It’s almost Chinese New Year, and if you’re like me, you’re wracking your brain trying to think of things with which to entertain your family (and yourself) that are cool, fun, and low-effort. Well, why not join in our Chinese New Year Stone Lion Scavenger Hunt where you (and your family) take selfies with all the stone lions you find in Beijing? Trust, me, if you keep an eye out you’ll suddenly discover that stone lions are everywhere!

The scavenger hunt is a chance for some friendly competition amongst family members and your local Beijing expat community, and it’s a great reason to get out of the house in order to discover hidden treasures in the city.

Here’s how to play:

1. Scan the QR code to join the WeChat Group.

2. Take a selfie whenever you see a cool stone lion between now and Feb 7 and send it to the group.
3. We’ll be choosing our top 10 picks after the CNY holiday (Feb 8) and asking our readers to vote on their favorite.

Here’s what you’ll get if you win：

The winner will receive a private Beihai Scavenger Hunt Day Out with Bespoke Travel Company, led by founder Sarah Keelyside, for up to 15 of their friends. The Beihai Park Scavenger Hunt is a four-hour-long experience that starts around 9am and goes on until 1pm. It’s a fantastic day out for people of all ages where you’ll learn 2,000 years of history at Beihai Park, all while racing against the clock to complete the scavenger hunt and enjoying delicious refreshments.

Valued at RMB 3,500, the Beihai Scavenger Hunt is one of many unique and fun ideas created by Bespoke Travel Company.

Bespoke Travel Company isn’t your run of the mill tour guide company. Every single trip they organize is totally customizable. As the company says, “No matter how long you’re visiting for, we’ll sort your transfers, car hire, tours and make expert restaurant recommendations for every meal so your trip is everything you need it to be…”

“Opens up the city in just the way you want to see it.” –Conde Nast Traveller

People have been raving about Bespoke Travel Company and Sarah Keelyside for years. This is your chance to win a Bespoke expereince with your friends for free!

Images: Bespoke Travel Company, Pexels, Jingkids

From Sanlitun (三里屯), to Solana (蓝色港湾), to The Place (世贸天阶), to HouHai (后海), Beijing is a city full of endless entertainment and wonders. The beauty of the incredible CCTV Tower in Guomao, the stunning LED ceilings in The Place (世贸天阶), the Beijing traditional zhajiangmian (炸酱面) in Houhai, and the outdoor luxury shopping malls in Solana are all attractions you cannot miss!

Speaking of these places, why not allow me, a real teen Beijinger, take you on a one day tour in this vast city? Grab your cameras, and let’s get going!

7:00 am: The Early Bird goes for an early walk in my neighborhood, Merlin Garden

It’s always nice to start your day off with a walk early in the morning when the air is still fresh in Beijing.

Shall we take the subway to Sanlitun? The Beijing subway might seem like a jungle, but you’ll never know how convenient it is for getting around Beijing! We will be taking Subway Line 6 for nine stations from BaiShiQiao Nan to HuJiaLou, then switch to Line 10 for one station to reach TuanJieHu.

10:00 am: Off to TaiKooLi, Sanlitun

TaiKooLi, Sanlitun houses the best shopping malls, restaurants, and is known for its bar street. It has some of the biggest brands that teens love such as Apple, Hollister, Adidas, and much more. Tag your friends along for a shopping spree.

12:00 pm: Lunch

Even though we’re in Beijing, foreign foods are still the tastiest, but it’s nice to try Chinese-style pizza once in a while. Lets head to TubeStation Pizza in the north of Sanlitun. Sit down with your friends and chillax while you eat. Other than the gigantic pizzas, french fries with cheese is a must!

Pizzas: Small: 48 RMB – 60 RMB, Medium: 115 RMB – 170 RMB, Large: 150 RMB – 220 RMB; Salads: 33 RMB – 45 RMB, French Fries: 23 RMB, Fries with Cheese: 29 RMB, BBQ Wings: 34 RMB, Onion Rings: 23 RMB, Soft Drinks: 15 RMB

Let’s take a taxi for a change. Experiencing a Beijing taxi ride is like riding an everlasting roller coaster. You look outside the window and all you see are cars, trucks, and bicycles jammed together.

2:00 pm: Off to Solana

Solana here we go! This outdoor shopping mall houses the most luxurious shops, foods, and outdoor environment in the city.

6:00 pm: Dinner at Houhai

Houhai has some of the most traditional Beijing restaurants around the city. Order zhajiangmian, try some noodle soup, sit down with your family, and enjoy the beautiful Houhai at HaiWanJu. It will be a night to remember!

Zhajiangmian: 20 RMB, Guanchang: 18 RMB, Spicy Tofu: 25 RMB, Meatball: 27 RMB, Noodle Soup: Free

*There are a lot of dishes in this restaurant. The list above has my personal recommendations.

7:00 pm: The Place is the Place to be

Now that dusk is approaching, why not spend a few minutes strolling down The Place in Guomao? The Place is known not only for luxurious shopping and gourmet restaurants, but also for the biggest LED screen in Asia. The art, the space, the colors, the lights projected on the screen are extraordinary.

10:00 pm: Fun in the pool

End your night by taking a swim in one of Beijing’s luxury hotels, The Westin along the Financial Street in XiCheng.

12:00 am: View the view

Lastly, wrap your day up by appreciating the stunning view of the Financial Street in the heart of XiCheng.

What a day! Beijing is such a beautiful city with the tastiest food, luxurious malls, and the best attractions.

It has been a long, fun, and certainly memorable day. Of course we didn’t get to visit all the places in Beijing, but if there’s a chance, I would love to take everyone on a Tour in Beijing 2.0. For now, share the memories and selfies with your friends, and show them how amazing Beijing is!

Jing Wen is currently a junior at Tsinghua International School. She writes for the school newspaper, Spartan Times, and is a member of her school’s dance club. Outside school, Jing is passionate about life and loves socializing with different people from a variety of places. Through the student correspondent program, Jing hopes to share stories about her life, school, and her Beijing experiences with the rest of world!

The beijingkids student correspondent program provides a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training to high school students interested in writing and journalism. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact jessicasuotmaa@beijing-kids.com.

Photos: courtesy of Jing Wen