As my family prepares for a summer cycling holiday through the Netherlands, we’re angling to build our 6-year-old’s confidence and stamina on two wheels. Our goal is for her to comfortably handle 25 to 30 kilometers a day – enough to cycle between cities. While Beijing isn’t known for long, traffic-free bike paths, we’ve slowly been discovering routes that work for kids learning to go the distance.

After trying out 10km rides in Olympic Forest Park and Chaoyang Greenway (both pleasant, but short), we were ready for more. That’s how we found the Qinghe Cycleway, a 17km loop that hugs both banks of the Qinghe River inside Wenyu Park in northern Beijing. This leafy, shaded path with riverside views is delightfully idyllic for a relaxing day on two wheels.

A Family-Friendly Riverside Loop

A standout feature of the Qinghe Cycleway is its gentle incline, making it accessible for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The path is wide and well-maintained, with clear signage and safety barriers, ensuring a secure and easily navigable environment for families. My daughter, Leili, rode her own bike, I picked up a Hello Bike (Alipay’s ubiquitous bike-share), and we took public transport to Wenyu Park, entering via Laiguangying North Road. There are multiple access points (Runze Park also works well), and nearby parking lots are plentiful if you’re driving.

The Cycleway loop is cleverly designed with ramps that connect to nearby roads, which means that if your child tires halfway through, you can easily exit and call a Didi. That flexibility gave us peace of mind as we took on our longest route yet.

East Side Wins for Peace and Scenery

We have cycled the loop twice, and here’s what we’ve learned: If you prefer a shorter ride, choose the section east of Wenyu Park. It’s greener, quieter, and set farther from busy roads. The vegetation feels wilder, and the riverbanks are dotted with young people fishing (an interesting contrast to the older crowds you often see by the Liangma River). In early May, wildflowers bloom along the path, and Leili loved stopping to pick a few to make a bouquet for my bike basket.

By comparison, the western stretch runs closer to the road and felt noticeably more crowded during our weekend visits. Of course, if you opt to complete the full loop, the contrast between the two sides adds variety to the ride.

Pack Snacks, Embrace the Pace

One downside: There are no F&B stops along the route, so you’ll need to bring water, snacks and maybe even a picnic lunch. That said, the uninterrupted ride – without road crossings or traffic – is what makes Qinghe Cycleway such a gem, letting kids joyfully cruise at their own pace and build endurance. (A heads-up: Despite the clear prohibition, motorbikes are a common and unwelcome nuisance).

We took about three hours for the 17km, moving at a gentle pace with frequent stops for snacks, photos, flower-picking and watching fishermen cast their lines. The shine of the river in the sunlight and whistle of the wind in the trees offered a rare sense of escape from the city, even more so than Beijing’s busy parks.

Where to Next?

One great bonus: If you finish the loop and still have energy, you can continue west past Runze Park to reach the Olympic Park North Gate. From there, connect to the Chaoyang Greenway for an additional 10km stretch. It’s a lovely way to turn this into an all-day family cycling adventure.

Whether you’re training for longer distances or just looking for a scenic ride, Qinghe Cycleway is one of the best kid-friendly rides we’ve found in Beijing. Don’t forget your snacks – and maybe a little space in your basket for a bouquet.

Find it:
Qinghe Waterfront Promenade and Cycleway System 清河滨水慢行系统
200 Binhe Lu, Beiqijia Town, Chaoyang District
朝阳区北七家镇滨河路200号

Join Tara Fegelein and her family as she explores family-friendly destinations in and around Beijing. Click on the #Kidventures hashtag below to check out her full list of recommendations.

Images: Tara Fegelein, Beijing Water

It has been a month since schools let out for the summer holiday and amidst all the fun and play, I’ve realised something – summer is expensive! Even without traveling out of Beijing this season, having to keep kids and yourself occupied, fed and watered all day can really burn through your WeChat wallet fast. So when I stumbled upon the Chaoyang Greenway bicycle route, I knew I had to make a day of it with my kid and his friends, since it’s a free and fun outdoor activity!

The Chaoyang Greenway bicycle path starts from the intersection of Yaojiayuan road and the 4th ring road, running parallel to the latter all the way up to Taiyanggong park. We didn’t make it all the way there this time, choosing to stop in the Lidu neighbourhood for lunch at Park Side Restaurant (our review on Dianping here) but you could certainly try to finish the entire 10km+ ride yourself!

Zoom in to see more details on the map

While we adults opted to use share bikes from Alipay and Meituan, which are ubiquitously available at every turn, we chose to transport the kids’ bicycles via Didis to the starting point. Do note that bicycles below 20” are easiest to transport in the trunk of most Didis, and bigger bicycles might have difficulty fitting in. For this, I recommend investing in a bicycle like the one we bought from Giant where the front wheel is easily detachable and re-attachable.

The Chaoyang Greenway is mostly shaded by tall leafy trees, and the path is smoothly paved and without incline all the way. The only (literal) bumps in the road were the road crossings, where you can opt to dismount and push your bike slowly across with littler kids, or have bigger kids ride across safely using yourself as a shield to guard against the traffic. The cars always stop when seeing my bold outstretched hand.

There are a number of rest stops, art installations and playgrounds along the way, some of them tucked behind the greenery and shrubs, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for them! Sadly there are no vending machines or stalls so be sure to pack PLENTY of water – we’re talking 2 liters per person on a typical summer day. Light snacks and sweets may also help to keep kids energised for the 2 – 4 hour long journey, depending on how often and for how long you stop. Following the kids’ pace that day, we took just under 3 hours to cycle 8km to Side Park.

PRO TIP: If you get too tired, you can always turn into any road off the 4th ring road and hail a Didi! 

Cycling the Chaoyang Greenway is definitely a recommended FREE summer (even autumn and spring) activity for the kids! Oh and don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent! Enjoy!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

KEEP READING: Transport to Ancient Egypt at This Virtual Traveling Exhibition

Days in Beijing have definitely gotten colder, but if you’re looking for things to do with your family where you can forget about the weather and get all nice and cozy, here are a few events you should not miss:

Mama & Baby Yoga on Mondays and Thursdays

For all the new moms out there, this is an awesome opportunity to re-connect with yourselves, spend quality time with your babies, and relax and tone your postpartum bodies. Each session begins with breathing exercises, which are followed by gentle yoga flows, pelvic floor exercises, strengthening exercises, stretching to release motherhood tension, and exercises involving your baby. At the end of each session, you’ll do some gentle baby massages to relax and connect with your little one. Scan the QR code to sign up and find out more.

Where: Rm 3038, Bldg 3, Shoukai Bojun, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Every Monday and Thursday, 10.45am-noon
Price: RMB 150, packages also available

OASIS Pre-Med Club for Teenagers

If you have a teenager at home who’s interested in medicine, there’s an exciting opportunity for them to learn more about healthcare, steps to becoming a doctor, vital skills needed and so much more. This event will be hosted by OASIS International Hospital on Nov 11 and is their first-ever Pre-Med Club. The club is open to English-speaking teenagers ages 13-18. Parents are also invited to donate or buy books to support MCF charity.

Where: OASIS International Hospital
When: Nov 11, 3pm-4.30pm
Price: Free

Dulwich College Beijing Open Day

On Sat, Nov 11, Dulwich College Beijing welcomes prospective families and students in Senior School (ages 11-17) to its on-campus open day. You’ll get to meet the teachers, talk to current students and parents, explore the campus and participate in information sessions. Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up.

Where: 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi District
When: Nov 11, 9am-noon
Price: Free

Jazzy Preschool Open Day

Are you looking for a kindergarten for your child from 1 to 6 years old? Discover Jazzy Preschool’s unique, trilingual education in English, French, and Chinese on Sat, Nov 11, during their open day.
The visit will include:
– The discovery of outdoor activities and venues in the East Lake Villas’ Chinese garden
– A discovery of the kindergarten’s indoor environment and classrooms
– A presentation of Jazzy Preschool’s unique, trilingual education
– Presentation of the new Italian-English-Chinese program
– A short demo class time to meet the teachers

Where: C101 East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District
When: Nov 11, 9.30-11.30
Price: Free

Binhe Park Cycling for Kids

This event at Shunyi Binhe Forest Park is a great opportunity for young cyclists aged 5-12 to improve their cycling skills and enjoy the crisp autumn weather with their peers. The cycling path is approximately 5km long, with several points to stop and rest. The kids will be also able to enjoy some games and a picnic. A limited number of kids’ bikes will be available to rent. Fifteen percent of the profits will go towards the Guang Ai School.

Where: Binhe Forest Park
When: Nov 12, 10am-3pm
Price: RMB 78 (10 percent discount if you bring a friend)

BSB EYFS Nursery Rhymes Day

The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi invites prospective parents and to come find out how children ages 2-5 learn and play! Nov 15 happens to fall in the World Nursery Rhymes Week, so it will be so much fun!
BSB provides students with the perfect environment to enable them to progress at the right rate and be happy in their first school experience, following the English National Curriculum. Talk to the teachers and visit their dedicated classrooms, swimming pool and learning spaces designed for Early Years students.

Where: British School of Beijing Shunyi, 9 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District
When: Nov 15, 9am-10.30am
Price: Free

YCIS Beijing Open Day

If you’re not yet a part of the YCIS community and would like to know more about the school, join their open day on Nov 18 and get a chance to meet the principals and academic leadership team. You’ll also get the opportunity to talk to current students, get advice from admission experts and tour the facilities. Scan the QR code on the poster to register.

Where: Yew Chung International School of Beijing, Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District
When: Nov 18, 9.30am-noon
Price: Free

Jazzy’s Baby Group

Jazzy’s baby playgroups are open for kids 0-3 years old and their parents. Meet new parents and play sensory games and activities with your child in a safe multilingual environment. You can register for the Baby Activity Group by scanning the QR code on the poster.

Where: Jazzy Preschool, C101 East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District
When: Nov 20, 10am-11am (Baby Activity Group)
Price: Free

And don’t forget about these ongoing events:

BSB Baby Group

If you’re a parent of little one aged 0-18 months, you’re welcome to join a play-date at BSB Shunyi where you get to meet other expat parents and their babies, play with age-appropriate toys, sing, create art and enjoy your time. If you prefer BSB’s Sanlitun campus, the group is open for children 0-3 years old, and they also host a dance class and book club. RSVP required. Please scan the QR code in the poster to sign up as space is limited.

Where: The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi, Early Years “Soft Play Area,” South Side, 9 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District;
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun, 7 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
When: Oct 20, 27 from 9.30am to 10.30am (Shunyi); Every Wednesday starting Oct 18 from 9am to 10.30am (Sanlitun), Every Friday starting Nov 3 from 9am to 9.30am (Dance group), Every Monday from Oct 16 (Book club)
Price: Free

Images: Pexels, Courtesy of the organizers

In the warmer months, biking is a quintessential Beijing experience that everyone should try at least once. But anyone who has actually biked on the streets of the capital will also tell you that it can be one of the most harrowing experiences you’ll ever face, what with sidewalks just suddenly disappearing and scooters silently sneaking up on you or zooming against traffic, to name but a few of the dangers. So if you want to cycle through the city, especially with kids, is there a safe way to do it?

Yes, there is! After successfully navigating my way across the city multiple times with my kid in tow (and sometimes in the lead), I want to share the secret of safely going about Beijing by bike, and that is to follow the rivers!

We live near the Fifth Ring Road in east Chaoyang District and the river closest to us is the Tonghui River, which stretches from the Second Ring Road all the way to Tongzhou District for some 15 miles before joining a bigger waterway. My seven-year-old and I cycled about a third of it and back via the riverside pavement, without having to cross any streets and encounter any vehicular traffic, though we did come across the occasional scooter.

The straight, brick path that runs parallel to the river is mostly used by fishing enthusiasts and some daredevil swimmers. Aside from a couple of popular spots, the journey was wonderfully serene. We cycled at a leisurely pace without stopping for just over an hour, which was about as long as my kid lasted. There were also multiple points of entry and exit that would bring you onto the main roads, from where you could quickly get your bearings and quite easily get a Didi.

Another similar cyclist-friendly path can be found following the Wenyu River, which spans 25 miles from the Wenyuhe Park up in Chaoyang north, taking you past the old international airport before it meets up with the Tonghui River in the Wenyuhe park in Tongzhou District (yes, there are two different parks with the same name, so make sure you choose the right one on your map!). While I have yet to attempt the entire journey, I have been on sections of the trail before and it brings you past a dam and even a horse-riding farm in Shunyi!

Here are some other important tips for a safe and fun cycling trip with little ones:

1. Dress appropriately: Always wear shoes and not sandals/slippers! Also, thin long pants that cinch at the ankles worked out great for us by preventing minor knee injuries while not getting caught in the spokes. For beginners, protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, fingerless gloves, and helmets are a must.

2. Sunblock, sunnies or hat: The bright sunshine makes for lovely cycling weather, but the blinding rays of the sun can cause accidents and also create discomfort — not to mention sunburn!

3. Get familiar with the route: I had traveled along the river many times before and knew where I was at all times so that in case of an emergency, I would be able to pinpoint my location or go to the nearest medical facility for assistance.

KEEP READING: Another Free Playground Opens in Chaoyang, and Bikes Are Allowed!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

It’s no secret that there’s nary a street in Beijing that isn’t littered with yellow, green, blue, or some other rainbow-colored bikes available to the masses, meaning getting round the capital is always a breeze. Unfortunately, many people – particularly foreigners – struggle with using them properly. But have no fear, for here are five tips on how to get the most out of the city’s bike-share apps.

Real-name authentication

Before you can even scan a bike, you need to submit a real-name authentication. The process for Chinese citizens is relatively easy and requires nothing more than an ID number. For expats, however, it’s not so straightforward and I’ve had to pay for my foreign friends’ bike rides on more than one occasion, after they couldn’t figure out the sign-up process. Nevertheless, it’s not so hard once you understand how it works.

Typical display of real-name authentication (哈喽出行)

For foreigners, begin by entering your full name, followed by your passport ID. For Hong Kong/Macao citizens, a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents ID is more ideal. Next, you have to upload a photo of yourself holding the ID card/passport. Take care to ensure that both your face and your passport/ID details are clearly visible.

Whereas Chinese citizens are granted immediate access to the platform, foreigners have to wait for several workdays for the real-name authentication to be approved. Therefore, make sure to begin the process before you actually need to use the bikes, lest it fails you during an emergency.

Lock the bikes!

Time is money. And in this case, half an hour is worth RMB 1.5. So, what happens when you forget to lock the bike? Chances are someone else will take your bike and use it for another few hours, with all the costs falling to you!

Every public bike ride starts with a “click,” when the lock around the back tire unlocks itself, thus allowing the bike to move.

Locked mode (Meituan bike)

When you’re done with your ride, push the knob  – which was released when unlocked – back to its previous position. This will lock the bike and indicate that your journey has ended. The time between unlocking and locking the bike will decide your fee, so always remember to push the knob!

Unlocked mode (Meituan bike). Note the different position of the yellow knob from above.

Where’s the bike?

Despite the absurd proliferation of bikes around town, there will be times when you can’t find one to save your life (usually when you urgently need one). Of course, you can simply wander around and pray that there’s one on the next corner. But a much more efficient way is to let the apps do that for you.

Locations of Meituan bikes

When you open your bike-sharing app, you’ll be presented with a map. A pin indicates where you are, while all the bikes indicate… well, bikes that are near you. Note that you’ll only see bikes for the app that you’re using, so don’t go looking for a Hello Bike on Meituan’s platform. What’s more, if you drag the pin around, the map will refresh and show available bikes around the new location.

The “standardized” areas

There’s nothing more confusing – or aggravating – than having a bike that won’t lock. Especially when it’s the first time you encounter this problem. More often than not, however, it’s because you’re trying to park in a designated “no bike parking” zone, which the city is actually implementing more and more.

Area of standardized parking (shaded)

On certain parts of the map, some areas are shaded, denoting a “standardized parking area.” If you try locking your bike in this area, chances are it won’t let you. Instead, you need to find a specific lane that can be seen on the map. Only then can you properly lock your bike.

Public-bike lanes shown

An actual public-bike lane

Quantity over quality

Always have more than one bike-sharing app. There will always be a time when you can’t find a single yellow bike around you, but the green kind, whose app you never bothered to download, is everywhere. It’s best to have at least two different bike-sharing apps, that way you can always find a bike that you can use.

Now, go out and have fun with those rainbow bikes!

KEEP READING: Bike for Your Buck: Unlimited Pass on Hellobike

Images: Caroline He

It’s no secret: Beijing is massive and getting from point A to point B as a functioning adult is tough some days. Doing it with kids…on the best of days…nightmare! For most of us, getting around requires my least favorite form of travel – Didi. It’s expensive, it’s slow, it pollutes the air and in my case, induces motion sickness. So here are a few alternatives. None of them are particularly creative but all of them will save you money, time, and could even reduce the amount of vomit you need to scrape off some stranger’s back seat.

Old-School Walking: Like I said, not creative but it has worked for thousands of years. If it’s not a yucky AQI day or pouring rain, it will help your family get their steps in and provide some much-needed fresh air. Pro tip: To pass the time, play a focused game of I-Spy. Decide what your family will look for before you leave the house. Younger kids can see how many red items they pass for instance, while older ones can try to spot as many different flags as possible. Enjoy getting around outdoors while you can. In the winter, when temperatures dip below zero, it’s simply not an option. So take advantage of the capital’s beautiful spring and fall weather. Heck, even balmy summer afternoons or evenings are an excuse to get outside and move, albeit in shorter spurts. Just make sure you put on your SPF!

Scooters and Bikes: They’ve been an iconic part of Chinese life for more than a century and by far the fastest way to navigate the city! I found foldable scooters for kids on Taobao for as little as RMB 45. There are also tons of baby bike/scooter seats a mere click away. Just please make sure they have a helmet and I’m begging you: Don’t put them in the basket of a rented bike while weaving in and out of traffic. Check out this article on cycling with kids for some great safety tips.

The Subway: Okay, not my favorite – especially in the middle of the sweaty summer heat. But, if given the choice between sitting in rush hour traffic with a potty training child for an hour or doing a 20-minute subway ride, I know what I would pick. The subway is also fun for kids. They love the trains and lights and maps so take advantage of the inexpensive adventure.

Public Bus: Did you know that Apple Maps has integrated public buses into its navigational system? A colleague of mine followed instructions on the user-friendly app and seamlessly boarded, alighted, and transferred buses from downtown CBD all the way to her home in east Beijing. She prefers buses to the subway because she loves the passing scenery and fresh air (the windows are usually open on the bus unless it’s raining). Also, you can pay your bus fare with a simple tap using Alipay!

Final Thoughts: The number one reason I hear parents say they take a taxi is not because of the kids, it’s because of kid stuff. We live in the middle of a major city, not the desert! So ask yourself, do we really need three water bottles, four snack options, half a dozen toys, a full liter of hand sanitizer, and the Nintendo Switch for a one-hour trip to the park? A friend of mine used to have a house rule that if the 3-year-old couldn’t fit it in her mini-backpack it couldn’t come. Occasionally they would need to buy a bottle of water or some extra SPF, but I never knew her to be woefully unprepared. 

No matter how you get where you’re going remember we’re expats, travel is kind of our thing, so make it fun! Explore some new options of getting around the city; it’s really is as easy as riding a bike. *wink 

KEEP READING: Beijing Students Say the Darndest Things!

Photos: Unsplash

Beijing was built to be bicycle-friendly, with numerous bike rental apps and countless bicycles on every street. Plus, it has a dedicated bike lane on most roads! Well, at least that’s how it was intended. In reality, cycling through the city can be a bit of a nightmare, even for the most experienced of riders. Firstly, the dedicated bike lane is shared with electric vehicles – including larger “beng beng” cars – and sometimes even actual cars, not to mention pedestrians. Likewise, the sidewalk isn’t much of an option, since it’s too narrow to share with trees and folks on foot. Besides, they often come to an abrupt end, leaving you stranded in the middle of the road like a deer in headlights. 

So I was duly impressed when Beijing Mom Eva Biehl told me that she had cycled from her home near Chaoyang Park to Side Park 4km away, with her husband Andreas and son Nikolai on their own bicycles. If the thought of cycling through Beijing with your kids in tow has ever crossed your mind, then you’ll want to check out tips from the Biehl family and others in our guide below. Do remember firstly that local law only permits children above 12 years old to ride their bicycles on the road. 

Safety

First things first, choose an age-appropriate bicycle for your child by ensuring that both feet can easily step on the ground when they are seated. Other general guides recommend 12 year-olds above 1.4m ride a 26-inch bike wheel bicycle. 

Always wear a safety standards-approved helmet when cycling. Brands like Giro can be found in the many Giant bicycle stores around the city, and Schwinn helmets are readily available on Taobao, where you can also pick up Cairbull’s folding helmet, Fender. For night riding, ensure you have a headlight and reflector installed on the front and back of your bicycle. 

An optional safety feature you could consider would be side-view mirrors. This greatly reduces your chances of getting sideswiped by passing vehicles that tend to travel at higher speeds. Alternatively, train your kids, and yourself, to check your blind spot often. 

Appropriate attire is also paramount to your kid’s safety. Open-toed footwear such as sandals are not recommended as they can either fall off easily, or straps can get caught in the spokes of the bike wheels. 

Planning

“Plan enough time since cycling is so much slower,” says Biehl. We can back her up on that. Most accidents occur as a result of rushing when we are late or short on time. Be prepared to take breaks if necessary and start with shorter trips first, with the intent to build up your kid’s stamina over time. She also advises “[planning]a nice destination so they are eager to go.”

Rules on the road 

“Mom and Dad are the bosses on the road,” states Biehl. “We stop at each crossing, and dismount to walk our bicycles across.” It is also critical to assess upcoming road conditions on behalf of your child and let them know of any impending obstacles or how busy the road is. Biehl learned from experience that teaching our children how to assess road conditions even before they get on a bicycle would be beneficial as “they learn to understand why we ask them to keep to the right, so we don’t have to constantly remind them.”

Top tips

Keep your child in between two adults if possible. If you are riding alone with your children, it might be best to keep them between yourself and the pavement. Don’t hesitate to stop, get off the bicycle, and push the bicycles on the pavement if the road is just too crowded.

KEEP READING: Bike for Your Buck: Unlimited Pass on Hellobike

Images: Unsplash, Eva Biehl 

It isn’t quite summertime, but we’re all looking forward to a little rest after the tumultuous year and a half that’s past. Some families treat summer like a lazy time, others as the fourth semester of school, but we all know that come July, some kind of break from the norm is in order. That’s where here we at Jingkids come in, ready to rock your scheduling world with these summer camp highlights. Each week we’ll go behind the scenes of a camp so you can make the right choice for your family.

A Royal Summer Camp by The Courtyard Institute & Black Sesame Kitchen

Learning about Emperors & Empresses and Kings & Queens through Crafts, Cooking, and Outings

One of the benefits of living in Beijing is the ability to immerse your family in the culture and learn about history through the arts. The Courtyard Institute and Black Sesame Kitchen (BSK) have been doing just that with their bilingual cooking and cultural classes for children and adults, Last winter was all about different holiday traditions around the world. For the summertime, BSK and The Courtyard Institute turn their sights towards royalty!

Their bilingual staff and teachers are dedicated to creating a stimulating environment for every child. Matthew Hu of The Courtyard Institute explains how “Through crafts, cooking, and field trips to imperial sites in Beijing, children will compare and contrast how emperors and empresses in China and kings and queens in countries around the world governed and influenced the way people lived, ate, and played. Drawing from The Courtyard Institute’s predominantly Chinese audience and Black Sesame Kitchen’s foreign audience, we hope to create a truly international and bilingual environment.” Hu came up with the theme to showcase their proximity to The Forbidden City and so many other imperial sites in Beijing, along with different cultures around the world.

Summer Camp Facts

Who: The Courtyard Institute and Black Sesame Kitchen
What: A Royal Summer Camp: Learning about Emperors & Empresses in China and Kings & Queens around the World
Where: 28 Zhong Lao Hutong, near the east gate of Jingshan Park and steps away from the Forbidden City
When: July 26 – 30, Aug 2 – 6
Flexible morning drop-off time after 9am and pick up by 5pm.
How: WeChat ID: BlackSesameKitchen
Ages: 4-12
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:5
Prices: RMB 8990 for 2 weeks, RMB 4990 for 1 week
Curriculum: The Courtyard Institute and Black Sesame Kitchen have designed this curriculum drawing on both Chinese and Western educational models.
Conclusion: There’s a half-day cultural heritage volunteer program in each camp and will give each child a volunteer certificate from Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center.
About:
Black Sesame Kitchen is a cooking school, restaurant, and events company in the heart of Old Beijing. Chinese-American author Jen Lin-Liu opened Black Sesame Kitchen in 2008 to promote the understanding of Chinese cuisine and to create a convivial setting for socializing and exchange between China and the rest of the world.
The Courtyard Institute is an educational company founded in 2014, and we aim to promote a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture, for both children and adults, through lectures & salons, art & craft workshops, heritage field trips, winter & summer camps. We believe in the magic power of culture, and strive to bring the abstract concepts into a series of fun and creative programs.

Tayrona Beijing presents Green Pastures Camps: “Cycle, Feel Good, Be Safe & Have Fun”

Camp coordinator Elisabeth Schoenfeld is passionate about the benefits of cycling, as it “promotes balance, endurance, and helps children to be aware of their surroundings. and teaches them geography in a practical way. They learn to read signs and traffic rules early which gives them confidence for life. Cycling not only trains the body but also the mind. Last, but not least it is a sustainable way to travel.”

Green Pastures Camp’s philosophy is that “Everyone matters”. They are inclusive, welcoming children and teens who need special accommodations or have special needs so they can participate in the camps. Camps are customized when needed and also include English Study Skills Camps, Fun English Camp, and a Gardening Camp.

Schoenfeld elaborates on the benefits of their camp beyond cycling: “Our camps are conducted mostly in English which can provide a great learning opportunity for English learners to USE the English language to communicate in real situations.” Children also learn “personal healthcare and healthy habits, First Aids, navigation skills, and problem-solving. Moreover, they can cultivate skills to stay safe when cycling and on the road. All these different skills have a positive impact on our daily lives and can promote better individual performance in society.”

For older teens (17 years and older) and young adults, they offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) Program, where young adults develop their leadership skills.

Summer Camp Facts

Who: Tayrona (Beijing)
What: “Cycle, Feel Good, Be Safe & Have Fun”
Where: Beijing (Huairou and Miyun) and Qinghai Lake
When: July and August 2021
How: www.tayronabeijing.org, tayronabeijing@163.com or Wechat

Ages: 8 to 17
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:5
Prices: 

Groups / Family Discounts & Scholarships: Discounts available for schools, for groups of 5 to 10 campers, and for siblings (If a family signs up two or more children)
Curriculum: Our cycling camps teach and reinforce the following topics in theory and with lots of practical opportunities to develop the skills needed for a better cycling experience:

• • Warm-up routines before cycling
  • Know the parts of your bicycle,
  • Change or repair an inner tube
  • Gear shifting
  • Road safety
  • Street signs and hand signals for cyclists
  • Nutrition and cycling
  • First-aid know-how for cyclists
  • Bikepacking: planning your next cycling tour
  • Cycling in a group & leading a group

Conclusion: Certification for participation and a medal for achievement
About: Tayrona Beijing Ltd

• • • Camp Director Fabian I Beltran: Fabian is from Colombia and has been in China since 2008. He is an educator and loves sports. He has a passion for traveling, history, languages, and nature. In 2019 he founded Tayrona (Beijing) with his wife. He is planning and organizing camps and developing the curriculum for them.
  • • Camp coordinator Elisabeth Schoenfeld: Elisabeth came to China for the first time in 2000, but moved here in 2003. She is a pediatric Nurse and an Educator. She has a passion for traveling, exploring places and is curious about what’s “there”. Together with her husband, Fabian, she started Tayrona (Beijing) in 2019. Together they run different camps and organize cycling tours in Beijing, Hainan, and Qinghai.

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Images: Black Sesame Courtyard and Taryona Beijing Ltd.

It happened to me just last Friday. We were all excited to go to a tree lighting, I dragged the kids downstairs, and…….we waited. We waited for 45 minutes while I tried to call a DiDi. At every ten minute interval, I made that most difficult of decisions: do I stick it out with the taxi or try a van or maybe Express? Do I (gasp) cancel my trip and call a new one or hope beyond hope that we’ll get a car before the event is over or my kids get bored of waiting?

It would be so great if I could call a few different cars and just get whichever one comes first rather than roll the dice!

Enter DiDi’s new update: simultaneous ride calling.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is my dream. No more waiting in the rain to get to work, helplessly checking my app until I decide to brave a crowded subway during rush hour or throw in the towel and work from home. No more wondering what would have been, if I had just stuck with that first 20-minute wait instead of switching between different price points?

Like most updates, this feature is ready for iPhones but is not in all Android updates yet.

And now, even if for some reason the simultaneous ride calling doesn’t work, we can always try the new DiDi Bike. This feature isn’t as simple as a button push though, so take some time to register now if you think you’ll need it.

Step 1: Scroll down, click “Scan to Ride” – “Notification”

Step 2: Input your information. If you have a Chinese ID, enter your full name and ID information. If you don’t have a Chinese ID, choose “Verification for Non-Mainland Riders” and type in your info.

Step 3: Identify yourself, twice. Take a photo of your identity document (likely your passport name page) and a photo of you holding your ID in front of you. But don’t hide your face!

Step 3: Click confirm. Wait up to three hours.

Step 4: Get a text. Relaunch the app. Accept the “User Service Agreement” and scan your bike!

The DiDi Bike function takes some forward planning but will be a great help once it’s set up.

KEEP READING: Updated Winter Camps in Beijing and Beyond!

Photos: DiDi app