It’s no secret: Beijing is massive and getting from point A to point B as a functioning adult is tough some days. Doing it with kids…on the best of days…nightmare! For most of us, getting around requires my least favorite form of travel – Didi. It’s expensive, it’s slow, it pollutes the air and in my case, induces motion sickness. So here are a few alternatives. None of them are particularly creative but all of them will save you money, time, and could even reduce the amount of vomit you need to scrape off some stranger’s back seat.

Old-School Walking: Like I said, not creative but it has worked for thousands of years. If it’s not a yucky AQI day or pouring rain, it will help your family get their steps in and provide some much-needed fresh air. Pro tip: To pass the time, play a focused game of I-Spy. Decide what your family will look for before you leave the house. Younger kids can see how many red items they pass for instance, while older ones can try to spot as many different flags as possible. Enjoy getting around outdoors while you can. In the winter, when temperatures dip below zero, it’s simply not an option. So take advantage of the capital’s beautiful spring and fall weather. Heck, even balmy summer afternoons or evenings are an excuse to get outside and move, albeit in shorter spurts. Just make sure you put on your SPF!

Scooters and Bikes: They’ve been an iconic part of Chinese life for more than a century and by far the fastest way to navigate the city! I found foldable scooters for kids on Taobao for as little as RMB 45. There are also tons of baby bike/scooter seats a mere click away. Just please make sure they have a helmet and I’m begging you: Don’t put them in the basket of a rented bike while weaving in and out of traffic. Check out this article on cycling with kids for some great safety tips.

The Subway: Okay, not my favorite – especially in the middle of the sweaty summer heat. But, if given the choice between sitting in rush hour traffic with a potty training child for an hour or doing a 20-minute subway ride, I know what I would pick. The subway is also fun for kids. They love the trains and lights and maps so take advantage of the inexpensive adventure.

Public Bus: Did you know that Apple Maps has integrated public buses into its navigational system? A colleague of mine followed instructions on the user-friendly app and seamlessly boarded, alighted, and transferred buses from downtown CBD all the way to her home in east Beijing. She prefers buses to the subway because she loves the passing scenery and fresh air (the windows are usually open on the bus unless it’s raining). Also, you can pay your bus fare with a simple tap using Alipay!

Final Thoughts: The number one reason I hear parents say they take a taxi is not because of the kids, it’s because of kid stuff. We live in the middle of a major city, not the desert! So ask yourself, do we really need three water bottles, four snack options, half a dozen toys, a full liter of hand sanitizer, and the Nintendo Switch for a one-hour trip to the park? A friend of mine used to have a house rule that if the 3-year-old couldn’t fit it in her mini-backpack it couldn’t come. Occasionally they would need to buy a bottle of water or some extra SPF, but I never knew her to be woefully unprepared. 

No matter how you get where you’re going remember we’re expats, travel is kind of our thing, so make it fun! Explore some new options of getting around the city; it’s really is as easy as riding a bike. *wink 

KEEP READING: Beijing Students Say the Darndest Things!

Photos: Unsplash

Beijing is not a walkable city. In fact, it can be fairly hostile to pedestrians. But that doesn’t mean it lacks interesting places to explore by foot. Despite the best efforts of the municipal government and avaricious developers, Beijing still has back lanes and historic sites worth discovering. It just takes a little effort sometimes to see through the grit, grime, and around that huge black SUV/cadre mianzi­ mobile barreling down the hutong right at you.

Dashilar

Dashilar is named after the large wooden gate which used to control access to this important commercial district of Old Peking. The gate burned in 1899, but the name survives. The area took a hit with the Olympic-era renovations which went the full Disney (Note to the municipal government: Never go the full Disney. Nobody likes the full Disney) but the emergence of lanes such as Yangmeizhu over the past few years has put the district back on the map for hutong wanderers.

History buffs will want to check out the old Beijing stock exchange on Qianmen Xiheyan Jie. Built in 1918, the stock exchange is now a warren of apartments and dwellings but residents (usually) don’t mind if somebody discreetly and quietly peeks inside at the original trading floor. Finally, don’t forget to visit Beijing Postcard’s new Public History space. Located at 97 Yangmeizhu, the space will host history walks, talks, and rotating exhibitions and will also feature a shop.

Tai Miao

The Imperial Ancestral Temple (AKA “Working People’s Cultural Palace”) is a beautiful park just east of the Forbidden City main gate. Originally built in 1420, the temple served as a site for rituals venerating past emperors.

Today, it is a something of an oasis of calm in an area better known of its hordes of tourists than peaceful retreats. As a bonus, the architecture of the original temple is similar to that found in the adjacent palace but with 95 percent fewer people sharing the view. On the downside, you may have to endure wedding photographers yelling at you to get out of the background of perfectly posed polyester couple’s wedding photos.

Pro tip: Enter through the East Gate (West side of Nanchizi Dajie, about 400 meters north of Chang’an Boulevard). This avoids the long lines and security checkpoints in Tiananmen Square. Exit through the West Gate to access the main plaza of the Forbidden City for a stress-free approach to the palace or through the South Gate for a queue-free entrance to Tiananmen Square.

Walking Beijing’s Waterways

After several years of renovations, the canal park between Beiheyan (just east of the Nanluogu Xiang Subway Stop) and Qianhai reopened on May 1, 2017. The channels were once part of a system of artificial waterways constructed in the 13th century to supply much-needed liquid to the capital’s moats and canals. Today, the canals are a centerpiece of a park and walking path which winds its way through the center of Beijing. A detour to Great Leap #6 provides a nice pit stops for thirsty pedestrians.

Jeremiah Jenne leads historic walks and educational programs in Bejiing via his company Beijing by Foot.

READ: Shunyi’s New Colorful Running Track Is Open to the Public

Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Jenne

I have long considered that one kilometer is a long distance, at least when I’m talking about my experience of commuting in Manila when I needed to brave the sun, rains, floods, and uneven ground. Enter Beijing… and that distance is just… walkable?! It definitely is, thanks to the capital’s flat terrains and checkerboard-like urban layout.

When it is a blue sky day, I make a point of walking to enjoy Beijing’s views, especially the public parks devoid of a cityscape – just the sky, the greenery, and you. When you walk on a nice day, chances are you’ll spot Instagrammable sights, including gorgeous fiery sunsets or skyscraper reflections that look like spaceships.

Beyond that, walking is known to be one of the easiest forms of exercise that’s beneficial for your overall health. Make it a habit to go the extra mile. Just remember to follow traffic rules and if the air quality is poor, bring a pollution mask – or better yet, do circuits inside your home or in the gym.

Here are some surprising benefits of walking, as explained by recent studies.

Get the creative juices flowing

When you take long walks, your mind wanders too. It is in these moments that you become creative, because walking stimulates the brain. Besides that, walking under the sunshine helps make you feel less angry or sad, warding off depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which happens usually during seasonal transitions.

Make your heart healthy

Running is a typical part of a gym routine, but not all people who want to work out can run, even on a treadmill. So fret not if you have a chronic condition because walking is your answer, especially if you need an easy way to lower your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Besides that, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and developing breast cancer for women.

Want to increase your metabolism?

…Then walk at least an hour a day and your metabolism will be increased, helping you shed that extra inch in your waist. Not only that, regular walking counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes and improves the body’s response to insulin.

Goodbye varicose veins

When you take regular walks, you also strengthen your lower extremities, including the muscles and joints in your knees, hips, legs, and feet. As a consequence, blood will regularly and properly flow in and from the legs, preventing varicose or spider veins.

Photo: Yogendra Singh via Pexels

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Free
Make Spring Festival Decorations at Parkview Green, Jan 30 and 31
All ages. Gather at Parkview Green with your beloved ones to experience a wide array of folk activities; to explore a world of enchantment and a traditional Chinese New Year. Learn to make paper-cutting art and how to compose Spring Festival couplets, make New Year gifts by hand, such as reunion lanterns, fortune knots and floral creations. Free. 1pm-5pm. Parkview Green. (WeChat: Parkview Green, (010) 5690 7000).

Unique
Lunar New Year Overnight, Jan 30
Ages 8+. On this two-day trip to the area you’ll walk the streets of well-preserved Yuxian Ancient City, visiting the pavilions and pagodas, as well as visiting Jimingyi, the remnants of a Ming Dynasty postal relay center. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,620 for members, RMB 1,200 for under 12\’s). 8.30am-8pm. Beijing Hikers.

Birth of the Monkey King, Jan 30 and 31
Ages 7+. This Chinese-language drama, intended for children and families, lets kids learn about the history of the Monkey King, one of the most famous characters in Chinese literature, from the classic novel Journey to the West. The event combines theatre with drums, music and acrobatics, while interactive elements are sure to keep kids entertained. Tickets from RMB 100 (100/180/280/380). 2.30pm-4.30pm. Beijing Theater. (https://www.douban.com/event/27898172/).

Dance of Destiny, Jan 30 to Feb 2
Ages 8+. Join some of Ireland’s best dancers for a special performance in Beijing. Combining traditional Irish music, tap dance and theatrical elements, the troupe has been performing around the world since 1998, when they made their first tour to New Zealand. RMB 357 to RMB 1015. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (https://www.douban.com/event/27925277/).

Sunny Spring Camp, Jan 30 to Feb 3
Ages 6+. Sunny days are here again and it’s the perfect time to spring ahead with learning new skills and games at Adventure Zone’s Sunny Spring Camp! Revitalize your plans with fun sports such gymnastics, martial arts, swimming and sword choreo guided by expert coaches. RMB 3200 (1 week, half day), RMB 6188 (2 weeks, half day), RMB 4500 (1 week, full day), RMB 8888 (2 weeks, full day). 9am-2.30pm. Kerry Adventure Zone. (hbkc@thekerryhotels.com, wechat: kerryhotelbeijing, 8565 2460).

Walled Village to Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hike, Feb 1
Ages 8+. Hike the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing’s Huairou District, starting off on an unrestored stretch and following it over the hills to a restored section and then up, over, and down a mountain to finish at a countryside restaurant near a scenic reservoir. RMB 400 (RMB 360 for members, RMB 200 for under 12’s). 9am-6pm. Beijing Hikers.

Longqingxia Ice Festival and Tang Dynasty Caves, Feb 1
Ages 8+. The Beijing Hikers will travel to Yanqing County to visit a valley and find an ancient interconnected series of cave dwellings. This trip is suitable for children (no pushchairs, though) – it’s very easy, and the sight of the cave dwellings is sure to spark the imagination. After visiting the caves there will be an early dinner out in the country before heading for the Longqingxia Ice Festival. RMB 500 (RMB 450 for members, RMB 250 for under 12s). 12pm-10pm. Beijing Hikers.

“MY” Jiaozi Party, Feb 1
All ages. Join Café Zarah on February 1st for their annual “MY”-Jiaozi Party and celebrate the New Year. Zarah will be organizing a big reunion dinner with communal cooking tables where they will teach you the art of dumpling making! RMB 88/per person includes all-you-can-eat-dumplings and one drink. Complimentary for kids aged below 6. 6pm-until. Café Zarah.

Spring Festival Taichi Workshop, Feb 5
Embrace the refreshing spring air for 2 hours instruction in Yang Style Taichi, learning the beginners 8 Step Form. Instruction will be from a native-English speaking taichi coach from the UK, and will cover warmups, dynamic stretching, taichi form, applications and qigong cool down exercises. RMB 200. 2pm-4pm. CK Martial Hearts Kung Fu Boutique. (train@ckmartialhearts.com)

China National Theater for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80/120/200/260/320/400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). (for more info call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

Best of Next Week
Our Little Library Opening, Feb 1 through Feb 28
Ages 6months-3years. Our Little Library is OPEN! Besides browsing and borrowing books your babies and toddlers can listen to stories, read out loud, and learn in a fun and interactive way. After books the kids will explore the themes through games and activities Free (for February). 10am-11.30am. Our Little Library.

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6 to 8
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80/120/200/260/320/400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

Ghost The Musical, Feb 8 through Feb 14
Ages 13+. GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Sam, a ghost, tries to communicate with Molly, his love, with the hope of saving and protecting her. RMB 180/380/580/880/980/1000 (580*2)/1500. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Poly Theater. (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721, email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 8+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. Sports Beijing. (info@sportsbj.com)

Sports Beijing’s Bi-Annual Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. International School of Beijing (ISB). (info@sportsbj.com, 6430 1370).

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Time Forest, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Giving full play to the representing, exemplary and guiding role, the National Children’s Art Theatre has trained several generations of artists and backbone in the children’s theater art of China and has won numerous art awards. RMB 180/300/420/500/580/680. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721 or send email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

Charity Fashion Show, Feb 11
Ages 9+. Students from the International School of Beijing (ISB) are hosting their annual Charity Fashion Show. This event, completely run by the students at ISB, was first organized in 2008 with the intent of promoting philanthropy through creativity and entertainment. This year, the proceeds will be donated to the Starfish Project, the Nightingale Charity Club, and Roundabout. Free. 6pm-9pm. International School of Beijing (ISB).

Aerial Yoga, Fly Yoga Free Trial Class, Feb 11
Adult Women. Aerial Yoga is a fun, accessible and graceful yoga practice with “silk” or hammock—suspended from the ceiling that can support your weight, ease pressure, create space in your joints, decrease compression in your spine, and help you find more mobility. Free. 5pm-6pm. Phoenix Town. (WeChat: 723665585).

Science + Art : Create Your Own Car, Feb 12
Ages 8+. From the electronic basics to its unique design. Build your car from A to Z. During this unique course, you will learn how to design an obstacle avoiding car by yourself, using the famous Arduino* electronics platform and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid an object in front of the car. RMB 600 (RMB 450 for Atelier students). 1.30pm-4.30pm. Atelier. (WeChat: atelier_apas to register)

Valentine’s Breakfast & Bubbles, Feb 14
Adults. Bask in the glow of love, food, and drinks on this Valentine’s day with your significant other at the British Club of Beijing’s Valentine’s Day celebration. RMB 150/person. 10am-12pm. The Westin.

Unless living in Beijing is part of an overall master plan that included language and cultural classes in college, there’s probably a lot that you may not know about the city. How about the duality of Confucianism? Or politics behind contemporary art? Whether you’re visiting or just want to know more, read Lauren’s blog on the Beijinger here for some new walking tours with Context Tours everyone can check out. For now, offered tours might be more suitable for older children and teens. For younger children, inquire about custom tours.

Or check out our previous posts on exploring 798 on your own here.