Winter break season is here, and while your friends may be traveling off to other cities or distant countries, you may find yourself with a problem that happens to almost everyone. You get bored. If you are not traveling, or maybe you have a week at home before you begin your winter break adventures, you might discover you have nothing to do. If you need ways to entertain yourself during your time at home, here are some tips so that you can prevent yourself from turning into a boredom zombie.

Are you an artistic person? If you are, then this one is for you. YMM Art Education, 汤旅级艺术教 is a wonderful place where you can test your art skills to the limit. You can find YMM at Indigo Mall, they also have a Solana Mall branch. This art studio can also prepare you for art competitions. Each class is typically one hour and a half long, art competition classes are four hours long. Like everything in Beijing, their class package can be very expensive; however, if your mother is a shrewd negotiator, you may be able to bargain for a good deal. If you really enjoy creating art, these classes may be worth the price!

Secondly, if you like the feel of being in the water and enjoy swimming. Fire Dragon Swim Club runs private and group lessons throughout the week at the Canadian School and East Hotel. You can take group classes which are based on your swimming ability, from beginners to advanced!

At Fire Dragon, you will be taught stroke mechanics with different drills and even diving and flip turn skills. The more intense coaches will have you do stretches before you swim, and there are benches near the pool where your family can sit and watch you as you swim. What my parents like about this swim club is that it is affordable. One group session is a reasonable RMB 190 for one hour, they also offer private lessons at the East Hotel is over RMB 300. The best thing about this swim club is that you do not have to really commit to a set of classes, instead of having to buy a huge package all at once, you can register for a class 24hrs in advance to reserve your spot.

Winter break is also a perfect time for doing some shopping. Sanlitun Taikooli is a good choice for window shopping and get some good ideas.  But a warning, do not bother coming here for Page One Bookstore, this location is permanently closed much to our disappointment!  There are other Page One branches throughout Beijing you can visit. Sanlitun Taikooli is also home to a new French handbag brand, Polene.  My mother was thrilled when she discovered this storefront! This store interior is very nice, staff are super friendly and helpful, and they sell very good quality leather handbags. Don’t have to fly to Paris for your own Polene!  After your shopping time, you may get very hungry. Though there are many restaurants in this area, there is one particular restaurant that is my favorite-Pink.  This is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves legit Vietnamese cuisine. If you are craving an authentic bowl of pho, this place is just right for you.

If you want to keep your Chinese skills sharp during the winter break, you can sign up to go to the Bridge School at Guangming Hotel, where you can learn Chinese at your own pace. You will be assigned a teacher, and you can have a fixed time and a fixed day of class.  A package of 26 lessons at the Bridge School is RMB 160i per class.  Teachers are nice and flexible with time scheduling.

Lastly, being bored is not always a terrible thing. Being bored is a good way to explore your creative juice and indulge in your hobbies. You can order some supplies and do some arts and crafts!  For example, I spent a lot of time hand-drawing Christmas cards for families and friends. With this week free from school and afternoon activities, I was able to do some into creative writing.  It’s also a good opportunity to learn a new skill too, I am hoping to learn how to knit or crochet! This is also a chance to spend some quality family time by grabbing lunch with your working parent. I don’t get to eat lunch with my father during the weekday,s so it is nice to be able to catch lunch with him during this winter break! Anyhow, the possibilities are endless.

So there’s another article from Clark Yap! Happy Holidays Jingkids Families! And as always- Stay tuned, stay reading!!!

Find it:
Fire Dragon
Contact: Kelvin
Weixin ID: dfkhua

Find it:
Bridge School=
Contact Lily
Weixin: TheBridgeSchool2021

Images: Clark Yap

The winter break will be arriving soon, and as plans are being made, hobbies and tasks to keep us grounded are also vital amidst all the fun and chaos. With that being said, reading is definitely one of those things that some people overlook in their lives but which plays an important role in shaping our identity and belief systems. With that said, here are five books/series you can indulge in during this winter break.

Dune

Dune has officially become my favorite fiction series. Science fiction was never something I thought I would be interested in, but after I started reading it, I found out that Dune was so much more than simply a story with highs and lows – it was Frank Herbert’s way of telling the world his perceptions, concepts, and philosophies of life. For example (I don’t know if this will be counted as a spoiler, but I will tell you guys anyway), throughout the first novel, there were constant references to the philosophy that “all predictions and affairs of the future are based upon the patterns of affairs of the past.” This may seem cliché and somewhat cringe, but when the novel is being read and details of each character are being analyzed with depth, this concept of how the future is developed will become more and more vivid. That is also why Dune is number one on this list – it is both entertaining and educational. The entire series is quite lengthy (frankly, I have only finished half of the first novel), but as you read, you can clearly see that the author has put a lot of effort into shaping each character and the plot of the story. There are aspects of the world that at first we may not grasp comprehensively, but through the story, character motives, perspectives, and inner thoughts are all revealed (the book is written in third person omniscient). This series is definitely worthy to read and comprehend deeply during the holidays.

Educated

This book is quite a famous one and is a great one to read and taste thoroughly. The book is an autobiography of Tara Westover and is a journey of how education and affairs that happened throughout her life changed her perspectives and opinions on the world. There is one quote that perhaps summarizes her relationship with her family and how her experiences changed her: “You can love someone and still choose to say goodbye to them” as well as “You can miss someone every day and still be glad that they are not in your life.” These two quotes are both ones from the book and show us how complicated our relationships with others can be, but also how our perspectives and actions have to shift with the world around us. Valuable life lessons, relationships with family, and the exploration of the world around us are all topics and plots that are covered throughout. So, why not give it a go?

The Giver

The Giver is a book that is similar to Dune – it teaches us about society through a fictional setting. The main character, Jonas, is the “outsider” of his community, and he perceives things so much differently than the others around him. He faces difficulties throughout the novel on choices he has to make about his life and the burdens that arise along with the life that is set before him. As he experiences life and learns the lessons his community and thoughts teach him, he realizes that life is about how one values one’s own existence and how meaning is given to life and should not be manipulated by rules and the unjust norms of society. When Jonas was being taught and guided by his mentor (I will keep that a secret for now because I feel like I already have told you guys enough secrets about these books), his perceptions of the world open up, and he starts to embrace the indifference of his community towards life and still find a way to live life in the way he imagined. This book would definitely be very healing for people who feel lost in their lives and want to find a way to soothe themselves during hardships.

Little Women

Oh yes, the classic Little Women. Perhaps you have even watched the movie but have not read the book. The story revolves around the theme of gender roles and how the sisters overcome gender stereotypes in their time of living. Even though these gender stereotypes may not be as distinct and existent in modern society, this concept of the hierarchy of genders still exists, and learning that through a story can be so much more moving and empowering than simply reading a book on social justice. The drastic differences in the sisters’ personalities also show the vibrance and livelihood life should be – everyone is the way they are naturally and others are there only to guide and support them to be on the right path. The affairs of the story are based on the context of the American Civil War in the 1860s, so there is also some historical educational value to the book as well.

The Land of Stories

The Land of Stories is not as famous as the previous books, but it definitely doesn’t lack entertainment and fun. The story revolves around two siblings who magically fall into the Land of Stories and navigates their adventures there. Each story is connected with the other ones in some way, and it is interesting to see how these two teenagers grow throughout the time of their adventures and how the world of realism and supernatural forces contrast. Similar to Dune, this is a series and is perhaps one of those books that would distract you from working due to its captivating words and plots.

Images: Taobao, Pexels

Winter break is coming up, and for the kids who aren’t traveling out of Beijing or signing up for one of the many amazing winter camps, there are still some really cool indoor playgrounds that their parents can take them to for a day of fun.

BE1ST 

Located on the fifth floor of Chaoyang Joy City, BE1ST is set up similarly to other popular indoor play places like Bom Bom Space, albeit on a smaller scale since Joy City is much closer to downtown Beijing. BE1ST offers the usual indoor playground with ball pit, slides, trampolines, cave exploration, rock wall, aerial obstacle course, plus more! One activity at BE1ST that stands out is the human Whack-a-Mole where kids scramble through “underground tunnels” and pop out of holes to steal (fake) corn from the farmer, who uses an inflatable bat to whack them. It’s rather therapeutic for parents to take on the role of the farmer.

Find it:
5/F, Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang District (at the intersection of Qingnian Lu)
朝阳区朝阳北路101朝阳大悦城5楼，青年路口东北角

FEAST at EAST Hotel

While this play space definitely isn’t big enough to spend the whole day at, it’s a parent favorite for dining. The playroom is big enough that you can enjoy a whole meal in peace while the kids entertain themselves. Best of all, the hotel is located right next to Indigo Mall, where your kids can continue to explore and have fun after your meal.

Find it:
2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店2层
Tel: 8414 9820

幼实稚趣儿童乐园

They’ve got all the essentials of an indoor playground like ball pits, slides, sandpits, dress-up, swings, and toys, but what makes them different is that they’ve also got themed classrooms with activities led by their staff and rooms to let children’s imaginations run wild.

Behind one of the doors, you’ll find a mud pit room. Kids are covered from head to toe in a yellow rubber suit and the staff at 幼实稚趣儿童乐园 take them on a fun session of jumping and splashing around in the mud.

In another, you’ll find a pink ballet studio where staff teach classes from kids’ yoga to dance. Other activity rooms include arts and crafts, cooking, science experiments, wood shop, and a starry night room where parents and kids can lie down to unwind.

Pro tip:
Buy your tickets either through Dianping or Douyin – it’ll be much cheaper. Tickets for 1 adult + 1 child is RMB 188 if you know how to purchase tickets on Douyin. If not, ask the staff at the entrance for help.

Find it:
幼实稚趣儿童乐园
Liangxiang East Road, Greenland Noah’s Ark Yue Mansion North District, Fangshan District
房山区良乡东路绿地诺亚方舟悦公馆北区
Tel: 135 2293 7825, 178 0087 2572

VS Sports Park at Hopson One

This one is perfect for older kids. Spend the entire day indoors in blissful AC while playing full-on interactive VR games, having inflatable races, and even getting in some good old-fashioned roller skating.

Everything is included in the ticket price, but there are a few games, like the human claw machine, where you get to keep your winnings, and these will require additional pay.

Find it:
VS Sports Park
B3/F Level Hopson One, Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区西大望路合生汇B3层
Open daily from 10am to 10pm

MeLand at Fangyuanli ID Mall

MeLand is the gold standard of indoor playgrounds in China. This three-story kids’ paradise is great for them to burn off all that excess energy. One of the most stand-out features of MeLand is their dedicated dress-up salon where make-up artists can transform your child into a princess, replete with Cinderella-esque gowns, tiaras, and the full works. This team of princess-makers also leads the children in a little song-and-dance routine on a stage in the main area every hour between 11am and 6pm.

Pro Tip: Bring sticky socks for yourself and the kids!

Find it:
189 East 4th Ring Road Zhonglu (Jinguang Canal Road), Chaoyang District
朝阳区东四环中路189号

Mo Du Honey Children’s Paradise 

Possibly one of the cheapest indoor playgrounds at just RMB 79 for the whole day, Mo Du Honey is nothing fancy, but it does have all the essentials that young kids love. From ball pits and a slide to sand pits, bubble rooms, trampolines, and dress up, Mo Du Honey is a low-cost way to spend the day out of the sun.

Find it:
Mo Du Honey Children’s Paradise 萌嘟蜜糖儿童乐园
12 Shuangqiao Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (under Xiabu Xiabu)
朝阳区双桥中路12号院1号呷哺呷哺楼下

Soft Planet

Smack dab in the center of the city in Parkview Green, Soft Planet has plenty for the kids to do and a cute little pair of socks to keep as a souvenir.

The best part about Soft Planet is their train that runs throughout the day.

Find it:
Soft Planet 软软星球草地餐厅(侨福芳草地店)
2/F, Parkview Green Shopping Center, Chaoyang District
朝阳区侨福芳草地购物中心2F
Tel: 6880 1567
Hours: 11am-8.30pm

Elfin Kids Cafe in Wangjing 

This place is down-to-earth indoor playground fun. First of all, they offer 200sqm of age-appropriate activities for young kids. From ball pits to multiple climbing gyms, they’ve got everything a little kid could want.

My personal favorite parts about Elfin Kids Cafe is that they will allow you to order any kind of waimai food to be delivered, and they even have a nice little section with high chairs where you and the kids can eat. They also offer massage chairs for parents to relax in and basic gym equipment in case you want to squeeze in a workout as well.

Find it:
3/F Botai Building, 221 Hongtai Xije, Wangjing West Park, Chaoyang District (Metro Line 15 exit A is 500 meters away)
朝阳区宏泰西街望京西园221号博泰大厦3层（地铁15号线A口500米)

Haide Hot Spring Hotel 

This isn’t a hotel. It’s a hot spring that’s perfect for grownups as well as for kids! It offers indoor and outdoor hot springs for kids to splash in, a movie room with cartoons, and a big play area for them to play in. And the best part? While the kids play, you can book yourself a massage and relax.

Find it:
Haide Hot Spring Hotel 海德温泉酒店
1 Qingnian Lu Xili, Chaoyang District
朝阳区青年路西里1号院
No phone number is available

Image Credit:

You could feel a ripple run through Beijing’s expat groups on Sunday as rumors trickled in about the alleged COVID cases in Sanya. Rumors circulated and now we know the truth: that two people who traveled from Xi’an to Hainan were in close contact with an asymptomatic patient. Our sister site the Beijinger goes into more detail, but here are the basics:

“Two passengers – Lei and Guan – who flew from Xian to Hainan on Dec 9 had been in close proximity to an asymptomatic coronavirus patient at an airport restaurant before their departure.

Subsequently, on Dec 11, 43 people who had been in close contact with Lei and Guan, including 29 folks in their tour group (other guests, tour guides, and drivers), and 12 individuals who ate at the same restaurants in Hainan, were promptly isolated and given nucleic acid tests. At the time of writing, all 43 people to have been tested, as well as Lei and Guan, turned up negative results. They are, however, still under quarantine….. That means anyone who intended on vacationing in “China’s Hawaii” in the near future can expect mitigation efforts and contact tracing to be ramped up, including ubiquitous health code and temperature checks, stringent mask policies, reduced capacity at popular tourist sites, and a strict appointment system for visiting those sites.

However, for the moment, the incident has yet to boost the city into the category of “Medium Risk,” the list of which is currently populated only by areas of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Sichuan, and Xinjiang. At present, there are no designated high-risk areas in China.”

Given how quickly cases are found and contact tracing can occur now, this is the response we expect. The reason it caused a stir among international families is that when we all adjusted our winter plans to not leave China, everyone and their neighbor booked a trip to Sanya. Full disclosure, so did my family.

Murmurings of “is this a good idea?” were heard once schools began to release the knowns and unknowns about traveling outside of Beijing. This situation shows us how quickly a simple trip can escalate into a quarantine situation should the location or anywhere you travel through become a mid to high-risk area while you’re there.

Everyone needs to assess their own situation and decide if the hotel pool is worth it. Leaving Beijing can be a good way to clear your head and take a break, especially after such a turbulent year. Just balance the stress of staying versus all the unknowns if you leave. At the very least, your school will require a nucleic acid test when you return. If you’re in the wrong airport and tour group at the wrong time, however, you could be stuck in paradise — but in quarantine.

Should your family decide to risk it, you may want to pack a separate suitcase with all the work and school equipment you’ll need for those two weeks, as well as snacks and food that can be easily prepared in a hotel room that may only have a water kettle. It’s possible you’ll have better conditions, but best to be prepared for the worst.

Even if your travel location only turns into a medium risk area, some schools require a 14-day quarantine, quarantine release letter, and negative nucleic acid tests before students or staff can return to school. Others stated that no matter where you travel, if it is outside of Beijing then the students must present a clean Health Kit and negative nucleic acid tests within seven days of their return to school.

Those are the best-case scenarios when you or someone close to you hasn’t caught the virus. Every school has its own recommendations and requirements, and you must check with your own school office if it has not yet released all of its specifications. The cost of quarantine is another factor to consider. It’s doubtful your company or school will pay for it, and some schools have even stipulated in their emails to staff that any time in quarantine due to travel outside of Beijing is unpaid time off.

You can always change those plans and take a look around our city for cool staycation spots instead or get some books that will help your kids imagine they’re on a trip rather than setting your family up for a potential quarantine situation.

We throw around the term “new normal,” but there’s no denying that travel, even within the country, is and will continue to be a risky proposition for many more months if not years. In the end, every family makes their own decisions, but you can’t say you weren’t aware of the risks. Go into it with eyes fully open or cancel.

KEEP READING: Most Schools Suggest You Stay Put for Winter Break

Photos: Unsplash

Things are tough for everyone this year. We have lots of freedom within our city but are warned by schools not to travel outside of Beijing in case our low-risk destination becomes a hotspot over the holiday. Of course, there’s no lack of cool things to do and fun ways to spend time in Beijing. But after nearly a year of staying in your home sweet home, it might start to feel a little confining.

Luckily, children have great imaginations, and they don’t need a lot of prompting to travel to faraway places or distant lands. We’ve collected some books and toys to help them through their travels — all available at local Beijing bookstores such as Page One (where these photos were taken).

Lonely Planet Kids: First Words

Nothing says travel like learning a new language. Lonely Planet Kids publishes a whole series of first word books in English, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, and more. It’s one word for each page, accompanied by a colorful illustration.

First Sticker Book: New York

Who doesn’t want to visit The Big Apple? I don’t really know why it’s called that, but maybe you’ll find out as your kids — in sticker form — visit that ultimate of big cities, New York.

My Magic Wardrobe

If you want a little magic mixed with fashion, dress up with this magic wardrobe set that can be restuck and reused over and over again. Better yet, it’s bilingual, so it’s also a good way to practice language skills!

Elephants on Tour

This is not just a travel book, it’s a geography lesson mixed in with a fun search and find story. The elephants go from Rio de Janeiro to Madagascar to Tokyo and even more places around the globe.

mic-o-mic 3D construction set

What better way to recreate the feeling of travel than building your own vehicles? Sturdy pieces and cool assembly make this set one that your child won’t soon forget. Turn it into a math lesson by calculating how long it would take to get to your favorite destinations via car, fire truck or helicopter.

Games and activity packs

Sometimes the best parts of vacations are the games you play on the way. Well, who’s to say you can’t indulge in these activities at home? Some take you to space, others to London, and still more are mindful adventures through your imagination.

Graphic novel versions of the world’s favorite books

You can learn a lot about a country through the stories they tell. Take the kids to Paris with a graphic novelization of The Three Musketeers, through a fantasy England in The Adventures of King Arthur, and more.

KEEP READING: Most Schools Suggest You Stay Put for Winter Break

Photos: Cindy Marie Jenkins

Let’s get real. No one expected we could travel outside of China by winter, right? Even so, many families began looking more inward, delving once again into guide books to learn what places within the country of China we could visit.

Then the school announcements came. Mine arrived right on cue, making it clear that their instructions were direct from the Chaoyang Education Committee, and specified that “traveling outside of Beijing is not encouraged; however, it is not banned.” This was consistent with other districts as well, including Shunyi. After speaking with a number of students, teachers, and schools themselves, a few guiding principles prevailed. We of course suggest that you check directly with your school, but these are good guidelines to understand:

• Everyone prefers that you stay put in Beijing.
• No one is stopping you from traveling elsewhere.
• If you travel outside of China and are able to return (that’s a big “if” from a lot of other countries, remember that you need to quarantine for at least 14 days, you may not have a choice of where you quarantine and will need to take multiple nucleic acid tests at various times before you can return to Beijing.
  • Some schools even went so far as to outline what equipment and the type of WiFi access students and teachers will need to bring with them in the event they are stuck outside of the country or must go into quarantine again.
  • At least one school specified that time in quarantine because of travel outside of Beijing is considered unpaid leave.
• If you travel to one of the high-risk areas (see list below and updated lists here) or an area becomes high-risk while you were there, you will need to report it to the school (each school with this system already in place has its own form). Remember that your Health Kit tracks where you’ve been.
  • You will also be required to submit the results of a negative nucleic acid test within seven days of returning to school. Some schools are unclear if this means the entire family or just the student. Check with your own school to make that distinction.
  • Some schools, though not all we spoke with, will also require a 14-day quarantine and nucleic acid test before returning to school from a high-risk area. Again, if you travel to a low or medium-risk area and the area becomes high risk while you’re there or soon after, this may apply to you.
  • There are some accounts of early education and lower primary teachers requiring a nucleic acid test if they return from high-risk areas, but not all.
• Many schools have some form of daily record for their students and/or staff where they state their location, general health, and temperatures. Stick to the truth on these forms.
• Any of these guidelines can change at any time, as new information is received.

As of publication, the China Government Network lists the following as high and medium risk areas, but continue to check for yourself…

High-risk areas:

• Tianjin Dongjiang Free Trade Port Area (Dongjiang Port Area) Kanhaixuan Community
• Dongshan Sub-district Office, Manzhouli City, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Medium risk area:

• No. 4 Sub-district Office, Zhalai Nuoer District, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• South District Sub-district Office, Manzhouli City, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• North District Sub-district Office, Manzhouli City, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Xinghua Street Office, Manzhouli City, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
• Xinsheng Community, Zhuqiao Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Alley 450, Hangcheng 7th Road, Zhuqiao Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Tomorrow Huacheng Community, Zhoupu Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
• Lane 126, Shunhe Road, Zhangjiang Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

KEEP READING: Updated Winter Camps in Beijing and Beyond!

Images: Cindy Marie Jenkins

Nothing about 2020 is as expected, and winter break continues that trend. We got curious about how Beijing families are navigating this vacation, and whether they’ll brave some travel outside of our city or stay here and make the most of it. If you want to share your stories, just email cindyjenkins@beijing-kids.com .

BJK: How do you usually spend the holidays?
RR: We usually travel to the Philippines during the holidays or sometimes to other tropical countries like Singapore because we miss the warm weather, and of course the warmth of having your family near, especially during this Christmas season.

BJK: What will you do this year?
RR: We will probably have a staycation in a hot spring hotel in Beijing to somehow feel warm in the cold winter.

BJK: Are you excited or disappointed about it?
RR: A bit disappointed that we cannot travel outside Beijing, but more excited because we’re spending this holiday with the family and I think that’s enough reason to celebrate it with joy and be thankful.

BJK: How do your family members feel about it?
RR: They are kind of sad, especially the three kids who always look forward to where we’re going every holiday vacation, but they understand that we’re in an unusual situation right now.

BJK: Do you have any anxieties about the holidays or travel in general?
RR: Yes, we think it’s not that safe to travel outside the country right now especially this holiday season. There’s a lot of things to consider… like health checks and quarantine, so we believe it’s too risky to travel, especially when you have kids during this time.

KEEP READING: Updated Winter Camps in Beijing and Beyond!

Photos: courtesy of the Ramos Family

Winter vacation is nearing and, as parents, for some of you it means your child will be coming home after being away for 3-4 months for the first time in their lives. You’re likely excited; so eager to see your child in person that the next few weeks may seem like an eternity. “Will things be the same?”, “what will be different?” you might wonder as you countdown the days. You’re already planning activities such as family events and meals, thinking about cooking your child’s favorite dishes and intending on spending some good quality time together.

You may hope your interactions with your child will be the same as before, but oftentimes, a few months away is sufficient to alter behavior and the status quo. As much as you will forever see your child as a baby, the fact is, going away for school — whether it’s boarding school or college — signifies the transition to adulthood and your child will want to be treated like one.

They’ve had some time to experience living independently, including making their own decisions and living under a different set of rules from your own house rules. Not everything will have changed, but if there are, understand this is a process of growing-up and being away. With this said, here are some tips to help you manage your expectations and interactions for this winter vacation with your child.
 

• Give him or her some alone time. You might want to spend every minute with your child while he / she is home, but it can put too much pressure on them if they think they’re supposed to be with you all the time. They may want some time to just sit in front of the TV, see their own friends or do nothing at home alone. From their perspective, after living with a roommate or being in a dormitory, it’s pleasant to have some private time in a familiar environment.
• Spoil them but don’t do everything for them either. Although you might feel compelled to do everything such as laundry, cooking, make their bed, wash dishes or even bring a snack or glass of water — and your child will likely appreciate it — doing too much can also create pressure. After-all they’ve been doing this themselves the past few months and may be used to it already. You can offer to do help them with certain tasks but if they say it’s not necessary, don’t insist, otherwise it could lead them to feel like a guest in their own home. It might even be fun for your child to show you that he / she is capable of doing many of these daily chores by letting them do it in front of you.

The full post can be found here.

Alicia Lui is a co-founder at Prep Beijing!, a coaching company focusing on core soft skills such as effective communication, social and emotional skills, etiquette, critical thinking and leadership skills. Prior to founding Prep Beijing! She has worked in management consulting and in banking. She holds and MBA from INSEAD and Bachelor’s from University of Chicago

Photo courtesy of helloandrew (Flickr)

As Christmas season approaches, weary high school students eagerly anticipate winter break. During these few weeks, they are granted liberty from the burdens of academic studies, and only one question remains: where is the best place to enjoy this freedom?

Escaping the Cold
After enduring the freezing cold Beijing weather for an extended period of time, you’re likely to desire staying in the warmth of your bed all day long. In subzero temperature, who wants to be outside? However, this problem can be easily resolved if you escape to warmer locations, such as:

1.Hawaii
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the perfect tropical island to visit in winter. In Hawaii, you can explore a unique local culture while also relaxing and enjoying the scenic beaches. However, make sure you book your tickets and hotels early, as space on Hawaii’s popular resorts fills up quickly!

2.Dubai
Take your time to explore one of the most magnificent cities of the Middle East. With a temperature that hardly drops below 30° C, Dubai will definitely relieve you of Beijing’s chilly weather. While the cityscape is lined with skyscrapers and modern architecture, splashes of its historical and traditional culture provide a contrast to the urban appearance. There is plenty to do in Dubai, from visiting local marketplaces to exploring the desert, and if you ever start yearning for winter, visit the indoor ski center!

3.Hainan
Want to remain in China, but still enjoy a warm climate? If so, then Hainan is the place for you! Spend your time having a perfect seaside holiday, drinking coconuts, relaxing on the beach and watching the waves as they hit the shorelines. Don’t forget to drop by the butterfly valley in Yalong Bay to examine the rare and precious butterflies of China. This winter, take the opportunity to visit this nearer, yet equally relaxing getaway from the cold.

4.Hong Kong
As one of the world’s financial centers, Hong Kong definitely cannot be left out from this list. With warm weather year round, Hong Kong is an ideal location for escaping the cold. In this city, you can attend numerous festivals, enjoy scrumptious dim sum and shop your heart out in the countless high-end malls.

Embracing the Cold
As winter settles in, many begin to long for snow. However, Beijing is dreadfully dry and snow seldom frequents the city. But what is Christmas without snow? Here are some possible places where you can find your perfect Winter Wonderland:

1.London
As the capital of the UK, London will be lit up with Christmas spirit during the winter season, and you will be lost within the joy of the holiday season amongst the bright lights and joyous carols.  Most importantly, snow often blankets London in the winter, creating a beautiful Christmas cityscape. From ancient squares to modern metropolis, the city will be filled with romanticism. While you are there, make sure to visit the Big Ben or take a ride on the London Eye to experience the magical view from miles above the ground.

2.Finland
Finland is truly a paradise of snow during winter. At night, you can observe the colorful mystery of the northern lights while enjoying the beautiful frost covering the country. There are also plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowman building. Moreover, Finland is just the place for you if you love exploring new places.

3.Montreal
If you are looking for some holiday spirit, Montreal has it! In Montreal, winter is to be spent outside in the open skating, hiking and sliding. Many parks are open to visitors, providing opportunities for romantic and elegant walks along a snow-covered landscape. There are also many holiday festivals during this time of the year, allowing you to fully experience the Christmas season.

4.Harbin
Want to go somewhere close to Beijing? Well, Harbin has always been the winter wonderland of China. Imagine yourself walking by shimmering, glowing ice figures of all shapes and sizes. These sculptures are Harbin’s specialty, proudly displayed in its seasonal Ice and Snow Culture Festival. You can not only admire ice carvings, but also walk inside some of them, and even slide down an ice slide! Don’t neglect to include this unique festival in your holiday plan!

With these eight locations in mind or as a starting point, you can easily start planning your well-deserved winter vacation—UNIT-E wishes you the best in your few weeks of freedom!

This article originally appeared in the November/December issue of UNIT-E. It was written by Rosalind Chang, a student at the International School of Beijing.

About UNIT-E
UNIT-E was founded in the spring of 2010 with the aim of establishing a non-profit, student-run magazine for international students in Beijing. Staffed by current students from a range of international schools, the magazine provides an amalgam of cultural tidbits, fragments of Beijing student life, and a broad spectrum of unique perspectives from a diverse group of young adults.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia commons, rincewind42 and tatumszymczak (Flickr)