It is always good to take advantage of the nice weather of autumn before the harsh cold winter ushers itself in to Beijing. Luckily for me, the Chrysanthemum Festival had just begun at the Beijing International Flower Port. So then, it is another weekend exploring with Clark Yap!

Want to know why I loved it so much? Read on!

1. The whimsical and vibrant colors of the garden provide an excellent place to take a lot of photos, as in engagement photos or family memories. As for myself, I took a lot of photos and videos to make films. It is as if the garden was designed to be photogenic for people who love to take pictures. There were beautiful arches of trees, and some structures of the Great Wall. By the lake, there was a large floral statue resembling the goddess of the earth, Gaia. The garden had fields of flowers of all colors: bright oranges, deep purples and different shades of pink. And don’t forget about the chrysanthemums! According to my mother, in about two weeks they should be in full bloom! Unfortunately, the time we came it was still early in the season, so we only saw a bit of bright yellow chrysanthemums.
2. The Beijing International Flower Port has something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from playgrounds for children to activities for the elderly. The playground was quite large with bouncy trampolines, a carousel and even a train for the little kids. There was also a large platform built on top of the lake surrounded by lily pads. The ground is quite large, so getting around can be tiresome for children and seniors. You can rent a car to drive or a bike to ride around the garden with your family or friends. The garden is also very wheelchair accessible!
3. Do not miss out on the magical Butterfly World, where one can see the wonders of butterflies. But please note you must not touch the butterflies against their will. Yet it is acceptable if the creature lands on you. The butterfly world is large greenhouse where butterflies are free to fly around as they please. Many art murals of butterflies wings are hung on the walls, and models of large butterflies are on display. One butterfly I saw looked like an old leaf. If you are lucky, a butterfly may decide to land on you, as did one on my mother. However, do not touch the butterfly on your own or hold it by the wings.
4. The Flower Port sold many beverages and snacks, and my mother and I bought two ice cream bars to sustain us while we enjoyed the nice weather. Many snack vendors stood along the paths through the beautiful flower port, and they sold meat sticks and sausages. Souvenirs like little plants and clay figures were also sold, and my mother bought me a little succulent baskets for me. We received a bunch of coupons to use from the purchase of entrance, and since the succulent plant was RMB 30, the coupon gave us a discount and we only had to pay RMB 20.
5. The Beijing International Flower Port is one hour and 15 minutes from urban Beijing, an easy drive in the country for my mom. The Chrysanthemum Festival very much reminded me of when my family would take me to a local farm for the pumpkin patch or a state fair in the fall back in the USA. For those who miss the fall in your home country, this spot can offer you some relief.

Find it:
Beijing International Flower Port 京國際鮮花港
9 Xianhuagang Nanlu
Entrance tickets cost RMB 80 and at the gates we were given a bunch of coupons for things over the price of RMB 30.
You can rent bike carriages for RMB 100 an hour and golf cars for RMB 150 an hour.

Images: Clark Yap

As spring blooms across Beijing, nature enthusiasts and cherry blossom aficionados alike flock to Yuyuantan Park to witness one of the city’s most spectacular natural displays. Renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms, Yuyuantan Park offers visitors a picturesque setting to immerse themselves in the beauty of these delicate pink blooms.

Find it:
Yuyuantan Park
RMB 10 per ticket. Daily 6am-9.30pm (summer), daily 6.30am-7pm (winter). 10 Xisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian District (8865 3800) www.yytpark.com
玉渊潭公园：海淀区西三环中路10号

Photos: Uni You

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Whether you’re single, committed, or in the “it’s complicated” status of a relationship, you can take advantage of these Valentine’s Day promotions and deals!

All are sourced from local expatreneurs with their own side hustles/businesses so you’re supporting their dreams with every purchase. Isn’t that a great way to spread the love this V-Day? And if you’ve forgotten to get a gift, we tell you where to get some gorgeous last-minute flowers and chocolates so all’s not lost tonight!

Doucea

N&K Home candles

NUDE Skincare

Last-minute gifts!

Expat bakers Maria And Dani (M.A.D Sweets & Treats) had whipped up a delicious Valentine’s day treats with a gluten-free almond cookie base, topped with a dark chocolate layer and sprinkled with cranberries and coconut flakes, all wrapped up in a deep red Vday gift bag perfect for the occasion.

JSS has a dedicated Valentine’s section right on its homepage with wine and chocolates that will be delivered before the end of the day to add some Vday flavor to your Netflix & chill session tonight. As for flowers, a quick search of the term will give you a few options such as the Flower Market+ which promises a same-day delivery and offers a rose bouquet with lights at RMB198.

On the JD.com app, using search terms “情人节鲜花“ (Qíngrén jié xiānhuā) or Valentine’s Day fresh flowers, you’ll see plenty of options guaranteeing same-day delivery for orders within the same city (同城 Tóngchéng).

XOXO from jingkids and the whole True Run team!

Images: Pexels, courtesy of vendors

KEEP READING: Taobao’s Most Interesting Valentine’s Gifts

The past few weeks have been a little… chaotic, to say the least. So, you can be forgiven if you forgot that this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. It’s a little late for TaoBao to help you but don’t worry, all of these local businesses can make sure you get a gift that will make it look like you planned ahead.

For the traditionalist: Blooms are a classic for a reason, Studio Flowers will make sure a perfect bouquet shows up just in time to brighten mom’s day. Bonus points if you send one to the home and one to the office.

For the Domestic Goddess: She makes it look easy (it’s not).  Between work, online learning, and trying to use all the food we panic-bought before it rots, mom is likely to be more than a little stressed. Some aromatherapy might be in order. Local teachers and owners of Tallow Candle can put together a homemade box of candles that smell like anything from baking cookies to fresh-cut grass. All are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

For Super Mom: Unwinding at the spa isn’t the only way of de-stressing. Sometimes you just gotta’ hit something. Help mom finds her inner warrior and shake up her fitness routine with Warrior One.

For the Cosmo Mama: It’s about the little luxuries. Whether mom has a signature scent, a favorite face mask, or just loves the latest MAC lipstick line, Marsha will hook you up. Send a photo of the product and she will track it down for you!

PRO TIP: Get a few of mom’s favorite indulgences and arrange them into a gift basket for a little extra wow factor.

For the Fashionista: The carpool lane is her runway. For a new Hermès scarf, a classic pair of Channel sunglasses, or chic Kate Spade earrings Po & Liz are my first call. They always let me know what is in stock and available fast. The quality has always been great with easy returns if something is not quite right.

For the Spa Mama: Anything that gives mom one less thing to worry about is always a good idea. Alice Beauty is offering a special on laser hair removal so she can cross shaving off her to-do list this summer. They also offer amazing facials, manicures, and a host of other beauty services. Contact for details, appointments or to get gift certificates.

For the Bunch Mama: …Because she probably is missing free flow right now: If brunch out isn’t an option this weekend, make sure mom has a perfect breakfast in bed cocktail to go with her eggs and waffles with the help of Jacqueline. Whether you need a bottle (or case) of prosecco for the makings for a perfect Aperol spritz or if mom has a discerning palate for Italian reds, Jacqueline will help you find the perfect poison (so to speak) and ship them right to your door in time for a lovely Mothers’ Day tipple.

Images: Pexels, Studio Flowers, Tallow Candles, Canva, Weheartwine

KEEP READING: Panic Groceries About to Go Bad? Try this.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and just because we’re quarantined at home doesn’t mean this day isn’t going to be special. Instead of a date night out, make this Valentine’s Day a family affair.

While we might not be able to stroll around shopping centers to pick out the perfect gift that embodies your love, it doesn’t mean you can’t help your kids order mom the perfect bouquet of flowers.

To order fresh flower bouquets delivered at the exact time you want is easier than it sounds through eleme, the same app that we use for our food deliveries.

Some vendors on eleme have already started their Valentine’s Day promotions, whether it’s food, wine, or flowers.

To order a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers, download the eleme app. Click here for a step by step guide.

In the search bar type in flower (花 hua in Chinese). A list of flower boutiques around you will pop up. Then it’s just a matter of choosing the bouquet that you like.

After you’ve selected the bouquet you want, proceed to payment. Before you confirm your payment, select the delivery time.

Delivery can be as quick as the same day, with time dependent on the distance the boutique is from you, or you can select a different day and time. Eleme offers delivery time in 30-minute increments which means you’ll receive your flowers roughly around the time you want.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Photos: Unsplash, harpersbazaar.com, thesun.co.uk

After I wrote about two popular flower markets, it was brought to my attention that the Lai Tai market was closed. I had just been there at Christmas and was very surprised to hear the news. Things move fast in Beijing and gossip is quick. It is true that all the whole sale markets will close because of a new city policy, but this will happen very slowly. The government will tell vendors that the market will close one or two years in advance so they can relocate themselves. This post is meant to be a list of remaining markets in Beijing. Start  making your rounds and get name cards from your favorite vendors so when they disappear you have their information. Due to Chinese New Year a lot of markets look closed but will be back after the holidays.

Lai Tai Flower Market is closed for renovations and will open back up in April. Some of the vendors have moved to the 3rd floor of the building and to lady street. Not a trip worthy but if you live local a good chance to support the vendors.

Liang Ma Flower Market is up and shows no signs of closing or renovating.

Muxiyuan Fabric Market is open and a lot of stalls are still there – definitely worth a trip.

Tianyi Market has been notified that they are closing, but are not yet closed.

The Zoo Market, an area of markets near the zoo has been closing for 3 years. Of the 13 markets eight markets have been cleared and five markets are left.

Bainaohui Computer Market has two markets one has been closed but the other part across the street is still there.

Lady Street Clothing Market is partially closed for renovations.

Hongqiao Pearl Market is still open but some parts are closed.

Panjiayuan Antique Market is still open every Saturday and Sunday.

Xiushui Silk Market is open as usual

Sanlitun Yashou Market has been closed.

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 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.

My kids were recently given a Christmas gift of Le Comptoir De Mathilde chocolate. It’s a huge slab of chocolate shaped as an egg, with chickens and yolks, and it comes with a small mallet to crack the chocolate. We decided to crack it open on Christmas Eve and I can say it is some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted, far too nice for little kids. The gift had come from The Beast Shop, so I was intrigued to find out more about this store. Amber Xiang, a former media specialist, started the Shanghai custom-made flower arrangement store on Weibo, and they now have a store in Sanlitun. Their website www.thebeastshop.com is very detailed and slick, but isn’t in English. If you know someone that can read Chinese, it’s an easy to navigate site, where gift ideas are broken down by gender, occasion, and style, alternatively you can visit their store.

They specialize in flower arrangements, amongst which you can find scented candles with flowers RMB 490, flowers presented in vases and hampers, and even boxed along with socks. A little late for this year, but they have beautiful wreaths and festive arrangements, most of which are scented, bringing both the look and smell of Christmas into your home. If you’re buying for someone with very specific tastes, they can put together bespoke bouquets.

It’s not just about flowers, if you’re looking for something different to give as a gift for, they have a range of fragrant oil diffuser gift sets from RMB 660, which come in a range of scents. Silk pajama sets for both men and women, from RMB 1,380 – 1,690, silk dressing gowns RMB 1,560, designer slippers from RMB 3,000, scarves, ties, and bags. You can also find a variety of home ware items, including cushion covers which come in an array of designs and styles. If you’d like to give something extra special to a new mom or dad, they have adorable clothes for a new born, including booties, hats, and bibs. Prices range from RMB 620 to over RMB 3,000.
 

The Beast Shop
Taikoo Li, Sanlitun South Area, s3-11
185 1397 5160

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 The Beast Shop

The main focus of Beidong Flower Market is, of course, plants and flowers – beautiful displays of roses, orchids that are as colorful as they are fragrant, flowering felicia, and budding bougainvillea. Flowering plants, shrubs, herbs, and potted indoor plants are all available at this Shunyi market and most vendors will deliver to your home. Be sure to haggle; the more you buy, the better the price. If you want to grow your own garden, there are hundreds of seed packets for vegetables, fruits, and herbs. You can also pick up gardening tools, hoses, compost, fertilizer, watering cans, and even lawnmowers.

If you prefer your plants in pots rather than beds and borders, you can choose from a huge selection of ceramic, terracotta, wooden and plastic pots, and urns. There are decorative bird cages for your begonias, hanging baskets galore, and stepped stands to display your potted wares. Outside the market, there are many stalls selling statues, stone carvings of lions, tigers, terracotta warriors, busts, garden ornaments, and even a gnome or two. For kids and adults alike, there are a good selection of colorful kites in an array of shapes and sizes.

Outdoor Dining
Once your garden is looking pretty, it’s time to start enjoying it. What better way than al fresco dining? There are monstrous gas barbecues that can rotisserie, smoke, and griddle enough meat and fish to feed a hungry crowd of World Cup supporters.

If that’s too much, there is a very good choice of standard-sized, quality barbecues. If space is an issue, try a compact grill or tajine; if you don’t have a garden but still want that chargrilled flavor, pick up a portable picnic grill. Every accessory you need for marinating, skewering, slicing, dicing and cooking is also here. Don’t let those pesky mosquitos spoil your party; there are several devices on sale to get rid of the blighters.

Beidong is a popular place to buy quality garden furniture at very competitive prices. There are tables, chairs, sun loungers and umbrellas, in solid wood, metal, woven furniture, with or without fabric coverings and cushions. Bartering is a must; if you can be referred by someone that has purchased already, then all the better.

The tranquil sounds of water can be heard throughout the market coming from a number of stalls selling water features. Many are pretty elaborate in design, but if you long to enjoy water in Beijing that doesn’t just flow from your dispenser, then you may find something for you.

For the Home
Beidong isn’t all about outdoor furniture. One of my favorite stalls is the crockery man. I have an entire white china dinner service from here at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. It’s dishwasher safe, ovenproof, and so far it’s all still in one piece. There are modern styles for plates, bowls, serving dishes, condiment sets, rice spoons, tea and coffee pots, Chinese tea sets, mugs, and cups. The majority of the products are simple, white and stylish. A few have beautiful contemporary or traditional Chinese patterns that wouldn’t look out of place at Shanghai Tang.

You can stock up on wine glasses, shot glasses, and tumblers at the glass stall. The vendor also sells candles and tea lights that are infinitely more exciting than Ikea’s – and a lot cheaper.

There are several stalls selling furniture in traditional Chinese styles. You can pick up chairs, stools, occasion tables, sideboards, cupboards, wardrobes and lamps. Pieces are not as unique as you may find in other locations, but the prices reflect that.

Need something to brighten up your floor or keep your toes warm? There is one stall selling rugs in a range of sizes, colors, and patterns. If you’re into wicker, the stall next door sells baskets, hampers, laundry bins, trays, and even slippers, all made out of that woven wood. If vases are your thing, you’ll find a great selection of varying sizes, styles, plain or patterned, ceramic or tin.

There is tank after tank crammed full of fish (unfortunately), aquariums of varying sizes and designs plus everything you need to raise fish. If you’re more of a bird fancier, you can also take home a feathery companion. However, like most Beijing markets that sell animals, the longevity of your newfound pet isn’t always guaranteed.

Art
Beidong is also host to a number of artists selling their paintings. There are oil, water and prints of modern, traditional, and abstract art. There are portraits, drawings, several depictions of pandas, and paintings of the Wall, but in amongst these you can find some very special pieces: hutongs looking haunting in winter, a Banksy interpretation, and a modern take on a terracotta warrior.

One fabulous artist is Sunny. His use of vivid colors and hues and incorporation of traditional Chinese symbols within his pieces is wonderful. You can commission one-off pieces and his prices are very good.

If you decide to buy some unframed artwork, you are spoiled for choice with framing services. Each offer a vast array of frame and mount styles, colors, and sizes. Turn-around time is quick and prices competitive.

Shopping at Beidong is thirsty work; luckily, there are two places right next door where you can enjoy brunch, lunch or early dinner. The English Tearoom, with its quintessentially British decor, cakes, and Scotch eggs. Their indoor playroom is great for the little ones, toilet facilities are clean, child friendly, and with baby changing table. Now the weather is warmer, you can sip tea at their outside seating area.

Next door is Pinotage, with its authentic South African cuisine, great wines, and cold beers. They too have an indoor kid’s play room and good, clean toilet facilities. The restaurant’s wonderful outdoor terrace and lawn is perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s shopping.

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 by Sally Wilson