My guilty pleasure is an odd one: scrolling through the leading Chinese food review app 大众点评 DaZhongDianPing – otherwise known as Dianping for short – and finding dining venues, only to end up admiring their luxury interior designs and gasping at all the seemingly appetizing food while screaming, “I need to go there now!”

One time, I was drawn to a Korean BBQ restaurant through the app’s recommendation. The dazzling neon lights and marinated meat looked tender and juicy, accompanied by scarlet red seasoning, all of which was perfectly suited to my love for spice and beautiful spaces. So naturally, my friend and I just had to go. Unfortunately when we arrived, the actual restaurant radiated bleak emptiness and poor infrastructure. What’s more, the pork belly, drenched in oil with black spots on the edges indicative of overcooking, was not in my best interest either and definitely didn’t align with the neatly cut, cheery-white pork belly I had seen in the pictures.

Alas, I had been catfished.

Catfish – a common internet term that describes the action of using fake online identities to deceive others – is precisely the word I would use to describe what the restaurant did.

Nowadays, intense market competition has led many restaurants to adopt fake reviews, filtered pictures, forced ratings, and bots commenting on food review apps to boost numbers. 

As a self-proclaimed food expert around Beijing, I have a few tips to help you avoid getting catfished by snazzy internet photos and reviews while saving your wallet from undeserving food.

Tip #1 – Look for unfiltered pictures

If any restaurant was to promote their food through digital media, relentlessly applying filters to beautify their pictures is the go-to method of attracting customers. But don’t be deceived by these official photos posted by the restaurant itself. Be sure to also check out pictures posted by customers, and more specifically, the unfiltered ones. Do the food and overall atmosphere of the restaurant still seem enjoyable without the adornment of filters?

Original image vs. Filtered image

Tip #2 – Origin of the reviews

There’s always a possibility that food app reviews are flat-out paid for by the restaurant. If the positive reviews are predominately generic remarks that lack personal engagement or are written by users without profile pictures and random letter sequences for a username, then warning lights should be flashing. Checking multiple reviews will also help you get a more balanced, not to mention realistic expectation of the restaurant in question. 

Tip #3 – Restaurant history and reputation

Have people around you ever talked about this venue? Is the restaurant well known amongst the general public? Of course, it’s entirely possible that a restaurant hasn’t gained a lot of recognition because it’s new. On Dianping, you can check the date when the restaurant was listed by clicking the arrow shown in the picture below. If the restaurant has been around for a while but no one knows about it, maybe there’s a reason.

Tip #4 – Timing, timing, timing!

It is important to examine the timing of the reviews when determining whether or not they are genuine. If there is a huge influx or spike of comments during a very short period of time, it could indicate a promotion agenda implemented by the restaurant, resulting in a deluge of fake comments all at once. 

Unfiltered image vs. Filtered image

I took both of these photos myself, but the one on the left looks far less appetizing, while that on the right may prompt more comments like “Wow, where is this place?” If I am able to achieve this effect with just a few clicks of a free-to-use photo editing app and a slightly better camera angle, you can be sure that corporate restaurants out to make a buck will go to much greater lengths to lure you in. So, be savvy when relying on reviews!

Happy dining, readers!

KEEP READING: Bite-Size Beijing: Eating Your Way Through the City’s Street Foods

Images: Linda Huang

Airfare prices for the summer are already quickly rising, probably at a faster and sharper ascent than possible on any airline’s jet. We tried to snag some tickets back home for the summer at an incredible USD 600 per person. The route would have taken us from Beijing to Istanbul then to Vancouver stopping finally in Atlanta. We liked that we’d even have a bit of a layover in Istanbul for a bit of time killing. Sadly, the bank back in the States didn’t know it was an authorized purchase and so declined the payment.

A few days later, our pockets sweated as we had to fork out an extra USD 100 per person, and as all parents know, traveling with kids can get pricey. The difference could have covered our car rental for two weeks.

We found these great tickets using Sky Scanner, which has pulled up better prices against Kayak every time we compare. We know we still can’t beat Ctrip for Asian related flights in most cases. Our friends beat us by several thousand RMB when they bought tickets to Phuket via Ctrip. Good news is that their mobile app and website has a new feature allowing infant seats to be booked from the site rather than needing to call the airline or booking agent.  If you haven’t already bought your tickets for leaving Beijing… for good… you probably should start checking out prices.

And if you haven’t already heard the bad news, certain flights departing from the Middle East flying into the US and UK require that electronic devices, such as laptops and iPads, be checked in before take off. This new strange measure meant to curb terrorism really just creates a nightmare for traveling with kids. Check out this article for ideas on how to keep kids happy for hours and hours while confined in an airplane-shaped jail. I suppose I’m happy we won’t be flying from Istanbul now.

More stories by this author here.
Email: vanessajencks@truerun.com
Twitter: @vanessa_jencks
WeChat: vanessajencks

Beijing’s newcomers might be surprised to find international tuition fees equivalent to that of college tuition and lament the large portion education takes up of their overall budget. Over the last few years, schools have begun offering discounts and scholarships to either attract the finest of students in Beijing’s competitive school market or to act on their values.
The good news is that Beijing’s international school facilities and class offerings place them with the best internationally, but you know what they say: quality has a price. While no parent wants to choose their child’s education based on cost, the reality is that every family has to consider what they can afford. However, there is hope. Many international schools offer merit scholarships to both new and existing students, helping you save money.

Beijing City International School (BCIS)
Secondary students (age 14 and above) currently enrolled at the school, new students, as well as students of international families intending to relocate to Beijing are eligible for their annual merit and academic scholarships.
The merit scholarship is awarded based on sports, mathematics, science and technology, as well as the arts. Students must submit a portfolio showcasing their merits, an application essay, two letters commending their character, as well as previous academic records. Merit Scholarships, once awarded, renew each year until the student graduates.
The academic scholarship is awarded for academic achievements, proven with exemplary English, Math, and Chinese exam results. Students are to turn in a personal statement, two character references, and previous school records. Student recipients of the Academic Scholarship are subject for review for their academics, behavior, and community involvement each year.
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Toddler-Grade 12
School type: IB World School
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@bcis.cn

Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing)
YCIS’ Overall Achievement Scholarship can cover all of a student’s tuition fees up to four years. Students must demonstrate both excellence in academics and a commitment to learning. Well-rounded students should have contributed via charity and service to their community, acting on YCIS values.  Scholarship recipients are subject to annual review.
The Subject Specific Scholarship awards a 50 percent tuition discount, for the next school year, to passionate students of language and literature, music and performing arts, or sports. Applicants should show proficiency and zeal in their specific subject. For example, students (Year 7 and above) who have passed the Grade 4 at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music can apply for YCIS Beijing’s Music Scholarship.
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Kindergarten 2 to Year 13
School type: International K-12 school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
enquiry@bj.ycef.com

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA)
Existing students are awarded scholarships in the form of tuition fee reductions at the end of each school year. Students are evaluated based on their academic distinction, development in their chosen subjects, and dedication to the community.
Age range: 5-18;
Grades offered: Kindergarten -12
School type: Independent international school
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@ibwya.net

The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
Students at British School of Beijing, Shunyi can pay their tuition three times out of the year, but receive a 3 percent discount if paid in full at the beginning of the year. Families are also eligible sibling discounts, 5 percent for the third child and 10 percent for the fourth child. An academic scholarship policy is in place; further details are available from the school.
Age range: 1-18
Grades offered: Pre-Nursery to Year 13
School type: International school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
admissions@britishschool.org.cn

Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB)
Existing students can be nominated for a Merit Scholarship (sixth grade and up) or apply for an Academic Scholarship (high school only). The former is judged by a committee, which bases their decision on the student’s behavior, contributions, academics, as well as skills and talents. The Merit Scholarship is awarded to students with positive attitudes and exemplary work ethic. The latter is based on academics and social contributions to both the school and global community. The Academic Scholarship is a tuition discount between 20 and 25 percent, depending on the candidate’s test scores.
Age range: 18 months-18 years
Grades offered: Nursery to Grade 12
School type: International day school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
admissions@cis-beijing.com

Keystone Academy Beijing
Keystone Academy welcomes the best of candidates from all over the world, offering merit scholarships to offset tuition costs. All of their merit-based scholarship awards are RMB 25,000, but can be increased with need-based awards to cover the entire tuition.
A merit-based program, Founders’ Scholarship, rewards applicants who excel academically, demonstrate good character, and show promise in contributing to the Academy’s learning community.
The Junzi scholarship rewards students who resemble the original Confucian idea of a scholarly gentleman, or junzi, such as knowledge, compassion, discipline, and virtue. The committee chooses recipients who have both demonstrated leadership skills in their previous school environments and excelled in academics. The Junzi scholarship is only available to students applying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma program in grades 10 and 11, with a total amount from RMB 90,000 to RMB 180,000 and is valid for the entire diploma program as long as the recipient maintains their academic performance as a positive member of the school community.
Age range: 5-19
Grades offered: Foundation Year up to Grade 11 in 2016
School type: Local day and boarding School with an international curriculum
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admission@keystoneacademy.com

House of Knowledge (HoK)
The school offers scholarships, discounts, and payment plans. Tuition payments can be paid in two installments, every six months. Their discounts are numerous, and we calculated that excluding possible embassy, corporate, and sibling discounts, parents can already reduce tuition by 28 percent.
In addition, HoK also offers the SME Scholarship for entrepreneurs and families working in smaller businesses. The scholarship is in the form of discounted tuition, up to sixty percent, and is available for children between the ages of 5 and 8.
Age range: 18 months -11 years
Grades offered: Pre-K – Elementary
School type: International School and Kindergarten
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@hokschools.com

Harrow International School Beijing (Harrow Beijing)
Harrow Beijing offers the International Leaders’ Scholarship for the best international students (foreign nationals only), which reduces tuition by 60 percent. Students must be age 5 and above, where lower school students are assessed with age-appropriate testing. Upper school applicants are assessed in five areas: English proficiency, modern foreign languages, sports, music and creative arts, community contribution, and leadership ability. The financial means of the family are taken into consideration on a case by case basis in the awarding of the scholarship.
Age range: 2-18 years old
Grades offered: Pre-Nursery to Sixth Form
School type: International school
Admits: Qualified Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@harrowbeijing.cn

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
They accept financial aid applications from all WAB families, new and old.   The school processes applications one at a time, determining grants (if the grant can be full, half, or capped percentage) based on each individual case, and works flexibly with all families receiving support.
In addition, WAB students participate in the US National Merit Scholarship (NMSC) selection process, with the possibility of gaining USD 2,000-2,500 scholarship to be applied to tuition and other study expenses. US National Merit Scholarship is for students applying for universities in the US.
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: Early Years to Grade 12
School type: Non-profit, independent international school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only

Other Schools
Quite a few Beijing international schools have need based scholarships and discounts that are awarded on a case by case basis. Ganeinu International School and MAC, for example, reviews need-based scholarships depending on space and individual circumstances.  The French embassy has scholarship opportunities for citizens that, once received, can be applied to the International French School of Beijing (LFIP). Daystar Academy has offered scholarships in the past based on both need and fit, but at the time of publishing their policies were under review.
To find out if your desired school can work with your family’s financial situation, visit the school of your choice, or contact admissions, and ask about the possibilities for a scholarship, discount, or payment plan.
Finally, if the international schools of your choice cost more than your wallet can handle, also consider Chinese schools with international departments. Such schools come with similar programs, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), but a much smaller price tag.
Check the 2016 School Choice Guide available on our website under the schools tab or in our official wechat account under bjk best.

This article originally appeared on pages 27-29 of the September 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF YCIS

Children can understand basic fundamentals of money and its value by age 7 according to a University of Cambridge study. We asked TKè, a company that provides workshops for children to get more hands on experience with technology, for an app recommendation to assist in this. TKè works with schools like 3e International School to provide technology-based afterschool activities. According to the organization, “We believe improving children’s interpersonal skills and technological know-how will help them overcome the challenges and grasp the opportunities posed by 21st century technology.”
The app they recommend is the PiggyBot, a free iOS application for teaching children about money. The major drawback of the app is that the app can’t be synced across your iPhone, iPad, or iPod but can be downloaded on to each device. “This electronic piggybank’s simple interface and limited vocabulary makes it easy for children ages 6 and up to navigate. However the app does not explain what an allowance is, nor the difference between spending and saving; it facilitates that conversation between parents and their children. Parents can use the app to indicate how much allowance each child gets, and how much of that allowance must be saved or shared.”
“Once the electronic I owe you (IOU) is dispensed, each child can open his or her account and put the “money” into their respective “bins” (Spend, Share, Save). Children can then list their target purchases (e.g. a cupcake) and upload a picture of the item. They can also indicate who they want to share their “money” with, as well as remove “money” from their savings account (with parental permission). When a financial target is met, children can carry out the task with their parents’ help (e.g. purchasing the cupcake) and then indicate their accomplishment on the app. Once parents confirm the accomplishment, the child receives a badge!”
“Finally, parents can tap on a child and add a list of bonus chores the child can complete for extra money. Privacy is not an issue with this app, as it asks for nothing other than a parent’s email address for password recovery. No actual money is being transferred through the app, but it’s a great way for children to get used to online banking, and thinking of money in more abstract terms (i.e. debt and credit cards).”
“If you’re a busy parent, with older children, Green$treets may be the better choice. In this virtual world, children complete electronic “chores” to earn in-game currency. They can then use the currency to decorate their virtual playroom and rescue endangered species. The app implicitly teaches children the difficulty of earning money, and the importance of saving and donating what you earn.”

Green$treets
Platform: iOS
Price: Free

Piggy Bot
Platform: iOS
Price: Free

Contact Celia_y@tketech.co for info on camps and classes.

This article originally appeared on page 35 of the September 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.

PHOTOS: Moneyisland.com, iTunes.com