The Roundabout presents a guided Frozen River Hike that won’t have you screaming Yikes! Instead you will be too busy enjoying the mountainous views of Miyun. A perfect day out for all the family that embraces the cold, and invites you to join others on a winter’s drive through the mountains, where you will start a hike to a small scenic area.

You and the family will follow the park trails down to the riverside, walking down through a forested canyon where you will follow the river on a journey through deep and wide canyons with twists and turns and steep rocky cliffs. This is an Alice in Wonderland hike that will be sure to deliver a true “down the rabbit hole” experience (but less disorientating – you will have a professional guide with you!), you and the family will never forget.

It’s winter, and you may be wishing for the long summer months to return to Beijing, so that you can enjoy Sauvignon Blanc alfresco while the kids play or tuck into summer plates of yumminess, but don’t despair. With winter come glorious opportunities to see this ever-evolving city in a new light – remember mountains surround us – why not go and see them?

Forsake the indoors; dust off the old hiking boots (I’m assuming you own at least one pair? – if not go down to Decathlon!), and have yourself a frozen adventure. This trip has all the makings of a thrilling and memorable day. Pick up will be at the Roundabout Boutique at 8am, and drop off will be around 4.30pm. Everyone is advised to bring along a packed lunch, snacks, water, and of course appropriate clothing and footwear. For further information contact: roundaboutvolunteer@yahoo.com, or visit www.roundabaoutchina.com. What are you waiting for?

Frozen River Hike, Jan 23

RMB 300. January 23. 8am – 4.30pm. Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (137 1877 7761 or 137 1805 3814)

Photos: Michaela Kobiolka

The Riviera Club House will be hosting yet another family-friendly Sunday market full of all the usual favorites and more.

The weather is getting colder, but this one is worth wrapping up and getting everyone out to do some New Year browsing, selecting, and sampling. There are offerings for both parents and the little ones, with fashion and accessories, and a bouncy castle. There will also be other fun and varied activities for the kids to participate in, and a wide selection of local foods and wine to tantalize the grown-ups.

Stock up on seasonal and fresh foods, while you peruse the carefully selected products from community vendors offering beautifully crafted gifts and artisan goods. There is always a little something for everyone at the Riviera Sunday Market, which takes place once a month in the lobby area of the Beijing Riviera Country Club in Shunyi. It’s worth making this a regular staple for family weekend outings.

Riviera Sunday Market, Jan 13
Free. January 13. 11am– 4pm. 1 Xiangjiangbeilu Beijing Riviera Country Club (18701371080)北京市朝阳区京密路香江北路一号香江花园俱乐部

Photo: Julia Chen

Every year there are a number of awesomely festive light displays going up in hotel lobbies, supermarket entrances, street promenades, and the like, but nothing compares to the unique display of vibrant and flashing colored lights that Solana strings above our heads, around trees and plants and adorning walkways, each time Christmas comes to town!

Head out for the light festival at Solana Shopping Mall on Friday (Dec 14) and immerse yourself in beams of light and the spirit of Christmas. Marvel with your loved ones, family, and friends at what feels like a colorful walk through a winter wonderland, Beijing style.

It’s the perfect way to really start feeling those festive vibes, especially if like me you happen to be spending the holidays in Beijing. This light festival will no doubt add the necessary charms of Christmas nostalgia and that fuzzy warm feeling most of us get when we know it’s the season of goodwill to all! It’s amazing what can happen when you embrace an outing like this one.

Play your favorite Christmas album before wrapping up warm and taking to the cold streets of the city, to enjoy what no doubt will be a fun, festive, and celebratory occasion for all the family. While down there, check out one of the many cool restaurants and get warm over hot pot and tea! Free. December 14 – February 25. Solana Shopping Mall.

Photos: chinadaily.cn.com, ebejing.gov.cn, pixabay