Sending Christmas cards isn’t as popular as it used to be back in the old days but that’s not to say that getting greeting cards (even e-cards) isn’t still part of the holiday season traditions.

In a few weeks, family portraits filled with smiley faces are going to start taking over your Facebook and Instagram feeds. Before you feel left out of the fun, we had a chat with Dave Hanssen from Dave’s Studio for his insider tips on the best family portrait locations in Beijing.

“Beijing has seasons and if you’re taking the photo in the winter, you’re going to have a hard time finding a photogenic park.” says Hanssen.

That said, The Great Wall is going to be a beautiful venue for the families who are willing the brave the cold and the wind. It gets windier up there than in the city but it also makes it a less attractive tourist destination during the winter which means you’ll be able to get those gorgeous shots without anyone photo bombing your masterpiece.

798 is a great location if you’re going for an untraditional background. You’re not going to find your typical holiday elements there, but you’ll be able to strike a pose in from of some fascinating works of modern art by contemporary local artists.

Red Brick Art Museum is another one of those beautiful backdrops that doesn’t exactly scream Beijing but is pretty obvious to anyone who’s lived here for a while. One of the perks of taking your family portrait here is that you can always run inside for a bit of reprieve from the cold.

Address: Maquanying West Road, Shunbai Road, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Town, Chaoyang District

Houhai might not be as beautiful as it is during the summer but that doesn’t mean those hard-working rickshaw drivers aren’t there all year round. They’re usually jolly and more than happy to lend you their rickshaw (provided that you pay them to take you on a tour of the lake) for a family portrait.

While you’re out there, around the Drum and Bell Towers are little hutongs where locals move at a slower pace. For those who are happy to invite some strangers into their family holiday portrait, this is the place to go.

Hanssen has been working with beijingkids for years and is the mastermind behind some of our iconic covers. Some people have a knack with computers. Others have a knack for cooking. Hanssen has a knack for making kids laugh and capturing the exact moment of pure joy.

“I’m not just saying this because we’re currently offering a Christmas portrait package, but it’s a lot easier to take photos inside a studio than it is outside. You’re able to control your environment and when there’s no passerby staring and taking photos on their phones, you’re able to relax and get into the moment.” Hanssen tells beijingkids.

Dave Studio’s RMB 999 holiday package at their new location includes 5 retouched digitals, and one 5X7 print of each of the images along with hair and makeup to help the whole family look picture perfect.

Dave’s Studio
www.davesstudio.rocks, dave@davesstudio.rocks, 186 1296 3661

Photos: trip.com, anydoko.com, China Daily, dfic.cn, teanabroad.org, globalheritagefund.org, Dave’s Studio

Lindsay Geankoplis has been an artist, educator, and all-around rad person in Beijing since her arrival in 2013. Maybe you saw her and her family in last month’s beijingkids Home and Relocation Guide as they are currently in the process of making their way back stateside. Throughout her tenure here in Beijing many kids have had the opportunity to know her as the secondary art teacher at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), but what they might not know is that she is also a very talented portrait photographer.

This weekend, from Jun 3-4, she will be available at Loma Lake for family mini session portraits. For RMB 600 you get 30-minutes, ten images, and a print release. That’s a pretty great deal for somebody of her versatile talent behind the camera. But don’t take our word for it, check out her samples here from her website where it seems like she just effortlessly brings out the best in every family she’s had the pleasure of working with.

As we live in a time where every aspect of our lives can be documented with our smart devices, we sometimes lose touch with the power of a professional, high-resolution image, that is worthy of being hung on the wall and cherished for years to come. While you will also be getting digital versions of these pics to show off on your Facebook and WeChat moments, do yourself a favor and deck your walls with the photos of people you love most in this world.

Book today through emailing her at lindsaygeankoplis@gmail.com. Availability is limited, so make sure to act fast. You’ve likely noticed all of this beautiful weather we’ve been having over the past couple of weeks, so we don’t need to tell you spring is upon us, and this also lends itself to great portraits!

photos: Dave’s Studio, Lindsay Geankoplis

Mini-Karate Camp
Flips & Kicks Plus is running a one week martial arts training camp at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi, suitable for kids aged 6-12 years. Camp activities will include karate training (goju ryu), practice kata, bunkai, throwing, and pad work. Expert karate coaches and foreign group coaches will ensure the camp is both safe and a whole lot of fun. The camp will run from Monday July 20 to Friday July 24.

There are two camp options: half day 9am-12noon RMB 1,980, or full day 9am-2.30pm RMB 3,080. All current Flips & Kicks Plus members, BSB students, and this year’s summer campers from Daystar Academy, will get a 10 per cent discount. Water will be provided, but campers must bring their own water bottle. Lunch is available for an additional fee. To register, contact (Fredrik 151 2009 8062 / 137 1846 2044 or Kai 158 1068 6744, info@flipsandkicksplus.com) www.flipsandkicksplus.com

Not An Illusion Photography
There are some great savings to be made with the summer sale at Not An Illusion. Items in the sale include customized photo books, crystal prints, calendars, posters, and fridge magnets. All sales of items from the Portraits of Himalayans series, which includes amazing art prints and postcards, will go towards fundraising for Kathmandu Dhalko refugee camp. The images capture the beauty of the environment and the community, with themes including women of the Himalayas, kids, pilgrims, and the valley. Family portraits make great memories and wonderful gifts for friends and family. Take your family outside of the studio and into nature, with family portrait locations this summer including Beijing and Yunnan Dali. To reserve a time slot email notanillusion@me.com

Balmain Gourmet
Newly opened is Balmain Gourmet Meat & Grill on Yu Yang Road. The people behind some of Beijing’s best sausages have opened up a restaurant. Open daily from 10am-8pm, during July and August you can enjoy a free cappuccino or latte whilst picking up both fresh and frozen Balmain products. From September, the restaurant will be offering a menu to include gourmet hotdogs, house cured bacons, and much more.

Balmain Gourmet’s fresh pork sausages include Lincolnshire, Cumberland, wild garlic with cracked black pepper, and Mexican jalapeno flavors. They come in two sausage sizes: perfect for dinner or breakfast. Prices range from RMB 75-100 per 500g pack, RMB 150-200 per kilo. There’s also a beef bratwurst on the menu, plus gourmet beef and lamb burgers RMB 20 per 120g burger. The sausage rolls are made with Belgium butter, RMB 20 each. Gluten free sausages and burgers are available. All sausages and burgers are handmade from fresh cuts, and contain no preservatives, additives, or MSG. Free delivery service for orders over RMB 500.

In need a chest freezer, for your home, office, or school? Order RMB 2,000 worth of Balmain products and receive, at no cost and delivered direct to your door, a chest freezer valued at RMB 1,800. For more details on Balmain products and offers, contact (186 0003 9708, bjsozzies@gmail.com)

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

Photos: courtesy of Flips & Kicks Plus, Not An Illusion Photography, Christopher Craig (Flickr)

With Halloween over, thoughts turn to the holiday season, and things to do as the weather gets colder. Ice skating is perfect for this time of year, it’s not so cold that you can’t feel your feet, and the evenings are still light enough for even the youngest of kids to enjoy the ice. If your kids are new to skating, want to improve their spins and turns, or are after the thrill of ice hockey, then Dulwich Ice Rink is the place to be. November sees the start of Christmas Bazaar season, and the British School of Beijing Shunyi will be hosting their German Market and Fayre, with Gluhwein, gifts, and a visit from a certain man on his sleigh.

If you like to adorn your holiday season cards with pictures of you and your family, it’s a good idea to book a session soon with a photographer, to guarantee those cards will be ready in time. If you’d rather this year’s photos were taken in the comfort of your own home, Not An Illusion will come to you. To ready yourself for the onslaught of fabulous festive food and drink, have some fun whilst getting fit with the guys from Heyrobics. Finally, the Nutcracker Suite is coming to Shunyi, with a concert from the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra.

On Ice
Skating classes are now underway at the Dulwich Ice Rink. Classes are open to skaters of all ages and abilities, and to anyone from the wider community, you don’t have to be a student at Dulwich College Beijing. Programs include kids on ice, which for many kids will be their first experience of skating. The aim of this program is to teach the basics, in a safe environment, to groups of 5-10 students. Figure skating is for skaters with some previous skating experience, and lessons can be private or for groups of up to 5 students. Suitable for ages 5 and over, figure skating will teach technique, jumping, and spinning.

Synchronized skating is a team sport, with up to 20 skaters moving across the ice as one, performing movements, pinwheels, and kick-lines. Suitable for ages 12 and over, advanced skills are not required. Ice hockey programs, for both beginners and advanced players, are also available. For more information contact (6454 9127, camilla.ojansivu@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Christmas Fayre
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi will host their annual German Market and Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 22 from 4-7.30pm. Traditional Christmas treats will be available, including hot Gluhwein, and beautiful handmade decorations will be on sale. There will be performances by talented musicians and choirs from BSB Shunyi, a host of gift stalls, and a raffle event. Children will have a chance to meet Santa and have a photo with him on his sleigh. Inside the foyer will be more vendors selling items that will make unique Christmas presents.

Holiday Season Photos
Not An Illusion Photography provides family photography and portraits that can be taken in your home or out and about on location. If you want photos of your family, to use for holiday season cards, prints or posters, they recommend booking early to secure a slot. With gift cards and gift certificates available, you could even give a photography session as a gift to friends or family. For more details contact (6401 7645, notanillusion@me.com) www.notanillusionproductions.com

Hey – Get Moving
The Heyrobics team is back in Shunyi, with classes held in the gym of the Swedish School of Beijing, Gahood. With four medium intensity classes each week:
Wednesday 8.45am with Åsa
Wednesday 7pm with Amaya
Friday 8.45am with Susanne
Saturday 9am with Åsa

Heyrunning takes place every Monday morning 8.45am and the meeting point is outside of the Swedish School. If the air quality index is above 200, there will be indoor circuit training instead. Heyrunning sessions are free, and all runners are welcome, no matter how fast or far you can run. For more information and the full schedule, visit their website www.heyrobics.com

Orchestral Performance
On Sunday November 23, from 4-6pm, the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Piano Concerto No 1. The concert incorporates live music on stage, and the magical story of The Nutcracker played out on screen, with soloist Dmitriy Volobuev and conductor Maria Nauen. The concert venue is Dulwich College Beijing’s Legend Garden Campus. Tickets are RMB 100, RMB 50 for children and students. Book online at www.tickets@bico-china.com, www.yoopay.cn/event/bico-tchaikovsky23, or email tickets@bico-china.com www.bico-china.com

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

Photos: courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing, Not An Illusion Photography and Heyrobics

Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.