ending the day’s hike with stargazing on the Wall is worth it. Just be sure to leave the Great Wall as you found it.

2. Watch the Flag Raising at Tian’anmen
As is custom for all graduating classes, I attended the flag raising at Tian’anmen Square as a student at the International School of Beijing. It was incredible and probably the only thing I remember from the slew of end-of-year festivities.

The flag is raised every morning at sunrise, but you should go earlier to ensure a good spot. China Travel Guide publishes a schedule of times that will help you plan your pilgrimage.

The square does get crowded, but the seas of patriotic visitors and tourists contribute to the mood. This can be quite overwhelming especially if you consider China your home, or even your home away from home.

3. Find a Cat Cafe
In most of North America, hygiene regulations prevent cat cafes from popping up in major cities. Not so in China, where businesses enjoy a more laissez-faire attitude. If your family likes cats and caffeine, take a stroll down Wudaoying Hutong or Beiluoguxiang, then make it your collective mission to find the cafes and hang out with the Internet’s favorite animal.

4. Swim in Houhai Lake
This may be a desperate measure to beat the heat in Beijing, but it’s something so classically local that it has to be on this list. When walking around Houhai, look for stairs that lead down to the water level and dive right in. The water is calm and fit for intermediate swimmers. It’s relatively clean, but definitely bring towels and plan on stepping into a shower soon after. Bonus points if you join the old men swimming there in the winter.

Not sure about swimming? Test the waters by paddle boating first. Alternatively, take a long swim down the Liangma River; just watch out for the fishermen!

5. Master Conversational Chinese
The best way to do this is simply to talk to everyone. I talk to my ayi for hours, chat with cab drivers, and try to say the dish’s name at restaurant instead of just pointing. Get the rest of the family in on the language learning by decreeing that one mealtime a week must take place entirely in Chinese.

Befriending cab drivers can pay off – especially when you need a trustworthy driver to take visitors around.

Heather Budimulia is a rising college sophomore, beijingkids’ intern and 北京人in progress. Though originally from Singapore, she spent a decade in Beijing and since she learned to bake and fell in love with publication there, considers it her home. When not in the office or storing sleep for college, she’ll probably be in a coffee shop with a good book, her journal or a stranger (or all three).

Photos: Dino Quinzani, Wikimedia, sprklg, 阿蠻Amanda, Michael Coghlan