Like many traditions in 2020, Golden Week will feel different this year. It’s typically the time for families to pack up and travel somewhere new, or visit another major city in China. With travel opening up but still something to approach cautiously, what to do now? 

Let’s make the best of the situation and use this week to act like a tourist in your own town. Except the tourist spots will be way too busy, so we chose a few key places that you always wanted to try but maybe never had time to go. Or you went in a flurry of travel your first month here and want to give it another shot. Or maybe you just need to make sure your family gets out of the house and doesn’t fall back into a mental state of quarantine. 

Whatever the reason, this list is a great starting point for cool little day trips. Where do you plan to go?

It’s an excellent way to practice your camera skills, too

Beijing Wildlife Park 北京野生动物园

Sure, it will be busy at this time, but get an early start and the line for safaris won’t feel that long. Hop on the shuttle or take your own vehicle through one of the two pathways to see some truly fantastic beasts. Leave your fruit in your backpack though — it isn’t allowed on one of the routes, and for good reason! 

Address: Donghulin, Daxing Yufa, Daxing District, 大兴区大兴榆垡东湖林
Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Ticket Fees: RMB 80 for adults, RMB 50 for students, free for kids under 1.2 meters tall
Ph: 8921 6666
Website: www.bjwildlifepark.com

China Science and Technology Museum 中国科技馆

There are a myriad of rooms to explore here, from dinosaurs to water play to climbing jungles. Why kids love to pretend to go food shopping for hours end, I’ll never understand, but they can do that here. Parents can wait in the pretend food preparation area, where kids can “cook” up a three-course meal from their shopping trip too! If you have more than one child, I highly suggest attending in groups so you can each keep tabs of which kids are in which rooms.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30am-5pm. Closed Mondays
Address: 5 Beichen E Rd, Ao Yun Cun, Chaoyang, China (北京市朝阳区奥运村北辰东路5号)
Ticket Fee: RMB 30 per person
Ph: 5904 1000

It’s hard to find anything more exciting to explore than four levels of caves

Shihua Cave (“Stone Flower Cave”)

About 50 kilometers west of Beijing, four of these seven layers of caves are open to the public, and they look magnificent. The largest stalactite in China hangs 18 meters in its first hall, and many of its underground stones look like various natural shapes, like moonmilks which resemble lotus in their form. Situated in the Fangshen District, you’re close to mountain ranges that rival any in the world, no matter the weather. 

Hours: 8am – 5pm
Address: Yandong Rd, Fangshan District, Beijing, China 北京市房山区阎东路
Ticket Fee: RMB 70 per person
Website: www.shihuadongcave.com/news/show/contentid/175.html

Hopefully they don’t weigh your kids and by how much they ate off the vine

Daxing Grapes Sightseeing Farm

Did you know that grape picking season is only a few weeks long in Beijing? Neither did I, but maybe that’s why they welcome tourists to their farm in the Daxing District, a suburb of south Beijing renowned for not only its grapes but also pears and watermelons. Enjoy nature and a farm fresh lunch amidst a lovely day of grape picking. Nearby Caiyu also boasts a fun children’s playground and other activities surrounding the harvesting. Booking a tour guide seems to be the best way to get the whole package, including a visit to local family villages.

Address: Grape Manor China, Beijing, Daxing District, 九周路长子营, 北京市大兴区九周路长子营
Ticket Fees: vary
Website: www.tour-beijing.com

With six theme parks, Happy Valley can easily spread over multiple days.

Happy Valley Amusement Park 北京欢乐谷

Happy Valley’s themed areas such as the Wild Fjord, Aegean Harbor, Shangri-La, Lost Maya, Atlantis – you get the point. Every member of the family will find something fun to explore or ride, or just cool things to eat. The Golden Mask Dynasty Show has thrilled audiences who total more than a million. Plus, through October their one year pass is only  RMB 400, just RMB 100 more than a day pass. That’s sure to make Happy Valley your family’s happy place

Address: Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu 东四环路小武基北路
Ticket Fees: RMB 300 per day
Ph: 6738 9898
Website: http://bj.happyvalley.cn/

Gubei Water Town 古北水镇

Every time someone in a family WeChat group mentions Gubei Water Town, the response is positive. People always wanted to go, want to get a group outing together, want to return. And it’s no wonder with such a magical setting and activities to match. Gubei Water Town isn’t just a catchy name for a water play area, it is literally the entire town. Buildings picked right out of the northern courtyard style that lean against the Great Wall, with water parks and gorgeous scenery, Gubei is a trip no one in your family will soon forget.

Address: Gubei Water Town, Miyun District, Beijing 北京市密云区古北水镇
Hours: 9am – 9pm
Ticket fees: RMB 140 per person
Ph: 8100 9999

KEEP READING: A Deep Dive Into Beijing’s Best Kid-Friendly Pools!

Photos: Uni You, Cindy Marie Jenkins, Pexels

The long gestation of Universal Studios Beijing theme park rumbles on, with its opening delayed until 2021.

Negotiations between Universal and Chinese authorities began as long ago as 2001, in the now almost unimaginably different pre-Olympic era. Final permission was granted in 2013 and a site was purchased in up-and-coming Tongzhou, now also home to some of the city’s administrative functions. However, progress has been slow, and a recent announcement promised the park would finally open in 2021.

The announcement came from local authorities rather than Universal, as did the earlier opening date of 2019. Universal are playing their cards very close to their chest; we approached them to contribute to an article on Beijing theme parks, and they did not respond. www.universalbeijingresort.com celebrates the completion of the site’s project management, though even on their own website the quotes used come from another source.

However, construction has begun on some of the attractions, as documented on theme park fan websites like www.themeparx.com. They carry pictures of the site and are able to identify some of the rides from their skeletal form. www.themeparkuniversity.com reports that there will be areas themed around Harry Potter, Transformers, Kung Fu Panda, and, erm, Waterworld.

Theme park watchers speculate that there is a sudden urgency to construction so that the park can open in time to benefit from visitors to Beijing’s Winter Olympics in 2022. However, the company behind it is saying nothing.

Universal Studios Beijing is not the only theme park in development which is keeping mysteriously silent. We also approached the company behind the Peppa Pig attraction due to open this year and the Legoland Discovery Center. They did not respond to requests for news about opening dates.

All this leaves Beijing, when it comes to theme park thrills, sadly lagging behind Shanghai, though we say it through gritted teeth. While southerners rejoice in the biggest Disneyland in the world (though of course, Disney World in Florida makes it look like one of the Seven Dwarves), we take a look at the alternatives Beijing has to offer:

Happy Valley
This attraction, situated near the East Fourth Ring Road, is thrillseekers’ best bet for real rollercoaster action.

Weekdays 9.30am-8.30pm, weekends 9am-8.30pm. All ages. RMB 260 (kids under 1.4m RMB 195, under 1.1m free). Xiaowuji Bei Lu, East Fourth Ring Road, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区东四环小武基北路北京欢乐谷.

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park 
Beijing’s oldest theme park, opened in 1986, Shijingshan will please younger kids, though some of its rides are looking rather tired.

Weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm. All ages. RMB 10 (from April 1), RMB 5 (kids half price), free for kids under 1.2m. 25 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District. 石景山区石景山路25号

Crab Island Resort
This distinctly Chinese park offers quirky attractions like indoor fishing (for real fish).

8am-6pm. All ages. Free entrance (entertainment facilities need to be paid on site). 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区蟹岛路1号.

Additional reporting by Wendy Xu
Photos: www.universalbeijingresort.com

Many lantern fairs are held in Beijing during the Lantern Festival, offering us the chance to share in the celebration of this traditional Chinese holiday. Here are five of the best places to see spectacular and colorful lanterns and light shows.

Solana Light Festival

Solana Light Festival has been held every year for the last ten years. Each festival is elaborately crafted with attention to detail and creativity, producing a sense of identity in an urban art space. If you want to see the emerging art of the west and the east, it’s worth checking out.

14^th Dec 2018 – 25^th Feb 2019, free. No.6, Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District (010-5905 6663/6668)
北京市朝阳区朝阳公园路6号
More info here.

Sanlitun Disney Light Show

Disney have unveiled a lantern show to celebrate Chinese New Year in Taikoo Li, Sanlitun, and the display will continue until the Lantern Festival. Many lovable lanterns, featuring classic animated films like Toy Story and Frozen, invite you and your kids to light up the New Year with a wish.

22^nd Jan – 19^th Feb, free. Taikoo Li, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (010-64177110)
北京市朝阳区三里屯太古里
More info here.

Happy Valley Lantern Festival

Thousands of lanterns light up the whole garden. You have the chance to see a combination of traditional culture and contemporary trends, fabulous Peking Opera figures, a giant “old Beijing” hotpot, and a historical imperial palace there.

2^th Jan – 15^th March, RMB 165 above (Preferential price: 99 yuan/person before 14:00 from 15^th February to 19^th February). Happy Valley, Xiaowuji Beilu, Chaoyang District (010-6738 9898)
北京市朝阳区东四环小武基北路
More info here.

Haidian Shangzhuang Light Festival

The Shangzhuang Light Festival will feature light shows with an array of themes that range from farming, love, traditional culture, fairy tales, and the ocean, to a sea of flowers. You will encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters, all gathered in a big field in Haidian district.

28^th Jan – 19^th Feb 18:00 – 22:00, RMB 35 above. Sanyuan Agricultural Science and Technology Park, No. 119, Shangzhuang road, Haidian District (010-62471966)
海淀区上庄路119号北京三元农业科技园
More info here.

Nangong Lantern Show

There are hundreds of lanterns with colorful lights, elaborately created by local folk artists, at Nangong Lantern Show in Fengtai District. You can enjoy traditional performances combined with outstanding works of art, while having a taste of “old Beijing” street food. Let the New Year vibe spread to the end of the holiday there!

6^th Feb – 20^th Feb 14:00-21:00, RMB 105 above. World Geothermal Expo park, no. 1, Yingbin Road, Wangzuo South Palace, Fengtai District (010-83318032/83318649) 
北京市丰台区王佐南宫迎宾路1号世界地热博览园内
More info here.

Enjoy the lanterns!

Photo: Weibo.com, Taikoolisanlitun.com, Sohu.com, happyvalley.cn

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat.

Free:
Monthly Dumpling Making at Mr. Shi’s Baochao, Nov 1
All Ages. If you’ve wanted to learn to make these delicious, steamy morsels, Mr. Shi’s monthly dumpling making events are perfect for you or the whole family! Free. 10am-10pm. 74 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng, Beijing, China. (8405 0399, 1158816056@qq.com).

Mentor Walks Asia in Beijing, Nov 5
Adults. Meet a group of strong, professional female mentors in Beijing. Take a walk with these successful women and learn from each other each step of the way. Free. 7.45am-9am. Ritan Park. (mentorwalks.asia@qq.com).

Unique
Stuttgart Ballet Romeo and Juliet, Nov 3 – Nov 5
Ages 7+ Come and participate in a time-honored tradition and watch a show by the Stuttgart Ballet, one of the world’s most renowned dance companies. This is a wonderfully cultural and educational experience for all. Prices starting at RMB 220. 7.30pm-10pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). (18600208126).

Tickets on Sale for CISB StageCats “Nothing but the Truth,” Nov 7
All ages. CISB’s StageCats perform an originally scripted play, “Nothing but the Truth”, which centers around Elizabeth Warren – a young girl on trial . In this family-friendly comedy with an important message for all ages, a colorful cast of characters take the witness stand to give many different versions of the truth.Advance tickets only at CISB front desk from Nov 7. RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (students). 7pm (Nov 25), 2pm (Nov 26). Canadian International School of Beijing (6465 7788)

Halloween at Happy Valley, Oct 18-Nov 13
Ages 5+ Happy Valley will be hosting multiple events including haunted houses, pumpkin carving, and carnival rides. For those kids and families looking for a way to continue the Halloween fun, Happy Valley is a must. RMB 88 presale or RMB 180 at the door. 5pm-11pm. Xiaowuji Beilu, East Fourth Ring Road, Chaoyang district.

Ongoing:
Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Mondays
Adults. This event features entertaining and informative programs, activities, and discussion to show parents useful methods to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. Free. 10am-12pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS).

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Fridays
Ages 0-18mnths. Meet other moms of small children at this playgroup with plenty of age-appropriate toys, seasonal crafts, singing, actions, and more. Open to foreign passport holders only, the mother or father needs to attend, not the ayi. Drinks and snacks provided. Register by email. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Illustrated Book Workshop by R3 Discovery and Atelier Art School, Sundays
Ages 8-12. This six-week course kicks off on November 6–December 15 focuses on kids learning the process of creating and telling a story from conceptualization to publishing including the illustration process. This will be taking place every Thursday (4.30-7pm) and every Sunday (2-4.30pm). Registration required. RMB 4,388 per student. 2-7pm. Atelier (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908)

All in One Market, Sundays
All Ages. If you haven’t already done so, stop by and check out the Riviera Sunday All in One Market, a regular feature in the community. It’s a family event with something fun for everyone – food, shopping and playtime for kids. A number of Beijing vendors sell everything from fashion apparel to household appliances to food and drink. Activities for the kids overflow with two huge bouncy castles, face painting, magic shows and more. Free. 11am-4pm. Riviera Country Club, No.1,  Xiang Jiang Bei Road, Chaoyang District (+86 10 84506888)

Chinese Bird Flower Painting Class, Nov 2
Ages 6+ Learn the art of Chinese painting using a thick brush dipped in black or colored inks. This class is for people with all levels of experience. RMB 250. 10am-11:30pm. Chinese Culture Center.

Best of Next Week
Boarding School Receptions at Hyde Academy, Nov 8
All Ages. Come find out more about Hyde Academy and their newly refurbished Shunyi campus. Admissions Directors and, in some cases, Heads of School, from each of the schools will be available to answer parent and student questions and provide insight into the boarding school experience. Free. 6.30pm-8pm. Hyde Academy. (8046-7085, office@hyde-education.com).

BSB, Shunyi Open Day, Nov 9
For adults. Take a tour and visit BSB Shunyi’s Primary, German Primary, and Secondary classrooms and other facilities, talk to the faculty, and pop in at the Chatterbox Café for drinks or snacks to get the chance to chat with other parents. Registration required. Free. 8.30-11am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3558, www.bsbshunyi.com/openday)

“Ivy League or Oxbridge? How to get into the world’s best universities,” Nov 9
For adults. This workshop will focus on university application procedures and how to get ahead – what parents need to do and how they can help. There will be a Q&A after the workshop. Registration required. 8.45-9.45am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047-3588, www.bsbshunyi.com)

DCB Senior School Open Day, Nov 11
For adults. Learn about the Dulwich’s curriculum, their focus on pastoral care, and the transition from Junior to Senior School in an informative talk by DCB’s Head of Senior School at their Legend campus. 9-11.30am. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

St. Martin’s Lantern Walk 2016, Nov 11
All Ages. Come join all those at the House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten to participate in a traditional lantern walk. The event will be followed by typical St. Martin food such as goulash, sweet treats, hot mulled wine or a cup of hot cocoa and more. Free. 5pm-7.30pm. House of Knowledge. (vg@hokschools.com).

Photos: John (Flickr), Donnierayjones (Fickr), and Stephen Kiessling (Flickr)

Line 7 of the Beijing Subway, running east-to-west, south of Line 1 and linking the Beijing West Railway Station, Shuangjing and the Happy Valley Amusement Park, is currently undergoing testing and will open formally before the end of the year, Chinese news reports indicate.

The line will cut a long swath across the south side of the city, hopefully relieving congestion on Line 1 and Line 10.

Starting in the west at the Beijing West Railway Station, the rail runs eastward in a relatively straight line past Shuangjing and eastward to Baiziwan before cutting southwest towards Happy Valley and into Tongzhou and beyond.

Remarkable about this line is that it’s the first to built with entriely domestic materials, the capacity of each eight-carriage train will be 30 percent higher than any existing line. Other Beijing lines have have used significant overseas sourcing for cars, tracks or materials, or have been joint ventures with the Hong Kong MTR.

The carriages will also have environmentally-friendly features such as long-lasting LED lighting and a total weight approximately one ton lighter than cars on other lines, meaning less energy usage overall.

The 24-kilometer line will take 40 minutes to travel from end to end and along the way will have interchanges with existing Lines 10, 5, 4 and 9, as well as connections to future Lines 16, 8 and 14.

Given that it is the first to use completely China-sourced materials, we’re wondering if it can also withstand 100 air bombings like Line 1 …

This post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on May 29, 2014

Photo courtesy of wikipedia