We walked up and down the street near Plan B, searching until we found it: the little out-of-place, old-timey barbershop with the lights still on at 8pm. Inside, if you look to your right there is a  small, built-in bookcase with a hidden button on the side. Press it (you know you want to) and the back wall of the shop will pull back revealing a cocktail bar called Confidential.

Inside is a classic, polished wood bar and rows of backlit bottles and highball glasses. There is a good chance owner Ian Syer will greet you with a glass of Scotch in one hand and a suggestion of what to try first off the menu.

The menu lists classics like martinis, Manhattans, and Mai Tais, oh my! But ask the knowledgeable bartenders what they suggest and you might be treated to some creative off-menu twists.

For example, an old fashioned with a hit of cinnamon, or a French martini laced with cognac. Most cocktails run between RMB 88 and RMB 128, and everything we tried we enjoyed.

The ambiance was lovely, too. The bar seats were comfortable and offered hooks for bags and coats, while overstuffed booths offered perfect corners in which to sit all night chatting and playing cards with friends.

An excellent saxophonist played standards that added to the grown-up vibe, and I’m told there is live music several times a week.

So the next time you are looking to break the routine from your regular happy hour or grab one last drink after dinner, head to Shuangjing and step into a 1920s speakeasy. 

Find it:
Courtyard 32, Beijing 22 International Art Plaza (just west of Plan B), Pingod Community, Chaoyang District
朝阳区苹果社区二十二院街艺术区32号院
Tues 7pm-2am Wed-Sun 6pm-2am

Images: Julie Wolf, the Beijinger

Beijing consists of 16 districts containing over 21 million people. In this series, we will be focusing on seven neighborhoods in four separate districts, which have become the most popular among Beijing’s expat community. While these aren’t the only areas that are home to waiguoren, these are the most accessible and offer, in our opinion, the best Beijing experience depending on your tastes and preferences.

Parkview Green

Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD) and Shuangjing are often labeled expat havens, and that’s not a bad thing. After all, the neighborhood’s proximity to quality schools, kid-friendly play areas, parks, and a variety of restaurants and shops makes for a comfortable home away from home. Framed by the Third and Fourth Ring Roads, the diverse Chaoyang District neighborhood encompasses famous architectural feats (CCTV’s Big Pants building), walkable greenspaces (Ritan Park), and top-notch shopping experiences (Parkview Green, China World Mall, SKP). Everything is within reach from the city’s financial hub, with convenient foot or subway access to all of the above. A short walk south from the CBD, Shuangjing’s Today Art Museum, and numerous malls offer just a slice of the many cultural options for family living and fun.

Pros

+ Home to one of Beijing’s biggest and diverse expat communities

+ Array of malls offers one-stop convenience and proximity

+ Public parks emphasize quality over quantity

+ Limitless shopping options within close distance

+ Variety of international food choices

Cons

– Corporate vibe

– Expensive rent, food, and shopping

– Far from historical landmarks and points of interest

– Heavy vehicle and foot traffic

– Limited greenspace options

Central Park

Residential Compounds

Quality, affordable living can be found in pricey Shuangjing, with residential compounds like A Pie and Pingod just a short foot trek to neighborhood supermarkets April Gourmet and Carrefour. The more upscale and spacious Shiqiao Guomao World Trade apartments off the Third Ring Road offer lobby and laundry service, a fitness center, and an onsite playground.

Among the CBD’s luxury-style, high-rise compounds are Central Park, Gemdale International Garden, and Windsor Avenue. Many of these Guomao residences offer round-the-clock management, swimming pools, and onsite gardens and parking. Prepare to pay a lot to live here, though consider it an investment in convenience: it’s all right next to shopping meccas Kerry Centre, SOHO, The Place, and China World Trade Center, as well as the super-convenient getting to subway Lines 1 and 10. At Royal CBD, we emphasize quality control testing at every stage of the manufacturing process so you don’t have to worry about it. We start while the plants are still in the soil, and follow it as they travel to the extraction facility. We then blend our pure CBD, CBD oil with pure unadulterated MCT oil and send it to a third-party lab for inspection to seal the deal.

Schools

Bilingual daycare centers and kindergartens abound. Enroll children as young as 3 at New Garden International in Fuli City, which offers full-day, bilingual kindergarten instruction. In nearby Guomao, options for early learners include Little Pony Daycare, Beanstalk International Kindergarten, and Etonkids, which all introduce toddlers to classroom structure and socializing.

Top international schools like Beijing City International School (BCIS) and Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) teach kindergarten through high school, and shape students to become competent in both English and Chinese.

Panjiayuan

Shopping

Let’s take it alphabetically: China World Mall, Hopson One, Kerry Centre, Parkview Green, Space 3, The Place, Viva Mall…enough malls for you? Pick one and you’ll encounter even more choices, from excellent international food courts to rows of fashion retailers, drug stores, and electronics shops. Feel like hustling a deal? Visit the Silk Market in CBD, where you’ll find bargains on knockoff jewelry and apparel or Panjiayuan in Shuangjing for antiques — if bartering’s your thing.

Dining

You can’t go wrong exploring the food courts inside every CBD and Shuangjing mall. Craving Western-style comfort food? Hotties at Hopson One mall in Baiziwan is a great go-to for cheap burgers. Blue Frog and Moka Bros are the latest newcomers to Space 3, with local favorite Q Mex already into its second year at the mall.

Step outside for more options, including Burger Break and Grinders, which both offer affordable bar grub. Shuangjing staple Lily’s American Diner has a bit of everything, and does a consistently satisfying brunch. For Mexican, you can’t beat Moji Taco & Salad in Fuli for authenticity. For a round of slices, try La Pizza at The Place in the CBD for a proper sit-down dinner, or Gung Ho! in Fuli for a takeout pie.

Where to Play

On a clear Summer day, nothing beats getting outside for a stroll with your kids for some family playtime. Qingfeng Park, nestled just east of Third Ring Road, is bursting with bright flowers and refurbished amusement park-style rides; there’s even safe bungee-jumping for kids). For 200 RMB, load up a card and enjoy an afternoon aboard the roller-coaster and carousel, among other rides. Ritan Park is a perfect escape from the bustle, big enough to run with the kids yet peaceful enough to do absolutely nothing and just revel in its nature.

On those rough AQI days, play centers offer clean air and plenty of freedom for children to run and play together. Enjoy a coffee or a meal at Space 3 mall’s Kimo Kids Cafe, where parents can buy playtime in increments of two hours. There’s also Line Friends Cafe in Guomao’s Yintai building, and Little Oasis in He Sheng Hui mall, featuring an entire floor of playspace. New York City Kids Club at Viva Mall offers membership-based packages transferable at all Beijing locations.

This article appeared in the beijingkids June 2019 Home & Relocation Guide issue.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker

ISB’s Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELO) Week

High school students at International School of Beijing (ISB) traveled locally and internationally for Experiential Learning Opportunities in early September. Through partnerships with expert guides, ELOs encouraged active engagement in experiences promoting personal growth and community. The trips ranged from an investigation into human trafficking in Vietnam, to cooking classes, to a historical tour of Beijing.

Roundabout Book Fair at BSB, Shunyi

The Roundabout Book Fair was held at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) on August 25-30. A total of over RMB 123,000 was raised and 100 percent will go to support Xinjiang’s babies born with heart defects.

BlackEXPO – “More than a Market”

BlackEXPO held its second edition on September 16, placing the spotlight on the community and the businesses, services, and talents of the black community in Beijing. BlackEXPO organizers describe their event as “a unique opportunity to further shape the black narrative in China, and do so with food, music, culture, and fun.”

Harrow Beijing City Campus ‘Settling In Days’

On September 10 and 11, Harrow Beijing City Campus held a two-day ‘Settling In Days’ event to help children become familiar with the new learning environment and their new teachers.

Rooftop Garden Fun at BCIS

A group of toddler students at Beijing City International School (BCIS) and their teachers visited the Early Childhood Center Rooftop Garden for some fun on a recent sunny day.

INN’s 2018 Arrival Survival

International Newcomer’s Network (INN) hosted their annual Arrival Survival on August 27 at the Capital Mansion Athletic Club in Beijing, providing expats who are new to Beijing with useful information to help them thrive in the city.

WAB Celebrates Arts and Athletics in Joint Festival

More than 600 high school students from international schools around China gathered on the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) campus for “WABX to the MAX”. Jazz musicians and dancers took part in workshops and performances with professional artists, while athletes competed in tournaments across five sports, including tennis, swimming, volleyball, rugby, and cross-country.

HoK Grade 1 Ceremony

House of Knowledge (HoK) held a welcoming ceremony in the gym, which included a celebration by the students in the Elementary school as they welcomed the students beginning their first day in Grade 1. In keeping with an old German tradition, each Grade 1 student was presented with a “Schultüte” during the ceremony.

Philippine Food Fair in Shuangjing

Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan (KnK) held “Pamilyang Pinoy,” a charity fair featuring Filipino foods and delicacies, as well as a photo exhibition and fun games for the family. The fair attracted over 150 attendees and raised a total of over RMB 1,500, which will be used to support those who suffered losses from Typhoon Haiyan.

Be You Revive Retreat

Women’s Retreat Beijing recently made a trip to Singing Deer Lodge, on the outskirts of northeast Beijing. As many as 30 people from the community attended the retreat and enjoyed a fun day with various activities, including a guided meditation session, yoga, and a hike on the Great Wall.

This post appeared on the beijingkids October 2018 Mental Health issue.
Photos: Courtesy of featured schools, BlackEXPO, Andy Penafuerte III, Juli Bradley, Pauline van Hasselt

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Fairs and Bazaars

Live With Less Clear Out/Exchange/Donation Drive, Sep 8
All ages. Autumn comes and the weather soon will get cool. It’s time to declutter your home and get prepared for the upcoming Live With Less swap event! Come to Crossboundaries’ office in Sanlitun and drop off your extra stuff, pick up some new treasures, and make new friends. Free admission. 11am-5pm. Crossboundaries.

Mexican Gastronomic Festival, Sep 11-17
All ages. The Mexican Gastronomic Festival aims to celebrate the country’s traditions and culture, offering guests an opportunity to discover Mexico and what it has to offer. Come and experience traditional Mexican performances, live cooking classes, and a signature chef’s table. 7-10pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast. (WeChat ID: 13311138038 Javier or 13311130538 Sasha)

H.I.S Fall Fair Festival, Sep 15
All ages. Come and celebrate the end of the hot summer and the welcome arrival of fall at Hope International School (H.I.S.) There’s something for everyone – a preschool playground for the little ones, and booths and games for teens and adults. Enjoy music from the children’s choir and other vocalists. Dine on Chinese, Korean, and western dishes. Free admission. Exhibition Hall 4, No. 1 Xiedao Road, Chaoyang District. (185 1371 3540, marketing@hopeintlschool.org)

BlackEXPO, Sep 15
All ages. BlackEXPO was born out of a simple desire: to illuminate the positive contributions of the Black community in Beijing. More than just a market, BlackEXPO is a cultural experience placing the spotlight on the community and the businesses, services, and talents therein. BlackEXPO is a unique opportunity to further shape the Black narrative here in China, and do so with food, music, culture, and fun. All are welcome and invited to come regardless of background. RMB 20. Noon-6pm. 27 Courtyard. (135 2121 7587, info@blackexpobeijing.com)

Pamilyang Pinoy Autumn Family Day, Sep 16
All ages. There’s more fun in Beijing as Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan (KnK) invites everyone to Pamilyang Pinoy, an autumn fair featuring the finest Filipino foods and delicacies, native games for kids and their parents, and an exhibition of paintings by Filipino expat families in town. The event aims to raise funds for a Filipino beneficiary. RMB 30 (adults), RMB 10 (kids). 10am-4pm. Plan B, Baiziwan, Shuangjing. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan)

The Great Aussie BBQ, Sep 16
All ages. Bring your family and friends along for a fun day out in the pleasant autumn sunshine, and experience a piece of Australia in Beijing. AustCham Beijing provides all the Aussie BBQ foods that we know and love, so treat yourself and your children to some Australian beef snags, rumps, and a true blue Aussie dessert section to complete a full Aussie Day menu. Adults can enjoy free-flow Australian beer and wine. There will also be a variety of kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained, and ensure a fun day in the sun for all. RMB 250 (adults), RMB 200 (kids under 12) free for kids under 6. RMB 800 (2 adults and 2 kids). 11am-4pm. JW Marriott Beijing. (RSVP: 8561 5005, events@austcham.org)

German Day, Sep 19
All ages. German- and English-speaking presenters and vendors invite everyone to the second Guangming Fall event in Beijing. The event aims to showcase to the public businesses and products from Beijing and Europe, and some vendors will have goodies for you as well! Free admission. 10am-2pm. Guangming Garden Area (close to Solana). (WeChat ID: SabinaKirchherr)

The Bookworm Mid-Autumn Fair, Sep 22
All ages. The Bookworm Fair takes place from September 22-24 in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There will be more than 45 vendors of handmade goods, fine art, jewelry, accessories, beverages and much more. Free admission. 2-8pm. The Bookworm. (JC Zhang: 158 1071 3743, mr_j.c.zhang@hotmail.com)

Feed Your Mind

WAB Distinguished Speaker Series: We Carry Kevan, Sep 11
All ages. In 2016, Kevan and his friends took a trip across Europe in which they left his wheelchair at home. The group’s journey grew to viral internet fame, as they carried Kevan around the continent in a backpack for three weeks, garnering attention from the world’s biggest media organizations. Now the author of five books and founder of an organization to redefine accessibility, Kevan and his friends will travel to China, stopping at Western Academy of Beijing to talk about “The Outcome of People Helping People.” Free. RSVP required. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. (WeChat ID: WABChat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu)

Pauline’s Cuisine Cooking Classes, every Tue/Thu from Sep 11
Looking for serious cooking classes from an experienced chef, or for a fabulous fun morning with friends? Pauline’s Cuisine gives you both. Each class will consist of a lecture about the culinary subject of the day, and some hardcore cooking. You will walk away with a full belly and new skills to impress in the kitchen. RMB 420 per person per class. 10am-1pm (see class schedule here). Contact Pauline’s Cuisine WeChat: Paulus155

ISB Recruitment Fair, Sep 15
Adults. The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites educators in China and the EARCOS/ACAMIS region to attend their first-ever job fair, which offers the opportunity for everyone to meet members of the ISB community and speak to the school’s leadership team. Visit our Events page to register for the ISB Job Fair. Free admission but RSVP required. ISB. (8149 2345, info@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Women’s Retreat Beijing: Be You Revive!, Sep 16-17
Adults. Give a woman a rejuvenating and reviving break, and send her off to the Be You Revive! Following a successful Mother’s Day retreat in May, “Be You” returns this autumn and promises to nourish the body and soul of the participating ladies. The revival cycle takes place on Sep 16-17 in the luxurious surroundings of Deer Singing Lodge, and includes activities like yoga, sip and paint, hiking on the Great Wall, a workshop with a life coach, a goodie bag, and more surprises! Secure your spot today with an RMB 100 non-refundable deposit. Check out beijingmothersguild.com for more details. Singing Deer Lodge. (WeChat: BerryThoughtfulLife, paulus155, pflivanhasselt@yahoo.com)

INN September Gathering – Medical Q&A, Sep 17
Adults. The International Newcomer’s Network (INN) General Gathering topic for September is their Medical Q&A, with a team of international medical professionals on hand to answer all the questions you may have about any health-related concerns. The best part of this gathering is you don’t have to make an appointment to talk to the professionals. RMB 60. 10am. Capital Mansion Athletic Club. (WeChat ID: INNBeijing1994, 138 1170 5071)

Beijing SMIC Private School Open House, Sep 20
All ages. Beijing SMIC Private School invites all prospective families to meet the school principal and academic team, as well as tour the school campus and learn more about its curriculum and culture. Free admission. 1.30-3.30pm. Sign up at admissions@bjsmicschool.com. Beijing SMIC Private School, No. 9 Liang Shui He 2nd Street, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. (6785 3030 ext. 2108, admissions@bjsmicschool.com)

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, every Fri
Ages 1-18 months. Families with little ones up to 18 months can come to meet other expat families, enjoy playing with age-appropriate toys, creating seasonal crafts, singing, actions and lots more! Drinks and snacks provided. Free admission but open to foreign passport holders only. 9-10.30am. RSVP www.bsbshunyi.com/babygroup (as space is limited). The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi campus. (8047 3558, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Get Active

Free Weight Loss Event at BJU, Sep 5-6
Adults. Losing weight can be an uphill battle. Get the tools you need to make the task a little easier by coming to Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) and listening to talks from weight loss experts. BJU Naturopathic Physician (and beijingkids columnist) Dr. Melissa Rodriguez will share tips for making your lifestyle a little healthier and Good Enough Weight Loss (GEWL) Coach Titi Hill will give an outline of her bespoke weight management program for those interested in taking the next step to a healthier physique. The content of both days will be the same, and participants will have the option to either join the morning or evening session. Free admission (visit this page for more info). Sep 5 session: 10am-noon; Sep 6 session: 6.30-8.30pm. Beijing United Family Hospital.

Functional Anatomy and Movement 20HR YTT with Gwen, Sep 10-11
Adults. This two day intensive training will benefit any yoga teacher or practitioner looking to brush up on, or expand and better utilize, knowledge of the working body. By the end of this training, participants will have learned to look from a three-dimensional approach at the physical body, the breath, and the mind simultaneously, and how to move in more healing ways to experience greater integrity and therapeutic effect in their personal practice, as well as applying them in classes. RMB 2,800 (visit this page for more info). 7am-6.15pm. Taozi Tree Yoga. (www.taozitreeyoga.com)

Charity Fundraiser “History of China in Fifty Objects” Tour, Sep 15
Adults. Newman Tours is leading a charity tour in aid of Dew Drops Little Flower, which provides intensive nursing care, medical treatment, and education for abandoned children. Explore the human history of China through 50 of the most celebrated art objects in Beijing’s National Museum of China. Their guide will take participants on an informative and entertaining journey of 4,000 years, using the most venerated objects of the museum’s collection to illustrate the principal developments of China’s epic history. RMB 260 per person (guests must bring passports to enter the National Museum). 1.30-3.30pm. Tours must be booked in advance (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours.com, www.newmantours.com)

Beijing Charity Readers Theatre’s “Show in a Week” Audition, Sep 15
All ages. Get involved in English theater in China, as Charity Readers Theatre’s next production is Nobel laureate Luigi Pirandello’s Right You Are (If You Think So). Auditions will be held on Sep 15, and the one-night performance on Sep 22. Experienced actors encouraged, and new actors are also welcome. 100 percent of tickets sales donated to charity. Produced in partnership with Beijing Playhouse Drama Club. For more information, contact artsforagoodcausebeijing@charityreaderstheatre.org.

AIDS Walk 2018, Sep 15
Adults. The 7th China AIDS Walk 2018 on the Great Wall will be another occasion for people from different communities to meet, talk, and share experiences, love and care with each other. The goals of this year’s China AIDS Walk is to mobilize 100 professionals with various expertise to provide pro bono services for AIDS-related charity work, and raise RMB 700,000 to support community-led HIV/AIDS initiatives throughout China. Free, but donations are welcomed. From 9am. Visit this page to see more info. (186 1269 4069, martin@ChinaAIDSWalk.cn)

2018 ORG National Hockey League China Game, Sep 19
All ages. The 2018 ORG China Games will feature two world-class teams, the Boston Bruins and the Calgary Flames. The pre-season games will celebrate the very best of Ice Hockey in China, as the country embarks on a journey to the 2022 Winter Olympics. RMB 180-2,000. 5-9pm. Cadillac Center. (www.NHL.com/ChinaGames)

Autumn Camps

Mix-Media Art (10-Week Program), Sep 15-Dec 8
All ages. From academic to creative drawing, students learn a variety of drawing techniques and skills in the [Mix-Media Art] program. But what makes it a unique experience for students are the group activities, aimed at encouraging the development of artistic collaborations. [Mix-Media Art] will include classes on academic drawing, life-drawing, color theory, and exploring mediums (acrylics, oils, water-color), as well as using random objects to create sculptures. RMB 3,800 for a 10-week Saturday program (Sep 15, 22; Oct 20, 27; all Saturdays of Nov; Dec 1, 8) RSVP: j.pohland@hotmail.com. The SLab. (156 0120 1550)

Sewing 101 (10 week Course), Sep 16-Dec 9
All ages. The SLab’s [Sewing 101] program for kids is an intensive, fun, and hands-on program that teaches the proper foundations of sewing. From group activities to personalized projects, students experience a variety of interactive exercises to help them master sewing skills. They will end the ten weeks with several pieces ranging from tote bags, aprons, cushion covers or more! RMB 3,800 for a ten-week Sunday course (Sep 16, 23; Oct 21, 28; all Sundays of Nov; Dec 2, 9) RSVP: j.pohland@hotmail.com. The SLab. (156 0120 1550)

Golden Week Holiday – Adventure Camp, Sep 29-Oct 7
All ages. Imagine’s Golden Week Holiday camp gives kids a chance to participate in some of Imagine’s most iconic adventures: Civilisation Game, parkour, indoor climbing, indoor ski, and Adventure Park. The camp length is a minimum of three days from a total of nine days. RMB 700-900 inclusive of transport. (WeChat ID: Imagine-china, info@imagine-china.com)

Upcoming October Events

The SLab’s 3-Day Movie-Making October Holiday Camp, Oct 3-5
All ages. The SLab is offering a unique three-day movie camp, where students will get to discover and recreate the lost art of silent film-making. Students will learn to tell a story through actions and composition, with little to no use of words. With the guidance of a film professional, they will get to work on writing their own story and script, acting, and filming it themselves. RMB 1,888 (lunch included). 10am-4pm. RSVP: j.pohland@hotmail.com. The SLab. (156 0120 1550)

Imagine’s Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course, Oct 4-7
Ages 18+. Imagine will be hosting a Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course in association with Wilderness Medical Associates International. This is an entry-level course designed for professionals working in significantly remote settings for days or weeks. RMB 3,950 course fee. 8am-6pm. (www.imagine-china.com)

Roundabout 10th Anniversary Charity Gala Ball, Oct 19
Adults. Roundabout’s 10th anniversary Charity Gala Ball’s focus will be to raise money for all the children they support. Gala sponsor ifeng.com will broadcast the event live on their website and on Phoenix TV. There will be an amazing raffle, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from our international community. RMB 1,100. 6pm. Hyatt Regency Wangjing. (theroundaboutball@outlook.com)

Photos: Scott Webb via Pexels; courtesy of featured event organizers

Sandwiched in a four square kilometer area between the Third and Fourth Ring Roads, the CBD is the financial center of the city. Modern high rises, luxury shopping, five-star hotels, and major companies make up much of the environment. The famous CCTV Tower, or “Big Pants,” is CBD’s most recognizable landmark. Located just south of CBD, Shuangjing was once a no man’s land of factories, but is now home to higher-end housing. With one of the highest concentrations of residential compounds in Chaoyang District, Shuangjing has a diverse population of white-collar locals and expat families who have settled in the area due to its proximity to schools and CBD workplaces.

Residential Compounds

Residential compounds abound in CBD. The aptly named Central Park features a central location in a large compound filled with restaurants, shops, cafes, beauty services, and even a bakery. Central Park has its own indoor swimming pool, sauna, squash court, and gym. Gemdale International Garden and the nearby shopping center Gemdale Plaza, also have a real neighborhood feel, with on-site markets, restaurants, cafes, a post office, a gym, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground. Pingod, nicknamed “Apple Community,” is another large compound with a good selection of convenience stores, close public transport, and shops. Adjacent to Viva Mall, Fulicheng has a gym and health club, children’s play areas, and a clubhouse. Landgent International apartments surround a man-made lake and central garden and is located near Carrefour, cafes, florists, laundry services, post office, and banks.

Schools

There are plenty of schools in Beijing’s CBD and Shuangjing neighborhoods including Beijing City International School (BCIS) and Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS, Beijing) which offer grades from kindergarten to high school, while Etonkids International Bilingual Kindergartens, Ivy Academy, and the Canadian International School of Beijing’s Jianguomen campus offer learning for students just beginning their academic careers.

Shopping

CBD has a number of high-end shopping malls frequented by business travelers, expats, and locals, such as Shin Kong Place, China World Mall, Kerry Center, and the LEED-certified Parkview Green. For more mid-range options, The Place has Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo. In Shuangjing, Carrefour, Decathlon, Viva Mall, and the recently completed Hopson One Mall are within walking distance of the area’s many residential compounds.

Dining

Restaurants tend to be concentrated in malls or compounds. For example, Central Park has several options such as The Woods (Modern European), Thai Lime Cafe, and LMPlus (Italian), while The Place has Moka Bros and Herbal Cafe (Cantonese). China World Mall and its labyrinth of connected buildings in Guomao also have a plethora of fun restaurants, including Migas Mercado, Arcade By Hatchery, and Beersmith Gastropub. Shuangjing has recently gained expat favorites like Q Mex and Blue Frog, and is continuing to grow in its offerings by the month.

Where to Play

For outdoor activities, Ritan Park is a green oasis in the middle of the CBD’s concrete jungle. It’s a great place to let kids burn off their energy and learn about some Beijing history and culture. There are also some modern-day touches, like a climbing wall and a decent playground. The Place is home to a number of great kids play areas both inside and outside the facility, including kid’s work out space, My Gym. Parkview Green is more upscale, with filtered air for polluted days. A regular destination at Parkview Green for visiting mums and babies is Little Oasis, a popular indoor play area. Moms would be glad to know that breastfeeding and baby changing rooms are particularly plentiful and clean at this fancy shopping mall. For more kid friendly cultural events, Ready Reading Library is a bilingual kid’s library offering an extensive selection of books catered towards children under the age of nine. They also sell an array of kid’s toys, organize arts and crafts classes, and often put on fun live storytelling events.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker
This article appeared on p18-29 of beijingkids July 2018 Home & Relocation Guide issue

We often think of Beijing as a massive, cosmopolitan metropolis awkwardly positioned on top of an ancient city, but surprisingly the majority of Beijing is rural. Taking up over 16,000 sqkm of land, Beijing is so massive it actually should be viewed as a county rather than a city. This can make it a daunting task for finding the most appropriate neighborhood for you and your family to settle down.

Beijing itself is broken up into districts, with the center districts considered to be the main part of the “city” of Beijing. Districts themselves can be massive, with populations equaling the size of whole European cities, and they house diverse, ever-changing, neighborhoods within.

Like in all major cities when settling on an area to live in, your neighborhood very much reflects your personality and the unique social, professional, or cultural needs of you and your family.

Areas like Sanlitun, the Central Business District (CBD), and Liangmaqiao are expensive and filled with shopping malls and a more developed western food scene that attracts a wealthier Chinese and expat clientele.

The trendy areas of the city, where many young expats tend to reside would be the hutongs. These neighborhoods are located primarily in Dongzhimen or Gulou and often attract those looking for a more authentic Beijing experience, due to their picturesque though sometimes gritty setting. But this can be an inconvenient option for some families as markets with international goods aren’t very close, the plumbing is old, and these old houses can get cold during the winter.

For expat families who’d prefer to settle down in neighborhoods near reputable schools, Shunyi is likely your best option, but it is a far drive out of the dynamic city center. Far-flung neighborhoods have much cheaper rent, but can often lack nightlife, a diverse dining scene, or many other creature comforts that we crave to maintain our social lives.

In our Beijing Neighborhood Guide you’ll discover all of the pros and cons of each area, which we hope will help guide you in your search for the perfect place to live, learn, eat, and play for as long as you decide to call this incredible city home.

Photos: Kipp Whittaker
This article appeared on p18-29 of beijingkids July 2018 Home & Relocation Guide issue

Beijing is undeniably large, with its whopping 16,411 sqkm of land area, the majority of it being rural. At times you might feel like your family is in a small bubble but believe us, there’s more fun and life beyond your comfortable living space.

Below is a map of your new community, showing what’s in and what’s cool in the Jing! The first half of the map shows central Beijing with neighborhood clusters from Shuangjing and the Central Business District (grids C5 to E6), Sanlitun and Dongzhimen expat hubs (C4-D4), Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang Park, and Lido areas (D1-E4), while the second map shows the breadth of the northeastern Chaoyang and Shunyi Districts, including the Wangjing neighborhood (F5-G6), Laiguangying (G4-H4), and much of Shunyi (G1-I4).

Here are several family-friendly places and major establishments that will help you make the most of your time in Beijing. Make sure to check our website for event listings and our sister brand, the Beijinger, for more directory information. Once more, welcome home!

Click/tap to enlarge the map

Illustration by Liubov Vladimirova.
The featured illustration cannot be republished or reused without the written permission of beijingkids and Vladimirova.

This article appeared on the inside cover page of the beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2018-2019 issue.

What better way to start your Saturday than by tucking into a stack of fluffy pancakes? Nothing really, so we took Charissa Wang (8) who attends Daystar Academy in Shunyi, and William Ziming Wu (9) who attends The Elementary School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, to try out some grub at the Tiger Pancake House in Shuangjing.

Shuangjing is a neighborhood in Beijing with its fair share of American-style restaurants. One of these eateries is Tiger Pancake House, with their extensive menu of good old favorite breakfast items, burgers, and of course pancakes in a variety of flavors. The restaurant is both cozy and family friendly. While they don’t have a play corner, the pancakes should do a great job of keeping your kid’s attention.

William and Charissa have been family friends for a long time; they entered each other’s life when William made a run for it at kindergarten, and Charissa’s mother found him. The two mothers later became good friends, and even became each other’s children’s godmothers.

We arrived at Tiger Pancake House where they serve breakfast all day, just like those classic American diners. William and Charissa had a change of heart after looking at the menu, and William opted for a steak (RMB 188) and Charissa choose a cheeseburger (RMB 78). They combined this good old US fare with a strawberry milkshake (RMB 32) and vanilla mint milkshake (RMB 36). We also ordered a breakfast (RMB 65) and chocolate pancakes (RMB58) to make sure we tasted each option on the menu.

William devoured the steak; we were surprised by the gusto with which he ate the big slab of beef. Charissa took a bit longer with her food, but she surprisingly also finished the entire burger. The hash browns served were the closest taste to “real” hash browns we have ever eaten outside of the US, and the chocolate pancakes were a Saturday morning worthy dish, that probably needs sharing with two or more friends. All in all, we were very pleased with the experience, and Tiger Pancake House has definitely gained a couple of regular customers with these delectable sweet and savory items.

Tiger Pancake House

Daily 9.30am-11.30pm. 105 Bldg 24, Shuanghayuan Nanli Sanqu, Guanghua Beiyijie, Chaoyang District (6770 5882) 朝阳区光华北一街双花园南里三区24号楼105号

Photos: Uni You
This article appeared on p22-23 of beijingkids February 2018 issue.