I wish there were a way for us to share scents in our articles. Nothing would entice you to visit the new Choc Choco Chocolate Museum than the sweet smell of chocolate.

It’s not just a museum—it’s a giant, interactive playground where history is fun, art is edible, and memories are made of chocolate! It’s a world where you can see unbelievable sights, all crafted from real chocolate.

Your journey of wonder might begin at a magnificent, 8 meters-long white chocolate dragon climbing the iconic Great Wall of China that’s carved out of 20 tons of chocolate.

Every piece of artwork in the museum is entirely made of chocolate. It’s a sight to see and a scent to smell.

On the second floor of the museum is an interactive area for kids where they can learn about how chocolate is made and enjoy the shows the museum puts on. There’s even a DIY option for kids if they want to try their hand at being a chocolatier.

Before you head out, stop by the shop for a tasty chocolate treat. With hundreds of chocolate treats, you can get everything from chocolate truffles, ice cream, fruits, desserts, to Choc Choco’s own chocolate beer. You can sip on creamy, not-too-sweet hot chocolate, share a plate of whimsical chocolate-dipped fruits, and watch in amazement as real liquid chocolate cascades down a stunning waterfall in the center of the room.

The museum is easy to find, stroller-friendly, and staffed with guides. It’s a chance to spark curiosity and experience pure, unadulterated wonder together. It’s a place where a child’s question, “Can you really make that out of chocolate?” is met with a resounding, joyful “YES!”

Operating Hours:
Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

Price:
RMB 24.9 for adults. RMB 77.9 for two adults + 1 child

Find it:
Floor 1, Building 1, No. 2 Courtyard, Lane 1, Xiangcheng District
西城区廊房头条2号院5号楼1层01号
Tel: 18516863163

Images: Freepik, Dianping

Not quite sure what to do this weekend with the family to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival? We have some inspiration to get you started. Dragon Boat celebrations wouldn’t be the same without zongzi making, familiarizing yourself with Chinese traditional snacks and the history behind them, as well as going to see a Dragon Boat race on one of the many scenic rivers in Beijing and the surrounding areas. Take a look at the activities we’ve picked out for you and the family to enjoy.

Chinese Zongzi Dumpling Workshop, Jun 7

It’s time for you and the family to immerse yourself in some traditional Chinese culture to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. You and the family can refine your zongzi dumpling making skills and partake in some traditional Chinese snacks at the Riviera Club this Saturday. Zongzi are traditional sticky rice parcels, made with fruit and wrapped in bamboo leaf.

Traditionally used to worship the ancestors and divinities, zongzi is now a popular snack usually enjoyed during Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate the patriotic poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest in a river and was later paid homage to by preparing and throwing zongzi into rivers on the day of his sacrifice. There are limited places, so book now. For further information and registration contact: 8450 6888. All ages. Free June 7. 2-3pm. The Riviera Clubhouse, Shunyi.

Dragon Boat Festival Open House Party, Jun 7

Black Sesame Kitchen and The Courtyard Institute are inviting families to an afternoon of Chinese food, zongzi wrapping, and traditional activities. There will be lots of arts and crafts, tasty snacks, and rice dumplings. Black Sesame Kitchen has long been one of my favorite spots to enjoy communal dining and cooking classes. Families can look forward to enjoying this weekend’s celebration in the comfort of a beautiful Chinese courtyard, and in the company of an exceptional team of people who have a real passion for China and its cuisine. This one is perfect for parents and their little ones. All ages. RMB 150 ages 4 and up, children 3 and under free). 10-2pm. Black Sesame Kitchen, 28 Zhong Lao Hutong, Dongcheng District.

 Old Summer Palace, Jun 7

I love the Summer Palace, its regal setting and atmosphere, and of course its beautiful lake surrounded by historic buildings and nature. Beautifully scenic and traditional, it is the perfect setting for the family to soak in some sun and boat racing this weekend. You will be able to watch a selection of national and international sport club teams race along the river while you munch down on a family picnic and cheer! All Ages. Free (RMB 5 park entrance fee). June 7. 9-12pm. Old Summer Palace.

Olympic Park, Jun 8

Take the family for a day out at Olympic Park to see beautifully hand-painted Dragon Boats race along the river. There will be the beating of drums and the cries of local sport teams from Beijing International Sports Club as they battle it out on the water. You can take a walk along the river or pick a spot to watch the boats at your leisure as the world goes by. Let’s hope for blue skies and lots of sunshine. All Ages. Free. June 8. 9-12pm. Olympic Park, Water Park Side.

Nordic Dragon Boat Tournament, Jun 15

A selection of Nordic Dragon Boat teams will be inviting you to follow the exciting events of a race between 20 teams from the Nordic community in Beijing, as they race it out for the title of Nordic Champion. This will be the second annual Nordic Dragon Boat Tournament, and is set to once more be the ultimate team challenge. Bus transportation will be provided for all teams and spectators to and from the Grand Canal in Tongzhou. Buses will be leaving from Liangmaqiao at 7.15 – 7.45am. Tickets can be purchased for transport-only spectators, or those who would like to enjoy the breakfast provided. The event is a joint effort organized by SwedCham, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, the Finnish Business Council, and the Norwegian Business Association. All ages. Free (No breakfast or transportation) RMB 100 (Including breakfast and transportation) RMB 50 (Including transportation). June 15. 9-1pm. The Grand Canal, Tongzhou.

Photos: courtesy of organizers, Pixabay, Weixin

We all remember the stifling heat of some of our childhood summers and the fun ways in which you could create ways to cool down. I was very fond of water bombs and splash-guns. Chasing my friends and siblings out of the house with balloons filled with water, I would have so much fun waiting for the right time to unleash an attack that would result in drenched t-shirts and shorts followed by bellowed laughter under rays of sunshine.

My mom would sometimes hurry us to fill our backpacks with inflatable armbands and goggles in preparation for a trip down to the local open-air paddling pool. This is what summers are made of for children, they almost always should involve a swim, splash, frolic, or paddle in cool water, however innocent trips to fountains, pools, and other open-air water systems should be used and approached with extreme caution in China.

There have already been two reported incidents of children sadly losing their lives after innocent days out to have a splash in a pool or to visit a fountain display. Both incidents involved faulty wiring, which led to electrocution. Not only is it wise to be cautious of areas where water may contain electrical currents, for example at colorful water display fountains, but to be aware of the dangers of contaminated water.

To ensure that you and the family have a fun and safe summer around water-themed activities follow these tips:

#1 Ask the kids to take a step back

Kids are always curious and want to be right there in the thick of the action, especially when it comes to fun water-displays, in parks or other recreational areas. As a precaution ask your children not to touch the water and watch a display from a distance. If necessary hold your child’s hand to make sure there are no impromptu running off and splashing!

# Use public and other health and safety licensed pools

If the kids are out to get wet this summer then stay on the safe side of playing with and in water and take them out for a day at the pool. You may have access to a pool on your compound or have friends that do. There is plenty of health and safety checked pools in hotels, fitness clubs, and recreational centers that you can use for a small fee and in some cases for free when making other purchases on the premises.

#3 Look out for signage

Usually, a public pool or area with water where children can have access, (which is monitored and maintained) will have a display of instructions for use and a health and safety certificate. Look out for obvious signs that the area is looked after and suitable for activities like swimming.

#4 Check for cleanliness and use of chlorine

It’s not rocket science and just by applying a little common sense you can save your children from a potentially hazardous situation. Contaminated water often (but not in all cases) looks contaminated. Is the water your children want to play in clear or cloudy? Has the area been cleared of leaves and other debris? If visiting a public pool, is chlorine being used? Do not allow your children access if you feel unsure or it’s evident that the area is not clean or maintained.

#5 Do not leave your children unattended

This might seem like an obvious one, but the two fatalities I mentioned above involved unattended children. It only takes a second for a parent to innocently take their eyes off what their kids are doing on a day out. Try not to let the little ones get carried away in the summer sun and keep an eye on their every move, it could be the difference between having a fun and safe day out or a fall into the wrong kind of water or an innocent splash with a hand that leads to worse.

#6 Take a First Aid class

It’s always a good idea to first take and then continually brush up on your First Aid skills when you have children. It could be the difference between life and death. There are plenty of affordable classes that you can take at different professionally credited hospitals, which will also issue a certificate of completion. Check out Oasis Hospital which provides basic First Aid and CPR classes for both parents and Ayi’s for RMB 300. For more information or to register, email guo.wei@oasishealth.cn or call 010 5985 0432.

Photos: Pixabay

We often think as parents that the perfect child-friendly day involves a morning of getting everyone dressed and out the door and spending over the odds for organized activities, experiences, and more. However, a picture-perfect day for you and the kids to enjoy exists right in front of your doorstep, in fact creating a perfect children’s day need not involve stepping a foot outside your front door or spending any cash!

It’s time to don your favorite apron, tie up your hair, or simply keep the Jim Jams on and munch on all you’re your fav’s to your heart’s content surrounded by the ones you love. Here are some activities you and the kids can enjoy making the most of your free time together:

#1 introduce your kids to your favorite childhood movies

If you’re not in the mood to purchase an overpriced movie theatre ticket along with a non-refillable bag of popcorn, then staying home to watch movies is definitely the superior and cozier option. Why not watch one of your childhood favorites with your kids and introduce them to a classic or create a Netflix playlist together and have a day of movies and microwavable popcorn – the buttery type!

#2 Have your own Art Appreciation Day

I miss London for many reasons, not least of all the wonderful museums and art galleries one could access absolutely free! Thankfully Beijing is increasingly providing opportunities for Beijingers to experience days out at free museums and exhibitions with the family. Invite your kids to a day filled with art and revel in the beauty of modern, classical, and street art and installations around the city.

There are often art installations scattered around Taikoo Li, inside hotel lobbies such as Opposite House and East Hotel, as well as the streets of 798 Art District, which has a plethora of free art exhibitions featuring upcoming artists and sculpture as well as an abundance of ad hoc street art. For more traditional options head to the Chinese National Museum, which hosts several exhibits dedicated to the exploration of Chinese Art and Antiques.

#3 Learn more about gardening

This one I can’t wait to take up with my little one when he’s old enough. I’ve already started growing my own herbs and would like to learn more about plants and flowers. It may not be the usual bonding activity for parents and their kids, but it’s a great learning opportunity and masses of fun! Kids will learn how to cultivate and look after fruits or flowers and herbs and will see the wonderful results of all their labor, which can be very rewarding. Google how to compost, ask for unwanted plant pots, or even scrap and unwanted wooden crates at local markets, stock up on fertilizer, and soil and get planting.

#4 Teach them how to cook and turn it into a competition

Bring lots of enthusiasm and get the kids to help you raid the cupboards. You’ll be surprised at what you find hidden behind those kitchen cupboard doors and pantry. Don’t worry about going out and buying an exhaustive list of ingredients. Work with what you have in the house. Stuck on where to get started with what you and the kids foraged, a quick online search will inspire you on what to do with that leftover potato or can of beans and have yourself a cook-off!

#5 Host a game day party

I love game nights and in recent weeks have spent time with friends enjoying classic games with a glass of something. Switch it up and host a children’s game day. Ask your kids if they would like to have some friends or classmates over and create a party filled with fun and educational board games.

#6 Make DIY arts and crafts

Unleash you and your child’s creative sides and make some DIY arts and crafts. You can use anything from toilet roll, egg cartons, plastic bottles, and cardboard. They won’t just love seeing their outputs at the end, which could be anything from an octopus or whale, but will love the whole process of creating it, too. You could end up painting old vases or clay pots with new colors or with a new idea for a creative business!

Photos: Pixabay

The British Chamber of Commerce in China (BritCham), the Scottish Society, and the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce in Beijing (AustCham Beijing) will be hosting Beijing’s first-ever Highland Games! It’s time to summon up your inner moorland Olympian for what will be a day of historic proportions. The Highland Games has been part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years and will now be taking up residence right here Beijing.

This day is all about community, and people will be coming from all over the city to participate. The organizers hope it will be a social event you will not forget in a hurry. Trade in the traditional business networking event this year for something a little more exciting. The day is an awesome twist on the annual Community Fun Day and will bring together people from all walks of life and nationalities.

The British, Australian, and Chinese communities of Beijing will be out in force to create a unique event celebrating community and heritage, in the stunning location of Dongfeng International Sports Park, Sanlitun. This will be a great opportunity to meet new families, make new friends, and colleagues in a family-friendly atmosphere, that’s ripe for great conversation and awesome activities. The day also offers a platform for networking with individuals from a variety of the different expat and local communities which make up the international hub that is this city.

The Beijing Highland Games in a whole-day event with a great selection of local vendors selling artisan foods, ice cream, and beverages throughout the day. There will be a wide range of activities for the kids to enjoy including a bouncy castle, face painting, sporting activities, and more.

Oh and that’s not all. Come along with the whole family and enjoy music and dance performances, a best-dressed pet competition, and a raffle with some awesome prizes to be won at the end of the day’s shenanigans. In the spirit of the tradition of the day, a selection of Scottish food and beer will also be available to enjoy while you take some time to sign up for your choice of Highland Games and competitions. These will include a tug-o-war, shot put, farmers walk, and tire flip.

Beijing Community Highland Games, Jun 2
See the poster for pricing details. 11am-4pm. Dongfeng International Sports Park, Sanlitun. (andrew.whitestone@britishchamber.cn or call 8525 1111 ext 704)

Photos: courtesy of the British Chamber of Commerce in China

It was a cold and windy day. Always on the lookout for new family-friendly eats, my daughter and I ventured out to The Daily Bagel. The cold never bothered us anyway! The Daily Bagel is situated in FX hotel by the Liangma flower market. The hotel entrance not stroller friendly but with a bit of a push you can make it inside. The Daily Bagel has two little tables and a window seat, as it occupies a small area. But the friendliness of the employees makes up for the space lost. They had offered us a baby chair, but since my toddler is a “big girl”, we did not need one. I could not find any nappy changing facilities in the toilet, or the hotel lobby.

The menu is short and sweet; my daughter enjoyed a salmon and cream cheese bagel while I had cappuccino and an everything bagel with cheese, bacon and egg. The bagels satisfied our hunger and the warm coffee hit the spot. I remember my daughter having one of those fun days when she was playing with a shadow on the floor and sat still on a chair and ate the bagel. We don’t have those days very often (usually she messes with our surroundings) so I enjoyed the moment I could sip my drink warm and chat with another adult, the shop owner. She had us try some flavored bagels, like ones with chocolate, orange and cinnamon, raisin.

If you are around the neighborhood with one toddler who is having a good day, I would suggest to pop by The Daily Bagel and have a fresh from the oven bagel and warm coffee. But if you have boiterous kids, that need a ball pit to be entertained, order a Daily Bagel on Sherpa. Or even better, if you have mommy morning for yourself try heading out for a bagel and the flower market.

Pauline van Hasselt has been working for beijingkids since October 2016. Born in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, she moved with her husband and her 3 year-old daughter to Beijing in June 2016. Prior she lived in the Netherlands, Belgium, Paraguay, Texas, and London, studying and working as a chef. Pauline enjoys biking around Beijing, finding markets and new restaurants, reading crime and fantasy books in bed, and most importantly, turning her house into a home for her family.

We found a real petting zoo in Shunyi, inside Crab Island, a family holiday park. This petting zoo although hidden in the middle of a very strange and eerie holiday park in Shunyi, I was pleasantly surprised by the activities on offer. A group of new friends took us to explore this wonderful place, home to goats, cows, geese, sheep, chickens, pigs, and of course monkeys and camels. The petting zoo itself is like any other in the world, the smells are “interesting” and it looks like it was built using random wooden pieces from the forest. The only difference in is that this Beijing farm has some camels, monkeys and the fact that your children are also likely will become an attraction of their own, but that is just something new we are getting used to here in China.

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When we entered the petting zoo in Crab Island for RMB 10, we had the option of taking a goat or sheep on a walk for RMB 20, but instead chose to let our kids ride a wild pony for the same price. The kids had an absolute blast and the sweet farmer made some good cash the day we came.

Most of the people that know me, know that I am not a fan of animals. I don’t like the smell, the hairs, and the behavior. But I make exceptions when it comes to my daughter, who is an animal friend like the rest of my family. She loves feeding animals and riding horses, the joy radiating from her face makes my heart warm inside. I like to pretend I am not scared when she feeds the goats and geese, but I am always happy we leave farms with all ten fingers intact. Motherly love makes you do funny things.

I was surprised at how happy and well fed these animals were and yes the petting zoo stinks just like any other petting zoo in the world, although maybe a bit extra after all the cabbage we fed the animals. It’s an ideal spot if you want to feed, pet and be close to animals, something that is I hope not possible in the big Beijing zoo.

Crab Island 蟹岛绿色生态度假村
Daily 8am-1am. 1 Xiedao Lu (take Weigou Exit off Airport Expressway and follow signs), Chaoyang District (8433 5566/5588) www.xiedao.com (Chinese only)朝阳区1号 蟹岛路 (苇沟出口)

Ecological Science Park (petting zoo) 科普中心
RMB 10. Daily 8am-6pm. (8432 5158)

Pictures by Pauline van Hasselt and Tanya McHendry

Pauline van Hasselt has just started working for beijingkids. Born in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, she moved with her husband and her 3 year-old daughter to Beijing in June of this year. Prior she lived in the Netherlands, Belgium, Paraguay, Texas, and London, studying and working as a chef. Pauline enjoys biking around Beijing, finding markets and new restaurants, reading crime and fantasy books in bed, and most importantly, turning her house into a home for her family.

At 1,291m, towering Miaofeng Mountain (妙峰山) is the highest peak in the Western Hills – which also include the famous Fragrant Hills Park. The area contains three summits known as Miaofengshan Peak, Dongdatuo Peak, and Luobodi Peak. Miaofeng Mountain was worshipped by Taoists as the spiritual home of several divinities; the mountain summit is known as Jinding (金顶) and was considered one of the holiest spots in northern China. In the age of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Miaofeng was home to several temples and became the focus of an annual pilgrimage. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), the mountain was also the site of a guerilla base established by Chinese revolutionaries. Relics and debris can still be found scattered around the area.

During Miaofeng’s spiritual heyday, the faithful paid particular homage to Dongyue Dian (东岳殿) and Niangniang Temple (娘娘庙) at the mountain summit. These temples were thought to be the home of three female divinities: the goddess of heavenly sages, the goddess of brilliant insight, and the goddess of sons and grandsons. One of them is Bixia Yuanjun (碧霞元君), the daughter of the Emperor Lord of Taishan. As the Taoist goddess of fertility, many women sought her help to conceive a child.

In the past, the arrival of pilgrims from all over China meant a host of customers clamoring for food, lodging, transportation, and entertainment. The meeting of religion and commerce gave birth to a bustling two-week temple fair that drew artists, soothsayers, craftsmen, and merchants from all over the country. Taking place in the fourth lunar month, it was one of the most important dates on Beijing’s religious calendar. In the past, even the Kangxi Emperor came to pay his respects to the shrine of Bixia Yuanjun. The fair lapsed into obscurity by the late 20th century, but has since been revived for tourists as an annual temple fair held on April 1-15 of the lunar calendar (which falls this year from April 21 to May 5).

The modern-day event is more likely to include tipsy revelers than actual pilgrims, but is an interesting sight nevertheless. Typical scenes include parades of “pilgrims” and other actors blowing bells and whistles, impromptu sing-a-longs by people gathered at various shrines, and vendors hawking their wares – much like regular temple fairs. Visitors can eat lucky rice porridge for free, a throwback to the days when people set up rice and porridge stands along pilgrimage routes as good deeds. Today, believers still donate items like rice and mantou (steamed buns) for good karma.

If you’re unmoved by Miaofeng Mountain’s spiritual legacy, the area is worth exploring for its hiking routes. The scenery includes dramatic cliff drops, jutting rock faces, and winding mountain paths, with diverse flora composed of fir trees, pear trees, and the rose bushes of Wild Rose Valley. Located east of Miaofeng Mountain, Wild Rose Valley can be accessed through a woodland path. The best time to see the roses is from mid-May to late June, when the rose plantations can be seen over more than 10,000sqm. October, when the leaves start changing color, is also a good month to visit.

Be prepared: Miaofeng Mountain can be a challenging climb. A small, ancient trail connects Jiangou Village at the foot of the mountain to the summit. Those wishing to bring their car can drive up the paved road that leads to the top. Stop by one of the many rustic and secluded teahouses off the main thoroughfare for stunning views and a refreshing cup of rosebud tea.

Miaofeng Mountain 妙峰山
Daily 7am-6pm (summer), 8am-5pm (winter). RMB 40, RMB 20 (students). Miaofeng Shan Scenic Area, Mentougou District (6188 2936)
门头沟区妙峰山风景区
Getting there
Bus: Take the 929 express to Miaofeng from Pingguoyuan subway station on Line 1 and get off at Dingjia Tan (丁家滩) station.

Car: From Hangtian Qiao on Xisanhuan Lu, go west on Fushi Lu. Stay on Fushi Lu until it merges (near Pingguoyuan subway station) into Jinding Nanu. Stay on this road until you reach Jin’an Qiao. At Jin’an Qiao, turn right onto Jinding Xijie and continue northwest for about 15 minutes – past the Longquan Hotel – until the road’s name changes into National Road 109. When you reach a fork intersection, turn left, follow the sign towards Hebei, and continue on until you reach Danli. At Danli, turn off the highway and follow the northbound Miaofeng Mountain sign for another 20 minutes until you arrive.

This article originally appeared on the beijingkids blog in March 2012

Photos: Dr Nantu

Want a break from tall buildings, rush, and traffic?  Tianjin is the get-away destination for you. Less than a two-hour drive from Beijing, it’s a city that will make you feel at home with its unique cultural infrastructure and  friendly citizens. My 12 years there have allowed me to discover my inner “Tianjiner.” It is the fourth largest city (by area) in China and is located around the Hai River. With exciting attractions to visit and mouth-watering delicacies to eat, the city will surely warm your heart.

How do I get there?
If you own a car, enjoy the greenery on the drive along the Jing Jin Tang and Jin Ku expressways-and if you wish to reach the city faster, take the intercity train from Beijing South Station which will get you to Tianjin in less than 40 minutes. After reaching Tianjin station, catch a taxi to your first destination.

What places/attractions should I visit?
Strolling down the little streets of the financial district past old banks, churches and foreign architecture will transport you to Europe.  It’s my favorite part of Tianjin. It’s much like a fairytale land with narrow roads and ornate traffic lights. The street itself was originally built by the foreigners that lived in China before World War II, and is made up of British, Italian, French, German, Swedish, Austrian, Hungarian, Belgian and Korean concessions and banks. It’s a tourist must-see because it has rare traces of foreign architecture which survived the boxer rebellion that took place between 1899 and 1901. My long visits to the street and my curiosity lead into banks and old buildings; exploring dusty staircases, broken picture frames and collapsed bookshelves and furniture. The financial center is a place for Europhiles in particular; everything you see recalls a different part of the world.

Next, head to the ancient cultural street (also known as Gu Wen Hua Jie) and walk through the bright red rows of shops which look traditionally Chinese. The street is filled with flags and tall pagoda style roof tops. You’ll find a variety of traditional jewelry, snacks, clothing,  paintings and show pieces. When I walk down this street, I feel as if I am walking down China’s memory lane. I always wonder if this is how China looked before the revolution. I love the shopkeepers hawking their wares and the mingled aromas of foods and snacks. You need to bargain if you want to buy, because prices quoted range from almost reasonable to totally ridiculous.  Stop for some snacks along the way – I really enjoy tang hu lu – mini sugar coated apple sticks.

Before heading back to Beijing, spend your evening at the unmissable Tianjin Eye,  built on the bridge that spans the Hai river. Hop onto a dragon boat and enjoy the view of colorful lights reflected in the water. (You can ride on the Tianjin Eye from around 11:00am to 5:00pm in winter). At night the colors are mesmerizing as the wheel spreads a white glow. The last train back to Beijing leaves the city at 10:00pm. Don’t forget to take a camera with you, because you will want to capture this!

Where should I eat?
Good food is not hard to find in Tianjin. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese, head to Gou Bu Li where you’ll get a range steamed dumplings to choose from – great to gobble on a cold winter day. Around thecultural street there are plenty of Chinese restaurants serving good dumplings and Kung Pao chicken. Explore and find the cuisine you want -I go to a different restaurant every time; the streets are filled with choices from barbeque to hotpot.

In the Italian concession you’ll find a row of authentic Italian restaurants and bars, with a good variety of pizzas and pastas to choose from. My personal favorite is Trattoria-perfectly decorated in a rustic Italian style.  After your meal, try and satisfy your sweet tooth with some Italian gelato from one of the street’s many gelato vendors.

Tianjin is definitely a great day trip destination. Whether it’s with your family, friends or even alone, this city is guaranteed to win your heart.

Photos by Gurkriti Singh