When my husband secretly booked a weekend stay at ZhiResort Hotel (北京在之禾酒店), I admit my expectations were low. It’s a local hotel that many have never heard of, but this hidden gem nestled within Ziyu Park – sandwiched between Beijing’s Fourth and Fifth Ring Roads – completely rewrote our definition of urban family retreats.

The hotel shares its grounds with views of the Olympic Tower and direct access to Ziyu Park’s sprawling greenery. Three things to note:

1. Day visitors are allowed from 10am to 4pm (with clearance starting at 3.30pm). We arrived at 2pm and shared the park with outside guests for an hour.
2. Upon reaching the gate, you need to provide the reservation name for entry.
3. Hotel guests enjoy exclusive free parking – a rare perk in Beijing!

​Animal Encounters Beyond Zoos​

The park transforms into a private wonderland after 4 pm when day visitors depart:

• ​Free-roaming friends: Alpacas graze freely (though we missed the sika deer’s appearance).
• ​Feathered performers: Peacocks compete in impromptu feather displays.
• ​Curious residents: Capybaras, monkeys, foxes, and ostriches observe guests from their enclosures.

Feeding guidelines

You can purchase feed from vending machines if you want to feed the animals. There’s no outside food available, so you need to buy it there. They’ve got different selections for different animals, like seed mixes for the birds, carrots for the alpacas and deer, and jerky for the dogs and foxes. However, there’s a strict no feeding rule when it comes to the capybara.

Hotel Highlights for Families​

The property balances functionality with subtle luxury:

• ​Bike adventures: Parent-child bicycles feature clever child seats mounted on adult frames.
• ​Water play: The outdoor pool connects to hot springs. We recommend changing in your room first (no changing room in pool area).
• ​Thoughtful touches: Child-sized toiletries, simple but nice afternoon tea, free mini-bar with soft drinks and beer, and fresh mulberries so sweet they might’ve been picked from the hotel’s own trees.

Pro Tips:​

• ​Bug defense: Arm yourself with plenty of mosquito repellent. There’s plenty of greenery there, which means you’ll need to fight off those pesky bloodsuckers.
• ​Mealtime hacks:
  • Breakfast (served until 11am) offers congee, noodles, Cantonese dim sum, salad, baked food, and coffee.
  • Order delivery to the gate. Staff will happily drive you there via golf cart to pick up your food.
  • Explore off-property dining options for better value.
• ​Golden hour magic: Stroll the forest boardwalks after 4pm for some peace and quiet.

The Price of Exclusivity

​While standard rooms start around RMB 1,500/night (private hot spring rooms may double this), the cost buys what money rarely can in Beijing, which is an unforgettable child-friendly playtime with animals without zoo crowds, space to breathe (literally – the air smells like proper countryside), and the luxury of watching your kids chase alpacas instead of iPad screens.

​In a city of cookie-cutter luxury hotels, ZhiResort delivers something different. Relish serene and pleasant leisure time. Parents rediscover quiet moments, and children learn nature’s rhythms from creatures who’ve never known cage bars. I’m not saying it’s a perfect hotel. Their rooms lack the five-star polish you can come to expect from international luxury chains, but when golden light filters through the park’s mist at dusk, you’ll forget you’re still inside the Fifth Ring Road.

Find it:
1 Ziyu East Road, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区紫玉东路1号
Tel: 6491 7488

Images: Siyu He

My kid went WILD as soon as she walked in the room.

Let me rewind a second. My husband booked us a staycation at the Sofitel Beijing Central and upon hearing that we’d be bringing our almost 3-year-old little girl with us, they upgraded us to their Octonaut-themed room that’s filled with kid-friendly amenities.

My daughter has two favorite shows – Paw Patrol and Octonauts. To her, Captain Barnacles, Peso, Kwazii, and the rest of the team aren’t just characters, they’re her friends. So when she walked into the room and saw Octonaut decor everywhere and stuffed Peso and Kwazii that were bigger than she was, her small face lit up with excitement!

Beijing residents who’ve been here for a number of years will remember the Sofitel Beijing Central as the W Hotel – what was once the city’s party hotel. But, like us, the hotel matured, and instead of catering to the 20-year-olds, they now cater to those same former 20-year-olds who now have families and small kids of their own, but who still love to have fun! I remember the hotel parties we used to have here when it was the W. That same level of excitement still resonates today, but instead of champagne and caviar, we’ve got juice and wine, desserts, and lots of giggles in the Octo-fort!

Aside from gigantic Octonaut characters, tent, and Octo-themed decor everywhere, there’s plenty to enjoy for the parents as well. For example, the bed…  I had the hardest time summoning up the willpower to leave the incredibly comfortable bed! Not only are there memory foam pillows waiting for you to sink into, it comes with a remote that lets you adjust the comfort level and even angles. Needless to say, I spend a decent amount of time adjusting myself up and down on the big comfy bed.

Bathtime was made extra special with the gigantic round tub that overlooks the city, along with Octonaut toiletries and even Captain Barnacles slippers.

The pool and gym at Sofitel Beijing Central are also a not-to-miss feature of the hotel. Fitness enthusiasts will be thrilled to find well-maintained workout facilities while the kids splish and splash in the pool.

For breakfast the next morning, they’ve got everything from Western classics to a small room that’s just for local Beijing snacks. As a bonus, they’ve even got a kid’s play area right outside that’s perfect for young children to hang out at while the adults enjoy a slow morning.

To find out more about the Octonaut staycation at Sofitel Beijing Central, get in touch via email at gsc.beijing@sofitel-beijing-central.com .

Find it:
2 Jianguomen South Avenue, Chaoyang District
Tel: 6515 8855

Images: Mina Yan

It’s that time of year again – Single’s Day or 11.11, also known as the world’s largest single-day shopping spree, beating Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Chances are you’ve seen the 11.11 deals on JD, Taobao, and just about every shopping pltaform there is in China. To sum it up, basically, everyone’s having sales on all your favorite things. So whether it’s getting a head start on your holiday shopping or killing time in quarantine, right now is a great time to open up your e-wallet and shop.

Check out some amazing 11.11 deals from our favorite places in Beijing.

DIY Temaki Set From Hatsune

You know you’ve sat at a sushi restaurant and thought to yourself “I could totally make these too.” Well, here’s your chance to prove yourself right! For 11.11 Hatsune is offering a special DIY temaki set for RMB 228 so you can make your own at home. Each set comes with all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions you’ll need for 2 Negihama and Unagi handrolls, 2 Crispy Salmon Skin Handrolls, and 2 Spicy Tuna Handrolls. They’ve got limited sets available. You can either stop by the Hatsune nearest you to grab a set or scan the QR code below to have one delivered.

Top Up Card at The Opposite House & Amazing Deals on Food

For 11.11 The Opposite House is selling a top-up card that you can use at their outlets for RMB 6,800 with an additional RMB 2,242 for free. They’ve also got a limited-time exclusive staycation on 11.11 in their Studio 70 room with breakfast for two at Frasca for RMB 2,388 instead of their regular price of RMB 3,148.

Scan the QR code below to see all the deals available at The Opposite House.

Eat and Stay Deals at East Beijing Hotel

We love East Hotel! From their beautiful rooms to the most kid-friendly brunch in town. For 11.11 they’re offering a one-night stay in their Urban King Room for RMB 800 instead of the usual price of RMB 1,000.  Or, if you’re making it a truly kid-friendly staycation, their Monchhichi room is decorated with super cute bedding for kids and includes dinner and breakfast for two. For 11.11 they’re selling this super kid-friendly staycation for RMB 1,350 instead of the regular rate of RMB 2,000.

Then for the foodies, they’ve got dining passes like a pass for 30 days of coffee for RMB 488. If you do the math, that should cost you RMB 1,260 to get coffee at Domain for 30 days!

Scan the QR code below to see all the promotions at East Beijing.

Plan Ahead for the Holidays With InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun

You know you’re going to need a lot of great food for the holiday season. Why not plan ahead and save some money? For 11.11, InterContinental is selling their 2.5kg holiday ham along with 6 bottles of red, white, or sparkling wine for RMB 980 instead of the regular price of RMB 1,468. They’ve also got their fantastically juicy turkey that weighs in at between 5-6kgs along with 6 bottles of red, white, or sparkling wine for RMB 1,380 instead of RMB 1,876.

Scan the QR code below to purchase.

Get Your Nails Done at Fairmont Beijing

Fairmont’s world-renowned Willowstream Spa is known for providing unforgettable massages. Heck, I had a full body massage there almost ten years ago and I still remember how amazing it was! But, at their prices, they’re far from being your everyday massage place. For 11.11 you can get your nails done at the Fairmont Beijing for RMB 111 as compared to their regular price of RMB 598.

Scan the QR code below to purchase.

Images: Courtesy of vendors

Traveling out of Beijing this National Holiday is going to be challenging. Whether you can return in time for school and meet all their return policy requirements is a tough call. So, without leaving the city, here are the family-friendly staycation deals happening in town that’ll give you the relaxation and fun you want all while staying within the city limits.

Staycation at Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing

Pricing: RMB 1,188 per night

Artyzen is one of those hotels that has fantastic offerings but sometimes seems to get forgotten. Located right by MOMA, it’s within walking distance from a huge outdoor playground that’s completely free for kids of all ages. Inside the hotel, they offer that luxury hotel dining without the high expensive prices at the family-friendly San Restaurant. While parents dine, kids can play and read at the play area at the entrance of the restaurant.

This holiday, they’re offering a staycation package that lets you enjoy all of it for RMB1,188. Spend a night in the 55sqm Santury Suite with a king bed or the 60sqm Habitat with twin beds including breakfast for two adults. This staycation package also includes a set dinner for two adults and one kids’ meal.

Pro tip:
During your stay be sure to either order waimai or ask for toiletries or something at least once. Artyzen delivers things to the rooms with a super cool robot. The kids will definitely enjoy seeing this surprise when they open the door.

Find it:
Building 11, No.1 Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京东城区香河园街1号院11号楼
Tel: 84743000

Family Staycation Deals at Hotel Kempinski Beijing

Pricing: RMB 1,688-2,888 per night depending on room type

Kempinski, situated along the Liangma River in Chaoyang District, has two deals for the holiday: their National Day Kids Club Package, available from Sep 30-Oct 1, and their Double Ninth Festival Family Fun Package.

The Kids Club Package includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, executive deluxe room, or salon suite, access to the National Day buffet brunch at the hotel’s Signature’s restaurant for two adults and one child under 12, and a full day of family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities.

The Double Ninth Package includes the same deal as the Kids Package but with even more Double Ninth-themed activities like Chinese fan making, Chinese cooking classes, and Qigong health exercises for the whole family.

Find it:
Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路50号

EAST Beijing Staycation & Family Packages

Pricing: RMB 2,300-4,800 per two-nights (depending on room type); Starting at RMB 2,299 (for Family Package)

Guests can enjoy a two-night stay in one of EAST Beijing’s sunny rooms, with slots available in their EAST Room as well as in their highest available accommodation, the Upstairs EAST Studio Room. Wake up with the sun and head down to FEAST to enjoy breakfast for two — and a little extra, with an additional RMB 500 dining credit per stay.

Families can check out the hotel’s special Family Package, which includes a stay in one of EAST’s fantastic kid-friendly rooms, complete with a fun tent, shampoo, bathrobe, and slippers made just for children, plus the option to add another bed for a suite stay. Families can also enjoy a special semi-buffet Surf & Turf dinner at FEAST for two adults and one child aged 12 or under.

Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号
Tel: 8426 0888

Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing X UCCA Lab Kids Staycation

Pricing: Safari @Urban Forest staycation from now until October 16 for RMB 1,288 per night in Standard Room, RMB 2,188 per night in Regency Suite.

Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing and UCCA Lab take you on an Eric Carle’s adventure! Book our from now until October 16 and enjoy 3 tickets to The Playful World of Eric Carle exhibition at UCCA Lab in Beijing. Embark on an exciting childhood and every little explorer is all set and ready to go!

At Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, a special kid staycation has been prepared for you and your little ones. With great expectations and excitement, they enjoy the warm sunshine within this urban forest and sleep at night with blinking stars looking over. To create an exploration within this urban forest, guests and their little ones will immerse themselves in Kengo Kuma’s design and enjoy a wonderful journey to a fun family time.

Find it:
Lei Shing Hong Center, 8 Guangshun South Street, Chaoyang District
朝阳区广顺南大街8号院利星行中心
Tel: 86301234

Staycation Above the Clouds at China World Summit Wing

Pricing: Starting at RMB 2,288 per night

Spend the National Holiday in style at China World Summit Wing, Beijing’s highest hotel, situated 330 meters above the China World Shopping Mall and the rest of the CBD. The hotel’s Staycation Above the Clouds Package includes two breakfasts at their Michelin Plate honoree restaurant Grill 79, two complimentary cocktails, and dinner for two at a select restaurant or a select spa treatment. The package also includes free parking.

For families, there’s also the Kids’ Friendly Package, which includes Adventure Zone parking, a complimentary tent, and plush toys for children.

What’s more, guests who choose to stay in a suite room can enjoy a complimentary ride in a McLaren supercar.

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

Images: Courtesy of hotels

It’s hard to believe that Universal Studios Beijing officially opened on Sep 20, 2021, almost one whole year ago now. It seems like just yesterday when my family walked through the hallowed gates onto Hollywood Boulevard and my then-6-year-old’s jaw dropped in awe. I can still remember jumping up and down in excitement when we spotted the colorful Minion Land from afar, and my kid still drools at the memory of corn dogs at the stands in Jurassic World. And I’m sure we all remember the spectacular photos when Hogsmeade was covered in real snow last winter.

Especially due to travel restrictions, Universal Studios has been a great escape for us when we couldn’t leave Beijing. Even though pandemic protocols saw the entire resort close down for almost two months earlier this year, the park has been receiving great crowds since it reopened at the end of June, in hopes to meet its target maximum capacity of 110,000 visitors.

In celebration of its first year anniversary, Universal Studios is offering special discounts on their admission tickets.

A three-visit General Admission Ticket, valid for use between Sep 13 to Nov 30 of this year, will start from RMB 635 for children and RMB 845 for adults. In comparison to the General Admission ticket for one visit, which starts from RMB 395 for kids and RMB 528 for adults, you don’t need to be a math genius to work out it’s quite a bargain! The special anniversary prices also extend to the 1.5 Day tickets, which start from RMB 635 for kids and RMB 845 for adults.

If you’re thinking of getting the 1.5 Day tickets, then you must be considering staying the night in one of the two on-site hotels at Universal Beijing Resort. Check out our previous article comparing the Nuo Resort Hotel and Universal Grand Hotel here.

In line with the anniversary celebration, the park is offering a staycation deal, available for purchase only this September, though you can use it from Sep 13 to Oct 29 (except during Golden Week). Starting from RMB 3,414, the Double Package offers two 1.5 Day tickets, a one-night stay at the Nuo, access to their Executive Lounge with breakfast for 2 adults and 1 child between 3-11 years, and other exclusive benefits. The Family Package, starting from RMB 3,890 offers all that plus one 1.5 Day ticket for a child.

Download the official Universal Studios BJ app from the App Store to check out all the details of these packages and more. There’s even a quiz you can play to win anniversary prizes such as a 99.9% off ticket coupon, as well as limited edition anniversary merchandise and in-park products. Scan the QR code in the poster below for more details!

Check out our family-friendly guides to each Land in Universal Studios here!

KEEP READING: Inside Universal Beijing CityWalk’s Chocolate Factory

Images: Uni You, Universal Studios Beijing App

Who’s the most famous mouse in the world? No doubt the first name that pops into your head is Mickey!

UCCA Lab’s latest exhibition is one for kids and grown-ups alike and features original artwork that’s all about Mickey Mouse.

For adults, the “Mickey: The True Original & Ever Curious” exhibition is a great place to relive your favorite childhood Disney memories, admire pop art, and take some seriously Instagrammable photos.

For the kids, however, it’s an exhibition that brings out a whole new side to their famous mouse friend.

What you’ll find when you walk in is a history of the evolution of Mickey Mouse followed by original artworks in various styles, all featuring Mickey. Then, to add an interactive aspect that’s perfectly suited for the kids (and kids at heart), there are rooms where you’re emerged in video renditions of Mickey Mouse and his famous movies.

With pop art that literally pops off the wall, and interactive videos, this exhibition is perfect for the whole family.

Find it:
UCCA Lab 北京艺术空间
798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区
Duration: Jul 23 – Nov 6

Then there’s the new staycation at The Opposite House that’ll take this Mickey Mouse adventure to a whole new level.

They’ve got three different room packages all featured around Mickey Mouse and the latest exhibition at UCCA Lab. The packages include tickets to the exhibition to get the whole family super excited about the magic that only Mickey Mouse can inspire in people.

When you’re done checking out the exhibition you can head over to The Opposite House and check into a room that’s got play tents, souvenir sunglasses, Mickey Mouse-themed desserts, and other Mickey Mouse gifts all waiting for you.

The next morning, enjoy breakfast at Fresca before heading home or out to explore Sanlitun.

Find it:
Bldg 1, Taikoo Li Sanlitun North, 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯太古里北区瑜舍酒店
Tel: 6417  6688
reservations@theoppositehouse.com

KEEP READING: Everything You Need To Know About the Playful World of Eric Carle Exhibition

Images: The Opposite House, UCCA Lab

There’s no better way to escape the sweltering heat in Beijing than to take a dip in a pool. However, since moving to Beijing, I’ve learned that outdoor pools and splashing in the water for fun are not really a thing here. There are some pretty cool indoor pools, I must admit, but nothing comes even close to enjoying the warm sun from a swimming pool with nothing but the blue sky above. Just the thought of a summer evening with the sun casting its rays into the water … it’s just what summer is.

So last weekend I decided to take the kids somewhere for a swim and we ended up in Shunyi. There’s this outdoor swimming pool there that has been mentioned and recommended in some of the WeChat groups, so I wanted to check it out. It’s located on the grounds of Guoce International Conference and Exhibition Center.

When I mentioned it to my husband, he was like, ”Shunyi?!” But I’ve never been lazy for fun stuff and the distance to Shunyi has never been an issue for me, so I didn’t mind the 45-minute ride northeast. The manager of the center, Linda, sent me the scan code for purchasing the tickets, and we packed a change of clothes for ourselves plus some baby food and hit the road. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs RMB 398, but there are other options available: RMB 328 for two adults and one child, RMB 198 for one adult and one child, RMB 258 for two adults, and RMB 158 for a single adult ticket.

We got to the pool around 1 pm, and as soon as we arrived, I could tell that it was going to be a great day. The changing rooms and showers are located at the entrance to the pool, and that’s where you can get clean towels from. We quickly changed and headed to the available lounge chairs that were comfortably resting in a good amount of shade. It was Saturday, but the  place was far from overcrowded. The water was clear and just the perfect temperature. We all got in and were ready to start our family day at the pool.
The kids had loads of fun with all the inflatable pool toys that people could use free of charge. We especially enjoyed a little clear plastic boat that was so much fun to ride for kids and adults alike.

As for food and drinks, you’re not allowed to bring in your own (I asked if I could bring my baby’s food, though, and they were fine with it), but there are both Western and Chinese food options available. We went with French fries and the German roast sausage plate that came with a garden salad and mashed potato and it was quite tasty. There are also kids’ meals available, although if you have an infant or a very young toddler I would recommend still bringing your own food for them.

Beer is around RMB 45/glass, but you can purchase a free-flow package for RMB 158/6 hours (10am-4pm or 4-10pm). There are also soft drinks, sodas, smoothies, and other refreshments available, as well as coffee and ice cream.

Other than the ones in the changing rooms, there are poolside bathrooms available and they are kept clean.

More people came as the day progressed, but the pool never got overcrowded.

We were having such a great time that we decided to stay the night. The manager, Anne, was very helpful with finding an option for an overnight stay for us and booking us a room, even though we only had photos of our passports with us (as we hadn’t planned on staying overnight). She personally came to the pool and explained the options to me.

We got the package for RMB 988 that included a one-night stay with 3 breakfasts and tickets for the outdoor pool for the next day, so we got pretty excited to spend another day having fun in the sun. They do offer two other outdoor pool plus room packages: one for RMB 1,088, which includes activities such as 5D cinema experience, bike rides and gym, and the other for a night in a family suite with six breakfasts and six outdoor pool tickets for RMB 2,288.

When the kids got tired, we went to check in, and there we had to work through the issue of not having the passports with us, but the duty manager was quick to come up with a solution.

The room we got was really spacious and tastefully decorated, and the bed was so comfy that a nice shower was all we needed to lull us to sleep.

The breakfast buffet had a big variety of options with separate serving stations offering everything from porridge, cereal, oatmeal with fruits and nuts, croissants, smoked chicken, duck, salami, and cheese, to the usual Chinese breakfast options. There was also a station where kids could get cotton candy. I mean, it’s not really a great breakfast choice, but it was a nice touch.

What I really, really liked is that there is a nice play area right there at the restaurant where the kids can play and have some fun. It’s not too big, but it has everything they need – a climbing structure, a ball pit with a slide, a trampoline and other toys to keep them busy.

Since the rain on Sunday morning ruined our plan to spend the day at the outdoor pool, we headed to the indoor pool instead and splashed around for a few more hours.

Guoce International Conference and Exhibition Center was really a great experience for us, and since we didn’t get the chance to use our pool tickets on Sunday, we’ll definitely be back soon. It’s really worth the drive.

Find it:
Guoce International Conference and Exhibition Center 国测国际会议会展中心
Building 20, Courtyard 6, Huihai South Road, Shunyi District
顺义区临空经济核心区汇海南路6号院20号楼
Tel: 5090 7999

Images: Sanja Stojkov

Never in my entire career would I have thought I’d be writing about how the St. Regis Hotel offers an affordable playtime for kids, but here we are.

With the travel restrictions and requirements for nucleic acid tests before and after you arrive in Beijing, many, many people, myself included, are choosing to stay put in the city. But that doesn’t mean I’m content just staying home or going to parks every day with my kid. Just because I can’t travel doesn’t mean I don’t want to enjoy being waited on hand and foot while enjoying all the amenities of a 5-star hotel.

Staycations aren’t a new thing, but the St. Regis Hotel has recently introduced its Daycation package. This allows you to check into the hotel and play there for the whole day without actually spending the night. And to be honest, it’s better than a one night staycation because there’s a lot less stuff to bring.

The first time I stayed at the St. Regis was over two decades ago when I was barely a teenager. My mom, a germaphobe who would never let anyone touch a hotel bathtub, made a huge deal about long baths there. I didn’t understand the significance back then, but I do now.

The St. Regis is one of the oldest luxury hotels in Beijing, and even though it’s been around for 30+ years, it’s aging gracefully, and when you walk down the halls you feel the history of the place proudly standing strong. During its construction, the St. Regis received a special permit to dig 1,500 meters below for their very own hot springs – making it the only hotel in the city that has this feature. Needless to say, the water at the St. Regis is magical. After one daycation there my skin felt soft and smooth from head to toe.

The Daycation deal at the St. Regis is RMB 888 for full use of a Deluxe room for the entire day from 9am to 6pm, and includes either a lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner for two in the room. You get full, unlimited access to their well-equipped gym, pool, and private garden all day long.

With a deal this good, we brought our 1.5-year-old little girl to try it out. I thought I would have to sheepishly sneak her firetruck pool floatie into the hotel, but after seeing two different families walk around the lobby with their ducky floaties, I realized that the St. Regis is shockingly kid-friendly and we’ve been missing out on the fun this whole time.

A stroll in the hotel’s private garden was the most peaceful walk I’ve had in ages in Beijing. We were the only guests there, and the beautiful cherry blossom trees and freshly cut green lawn brought about a wave of serenity. My husband and I got to enjoy a coffee while our daughter explored. It was utterly idyllic.

Following a quick nap in our room, we headed out to the pool and hot springs.

The hot springs are located inside both locker rooms. There are three pools with various temperatures. It’s amazing! Unlike most hot springs that are popular with the locals, these at the St. Regis are still hidden gems, which means that even during the Qingming Festival long holiday, I had the hot springs at the St. Regis all to myself.

Pro tip: In Beijing, everyone who goes in the pool need to wear a swimming cap. Babies are no exception.

The pools are also a treat for both parents and kids. There’s a big lap pool with natural lighting for confident swimmers, and a small kiddie pool for kids to splash around in. There are plenty of lounge chairs and towels available, and the pool had two lifeguards on duty. One of them even made the effort to move closer to my daughter and I after he found out that it was my first time taking her into a pool by myself – a gesture that I sincerely appreciated.

Following our swim, I wrapped my little girl up in the kid-sized hotel bathrobe, and she proceeded to spend the good part of an hour entertaining herself by kicking water around in the sink – something I never let her do at home.

Before heading home after a long daycation, we dined on a fantastic three-course meal prepared by the room service team but served downstairs in the restaurant for us because we needed a high chair. A starter of smoked salmon, a main course of either halibut or braised beef, and a healthy dessert of fresh-cut fruits were the perfect way to end our non-stay at the St. Regis.

For those who don’t feel like going home after a long day, the hotel offers guests the option to spend the night for an additional RMB 700.

Pro tip: I’m trying my best not to give my daughter salt or sugar before she turns two, so if you’ve got a strict diet plan for your kids, either bring food for them or order waimai. The hotel’s restaurants are not open all day.

Currently, the Daycation deal is only available until the end of April. It’s truly an awesome time for a luxury day with the family, or to call up a mommy friend for a playdate with the kids in the pool and then split the bill. Surprisingly enough, if you do the math, a day of pool, garden, dining, and relaxation at the St. Regis ends up costing you less than some 30-minute baby swimming classes. What a deal!

Give the St. Regis a call to book your daycation.

Find it:
21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街21号
Tel: 6460 6688

Images: St. Regis Hotel, Mina Yan, Billy Jin

As a parent, the term “Spring Break” conjures up very different images nowadays than it used to back in college. Now, we look for comfortable, clean, and wholesome fun for the whole family, and Beijing is ready to deliver. Check out these family-focused hotels and great packages they’re offering for your staycation this spring break!

Artyzen Habitat Kids Room Package

You might already have been introduced to Artyzen Habitat by editor Mina Yan when she held her daughter’s first birthday there to rousing success. This spring, Artyzen continues to cater to families with a specially-tailored staycation offer in their Habitat60 kids-friendly room that’s all decked out in cheery yellow and equipped with a swing set, cute tents, soft toys and bath toys. It’s a dream come true for kids 3 and under, and would make for some delightful pictures!

The room measures 60sqm with an open kitchen and the RMB1,188 staycation package includes brunch for two at their in-house restaurant. Kids below 1.2m dine for free, while it costs RMB118 for kids between 1.2m- 1.5m. Artyzen is located right behind the MOMA residences close to the Liangmaqiao river and is great for a quick getaway this holiday.

Building No.11, No. 1 Area, Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京市东城区香河园街1号院11号楼
Phone: 010 8474 3000

Hi MaMa 亲子庄园

Need to cut out from the urban jungle for some countryside fresh air? This family hotel is nestled in the greenery of Huairou and Miyun districts, which is pretty much as far as you can get away while remaining within Beijing. Drive for a couple hours on the expressway, and you’ll soon arrive at Hi MaMa Manor to find a sprawling outdoor play area with animal decorations and swings set against the scenic mountainside.

Inside, every room is designed to be kid-friendly, with fun and colorful interior decorations, and toys like rocking horses, slides, and tents. Choose from rooms with a view of the Great Wall, beautiful water features, or the forest, or check out the Stone House, where, traditionally, mattresses are placed upon a sort of rock bed heated by a fire underneath. Prices per night start from RMB 1,680.

There is a restaurant on-site, which reviewers on Dianping have said is clean, adequate, and inexpensive if your meals are not included in the room price. The Chinese breakfast buffet is listed at RMB 88.

The Manor also boasts a cozy library inside (though we wouldn’t count on anything other than Chinese books) and kid-friendly activities led by staff – from painting to catching and identifying bugs. Activities are conducted only in Mandarin, and parents are allowed to either sit in or leave their kids if they are independent.

You can also buy a ticket at the door just to play on the grounds without staying the night. These tickets go for RMB 98 for kids and RMB 38 for accompanying adults.

Club Med Joyview Beijing Yanqing Resort

Club Med hotels and resorts around the world enjoy a reputation for being family-friendly, and this one in Yanqing, Beijing is no different. Located out in the surrounding countryside about a 3-hour drive out, the key selling points of Club Med Joyview are the dedicated kids amenities, including two big indoor playgrounds – one catered to younger toddlers and another sporting trampolines and soccer play areas suitable for older kids, plus pool tables and a kid-friendly hot spring pool.

Not to mention, there are virtual golf training facilities, and you can play some mountainside golf on the actual grass outside as well! Seems there’s something for everyone here. At the time of writing, there’s a special promotion on Dianping at RMB 1,338 for their double bed rooms for one night including breakfast for 3.

No.66 Gulong Road, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing
北京延庆度假村， 张山营镇古龙路66号
Phone: 010 69198899

Waldorf Astoria Beijing Enchanted Fantasy Suite 

This is one for those who want to kick things up a notch. Based on the idea of a fairyland, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing brings fantasies to life with the Enchanted Fantasy Suite on the top floor of the hotel where the entire 69sqm suite is transformed into a ball pit. Other features of the Fantasy Suite include the hot air balloon chair, rocking horses, and huge floral motifs.

The Enchanted Fantasy Suite comes with exclusive VIP service and the works, such as a special dessert trolley, fruit platter, and sparkling wine upon your arrival. The RMB 9,888/night package includes breakfast at Brasserie 1893 for three people.

5-15 Jinyu Hutong Dongcheng
金鱼胡同5-15号
Phone: +86 10 8520 8989

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Images: Dianping, courtesy of hotels