Whether you want to or not, living in China means you and your kid are going to have to pick up some measure of Chinese.

Even as a Chinese speaker, I still struggle with helping my child learn the language, especially since my own fluency is a bit of an embarrassment, as my uncle loves to point out at every Chinese New Year reunion dinner. But I’m not giving up without a fight. So I found ways that I could boost my child’s Chinese language skills using readily available resources.

Free introductory online Chinese classes

Culture Yard is a familiar name to most expats in Beijing, but you may not know that they offer free introductory Chinese classes!

Try out online Chinese learning, get to know their teachers, meet fellow students, and learn some useful Chinese for daily use, all from the comfort of your own home – and for free! Topics change weekly and include an introduction to Chinese characters and pronunciation; daily Chinese for life in China, such as taking a taxi and ordering food; Chinese culture classes; business Chinese; HSK classes, and much more. To join their Free Classes group, message “Free Classes” on WeChat (@ cultureyardoffice).

Watch Chinese language cartoons and films

With China’s foray into the international film industry making waves, there are plenty of films that are either made in Chinese or have Chinese audio available. Pixar’s recent animated film Turning Red which features a 13-year-old female protagonist whose onset of puberty unlocks her genetic ability to turn into a giant red panda is a great example, and another would be Dreamworks’ Abominable (2019). My son and I have watched both these films in English first, then Chinese, so that we know the plot and characters to better understand the films when we re-watch them in Chinese.

Another method would be to turn on the Chinese language for familiar cartoons that your kids might enjoy repeatedly. such as PJ Masks, Paw Patrol, or any other series on streaming platforms that support dual languages like Netflix. Since they already know these cartoons so well, it may be time to turn the language setting to Chinese (with English subtitles)! This is a 2-in-1 as it exposes the kid to hearing more Chinese while affording them the opportunity to practice reading the English subtitles. The fact that they’ve already watched the series before also means they’ll have a sense of what is happening and won’t be totally lost.

Download free Chinese learning apps on the iPad

Yes, I’m thrisfy, so I sourced free digital apps for my kid to work on his handwriting, build up vocabulary, and listen to stories.

Below are just a few apps suitable for beginners. LinguPinguin is particularly useful because it has different app versions that support different native languages. For example, you could have German to Chinese, or Spanish to Chinese. If your kid is old enough to navigate it, Duolingo is great for learning practically any language on Earth!

Bilingual books

Many Beijing expat educator has taken it upon themselves to write children’s books that are in two languages, which usually contain a bit of local culture to boot! While it may be tricky for you to read the Chinese parts, a translation app can help with that.

Otherwise, you might want to buy a cup of tea for your Chinese-speaking friend in exchange for helping you with the reading and pronunciation of the characters. If not, you could also consider cornering your kid’s Chinese teacher after class and ask for help, or just drop her an email with pictures of the book. Here are a few recommendations:

This Read Aloud! series, available on Taobao for less than RMB 100, features a number of familiar English titles such as The Ugly Duckling, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Rabbit and the Turtle, with a simple Chinese translation. As you can see, I’ve annotated my own copy to help me with the characters!

北京是个好地方 běi jīng shì gè hǎo dì fāng What a Place! was written by Lana Sultan, a long-time Beijing expat. I picked up this copy from Roundabout but you can also find it on Taobao.

北京哈巴狗-疫情中的历险记 běi jīng hǎ ba gǒu: yì qíng zhōng de lì xiǎn jì Peking Pugs: A Covid Caper is probably my favorite of the lot, as it even pertains to the recent Covid crisis, albeit in a light-hearted fashion suitable for its intended young audience. This cute read was written by Janice Stewart-Yates and it is through her that you can also purchase copies of the book. Scan the QR code below to do so!

KEEP READING: How Difficult Is It for International Students To Learn Chinese?

Images: Pexels, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Whether you want to or not, living in China means you and your kid are going to have to pick up some measure of Chinese. Even as a Chinese speaker, I still struggle with helping my child learn the language, especially since my own fluency is a bit of an embarrassment, as my uncle Danny loves to point out during every Chinese New Year reunion dinner. But I’m not giving up without a fight. So I found ways that I could boost my child’s Chinese language skills using readily available resources.

Turn On Chinese Language for Netflix cartoons 
If your child is into PJ Masks, Paw Patrol, or any other series on streaming platforms that support dual languages like Netflix, and has watched the cartoons multiple times, it may be time to turn the language setting to Chinese (with English subtitles)! This is a 2-in-1 as it exposes the kid to hearing more Chinese while affording them the opportunity to practice reading the subtitles. The fact that they’ve already watched the series before also means they’ll have a sense of what is happening and won’t be totally lost.

Download Free Chinese learning apps on the iPad
Yes, I’m cheap so I sourced free digital apps for my kid to work on his handwriting, build up vocabulary, and listen to stories. Below are just a few apps suitable for beginners. LinguPinguin is particularly useful because it has different app versions that support different native languages. For example, you could have German to Chinese, or Spanish to Chinese.

Bilingual Books
Many a Beijing expat educator has taken it upon themselves to write children’s books that are in two languages, which usually contain a bit of local culture to boot! While it may be tricky for you to read the Chinese parts, a translation app can help with that. Otherwise, you might want to buy a cup of tea for your Chinese-speaking friend in exchange for helping you with the reading and pronunciation of the characters. If not, you could also consider cornering your kid’s Chinese teacher after class and ask for help, or just drop her an email with pictures of the book. Here are a few recommendations:

This Read Aloud! series, available on TaoBao for less than RMB 100, features a number of familiar English titles such as The Ugly Duckling, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Rabbit and the Turtle, with a simple Chinese translation. As you can see, I’ve annotated my own copy to help me with the characters!

北京是个好地方 běi jīng shì gè hǎo dì fāng What a Place! was written by Lana Sultan, a long time Beijing expat. I picked up this copy from Roundabout but you can also find it on TaoBao.

北京哈巴狗-疫情中的历险记 běi jīng hǎ ba gǒu: yì qíng zhōng de lì xiǎn jì Peking Pugs: A Covid Caper is probably my favorite of the lot, as it even pertains to the recent Covid crisis, albeit in a light-hearted fashion suitable for its intended young audience. This cute read was written by Janice Stewart-Yates and it is through her that you can also purchase copies of the book. Scan the QR code below to do so!

KEEP READING: Being In China Brings Out The Tiger Parent In Me

Images: Pexels, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

If you’re in desperate need of a Chinese name and all you can come up with is something like 安吉拉 ān jí lā – i.e. a homophonic translation of your English name, in this case, Angela – you’re not alone. And if you still think you can get away with something like 小红 xiǎo hóng or 小明 xiǎomíng, basically the Chinese equivalents of Anna and Bob, then it’s time to come up with a better Chinese name for yourself.

宇涵 yǔ hán

The female name, Yuhan, has a beautiful meaning. The word yu represents grace, heaven, and earth, while han represents inclusivity and moisture. The five lines of yu are earth (土), symbolizing confidence and sentimentalism. But the five lines of han are water (水), symbolizing the wisdom of the lord, intelligence, and kindness. Therefore, the person bearing this name is confident, sentimental, intelligent, and kind, and he/she will enjoy a prosperous life free from hardship.

梓淇 zǐ qí

The interpretation of zi refers to deciduous trees and often implies respect and obedience towards your parents and elders. Qi refers to various water sources which signify the intelligence and gift of the child. Together, Ziqi represents precious talent and beauty. The person bearing this name is thought to possess outstanding talents and cherish his/her hometown. Lastly, Ziqi can be used for both boys and girls alike.

欣怡 xīn yí

This name is common among girls and features prominently in Chinese dramas. Xinyi symbolizes joy, excitement, and happiness. When used as a name it expresses a parent’s wish that their child will be happy and carefree. It also means that the girl will grow up to be lucky, beautiful, generous, and happy.

梦瑶 mèng yáo

Mengyao is a beautiful female name with rich Chinese roots. The word meng means dream and refers to the innate psychological phenomenon. Meanwhile, yao comes from the ancient Chinese adage: “The beauty of stone.” The meaning of this word refers to precious gems such as jade and is used as a metaphor to suggest that the girl will be very outstanding and bright. Girls bearing this name are prophesied to have successful futures and will have the courage to pursue their dreams.

浩宇 hào yǔ

Haoyu is a popular name for boys. The word hao comes from an old Chinese saying, “In the vastness of man, and in the midst of a great crowd.” It symbolizes greatness, being handsome, and having good manners. Yu is commonly used for a boy’s name, which highlights his demeanor. Therefore, the person bearing this name is thought to be extraordinary, just, courageous, open-minded, inclusive, generous, and elegant.

俊杰 jùn jié

When taken together, the two words Junjie mean handsome in Chinese, making it the perfect name for a boy. The five lines of jun are fire (火) meaning that he has a hot temper and is overly confident in his abilities. The five lines of jie are wood (木), signifying that the person is very sentimental, accepting, and a lover of the world. Therefore, the person bearing this name is kind, optimistic, sincere, organized, and inclusive. They are patient with others and work hard.

KEEP READING: Having Difficulty Learning Chinese? Try the New Xinhua Dictionary!

Images: Baidu Hanyu, Unsplash

Every new expat homemaker will spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to cobble together versions of western food without the right ingredients, but when in China, why not eat like the Chinese?

Chinese food is its own universe to explore. It’s one of the most practical, and certainly economical, world cuisines to make at home as you can Sinicize nearly any produce or ingredient you find. The supermarkets in Beijing are stocked with local ingredients vying for your attention, so don’t fight it. Even if your family is one of the rare lucky ones with an oven, why not use it to try roasting a tray of duck legs, prepared Peking duck-style?

Check online for the following items, but we prefer classic utensils found at Chinese restaurant supply stores.

Cleaver (菜刀)

Every cook has their favorite knife, and most Chinese cooks love a heavy, utilitarian cleaver. Don’t let it’s butcher shop look intimidate you: No knife is more essential, more versatile, than a simple Chinese cleaver. It can hack a whole chicken in quarters, deftly julienne ginger into neat matchsticks and crush a few cloves of garlic on its flat sides. It’s tall blade insures fingers are tucked well out of the way of the cutting surface, and the weight allows you to exert less pressure than smaller knives.

Stainless steel is fine, but if you want the sharpest possible knife, go with carbon steel, although it must be oiled, sharpened and kept dry. If rust develops, simply scrub off, dry and oil with a few drops of cooking oil until shiny and well-polished.

Wok (炒锅)

China’s quintessential cooking vessel, the wok, is the king of stir-frying, braising and shallow frying for the simple reason that its base is curved. This allows ingredients to be easily tossed around at epic temperatures, with a few dashes of soy sauce quickly caramelizing along with your charred green peppers, bringing that yummy Maillard effect into full swing. Woks also heat more evenly when compared to flat bottomed Western skillets.

Personally, we enjoy a good quality nonstick wok for ease and to use less oil, but a seasoned iron or carbon steel wok brings out more guōwèi (锅味) or “wok essence” that will make all your flavors sing, much like the twenty year old cast iron skillets our grandmothers swore by. Keep them bone dry and oiled, stored away from sunlight.

Rice Cooker (电饭锅)

You can soak the grains, wash them, measure out the water perfectly, keep the flame at the simmering low heat and still the bottom layer of rice can burn to a crisp if you’re not careful. With a rice cooker, you can focus on preparing dishes and just leave the rice to sit.  Rice cookers help the grains separate better, leaving less chance for mushy rice. Any rice cooker can also be used to make porridge, braise or steam in the plastic steamer basket usually attached or with a bowl and small trivet placed inside.

Get a sturdy, simple, and inexpensive rice cooker. It’s not complicated. Famed film critic Roger Ebert even wrote a tongue-in-cheek blog post turned book about the simple genius of the rice cooker with just “cook” and “warm” settings, which according to Ebert nourishes “waitress, community organizer, monk, nurse, starving actor, taxi driver, long-haul driver” alike.

Long Ladle & Wok Scoop (长杓子)

Long stainless steel ladles or shovel-like wok scoops may scream “soup kitchen,” but these unglamorous tools are perfect for scooping out fried rice or deglazing a wok with a ladle full of stock. They are constantly useful, and long handled ones used in commercial kitchens keep your hands far away from the heat. Wok scoops made of light and nimble bamboo or wood won’t scratch your nonstick, and have a tactile, homey, almost nostalgic feeling to them.

Spider Strainer (笊篱)

Aesthetically pleasing and practical, the traditional Chinese bamboo handled strainer with wire mesh is called a “spider” because of its metal web (like the one above). This classic design offers faster and safer draining of oil than a Western slotted spoon when deep frying, but can also be used to blanch vegetables, boil a handful of fresh pasta or skim foam off the top of bone stock.

Rolling Pins (擀面杖)

Chinese rolling pins are simple,cheap wooden dowels that come in various sizes: larger for rolling out noodles in bulk, a medium one for flatbreads like cōngyóubǐng (葱油饼) and thin ones with tapered ends for deftly rolling out dumpling skins.  For us, the medium size is most versatile and also works fine for dumplings, shaomai, or other dimsum.

And when you’re not rolling dough, the medium sized pin makes a great muddler for mojitos or mocktails. It’s thickness and weight being just right for deftly crushing citrus and mint right in the glass.

Variety of Bowls, with Lids (一些小碗和盖子)

Hear us out on this one. Chinese of course don’t own the concept of bowls, but every Chinese kitchen has a cobbled together assortment of colorful bowls of different sizes and materials, from a handful of china tea cups to plastic food containers. Toss sugar snap peas in one, minced herbs in another, and diced carrots and potatoes in yet another to ensure veggies and meats with different cooking requirements are added at the correct time. It also helps with time management and organization, which is an important skill in Chinese cooking. Stack them near your seasonings and spices to whip together dipping sauces, deglazing ingredients, dry rubs and more in advance, or keep stackable, lidded ones for your favorite spice mixes.

Clay Pot (砂锅)

Clay pot cooking is one of the most ancient forms of cooking globally, and is everywhere in China, especially Hunnan province.  It’s ideal for slow cooked, crockpot dishes like braised beef brisket with black mushrooms or ginger chicken soup. Ingredients inside clay pots are surrounded by steam, so they lose little to no moisture, creating tender, flavorful dishes. As long as the pot doesn’t dry out completely, it’s impossible to burn food inside.

Clay pot cooking can also be healthier, in that little to no oil is needed when using them. Although with clay pot classics like Cantonese clay pot rice with juicy marinated pork belly, the luxurious fat and marinade flavors the rice completely.

Extra credit: Purchase a colorful print of 灶君 (The Kitchen God) and place him somewhere nice in your kitchen to establish it as the temple of Chinese cuisine it will soon become. Happy cooking!

This article appeared in the beijingkids September 2019 Family Foodies issue

Photo Credit: pixabay

It’s time to take you on another culinary journey! It’s date night, and I’ve taken your weekly or monthly need for romance, good food, and glamorously seductive surroundings to a whole new level. Be prepared to be spoiled for choice.

Jing Yaa Tang: Sophisticated Hedonism

Nestled beneath the calming oasis that is Opposite House Hotel you will find a touch of unpretentious class. This one is for the discerning date night foodie, who will enjoy an eclectic mix of some of China’s best-loved and most inspired cuisines.

In this former nightclub, now a mood-lit and modern dining space, friendly and knowledgeable staff await to help you peruse the concise but colorful menu. Let the well-traveled and experienced front-of-house team take care of you, with paired wines poured by their resident sommelier, and beautifully presented dishes that deliver on both elegance and flavor.

Punchy, sweet cherry tomatoes in plum sauce (RMB 58) burst in the mouth to provide you with an appetizer that could just as well be a dessert or sweet palate cleanser. This dish was a surprising and robust element among the flawless, flavorsome bowls I devoured before the main; Sichuan poached chicken with crushed peanuts in spicy sauce (RMB 78), tea plant mushroom salad with Meiji dressing (RMB 78), and botan shrimp with ginger dressing (RMB 118). Simply divine.

Cherry tomatoes in plum sauce, Sichuan poached chicken in spicy sauce, and tea plant mushroom salad

Don’t let the starched linen covered tabletops deceive you. No one is trading in substance for style. This is fine dining with a hedonistic and modern flair epitomized by such dishes as the Jing Yaa Tang pork ribs in spicy black bean sauce (RMB 198). Guests can also enjoy well-executed classic offerings like stir-fried string beans with minced pork (RMB 68). Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering the “three cups” clay pot with cod fish and basil (RMB 228). A little more on the pricey side, but worth the extra Renminbi for an experience I can only describe as heavenly.

Jing Yaa Tang Pork Ribs

If you’ve frequented just a few Chinese restaurants in the Jing, you will know that most will offer some variation of Chinese fried rice (chǎo fàn), and here you will find what I believe to be a superior take on the humble staple. Shaved dried scallop, organic egg, and beautifully cooked shrimp dress white grains of seasoned rice in their Jing Yaa Tang fried rice (RMB 128). A cut above all the rest.

Jing Yaa Tang Fried Rice

All this, washed down with a Sauvignon Blanc (RMB 85 per glass) to pair the starters, and a Pinot Noir (RMB 120 per glass) for the pièce de résistance that was the Jing Yaa Tang Roast Duck (RMB 188, half/ RMB 328, whole). Hung and dried in-house for 24 hours before cooking, the duck really is a showstopper, not because of the usual ceremonial carving at the table, but because of the quality of the duck served, with exceptionally crispy skin that melts in the mouth. If you really want to impress on date night, this is the way to go.

The simple equation that leads to all successful date nights is atmospheric surroundings, plus good food. Jing Yaa Tang has perfectly partnered these two elements and takes you on a refined culinary expedition of China’s expansive regional delicacies.

Top tip: Before taking to your seats, take a look at the installations on loan in the exhibition hall in the lobby area of the hotel, and grab a cocktail at Mesh. The Jing Yaa Tang (RMB 88) is fab: a sweet take on the classic whiskey sour with notes of orange in the finish. Enjoy!

Opposite House
Taikoo Li (Lower Ground Level) Sanlitun North, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District (www.theoppositehouse.com/10 6410 5230) 朝阳三里屯路11号太古里北区地下1层

Christmas is approaching, and it is a race to find the right gift for our beloved ones.  You are probably wondering as well, “What can I offer my Ayi, my Chinese colleague, or a friend?” Your objective: please them with a gift they like, without making a culturally odd mistake.

What you will choose will of course be different depending on your relationship with that person.

Useful Gifts
For your Ayi, I would advise you to look for a useful gift! Don’t forget that she doesn’t have the same needs as you. Like many women, she might appreciate a handbag, a winter accessory, and clothing such as a scarf and warm gloves. Why not a nice sweater? An electric appliance like an extra heater may be less “sexy” but if she does not have one, it could make her more happy than you expect!

Precious Memories
Or why not a souvenir of the past year together? Last year, I offered my Ayi a calendar with pictures of my daughter. She was so happy to keep this memory and also said, “It’s a great idea, I was about to buy one!” I did not think I would do so well. On the other hand for the previous year, I did not have the same success. As her back was frequently painful, I offered her a massage treatment. She categorically refused. I do not really know the reason, but I think the cost could make her feel uncomfortable!

Foreign Gifts
As I’m French I know that buying a perfume or a lotion is always very appreciated. It is not necessary to ask if the smell will please her because she most probably won’t wear it. She will keep it as a decoration at home. My Ayi made me laugh one day when she told me her daughter had put on her shelf the perfume offered by my mother, so that she can show it to all her friends when they visited her! On the other hand, I avoid soap or shower gels for fear that she thinks it is necessary that she take care of her hygiene.

Future Perspective
Or simply a gift that will serve her for her future? It can be English classes, cooking classes (I preach for my parish), or a cookbook? It will be useful for both of you at the same time!

What gifts should you avoid offering absolutely?

Keep in mind a few rules that will prevent you from making an odd choice:

A watch or clock, “zhōng zhōng (钟 钟),” has a similar pronounciation as “sòng zhōng (送终),” which means that the family of a deceased person has performed all the tasks related to the burial of their beloved.

Shoes. You may be tempted to offer comfortable winter shoes to your Ayi. You will take a risk with the size but it will be appreciated I am certain. However, for men never offer it to your Chinese girlfriends because according to Chinese thought, she could use them to run away from you, thus putting an end to your relationship!

A hat, especially green, is to be avoided because of the expression “wear a green hat”, or “dài lǜ mào zi (子 子)”, which is used to express that a woman has cheated on her husband!

For children, never offer a white hat, a saleswoman told me one day. This brings misfortune. The custom for children is rather pink or red.

Now you just have to make your choice! Do not worry about whether you need to attach a small greeting card as they are rarely used in China.

Merry Christmas!

Olivia is from South of France and is a food lover with an eye for nutrition. When she arrived in China she felt the need to iron out everyday kitchen problems so decided to teach her wonderful Ayi about balanced meals by introducing her to Western food culture. “Cuisine mei wenti” Academy was born out of this need. Later in 2014, as she became a busy mum, she realized how cooking varied food for her little girl was important. Follow her on wechat: guinebaultolivia, email her at info@cuisinemeiwenti.com, or sign up for her newsletter on www.cuisinemeiwenti.com/blog, where this article originally appeared. Also take note, her online classes for ayis are now available.

Now my father taught me well: never sign anything you have not read. This piece of advice went out of the window the moment I arrived in Beijing. Some documents presented to you will be in Chinese, and they will need a signature or stamp… and I have been burned very hard over this on two separate occasions. Now I hear you think, you signed another document you couldn’t read after the first time that it went wrong? Yes I did, but you get to hear both fun stories, and hopefully not make the same mistake.

The first time was six months after I arrived, and we were waiting for our shipment to clear. The shipment broker came to our new humble home and declared I had to sign this paper in order to get my shipment. At that point, we had already waited for eight months to receive our things. I blogged about this before; we were taxed on every single item since we moved things in my name. They had already opened every box and valued our possessions at far more than we paid for them.

But I left a funny fact out: the broker had a Chinese document to sign. I refused at first, as I could not read it. Under pressure he explained that the document said:

I confirm these are my belongings and I would like to receive them

Seemed fair, so under pressure of wanting our belongings, I signed. He had lied to me. The document said this instead;

I confirm these are my belongings and I promise to pay the tax valued by the government.

Being lied to happens sometimes for the sake of convenience, but I did not know this at the time. RMB 30,000 paid out of our own pocket, but at least we had all our belongings.

The second time was not so long ago. We changed schools and had to sign a contract. Funnily enough, this International kindergarten did not have an English contract. I refused to sign, but of course under pressure from the administrator I budged.

Other international parents have signed this too, it’s OK!

I never thought this would hurt me, but in the end, of course, it did. At one point a dispute about payment arose, over whether the school should be paid when my daughter only went to school four days of the month. I did not agree with the answer given by the school and got quite irritated. They informed me the rules were clear in the contract that I’d signed – the contract which was completely in Chinese, so I couldn’t read it. I was furious, firstly with myself for falling for this cruel trick for the second time. And secondly with the international school that is supposed to give parents great service, especially if you pay RMB 12,000 a month tuition.

The rules of payment are clearly explained in the contract you signed.

Lesson learned. Don’t sign Chinese documents… unless you can read Chinese, that is.