Kids’ birthday parties are nothing but fun for everyone except the parent planning it that is. We’ve all been there. We want to give our little angel a special day they’ll remember forever that’s filled with fun things for them and their friends. We also need to make it an awesome (or at least not boring) experience for all the parents who’ll be present, and finally, we need to make it creative and keep it within a budget.

Yeah, I don’t know about you, but my life isn’t Pinterest-perfect, and I don’t have the extra few hundred square meters at home for an extravent party that can be filled with kids’ activities and bouncy castles and such. But, luckily, this is Beijing, and there’s no shortage of outstanding venues that specialize in just this – unique parties.

Check out #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList on jingkids for our list of birthday-related recommendations. There’s everything from venues and food to kid-friendly entertainment and photographers – everything you need to plan the perfect party.

Images: jingkids, Pexels

Golden week, known as The National Holiday,  is a seven days of getting to visit countries in Asia that are on your bucket list. This applies to the numerous tourists heading to Beijing as this might be in their bucket list. The droves of local and international tourist becomes apparent in the most famous attractions. Therefore avoid these areas for the sake of your sanity. You can always check them out later on the day. More after the jump

Forbidden City
The name says it all, don’t even attempt to head in the Forbidden City direction as the crowds will be overwhelming. Tourists both local and international will be swarming the place to take photos of must see attraction sites. If you have time either head there before or after making the trip memorable in a good way.

Badaling Great Wall
In April this year, a Canadian tourist knocked over an elderly Chinese woman accidentally kill the woman at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Apparently the tourist was running down the steep steps. In the Badaling section, the crowds make it impossible to even breath let alone walk. There are very many tourist buses and all those people are climbing the wall. Avoid this area at all cost. Try the newly opened Gubeikou instead for a more relaxed hike. Or sign up for hiking tours to the unrestored sections far from the overwhelming crowds.

Tiananmen Square
This is the national holiday period so the Tiananmen area will be restricted for some days while the rest of the time will be full of people taking selfies and taking photos of you in the process. On a normal day it’s packed but on this day it will be very crowded. So plan on going when there isn’t a holiday period or summer.

Summer Palace
This is a must visit for all both residents and tourists but when to visit is important as there’s always a plethora of buses that make access to the area slightly frustrating and difficult to navigate. Therefore imagine the crowds doubling or even tripling in numbers as people want to check this off their lists as soon as possible. This is most definitely a no-no. 

Subways
Everyone will be on holiday which means more people commuting around town. Since taxi aren’t an option, the most convenient way to travel is using the subway system. On normal days it’s packed on the holidays, it’s downright super packed.

Photo: Wikimedia

The first time I visited Green T. House Living, it was for a Christmas Bazaar. I spent (a lot) of money on Christmas gifts, but I didn’t stay to eat. I wasn’t quite sure how to describe the venue recently when talking to some friends, so I decided it was time to go back. And this time, I would definitely be dining.

On a dull Beijing day, the White Pavilion really is an oasis, standing tall in an expanse of white stones and paving. Tucked behind a high wall, it was as stunning as I remembered. The interior of the innovative Pavilion is a wide open space – simple yet elegant. The venue is used for both private and corporate events, from fashion shows to tea tastings, media launches, wedding, and elaborate dinners.

It provides a natural canvas for any event – all white fabrics, light wood, glass features, and a delightful pop of color from the array of chairs. Green T. House Living also hosts its own events in there, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and wine tastings. It also runs classes on topics from cooking for your ayi to holistic therapies.

The White Pavilion used to house the T. Cuisine restaurant, which has been moved to the Bath House Residence, a separate building behind the Pavilion. The restaurant is an adaptable dining space that features discreet areas and incorporates stunning designs. Dine with friends at the large table, relax in a snug corner while sipping tea, or sink down into a comfy chair beside the open fire. There is even a children’s play area, so you can truly relax while the little ones are safe and entertained.

Both buildings are surrounded by gardens that are simple yet beautifully-maintained, with a central pool and fountain. You’ll find seating for tea and dining nestled among the trees.

The separate T. Reflection Room doesn’t have to be just for tea. The space can also be used for business meetings, classes, or as a private dining room with food and beverages served through the underground tunnel linking the room to the kitchens.

I joined other guests in the White Pavilion to enjoy some T. Cuisine. The large table was beautifully laid, incorporating some very artistic food presentation. The wait staff was knowledgeable about each dish and very attentive to our needs.

The steak was cooked perfectly and contrasted well with the crunchiness of the bamboo shoots. The soft, sweet cod was a delight and well-complemented by the fresh asparagus and green beans with wasabi. The highlight of the meal for me was the T. Rice Soup, a robust dish combining wild red rice with green tea with a wonderfully smoky flavor. To finish, we had a delectable green tea ice cream, creamy and speckled with black sesame.

Before you leave, a visit to the gift shop is a must. You can purchase tea blends, dinnerware, and furniture. There is also a gallery on Green T’s website representing many Chinese artists whose paintings and pieces can be purchased.

So how would I define Green T. House Living now? I would say it’s an experience – an experience in Chinese culture and food, to be enjoyed within a truly elegant and unique setting.

For a limited time, you can book party packages starting at RMB 150 per guest. Upcoming events include a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11am-2pm on Sunday, May 11 and a Dinner and Show on Thursday, May 22.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos courtesy of Green T. House Living